Austin Property Management Blog

Maintenance and Repairs

Time is of the essence when it comes to repairs in certain situations. We are facing an unprecedented demand for maintenance services while also dealing with a vendor labor market that is overloaded with work requests.  This is across ALL trades from fence builders to plumbers to HVAC vendors, and it's unlike anything we have ever seen in our industry. 

Our vendors are working feverishly to complete all maintenance and make-ready repairs in a timely manner. We ask that you please take this into consideration when requesting multiple bids for repairs and make-ready items. There are going to be scenarios where a second estimate may not be available in a timely enough manner and may do more harm than good when accounting for the time passed waiting for the bid.

Home Warranties HVAC and Extreme Heat

Please be advised that the Austin area has extreme shortages in trades to keep up with the construction that is happening all around the city. This leaves very little trade work willing to work with Home Warranties. In a case where you have an HVAC maintenance call in the extreme Texas heat, we may have to go outside of your Home Wa...

Residential Benefits Program and Renters Insurance

We have officially rolled out the updated RBP plan that includes renter’s insurance by default for all renewals and new leases.  The details can be found on our website in the tenant resources by opening up the sample lease and taking a look at the Renter’s Insurance Addendum.  This is a very reasonably priced Renter’s Insurance option and we recommend comparing it to your current coverage.  The RBP default coverage insures all adults on the lease for only $11.00/month, and can be modified with increased contents coverage if the default of $10,000 is less than desired.  The details also spell out some other great benefits, and you don’t have to maintain a separate policy.  You can pay for this policy with your rent at a cost that is likely lower than your current coverage.  If you’re interested in getting on board with the RBP with or without insurance please contact your property manager.

Unauthorized Occupants/Pets 

Did you know an unauthorized occupant or una...

304 S Gadwall Lane, Cedar Park, Texas 78613

3,416 SF | 5 Bed | 4 Bath

For more information view this and our other available rental properties around Austin, Texas.

Austin, Texas Rental Market Trends

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Austin’s real estate market has been on the rise. There have been a multitude of factors that have contributed to the rise in costs everywhere, especially in Austin. The data below shows the increase in home value % across the state of Texas. As you can see, our area has been the most affected by the changes happening these last couple of years. 

As inflation steadily increases, so does the cost of living for everyone. Landlord's rates on insurance, maintenance and the like continue to go up, and to offset these costs the tenants then pay more in rent to live in the home. Below is a glimpse of the inflation we are currently facing in America.

Property Tax Time - What to Do?

The Travis County Appraisal District has released appraisals to homeowners across Austin, and expectedly, home values are way up.

The data this year shows the median home price in Austin now sits at $632,208. Up from $413,403 in 2021 and $354,622 in 2020. That represents an increase of 52.9% in just the last year. Congratulations if your property has appreciated alongside this crazy market!

One thing that comes with this rise in value though, is the rise in property taxes. We expect a lot of homeowners this year to be surprised at the size of their tax bill for their property. As a property owner, you have actions you can take that can greatly help you reduce this amount owed for your property taxes every year!

We encourage clients of Stone Oak Property Management to protest their property taxes, and have negotiated a deal for our clients with our partner, Home Tax Shield, when you set up the protest through us. The cost of the service is contingent on savings they are able to obtain for you so if they don’t save you any money you don’t pay! We are able to assist our clients with working with Home Tax Shield, we just need the owner’s approval to do so.<...

3304 Lauren Nicole Lane, Round Rock, TX 78665

1,600 SF | 3 Bed | 2 Bath

Learn more about this available rental home today!

Own an investment / rental property in Round Rock? Learn more about Stone Oak's property management services for Round Rock, Texas. 

3124 Bravo Drive, Leander, TX 78641

2,780 SF | 5 Bed | 3.5 Bath

View this property and other rental homes available now in Austin, Texas!

Own a property like this one? Learn more about Stone Oak's Leander property management services!

The Importance of Renters Insurance

With the recent storms in the Austin/Round Rock area, the importance of maintaining renters insurance is front and center. In the event a home is deemed to be unlivable, your renter's insurance, with the right coverage, will cover you while you are displaced and will also cover your personal property should it sustain any damage.  Talk to your insurance agent or company to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs

Renters insurance is a requirement to live in a property managed by Stone Oak Property Management.

Phone Calls & Communication With Our Company

We strive to provide excellent customer service! We return all calls within 24 business hours, if you call into the office, please leave a voicemail and someone will get back to you within 24 business hours.  Please note, that unless you leave a message we will not know that you called.

Our team strives to provide the best service possible and sometimes we can get busy! Please know that our team will always field your inquiry at our earliest convenience.

Lockboxes On Your Property

In anticipation of the busy summer season approaching, we are taking...

7429 Dallas Drive, Austin, TX 78729

2,323 SF | 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath

View this and more available Austin rental homes!