Having the perfect rental application may seem like something easy to achieve. However, winning a rental application is tougher than it may seem. You must think about paperwork, references, good first impressions, etc. With the following tips, this process will be easier. You will find a good way to stand out to your future landlord and have your rental application easily accepted. 

Get your paperwork in order
One of the most crucial tips for winning a rental application is to provide all the documentation you need. Make sure you have the paperwork in order; otherwise, all your efforts will go to waste. Most importantly, you will need to provide proof of identification, such as a passport or a driver's license. If you are unsure, talk to a professional who will guide you through the process of applying for a rental. 

Provide your rental history and references
One of the most important pieces of information you'll need to provide is your rental history. Every homeowner is cautious when choosing a new tenant. They want someone who is reliable and who will pay the rent on time as well as keep the space in order. The best way to let a homeowner put their trust in you is to provide your rental history and references from previous homeowners. Use your rental application to show that you took good care of each property you lived in and that you paid rent on time.

Reach out to the owners of your previous rentals and ask them for references. These will help you immensely with your rental application. Even if the landlord of the rental you are applying for doesn't require you to add a reference, providing one will make you stand out. If many people are applying to rent the same property as you are, this will set you apart from the rest. The landlord will be more inclined to choose you as the new tenant as they'll be able to trust you. ​

Apply for the right rental property
You may already have an idea of what kind of property you would like to rent and live in. So, make sure you always apply for the rentals you can envision yourself living in. Don't apply for every property on the market. It may seem like a good strategy to reach out to as many landlords as possible, but it is not. Only spend time researching and applying for rental properties you know you can afford and live in. You will save yourself a lot of time and have enough energy to look for that perfect rental property. Before you start sending out your rental application to landlords, be sure about what kind of property you are looking for. 

For starters, location is one of the most important factors to consider. This is because the location is one of the rare things you can't change about your new home. Make sure it doesn't make your daily commute much longer. And see whether it has all the amenities you need close to it. Check out each neighborhood and whether it has everything needed for your lifestyle. For example, if you are moving with kids, you can base your decision on the nearby school districts. After you are all set on the location, narrow down your options by square footage and the number of rooms. Of course, factor in the condition of each rental as well. Newly upgraded and renovated rentals will cost more. 

Prove you can afford it
Every landlord wants to rent their property to someone they can count on for years to come. That's why having a good grasp of your finances is crucial. When a landlord knows you will pay your rent on time, they will give you a chance. Show proof that you can pay rent each month by showing proof of employment. Some landlords even contact your employers to make sure whether it is true. You can give proof of income by submitting your tax records. Whichever way you choose, you must provide proof that you can afford the rental property you decided to apply for. 

Write a cover letter
Besides the references from previous landlords, you can stand out to your landlord by writing a cover letter. The cover letter to the landlord doesn't have to be long. Rather, write down some key points about why you are interested in the property and why you think you'd make a great tenant. A good cover letter can help you during this process immensely. The landlord will appreciate that you took the time to write a cover letter. So, it will give you a bigger chance of being accepted as a new tenant. 

Be ready to move
Another thing that will make the process of applying for a new rental stress-free is to prepare ahead for the move and the relocation. Once you know you are prepared, you will have no problem relocating once your rental application is accepted. Moving can be stressful if you don't do it on time, especially when making an interstate move, such as from Florida to Nevada. Ensure to hire movers and rely on professionals who can handle your move from one state to another. Purchase the right packing supplies and pack as efficiently as you can. Save space and money by decluttering and packing strategically. With the stress of applying for rentals and dealing with the paperwork, you don't want any additional problems. And hiring the right people for the job is one of the easiest ways to make a move to your rental easy and stress-free. 

Tips for winning a rental application: summary
Winning a rental application can be easy when you plan accordingly. By providing all the necessary information, you will appear more reliable and trustworthy. And with a good cover letter and a couple of references from your previous landlords, you will surely be accepted as a new tenant. Before you get accepted, take some time to plan the moving process. This way, you'll move in more quickly once your application gets accepted.

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Moving into a new home can be a fascinating event. But moving away requires a lot of planning and preparation beforehand. One of the things everyone should do before they move into their new home is to inspect it. Knowing the things to inspect before signing a rental agreement can help you decide whether to rent that home. When you check the house thoroughly, you’ll know its actual state before packing your things. You’ll know whether the home's safe and secure and whether it is worth considering moving into.

Electricity is one of the things to inspect before signing a rental agreement
Faulty electricity in a home can lead to severe problems. A house that doesn’t have good electricity isn’t just annoying. It can also be dangerous. That’s why you should always inspect a home's electricity before signing a rental agreement. Check every light switch and lighting fixture when you examine the house. That will help you see whether there are any problems with the electricity. Afterward, try out the appliances. That will help you see whether there are any problems with the electricity and whether the appliances work. You can ask a professional to inspect the electricity before you sign a rental agreement to ensure there aren’t any problems. 

Inspect the plumbing as well
Another essential thing to inspect before you sign a lease agreement is the plumbing. Not only can plumbing problems be challenging to deal with, but they can cause damage to the property and your things. Mold in the bathroom clearly indicates something is wrong with the plumbing. In addition, mold is one of the most dangerous things for your health that you can find in your rental property. Water damage on the walls or the floor is another way of knowing whether everything is in order with the plumbing. If there are any issues with the plumbing, take care of them before you move to protect your things from water damage. To protect your items during the moving process, experts from Rockstar Pro Movers advise you to use high-quality packing materials to protect them. That will ensure their safety during transport even further. ​

Heating, AC, and ventilation
No matter how great the property is, it can be challenging to live in it if the heating and AC aren’t working correctly. Inspect these things to find a home you’ll feel comfortable in at any time of the year. You won’t have to worry when the seasons and temperatures change. Besides this, make sure to check whether they are clean. A dirty AC and ventilation system can be dangerous for your health. If you notice they are dust-filled, ask the owner to take care of them before you move in. 

Inspect the paint
Before you start planning your move, check out the home's interior. Take a look at whether there are any stains or scratches on the walls. Even if this is something you can live with, knowing that the damage existed before you moved in is essential. You won’t risk losing the deposit after you move out due to the paint damage. Of course, if you notice any water damage to the walls, notify the owner right away. Once the damage is taken care of, you can move in. If you don’t like the color of the walls, ask beforehand whether you can change it. Asking important questions like these will help prevent problems later on. 

Safety and security
One of the most important things about the home you choose is related to its safety. Before you decide whether to rent it, check to see whether it is a safe and secure place to live in. Security cameras and security codes are some of the things to look for. Inside the home, look for a fire extinguisher and fire alarms. If there are fire alarms, inspect whether they are functioning. A carbon monoxide detector is another plus to look for in a home. You can also check out the crime rates for the neighborhood to know how safe the area is. That will help you decide whether to move here or not. 

Take a look at the furniture
Don't overlook the furniture if you want to rent a furnished home. That is one of the most important things to inspect before signing a rental agreement. Inspect whether it is damaged or whether it needs cleaning. That is especially important to do with wooden furniture that may have termites. Bedbugs are another severe problem you need to be on the lookout for. In addition, see whether you have all the furniture you need. The amount of available furniture and storage space will help you determine which property to rent. 

Moving in after signing a rental agreement
Now that you’re done with the inspection planning, it's time to move. Moving can be a little more complicated if you are moving from one state to another. To save money on your interstate move, downsize the number of things you own by decluttering. After you finish decluttering, it’s time to find the right movers and calculate your relocation costs. You can find expert help in the state to help you relocate safely, even from CA to Nevada. To save even more money on your move, pack efficiently. Put similar items together and use every box to its fullest potential. In addition, make sure to secure the boxes and label them. Not only does this make moving more manageable, but it will also make unpacking a breeze. 

To conclude
These things to inspect before signing a rental agreement are crucial. If you don’t inspect the home beforehand, you risk several things. First and foremost, you risk moving into an unfinished home or needing repairs. Things such as plumbing and electricity can cause several different problems if they aren’t in order. And if you are looking to move into a furnished apartment, the state and quality of the furniture will affect how you feel in the space. An inspection is one of the best things you can do to ensure your safety and comfort. It may take a little organization and time, but it will pay off as you can completely relax in your new home. 

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Renting a home can be a fantastic solution for families, but it can come with some challenges. When you have kids, safety and comfort should be at the forefront of your mind when renting a home. So what can you do to make your kids safe and comfortable in a rental? With the help of experienced property managers, we did thorough research, and here's how to adapt your new rental so that your kids feel cozy, safe, and fully comfortable; so, if you're ready to take your rental from drab to fab, get ready to let your imagination run wild! Join us as we explore creative ways to make kids safe and comfortable in a rental so your kids can get creative and be themselves.

How to make your rental safe and comfortable for your kids?
As a parent, ensuring that your kids feel safe and comfortable in their home is of the utmost importance. But what happens when that home is a rental? Renting a home comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to making the space safe and inviting for your kids.​

​Have you ever heard of the biggest little city in the world? We are talking about Reno, Nevada, a place in the northwest part of the United States of America. Whether for its incredible landscape, dynamic lifestyle, proximity to San Francisco, or the everlasting fun this city promises, Reno has been one of the most popular places over the years for both visitors and newcomers. So, if you have heard these amazing facts and are planning to come there for good, here are several things to know before moving to Reno, NV.

A few words about living costs
One of the most important things everyone would like to know when buying a home in the Reno city area is how much money they would need for a living. Well, truth to speak, Reno, Nevada, is not the most affordable place in the world. It is among the most expensive ones. An average family needs approximately $80,000 a month to have a decent life. Although living in Reno is cheaper than living in San Francisco or New York, it is still in the high 21st position among the most expensive cities in the country. Its living costs are about 8% higher than the national average.

The real estate market
Low property taxes, and generally high incomes, make Reno one of the top three places in the USA where people wish to buy a home. There are neighborhoods for everyone. Starting from the ones hidden in the peacefulness of a forest area to those situated in the center of busy city life.

Furthermore, since the number of buyers in the real estate market has grown, the available offers have decreased in the past several years. What's more, homes that are still in the game have pretty high prices. Still, some researchers have shown that shortly, the price growth will slow down for a little bit. That is why this may be the right time to invest in a house in Reno, one of the most wanted real estate in the USA. And when the moment of relocation comes, as the experts from familyaffairmoving.com would say, all you need is a group of experienced movers, and everything will be done in no time.

Finding jobs
The job market in the city of Reno is in constant growth. Their industries are expanding, and the offer is diverse. Some of the most developed industries in recent years are technology and healthcare. The number of opportunities is growing, while taxes are still pretty low. So, if you are moving to Reno to find a new job, you are one among the many.

The weather- one of the things to Know Before Moving to Reno, NV
In Reno, you'll have a chance to meet all four seasons. All over the year, they have a mixture of great hot summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and beautiful snowy winters. You'll see rain, snow, sun, strong winds, and even thunderstorms. Although the temperatures in the hottest and the coldest months can vary, they never go below 23°F in winter or 89.6°F in summer.

So, if you are among those who are moving to Reno from California for work, get ready to pack some warm clothes, too. You are going to experience some real winter weather with all its charms. And when it comes to preparing your household for the move, experts can pack in no time since packing services in California are more than excellent.

The town's atmosphere
When we say small-town atmosphere, we mean precisely that. One of the things to know before moving to Reno, NV, is that their people cherish a strong sense of community. Naturally, everyone knows their neighbors. Even if they are newcomers, it's only a question of time before someone will knock on their door and help them blend into the city's community and life.

That is one of the reasons why Reno is a perfect moving destination for families. In this city, you will find numerous great family-friendly parks that can offer entertaining outdoor activities for kids and adults. And when it comes to traffic, traffic jams will be your past since people in Reno rarely sit and wait in their cars for more than a few minutes.

Education
When we talk about schools you can find in Reno, there are many options. Reno's education system is strong. Some of the best public schools in Nevada are in Reno.

On the other hand, when it comes to higher education, Reno residents can boast of being a college city. Apart from the Truckee Meadows Community College in this city, there is also a four-year public University of Nevada Reno.

The crime rate in Reno, NV
Since safety is one of the top priorities among the residents of any city, especially if they have children, it is good to mention that Reno is not considered the safest place in the world.

However, although the crime rate is above the national average, not all neighborhoods have the same crime rate. The Reno residents prefer living in the southwest part of the city since they claim it to be the safest one. Still, you should remember that there is no perfectly safe place in the world. So, all you need to do is to get informed about the crime rate in the area of the city you would like to live in. 

Entertainment
Well, entertainment is the word that best describes life in Reno, NV. This is the city where the fun never stops.

• If you have heard of Reno before, you must know about its famous casinos. Some of the best gambling sports in Nevada are found precisely in Reno.
• However, Reno is not all about having fun gambling. It is also an important cultural and art spot. Apart from all the art centers, galleries, and museums you can visit, there are also special celebrations and events all year round. Some of the most interesting ones happen in July.
• For all the night-out lovers, friendly restaurants in Reno offer high-quality and diverse cuisine.
• When it comes to outdoor fun, there are incredible mountain hikes, golf courses, ski resorts, and many other winter recreation options.

Suppose you've decided that this is the year to achieve your business dreams from your home because you realize all the benefits that come with doing what you do best as and when you see fit. But there's one glaringly obvious problem - your current home is too small. Here's how to make the necessary changes, so you can accommodate both. 

If you're looking for a new home in the Reno/Sparks area, visit our Reno Property Management website. 

Check if it is allowed
Before you even decide on a home where you can run your business, you'll first have to check if it is allowed. This would entail checking the rules of business zoning in your area to see if you can operate your business from your home premises. Furthermore, you may have to apply for a special license or permit depending on the type of industry you're in. So best to have these all checked out before you even resume operations so that you don't end up entangled in all sorts of red tape before you even begin. 

Check your budget
Your budget will also have to be tailored to take into account your move, what with all the extra expenses that will be involved in moving your business and its belongings over with you. For example, you may need to take out extra insurance depending on the coverage provided by your moving company if the coverage they do provide is insufficient. Also, your budget is going to have to cover all the extra expenses associated with moving and if you're moving to a new state then the additional cost of living expenses will need to be taken into account too. 

Finding a property that will meet all your requirements
Finding a property that is going to meet all your requirements is going to be something else to think about too. After all, it's going to have to be big enough to cater to both your business and your family. Furthermore, it may have to have additional rooms for a home office, for example, and it may also need to have ample parking space or access to ample parking space if you are going to have clients visiting every now and again. 

Make sure you have all the basics covered 
If you are planning on going full steam ahead with your business operations as soon as you're settled in, then you'll want to make sure you have all the basics covered as far as equipment and furniture goes. When thinking of choosing the right furniture for your home office, you should combine practicality with style to ensure that you are as productive as possible in your home office. 

Then, you'll want to think about investing in the necessary software to run your business smoothly. You will require an easy to use bookkeeping system to ensure your accounting efforts are up-to-date at all times. Here, we're referring to accounting software that allows you to store and organize your receipts adequately so that you can benefit from tax savings down the line whilst adhering to the applicable tax legislation. It should also provide you with the tools to manage your cash flow better so that you stay on top of incoming and outgoing expenses.

These are just a few of the major deliberations that need to be had before you think about up and moving everything somewhere new. But it's vital that you do to ensure you have the wherewithal to not only cope but thrive during this new transition. 
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​If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in a position where you think you can afford to own property, you then have to deal with making the biggest and most complicated purchase of your life. For some, adding to the complication of a major renovation seems like madness. But for others, fixer-upper homes are the most achievable way to get the house of their dreams. If you have been considering joining the fixer-upper club, here’s what you’ll need to think about.
 
The Buying Process
The first thing you need to do is determine your budget. In the case of a fixer-upper, this has to include both the price of the house and the renovation costs, but it is easier for you to think of them together for the time being. Good indicators to establish a budget include your annual income, money saved for a down payment, monthly spending, loan type, and current average APR. Don’t forget that there are plenty of hidden ongoing costs to owning a home, so you also need to take things like insurance, taxes, and maintenance into account.
 
The next step for most homeowners is to get to know their local market and see what kind of home they can buy in the area with said budget. Nolo.com suggests that the best way to know how much to offer on a fixer-upper is to figure out the value of the home if it was fixed, calculating the cost of the work, and then subtracting one from the other.
 
Once you find the fixer-upper of your dreams (and budget), there are a few additional steps you need to cover before making an offer. Get a full home inspection, which will highlight any repair work you may have missed during your visit, and re-adjust your offer accordingly. If a house you love has severe structural issues that would cost a fortune to repair, it may not be worth it.
 
As you look into financing your purchase, research the types of loans that will work best for your situation. For example, if you’re a veteran with so-so credit and not a lot socked away, you are eligible for a VA loan, which can help when it comes to finding decent interest rates, plus there won’t be any mortgage insurance. On the other hand, if the home needs serious work, you can look into an FHA 203(k) loan. These loans provide funding for the home and the necessary renovations, in addition for funding that covers the time you can’t live in the home.


The Renovation
When it comes to renovating your new home, planning is the most important thing you can do. It may be tempting to throw yourself headfirst into the first DIY project you can think of, but this is not the most efficient way to proceed.
 
Make a full list of everything that needs to be done, and sort tasks by priority. At the top, place anything that is necessary to make the house livable, such as electrical work, plumbing, or structural issues. Then address changes needed to make the house attractive. Finally, finishing decorative touches go last.
 
A full renovation schedule is important, but it is by no means the only thing you need to consider. Real Homes has a detailed checklist of things you need to do before you start renovating, covering everything from securing the building site to learning about your home’s architectural features. And if you haven’t already, invest some cash into some quality power tools such as drills or saws to make those DIY projects a little easier.
 
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The Resale
There is an accepted idea in society that your first house is a “starter home” and that you will eventually trade up to a bigger and better one. National statistics say the average first-time buyer stays in that house for 11 years before moving on to another home. However, there is also evidence that many first-time buyers, particularly young millennials, are skipping the starter home altogether. Instead, they are choosing to wait longer and put in more effort to buy a home that is right for them for the long haul.
 
Whether you choose to re-sell your fixer-upper will ultimately depend on two factors: firstly, whether you bought the house with the long-term in mind, and secondly, how much value you have added through your renovations. Do bear in mind, however, that experts recommend living in a home for a minimum of five years before selling.
 
Buying a fixer-upper for your first home doesn’t have to be a terrifying and intimidating prospect. As long as you are reasonable with your budget and expectations and do your homework, your fixer-upper can either end up being your dream home or a great first step on your way up the property ladder.