OWNERS NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2020

OWNERS NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2020

HIGH SPEED TRAIN – The Federal Railroad Administration has approved a high-speed train project that will carry passengers between Dallas and Houston in 90 minutes. Construction of the $20 billion, 240-mile project, is expected to begin in 2021. The rail will be 25 feet in the air and will have no road crossings at any point along the track. Construction of the project will take approximately six years to complete. The trains will travel at speeds of 200 MPH or more and the cost of a ticket to ride is anticipated to be less than that of an airline flight.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – A big salute to Fort Hood’s 1st Cavalry Division, which turned 99 years old this month. The division formed at Fort Bliss in 1921 and moved to Fort Hood in 1971. 

WEATHER RECORDS – A cold front pushed through Central Texas on September 10th and with it, we saw a record low temperature of 58 degrees. The daytime temperature peaked at 63 degrees, which was also a record low. We have experienced abundant rainfall so far this month, with as much as 12 inches of rain in some areas within the first week. Average rainfall here for September is about 3 inches. Additional rainfall from Tropical Storm Beta is furthering wet conditions. Area lakes are now above normal levels and we are no longer in any stage of drought.

HEATER CHECKS & SERVICING – It’s that time of year again. In a few weeks, we will begin our annual inspections and maintenance of furnaces for owners that have requested this service. Performing this service ensures that the heating units are operating safely and efficiently. With regard to gas furnaces, carbon monoxide poisoning cases always increase this time of the year due to faulty heating systems that run on natural gas, propane, etc. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is both invisible and odorless and can cause illness or even death. Often times, the symptoms are confused with flu or food poisoning. The inspection includes all aspects of the following: air handler, switches/relay, fan, filter, thermostat, plenum, ducts, alarms, gas lines, valves, burners, pilots, etc. The cost of this service is $65.00 plus materials if a repair is required. Please contact our maintenance department at repairs@HunterRentals.com if you wish to have your system inspected and serviced. Remember, lack of proper maintenance is the number one cause of system breakdowns.

RENTAL TRAFFIC – Demand for rental housing remains strong in all categories. We leased 18 homes and 7 apartments in August and ended the month with an occupancy rate of 100%. 

David Gerke

Broker