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Keeping it legal: further thoughts on tenant selection criteria
As I'm going through another rental turnover -- and qualifying applicants-- I'm reminded on how important this step is, not only for choosing the best renters, but also to protect myself from possible lawsuits and legal trouble. Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com In fact, this step is so important that this is my 3rd blog … Continue reading Keeping it legal: further thoughts on tenant selection criteria
In the News: Rents up across most of the U.S.
Rents across most of the United States are up again.
Keys, Locks, and Locksmiths
The importance of finding a good locksmith, following local codes, and a clever way to save money
Questions you should ask when choosing a realtor
Chances are that, when you are looking for a real estate investment to either buy, sell, or lease out, you'll be working with a realtor. Who you choose to work with can make quite a difference in your understanding of the market, properties you see and negotiate for, or how your current property is presented … Continue reading Questions you should ask when choosing a realtor
What types of properties should you be buying?
As you think about becoming a real estate investor, you probably have an idea of the kinds of properties that you want to buy and rent out. Perhaps you picture yourself managing single family homes. And not just any old homes -- you want to own luxury properties with amazing design and features. Or perhaps … Continue reading What types of properties should you be buying?
When choosing a rental property, don’t forget to buy the neighborhood!
When you set out looking for a rental property, you probably have a good idea what you're looking for. Let's say that you've decided to target families, hoping for a long-term rental/low turnover. You'll narrow down your search by looking for an area with good schools and parks (location! location! location!). You'll look for houses … Continue reading When choosing a rental property, don’t forget to buy the neighborhood!
The most important part of developing your rental business: Build your team
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com Even if you plan on being a one-person business (as I consider myself), you still need a team. There are for things that you either can't do on your own, or shouldn't! Mistakes can be costly and time consuming. Having a list of professionals will provide a more solid foundation … Continue reading The most important part of developing your rental business: Build your team
The best way to protect yourself from a tenant’s false claim:
At first, it didn't occur to me to take pictures of my properties, except for standard listing photos. That was a mistake. Occasionally I had "disagreements" with my renters when checking them out. I'd point out that, for example, trees needed to be trimmed or weeds pulled. In response, I'd hear "It was like that … Continue reading The best way to protect yourself from a tenant’s false claim:
What kind of landlord do you want to be?
I'm truly what you would call an accidental landlord. Like many couples, my husband and I found ourselves with a one-bedroom condo unit that we decided to rent out. We thought that we might make a little money, certainly at least break-even, and then sell the property for more money years later. That was in … Continue reading What kind of landlord do you want to be?
The Blog About Being a Landlord 