OWNERS NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2021

Appfolio Websites • February 14, 2021
Celebrating 35 years in business this month!
                                                         

OWNERS NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2021


ARCTIC WEATHER – Central Texas is bracing for an extreme winter weather event that is likely to produce record snowfall and historic low temperatures. We have been below the freezing mark since February 11th, which is when we also received our first round of freezing rain, sleet, and light snow. Temperatures are not expected to rise above the freezing mark until February 19th. Beginning this afternoon (Feb 14th), freezing rain, sleet, and snow are expected with accumulations of snow projected to be half a foot and in some areas, up to twelve inches. Once the precipitation ends, an arctic front will usher in dangerously low temperatures sometime in the afternoon on Presidents’ Day. A second system of snow and ice will arrive Wednesday into Thursday. Temperatures this coming week will be in the teens and single digits with wind chills anticipated to be as low -20 degrees.

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 15th, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Depending on overall conditions, we may remain closed this coming Tuesday or possibly open late with shorter hours. 

We have been issuing emergency notices to all of our renters with instructions on how to take preventative freeze measures such as dripping their faucets, leaving under sink cabinets open, which allows the plumbing to remain at room temperature, and covering their exterior faucets. As of the writing of this letter, some renters have already lost running water due to frozen pipes.

It is important to note that homes and structures in Central Texas are not built to withstand prolonged deep freezes, especially single digit or below zero temperatures. Regardless of taking all the proper preventative measures, some properties will experience burst pipes, damage to yard irrigation systems, and possible flooding once the temperatures return to above freezing. Many yards will also suffer. Non-native grasses, such as St. Augustine, cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures and may not survive this event. Various shrubbery, plants, vegetation, and some trees will not survive this event. 

Our after-hours emergency personnel and contractors are responding to emergencies where possible, but the roadways are already covered in ice and driving conditions are treacherous. There have also been numerous power outages due to accidents and falling tree limbs that have damaged power lines. We have a busy week in store and will continue to do all we can to protect the properties in our care and ensure our renters needs are met. More updates to follow. 


David Gerke
Broker        


POST STORM UPDATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2021

Due to the back-to-back winter storms and record low temperatures, our office was forced to remain closed this past week. Today (Saturday, Feb 20) was our first opportunity to return to work. As you can imagine, this once in a century event has been extremely challenging. Millions of Texans were without electricity this week due to unprecedented demand on the power grid. Countless Texans have also been without running water due to frozen plumbing or damaged water lines. As of the writing of this letter, many thousands of people are still without electricity and water. 
Many areas of Killeen have no city water currently and those with water are experiencing extremely low pressure. The cities of Killeen and Harker Heights are at the highest level of water conservation and all residents are under a boil water notice. The city of Killeen announced that it may be several weeks before water service is fully restored. At least two water stations have been opened in Killeen where residents may receive water, which still needs to be boiled before consumption. Numerous area gas stations had no fuel available due to the inability of tankers to make their deliveries. Grocery stores are also struggling to keep their shelves stocked because of overwhelming demand for food and necessities. It is a bit reminiscent of the shortages we experienced last year during the initial stages of the COVID-19 Virus.  

As of today, we have approximately twenty renters that have reported frozen or burst plumbing lines. Area plumbers are working overtime and are getting to the properties as quickly as they can. Earlier this week, the plumbers were averaging 150 – 200 service requests per day. We have instructed all our renters what to do in the event they discover a plumbing leak or busted yard irrigation plumbing. In many cases, the only immediate solution is to turn off their home’s water meter until the plumber arrives. Heater calls are being addressed as quickly as possible. We will be notifying individual owners on a case-by-case basis about any damages and/or repairs to their properties. 

It will undoubtedly be several weeks before we return to some semblance of normalcy. We will continue to work diligently to service and protect your investments and keep you informed. We will return to our normal hours of operation this coming Monday. There will likely be some renters that cannot pay their rent for March on time or in full due to losses they have incurred during this event. Some renters that could not work this week will have shortages in their income. Renters that have been displaced due to their utilities being shut off may also face income shortages. We will work with all renters facing difficulties and forgo penalties and late fees for those that have been legitimately impacted. As always, we appreciate your support and understanding. 




By Julie Martinez January 31, 2025
Responding to emergency maintenance requests is a vital aspect of property management. Whether it's a sudden plumbing issue or an electrical malfunction, these situations demand swift and precise action to protect the property and ensure tenant safety. Handling Emergency Maintenance Requests. Establishing a 24/7 Maintenance Hotline A dedicated 24/7 maintenance hotline allows tenants to report emergencies anytime. This proactive measure ensures property management teams can immediately address urgent issues like burst pipes or electrical failures, minimizing damage and inconvenience. Collaborating with Trusted Vendors/ Contractors At Hunter Rentals, we’ve forged strong partnerships with reliable contractors and service providers, including plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists. These trusted professionals are ready to respond at short notice, ensuring repairs are handled efficiently while maintaining property standards and minimizing downtime. Prioritizing Repairs Based on Urgency Prioritizing repairs by assessing the severity of an issue is vital in case of an emergency. For example, a flooding emergency would take precedence over a minor appliance malfunction. This systematic approach ensures critical problems are resolved quickly, reducing potential risks. Implementing Preventative Maintenance Plans Preventative maintenance is key to reducing emergencies. We conduct regular inspections to identify potential issues before they escalate. For example, checking for signs of water leaks or faulty wiring can prevent larger problems, protecting the property. Using Technology to Streamline Repairs Modern property management involves using software systems to track maintenance requests and organize repairs. These tools ensure that no request is overlooked. By assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and maintaining detailed records of completed work, we uphold high service standards while resolving issues efficiently. Communicating Transparently with Tenants Clear communication is key during emergency maintenance situations. We keep tenants informed about repair timelines and updates. This transparent approach helps build trust, encourages cooperation, and reassures tenants that their concerns are being promptly addressed. Documentation At Hunter Rentals, we keep detailed records of emergency maintenance requests, including the nature of the issue, urgency, and actions taken. These records help identify recurring problems, monitor trends, and serve as valuable references for future planning. In legal matters, detailed documentation protects both tenants and property owners by providing an accurate repair history. Follow-Up We always follow up with tenants after repairs to confirm their satisfaction and ensure the problem has been fully resolved. This extra step demonstrates our commitment to excellence, fosters trust, and reinforces tenant loyalty. Prompt action in emergencies not only safeguards the property but also enhances tenant satisfaction. For more information about property management in Killeen, TX, visit Hunter Rentals & Sales, at 1503 W Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, TX 76549, United States, or call (254) 634-3311. You can also browse at www.hunterrentals.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
By Julie Martinez January 31, 2025
B uilding a successful rental property portfolio requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a clear understanding of the real estate market. By focusing on sound investment practices and staying informed about market trends, investors can create a portfolio that generates consistent income and long-term growth. Here are key strategies to expand and manage a rental property portfolio effectively: Setting Clear Investment Goals Investors should define their financial objectives, preferred property types, and target markets before acquiring new property assets. Determine whether your focus is on long-term appreciation, short-term cash flow, or a balanced combination of both. Clear goals will serve as a roadmap to guide your investment strategy. Diversifying Property Types and Locations Investors can expand their portfolio by including a mix of property types such as single-family homes, 2-to-4 units, or commercial multifamily apartments. Additionally, investing in diverse geographic locations can reduce reliance on a single market’s performance. Diversification provides stability and mitigates risks, especially during economic fluctuations. Exploring Financing Options Understanding and leveraging various financing options is essential for portfolio growth. Mortgages, lines of credit, and partnerships can help fund new acquisitions without exhausting your capital. Carefully choose financing methods that align with your cash flow and budget goals to maintain financial flexibility and minimize risk. Focusing on High-Growth Markets Investing in high-growth markets can maximize rental income and property value appreciation. Look for neighborhoods experiencing population growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. These areas typically attract tenants and ensure consistent demand. Conduct thorough research to identify markets that align with your long-term profitability goals. Cash Flow Monitoring Managing cash flow is critical for sustaining a healthy rental portfolio. Regularly review the income and expenses of each property, including maintenance costs, property taxes, and operational fees. To optimize cash flow, consider adjusting rent to market rates, minimizing unnecessary expenses, or implementing cost-effective property management solutions. Comprehensive Market Research Investors must stay informed about real estate market trends to make strategic investment decisions. Analyze local rental rates, neighborhood developments, and tenant preferences. This knowledge can help one position properties competitively and anticipate shifts in demand, ensuring the rental portfolio remains resilient. Leverage Property Management Services As the rental portfolio grows, managing multiple properties can become overwhelming. Hiring a property management company can ensure high standards across all properties. Professional property management takes care of services like tenant screening, rent collection, and property maintenance; ensuring that tenants remain satisfied and properties stay in top condition. Prioritize Property Maintenance and Upgrades Regular maintenance and upgrades keep properties in excellent condition and enhance their appeal and valuation. Investors should consider modernizing properties with energy-efficient solutions or installing updated appliances to attract quality tenants and potentially increase rental income. Well-maintained properties contribute to tenant retention and overall portfolio stability. For more information about expanding your rental property portfolio, visit Hunter Rentals & Sales, at 1503 W Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, TX 76549, United States, or call (254) 634-3311. You can also browse at  www.hunterrentals.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
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