Before we get started, if you missed last week’s Austin Deal of the Week, here is an update:
Although that property was sitting for over 160 days… just a few hours after we posted our Deal of the Week it is now Pending.
Alright, let’s get down to business and cut through the fluff. We’re looking at a property at 5424 Walnut Grove in Austin.
The basics:
- 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,271 SqFt
- Went from $395,000 to $360,000 then from $382,500 to $340,000
- Generates around $3,000 a month from its use as a short/long-term rental
The listing’s photos are amateur at best, so the property might actually be more appealing in person. Despite being only 1,271 square feet, the home’s layout is decent and even has some modern updates making it move-in ready.
Location Benefits
Found in the 78744 zip code, the property is located just north of Onion Creek and near the Jimmy Clay Golf Course—a municipal course open to the public and noted for its quality. The area is close to key Austin attractions and infrastructure such as downtown, the airport, Tesla, and the Circuit of the Americas.
The key to capitalizing on properties listed 'as-is' is recognizing the hidden leverage they provide.
Comparative Market Analysis
The most recent comparable sale is a slightly larger and better-upgraded home that closed at $350,500, equating to about $236 per square foot. Considering this, a strategic starting offer for 5424 Walnut Grove Drive would be around $300,000, aligning with the lower end of the market scale at $236 per square foot, with room to negotiate up to about $330,000 or $267 per square foot.
Investment Potential
“This property represents a unique investment opportunity, especially for those looking to break into the Airbnb market without breaking the bank,” explains a local real estate expert. “Its price point, combined with rental income potential and location, makes it particularly appealing.”
Although the listing’s ‘as-is’ tag might initially seem scary, it’s important to remember that banks(when financing) might require certain property standards which could force the seller to make necessary improvements. This condition could work in a buyer’s favor during negotiations.
So, Here’s the Deal: In a desirable location and with the possibility of becoming an Airbnb hotspot, this property presents a flexible option for a variety of buyers. Don’t forget the history of price reductions that may suggest that the sellers are motivated and potentially open to lower offers.
Bottom Line: If the property checks out structurally and meets the necessary standards during a thorough inspection, starting with a competitive but reasonable offer could secure you a valuable asset in one of Austin’s up-and-coming neighborhoods. Always remember, the terms of the sale and the final deal can sway significantly based on negotiation, making this property a potential steal for an informed and well represented buyer.
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Amy Seely
Founder, Broker, CODA, Realtor®
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John Steele
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Listing description
Property has been slashed for an as-is sale. This is a great home. Over $100,000 in upgrades. Ready for immediate move in & use as a short/long-term rental (as owner did) earning over $3,000 a mo, while its value grows. An incredible value, great investment, nice neighbors, no HOA & quick easy access! Don’t miss out on this exceptional property! Fairway Ridge, is a great neighborhood tucked away in southeast Austin; offering a stylish, well-built home on a hill in a partial cul-de-sac; serene atmosphere & unbeatable convenience. 6 miles from downtown & the Airport, 4 miles to McKinney Falls, w/nearby bus stops, hike/bike paths, parks & golf courses. Walk 1-quiet block to Dove Springs Park with a public pool, recreation center, playground, sports fields, trails. Onion Creek Greenbelt, Soccer Complex & Dog Park are nearby, as are Independence, Meanwhile & Pinthouse Breweries, & Radio East, all offering live music & other events. Circuit of the Americas racetrack & event center is a quick 10-miles away, with big concerts, Formula One, MotoGP, NASCAR & other big events. Home improvements include remodeled master bath, featuring deep soaking tub, red penny & white tile work, new sinks & cabinets, w/connected large walk-in closet. New 3-ply 30-year roof installed Dec. 2018. Big backyard has a beautiful oak tree & six clumping (non-spreading) Emerald Bamboo plants ($2,500) planted in ’19; they are the most freeze resistant, & resilient to drought. A new $8,500 high-capacity HVAC system w/ extra attic insulation, added in ’21. In ’22 rain gutters were added, new plank flooring & water heater installed, interior walls painted & kitchen remodeled, w/new appliances, granite countertops, sinks & stove. Attached 2-car garage has a garage door opener & access to the large attic w/ ample additional storage. Your new home combines style, comfort & convenience; a steady investment & an idyllic retreat in SE Austin.
Listed by:
Kevin Phelps (512) 825-8393
Phelps Properties (512) 825-8393
Source: Unlock MLS,MLS#: 8957096
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bedrooms: 3
Flooring
- Flooring: Wood
Heating
- Heating features: Natural Gas
Cooling
- Cooling features: Central Air
Appliances
- Appliances included: Built-In Oven(s), Dishwasher, Disposal, Cooktop Gas, Microwave, Oven, Self Cleaning Oven, Water Heater-Gas
Interior features
- Window features: Skylight
- Interior features: Breakfast Bar, Kitchen Island, Pantry, Primary Bedroom on Main
Other interior features
- Total interior livable area: 2,250 sqft
- Total number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Family Room, Gas Log
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Attached, Garage
- Garage spaces: 2
- Covered spaces: 2
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: None
Property
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Private pool: Yes
- Pool features: In Ground, Waterfall
- Spa features: None
- Exterior features: Private Yard
- Patio & porch details: Awning(s), Deck
- Fencing: Fenced, Privacy
- View description: None
- Waterfront features: None
Lot
- Lot size: 0.27 Acres
- Lot features: Cul-De-Sac, Sprinkler – Automatic, Trees-Moderate
Other property information
- Additional structures included: None
- Parcel number: 01721504050000
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subType: Single Family Residence
Material information
- Foundation: Slab
- Roof: Composition, Shingle
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1999
Utilities & green energy
Utility
- Sewer information: Public Sewer
- Water information: Public
- Utilities for property: Internet-Cable, Natural Gas Available, Underground Utilities
Community & neighborhood
Community
- Community features: None
Location
- Region: Austin
- Subdivision: Balcones Greene Sec 01
HOA & financial
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- HOA fee: $30 monthly
- Services included: Common Area Maintenance
- Association name: Balcones Greene HOA
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 8/10Spicewood Elementary SchoolGrades: K-5Distance: 0.2 mi
- 9/10Canyon Vista Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 1.5 mi
- 7/10Westwood High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 0.8 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Spicewood
- Middle: Canyon Vista
- High: Westwood
- District: Round Rock ISD
Source: Unlock MLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
Data from Zillow, Unlock MLS, GreatSchools and other data sources
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