Clutter vs. Hoarding: How Much Junk is Too Much?

Renters come in all varieties. Those who keep a pristine home and those who struggle with too little time to devote to housework. The sentimental collector and those who prefer the lived-in look. The packrat and those whose disorganized, chaotic clutter may reach the point of causing a hazard to themselves or others.     Wise landlords … Read More

Rising Interest Rates: What Does This Mean for Landlords?

The U.S. economy has been fluctuating, with inflation reaching its highest rate since the 1980s. The continuing Covid-19 pandemic has put further pressure on the economy as well. The real estate industry has also faced rising loan costs, which impact investment strategies and rental prices. Thus far in 2022, the Federal Reserve has raised the … Read More

The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor

Our review on a worthwhile read for real estate investors –particularly beginners.  Written by Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland, CPAs and real estate investors, The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor shares valuable advice and insight on the tax angle of real estate investing. Written in an engaging, lets-have-coffee style, Han … Read More

4 Common Landlord Mistakes to Avoid

Ah, the wonderful world of owning rental property. While it can indeed be a money-making venture that can build wealth over time, it’s an endeavor that should not be entered into lightly. There’s no place in the world of land lording for a ho-hum, whatever-whatever attitude or approach. And the folks who jump headlong into … Read More

Identifying Great and Not-So-Great Potential Tenants

The success of a landlord’s rental property business hinges on finding tenants. But not just any tenants, great tenants who will pay on time, respect the property, and in the best-case scenario, become long-term renters.   Unfortunately, finding these great, potentially long-term renters will not be a one-and-done proposition but a routine part of managing a … Read More

Tenant Appreciation: Celebrate Back-to-School Time

Tenant Appreciation: Celebrate Back-to-School Time   You know that part of investing in rental properties is the investment you’ll make in the tenants who reside in said properties, right? Because to bring in the steady stream of income that will keep your rental business operating in the black requires satisfied, preferably long-term tenants. And that scenario … Read More

Book Review: Loopholes of Real Estate – by Garrett Sutton

Loopholes of Real Estate is from the Rich Dad’s Advisors series. In this look-before-you-leap guide to real estate investment, Sutton shares advice for reaping the financial opportunities available in real estate – providing that you check the water depth before diving. In other words, don’t enter the realm blindly – learn the system.  Sutton doesn’t … Read More

Child-Proofing Your Rental Property

Should a landlord utilize child-proofing methods in their rental properties?   The answer to that question is – probably.  Properties with safety features can be more appealing to potential tenants with young children, and can reduce liability risk as well.  Fortunately, equipping units with the fittings and tools to ensure children are safe does not require … Read More

Maximizing Property Management Profits

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

The Ins and Outs of Pest Control in Rental Properties

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