When you own income-producing rental property, it’s important to attract renters and keep tenants happy without sinking a small fortune into luxurious upgrades that won’t get you much return on investment. On the other hand, not taking care of your property or offering upgrades will likely cost you more in the long run, as you’ll have a harder time finding and keeping responsible tenants. Luckily, there are some property improvements that are relatively affordable and can increase your rental home value and overall rental income.
Welcome to the Rental Boom! [infographic]
Landlords have enjoyed the upper hand since the housing crisis as increased interest from renters coincided with little new supply of rental units. Rising mortgage rates, tighter borrowing requirements and higher home prices have taken many people out of the home-buying market. Plus, many remain burned by the housing crash and don't want to own a home.
Secrets to Finding a Trustworthy Property Manager
Property management, in its broadest terms, is the oversight of real estate. This can encompass everything from personal property to capital assets. Property management is a service provided by local businesses who do their best to manage your assets. The current state of the local and national economy will play a huge role in their decision making process. Before you invest your hard earned capital, you have to ask the question – is their personal best sufficient for the betterment of your business?
The question of whether it makes good financial sense is important. Many of the smaller investors just don't have the answer. Lack of knowledge prevents them from bringing on professionals – leaving them to manage the property on their own. Does this short-term savings result in long-term profits?
One-Year Rent Guarantee – Too Good to be True?
Earlier this year Norada Real Estate added a One-Year Rent Guarantee as part of every investment property purchased through their network. The response by investors has been very positive and overwhelming.
A few people made the comment that it sounded, “too good to be true”. In response to those comments, I present the following excerpt from an interview conducted with Robert T. – a landlord with several properties. Rob's properties are protected by the same policy we provide all our investors. Shortly after his policy was placed, he experienced a vacancy and filed a claim. The following is an excerpt of an interview conducted with Rob in February, 2013.
My Tenant Stopped Paying the Rent – What Can I Do?
Non-payment of rent is a serious problem. It is one of those predicaments that places the landlord in a difficult situation. Moral and ethical values are often challenged by the need to collect the rent. If your only two choices are to evict a family that has fallen on hard times, or to go weeks or months without getting paid, the right choice isn't always obvious. Most landlords have a conscience and genuinely care about the safety and well-being of their tenants. So the challenge is finding a solution that works out well for your tenant, as well as for your bottom line.
