Best Steph Douglass Podcasts (2024)

1
House Hacking Part 2: 3 Proven Options That Generate Income, Helping You Reduce Mortgage Costs 43:56

4M ago43:56

43:56

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-i…

1
House Hacking Part 1: Sharing Our “Why” Behind This Game-Changing Creative Home-Buying Strategy 40:20

5M ago40:20

40:20

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, transform…

1
Buying Homes With Friends Part 3: Pitching The Idea to Friends, Family, Co-Workers & Beyond 49:04

5M ago49:04

49:04

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…

1
Buying Homes With Friends Part 2: Red Flags & Creating Operating Agreements to Legally Protect Yourself 39:52

5M ago39:52

39:52

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 Touc…

1
Buying Homes With Friends Part 1: What Makes a Great Real Estate Partnership? 39:02

6M ago39:02

39:02

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 Com…

1
The Latest: Austin Real Estate Market Update and First-Time Homebuyer Success Stories from Our Experienced Realtor Team 36:24

10M ago36:24

36:24

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-opene…

1
The Real Cost of Buying a Home in 2023 + House Hacking Examples Using Active for Sale Properties in Austin, Texas 19:25

11M ago19:25

19:25

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…

1
East Austin Office and Community Space Update! Renovation Challenges, Party Planning, and What We've Learned Along the Way 28:04

11M ago28:04

28:04

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…

1
Renovating a Shipping Container and Shed to Create a Profitable Rental Home ($72,000+ Estimated Yearly Earnings) 40:55

11M ago40:55

40:55

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. Ge…

1
Our Favorite Things: Real Estate Edition! Hidden-Gem Neighborhoods, Investing Strategies, and Unique Home Features 44:05

12M ago44:05

44:05

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 a…

1
Hesitant to Homeowner! A Conversation on Building Decisiveness as a First-Time Homebuyer 31:46

12M ago31:46

31:46

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 …

1
Catch Up With Kristina & Steph: Vacation Stories, Investment Property Updates, & Getting Scammed by an Architect?! 44:37

1y ago44:37

44:37

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…

1
Building Wealth Together: Buying a Home with Friends 1:02:27

1y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

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…

1
The Ups and Downs of Airbnb Ownership: Retreat House Update and Management Tips 48:57

1y ago48:57

48:57

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 spac…

1
Ready or Not: Are You Prepared to Purchase a Home? 34:26

1y ago34:26

34:26

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…

1
A Very Special 4-Year Anniversary Episode! Reflecting on Lessons Learned and Our Incredible Team + Community 52:09

1y ago52:09

52:09

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…

1
Sneaky Duplex: How to Generate Income From a Private Room in Your Home 48:11

1y ago48:11

48:11

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-Foun…

1
Hate Landlords? Listen to This! A Fresh Take for First-Time Homebuyers in Austin, Texas 46:52

1y ago46:52

46:52

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 r…

1
The Reality of Buying Real Estate With Family, Managing Property Together, and Generating Meaningful Income 55:26

1y ago55:26

55:26

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 lit…

1
Building a Tiny House in Los Angeles! Featuring Eric Mann, Creative Behind LeverCraft Coffee & Ultra Grinder 38:21

1y ago38:21

38:21

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 mo…

1
They Partnered to Buy Land and Build a Duplex in East Austin! Featuring Women Real Estate Investors Chloe Kwon & Valerie Figlin 46:32

1y ago46:32

46:32

Meet Chloe Kwon and Valerie Figlin, two determined women who embarked on a real estate journey together! Starting with no experience, they successfully navigated zoning, land development, and construction challenges to build a duplex from the ground up in East Austin (78702). Today, we discuss the invaluable role community and mentorship played in …

1
40-Year Mortgages Explained! Factora Coffee & Coin Replay 45:17

1y ago45:17

45:17

This week, we're sharing a fantastic episode from Factora's Coffee & Coin podcast featuring our Co-Founder Steph! Together, we cover new insights on the 40-year mortgage option and helpful tips on planning for a comfortable retirement, including: The story behind the FHA's introduction of the 40-year mortgage The pros and cons of choosing a 40-year…

1
Buying a Home in the Current Market: Should You Wait or Invest Now (and House Hack)? 45:26

1+ y ago45:26

45:26

If you're in the market for a home, or even just curious about the current state of the housing market, this episode is a must-listen! It's now possible to purchase a home with less money upfront than ever before. And, the pandemic-era bidding wars have subsided (for now!). Kristina and Steph discuss how these factors play into what's ultimately a …

1
Our Top 5 Lessons Learned Running a Real Estate Education Company and Brokerage in Austin, Texas 57:27

1+ y ago57:27

57:27

We officially opened our small business in 2019! But what inspired Kristina and Steph to team up in the first place? And, how have we grown our tight-knit team of 8 agents and employees since? We've soared and stumbled along the way - learning a ton. Today, we're unpacking our most valuable lessons and passing them on to you! Get in Touch Comments,…

1
Our 2022 First-Time Homebuyer Stats 53:44

1+ y ago53:44

53:44

Our agent team joins us to share their stories and stats from 2022. Alan, Sydney, Mandy, and Jenn share wins and unique client learnings from last year - and, how these lessons can be applied to the 2023 home-buying process! If you want to see all the details of our first-time home buyer stats, check out our blog post with all the graphs and number…

1
Building Up & Breaking Down: Lessons Learned From Renovation Projects 1:03:45

1+ y ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Thanks to reality TV and aesthetic Instagram timelapses, home renovations are romanticized to the max. Let's be realistic for a minute and chat about the work that actually goes into updating a property. Steph and Kristina look back at their first reno experiences: as an 11 year-old along for the ride in Utah and a 25 year-old converting a run-down…

1
What's Seller Financing? How We "Learn by Doing" as Real Estate Investors 47:36

1+ y ago47:36

47:36

We're throwing it back! Early in our investment career, we closed on a property in San Antonio. We quickly realized it wasn't the right match for us, and our interest piqued when Steph heard about seller financing. We're sharing what that processed looked like for us, what we learned overall, and our return (because, yes - we did make it out alrigh…

1
Should You Break Up With Your Realtor? Signs Your Agent is Good (or Bad!) For You 49:59

1+ y ago49:59

49:59

In 2022, 67% of homebuyers interviewed only one real estate agent during their home search! So, we've got to ask - are people settling on the first Realtor they meet? You wouldn't buy the first house you see, so shouldn't you shop around for your agent as well? We're sharing what sets one Realtor apart from the other! And, why it's totally okay to …

1
Friendship Meets Finances: The Why Behind Our Women Investor Group's Speed-Dating Style Event 37:47

1+ y ago37:47

37:47

Searching for a welcoming space where you can make friends, ask questions, discuss real estate, and improve your financial literacy? Kristina and Steph attended event after investor event and simply couldn't find one. Their solution: creating Open House Austin's very own Women Investor Group! We have regular meetups at our office, and our Facebook …

1
Homeschool on YouTube, FREE and Available Now! Learn How to Buy a House With an Investor Mindset 28:46

1+ y ago28:46

28:46

You read that right! Our first-time homebuyer course is 100% free on YouTube!!! This is huge, y'all. Now, we'll be able to help even more people overcome the barriers of traditional homeownership (like YOU). Check it out now! Special shoutout to our lovely Admin, Grace! Who we've had the pleasure of working alongside these last few months. 🙂 She tr…

1
She Bought a House With Her Boyfriend, But It All Went Horribly Wrong... 44:15

1+ y ago44:15

44:15

This is unusual for us! Let's discuss a real estate partnership of the romantic kind. As y'all know, we're very into buddying up with friends to invest in property and creating an operating agreement along the way to protect everyone involved. #housesbeforespouses ;) But here, we share what happened when a friend went the traditional route: teaming…

1
Which of Our Educational Tools is Right For You? Our Homebuyer Resources in Review 54:03

1+ y ago54:03

54:03

Educating homebuyers has always been our #1 priority. Now, we've got an agent and marketing team that's just as passionate about that mission. Together, we're able to provide y'all with meaningful resources on creative homeownership. We've got a quiz, mini-courses, blog posts, this podcast, a Women Investor group, and in-person workshops. Today, Co…

1
What's Up With Airbnb? And, Our Reality TV Show That Never Was... 39:15

1+ y ago39:15

39:15

Airbnb hosts are kind of a lot these days. The house rules! Cleaning requirements!! Quiet hours!!! Kristina & Steph chat through the current state of short-term rentals along with how their properties are holding up. Bonus: We were on track to get our own reality TV show earlier this year! But, the stars simply did not align. We'll share what's nex…

1
What's The State of The Real Estate Market Today? And, Who Should Actually Buy Property at This Time? 39:07

1+ y ago39:07

39:07

With talk of recession continual and interest rates at a stable high, who should buy in this real estate market - rather than wait? Because it's honestly always a good time to buy, specifically for a certain type of person in a given situation. Today, we discuss today's market and who might use this opportunity to mindfully invest - and ideally, th…

1
Buying a Home With Soul Friends to Build a Better, Community-Oriented Future Together 48:47

1+ y ago48:47

48:47

What happens when a Facilitator of Change, Community Builder + Environmentalist, and Reiki Energy Healer connect at a local song circle? A soul family is born. Emily, Leilah, and Roxanne partnered together to buy a house - but, it's going to be SO much more than that. Learn how they addressed their fears and created a thoughtful plan for their inve…

1
What’s an Interest Rate? Why Are They Going Up? 2-1 Buydown Explained + Timely Tips From Experienced Loan Officer, Moose Mau & Investment-Minded Realtor, Jenn Carey 47:06

1+ y ago47:06

47:06

We bring on an experienced loan officer (Steph's uncle, Moose) & investment-minded Realtor (our teammate, Jenn) for a market update + unique ways to overcome increased interest rates. You've probably heard this phrase: "Marry the home - date the rate." But what does it reallyyyy mean? And, how could a '2-1 Buydown' loan increase your home-buying po…

1
Real Estate Horror Stories From Us, Our Agents, & Community 40:21

2y ago40:21

40:21

Chains on the wall. Random broken mirrors. Secret doors. Severed doll heads galore. This extra-spooky special episode is a real scream, to be sure. Turn the lights down and grab a cozy bevy. We're sharing real estate horror stories from us, our agents and neighbors. Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin…

1
Steph Keeps a Colony of 80,000 Bees! What's an Agricultural Exemption and How It'll Save Her $10K a Year 37:32

2y ago37:32

37:32

Steph teamed up with 7 friends to buy a ranch! It's a 24-acre property with endless potential. But, their first thought was to move a native bee colony onto the land. They'll be jarring honey by the dozen in the coming years. Meantime, they're saving a significant amount of money on taxes with an agricultural exemption. Listen up for all of the swe…

1
Buying a Fixer-Upper Home in Downtown Bastrop, TX Featuring Our Agent Mandy 57:13

2y ago57:13

57:13

Meet Mandy! The latest addition to our amazing Realtor team. 🥰 Mandy set out to expand her portfolio and buy a second primary residence this year, but she soon learned that she had been priced out of the Austin market. Soo many of us can relate! By expanding her search, she was able to remove that barrier to entry AND move closer to family. Now, sh…

1
Catch Up With Our Agents, Austin-Area & Creative Homeownership Experts! 56:56

2y ago56:56

56:56

Our agent team takes the mic: Alan, Mandy, Jenn, and Syd! We hold team meetings on Tuesday to discuss real estate market trends, client wins, and creative homeownership possibilities. Today, you're listening in! 🙂 Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email us at podcast@openhouseaustin.co Want to hear more from Open House? Follow us on I…

1
Answering Real Estate & Wealth Building Questions From Our Women Investor Group 42:45

2y ago42:45

42:45

A judgement-free space for women to pose questions, discuss real estate, and ultimately become better money-minded people. Kristina and Steph searched for an organization with these qualities, but came up empty handed. Soon after, the Open House Women Investor Group was born! We host meetups regularly at our East Austin office. But, our Facebook Gr…

1
Going From One to Two: How to Buy a Second Home & Rent Out Your Primary Residence 36:46

2y ago36:46

36:46

You own a lovely home, but it’s missing something - square footage, location, lot size, or aesthetics. Instead of selling your house to move into another, why not grow your equity, net worth, and overall comfortability by unlocking a second home? We’ll uncover two solutions to achieve this on today’s episode - by either 1) purchasing more property …

1
House Hack Your Mortgage to Zero 51:08

2y ago51:08

51:08

Eliminate your largest expense: rent and/or your mortgage! Alright, we know it's not that simple - and it can be a little scary, too. Steph and Kristina share how to house hack in a number of ways, what the earnings/savings look like when doing so, and benefits you haven't considered yet (lasting friendships made through ~Airbnb~). Plus, the big re…

1
Maximize Income Potential With Your First Home Featuring Lynn Callaway 42:27

2y ago42:27

42:27

One property - two income opportunities + your mortgage is paid for! That's the awesome realization our client Lynn Calloway came to shortly after she bought her first home in 2019. Now, she’s optimized every inch of her house with a Sneaky Duplex and ADU. Listen along as she shares what it's like to rent out an in-home studio space as a parent and…

1
Should You Buy a Second Home First? Vacation Properties Explained 46:11

2y ago46:11

46:11

Unlike an “Investment property” you only need 10% money-down to buy a “second home!” But, you’ll have to meet some other requirements to do so… Kristina and Steph explain the many benefits of this creative homeownership option as well as who it might work best for (you, basking in an East Coast sunset?!). Dream big, even if you’re on a budget! Pres…

1
What's a Sneaky Duplex? 37:17

2y ago37:17

37:17

Psst. Ready to create a sneaky space?? As in, use an existing exterior door (or add one) to a bedroom in your home to make it a separate space for short- or long-term rental. Kristina shares how she'll put this House Hacking strategy to use in her new build home to supplement as much as $3,000 a month on the mortgage. Learn how location plays into …

1
This $89K Pre-Built Tiny Home Covers My Entire Mortgage 40:15

2y ago40:15

40:15

Let's explore Steph's latest investment adventure: purchasing and rolling a pre-built tiny home onto her property. Why did she decide to go this route instead of building another ADU? How much does this type of project cost + what's the ROI look like? Wheel answer these questions and more during today's episode. ;) Get in Touch Comments, suggestion…

1
Why We Decided to Buy Instead of Build 42:33

2y ago42:33

42:33

Kristina and Steph return for Season 4! What’s changed since they took a break? A business coach was hired. Building plans were made and scrapped. One gal traveled to Italy - and the other, to Paris. Throughout all of this, they’ve remained flexible - facing the ups and downs of this real estate market. Which, and we’re not exaggerating here, chang…

1
Our 2021 First-Time Homebuyer Stats 55:23

2+ y ago55:23

55:23

It’s the last episode of Season 3, and as a wrap-up we invited our agents to join in and share their stories and stats from 2021! Alan, Sydney, and Jenn share some big win stories from their clients. It’s no secret that Austin has been a hot market for awhile, and our agents share how they helped first-time buyers navigate the craze and still find …

1
Homeschool Q&A Deep Dive 34:39

2+ y ago34:39

34:39

We’re constantly referencing our course Homeschool, but what is it all about?? In this episode, Steph and Kristina give you all the details about why they created the course, who it’s for, and why we’re so passionate about it - hint: because having a community as a first-time buyer makes ALL the difference. Steph and Kristina also answer some frequ…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Steph Douglass Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide