OWNERS NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2021

                                                         

OWNERS NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2021

ARCTIC WEATHER – Central Texas is bracing for an extreme winter weather event that is likely to produce record snowfall and historic low temperatures. We have been below the freezing mark since February 11th, which is when we also received our first round of freezing rain, sleet, and light snow. Temperatures are not expected to rise above the freezing mark until February 19th. Beginning this afternoon (Feb 14th), freezing rain, sleet, and snow are expected with accumulations of snow projected to be half a foot and in some areas, up to twelve inches. Once the precipitation ends, an arctic front will usher in dangerously low temperatures sometime in the afternoon on Presidents’ Day. A second system of snow and ice will arrive Wednesday into Thursday. Temperatures this coming week will be in the teens and single digits with wind chills anticipated to be as low -20 degrees.

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 15th, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Depending on overall conditions, we may remain closed this coming Tuesday or possibly open late with shorter hours. 

We have been issuing emergency notices to all of our renters with instructions on how to take preventative freeze measures such as dripping their faucets, leaving under sink cabinets open, which allows the plumbing to remain at room temperature, and covering their exterior faucets. As of the writing of this letter, some renters have already lost running water due to frozen pipes.

It is important to note that homes and structures in Central Texas are not built to withstand prolonged deep freezes, especially single digit or below zero temperatures. Regardless of taking all the proper preventative measures, some properties will experience burst pipes, damage to yard irrigation systems, and possible flooding once the temperatures return to above freezing. Many yards will also suffer. Non-native grasses, such as St. Augustine, cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures and may not survive this event. Various shrubbery, plants, vegetation, and some trees will not survive this event. 

Our after-hours emergency personnel and contractors are responding to emergencies where possible, but the roadways are already covered in ice and driving conditions are treacherous. There have also been numerous power outages due to accidents and falling tree limbs that have damaged power lines. We have a busy week in store and will continue to do all we can to protect the properties in our care and ensure our renters needs are met. More updates to follow. 

David Gerke

Broker        

Due to the back-to-back winter storms and record low temperatures, our office was forced to remain closed this past week. Today (Saturday, Feb 20) was our first opportunity to return to work. As you can imagine, this once in a century event has been extremely challenging. Millions of Texans were without electricity this week due to unprecedented demand on the power grid. Countless Texans have also been without running water due to frozen plumbing or damaged water lines. As of the writing of this letter, many thousands of people are still without electricity and water. 

Many areas of Killeen have no city water currently and those with water are experiencing extremely low pressure. The cities of Killeen and Harker Heights are at the highest level of water conservation and all residents are under a boil water notice. The city of Killeen announced that it may be several weeks before water service is fully restored. At least two water stations have been opened in Killeen where residents may receive water, which still needs to be boiled before consumption. Numerous area gas stations had no fuel available due to the inability of tankers to make their deliveries. Grocery stores are also struggling to keep their shelves stocked because of overwhelming demand for food and necessities. It is a bit reminiscent of the shortages we experienced last year during the initial stages of the COVID-19 Virus.  

As of today, we have approximately twenty renters that have reported frozen or burst plumbing lines. Area plumbers are working overtime and are getting to the properties as quickly as they can. Earlier this week, the plumbers were averaging 150 – 200 service requests per day. We have instructed all our renters what to do in the event they discover a plumbing leak or busted yard irrigation plumbing. In many cases, the only immediate solution is to turn off their home’s water meter until the plumber arrives. Heater calls are being addressed as quickly as possible. We will be notifying individual owners on a case-by-case basis about any damages and/or repairs to their properties. 

It will undoubtedly be several weeks before we return to some semblance of normalcy. We will continue to work diligently to service and protect your investments and keep you informed. We will return to our normal hours of operation this coming Monday. There will likely be some renters that cannot pay their rent for March on time or in full due to losses they have incurred during this event. Some renters that could not work this week will have shortages in their income. Renters that have been displaced due to their utilities being shut off may also face income shortages. We will work with all renters facing difficulties and forgo penalties and late fees for those that have been legitimately impacted. As always, we appreciate your support and understanding.