The Open House Education Community is officially open from November 12th-22nd , and we’re so excited to welcome you! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to dive into real estate investing with the support of an incredible group of women, now is your chance. Our community on Circle is all about organic connections—whether you’re looking to partner on a property, learn from experienced investors, or just get inspired by others’ creative real estate strategies. LINK TO JOIN. In this ...
Nov 19, 2024•49 min
Today’s the day! The Open House Education Community is officially open from November 12th-22nd , and we’re so excited to welcome you! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to dive into real estate investing with the support of an incredible group of women, now is your chance. Our community on Circle is all about organic connections—whether you’re looking to partner on a property, learn from experienced investors, or just get inspired by others’ creative real estate strategies. LINK ...
Nov 12, 2024•42 min
We're so excited to invite you to the new Open House Education online community , where women come together to get creative with real estate. We’re all about house hacking, sneaky duplexes, and buying with friends—and you’ll get access to live events, workshops, and a network of like-minded women who just get it. JOIN WAITLIST Doors are open November 12th-22nd , and I’d love for you to join us and start making your real estate dreams happen. Make sure to hop on the waitlist for access on the 12t...
Nov 05, 2024•25 min
We’re launching the Open House Education community , and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This is your space to connect with other women who are ready to dive into creative real estate strategies like house hacking and buying with friends. With live workshops, partner-finding events, and all the support you could want, we’re building something special together. Doors open November 12th-22nd —don’t miss out! Kristina leads a conversation featuring Open House Education community member, Kara Pendle . ...
Oct 29, 2024•47 min
Our online community is officially opening its doors from November 12th-22nd on Circle, our private community platform, and founding membership is just $84 for the quarter or $255/year. Make sure to join the waitlist! When you join, you get instant access to member-only events like deal analysis sessions, Q&As, and live hot seats, along with our library of recorded trainings and a searchable member database for finding partners. You'll even get in-depth feedback on your own listings and the ...
Oct 22, 2024•50 min
Our online community for women is officially opening its doors from November 12th-22nd on Circle, our private community platform, and membership is just $84 a quarter or $255/year for founding members. Make sure to join the waitlist! When you join, you get instant access to member-only events like deal analysis sessions, Q&As, and live hot seats, along with our library of recorded trainings and a searchable member database for finding partners. You'll even get in-depth feedback on your own l...
Oct 15, 2024•43 min
Our online community , is the perfect place to organically connect with like-minded women who are just as passionate about real estate as you are. Whether you’re dreaming of partnering on a beach house, starting a glamping property, or investing in a sneaky duplex, you’ll find supportive women eager to share insights and potentially team up on projects. JOIN THE WAITLIST We open our doors from November 12th-22nd, and membership is only $28/month or $255/year. Joining gets you access to exclusive...
Oct 08, 2024•17 min
Today's episode is with Alex Reyna, an Open House Education community member , who shares her journey of buying a home with her friend, Amber. After facing numerous roadblocks during her three-year quest to purchase a home on her own—largely due to credit challenges from co-signing a mortgage for her sister—Alex partnered with Amber to finally make homeownership a reality. Together, they navigated everything from financial hurdles to creating agreements and learning how to live together after th...
Oct 01, 2024•45 min
Co-Founder of Open House Austin, Kristina Modares, introduces her new venture, Open House Education , aimed at empowering women in real estate through creative and collaborative home ownership. She shares her journey, the importance of community, and the diverse interests of the women involved. This episode highlights the potential for innovative real estate strategies and the value of partnerships among women. "Home ownership can be flexible, empowering and fun". Listen in to learn more! Chapte...
Sep 24, 2024•14 min
Co-Founder of Open House Austin Kristina Modares is announcing a big change. Kristina is starting Open House Education for women! Concentrating on building a creative real estate community for women. Listen in to learn more about these exciting changes! Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :) Check out our new website! Sign up for the " Buying a House with Friends " c...
Aug 06, 2024•6 min
In this episode, Kristina and Steph dive into three proven house hacking options: investing in a duplex/triplex/fourplex, buying a single-family home, or adding a tiny home to your property. We'll guide you through each strategy, emphasizing how they can align with your personal values, such as privacy. Whether you're drawn to the idea of a "live-in flip" for profit or renting out spare rooms for added income, this episode offers insight to help you choose the path that resonates most with your ...
Mar 19, 2024•40 min•Season 6Ep. 7
New month, new theme! Throughout March and April, we'll focus on house hacking—renting out part of your home to cover your mortgage. In this episode, we delve into personal experiences: Steph partnered with her mom, renovating a back house to reduce expenses and increase net worth. Kristina strategically used house hacking in East Austin, transforming a room to cut mortgage costs and accommodate her growing family. Reflect on your ideal homeownership journey - would you like to offset your mortg...
Mar 12, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Considering buying a home with friends? Wondering how to pitch this idea to others? Join us as we highlight the crucial art of presenting yourself as a valuable partner. Co-Founder Steph shares her firsthand experience, recounting how she approached her mom to form a real estate relationship that has only grown stronger over the years. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Open House? Follow us on TikTok or Instagram and che...
Feb 20, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Today, Kristina and Steph reveal red flags that you should look out for when buying with friends. Hear a real story about a partnership that didn't work out and grasp the consequences of ignoring these signs. Then, understand the importance of clear rules, known as operating agreements, to prevent conflicts and legally protect yourself. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Open House? Follow us on TikTok or Instagram and ch...
Feb 13, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Welcome back to the start of a new season. This February, we're laser-focused on a theme: buying homes with friends. In a challenging real estate market, forming partnerships is a creative solution. We'll share real-life examples, explore key considerations, and make this idea actionable for you over the course of several episodes. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Open House? Follow us on TikTok or Instagram and check o...
Feb 06, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Join host Steph and our Realtor team - Sydney, Jenn, Alan, and Mandy - as they chat about today's Austin real estate market, sharing personal stories and client experiences. Are there still deals to be found? How do the current interest rates play a part in monthly payments and cash needed to close? Plus, they share thoughts on our soon-to-be-opened office - after co-working all summer, we're soo ready for this next chapter. You're invited to our HUGE opening party with free Chi'Lantro, drinks, ...
Sep 19, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 31
The question we hear most often is, "What does it cost to buy a house?" To answer that, we've put together a focused mini-episode that delves into real-world examples of homes currently available in Central Austin, Texas. We don't stop there - we also discuss creative strategies like house hacking to help you reduce your living costs. Tune in for a thorough breakdown of the numbers you need to know. This episode could be a game-changer for you! Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Ema...
Sep 12, 2023•19 min•Season 5Ep. 30
About our 12th Street Office and Community Space... It's seriously crunch time! We're sharing challenges we've faced throughout this project as we manage contractors, work with Dani Klarić's decorating team, and plan a HUGE launch party ( RSVP here ). If you're curious about what it takes to launch a big project or just enjoy a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from O...
Sep 05, 2023•28 min•Season 5Ep. 29
Neglected shed + container storage shell = MAJOR income potential. Stay with us... This week, Steph is breaking down her latest creative real estate investment in Southeast Austin. And, this is just the backyard property - there's a front house too! We'll reveal the biggest challenges she faced and the overall timeline a project like this takes. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Open House? Follow us on TikTok and check ...
Aug 22, 2023•41 min•Season 5Ep. 27
Have you been to a "Favorite Things" party?! It's a get-together all about exchanging awesome little things that people can't live without, and Kristina and Steph apply this concept to this week's discussion. For example, what's their favorite property? And, is there a hidden-gem neighborhood in Austin that's just a bit better than the rest?? For answers to these questions and more info on their favorite client stories and places/things to do in town - listen now! Get in Touch Comments, suggesti...
Aug 15, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 26
This week, Kristina and Steph talk about making choices! They know that big decisions, like buying a house, can feel super stressful. So, they share how using apps like Asana - which helps break up milestones into smaller tasks - can make things easier. Kristina and Steph warn about getting stuck in "research mode" for too long without ever making a move! Finally, they address the importance of having like-minded buddies around that'll hold you accountable. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or ...
Aug 01, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 24
Kristina and Steph share updates on their real estate investments, including managing vacation rentals and restructuring friend-oriented partnerships. Hear about Steph's restored ranch house (bought with friends!) and our exciting office renovation plans (RSVP to our re-launch/opening party below). + They were scammed by an architect?! 👀 Listen and learn so this doesn't happen to you next... Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more...
Jul 25, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 23
This episode is such a great starting point for anyone that's considered partnering with friends or family to buy property! Purchasing a house on your own can be tough, and sometimes, it may not be something you can afford. But if you team up with a friend, you can split the work and the cost. Originally recorded in 2021, Steph and Kristina discuss finding rest in the hustle and investing with buddies. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Join Kristina and Steph as they share their experiences managing a stay-cation rental property: The Retreat House! From dealing with a broken pool to improving communication with property managers, they offer valuable insights into running a successful short-term rental business. Discover their strategies for handling finances and enjoying the space themselves. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Open House? Follow us on T...
Jul 11, 2023•49 min•Season 5Ep. 21
This episode is such a great starting point for first-time homebuyers! Originally recorded in 2020, Steph and Kristina help you decide if you’re ready by discussing debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and the amount of money you’ll need to invest in a home. You’ll leave this episode with a better sense of when you should buy, based on your personal financial situation. Still not sure if you're ready? Hop on a call with our Realtor team ! Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us a...
Jul 04, 2023•26 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Kristina and Steph share their story about starting and running the real estate education company + brokerage you know and love today: Open House Austin! They break down their unique way of doing business, which focuses on making sure our team and they themselves are happy and fulfilled while helping 550+ people buy homes in Austin (so far). Lastly, this episode wraps with Kristina and Steph reflecting on how well they work together as co-founders, and why this is key to their success. Get in To...
Jun 27, 2023•52 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Today, we're chatting about the Sneaky Duplex house hacking strategy. Totally fine if you've never heard of it before - we actually coined the phrase a few years ago! We define a Sneaky Duplex rental as: "...specifically the act of adding an exterior door to a bedroom in your home to make it a separate space for short- or long-term rental." Co-Founders Kristina & Steph share tips and stories from their own experiences hosting guests in these spaces. And, how to get your space back for a bit ...
Jun 20, 2023•29 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Kristina and Steph discuss the journey of becoming a first-time homeowner and landlord in Austin, Texas. They unpack the ethics of property ownership, making this episode essential for those considering investing in the greater Austin area. This conversation aims to clarify some misconceptions about landlords, offering fresh perspectives on their role. Join us as we navigate the path to becoming an ethical landlord and create a positive impact in Austin's real estate scene. Get in Touch Comments...
Jun 06, 2023•37 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Partnering with family to buy real estate?? Yep! Kristina and Steph discuss tough money talks, how they've set personal boundaries with loved ones, and the amazing memories that can come from the initial commitment of teaming up to invest. If you want to explore the challenging yet rewarding world of family-run real estate businesses (there's a little tea, of course 😉), tune in now! Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Ope...
May 23, 2023•55 min•Season 5Ep. 14
In this episode, Co-Founder Kristina is joined by her partner Eric! They discuss the tiny house he's been working on at Stef's home in L.A. Eric provides a glimpse into his personal experience of constructing a tiny house and budgeting for changes. Plus, he teases his current project: an upcoming coffee product. You'll have to listen in to learn more! ;) Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Open House? Follow us on TikTok a...
May 16, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 13
