Archive for May, 2009

Settle into a Property Management Routine

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Managing a property, regardless of size, can be a difficult task. This is particularly true if you are new to this side of the real estate industry. But remember, you have to start somewhere. Most property managers find that settling into a routine is a great way to get on pace, and to stay on the right path as the years go by.

What should your property management routine look like? This is when you need to take the initiative. Everybody has a different schedule and a unique way of doing things. No matter what, you need to make sure that your routine is thorough while also allowing you to make the best use of your time.

Your routine could include any of the following: weekly checkups, collecting the rent on a particular day, regular maintenance, etc. For instance, you may want to cut the grass at your property every Friday. Once you get on a schedule you will find it easier to complete all necessary tasks without wasting any time.

Finally, you can and should tweak your routine from time to time. If something isn?t working for you, you need to make a change. The same holds true if you need to add something to your regular routine. Remember, as you buy more and more properties you will need to tweak your routine to ensure that you are taking care of every detail.

As a property manager, it is important to settle into a routine that suits your properties and schedule.

How to Address Major Repairs in a Rental Property

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

New BathroomNo matter what type of rental property you own you should realize one thing: repairs will be needed from time to time. This is even the case if you own a newer property that is in good condition. Things break, and tenants do not always take the best care of a property that is not theirs. Dealing with small repairs is usually easy enough. But what are you going to do when it comes time to address a major repair? This is not always as easy, but you will learn quickly enough. (more…)

Apartment Trends 2009

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

If you’re looking to boost the value of your rental units and draw more renters with higher incomes then following some of the current housing and apartment trends will make your rental units more attractive to prospective renters.

Go Green Inside?

Incorporate as many environmentally friendly and ecologically sound features as you can in your rental units. This is not only attractive to prospective renters but its cost efficient for you and the tenants. Also, if you do your research, some local areas give rebates or tax credits for installing environmentally sound features, such as water-saving toilets.

Go Green Outside?

Reevaluate your landscaping. A more attractive exterior helps with drive bys as it makes the property more appealing so add as much landscaping as you can.

Lighten Up?

Flood the interior with light as well lit places are more attractive to prospective renters and they appear larger. Add ceiling lights, track lighting, spot lights, lit stairwells, etc. You should also make sure the exterior is appropriately lit so that it’s safe and not attractive to prowlers, peeping toms and criminals.

Individualize Units

Living in a cookie cutter is not appealing to many people so try to individualize your units by offering some decorating differences in flooring, counters, cupboards or even layout. By promising tenants a unique unit you’re greatly increasing the appeal of your apartments.

Don’t Forget Exterior Upkeep as a Landlord

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

SuburbiaAre you the type of landlord or property manager who is always thinking about interior maintenance and upkeep? If so, there is nothing wrong with this as long as you keep the exterior in the front of your mind as well. Remember, exterior upkeep can be every bit as important as changes and fixes on the inside. The nice thing about the exterior of your property is that you do not have to worry about asking tenants permission to enter, waiting for a time that is good for them, etc. Instead, you can do everything when your schedule allows for it. (more…)

5 Musts of Every Lease or Rental Agreement

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Learn the 5 things that every lease must contain. Without these items your lease or rental agreement will be missing important elements which could cause your problems in the future including possible lawsuits.

Names?

Including the names of your tenants seems obvious but many landlords only include the name of one tenant. Rather than single out one tenant, make sure every tenant signs the lease or has their own lease which they’re required to sign.

Occupancy Expectations?

Spell out occupancy expectations in writing. If you only allow two tenants per unit then let the tenants know that they cannot invite others to move in. Also if you do not allow pets then this must also be stated in the lease.

Financial Expectations?

Not only should you state how much rent will be but you should include any security deposits and other deposits, you need to state if the tenant is responsible for their own utilities and additional expenses.

Term of Tenancy

Is your lease a rental agreement or a fixed term lease? Rental agreements are a month to month agreement and tend to self renew. Fixed term leases typically last a year and then are renewed or terminated. This needs to be clear to all parties.

Access to Property

Most states or local areas have laws about when a landlord can enter a tenant’s apartment and how much notice must be given. This should be stated in the lease, but you should also include information on emergency entrance or notice necessary to make repairs or perform routine maintenance.?

By including these five points in your lease you’re protecting yourself from some problems in the future or legal actions against you. These are by no means the only information that is necessary in your rental contract but it’s a great starting point.

Earthquake Preparedness for Landlords

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

If you’re a landlord or property manager in an earthquake hot spot then you know how terrifying and destructive this natural disaster can be for your tenants and property. You can help prevent some of the damage and reduce the level of anxiety a bit by making sure you’ve prepared your property as much as possible prior to an earthquake.

Take a look at your utilities and make sure all of the connections are flexible and that there are no defective or leaky lines. Make sure all large appliances, including your water heater and furnace, are bolted to wall studs and secured in place. Check with your gas company to see if they recommend a valve that shuts off your gas in case of strong vibrations. Overhead lighting fixtures should also be firmly anchored in place.

If you have a furnishes apartment or built in storage, make sure that the doors fasten shut so items do not fall out or fly around the room causing more damage.

If you have had earthquakes in the past and feel that one is probably likely in the region of your retail units you can give your tenants a package when they move in providing them with instructions to survive an earthquake in the safest way possible. Highlight the safest places for them to retreat to during the earthquake and instruct them to check for gas leaks and possible electrical damage caused by appliances shifting and shaking, you’ll want to make repairs immediately.

Protect your Rental Property through Regular Maintenance

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

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Creative Commons License photo credit: MinnaertOne of the best ways to protect your rental property and tenants is through regular maintenance. This is something that many rental property owners neglect because they are too lazy or busy to do so. While you may be able to get away with this for a while, you never know when a small problem that could be prevented through regular maintenance will turn into something much more serious. (more…)

Buying Waterfront Property

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Is your dream to wake up each morning and gaze out across the water, watching it gracefully lap the edge of your property? If it is then there are some great deals to be had in today’s housing market but there is more to consider than just the price and the view. Buying waterfront property is a big investment that can make your dream come true or turn into a nightmare.

Your first step is thinking about what you actually want to do on the water near your home. Are you a boater, a skier, a fan of fishing or are you content to simply sit and watch the water. Once you determine what the waterfront property will do for you then you need to examine the properties you see with that in mind and visit them at different times of the day and week. What seems like a completely peaceful lake on a Wednesday evening might be a loud and raucous party place on the weekends. And remember that sound carries.

You’ll also need to check out the local laws concerning the shore of your property and the water itself. Some states declare all of the state’s water as public property and they have strict guidelines on what you can do to the land butting up against the water. Learn everything you can before you dive into buying waterfront property.

Do it yourself Repairs can turn into Big Jobs

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

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As a landlord or property owner you need to know what type of do it yourself repairs you can handle. On the same token, you need to know when to get the help of a professional who has more experience. Do it yourself repairs can turn into big jobs that cost a lot of money if you do not take care of the situation the first time around. (more…)

Unusual Monasteries & Cathedrals

Monday, May 18th, 2009

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Since their inception, holy buildings have aspired to pay tribute to the god or gods their worshippers pay homage to. Modern churches rise into the sky, and in the middle age they were often the tallest buildings their people would ever see. Ancient temples could be built to such magnitudes that even today, thousands of years later, they are still considered wonders of the world. But not all are magnificent due to their architecture; others are just flat-out amazing for their location. A small chapel impossibly built on the side of a cliff may be just as awe-inspiring as a towering cathedral. If there’s one thing holy sites can teach us all, it’s that when the goal is to impress, location can sometimes mean everything. (more…)