Sharon Walker

Owner/CEO

Sharon Walker is a pioneer of vacation rentals in Austin, TX, and is regarded as an expert in the VRM Industry. As Chairman of the Texas Professional Vacation Rental Coalition (TPVRC), Sharon works side by side with Texas lobbyists and leaders to fundraise and influence policy at the state level. Sharon is active in the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), moderating, speaking, sitting on panels of popular educational sessions, and traveling with her team to national and regional conferences to invest in further education. Sharon is a founding member of the Austin Rental Alliance, a non-profit trade association made up of property owners, property managers, management companies, and members of the Austin business community. The ARA works diligently with city, county, and state governments, the local community, and property owners to establish fair and effective regulations and tax compliance for property rentals of less than 30 days. Sharon can also be found advocating for vacation rental owners on several media outlets, lobbying at the Texas State Capitol and City Hall, and lobbying, as well as serving as expert testimony, for several smaller owner associations and city governments on behalf of her clients and all Texas vacation property owners. Sharon is intent on elevating the Vacation Rental industry as a whole and has published, and continues to publish, educational articles to inform and encourage readers on best practices and methods for success. Her transparent approach to Vacation Rental Management benefits businesses and individuals that are looking to progress, refine or improve their services.

Growing up just 15 minutes from downtown Austin in Manor, Texas, Sharon Walker is a true Austin original. Sharon currently lives in Westlake with her husband, Michael (who is also a local business owner – Harway Appliances and Appliances Now), and her four daughters (yes FOUR!!!) Elle (13), Bree (12), Evie (6), and Rose (5).
After graduating from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) Sharon began her career in advertising sales where she was the lead sales producer for the country for nearly a decade. This is where she developed an interest in marketing and continues that eagerness for her current clients with a deep-rooted knowledge of how to capture an audience for the properties that she represents. She has always had a talent for hospitality and is able to express that artistry through her work.

Sharon also has a touch of OCD, resulting in a thoroughness that escalates Walker Luxury Vacation Rentals services beyond normal limits. Her attention to detail drives all that the business does to serve homeowners and guests alike, focusing on the services provided at every step of the process. She and the entire Walker Luxury Vacation Rentals team work diligently to achieve a high standard of excellence for all of their properties and a fantastic experience for every guest.
Sharon loves her church (Austin Ridge Bible Church), her friends far away and in her cul-de-sac, and is regularly seen at the kid’s school or working out with her Ignite friends. Sharon and her family enjoy swimming, traveling to A&M football games, traveling to Colorado for skiing, hiking, and fishing, playing in the cul-de-sac, eating at all of Austin’s great restaurants, and cheering on the girls as they compete in a variety of sports.

Read an article from the Statesmen on Sharon renting her own personal home: Owners who turn houses into short-term vacation rentals – like during SXSW – do it to keep homes they love