Older housing in a market that looks new

Austin's reputation is for growth, but its central neighborhoods are old. East Austin, Govalle, Montopolis, St. Johns, and parts of South Austin have housing from the 1930s through the 1960s, much of it small, on pier-and-beam, with original wiring and plumbing. Many of those houses have been held by the same family for decades and never substantially updated.

The other aging category is condominiums: 1970s and 1980s complexes with original building systems, deferred exterior work, and associations that have raised dues or levied assessments to catch up. Lenders look hard at condo association finances, which is why some of these units cannot be financed at all.

Creeks, floodplains, and buyouts

Travis County's flood risk is localized and severe. Onion Creek in Southeast Austin flooded badly in 2013 and 2015, leading to a long-running buyout program. Williamson Creek, Shoal Creek, and Waller Creek have their own histories. Austin also periodically remaps floodplains, and a property that was out of the 100-year floodplain can find itself in it.

A house with flood history is hard to insure and harder to finance. We buy flooded properties with repairs finished, partial, or never started.

Taxes and permits: the two Austin frictions

Travis County appraised values rose steeply during the growth years, and while a homestead exemption caps annual increases at 10 percent, that cap does not apply to rentals or second homes. Owners of long-held investment property here often face a tax bill that has outrun the rent.

Then there is permitting. City of Austin review timelines, tree protection rules, impervious cover limits, and in some areas the Save Our Springs ordinance all add time and cost to a project. For an owner deciding between renovating and selling, the permitting calendar is often the deciding factor.

Travis County property we buy

  • Pre-1970 houses in East Austin, Montopolis, St. Johns, and South Austin
  • 1970s and 1980s condominiums, including buildings with assessments
  • Homes that flooded along Onion, Williamson, or Shoal creeks
  • Rentals and duplexes near campus and in older east-side neighborhoods
  • Houses with unpermitted additions, ADUs, or garage conversions
  • Properties with stalled renovations waiting on permits
  • Inherited homes long held by one family
  • Houses in Pflugerville, Manor, and Del Valle with MUD taxes

Records and closing in Travis County

Austin is the county seat. The Travis Central Appraisal District sets appraised values, the Travis County Tax Office bills them, and deeds and liens are recorded with the Travis County Clerk. Probate is handled through the county probate court.

A title company closes the sale. For a condominium, the association's resale certificate and financials are usually the pacing item, so request them early.

Frequently asked questions

Do you buy older East Austin houses that have never been updated?

Yes. Original wiring, plumbing, foundations, and kitchens are what we expect in that housing stock.

Will you buy a 1980s Austin condo with a special assessment?

Yes. We review the association's finances, reserves, and assessment schedule and account for them in the offer.

Do you buy houses that flooded along Onion Creek?

Yes, at any stage of repair, including properties with repeat flood history.

I have unpermitted work on my Austin house. Is that a problem?

Not for us. Unpermitted additions, ADUs, and garage conversions do not have to be legalized before closing.

Do you buy in Pflugerville and Manor?

Yes, including MUD neighborhoods where the district tax affects the total rate.

Travis County property and court resources