If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Want more frequent updates follow me on Twitter. Thanks for visiting!

Being a landlord or a property manager can be a very rewarding business, but it also has its downfalls and the legal aspects tend to be a pretty overwhelming aspect for many people. How do you know when to handle a problem yourself and when to involve an attorney? The following five situations are ones where having an attorney’s advice may be your best bet.

A Personal Injury Case

If a tenant is claiming that they became sick or injured because of you did, failed to do or because of your property, you’ll want to have an attorney represent you. These cases can quickly add up and lawyers as well as plaintiffs are looking for big bucks. If you have liability insurance your insurance company may provide you with an attorney.

Discrimination Cases

If you’re being investigated or sued for discrimination you may want to hire a lawyer, if your local housing agency has decided that the case has some merit and they’re proceeding then you’ll probably want to hedge your bets and hire legal help.

Evictions

Not all evictions require legal assistance, in fact many do not. But if this is your first eviction or the tenant is fighting the eviction you want to be well armed so you don’t have to let the tenant continue residing in your property.

Property Damage Cases

If something about your property caused damage to a tenant’s property you may need an attorney. It will depend on your insurance company and how they wish to proceed with the case.

Tax Audits

Taxes are a tricky area and you’ll be going up against some of the most experienced professionals in the field so having an attorney’s support may be very useful.

Picking the right property manager can be a difficult task. Your situation is probably unique to your property and the duties that manager will be required to perform are varied. It’s important that you find the right property manager or management company for your particular needs so you?ll obviously have to assess what your needs are before you begin searching. Use the following tips to help you narrow your search. (more…)

photo credit: sscornelius

Do you want to add value to your home? Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you that one of the best ways of doing so is through a kitchen remodel. Of course, this is easier said than done. Not only does it take a lot of time and money to plan and complete a kitchen remodeling project, but you must also make the right decisions in order to ensure that you receive the benefit of added value.

(more…)

photo credit: Lexsion

Being a landlord is one thing, but being a good landlord is another. If you’re thinking about renting your property or getting into the landlord business then set your sights on being a good landlord and save yourself the headache and trauma of having bad tenants and facing future lawsuits. The following tips will help you in your effort to becoming a landlord that your tenants respect and may actually like.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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: 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.
(more…)

photo credit: zimpenfish

Like all businesses and business people, sometimes landlords, property managers and property owners get overwhelmed at times and resort to some shortcuts, but some of these shortcuts can be very detrimental to your business. Avoid the following shortcuts at all costs. (more…)

photo credit: seier+seier+seier

Are you a first time property manager? It’s a promising career and one you can make a small fortune at if you’re a good it. Follow the tips below and you’re certain to be a stronger, better property manager and happier with the job as well. (more…)