Can I get a new lease if I've broken one in the past?

(This is an entry that first appeared two years ago but it seems that I'll be posting it every so often because this is such a common question.)

The answer is yes and no.

Big managed apartment complexes tend to stick together on this one. If you've wronged one property, don't count on another doing business with you until the debt is resolved. But if you're not in a position to pay the old debt, we just need to look elsewhere. Don't forget that Austin is full of individually owned condominiums, duplexes and even garage apartments for lease. Often times these individual owners will be more willing to take a chance on someone with less-than-perfect rental history. If you've found yourself in this situation, email me at bradleypounds@aol.com and I'll begin looking for a more easy-going landlord.

My favorite furniture bargain basement

I'm all about sharing secrets for making apartment life more appealing, so here's my favorite and little-known hot spot for finding great deals on furniture.

Aaron's Rents locations services all kinds of buyers, from individual rent-to-owners to corporate leasing entities. The corporate leasers require that their rental furniture be in really good and pretty new condition, so after the furniture is rented for just a few months, it can't be used again. So it has to go back to Aaron's to be sold in the Clearance section of the store.

The pieces are generally in great condition and are sold for next to nothing. The colors are pretty neutral in most cases.

Here's the store info:
9821 N IH35 SERVICE RD SUITE A AUSTIN, TX 78753 Phone 512-837-2944

If anyone cares . . .

. . . the pricing is in for Gables Westlake.
Check it out here.
http://www.gables.com/gablesliving/floorplanlistings.aspx?Region=2&CommunityId=55

Major savings in South Austin, act fast

Everyone knows newer, quality apartments down South are more expensive than in North Austin but I have a couple of rare move-in specials on South-side Class A units. Email me for details, bradleypounds@aol.com.

Super-cute 3/2 HOUSE for $1150 near Manchaca and Stassney.

This house is fantastic and I can't believe no one has leased it yet. There's nothing else in this great shape for under $1400 in that neighborhood (quiet Buckingham Estates.)

Email me if you want some pics.

BradleyPounds@aol.com

Aging student units to get facelift

Riverside seems to be getting all the attention these days, doesn't it?

Some aging student housing units will be getting a face lift from new out-of-state owners. This promises to brighten up the neighborhood but won't do much for the area's affordability factor.

Here's the article from The Daily Texan.

Update on East Riverside development

Here's an update from the Statesman about the revitalization of Lakeshore Drive, near Riverside Drive and Lady Bird Lake. The new plans haven't been submitted to the city but reportedly will now involve retail (presumably replacing ground floor apartment units.) I'll post the details as they become available.

Austin American-Statesman