SXSW  is coming up, when Austin is transformed for 2 weeks into a big city, people everywhere, fun stuff non stop. One of the questions as a Realtor that I get asked a lot in the time leading up to it is if I know of the perfect, close to downtown, sleeps 12, super cheap pad to rent.

You might be thinking right now, that renting out your place for SXSW attendees (or ACL, or anytime) would be a lucrative way to make a little cash. It may be! But it may also be trickier than you think.

The short term rental business has taken off like crazy lately, but before you dive in and become a temporary landlord there are some risks (and some pluses) you should consider.

Ashley Halligan, an analyst for a local software company, wrote this article on the Risks and Rewards of Short-Term Rentals.

In the article she outlines 4 Rewards: Income, Preservation, Tax Break & Community Reweards, as well as 4 Risks: Hidden Costs, Competition, Restrictions & Community Risks.

Everyone in Austin is aware of Home Away, which is the leading short term rental company, I have not looked into the costs of listing with them or any of the procedures but I know it’s super successful

AirBNB is another popular way to find a place to stay. I get facebook ads about it all the time especially around SXSW and ACL, I beleive it’s more casual and “grassrootsy” than Home Away.

And then there’s is cragslist – free, easy, accessable. But definitely use at your own risk and be aware and safe!

Realtors do sometimes handle this kind of thing, it could be beneficial for a client that has a listing languishing, but ultimately it’s who you know and word of mouth.

Please share any short term rental/vacation rental experiences!

*this post was written by Nanette Labastida, REALTOR with Austin Fine Properties

1 bedroom 1 bath townhome like condo listed at Edgewick Condominiums  – 2821 Saville Loop – $144,900

Edgewick Condos are a gated community, close to Downtown Austin, just east of I35 off of Oltorf & Parker. So convenient to 71/Ben White, South Congress, UT, & the airport.  It features a community pool, grills, washer pits & a dog run.

2821 Saville Loop is part of phase 1 completed in 2007 , it has a garage, laundry room & storage on the ground level. Upstairs you find the living area, breakfast/dining area, kitchen, bedroom & full bath.  The large windows let in lots of natural light, there is even a wide window seat in the window by the breakfast area that would be so cozy with some pillows.  You can also use the breakfast bar for dining.

kitchen & breakfast area, lots of light! 

In the living area there is a nook that is ideal for a desk, the entire unit is also wired for surround sound.  The bathroom is spacious & according to the owner has the best shower ever!

Open floor plan 

Why would you want to live at Edgewick? Well it’s 966 sq feet, recent contstruction for under $150k just 1.2 miles from downtown Austin. It’s a quiet upscale community with a beautifully designed pool & well maintained  common areas, safely gated. It has a one car garage, a rarity in condos. Ample storage, full size laundry, beautiful kitchen, great natural light, open floor plan with functional layout.  Affordable convenient living!

2600 Ranch Road 620 N Austin, TX 78734

Very Private Contemporary Estate On The South Shore Of Lake Travis at 2600 Ranch Road 620 N Austin, TX 78734. Main House Approx 10,109 Sq Ft, Separate 2/1 Guest House Approx 1,187 Sq Ft, Lap Pool Overlooking Lake, Otis Elevator. Designed By Donlyn Lyndon Faia Boathouse W/hoist For 2 Boats. Extraordinary Finishes, With Many Energy Efficient Features. More Acreage Is Available To Be Purchased!

Built in 1890 as one of Austin’s first fire stations-Protection Hose Co. #3, In 1942, 1614 Lavaca then became the legendary Capitol Saddlery. In its next reincarnation this amazing building has become a private residence featuring 3 bedrooms , 3 baths, 2 half baths, a luxurious main living room with 14 foot coffered ceilings, Capitol views,exquisite fixtures, an outdoor terrace with a 1 car carport parking space. The building also includes a 2000 sq ft ground floor retail space. It has just been published in the Wall Street Journal  Home of the Day section…check it out.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703700904575391231744704908.html

Just Listed with  Austin Fine Properties! Featured in  the Wall Street Journal!

Take a look!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703866704575224672084917324.html

2800 Stratford Dr. Austin, TX 78746

Contemporary Austin luxury home on Lady Bird Lake in Austin overlooking the ever changing fantastic skyline of the most vibrant city in Texas. Dick Clark AIA designed soft contemporary is one of the most glamorous properties in Central Texas and marketed by Austin Fine Properties.  This home boasts four structures combining a “fusion” of architectural styles including European contemporary and Traditional Asian in a Central Texas vernacular creating a “Texas Fusion” compound.

The compound has over 10,000 square feet of living area, four separate dwellings and seven bedrooms.  The structures are artfully linked with strong indoor/outdoor connections using a three-material palette of cerused white oak, Lueders limestone and Venetian plaster.  The main house features a living room with 20 ft. ceilings supported by large white oak beams that appear to float on steel braces.  Fine craftsmanship and high technology are wedded in the cantilevered stairways, iron and leather capped railings, sliding steel doors, and leather floors in the master bedroom.  The custom kitchen includes Bulthaup, Gaggenau Miele and Sub-zero.  Two of the houses in the compound are just steps from the main house and each have two bedrooms and two baths and have their own kitchens and living areas.  The fourth structure is a cantilevered “Cliff House” which is perched just above Lady Bird Lake with exquisite appointments and city views.  Outdoor spaces include a grilling kitchen, Zen garden, sport court, cabana, and infinity edge pool that cascades down the cliff into waterfalls and water lily pools.

The price of paradise is a  mere $7.9 million a HUGE reduction from it’s original list price of $13 million.

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