With the costs of goods and services steadily climbing, protecting the bottom line is more critical than ever for landlords.   The Dilemma   Continue to meet financial obligations, pursue business goals, and maximize profits, all while offering housing options that are affordable and attractive to today’s tenants.  The Formula   Maximizing profits by increasing income while reducing … Read More

We naturally try to distance ourselves from creepy, crawly pests of all varieties—rodents, insects, snakes. The very thought of these intruders invading our space is unpleasant at best. As landlords, it’s your job, and responsibility, to maintain a pest-free rental property. In fact, in many states, it is a legal requirement.   Addressing creepy, crawly unwelcome … Read More

Do I need a landlord-tenant attorney who focuses specifically on legal issues relating to landlord and tenant rights?   Every landlord must answer that question for themselves, as each property owner has a unique combination of circumstances. So, let’s focus on the questions that will help landlords determine their need for an attorney specializing in … Read More

It happens to the best of landlords. Despite extensive background and reference checks and a thorough vetting process, some tenants will become problematic. Various issues arise, or one primary concern becomes a chronic situation. Terms such as challenging and difficult, or perhaps knotty and sticky, begin to pepper conversations surrounding a particular renter.   Unfortunately, however … Read More

Ever present in a landlord’s thoughts is the burning question, “How can I prevent tenant property damage?” Of course, all hopes are pinned on the best-case scenario, that any damage will be light and of the normal wear and tear variety. But wise property owners understand the need to consider damage scenarios that fall into … Read More

The dream of every landlord is to have all rental properties occupied. And when satisfied tenants fill those units, that’s icing on the cake. So what reduces turnover and keeps renters happy? A positive tenant experience.   Landlords and property managers often seek tips on tenant retention in an effort to reduce the costs associated with … Read More

Gone are the days when multiple properties popped up for sale on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Buyers had time to peruse listings, do a leisurely drive-by or two, and work their way toward an offer. But today’s housing market moves much too fast for that laidback approach. Now, properties often move from listing … Read More

The old-school ways of acquiring property, via property tours, open houses, and in-person negotiations still reign in the real estate industry. But technology is making waves across these tried-and-true methods. The virtual world has made significant inroads, challenging these traditional methods. And among many investors, there’s a growing interest in virtual real estate investing. So … Read More

Pros and cons begin to stream through a real estate investor’s mind when considering buying a tenant-occupied property. Two of the most common are:  PRO: Collect rent from day one  CON: Stuck with the current tenants  Let’s look at the PRO first. Imagine the time and stress you will not have to expend on locating … Read More

One unavoidable element of being a landlord is tenant complaints. They come in all sizes, shapes, and severities. Even the most conscientious, attentive landlords will be called on to handle grievances ranging from mild annoyances to significant concerns. The key is to be prepared to manage and resolve the inevitable complaints, disputes, and divisions that … Read More