online property management: Snow Removal Done Right - 02/22/11 04:48 AM
If you live east of Nebraska, chances are you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about snow lately. As cozy and idyllic as it can be to watch flutter to the ground when you’re safely tucked away by the fire in your living room, snow is a very different beast when you’re forced to contend with it. Particularly this winter, when a new blizzard seems to be blowing in on a weekly basis.
As a property manager, contending with mother nature is part of the job description. Some cities even have laws mandating that you are legally responsible for removing snow … (9 comments)

online property management: Tips for Finding the Right Realtor - 02/14/11 02:49 AM
Getting ready to purchase or sell property? The first step to a smooth real estate transaction is finding the right real estate agent. Throughout the property selling and purchasing processes, your real estate agent will be your eyes, your sounding board, and your advocate. Here are some things to consider when selecting your real estate agent.
Referrals from Trusted Sources Nothing is a better testament to a realtors ability than a proven track record. Ask friends and associates for agent referrals. It’s particularly helpful to speak with trusted sources whose situations are similar to your own. For example, if you are … (3 comments)

online property management: Finding the Right Multi-Family Property Investment - 12/13/10 02:21 AM
In many ways, the current economic climate makes for a great time to purchase a multi-family investment property. The prominence of short sales and foreclosures has given way to good purchase prices in many areas of the country. Add to this the fact that there are some incredible interest rates out there right now (even for investors) and the fact that many former homeowners have now found themselves back in the rental market, and there’s a very valid argument that this is a good time to get into the multi-family market. If you are considering making a multi-family property investment of … (3 comments)

online property management: Give a Little to Gain a Lot - 06/28/10 03:03 AM
Sometimes the best marketing involves an investment of time, rather than money. When your schedule is already jam-packed and your time is extremely valuable, it may seem somewhat overwhelming to offer a sampling of your services for free. But giving a little can pay off big in the long run and is an unparalleled way to set yourself apart from the competition.
Demonstrate Commitment Your clients know that time is money, and they know that your time and services are a valuable commodity. So when you take the time out of your schedule to offer a free sampling of your services … (4 comments)

online property management: The Perfect Property Management Pitch - 06/14/10 03:55 AM
Understanding what triggers property owners to seek out the service of a professional property manager can not only help you more effectively pitch your services, but may also put you in a position to approach potential clients before they have the chance to get your competition’s notice through an advertisement for services. Following are some common triggers that compel property owners to seek out property management services -- and some tips for making your best approach.
Increased Number of Properties Managing one property is one thing. Managing two or more properties is something else. Many property owners ease themselves into the … (0 comments)

online property management: 4 Tips for Taking Listing Images that Sell - 06/07/10 04:02 AM
Previously, we’ve spent some time on this blog stressing the importance of writing thoughtful, effective rental listings. But no matter how much time you put into writing a great listing, if you don’t also include an image of your rental unit it may all be for naught. Did you know that many rental sites allow users to search listings according to whether or not an image is provided? In other words, on sites like Craigslist, a potential renter may never even see your listing at all if an image isn’t provided.
Aside from potentially increasing your unit’s searchability, images also provide … (2 comments)

 
Michael Monteiro (Buildium.com)

Michael Monteiro

South Boston, MA

More about me…

Buildium.com

All things property management is a one stop destination for folks interested in learning more about managing real estate. Broken down into a variety of targeted columns, the information that you are looking for is easily accessible — from investing tips and best practices in The Intelligent Investor to the real-life dilemmas of property managers in Stories from the Front Lines. We’ve brought on contributing writers from across the country to share their respective expertise with you, whether you’re a landlord, a professional property manager, or an association board member. Your feedback, participation, and comments will help us deliver the information you need most. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in contributing.


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