Baby, It’s Cold Outside
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Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Winter in Austin likes to keep us on our toes. One day it’s 70 degrees; the next we’re scrambling for gloves and worrying about pipes. A little prep goes a long way toward protecting your home (and your wallet) when temperatures drop. Here are the most important, Texas-tested tips to keep things cozy and damage-free.
Protect Your Pipes (This Is the Big One)
Frozen pipes are the #1 winter culprit in Texas, and they can cause serious damage fast.
- Drip your faucets during freezing temps—especially overnight.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls using foam pipe covers.
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers.
Prepare for Power Outages
Freezes sometimes come with outages, so plan ahead.
- Have flashlights and batteries ready
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is (just in case)
- Keep phones and backup chargers charged
Get Your Heating System Ready
Your heater doesn’t get much action most of the year—make sure it’s ready when you need it.
- Replace air filters
- Make sure vents are open and unobstructed
- If you have a fireplace, confirm the damper works properly
Don’t Forget the Outside
- Trim tree branches near the roof or power lines
- Bring potted plants inside
- Check that gutters are clear so melting ice can drain properly
Texas winters may be short, but they’re mighty. A few simple steps now can save you from major headaches later—and keep your home safe, warm, and stress-free.
If you ever have questions about protecting your home (or finding one that’s built for all seasons ), I’m always here to help.
Stay warm and cozy!
Courtney
Featured Properties
2505 Bluebonnet Ln, Unit 13, 78704
3 BD
3 BA
2017 SF
$899,900
- Private Exclusive
New construction by In Town Homes! This home is a hidden gem, tucked away in a small private 18 unit gated community on Bluebonnet Lane. Enjoy the walkability of this convenient location – cool cafes, restaurants, bars, parks, theaters, green spaces, and artistic experiences are minutes from your doorstep. Need a home office, studio or guest suite?? This is it! Separate entrance perfect working from home, roommate situation, music room or gym!!
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
4712 S Forest Dr, 78745
3 BD
3 BA
1,410 SF
$599,999
- Private Exclusive
Modern Style Meets Austin Energy in 78745!!! Discover this gorgeous newly built modern home in the exciting South Manchaca neighborhood, where sleek design and everyday comfort come together. A welcoming covered carport leads to airy interiors filled with abundant natural light from walls of beautiful windows. Gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout, setting the stage for a flexible open floor plan that easily adapts as a second living area, home office, or extra bedroom. The gourmet kitchen is a showstopper, featuring quartz countertops, undermount sink with gooseneck faucet, shaker-style cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Designer tile extends all the way to the ceiling, while stylish pendant lighting and a playful villa-tile palette in the bathrooms add a layer of sophisticated charm. Upstairs, the serene primary suite and additional bedroom provide comfort and privacy.Set in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood just minutes from South Lamar and downtown Austin, this home captures the areas exciting transformation as many properties evolve into fresh new builds. With modern elegance and unbeatable location, its the perfect opportunity to plant roots in one of Austin’s most dynamic hot spots!
608 W Mary St, 78704
4 BD
5 BA
3,285 SF
$3,195,000
- Private Exclusive
Step onto the classic porch and through the antique front door—complete with its original brass bell—and you’re immediately immersed in another era. Soaring 11-foot ceilings, heartwood longleaf pine floors, and intricate hand-carved millwork hint at the home’s rich past. From artichoke finials crowning solid wood banisters to coffered ceilings and elaborately cased doorways, every detail has been thoughtfully preserved or recreated, down to replica period lighting and hardware sourced through painstaking research.
The main level is composed of two elegant parlors, a formal dining room, powder bath, and a chef’s kitchen as functional as it is refined. Marble counters in Carrara and Statuary Italian marble provide a pristine canvas for the culinary-minded, complemented by a suite of high-performance appliances—Viking Professional gas range, Miele dishwasher, Bosch wine fridge, and custom cabinetry that mirrors the home’s historic integrity.
Upstairs, three en-suite bedrooms await, including the first of two master suites, basking in natural light through low-e, wood-encased double-hung windows. On the top floor, a second master suite stretches across the entire level, crowned by a show-stopping, custom-fabricated steel and glass window framing panoramic views of downtown Austin—a daily reminder of the city’s creative pulse, just one mile away.
Beyond the aesthetic,
The Marlin House is rooted in structural excellence. Behind its timeless façade lies a modern foundation, updated plumbing and electrical systems, full HVAC, tankless hot water, and a third-floor addition engineered to the highest standards.
Outside, the expansive grounds invite both relaxation and refined entertaining. A newly constructed 325-square-foot screened porch offers shade and serenity — an ideal setting for al fresco dining or quiet mornings. Beyond, a level lawn and sparkling pool create an inviting backdrop for gathering and unwinding.
The detached garage is equipped with EV charging for two vehicles and offers flexible use, while additional private parking for 2–3 cars ensures seamless convenience for residents and guests alike.
Local Happenings
Best soups in austin
“It’s time to bundle up and enjoy some cozy food. From cute neighborhood stands to elegant eateries, Austin’s culinary scene offers a rich tapestry of soup options that cater to every budget and palate…read the full Tribeza article.

Winter Donation
Austin is bracing for cold and ice this weekend: a winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) through Central Texas for the morning of Saturday, January 24, through the next morning. Here’s how locals can find shelter and help others, especially unhoused neighbors.

A proper tea
Enjoy an elevated twist on tradition at Goldie’s elegant, Southern-inspired setting. Indulge in the delights of dynamic hot or iced teas paired with savory tea sandwiches and decadent desserts.

le garage sale
Le Garage Boutique Sale returns with its biannual shopping event, bringing together discounted fashion from local boutiques, brands and designers under one roof. The Austin-born sale, which has been a fixture in the city’s fashion scene since 2001, features every rack at reduced prices. Advance tickets are available for those who want to skip the line.

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
© Compass 2026 | All Rights Reserved by Compass | Made in NYC
The information contained herein does not purport to be complete nor, necessarily, accurate and should be independently verified; nor does it represent or constitute a legal analysis or financial advice. All of the financial projections and/or conclusions are provided for illustration purposes only. Compass and its agents disclaim any and all liability for representations and warranties, express or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information contained herein or any other written or oral communication transmitted or made available to the recipient. This represents an estimated sale price for this property. It is not the same as an opinion of value in an appraisal developed by a licensed appraiser under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.








