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Monthly Archives: June 2019

Ups and Downs

Can’t resist more Washington photos. Look at that back yard!

Ups and downs are normal in this business, especially the very cautious way we’re doing it. We just don’t buy on a whim, and need to make a profit when we sell, so we don’t take every offer.

It’s more of an “up” right now, but it’s a cautious one. Thus, we aren’t talking a lot about what’s going on, but here’s a quick project run-down for the Austin and Cameron businesses:

The Travis 2 house in Cameron, where Mandi used to live, is out of the option period and scheduled for closing soon. It’s going to be a law office/home!

Russet Valley in Cedar Park is in the option period with another full-price offer. We’re hoping this one goes smoothly. It gets inspected today. With improved landscaping, it’s showing well.

I also can’t resist sharing this all-new kitchen again. It was SO dim before.

Washington in Cameron has already had a few showings, with very positive feedback on our rehab. It’s a small house, bedroom-wise, so the buyer will need to be okay with that.

Meadow Arbor 1 in Universal City just went on the market, but we already have lots of showings scheduled. Carol said her phone was blowing up all day yesterday!

The Nash house/Aunty House in Cameron is moving forward and will close soon (it’s our next rehab).

The Gillis house paperwork issues are closer to getting taken care of, and we look forward to converting it into our personal assistance service office, with an apartment above.

This is all we’re officially working on, though Carol is working on a couple of deals, including one she and Russell may do as a homestead flip. Fun Times!

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Washington! You Can Buy It!

Cute and ready for YOU!

Yay! We are happy to share that the Washington house in Cameron is officially on the market. Oh my gosh, is it sparkling and beautiful, too, thanks to Jennifer’s hard work and elbow grease. The price is $153,000 and it’s well worth it. I truly don’t recognize the place from the first time we went in there. More “after” photos will be up on the house page soon, but you can see them all on the listing page. Ahh.

The open concept main area will be great for any family, and the yard will make any pet feel like it’s in heaven.

The living area is now HUGE.

Curious? Well, just call Jennifer and you can get a showing! Please tell everyone you know who’s looking for a NICE house in Cameron that’s near the high school and in a quiet, friendly neighborhood.

Call 254-482-0867 and snap it up, quickly!

We all want this kitchen for our own.

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A San Antonio Opportunity

Ready for a new family!

Are you looking for an affordable home in the San Antonio, Texas area? Is someone you know looking to live near Universal City? If so, we have a house for you to consider.

We’ve been renting this house at 810 Meadow Arbor Lane for the past couple of years and are ready to sell it, as part of our original exit strategy. Here’s its story from when we fixed it up originally, with lots of before and after pictures. I’ve always really liked the fireplace.

The garage faces an alley behind the house, and houses a huge patio for entertaining.

Since we originally bought the house in 2017, we have continued to make improvements, so it’s in even better shape than it was to start out with. We had great tenants in the house, too, who were diligent about maintenance. We will miss them!

Carol is ready to fill you in on details and accept your offers. It’s listed at $147,500! That’s a good price for a 3/2 in that area.

Open living room with really tall fireplace!

Please be sure to visit the listing for more details and more photos. It’s a great first home for a family.

There’s already a lot of interest and showings scheduled, so act quickly!

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On Being Paternal

Sending appreciation to my fatherly teammates.

I just wanted to take a break from hyper focus on real estate to salute Russell, the only member of our team who’s a biological father, and to Lee, who has helped raise three stepsons. I’ve learned a lot watching the two of them over the past decade-plus, as Sierra Mangum, my two sons, and Lee’s adult stepson have grown into having adult issues and moved out into the world. Talking to Russell about his daughter has always been a joy to me; he wants the best for her and will do anything to be there for her. Lee has encouraged both of my boys in their passions, especially the musician, with whom he has that passion in common.

Will these guys stop being paternal? Nope. But, none of us (even non-fathers) stop being paternal, I think. Those new investors we mentor, the prospective home sellers we counsel,  and all the people who turn to  us for wisdom and advice benefit from “fatherly” impulses within us.

The cover photo to Lees upcoming book, which isnt written yet.

While I certainly do think of Lee’s and my late fathers as the primary father figures in my life, I think back on others who’ve shaped me by listening, providing advice, but then giving me the chance to go out and prove myself. They hold a special place in my heart and mind.

An organization I used to work for focused on mothers, and maternal acts of love and service, but maintained that the father’s role is equally important. I think they had a good point, though I’ve seen many different kinds of relatives, friends, and acquaintances in this “fatherly” role.

Russell, thinking about his next book topic.

Whether it’s in your role as a real estate redeveloper, or in some other part of your life, treasure those who shape you and encourage you to test your wings in the big, wide world. And thank them, today or any day! Shoot, thank them every day if  you want to. It won’t hurt one bit.

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