Brokers Blog

Owning a single-family rental house can be challenging. You must deal with: repairs & paying repairmen, cleaning, utilities, screening tenants, writing leases, Texas Law & the property code, liability issues, door lock rekeys, smoke alarm property codes, correctly withholding the security deposit for tenant-caused damages, pets, assistance animals (there is a difference), collecting rent, meeting tenants, […]

Austin? San Antonio? Houston? Dallas? A better question might be: Where can I find the best buy? Or where can I find the best property manager? Most large Texas cities have good investment opportunities. Find a agent who can find the best properties for you to consider. Compare brand new homes in Texas with resale houses […]

Property managers must be licensed in Texas. Their job is to step into the shoes of the landlord and handle the everyday tasks associated with owning a rental property. This would include coordinating repairs, paying repair personnel, screening applicants who want to rent the property, collecting deposits and rents, ensuring the house meets Texas code, […]

Some people buy a house with the idea of renting it out as an investment. The house will give them a tax deduction, and hopefully increase in value over time. Some people own a house and can’t sell it for whatever reason. They may need to look at renting it out. This situation is called […]

As a landlord, should you accept pets in your rent house?  Pets can do a lot of damage to a house. In Texas, landlords do have the right to say “no pets”. The catch is….. 80% of renters have a pet. If you ban pets, you eliminate 80% of your possible customers/tenants. If you say “no pets” your […]

When charging a previous tenant for damages, it’s important to factor in not just normal wear and tear, but also depreciation—especially for big-ticket items like flooring and paint. Courts typically view the useful life of these items in a rental as 5–7 years. A few years ago, HUD recommended 3 years. At Texcen, we follow […]

As a trusted real estate brokerage in Central Texas, we’ve seen firsthand how rising property taxes can impact homeowners. That’s why we’ve partnered with Ownwell—a company that’s been assisting our family and clients for years—to help you navigate the property tax protest process. Why Protest Your Property Taxes? In Texas, if you believe your property’s […]

Let’s face it—Texas property taxes can be a serious pain. At times, they feel downright unforgiving, especially as we watch rents flatline or even dip in some areas. Meanwhile, operational costs keep rising. One of the biggest culprits affecting your bottom line? Rapidly increasing property taxes. As your investment manager, we’re constantly looking for ways […]

Some people buy a house with the idea of renting it out as an investment. The house will give them a tax deduction, and hopefully increase in value over time. Some people own a house and can’t sell it for whatever reason. They may need to look at renting it out. This situation is called […]

Let’s face it—Texas property taxes can be a serious pain. At times, they feel downright unforgiving, especially as we watch rents flatline or even dip in some areas. Meanwhile, operational costs keep rising. One of the biggest culprits affecting your bottom line? Rapidly increasing property taxes. As your investment manager, we’re constantly looking for ways […]

In the past, sellers were asking why they had to pay buyer’s agents, and buyers wanted a voice in the matter as well.A recent class action lawsuit resulted in a settlement with REALTORS, allowing for more negotiation between buyers, sellers, and their agents regarding commissions. While commissions have always been negotiable, things have changed. Don’t forget, your agent’s experience could […]

Real estate agents normally get paid on commission & split them with other companies & their own company. The agents normally pay their own expenses such as education, licensing, association dues, vehicle, advertising, etc. Agents are independent contractors & pay their own income taxes. Agents can represent the seller, landlord, renter, or the buyer. Builders pay agents to bring […]

Real Estate can be a great investment. Why? 1) Appreciation. If the property goes up in value you benefit when you sell.  2) Tax Write-offs. Expenses associated with the property are tax deductible with the IRS. This might include property taxes, insurance, interest on a loan, repairs, maintenance, management fees, leasing fees, travel to your property, and […]

You are selling a house & have studied the sales data on houses similar to yours. You compare the size, condition, features, & age. You come up with a fair price.  You decide to “ask” a little higher price to give yourself room to negotiate. This could be a huge mistake!  With today’s internet, it is very easy for buyers and their realtors […]

Most sellers of real estate obtained a survey when they bought the property.  Now they are selling & the new buyer will also want a survey.  If no major changes have been made to the property then an old survey may be acceptable to the buyer, title company, and lender. Some buyers may want a new survey ($500+- on a single-family house on […]

Prices continue to drop. Builders seem to lead the way by offering buyer incentives as high as $20,000+-. The builders will often offer “flex-cash” in the amount of 2% to 4% of the price.  This can be used for a price reduction or to buy down the interest rate on a buyer’s loan. Interest rates are now […]

Let’s face it—Texas property taxes can be a serious pain. At times, they feel downright unforgiving, especially as we watch rents flatline or even dip in some areas. Meanwhile, operational costs keep rising. One of the biggest culprits affecting your bottom line? Rapidly increasing property taxes. As your investment manager, we’re constantly looking for ways […]

Credit Bureaus track your debts and payment history. Paying your bills late or carrying a lot of debt will lower your credit score.  Paying on time and having less debt will result in higher credit scores. Other factors come into play.  When applying for a home loan, or to rent a home, your credit score […]

Real estate agents normally get paid on commission & split them with other companies & their own company. The agents normally pay their own expenses such as education, licensing, association dues, vehicle, advertising, etc. Agents are independent contractors & pay their own income taxes. Agents can represent the seller, landlord, renter, or the buyer. Builders pay agents to bring […]

Should you DIY or hire a professional? A few things to think about before you decide: #1 Liability. Texas Property Code is the law that dictates what is required from a landlord.  Smoke alarm locations. Door locks. Peepholes. Suppose you don’t follow the law & a fire kills a child. #2 Screening tenants. Bad tenants […]

Real Estate can be a great investment. Why? 1) Appreciation. If the property goes up in value you benefit when you sell.  2) Tax Write-offs. Expenses associated with the property are tax deductible with the IRS. This might include property taxes, insurance, interest on a loan, repairs, maintenance, management fees, leasing fees, travel to your property, and […]

Prices continue to drop. Builders seem to lead the way by offering buyer incentives as high as $20,000+-. The builders will often offer “flex-cash” in the amount of 2% to 4% of the price.  This can be used for a price reduction or to buy down the interest rate on a buyer’s loan. Interest rates are now […]

If you sell an investment property, you may owe taxes to the IRS. The property could be a house, duplex, commercial building, apartment, or raw land. Can you “defer” the taxes due when you sell? Yes, through a 1031 Exchange.  Investors who want to sell one house & buy two houses, or sell raw land & buy […]

When you put a house on the market FOR RENT or FOR SALE, you’re competing with other similar houses.  Did you know you are actually helping your competition if you overprice your house?  Buyers and Renters look online and compare all the available options.  The overpriced houses make the other houses nearby look like a better value.  When buyers/renters go view all […]

Do you want all your security deposit back when you move out? It can happen with proper documentation. Carefully record the move-in condition; including photos. Texcen Realty will send you an invite to get a free app that helps you take photos & notes. Take your time & don’t miss anything. We want to return all […]

Mold is caused by water/humidity over time in a warm or dark area. Mold is everywhere. Inside a house & outside a house. Mold is a type of fungus. Mushrooms are a type of fungus.  Only 80 out of 100,000 types of mold are harmful. Mold can affect your allergies.  You should periodically look under sinks & […]

Do you use a clothes washing machine in your house? If yes, you need to replace the hoses periodically. Replace both the hot water side & the cold water side at least every FIVE YEARS. These are very easy to overlook, but very easy to replace. This is a good time to replace the rubber washers as […]

Credit Bureaus track your debts and payment history. Paying your bills late or carrying a lot of debt will lower your credit score.  Paying on time and having less debt will result in higher credit scores. Other factors come into play.  When applying for a home loan, or to rent a home, your credit score […]

Steps to getting repairs done at Texcen Realty.  #1 Is it an emergency? If yes, call the office 512-292-0800 and the emergency line 512-577-5890. What is an emergency? Someone’s life or health is at risk. Call 911 if needed. Gas leaks are an emergency & should be reported directly to the gas company by you.  Stay out of the […]

Living in a house is not like living in an apartment. You may need some new tools when you move into a house.  Here is a helpful list. #1 Screwdrivers (Phillips & flat) #2 Sink plunger (your responsibility if working fine when you moved in) #3 Toilet plunger #4 Lawn mower, blower & weed eater, or hire […]

This is very easy to do. It starts with the day you move in. Take photos & list everything wrong with the house. Give this information to your property manager. Texcen Realty will send you an App called mywalkthru to accomplish this. Do not damage any parts of the house. When you move out: Use the Texcen […]

There are strict laws in Texas that govern what a landlord can & cannot do concerning a rental property.  Landlords are supposed to “bring the property up to Code” when it becomes a rental. Smoke alarm locations, rekeying locks, special deadbolt locks, peephole locations, eviction process, security deposit handling, and repair timelines are just a few things that […]

Selling real estate can be an income roller coaster & very stressful. You have ambitions of making a large income from having a license, but somehow, it never happens. Consider the option of property management:  #1 A steady monthly income.   #2 Work from home.    #3 The ability to sell and lease property.    #4 A steady stream of […]