When (and How) Should I File a Property Tax Appeal?

As property values rise nationwide, property taxes continue to keep pace. While tax rates vary, a property’s assessed value heavily influences the property tax equation. Every jurisdiction has an appeal to handle inaccurate property assessments, but simply wanting a lower tax bill isn’t sufficient to file an appeal. So, when should you file a property … Read More

7 Tips for Building Your Landlord Resource Network

No matter how many units you own or who maintains them, being a landlord is rarely a solitary endeavor. Bookkeeping, tenant interactions, and upkeeping buildings require multiple skills. Hiring the right professionals can mean the difference between a thriving, growing business and a catastrophe. 1.  Consider who you need in your network. Think through your … Read More

What Landlords Need to Know about Build-to-Rent Homes

Build-to-rent communities (also known as build-for-rent or B2R homes) aren’t new, but their popularity has escalated since the 2008 financial crisis. As the percentage of renters continues to increase due to competitive housing markets, elevated interest rates, and high student loan debt, build-to-rent homes offer an excellent alternative to apartments. Designed specifically with long-term renters … Read More

Book Review: The Book on Managing Rental Properties

 “No matter how good you are at finding real estate deals, you could lose everything if you don’t manage your properties efficiently.” This quotation embodies the purpose of The Book on Managing Rental Properties: A Proven System for Finding, Screening, and Managing Tenants with Fewer Headaches and Maximum Profits. BiggerPockets podcasters Brandon and Heather Turner, … Read More

How Do Fire and Emergency Services Work for Unincorporated Areas?

There are many advantages to owning property in an unincorporated area. These areas lie outside municipal regions and property owners often pay lower taxes, enjoy more privacy, and have fewer regulations to follow. Property investments in unincorporated areas have downsides, as well. Fewer regulations mean greater flexibility in how you use your property, but it … Read More

Strategies for Negotiating Leases with Tenants

 You’ve spent hours carefully drafting a lease that specifies the critical details of landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. Though the new lease seems fair and balanced to you, your vision may not align with your tenant’s needs. Now what? Negotiating a rental agreement acceptable to both parties is often challenging, but using the following … Read More

Longer Market Times and More Rent Reductions

  Our partners at ShowMojo have just released their 2024 Q2 Market Update, outlining trends and challenges in the current rental market.  In a nutshell, they describe “Longer market times, fewer leads, and more rent reductions.” We’ve included the key takeaways below, along with what’s working now… Market Times Continue to Go the Wrong Way … Read More

Are Pre-Summer HVAC Checks Important?

Summer will be here before we know it, with sunny days and warmer weather. As the heat rises, your rental property’s HVAC system must keep pace with escalating temperatures. As a landlord, you must keep your rental units “fit and habitable” for tenants. Even if warm temperatures don’t reach dangerous levels, tenants have the right … Read More

What is a Mechanic’s Lien and How Does it Impact Landlords?

A Mechanic’s lien legally guarantees that contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers get paid for their work. These liens can arise from any property improvement and cause major headaches if you don’t discharge them properly. An unresolved mechanic’s lien can prevent an owner from refinancing or selling his property and may even lead to foreclosure. What is … Read More

3 Low-Risk Investment Strategies

Every investment involves risk. However, low-risk investments allow the chance of a return with little risk of losing your initial investment. While potential profits are comparatively low, low-risk investments often require minimal financial outlay and usually perform as predicted. What strategies are considered low-risk in real estate investing? Here are three ideas to consider: Buy, … Read More