In this episode of Homeowner Hotline, Steph sits down with Open House Austin’s Jennifer Carey to talk about her latest real estate win—a Wimberley property that’s part vacation home, part Airbnb moneymaker. Jennifer walks us through how she found the deal (spoiler: she almost skipped it because of bad listing photos), renovated it for under market value, and now manages it remotely while breaking even in year two. Read more about Jenn's journey here.

You’ll hear:

• How Jennifer’s 2010 first home purchase set her up for multiple investments.

• Why she chose Wimberley over other small Texas towns.

• The renovations that turned a dated house into a guest magnet.

• What it really takes to manage a short-term rental from a distance.

• Her tips for financing and setting realistic expectations.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Hill Country getaway or looking to scale your investment portfolio, this is a masterclass in turning a property into both a personal retreat and an income stream.

• Don’t judge a property by bad listing photos — visit in person to see true potential.

• Small-town tax rates can make a huge difference to your bottom line.

• Start small — Jennifer began renting just the studio before launching the main house.

• Guest experience is everything — from s’mores kits to handwritten notes.

• Break-even in year one or two is a win — especially with a property that appreciates and builds equity.

• Financing matters — know the difference between second-home and investment loans.

Book a Call with Jenn

Attend a How to Buy a House Workshop

00:00 – Intro & Jennifer’s preference for “Jennifer”

01:10 – First home purchase at 21 in 2010

02:57 – Pivot to investment properties & renting out her first home

04:31 – Why Wimberley and small-town scouting

06:26 – The property she almost didn’t see

07:43 – What she loved vs. what needed work

09:23 – Hidden value: two units on one property

11:14 – Renovations & budget choices

13:35 – The game-changing picture windows

14:44 – Staging, timelines, and first Airbnb listing

15:46 – Managing remotely & finding reliable cleaners

16:54 – Listing strategies & pricing control

17:57 – 2024 revenue breakdown

19:13 – Monthly expenses and cash flow

21:01 – Guest experience details & amenities

22:53 – Future upgrades: hot tub, game room

23:25 – Lessons learned and what she’d do differently

26:03 – Financing strategy and tax advantages

28:47 – Advice for aspiring STR investors in small towns

29:44 – Steph’s wrap-up and Hill Country real estate plug

Midnight Zillow scrolling? Wine in hand? Don’t click that “Schedule a Tour” button just yet.

In this episode, Steph Douglass breaks down why Zillow and open houses—while fun and full of vibes—are also traps for accidentally picking your real estate agent like you’re picking a pizza delivery driver.

Learn how these systems work, what to actually look for at an open house (spoiler: it’s not the snacks), and why being intentional with your agent choice could be the difference between a strategic purchase and a regretful one.

You’ll learn:

• How the “Schedule a Tour” button works (and who actually gets your info)

• What to do (and not do) at an open house

• Strategic questions to ask about any home you tour

• Why your agent should be a teammate, not a default

• How to use Zillow as a tool—not a guide

• Why Open House Austin gives you a full team, post-close support, and zero pressure

Resources mentioned:

• Free workshop: Sign up here – Next dates: August 26 & September 16

• Book a 1-on-1 call: Schedule here

Stephanie Douglass and Mandy Mendoza pull back the curtain on the unconventional, yet totally doable, strategies that are helping first-time buyers in Austin win—despite the odds. From co-buying to sneaky duplexes, they break down how real estate can become more than a home: it’s a vehicle for freedom, flexibility, and long-term wealth.

• Real estate can provide financial freedom and flexibility

• Cash flow from rental units can offset or eliminate living expenses

• Co-buying with friends or partners opens doors to ownership

• House hacking helps first-timers turn their homes into income generators

• Using properties creatively can unlock multiple income streams

• Knowing your financing options is critical for early success

• Buyer education and empowerment go hand-in-hand

• The current market still presents real opportunity

• Real estate is one of the most accessible paths to wealth building

• Building equity early pays off for decades

00:00 – Introduction to Real Estate Journey

02:14 – Living the Real Estate Lifestyle

04:33 – The Freedom of Real Estate Investments

07:00 – Alternative Lifestyles and Financial Independence

09:13 – Co-Buying Strategies for Home Ownership

12:06 – House Hacking: Maximizing Property Potential

16:03 – Empowering Homeownership: Understanding Mortgage Benefits

16:55 – The Sneaky Duplex Strategy: A Creative Housing Hack

21:06 – Financing Your Future: Down Payment Options and Strategies

23:57 – Navigating the Market: Educating First-Time Buyers

28:36 – Inspiring Change: Helping First-Generation Homeowners

Steph Douglass is joined once again by Jenn Carey for a brutally honest (and refreshingly non-salesy) conversation about one of the biggest questions we get from clients right now: Should I buy now… or wait?

Together they unpack the current state of the Austin housing market, what’s different from the pandemic frenzy, and what smart buyers should be doing regardless of their timeline. They talk about the realities of negotiating power, the pros and cons of interest rates vs. pricing, and why “waiting” shouldn’t mean “doing nothing.”

Whether you’re ready to buy this fall or in two years, this is your permission slip to take the right kind of action now—without getting swept up in the fear or hype.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Sellers are negotiating more than ever. Concessions, repairs, and price drops are all on the table.

• Appraisal issues are no longer killing deals. Unlike the pandemic era, homes are appraising—and if not, sellers are often covering the gap.

• Waiting can be smart—but only if you’re actively preparing. Know what to work on during your “wait” period.

• Prices and rates move inversely. When rates drop, prices rise. Don’t sleep on today’s lower pricing.

• New builds might offer the best of both worlds. Lock in pricing now and potentially benefit from lower rates at closing.

🎯 Action Items:

• Thinking about buying in 6–12 months? Book a consult now. We’ll help you make the most of your timeline.

• Explore our rental services and educational resources while you plan.

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

• New Build Opportunities (like Easton Park)

• Buyer negotiation examples from the field

• Why appraisal gaps are no longer a dealbreaker

• What not to do while “waiting”

• The rise of proactive prep as your homebuying superpower

In this conversation, Steph Douglass & Sydney Schuster discusses the current real estate market, emphasizing the opportunities available for buyers. They share insights on financing options, the importance of education in the home buying process, and a success story of clients transitioning from renting to owning. The discussion highlights the supportive role of realtors in guiding clients through the complexities of purchasing a home and the ongoing community engagement post-purchase.

Takeaways

• The current market offers unique opportunities for buyers.

• Preparation and financial planning are crucial for homebuyers.

• Education is a key focus for realtors in today's market.

• Clients are increasingly looking to settle down and build community.

• The importance of lender relationships in securing favorable financing.

• Buyers now have more negotiating power than in previous years.

• The home buying process can be tailored to individual timelines and needs.

• Post-closing support is essential for new homeowners.

• Community engagement continues beyond the purchase of a home.

• Real estate is a personal business that requires trust and transparency.

Chapters

00:00 Market Update and Current Trends

05:53 Client Success Story: From Renting to Owning

11:09 Navigating the Home Buying Process

16:18 Understanding Financing and Lender Relationships

21:36 Closing the Deal and Post-Closing Support

Buying a home with a friend, partner, or family member can seem like a smart way to get into the market—but it can also go sideways fast. In this episode, we’re unpacking the real-life risks of joint homeownership and investment partnerships: from mismatched money habits and unclear agreements to friendship-ending fallouts. Steph and [Agent Name] share lessons learned, red flags to watch for, and the essential steps to protect yourself before you buy property with someone else.

Whether you’re considering co-buying to afford your first home, splitting an investment property, or going halfsies on a duplex—this episode is your blueprint for avoiding financial and emotional disaster.

We cover:

• Common mistakes in real estate partnerships

• What to include in a co-ownership agreement

• Stories of deals gone bad—and how they could’ve been avoided

• How to protect your credit, your cash, and your relationships

👉 Thinking about co-buying or investing with someone else? Book a call with our team or explore our free resource library at openhouseaustin.com.

Tags: real estate partnerships, buying a house with a friend, co-buying a home, real estate investing, first-time buyers, Austin real estate, partnership mistakes, Open House Austin

If you’re even thinking about buying a home in Austin — whether it’s your first place, an investment, or something creative in between — this is where to start.

In this kickoff episode, Steph Douglass (founder of Open House Austin) sits down with agent and educator Jenn to talk about why they started this podcast, what most people get wrong about homebuying, and how OHA is making real estate more accessible, inclusive, and actually… helpful.

You’ll hear how this team thinks differently, what kind of topics you can expect each week, and how to stop spinning your wheels and start building real estate confidence — even if you don’t feel “ready.”

Whether you’re house-curious or fully pre-approved, this is your spot.

• Book a buyer consult

• Check out upcoming workshops

• Browse our free homebuyer resources

• Follow us on IG for real-time market takes @openhouseaustin