austin-rental-guideAustin rentals are on the rise, but that doesn't make the process any easier. So you've found the perfect rental online, but haven't yet sealed the deal. We provide the essential information to help you have a seamless transition into your new home. Here are a few tips for first-time tenants to help you avoid the common headaches that come with renting.

Rental 101

Get everything in writing

Avoid headaches by getting your rental agreement in writing, making sure that you read over it in detail before signing off. In addition, keep a printed version of all the correspondence between you and your landlord, and always follow up oral agreements with a written request. For example if you talked to your landlord about a leaky faucet and he agrees to fix it…

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The Reserve at Oak Bluff EstatesThis week we are shining the neighborhood spotlight on The Reserve at Oak Bluff Estates in Round Rock, TX. This lovely subdivision consists of 33 custom homes built by Tom Pitt and Rick Edgerly. Oak Bluff Estates homes are all located on 1/2 acre lots and range in size from 3300 square feet to 9000 sq. feet.  The neighborhood does have a mandatory HOA with the annual fees of only $350 a year.  While there are no community amenities, the neighborhood does boast beautifully kept mature landscaping with large trees, native plants and flanked by curbs and sidewalks. The grand entrance to the Vintage Drive street has brick walls with stone art introducing the neighborhood. 

Homes in The Reserve at Oak Bluff Estates

If you're in the market for Round Rock…

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balcones-woods-austinDid you hear that BOOM?  No, that wasn’t a transformer blowing.  That was Balcones Woods crashing through another price barrier.  We are into the $200/sqft arena now and, in my opinion, any house in our neighborhood could sell for over $300,000, many closer to $400,000 and above.  The Austin real estate market is booming all over and with our neighborhood's great schools, access to 183 and MoPac, proximity to the Domain and lots of new employers like Apple, we are smack dab in the middle of a high demand area.

So why all the craziness in the housing market? 

It really is quite simple.  Demand is significantly exceeding supply.  For the past decade, the Austin Chamber of Commerce has been actively recruiting businesses to move to Austin, focusing…

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