Failing to PLAN is like PLANNING to FAIL! - 07/30/12 04:48 PM
I learned a long time ago to count on Mondays being unique in the property management business.
I don't post my rental listings on Craigslist on Mondays because I am usually too busy handling repair and maintenance requests that my residents ONLY thought about on the WEEKEND and being the end of the month, move-ins and outs are scheduled.
I also have a new client who moved out of his unit yesterday so while I was putting a key box on his vacant property and writing an e-mail for my house cleaners to schedule cleaning ASAP, I received a call from my … (32 comments)

Available Aug 15th * Newly Painted w/New Carpet * Forest Lakes North Home for Lease * $1,695 - 07/29/12 05:22 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Single family rental,
… (6 comments)

LARGE Mosty Mountain Home * Available NOW * $3,295 * 10 min to UVa Med Center - 07/29/12 05:13 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Single family rental,
… (0 comments)

Forest Lakes South Townhouse * Availble NOW * $1,595 - Full Walk-Out Basement - 07/29/12 05:11 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Townhouse rental,
… (1 comments)

Do I Need a Digital Thermostat in My New RENTAL Home? THESE a GREAT UPGRADES! - 07/29/12 03:10 AM
I'm tasking my "make-ready" crew to install programable thermostats in my rental properties - they are really helpful in keeping homes at a stable temperature AND they save money by adjusting the temps when the residents are asleep or not at home.
If tenants are unfamiliar with their operation, it is easy to learn how to operate from the manufacturer's website
Via John Ceranic (Maronda Homes):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When you are building a home, many decisions must be made, including whether to get a traditional or digital thermostat. While some gadgets tend to be nothing but hype, … (3 comments)

Pest Management for Property Managers - 07/27/12 08:43 AM
DEFINING pests is the first major issue for property managers as legislation is often vague on the subject....tasking residents in single family homes with the removal of their own pests is one of the JOYS of my lease.
Meanwhile - bedbugs are becoming the landlords' responsibility as more states adopt legislation on the issue!
Via Michael Monteiro (Buildium.com):
By Rose McMillan, Terminix, Atlanta, GA
If you are a property manager, you may think that the idea of calling an exterminator is a nightmare. While dealing with pests of any sort is no picnic, it is far better than simply letting the infestation get … (1 comments)

What to do when there isn’t a credit report! - 07/27/12 02:58 AM
All tenants must be screen equally in order to comply with the Fair Housing Act.
The SECRET is to have a screen process that ACKNOWLEDGES the lack of a credit report for foreign residents - proof of employment, copy of passport or VISA, copy of letter from sponsoring organization or employer....while your statement is correct - the EXPERIENCED property manager has a BROADER screening criteria so that no credit report is not an issue.
Via Heather Barber:
Typically when looking to screen tenants, the owner or management company goes straight to a credit report to review for qualification on the tenants.
What happens … (8 comments)

HBO Developing a Half-Hour TV Show * The Landlord - 07/25/12 06:38 PM
According to the Chicago Tribune, HBO is developing a half-hour TV show about a LANDLORD.
The premise will be that a CA college professor with "Utopian delusions" drags his family into the unforgiving netherworld of small-town America when he inherts a shabby apartment building.
They are really going to have to be CREATIVE to have this premise work...there have been some GREAT CA landlord MOVIES and TV shows!
 

 

 
… (10 comments)

YIKES! Your Tenant Applicant Has a Service Animal = A MINIATURE HORSE - 07/25/12 04:43 PM
With a change in the FEDERAL ADA rules in 2010 and several state legislatures changing their own ADA rules, miniature horses who have been trained to service persons with diabilities are now covered as service animals and may be required to be allowed in apartments, schools and YES, airplanes.

Miniature horses are gaining in popularity because they have excellent eyesight AND they live three times longer than dogs.  The cost of training a "service dog" can exceed $20,000 so for someone with a permanent disability such as being wheel-chair bound or blind, having a longer term service animal is a … (4 comments)

I'm HAPPY to NEGOTIATE * JUST Do Not Make It PERSONAL - 07/25/12 10:49 AM
I have a tenant who wants to renew his lease/tenancy for 2 months past his current lease end date of Friday, August 17th.
I have offered him the renewal term he wanted at a $50 per month increase.  I've made this offer twice and he has rejected it.
I sent him his move-out check-out instructions today via e-mail and he replies that he is not leaving until the end of October.
Back and forth and I provide him with a copy of his SIGNED extension notice whereby he agrees to vacate by noon on the 17th and I again make him … (86 comments)

Single-Family Homes for Rentals * I VOTE YES! - 07/24/12 03:25 AM
SFR rental properties are a GREAT way to start investing in real estate and many of my NEW clients are renting homes that they can not SELL and will be renting when they move from the area...easy to get comps, easy to finance and GREAT to RENT!
Via Chris \ Patty Clark Real Estate Broker Aurora Homes for Sale 720-231-5200 (Serving the Denver Metro Area since 1979):
Single-Family Homes for Rentals                                      Single-family homes used for rental property have distinct advantages over other types of investments.
An investor can borrow 75-80% at fixed interest rates on … (6 comments)

NBC’s Today Show Features AC scams! Want Good Service Providers? Ask a Property Manager! - 07/23/12 03:24 AM
AC SCAMS are the CARPET CLEANING SCAMS of 10 years ago...dealing with reputable service providers is the best advice!
When I do a new property presentation, I ask the owners who their current service providers are so that I have their names and contact information in my file.  I frequently get owners who have attemped to contact their AC and plumbing company for a REvisit and they find they are no longer listed or have a phone #.....Want good AC provider, ask a property manager!
Via Heather Barber:
NBC’s Today Show aired a story about the questionable ethics of air conditioning repair and service … (5 comments)

Carpet Dyeing Norfolk Virginia * Property Managers KNOW This Trick! It WORKS! - 07/23/12 03:02 AM
Carpet dying is a REALLY LOST art and finding someone who can "do it right" is a great treasure. I've had light carpet died shades darker and saved my clients lots of money!
Via Marcus Rice - Richmond VA & Henrico, Chesterfield County Real Estate Services (RE/MAX Allegiance - The Marcus Rice Team):
Finding your Richmond, VA. dream home has never been easier, use our links to get started.

WWW.RICHMONDVAHOME.COM
WWW.RICHMONDHOMESEARCH.NET
The Marcus & Tonya Rice Team specializes in Richmond, Va, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, Hanover County, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Fort Lee Homes and Real Estate for sale. … (5 comments)

The Looming new Real Estate tax....STOP THIS INSANITY, PLEASE! - 07/22/12 05:45 PM
STOP THIS - don't write about something you do not know about.....it is NOT a tax on real estate transactions....Google it and learn before you scare the home buying public and continue this hoax.
3.8% tax ABOVE the Capital Gains threshold....learn about capital gains and about how this tax will apply to your clients SO THAT YOU CAN ADVISE THEM APPROPRIATELY when you READ or HEAR incorrect information.
Realtors president Moe Veissi: It’s not a tax on real estate across the board. It’s not a transfer tax. It applies only in some cases on capital gains, and normally on a much higher … (2 comments)

For the record, I drive a Honda Civic - 07/22/12 06:04 AM
VERY FUNNY!  As a real estate agent who wears a ROLEX and drives a LEXUS I can relate...although my parking assist alarm would have gone off a nano-second before my door was hit!
Via Mike Montague (sales representative : Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc.):

A real estate agent opens the door of his BMW when suddenly a car comes along and hits the door, ripping it off completely.When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, the agent is complaining bitterly about the damage to his precious BMW.“Officer, look what they’ve done to my Beeeemer!,” he whines.“You Realtors are so … (18 comments)

What are the most important TEN SECONDS in Real Estate??? - 07/22/12 05:34 AM
I am so fortunate that I have the SELECTIVITY to be able to JUST SAY NO!  Call 2 landscapers for bids, make sure they haul the debris away and call me when it is cleaned up!
Via Scott Godzyk, One of Manchester NH's Leading Agents (Godzyk Real Estate Services):
What you may not know is that 10 seconds can make or break any Real Estate Deal. Nearly every buyer wants to drive by a home before going inside. Within 10 seconds they will decide if they want to see inside or if they will keep on driving to the next home skipping over … (5 comments)

Move-in NEXT WEEK * Gently Used Sycamore Square Home w/Garage * $1,755 - 07/22/12 04:49 AM
Rental Home - Palmyra, VA Single family rental,
… (0 comments)

Redfields ONE Level Townhome * Available Aug 1 * 2 Bedroom * Garage $1,395 - 07/22/12 04:46 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Patio home rental,
… (0 comments)

Forest Lakes NORTH Home * Walk to Pool & Tennis * Available Aug 15 * $1695 - 07/22/12 04:45 AM
 
… (0 comments)

Forest Lakes Townhouse * Walk-Out Basement Storage $ $1,595 * Available NOW - 07/22/12 04:43 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Townhouse rental,
… (1 comments)

LIES, LIES AND DAMNABLE LIES - 07/22/12 03:53 AM
It is GREAT to have a perspective from someone who has voted in an election where Mitt ran before.  I hope he wins and that George Allen is REelected to HIS seat in the US Senate!
Via Webster, Ma Conrad Allen, Realtor (Re/Max Professional Asociates):
I have been in Southwest Florida for the last week.  Every other ad is a presidential one.  I am from Massachusetts so I have a familiarity with Mitt Romney.  I absolutely do not agree with all of his positions.  Have I changed my opinions in the last 40 years?  Of course!  I am more mature and experienced.  I … (34 comments)

What Homebuyers are Interested in Today - 07/21/12 02:48 PM
Although mentioning homebuyers, these items are also a concern to tenants....many are downsizing and need storage to organize and they want all appliances including washer & dryer
Via Ilyce Glink (Think Glink Publishing):
In this tumultuous market, housing prices have dramatically decreased since 2010. It’s surprising then that most people purchasing a home today are still looking for bigger models.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the types of homes purchased in the last year have greater floor space compared to previous years. You may have noticed this with some of your own clients, but today’s homebuyers are approaching the house … (1 comments)

Changing Property Manager is NOT Like Changing NASCAR Crew Chief - 07/21/12 11:37 AM
In an off week for NASCAR Cup teams, the #99 team of Carl Edwards has announced that they have changed their crew chief.  The reason is being given as health issues for Edwards' crew chief; however, getting the team BACK up to speed will take a lot of work and may further hamper Edwards' attempt to make the NASCAR Race for the Chase.
Sometimes, property owners think that a change in their property manager will 1) cost them less money; 2) get their property rented faster; 3) make ALL of their rental property management woes DISAPPEAR.

Unfortunately, this change rarely … (0 comments)

The "Other" Victims of the Aurora Cinema Tragedy......Residents of the Apartments - 07/21/12 05:24 AM
While our hearts and prayers are for the victims who where shot and killed in the theater early Friday morning, there are other victims of this tragedy....the residents of the apartment buildings where the shooter lived.
These residents were routed from their sleep at 2A on Friday morning and told to leave their homes and they have not been back.



Because the shooter's apartment appears to have booby-traps set inside, the bomb squad and authorities are keeping everybody away.
Having been an on-site property manager in a prior life, I can tell you that this is not as … (7 comments)

2 Master Suites * One Level w/garage * $1,395 - Available Aug 1 * 10 min to UVA - 07/20/12 06:56 AM
Location: Redfields * 10 Min to UVa & Downtown it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests PostingID: 3151340271
… (2 comments)

Virginia Beach Deck Cleaning - The Pressure Cleaning Doctors - 07/20/12 06:36 AM
Explaining the NEED for pressure washing a deck is tedious to property managers - done CORRECTLY and with the RIGHT SEALANT will make it more attractive and preserve it!
Via Derek Whiteside (Rose & Womble Realty):
 
 
 
Derek Whiteside (757-236-3574)
www.vbwaterfront.com
 
 
… (3 comments)

AGENTS! Want to Work Rental Prospects? Work Them Like a SELLER'S Market! - 07/19/12 04:41 AM
I received an e-mail yesterday from an area agent inquiring about a rental home I have on MLS with a $500 referral fee.
The agent wanted to know if I had any applications for the home and I indicated via e-mail that I did not.  He proceeded to show the home and I received notice of his entry through our Supra notification system.
THEN * an hour later, I received ANOTHER notice of entry to the home from ANOTHER agent.
The first agent indicated that his clients were interested and would submit their applications this AM.

So far - 7:30AM … (22 comments)

Could eminent domain stop the foreclosure flood? - 07/19/12 02:44 AM
IMHO * this is not the purpose of Eminent Domain and CA taxpayers would be paying the $4,500 * many states have already refined the definition of this process in the wake of the Kelo decision so few states would follow suit if CA enacted this step.
Via Ilyce Glink (Think Glink Publishing):
It's no secret that many cities across the country have been absolutely devastated by foreclosures. In order to keep more homeowners from losing their houses, three local governments in California are considering using their power of eminent domain to help underwater homeowners restructure their loans.
Under the plan, participating municipalities … (3 comments)

Even With Over 900 Million Users, Facebook Is Still A Rental Space - 07/17/12 09:51 AM
Well deserved FEATURE post and I agree * driving viewers to MY website is the purpose of my blogging, Fb, Google+, etc.  I want them THERE, viewing my clients' rental properties~
Via Jeremy Blanton (210 Consulting~ Social Media Advisors):
Not too long ago Facebook released it's latest stats saying it now has over 900 million members.  While this is a very impressive milestone, there is one thing I hear from people that makes me want to simply bang my head against my desk is a statement similar to the following one:
Websites and SEO are dead!  They are now being replaced by Facebook. … (5 comments)

Those Ugly Black Streaks on Your Roof! - 07/17/12 06:02 AM
You see this all the time in MLS and exterior photos and nobody seems to want to address them when the solution (pun) is fairly simple....Spray & Forget is a good one

Via Sarah Moore (RE/MAX EXECUTIVE REALTY ):
So you have been in your house a while and you start noticing these ugly dark gray, black streaks on your roof.  You figure that that is just a cheap roof or part of the roof aging process!   Well, recently I met with a roof expert and he explained to me that those ugly streaks were algae eating my roof.  Yes, eating my … (2 comments)

Facebook Etiquette - 07/16/12 04:24 PM
What an AWESOME explanation and "golden rules" for using Fb......I need to print and post next to my computers so that I am reminded to not START bad habits that will be HARD to correct! Thank you!
Via IMSD Designation (Internet Marketing Specialist Designation):
Facebook etiquette is something that is always in question. What is the correct thing to do and what are things that shouldn't be done to follow Facebook etiquette?
Chad Hyams, the voice behind many of our webinars, is known for getting on his soap box and sharing his thoughts openly. When he was asked about Facebook etiquette he … (11 comments)

Continuing to see MISinformation about the 3.8% real estate tax on ActiveRain - 07/16/12 10:14 AM
PLEASE ActiveRain members * STOP blogging about this issue without the mention of CAPITAL GAINS.

If you are UNfamiliar with Capital Gains * PLEASE * PLEASE learn about them....they effect how many people buy and sell real estate as well as how they buy and sell stocks.
There is lots of information about this subject online and the EASIEST way to remember WHY they are important in real estate is found in this wiki-pedia entry.....Real estate sales are SOMETIMES subject to capital gains....knowing when and where is important when advising clients to buy or sell their investment and personal residence. 
… (24 comments)

Want to be TREATED like an ADULT? Give up your .EDU E-Mail Address..... - 07/15/12 10:37 AM
It was the MOST FAMOUS line in the movie, The Social Network, when one of the Winklevoss twins mentioned that HARVARD had the MOST prestigious EDU e-mail address.
That may be; however, the sooner a graduate PROGRESSES to an "adult" e-mail address like GMAIL or an e-mail address that will address SPAM and ATTACHMENT and storage issues, the sooner they may be seen as an adult.
I am surprised to see how many recent graduates and college/university personnel continue to CLING to their EDU addresses for their BUSINESS e-mails.....and HOW MANY TIMES they do not get e-mails with attachments, graphics or … (12 comments)

Good news for first time home buyers, renters not so much - 07/15/12 10:22 AM
Via Greg Cook (FirstTimeHomeBuyersNetwork.com):
All first time home buyers have one thing in common. They used to be renters and decided it was the right time, for them, to invest in the American Dream.
First time home buyers is it the right time for you? Affordable housing and record low interest rates have made this not just a buyer's market but a first time home buyer's market. For renters, particularly apartment dwellers, the news isn't so good.
There has been a big upswing in apartment construction, indicating a stronger rental market and higher rents. This video features housing experts commenting on the … (1 comments)

Sycamore Square Home * Palmyra, VA * Available Aug 1 * $1,765 - 07/15/12 07:42 AM
 
… (0 comments)

LARGE Furnished Rental Home * 5 Min to UVA & Downtown * Available NOW $ $2,395 - 07/15/12 06:33 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Single family rental,
 
Location: Cherry Hill * 5 Min from UVA Med Center … (2 comments)

Forest Lakes South * 3-Level Home * Media Room * 5 Bedrooms * 2-Car Garage - 07/15/12 06:21 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Single family rental,
… (1 comments)

Lake Monticello Home for Lease * $1,365 * Available NOW * Fenced Yard * 1-Car Garage - 07/15/12 06:17 AM
Rental Home - Lake Monticello, VA Single family rental,
… (2 comments)

Forest Lakes Townhouse * Baker-Bulter/Sutherland Schools * $1,375 - Available NOW - 07/15/12 06:15 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Townhouse rental,
… (0 comments)

Awesome WSJ article on Prices Hitting Bottom - Seller's Dilemma - 07/15/12 06:11 AM
IMHO * People are witing until after the November election.  If there is a signal to the economy that America is BACK in the BUSINESS of BUSINESS and there is some stability in the financial and housing markets, people will take greater interest in BUYING...lots of people want to sell - it's the BUYING that is hard!
Via GOLD Team Manassas (Samson Properties):
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303343404577517123112194092.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
 
What it does not say is that  those sellers who try to wait it out  will not ever get their time back...
… (4 comments)

I rank in Google but what about Bing and Yahoo? - 07/14/12 01:31 PM
This is interesting since Fb uses Bing as their search engine if you look for a business that is NOT registered with Fb....it searches Bing and finds it.....being found is almost ALL of the battle with getting new business
Via Bryan Robertson, Real estate broker Los Altos & Silicon Valley Luxury Homes (Sereno Group):
I ran an interesting test to see how well my articles showed up in Bing and Yahoo compared to Google.  Everyone is so busy thinking about how they rank in Google, the often forget to look at the other search engines.  Bing, from Microsoft, is certainly worth checking.  Call … (6 comments)

Forest Lakes South Home * Available Aug 1 * $1,795 * 5 Min to NGIC - 07/14/12 05:32 AM
  Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Single family rental, … (2 comments)

Huntwood Townhouse * 5 Min to UVA N.Grounds * JAG * Darden Schools * 41,045 - 07/14/12 05:21 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Townhouse rental,
… (0 comments)

LARGE Townhouse w/Garage & Storage * Available NOW * $1845 * Glenwood Station - 07/14/12 05:17 AM
 
… (0 comments)

If your only criterion for hiring a contractor is price, good luck. Property Managers KNOW Prices! - 07/12/12 03:11 AM
I manage a vacant property that is for sale and a LARGE tree is down in the back yard from the storm 2 weeks ago.  I have it scheduled for removal FRIDAY.  The owner and his sales agent talked about it last week and the agent is getting QUOTES on the cost of getting it removed.....He can't get BUSY people to drive 30 minutes each way to give a BID for work they MAY get.....I've kept my tree guy busy for 10 days * I KNOW he gives me good prices and shaves his bills for me BECAUSE I DO NOT … (7 comments)

Virginia Legislature moves to PROTECT Virginia Tenants in Foreclosure - 07/11/12 04:48 PM
While many real estate professionals may know that there is a FEDERAL  law that protects tenants * few realize that that law will EXPIRE at the end of THIS YEAR.


The 2012 Virginia Legislature enacted a law that will protect Virginia tenants after the federal protective statute expires.
Mortgage companies and lenders in Virginia NOW need to determine if there is a tenant in the property AND if there is a property manager or managing agent.  If the property manager or agent does not receive a copy of the default notice, the tenant can remain at the property under … (1 comments)

Are You Better Off Renting a Vacation Home or a Leased Property? - 07/11/12 02:46 PM
Great comparison Zach! Having done condo-hotel management in Hawaii, owners of vacation rental property have more wear-tear issues, need to keep properties in uniform condition with other units AND pay higher management fees to hotel reservation, maids, etc. 
Longer term leases are more beneficial for the novice landlord as they are easier to locate, maintain and their carrying costs are less expensive depending on how old they are.
Via Zach Devine (RentApp.com):
Are You Better Off Renting a Vacation Home or a Leased Property?
When you’re looking at making your first investment and delving into the world of property rentals, you’ve got a decision … (4 comments)

Real Estate Tools To Make Your Life Easier - HomeSnap - 07/11/12 02:38 PM
It's coming for Android....I think this would be a very good app for property managers if the information shown on the graphic is correct.....really cool app to check out the neighborhood of a new client's property
Via The Miles & Smith Real Estate Group (Keller Williams Realty Louisville East):
By Jason Lyvers | Marketing & Social Media Administrator
Like most guys I love technology.  Gadgets, apps, software, hardware, anything that has an i in front of it, etc.  Well, with a job working in real estate, when I find something that brings my love for gizmos and my job together, that's a good … (3 comments)

BEWARE OF CRAIG'S LIST - Rental Scam * Let's be Careful and WATERMARK Photos! - 07/08/12 05:27 PM
Excuse me......when will MLS systems LEARN how to properly WATERMARK listing photos.  It is NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.....small initials in the corner do not get it.  My lowly rental website puts it on AUTOMATICALLY when I upload my photos - they do NOT distract from the photo and SCAMMERS don't bother....HELLO!

Via Kathy Dyer ROSEVILLE SHORT SALE REALTOR TIPS AND STRATIGIES (KATHY DYER Lic # 01723710 CHRISTINE STURGIS Lic # 1232805):
I am a Realtor and someone high-jacked my listing and is using my MLS pictures and home description to scam renters into giving them their personal info and deposit check.
Renters … (12 comments)

Don't Get Lost in the Shuffle on Facebook - 07/08/12 07:50 AM
I suspect this is why my sister's CAT photos take up so much of my Fb news feed.  I really like getting information from other property managers and learning what is happening in their area of the country!
Via Pamela Cendejas, Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235 (Second Self Virtual Assistance):
By now, we all know the power of social media.  Since its start in 2004 (yes, it's been around less than a decade), Facebook has gone from a simple way for Harvard students to keep up with other students' activities to a world-wide billion dollar social media sensation where people, groups, organizations and … (5 comments)

How Many of You Do Your Listing (Rental Property) Presentation on iPad? Raise your hand! - 07/08/12 07:11 AM
Android has one called i-Clickr for us DROIDheads!
My Toshiba Thrive has a presentation app on it that works like powerpoint so I suspect from the reviews of the i-Clickr that is works well for others
Via Melissa Mckinney~LetMeBragg.com (Keller Williams Realty):
How many of you do your listing presentation on a iPad? Raise your hand!I thought everyone knew about this but I am finding that more and more do not know about it....I have got a lot of shock and awe out of this and want to share with you!I do my listing presentations on my iPad using Keynote, that would be … (0 comments)

Home 10 Min to NGIC & UVA * Available Sept 1 * Fenced Yd * $1,695 * HUGE Basement - 07/08/12 06:37 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Single family rental,
… (0 comments)

Forest Lakes South Townhouse * Hollymead/Sutherland Schools * $1,625 * 3 Min to NGIC - 07/08/12 06:35 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Townhouse rental,
… (0 comments)

Pantops Townhouse In Stone Robinson School District * $1,695 - 2-Car Garage - 07/08/12 06:33 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Townhouse rental,
… (0 comments)

It's HARD to be EFFECTIVE when You Do Not Know Where to Start.... - 07/07/12 05:50 AM
More and more real estate (brokerage) agents are getting into property management - and God love them - they are trying.
....however, it is HARD to know what you are doing if you don't know where to START.
Clients may be walking through the door wanting agents to rent their property; however, if you don't have the proper management and disclosure forms to have them sign, even THAT part can be difficult.
Taking pictures is easy; however, the fancy, wide lens shots are not as effective as many agents think.  Good exterior photos WITHOUT the MLS logo is a good first … (8 comments)

How Many of You Own a Yelp! Account? - 07/06/12 01:16 PM
YELP is very obscure in our area so I am surprised that Apple would use their site for information that would be helpful to Apple customers.....When will search engines STOP using land phone line information for real estate businesses?
Via Morris Massre, Broward County Florida Realtor (Prudential Florida Realty):
My guess is very few realtors use Yelp! But I am going to outline the reasons one by one why every realtor should be using the site. First, however, I was recently interviewed because of my Yelp! account and featured in a realtor magazine. The reporter asked me why it was so important for … (4 comments)

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Property Manager? - 07/06/12 07:06 AM
A comment to this post mentions PERFECT TENANTS and in almost 50 years in the biz, I have found FEW Perfect Tenants and even fewer Perfect Landlords....it is a LONG-TERM people business that needs to be done with care and diligence to the bottom line of the client.
Via Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner (KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate):
Screening an applicant yesterday, the current DIY landlord of this potential tenant was very honest and provided lots of details. My final question to him was, “Given the opportunity, would you rent to this individual again?”
Answer?  No.  Why I curiously … (4 comments)

Communication between Landlord & Tenant SHOULD not be DIFFICULT * Tenants need to..... - 07/05/12 01:32 PM
...commumnicate with their landlord so that there are no surprises that need to be addressed AFTER the fact.
...Getting married.  Individual tenants can certainly fall in love and have a boy/girl friend or a new spouse; however, ADVISING the landlord that this is happening and ASKING if anything needs to be done is BETTER than sending a wedding invitation.  The new spouse may need to complete application paperwork and be added to the lease OR there may need to be an entirely NEW process started to qualify the new spouse/significant other....ASK FIRST!
...Obtaining custody of a minor child.  Sometimes a part-time … (21 comments)

Teral McDowell Realtor® Presents How-To Schedule Facebook Pages Post - 07/05/12 11:18 AM
I am getting up to speed with Fb and am busy getting educated on AR - this is a GREAT idea and suggestion since I am IT and Administrator so scheduling posts and comments when I am busy is a great option!
Via Teral McDowell, REALTOR® (KW® Central-Murphy):
Teral McDowell Realtor® presents how-to schedule posts on your Facebook page. It is a blessing to all Facebook page administrators to have the option to plan and schedule their own posts for their business pages. The process to schedule a post is simple and shown below.
Insert the comments you would like to post on … (2 comments)

Social Media and Politics Don't Mix * I disagree * if not US then WHO? - 07/05/12 12:40 AM
Like Jon and John * I believe that if MORE business people (real estate agents) express their knowledge and experience of the state of our economy * housing * employment * maybe WE can make a difference without spending $40 to give to NAR - WE HAVE THE POWER and WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE.
Who else has the knowledge of how regulations have hurt businesses nationwide?  Who else has the experience to see how the housing situation has caused distuptions for families and how the massive unemployment in areas of the country have DESTROYED cities - HELLO! Detroit - … (9 comments)

Rekeying Properties for Security, Liability Protection, Peace of Mind - 07/05/12 12:25 AM
I've never subscribed to this philosophy and I know few property managers who do.  REkeying properties should be done on a case-by-case basis - I had 4 done this year after move-outs BECAUSE 2 tenant re-keyed a door lock from the key in my file and 2 were tenants moving from very messy divorces.
To subject owners to an unnecessary expense for peace-of-mind of the property manager is ill-advised.
In over 45 years of the business, I have NEVER had a prior resident come BACK and break into a property....IT JUST DOES NOT HAPPEN....past tenants would be in my file and … (4 comments)

It turns on and makes noise---it must be working! - 07/04/12 07:27 AM
Turning on an OPERATIONAL bath fan, opening shower curtains AND leaving the bath door open are easy ways to remove the potential for MOLD in a bathroom.  Funny how many people do the EXACT opposite and think that is the way to fix mildew.
Via Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com):
Your bathroom has an exhaust fan.
Hopefully.
While not required in every instance, in modern construction I think they are essential.
For this exercise let’s assume you have one.  How do you know it works?  “Well, I can hear it running,” you might say.  OK---let me be a little … (7 comments)

Agents! Are your BUYERS currently TENANTS? Give them this article! - 07/03/12 10:11 AM
FindLaw is a GREAT resource for landlords, real estate agents and property managers and in this link is to an article regarding HOW tenants can get their ENTIRE Security Deposit back from their landlord.
http://realestate.findlaw.com/landlord-tenant-law/security-deposit-laws-can-help-get-your-deposit-back.html

#1.  Move-out inspections.  Some state landlord-tenant laws specify that the landlord and tenant must inspect the property jointly and discuss charges to the tenant's deposit.  A few states * like CA * allow the tenant to make "corrections" to the property.
While most states do not have this requirement, landlords and tenants often misinterpret this option.  ABSENT state specific requirements, the inspection SHOULD BE for … (7 comments)

I'm A ONE-WOMAN Show and I have LOTS of HELP! Thank you Doug's Appliance - 07/03/12 03:38 AM
I had to schedule an appointment to catch Doug and Kelly Golder TOGETHER in their appliance SALES and SERVICE shop in beautiful downtown Scottsville.
I have used their company for my appliance replacement and installation as well as service for over 15 years.
When my former repairman sold his business to someone outside his family, I went in search of a new appliance service provider and I found Doug while having the refrigerator compressor replaced for the third time in my own home refrigerator.

Their service techs are awesome and they are very aware that I do not want to … (8 comments)

Rent to Tenants with Blemished Credit? - 07/02/12 03:39 AM
As a FEE Property Manager I totally DISAGREE * I am MOST concrerned with the creditworthiness of the applicant FOR MY CLIENTS PROPERTY and not their sad story.  
Foreclosure or short sale = a BAD past landlord reference - NEXT!
There are options around this - co-signor who owns property in the SAME COUNTY as the property to be leased OR paying LARGER security deposit and rent.  Going M2M for first 6 months to see how they perform as tenants.
I may take them in MY OWN property; however, not in a client's property
Via Sandy Shores, Broker-Associate Melbourne FL Real … (10 comments)

House Cleaning should be a PROCESS and NOT an EVENT! - 07/01/12 08:06 AM
One of the HARDEST parts of my job is to get my residents to realize that their house CLEANING is a PROCESS and not an EVENT.
It does not have to take 2 or 3 days after they move out to CLEAN the property so that they can get their security deposit back.


....UNFORTUNATELY, eventhough my cleaning instructions are actually in the Resident Handbook that accompanied their lease, many do not take the long view about taking a few hours a week to TAKE OUT THE TRASH and RECYCLING; vacuum the carpets; SWIFFER the hardwood floors; and clean the … (8 comments)

Thinking About Renting Your Home? Have A Look At This! - 07/01/12 06:19 AM
Professional Property Managers know how to handle this issue....I have an HVAC firm that services my clients' equipment 2X annually and they leave a SUPPLY of filters with instructions on how to CHANGE them and in which direction to FACE THEM on the HVAC machinery.
This is a no-brainer - TRUST that the tenants change them, and VERIFY 2x annually!
Via Doug Rogers- Your Pineville Louisiana Agent (Bayou Properties Realty):
 That's not a ZZ Top beard on the air filter. Dirt, pet hair, human skin, bed bugs, and frankly other things I dare not consider are plugging the filter.
 While helping an … (8 comments)

SUPER Large Condo * Available Sept 1 * $1395 * 2-Car Garage * Walk to Starbucks - 07/01/12 06:03 AM
Rental Home - Charlottesville, VA Condo rental,
… (3 comments)

 
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Wallace S. Gibson CPM *

LandlordWhisperer

Charlottesville, VA

More about me…

Gibson Management Group, Ltd.

Office Phone: (434) 825-1933

Email Me

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