House Hacking Starts Small – Meet StayTinyTX

At Open House Austin, we’re all about finding creative ways to make homeownership more accessible and profitable. That’s why I’m excited to introduce one of our trusted partners, StayTinyTX, and show you how their tiny home builds can be a game-changer for both homeowners and investors.

Put Your Backyard to Work

Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to cover your mortgage, a homeowner looking to maximize your property’s potential, or an investor seeking new income streams, adding a tiny home could be your solution. Tiny homes offer a flexible, cost-effective way to create passive income or add valuable space to your property without the expense of upsizing.

How it Worked for Me: My Personal Experience

When I purchased one of my rental properties in 2022, the main house’s rental income wasn’t enough to cover the mortgage. I needed a creative solution to turn things around. That’s when I reached out to StayTinyTX. By adding a tiny home to the backyard, the extra rental income made the property cash-flow positive, giving me the financial flexibility to wait for the market to rebound while still building equity.

A Peek Behind the Partnership: Who Are StayTinyTX?

Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Sam, one of StayTinyTX’s cofounders, through our shared work on the East Communities YMCA board and his time at City Hall as an advocate for affordable housing. Recently, his brother Jake, a former NFL player, joined the business after retiring from the Los Angeles Rams. (Fun fact: I still beat Jake in pickleball!)

Together, Sam and Jake have turned a simple backyard idea into a business that’s helping Austinites like me make homeownership more attainable through tiny homes.

Stay Tiny, Dream Big: Take a Tour

Curious about how tiny homes can fit into your life? I recently toured one of their latest builds, and I’m excited to share it with you. These tiny homes are ideal for creating passive income, adding space for a growing family, or even setting up a cozy home office. They prove you don’t have to upsize to make the most of your space

What’s Next for You?

If adding extra income or space is something you’re considering, now is a great time to explore how a tiny home can fit into your future plans. Whether it’s giving you room for a home office, hosting friends and family, or even housing aging parents or grown kids, tiny homes offer a flexible solution. Visit the StayTinyTX website.

StayTinyTX’s mission aligns perfectly with what we value at Open House Austin—finding creative solutions to make homeownership more attainable. Want to know more? Schedule your free consultation with StayTinyTX today to explore how a tiny home could work for you!

Always be house hacking,

Steph Douglass

Founder, Open House Austin