Many sellers assume upgrades are the key to a successful sale. This post explains what actually sells a home and why condition, preparation, and pricing strategy matter more than fancy renovations.
Buying a home isn’t about having everything perfectly figured out. This post breaks down what “ready” really means and why clarity, stability, and asking the right questions matter more than perfection.
Seeing that property tax bill land in your mailbox can feel like a punch in the gut. But here’s the good news: in Texas, you can protest your property tax, and with the right strategy, you might just lower them. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or just bought your first place, here’s a breakdown of exactly how to protest your Texas property tax step by step in an easy to follow process. Just straightforward, actionable advice from your favorite real estate pros.
Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant culture, booming tech scene, and world-famous live music, but it’s also one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the U.S. With a strong commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, and green living, Austin continues to lead the way in eco-friendly initiatives.
Springtime in Central Texas is nothing short of magical. With warm, sunny days and cool evenings, the region comes alive with festivals celebrating music, art, food, and community. These vibrant events showcase the spirit and culture that make Central Texas an incredible place to call home.
Owning a home in Texas comes with many benefits, but one of the financial responsibilities that homeowners must navigate is Texas property taxes. Fortunately, the state offers several Texas property tax exemptions that can help reduce the taxable value of your home, ultimately lowering your annual tax bill.
As Austin continues to grow and evolve, new neighborhoods are emerging as hotspots for vibrant communities, modern living, and real estate investment potential. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, someone looking to relocate, or a seasoned investor these up-and-coming neighborhoods in Austin are worth keeping an eye on in 2025.
My passion for real estate began with my own personal investments and quickly grew as I started helping friends and family navigate the buying process. What began as sharing advice turned into a genuine love for guiding others toward their own homeownership and investment goals.
I truly enjoy helping clients find their forever home or uncover their next great investment opportunity. As both a long-term and short-term rental owner, I bring firsthand experience and a strategic, investor-minded approach to every transaction, whether you’re purchasing your first home, expanding your portfolio, or exploring income-producing properties.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my growing family. We enjoy traveling and seeing the world, whether that means lounging on a beautiful beach in the summer or heading to the mountains for winter activities. I’m a coffee lover, and one of our favorite things to do in new cities is hunting down hidden gem coffee shops. My husband and I also love getting a great workout in our home gym, which keeps us energized for everything life (and real estate) brings.
Bio coming soon!
As a native Austinite, Elissa brings an insider’s perspective to the local housing market, combining first hand knowledge of the city’s vibrant and diverse neighborhoods with a passion for helping people find their perfect home. Having run, walked, and explored countless areas over the years, Elissa loves sharing her love for the city and guiding clients to the community that best fits their lifestyle.
Before transitioning to real estate, she spent nearly a decade teaching elementary school, where she developed strong communication, problem-solving, and negotiating skills. She never tires of answering questions, no matter how big or small, and her experience has made her adept at helping both buyers and sellers navigate the complexities of real estate.
Elissa’s work with Give Realty reflects her dedication to making a positive impact on the community. Whether buying, selling, or investing, Elissa approaches every transaction with kindness, patience, and integrity. She takes pride in being a trusted resource, guiding her clients through every step of the process with a genuine desire to build lasting relationships.
All of the non-profit organizations listed here were chosen by our clients.
The following donations have been given on behalf of our clients to the Non-Profit 501(c)(3) of their choice.
| Donation | Non-Profit 501(c)(3) | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| $1,428.75 | Knowles Elementary PTA | Home | Knowles Elementary PTA | Texas |
| $2,024.55 | SAFE Alliance | Home Page – The SAFE Alliance |
| $3,077.55 | Casa Marienella | Casa Marianella – Where Hope Lives |
| $3,307.50 | Street Medics Austin | Street Medics Austin – Aid without agenda. |
| $1,912.50 | The Settlement Home For Children | The Settlement Home for Children – Changing Lives For Good Since 1916 |
| $1,350.00 | Lone Star Bleeding Disorder Foundation | Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation |
| $3,428.95 | Slave 2 Nothing | Slave 2 Nothing | Helping those in our country who are enslaved by any person or substance, by empowering them to live free. |
| $993.88 | Donor’s Choose | DonorsChoose: Support a classroom. Build a future. |
| $993.75 | Austin Pet’s Alive | Austin Pets Alive! | Home |
| $2,700.00 | PAWS shelter | PAWS Shelter of Central TexasA Small Shelter Doing BIG Things |
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Real estate has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s uncovering architectural gems, envisioning interior design possibilities, or identifying lucrative investment opportunities, I thrive on helping clients see the unique potential in every property.
After earning my degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, I spent 15 years in International Finance, honing skills in negotiation, problem-solving, and financial analysis.
These skills seamlessly transitioned into my work as a Realtor®, where I now blend my strong finance background with professional certifications as a Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), and Graduate of the Realtor® Institute (GRI). As an active real estate investor in the Austin area, I bring firsthand market knowledge and insight to every transaction.
Originally from South Africa, I moved to the U.S. in 1992 and have traveled much of this beautiful country. I fell in love with Austin’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, making it my home in 2005. My husband, Jason, and I enjoy raising our three children in this dynamic city, and our family wouldn’t be complete without our three rescue pets, Tank, Ella, and Danny.
When I’m not working or attending local events, I treasure time with my family. When the weather is nice, I love exploring the outdoors with them or gardening. Colder days are perfect for family game night, diving into a creative art project, or getting lost in a great book.