Archive for July, 2008

Selecting Tenants

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

A Lot To Let
Creative Commons License photo credit: BinaryApe

It’s been said before and it will be said again but it bears repeating, choosing the right tenants is the most important job a landlord, property manager and property owner has. To make sure you’re getting the best tenants possible, you’re going to have to do a little work. (more…)

Landlord Foreclosure

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

Sign Of The Times - Foreclosure
Creative Commons License photo credit: respres

The current real estate situation is causing some unexpected problems for renters. When landlords foreclose it leaves many tenants in the scary situation of not knowing whether they’ll have a place to live or if they’re going to be out on the street once the foreclosure happens.

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Do you Need a Lawyer

Monday, July 28th, 2008

P4010288
Creative Commons License photo credit: peggydavis66

Do all property owners need a lawyer? The answer is probably yes, but in varying degrees. It’s usually very beneficial to have a real estate attorney to make sure your initial purchase goes as planned. But after that, most property owners don’t need to have an attorney. If you only own one or two properties you can probably handle most issues on your own and can contact your real estate attorney when and if you have a concern. (more…)

Forming a Tenant’s Association

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

Meeting pictures
Creative Commons License photo credit: AchimH

If you’re having trouble with your landlord or property manager and want to get things done, consider forming a tenant’s association. Most landlords dread tenant’s associations because suddenly the entire group has power and the landlord can feel absolutely powerless. This is actually not your objective, you just want to get your concerns resolved, right? (more…)

Dealing with a Tenant’s Association

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

DSC01857
Creative Commons License photo credit: llawliet

If you’re tenants have bonded together and formed a tenant’s association, all is not lost. Your first step as the landlord or the property owner is to take the position of being helpful to the association, don’t let them begin to draw battle lines, you want to try to stay on the same side of most issues. (more…)

Property Ownership and Divorce

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Built to last
Creative Commons License photo credit: 96dpi

Purchasing property with a spouse is usually a wonderful moment for most families. You’ve finally found the home of your dreams and now you can begin your life together. But the more pragmatic sorts will wonder if there is something they need to do to protect themselves in the case of a future divorce. (more…)

Make Money in Student Housing

Monday, July 21st, 2008

decorating the backpack
Creative Commons License photo credit: blakespot

Yes, the days of the quick flip are probably gone for quite a while, but there is still money to be had in the real estate market. Rentals are gaining momentum again, but if you want a sure bet, go for the student market. (more…)

Bathroom Updates Earn More in Resale

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

kabuki
Creative Commons License photo credit: celinet

If you want to improve your home’s resale value then it’s time to head to the head, the privy, the loo, or the bathroom; whatever you want to call it, it’s where you’re going to get the most bang for your buck. A full scale bathroom renovation is more likely to recoup the expenses in resale than any other room in the house, but even a smaller bathroom update can attract future buyers and freshen the entire home’s feel. (more…)

The Cold Summer Days of Real Estate

Friday, July 18th, 2008

Rose
Creative Commons License photo credit: suchitraprints

Summer may be sizzling outside, but it is a notoriously cold time for real estate. Not many people are thinking about moving when they can spend time outdoors enjoying the weather and when they?re too busy hauling kids all over the place. (more…)

Common Problems at Real Estate Closings

Friday, July 18th, 2008

Master bedroom
Creative Commons License photo credit: ctrigger

If you have ever bought or sold a real estate property then you know that this transaction is a situation akin to that old saying that “it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings”. People who are new to the process may believe that the real estate purchase is basically complete when the negotiation has been completed and the closing date has been set. However, veterans of real estate sales know that there are a whole lot of things that can go wrong at real estate closings. Until the closing is over and the transfer of the property is officially complete, neither buyer nor seller should assume that the deal is certain to go through. (more…)