photo credit: Chad Jones - Gold Coast Real Tours
If you’re a landlord you know that it’s a very difficult and, at times, stressful business. You will most likely find that you need help in some form or another. Whether you’re just looking for someone to handle landscaping and snow removal or you are in need for a full time property management team, there are some things you want to keep in mind when hiring staff.
Many Americans are worried about their bank failing. In other words, they have no idea what will happen to their money if their bank goes under. With more and more banks in trouble, it is safe to say that this concern is only going to increase in the months to come. That being said, you need to know what is covered by the FDIC and what is not. Even if your bank is in good standing, this is still something that is good to know. After all, you never know what is going to change in the future.
The National Property Management Association was created in 1970 as an organization whose main purpose was to boost the reputation and careers of property management professionals. Over the years the NPMA has expanded to include property managers from almost every profession, including colleges and universities, healthcare, government, technology and manufacturing as well as traditional property managers.
It’s all about the Foosball and the free meals. That’s what people generally think of when you mention the so-called campuses where today’s high tech companies reside. And indeed many prominent companies take great pains to promote their freewheeling culture and the fabulous amenities available at the workplace.
But it’s not all fun and games. In the tech world, green is the new black as leading technology companies strive to make their HQs more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
And not every technology company is headquartered in a glass-walled state-of-the-art complex. Sun Microsystems, for example, is housed in a historic landmark that’s been painstakingly renovated to look exactly like it did almost 100 years ago.
Here’s a look at where the employees of some of the nation’s leading technology companies work.
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photo credit: merfam
If you’re a property owner you will no doubt find yourself frustrated, exhausted and sick of dealing with your properties and tenants at one point or another. It’s just a part of the investment, the highs and lows of being a landlord. But some people actually suffer from more of these lows than others and hiring a property manager is the perfect solution. If you fall into the following categories you may want to consider hiring a property manager for your rental properties.
“Too Much Property”
If you have a lot of rental units or properties and are finding them just too taxing then it’s probably time to seek outside help. You?re not doing your tenants or yourself a favor if you?re spread too thin.
“You?re too Far Away”
If you live quite a long way from your properties then you may want to find someone who is in the area who can deal with your tenants and any problems that may arise. What is too far? Well, that?s up to you and your schedule.
“You?re Not Good at It”
Let?s face it, some people just aren’t good at dealing with other people or don?t have the organization skills necessary to be a hands on landlord. If you’ve ever rented you’ve probably come across these people before and the last thing you need to do is be one of them.
If you fall into any or all of these categories you probably want to consider hiring a property manager, either a full time service or possibly just some part time help. Whatever you decide, make sure you’re making an informed and well thought out decision.
photo credit: EdTarwinskiAbout five years ago the real estate market was a flipper’s paradise. Now it?s turning into a foreclosure nightmare. But some savvy real estate investors are turning these foreclosures into cash making opportunities by purchasing homes and then renting them. If the lightbulb just went on over your head, you’d betting pull on a lampshade and consider the nitty gritty details before diving into a foreclosed property investment.
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photo credit: TheTruthAboutMortgage.comIf you are keeping up with the current economic problems, you are well aware that many banks are in deep trouble. In fact, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has reported a huge leap in problem banks. They have identified 76 banks that are in trouble. As you can imagine, this has a lot of people scared. Not only those who have their money in these institutions, but also those who are worried that their bank is next in line.
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photo credit: kozumel
Getting all the appropriate tax deductions is an important part of managing a property. You want to be sure that you’re getting the deductions you deserve and that you’re spending your money wisely throughout the year.
In addition to interest, depreciation and repairs you can also claim deductions for travel, your home office and related business expenses, any employees or independent contractors you hire, casualty and theft losses as well as insurance.
Also, if you’re doing improvements you can deduct your expenses and if planned correctly you may be able to deduct them in a lump sum rather than spread out over several years. Segmented depreciation is another way to organize your property in order to take advantage of the greatest deductions. Small landlords get some extra breaks when it comes to losses so make sure you’re figuring this into the equation.
If you’re renting a vacation home look into your local laws, in some places you can do this totally tax free. But in other renting news, if you?re renting to family and friends it?s possible to lose virtually all of your tax deductions.
If you decide that these tax issues a too overwhelming, then hire an attorney or a tax professional and remember to deduct that expense as well.
photo credit: drcorneilus
Are you selling your home? Are you simply looking for a way to add value to your current property? If so, you may want to consider what adding a bathroom can do for the value of your home. When it comes down to it, this is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home while also attracting interested buyers. Generally speaking, bathrooms and kitchens sell homes and you need to keep this in mind when remodeling or updating.
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