Stone Oak Resident Update | February 2026
Cold Weather Awareness
The cold weather arrived recently with a strong front, freezing rain, and sleet. We’re still in the dead of winter so not out of the woods. We may get another freeze before the spring so make sure to keep the tips in our previous post handy. Here is a link to that post that discusses freeze preparation and some info on fireplaces.
Austin Market Data and Leasing Strategies We have a brief Austin market update based on what we are seeing in real time across leasing activity. Rents in Austin continue to trend downward, and in the current environment we are seeing pricing decisions play a much larger role in overall performance. Aggressive increases and starting out at a higher price are often leading to longer vacancy periods, and more lost income. For this reason, we are recommending a more conservative pricing approach across the board. For tenants in good standing, our default recommendation at renewal is a 0% increase, and for vacant properties, pricing competitively has proven to be the most effective way to reduce days on market and stabilize cash flow. This is a market-specific, data-driven approach designed to protect owner's income. It is not a long-term pricing shift or a blanket concession. Owners always retain final approval; our role is to share what we are seeing and implement your direction efficiently. If you currently have a vacant property, an upcoming lease renewal, or a pending offer that has not yet been accepted, we encourage you to take this information into consideration when evaluating pricing decisions. Planning on moving out and want to do everything you can to get your security deposit back? Thoroughly cleaning your rental unit can sometimes make or break it. Today, we’re reviewing why move-out cleaning matters, tips for which areas to focus on, and mistakes to avoid during your cleaning process. Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters for Your Security Deposit We get it—cleaning might be the last thing on your mind while moving your belongings out of a rental home. However, taking the time to clean your rental unit before turning in your keys is an essential part of the process. This is especially true if you want to get your security deposit back. Your Austin property manager or landlord should clearly state all move-in and move-out expectations in your lease agreement. That said, most landlords and property managers expect you to leave your rental in the condition you found it, which should be c...
Even though Austin winters are typically mild, landlords and property managers shouldn’t overlook the importance of preparing properties for colder weather. Sudden cold snaps, like Winter Storm Uri, have shown that Texas homes can be vulnerable to winter without proper precautions. That said, knowing how to winterize a rental property can help you prevent damage, protect your tenants, and ensure your property stays in good condition. Read along to learn why it’s essential to winterize a property, even in Austin, Texas. What Does It Mean to Winterize a Rental Property? Winterizing a rental property is an essential maintenance task for landlords and property managers, especially in cold or snowy areas of the US. Even though winters in Texas are milder, Austin area property management companies still recommend taking precautions to protect your investment. That said, winterizing involves preparing the property to withstan...
Having the right amenities can make or break a renter’s decision–especially in a competitive rental market like Austin, TX. With several options to choose from, renters today are looking for features that make a property convenient, safe, and comfortable. That said, whether you manage a single unit or an entire apartment complex, knowing what amenities renters want in Austin can set you apart from the competition. Read along as we review the importance of amenities and some of the top features renters look for these days. What Are Rental Property Amenities? Rental property amenities are the extra features or services included in a lease agreement that go beyond the basic necessities of a living space. While essentials like heating, plumbing, and basic appliances are expected, amenities go above and beyond to make the rental experience more appealing. Amenities in a rental may include things like in-unit laundry, walk-in closets, community pools, fitness centers, or pet-friendly spaces. In a city like A...
It’s no surprise that energy costs are on the rise, and that becoming more energy-efficient is on the minds of many, including landlords, tenants, and homeowners alike. After all, who doesn’t want to save money on bills while also helping the environment? Luckily, there are several upgrades, both big and small, that can make a difference. So, read along as we discuss easy ways to make your rentals more energy-efficient. What Makes a Home Energy Efficient? A home is considered energy efficient when it uses less energy to perform essential daily functions, like heating, cooling, and appliances, without sacrificing comfort. When it comes to rental properties, this means reducing wasted energy while still maintaining a safe and livable environment for tenants. More and more people are starting to prioritize making their homes energy-efficient. Not only does it help the environment, but it also helps lower bills and cut down on unnecessary expenses. For landlords or homeowners, some upgrades can also increase your home's value–something
In today’s digital world, renters aren’t just going on listing sites to find properties–they’re also scrolling social media. That means that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn have become powerful tools for promoting rental properties and connecting with prospective tenants. Whether you own one rental or manage several, social media marketing helps you showcase listings, build credibility, and stay visible in a competitive market. Today, we’re talking about why social media marketing matters and marketing tips for property owners. What Is Social Media Marketing for Rentals? Social media marketing for rentals is the practice of using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to promote your rental business. You can do this in several ways, whether you’re sharing rental listings, photos or videos of properties, testimonial posts, or business updates. Rental management companies know that social media helps...
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! From everyone here at BMG Austin, we want to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday season! If you’re reading this after the new year, we hope you had a great holiday and are ready for the start of a great new year! Holiday Season Closings With the holiday season on the horizon, there will be closures each month for the rest of the year, allowing everyone to spend time with their families and friends. We will be closed on the following dates: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! From everyone here at BMG Austin, we want to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday season! If you’re reading this after the new year we hope you had a great holiday and are ready for the start of a great new year! We will resume our normal content next month, so for now, we want to share a few things that were in previous posts. BMG Austin Blog We’d like to introduce you to the BMG Austin blog. In the future, we’ll include some of this content. Holiday Season Closings With the holiday season on the horizon, there will be closures each month for the rest of the year. In an effort to give everyone here time with their families and friends, we will be closed on the following dates: We will resume normal business hours on the next business day following the listed holidays. Employee Spotlight: Maureen Benavides, Director of O...
When it comes to attracting and keeping great tenants, the outside of your property is just as important as the inside. Landscaping plays a huge role in creating a welcoming first impression and showing that the property is well cared for. A well-maintained yard can boost curb appeal, increase property value, and may even reduce vacancy rates. Today, we’ll discuss different landscaping ideas to increase property appeal, and some landscaping mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Why Does Landscaping Matter for Rental Properties? While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about property maintenance, landscaping is a crucial aspect of owning and maintaining rental properties. After all, the first thing a prospective tenant sees when they visit your property is the exterior–and we all know that first impressions mean a lot. Aside from just the aesthetics of a property, well-maintained landscaping contributes to property value and reduces vacancy rates. Our
Stone Oak Property Management
Phone: 512.617.6766
Copyright © 2026 Stone Oak Property Management. All Rights Reserved. Stone Oak Client Update | February 2026
Move-Out Cleaning Tips to Get Your Security Deposit Back
Do You Have to Winterize a Rental Property in Texas?
Top Amenities Renters Want in Austin Apartments
How to Make Your Rentals More Energy Efficient
Social Media Marketing Tips for Property Owners
Stone Oak Resident Update | January 2026
Stone Oak Client Update | January 2026
Landscaping Ideas to Increase Rental Property Appeal
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14050 Summit Drive #113B
Austin, TX 78728
New Accounts: 512.617.6766 ext.3
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