Rental Incentives: Involving Tenants in Renovations - 02/28/12 02:42 PM
NO * 1) if the the property is Pre-78 with lead abatement issues, the work involved should ALWAYS be done when the property is vacant; 2) in all liklihood, the tenants will want a RENT reduction while the work is being done and they are "inconvenienced"; 3) tenants will NOT see any improvement as being to their benefit and will certainly not appreciate a rental increase to cover the costs.
Upgrades * installing ceiling fans; microwaves, outside lighting should ALWAYS be done before the property is occupied so that the rent can be increased AND the owner can determine cost v … (3 comments)
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Who had a 2-Hour Wait Last Night and Gained 100,000 Followers on Twitter? - 02/28/12 10:04 AM
During last night's/this morning's Daytona 500, there was a 2 hour RED FLAG stop while track workers cleaned up a FIREY crash.
The driver of the #2 * Miller Lite/Blue Duce * Brad Keselowski had his phone in the car so he took a photo and tweeted it * the guys in the Fox Sports booth got his tweet and mentioned it on hair - within a hour * he had over 100,000 followers.
During the "fire" delay, viewers tweeted questions to drivers who were then out of their cars on the back-stretch of the track and they gathered around Brad's … (5 comments)
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AN OFTEN OVERLOOKED REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT AVENUE * Convert an OLDER home to Multi-Units - 02/28/12 04:35 AM
One of the BIG pitfalls of "converting" is not having the electrical service upgraded - even if the owner pays the electricity for the entire property's one electric meter, not having enough "service" to run blow dryers/computers/appliances limits the # of occupants and subsequently the income....
Via BILL CHERRY (BILL CHERRY, Real Estate Broker):
There is one statement about investments that is indisputable. If an asset does not earn a sufficient, regular cash return to its owner, it’s a speculation.
By definition it's not a true investment.
Investments are vehicles that earn their keep. The hope of capital gain, without sufficient … (3 comments)
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Time to Get a NEW Property Manager * Or how to find the RIGHT one! - 02/26/12 03:57 AM
I LOVE the recent Time to get a new Realtor posts so I am adapting them to Property Managers! 1. Your Property Manager requires a signed property management agreement BEFORE they come view your rental property......it's time to get a NEW Property Manager. 2. Your Property Manager took photos of the property VACANT and it is not on their website......it's time to get a NEW Property Manager. 3. Your Property Manager has a DATE stamp on the photos of your property (they have done an inspection with camera previously)....... it's time to get a NEW Property Manager. 4. You have to call or … (13 comments)
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More Homeowners Electing to HOLD Their CURRENT HOME as a LONG TERM Investment - 02/26/12 03:25 AM
I have been averaging 3 new-client property owner presentations a week since the beginning of the year. Most of these homeowners have been referred to me by a friend or area real estate professional or seen my blog. A few have seen my aggressive marketing on Craigslist when they have checked there for similar housing comps in their neighborhood.
NOBODY has told me they found me on Zillow or Trulia.
The following article in UPI outlines the shift in investor owners from foreclosure flips to buy and hold single family homes as long term investments.
Homeowners leaving the area and … (10 comments)
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UAW to fly ANTI-Romney Banner over the Daytona 500 * I doubt we'll see it on Fox - 02/26/12 03:05 AM
UAW * United Auto Workers will fly an ANTI-Romney banner over the Daytona 500 tomorrow afternoon. I doubt if TV viewers will see it as the race will be televised by FOX.
The premise is that had Romney's "do not bail out Detroit" advice been followed, there would be no cars in NASCAR......NOT TRUE.
FORD * 2 of Jack Roush's Fords are on the front row tomorrow, did NOT take the government bailout.
DODGE * except for 2 Penske cars and Robby Gordon's single entry * are the ONLY 3 cars in the 43 car field....Dodge has not supported their teams … (10 comments)
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Should a renter be evicted after foreclosure ? Not if they have followed Federal Law! - 02/24/12 05:09 AM
As of May, 2009, renters actually have RIGHTS to remain after foreclosure if they have followed the rules of this federal legislation. Slippery slope for tenants who have not paid rent to ANYONE which many do thinking that this is best.
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/renters-foreclosure-what-are-their-30064.html
Via Alison Creamer, Realtor, ABR, CDPE Virginia Beach , Virginia (Keller Williams Realty Hilltop):
http://bzibee.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/foreclosure-and-renters/ If a home is foreclosed on and has a person renting it still in a lease should the bank have to honor that lease as long at the renter is paying the rent ? This is one bill that is being investigated currently and would … (4 comments)
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What To Know When Renting An Atlanta Home Or Condo - 02/24/12 04:21 AM
I have had rental applicants tell me that my document requests are MORE invasive than applying for a mortgage - GOOD FOR ME! I am thorougth!
Via MyMidtownMojo.com Thomas Ramon Realty:
Atlanta GA Homes For Rent are much like buying a home. If it is priced right, and in great condition, it will not be on the market for long. As you start your search for an Atlanta GA Home For Rent, be prepared to act quickly or the home or condo you like may be gone! We want you to be prepared when you start your home search! These for renting … (3 comments)
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Rental Prospects NEED to Consider ALL Features of a Rental Property * It's Called Cost Of Housing - 02/24/12 03:42 AM
I showed a rental home today to a single, military officer with 2 dogs. The house is large, has a nice flat back yard where he can do a fence for his dogs and is 5 minutes from his office.
While we were walking around the property, he mentioned his military housing allowance was only $1200 and my property rent was $1,395.
When I asked him where the $1,200 home was, he indicated in the CITY and it was SMALLER......the City has much higher utility rates because they are having to finance improvements to their water/sewer/gas systems via consumer fees. … (13 comments)
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Renters That Want To Become Homeowners BETTER PAY THEIR RENT! - 02/22/12 12:40 PM
One of my 2012 resolutions is to e-mail residents 1x if their rent is late and THEN to serve pay or quit notices AND collect my late and notice fees.
So far in 2012 - 15% of my income for 2 months is late/notice fees from residents.
Via Lorraine or Loretta Kratz-Certified Negotiation Consultants (Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.):
A good rental history can help borrowers First-time home buyers planning to purchase a house later this year may have a better chance of qualifying for a mortgage if they have had a history of paying their rent … (3 comments)
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A Landlord's Work is NEVER Done * EVEN When He Is Running For POTUS! - 02/22/12 03:12 AM
GOP Presidential Candidate * Rick Santorum has taken the time from practically "living in Iowa" this summer and campaigning daily to replace President Obama next January * to send a rent demand letter to the SUBLETTERS of one of his five condos in State College, PA.
Although his units are managed by a professional property management firm, tenants were surprised to get letters directly from Santorum when their SUBtenants' rent had not been received. Evidently it worked and the rent got paid! KUDOS RICK!
http://www.centredaily.com/2012/02/22/3099340/students-shocked-by-landlord.html
… (15 comments)
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Security: It’s Not “Just a Girl Thing” Anymore * REkeying Locks is EASY w/Landlord Locks - 02/21/12 11:54 AM
There is a service called Landlord Locks * http://www.landlordlocks.com/ * that landlords can purchase and STILL have a master key and change cylinders for new residents....very inexpensive and gives residents peace of mind
Via Carie Shapiro (Real Estate Broker-TX & IL; Real Estate Instructor-IL):
In my quest to find a new apartment in Chicago many years ago, I remember asking a potential landlord if he could please change the locks prior to my move in. I explained to him that I was a single girl living alone, and I would feel more comfortable knowing there were no duplicate keys to my apartment floating around. … (6 comments)
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Do I Really Have Too? Then I'll do it for you * Reduce RENT until it is RENTED! - 02/21/12 04:08 AM
I advise would-be property owner clients that I will be reducing the rent for their property $50 every 2 weeks until it is rented when it is VACANT....they blink and realize that the sooner it is RENTED the sooner their cash flow begins
Via JOSH EVANS *JoshEvansHomes 516-655-5000 (Village Properties of Mineola, LLC):
Call my homeowner and told her to drop her price or hire another agent. She must think I'm nuts. I keep telling her to lower the price of her home and she just doesn't listen. So I called her and told her if she doesn't drop the price, she … (1 comments)
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Trulia And Zillow Waste My Time. Their RENTAL Inquiries are WORTHLESS!~ - 02/21/12 04:04 AM
Here! Hear! When I get a Zillow/Trulia rental inquiry, I'll REdirect them 1X to my website and if they continue to deal with Zillow or Trulia contact option and not viewing the property with 30+ photos VACANT and the floor plans and contact/inquiry option, I do not deal with them any more.
My website host * HERO/HomeRentals.net * automatically allows my listings to migrate - I wish they would not. HotPads * YES~
Via JOSH EVANS *JoshEvansHomes 516-655-5000 (Village Properties of Mineola, LLC):
I get more phone calls from Trulia and Zillow than I get from actual buyers. What's up with that's. … (6 comments)
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Does referring to real estate sales as "in the business" sound bad? NO! it SOUNDS Right! - 02/20/12 10:09 AM
If WE doe not say we are in BUSINE$$, who will? I disagree with Bryan's position on this...and say Absolutely NOT! It is a BUSINE$$ and it is OUR BUSINE$$ and the more we discuss it as a BUSINE$$ and not a SERVICE or an INDUSTRY or a PROFESSION the better!
Via Bryan Robertson, Los Altos REALTOR Los Altos Real Estate - Homes For Sale (Sereno Group - Los Altos):
I used to be in the high-tech industry in engineering and marketing of hardware, software, and consulting services. At no point in that career did I ever hear anyone ask a colleague … (3 comments)
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Be careful with the contractors you hire - Angie/Smangie * Ask a Property Manager! - 02/20/12 09:24 AM
Angie/Smangie! If you want a GOOD referral * Ask a property manager...I have excellent resources for repair and maintenance services including carpeting and carpeting repairs.
Via Debbie Gartner - Westchester Flooring -Hardwood Floors Carpet Tile Refinish - (Floor Coverings International Westchester NY & Stamford CT):
I'm sure many of you can relate to this situation...life is overwhelming...due to unexpected circumstances you need to sell your home (in this case due to a death in family). You are busy trying to make ends meet and know you need to make some home improvements to sell, but you don't have much money....
...so … (3 comments)
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It's The American Way...President's Day - 02/20/12 07:44 AM
Carl * thank you for this reminder. I watched the FoxSnooze show on President George H.W. Bush last night. Very inspiring and few realize how VOLUNTEERISM has featured so much in his family's public and private lives.
Via CARL & CEIL WINTERS Canyon Lake/New Braunfels /San Antonio (Complete Inspection Service):
President's Day Being President of the United States is and has always been a huge job. Today is the day we take to honor and remember our present and past presidents - dating back to 1880. Originally it was called George Washington day and called to celebrate Washington's Birthday. Over the years, Presidents Day has become more … (5 comments)
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6 Quick and Easy Tips to Increase Traffic to Your Real Estate Website - 02/20/12 06:39 AM
I need to REfresh my e-mail and ActiveRain profile signatures with these good suggestions!
I print my own business cards and my outside BLOG address is on the back....
Via www.DaveYourMortgageGuy.com, FHA, VA, USDA, HomePath, Jumbo:
The key to being found on Google Searches is simple, the more visits(hits) you get the more popular your page looks to Google. Good content is the biggest key to this. But sometimes we need to help people find our website. Here are 6 quick and easy tips to help folks find your website and increase your traffic:
1. Email Signature- Think of all the … (2 comments)
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Kudos Agents! You've Sold Your Clients' Home * Do You Work With Them to Find a New Rental Home? - 02/20/12 04:01 AM
I received a late night e-mail from a woman who was OVERjoyed to have her current home go UNDER CONTRACT in 5 days.
After CONGRATULATING her and her agent on their efforts, I gave her the lowdown on what she needs to do if she wants to secure a rental home while she and her husband decide whether to buy or build their next residence.....she was VERY surprised at my suggestions.
1) Her home had sold because there are NEW-hires moving into the area who are looking for good homes in good school districts that are close to their new … (26 comments)
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With Tenants Staying LONGER * Pricing Property Rents BECOMES a SCIENCE NOT LUCK - 02/20/12 01:11 AM
I spent yesterday, Saturday, finishing 50 rent renewal offer letters. I send out a letter with any change in terms AND lease term renewals AND rent increases. RARELY do I NOT increase rents even if the current rent is MARKET or ABOVE.
Since I have FIXED TERM LEASES, I use this renewal process to..............................
CHANGE THE TERMS of TENANCY * For those properties under our county water authority, I am notifying residents that if their water bill goes deliquent and the owners or I are notified of these deliquencies, the SECOND time this happens, there will be a $25 charge.
… (10 comments)
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DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION BEFORE VIEWING THE RENTAL? I JUST WANT TO LOOK AT IT. - 02/19/12 06:48 PM
I PREqualify via e-mail or phone and I require completed rental applications for all adult applicants PRIOR to scheduling a viewing of an occupied property - for my and my residents security and peace of mind.
Via Harry F. D'Elia, Investor , Mentor, CSSN Radio Coach, REOs, Networker, ePRO, CDPE (Properties R Us LLC):
DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION BEFORE VIEWING THE RENTAL? I JUST WANT TO LOOK AT IT.
I talk to several people on a daily basis inquiring about my available rentals from online advertising. The Phoenix rental market continues to get stronger as more and … (2 comments)
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Make Your Rental Home An Investment ~ Not A Revolving Bank Account...HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGER! - 02/19/12 07:05 AM
I met with a client/property owner on Friday - he and his wife had tried so sell the home when they moved to NC 6 years ago - they got one of my direct-mail pieces and after a YEAR of the home sitting vacant and not selling, I've been rening it for 5 years with NO vacancy.
He is so pleased with his INVESTMENT, the potential for it being a long-term investment AND that I have taken the potential headaches from their concern!
Via Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner (KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate):
Rent Price. Here is … (4 comments)
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Home for Lease * Available NOW * 5 Min to NGIC * CHO * DIA * $1,395 * Pet OK - 02/19/12 04:54 AM
Rental Home - Ruckersville, VA Single family rental,
… (0 comments)
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Lake Monticello Home for Lease * $1365 * July 1 Occupancy * Walk to Main Beach/Pool & Tennis - 02/19/12 04:52 AM
Rental Home - Lake Monticello, VA Single family rental,
… (1 comments)
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LARGE Home for Rent at Lake Monticello,VA * $1595 * July 1 Occupancy * 15 Min to UVa Med Cntr - 02/19/12 04:49 AM
Rental Home - Lake Monticello, VA Single family rental,
… (0 comments)
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VIRGINIA Landlord Reported Capital Suicide Bomber Suspect to Police * One and a Half YEARS AGO! - 02/18/12 03:29 AM
His VIRGINIA landlord says he reported that he thought the suspect suicide bomber arrested at the US Capital yesterday was a TERRORIST.....guess he was correct.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAPITOL_ARREST?SITE=CAVEN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Much like the 9/11 hijackers who rented in single family home for CASH in Florida when the were taking "flight lessons" and whose landlord LOVED that they paid on time and never complained, this is their renting MO.
In the case of Amine El Kahlafi yesterday, his gun did not work and he had been under surveillance by authorities; however, KUDOS to the VIRGINIA landlord for taking the initiative of reporting his resident - … (14 comments)
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Why Rick Santorum Would Be a Realtor's Nightmare - 02/16/12 09:48 PM
I nearly choked on my coffee this morning seeing the principal association leader saying SHE/her association knew what was BETTER for kids than say THEIR PARENTS.
The FEDERAL government needs to be OUT of our education process - including funding. It can be state or local and get the federal government out of it.
....yes, I went to private school almost 50 years ago and my younger sister was a public school teacher for 30 years.
Having been told 20+ years ago that had I had breast cancer the YEAR BEFORE, I would have 300 implants to select for my reconstructive … (5 comments)
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Finding a Great Renter Using a Tenant Screening Report - 02/16/12 09:39 PM
I've never heard you can't ask the # of children. You can ask the # of members in their family because you want to know how many adults who are going to supply you with their COMPLETED RENTAL APPLICATIONS.
I received an application today where the prospect had filed for bankruptcy less than a year ago. I am glad I PRE-screened him before disturbing my current residents and arranging a viewing.....NEXT!
Via Zach Devine (RentApp.com):
Some property managers make the mistake of using a generic tenant screening report with very few insightful questions. These individuals often fail to take a close look … (0 comments)
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Guidelines To Follow When Rent Is Not Paid - 02/16/12 06:36 PM
One of the HARDEST things for DIY landlords to REALIZE is that they can not be their tenant's FRIEND. Knowing the process and serving and filing notices in the proper sequence is the BEST policy for rent collection!
Via DEBORAH STONE (Hogue and Belong Bankers Hill- San Diego, CA):
Be friendly but never friends with your tenant.
If you are in this business for respect, get out asap. Tenants don't pay rent out of respect, they pay to avoid the pain of late fees or eviction.
No pain, no gain! Jut like kids tenants won't do what you want until there … (1 comments)
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Who says you Can't Teach OLD DOGS Their OLD TRICKS? Yes! It's NASCAR, Baby! - 02/15/12 06:25 AM
Two VERY nice FEEL GOOD stories of this years Daytona Speedweeks are that Michael Waltrip starting for the 75th time at Daytona - Michael won the Daytona 500 in 2001 - the year Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was killed - will be behind the wheel of a Cup entry.
Working a deal with a Cup team from last year which had the necessary "owner points", Michael will drive the #40 for his LONG-TIME sponsor, AARON'S. Mark Martin will be in the famed #55 Toyota for Michael's team * MWR. Michael and Mark will share the driving duties in this car for 2012. … (7 comments)
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Forest Lakes Home for Lease * LARGE 5 Bedroom Home * $2795 - Available July 1 - 02/14/12 07:04 AM
$2795 / 5br - Move-in July 1 * SUPER Large Home w/InLaw/Teen Suite * 2-Car Garage (Forest Lakes South * 5 Min to NGIC) Date: 2012-02-14, 7:01AM ESTReply to: see below
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Single family rental, … (2 comments)
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Whose is your VALENTINE Today? Thank those who have HELPED you be SUCCESSFUL! - 02/14/12 06:21 AM
… (12 comments)
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Why Do You Need a Property Manager? THEN HIRE A PROPERTY MANAGER! - 02/12/12 05:11 PM
IMHO * FEW Realtor/real estate agents can actually make the change to "the dark side" successfully.
A successful real estate agent * unless properly TRAINED * does not have the skills or resources to do an EFFECTIVE service to their property management clients.
Witness Jon's comment * good property managers know their value and if a real estate firm treats them as a profit center and not a "stand alone" specialty, they often go elsewhere - usually out on their own!
Via Sharon Kolb,Broker - Atlanta Decatur Homes (Atlanta Decatur Homes):
Why Do You Need a Property Manager? Posted on February 12, … (10 comments)
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Beautiful Presentation of a Rental Listing on Craigslist! Why Dates on the Photos? - 02/12/12 11:50 AM
I'm not sure why they bother - they have a blog with NOTHING in it and a REALLY GREAT listing html for posting on Craigslist and ALL of their PHOTOS have distracting dates on them * dating from 2007 through to 2011. They have a photo of a ceiling fan AND wire hangars in a closet.
… (6 comments)
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Prescreening Prospective Tenant Inquiries * NOT Qualifying is NOT just about FINANCES - 02/11/12 10:40 AM
SMART DIY landlords and professional property managers know that PREscreening tenant prospects saves EVERYONE and $$$.
Having a PREscreening phone script or e-mail response is KEY to starting this process and the questions and responses will assist landlords/property managers in determining if the NEXT Step is appropriate.
Although my rental inquiries usually come through my website with some PREscreening questions, I like to ask them again just in case.
1) When are you moving? If their answer is vague or more than 30 days off from the available date of the property they are inquiring about, I tell them I need … (7 comments)
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Politics and NASCAR * Boogity! Boogity! Let's go racin' boys! - 02/10/12 07:21 PM
I saw it on FoxSnooze this week and have been on the lookout for it in my NASCAR alerts.
The CONSERVATIVE political organization * American Majority * will be sponsoring the #81 NASCAR Nationwide entry of the MacDonald Motorsports beginning with the race prior to the Daytona 500.
Ned Ryun * founder of American Majority * is the son of former US Congressman and world-class runner, Jim Ryun.
When I saw Ryun's interview on TV outside the FoxSnooze studio in NYC this week, it did not a surprise to me that their race car was a DODGE as these cars are … (2 comments)
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Rental Property Rates are MORE about DEMAND and CONDITION than Square Footage! - 02/10/12 01:01 PM
I'm mentoring a local real estate firm with their property management program. Their sales agent/property manager wanted to know HOW I get such high rents for my rental homes?
I had to think about it and realized that I KNOW the CURRENT * often weekly * RENTAL MARKET and I KNOW that the RENTAL VALUE is in the CONDITION of the property and the TIME it is AVAILABLE.
These issues are RARELY in the mix for buying a home because the reward for the Seller to give the Buyer occupancy on their timeline is included in the negotiations - not so … (6 comments)
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Rental Prospects SEARCHING Like They Are Buying ARE in for a RUDE AWAKENING! - 02/10/12 07:34 AM
I'm BACK in showing/renting mode after renting almost everything I had available in November and taking a "breather" for December/January.
For 2012, I've decided to PREscreen better via phone and e-mail contacts; require confirming phone call an hour before the showing appointment AND to get completed application paperwork ASAP in the process.
I already require completed rental applications prior to scheduling a viewing of an occupied property which has cut down on showings to unqualified applicants.
My 2012 resolutions were SOLIDIFIED with a showing last Saturday where the rental prospect brought her high school friend/real estate agent and talked to him … (10 comments)
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ActiveRain - Sidebar Content * Put your RENTAL LISTINGS Here! - 02/09/12 06:28 AM
You can put your rental listings on the SIDEBAR of your AR blog..I have 3 of my listings in the SMALL postlets html and my NASCAR glitter flag - I found it somewhere and it took me an hour to get it there! It's STAYING!
Via Craig Daniels - Technology Instructor/Project Consultant (located NYC - remote assistance everywhere! :):
In your ActiveRain blog, there are quite a few customizable elements that you have control over. It is like moving into a house though, there are so many things on your "to-do" list that you start with "first-things-first" and then eventually you … (8 comments)
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The 4 Miracles of a Business Card * Even Property Managers Need to be AWARE of These for Business! - 02/08/12 07:46 PM
This is SO important * I have my website, blog and QR code in my PRIMARY e-mail signature and I print my own business cards so that I can print on the BACK - my website and blog address.
My "communication" effort is my 4x4 QR code stickers on my signs, cars, office - EVERYWHERE....the back windows of my cars for when people are stopped behind my car at a stop light asking who is that "masked woman" with the strange license plate!
Via Thomas J. Nelson (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
Do you use an e-mail signature?
You know the "tag" … (2 comments)
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Home Maintenance Tip SAFETY - SMOKE DETECTORS - 02/08/12 10:57 AM
Via David Selman (Selman Home Inspections):
Home Maintenance Tip - Smoke Detectors
It always surprises home inspectors that one of the primary safety items is often overlooked, smoke detectors. These warning devices could save your life or the life of a loved one.
According to Today's Texas Standards of Practice, smoke detectors should be installed near the ceiling in bedrooms and each adjacent hallway. There should also be one at each story of the home, one in the kitchen and one in the garage.
In newer homes, the smoke detectors are interconnected so that if one goes off, they … (1 comments)
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There is an ART to Providing a CURRENT Landlord Reference! Shuhh...It is NOT a "Given" for Residents - 02/07/12 08:13 AM
One of the "profit center" fees I thought I would never charge I am now charging - for RENTAL/Landlord verifications.
I have a policy of ONLY providing this information IN WRITING with a copy to the new landlord AND a copy to my residents * NO She Said/He Said if their new landlord blames ME and the information I am providing for their not getting their new rental home.
I also charge a $25 "forms fee" for this. I started charging this fee when I was getting Rental Verifications from multiple lenders when departing residents were buying a new house … (7 comments)
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Posting listings on Craigslist? Do it RIGHT to Reap the Benefits! - 02/06/12 07:43 PM
Craigslist is AWESOME and the price-is-right; however, as someone who posts aggressively 6 days a week, knowing the system is the BEST way to cut down on SCAMMERS and get the best responses.
Getting started right is easy with Cracking the Craigslist Code - even with recent CL changes, this FREE document should be in every real estate office AND read by agents to stay in tune with the posting options!
http://crackingthecraigslistcode.com/
Via WebTech Dezine, Gabrielle Jeans Real Estate Coach:
There are a multitude of online classified ad sites, but only a few are really worth posting your listings to regularly. Craig’s … (11 comments)
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A Homeowner's Decision - Evaluating An Investment Property * Sounds like they need a PROPERTY MANAGER - 02/06/12 10:51 AM
It is interesting when I go for a property management presentation and get questions about "tenants destroying" rental property. I know the owner has been on some DIY landlord sites and read "horror stories". Most DIY landlords do NOT have the resources, skills or education to manage their investment property successfully * hiring a property manager will actually save them money and headaches and we are cheaper than an attorney!
Via Donna Williams (Buyers Advantage Real Estate Corporation):
How do you handle decisions related to your investment property(s)? Most folks who are not professional investors, just do the same thing year after … (2 comments)
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For me – I ain’t buying the 8.3% unemployment rate released last Friday. - 02/06/12 07:40 AM
I agree * the FoxSnooze folks on the Kirby couch are some of the FEW who are actually delving into how these %s are calculated.
When you are OUT or UNDERemployed, your UNEMPLOYMENT is 100%
Via Ed Newman (Alamo Infrared Energy Audits & Building Inspections):
For me – I ain’t buying the 8.3% unemployment rate released last Friday.
There are 140M working people in the US and a 10% UER would mean 14M out of work
Last Friday’s monthly UER was 8.3% or 11.6M out of work. There are 4M that have left the workforce, given up, no … (12 comments)
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When advertising your listing ---- what words should you stay away from? Check the list TWICE to see the source! - 02/06/12 06:22 AM
I suspect this MLS is working from an OLD and outdated list of words published by the OPA * Oregon Publishers Association and later blessed by the National Newspaper Association and which has been disavowed by HUD.
10 years ago, I attempted to place the term "single family home" in a local newspaper classified ad and it was rejected - I had to get a "clarification" from the legal rep at NNA before the local newspaper realized the list they had had been the basis for an actual HUD ruling. While NNA had done extensive outreach to members about this list … (8 comments)
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$84,000,000 for 12 minutes work? and people think Realtors make too much! - 02/05/12 07:23 PM
According to Forbes, The Mags' half-time show is worth $84,000,000 IF she was getting paid - which she is not.
Typically, entertainers would have to appear 20+ times on LENO to get the media exposure that a half-time show at the Super Bowl will generate.
The "Peas" did not get paid and with Mags having a new movie, W.E., coming out this month and a new CD in March, this exposure is priceless.
While she won't get paid, all of her expenses ARE being paid for including dancers, musicians, transportation, lodgings.
… (4 comments)
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Do you KNOW A Mrs. Murphy? You should if you WANT to Avoid Fair Housing Issues. - 02/05/12 05:58 AM
What every real estate agent has heard and few remember is that there are EXEMPTIONS to the FEDERAL Fair Housing Act.
One of those exemptions is the Mrs. Murphy's rule OR Mrs. Murphy's Exemption under the FHA. This exemption provides that if a "dwelling" has four or fewer rental units and the OWNER lives in one of those units, that the home is exempt from the FHA. There really is no Mrs. Murphy * she is a fictional elderly widow who has converted her home into a rental or boarding house to supplement her income.
NOW, with the economic downturn, there … (50 comments)
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Why do homes buyers and renters ask about utility costs? - 02/04/12 01:48 PM
I ask owner/clients about utility costs during my property management presentation at the property. When asked by a tenant prospect, I provide those number$ with a caveat as to the # of occupants and if anyone was working from home.
Via Bryan Robertson, Los Altos REALTOR Los Altos Real Estate - Homes For Sale (Sereno Group - Los Altos):
Every so often you get this question "How much are the utilities?" from either a home buyer or a prospective tenant. They usually want to know the average monthly cost of the water, gas, power, garbage, and sewer (or septic) before they make a … (8 comments)
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Rewards for being a debtor.. Punishment for those that are not. NOW Can We Talk About SELLER FINANCING?! - 02/04/12 06:52 AM
I have a baloon payment on an investment home I own that matures in 2 years. I am going to PAY OFF THIS MORTGAGE so that I can either 1) move into it if need be; 2) continue to rent it and live off the rental income; 3) SELL the home and take back SELLER FINANCING * I don't see the DOWN SIDE of owning a home with no mortgage -
Via Judi Barrett~Integrity Real Estate Services~Idabel, Oklahoma:
Rewards for being a debtor.. Punishment for those that are not.
I write this blog with mixed feelings. I believe in helping folks … (8 comments)
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I'm Just Giving You the COLD HARD Truth Up In Here! Why I DO NOT Take Over-Priced Rental Listings! - 02/04/12 06:35 AM
I got a phone call from a local homeowner inquiring about renting his house and in the fashion that these "cold calls" usually go, he was hesitant to give me his address * like I was going to come over there and stuff his mailbox with my literature! He should BE so LUCKY.
After some basic questions, I gleaned that 1) he had a LARGE rural home that he was in the process of finishing off the basement himself; 2) he has at least 2 mortgages on it and he bought at the HEIGHT of the sales market; 3) he loves … (85 comments)
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LARGE Home for Rent at Lake Monticello * Available July 1 * $1495 * 15 Min to UVa Med Center - 02/04/12 06:00 AM
HTML>Rental Home - Lake Monticello, VA Single family rental,
… (0 comments)
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Know when to NOT Renew a Tenant's Lease * Lease Renewals are NOT just for INCREASES - 02/03/12 06:54 AM
I've been working on my lease renewal spreadsheet for 2012. With fixed term leases, I task residents with advising ME in February if they wish to renew their lease for another 12 months.
While many do not do this, for the last 3 weeks, residents have been e-mailing and sticking notes with their rent checks that they want to RENEW their leases.
Although I try to warn residents of the issues effecting non-renewal of their lease * 2 pay or quit notices in 12 months * excessive maintenance requests (dripping faucets that do not drip when the plumber checks) * these … (10 comments)
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I like being a STEP BEHIND * I see BETTER from HERE! All the Way to the BANK! - 02/01/12 07:06 AM
I DO like being a STEP BEHIND.....NO, I'm not in Dale Jr's entourage.......I just know my "comfort zone" for how I conduct my business.
I have been mentoring several local newbie property managers for the last several years. One group has expanded their business and NOW I am following them in the number of properties and clients I manage.
For the last several years, we have had the same property management software, website provider, used the same service vendors. NOW they have now out-grown all of those AND they want to "do it in the CLOUD".
I'm fine with pencil … (15 comments)
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