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7 Easy Landscaping Tips for Your Rental Property

6/6/2022

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Use these 7 easy landscaping tips for your rental property.
Investing in Reno real estate and renting it is a great business opportunity. However, you should know that being a landlord doesn’t just entail collecting the rent at the end of the month. If you want to make a profit and find quality tenants, you have to put in some work. Specifically, you have to invest and take care of your rental property. And this means both the inside and the outside of the house. This is essential both for finding the right tenants and for keeping them happy. And since many landlords ignore the outside, here are 7 easy landscaping tips for your rental property.

No. 1 One of the easiest landscaping tips for your rental property is to hire help
As previously mentioned, being a landlord involves some work. And this can be hard to accomplish if you don’t live close to the rental property. It can also be very time-consuming. Therefore, it can be particularly challenging if you have a full-time job and a family to take care of. 

So, the easiest solution is to hire a property manager. This professional will take care of everything for you. So, you can just lay back and collect your rent. However, if you can’t afford this or want to make sure the property manager doesn’t skip anything, you should continue reading.

No. 2 Use clever alternatives
Having a lawn is essential for the landscape of a house. However, grass can be hard to maintain, particularly during the hot season. Usually, you need large volumes of water to keep the grass looking nice and green. And this can be expensive. Not to mention the fact that you should water it daily, in the mornings during the summer months. And that can be hard to schedule when you also have to go to work.

So, to avoid some of this nuisance, you can choose some smart alternatives to grass. And one such example is using artificial grass. However, don’t fool yourself into thinking that this solves everything. Even this turf needs so maintenance. Rainwater is not enough to clean fallen leaves, pet poop, and muddy patches. But experts can help with this. So, you can just search for some turf cleaning services in your area.

No. 3 Reduce the paved areas
As you’ve seen, maintaining a lawn is not a piece of cake. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you should pave the entire area. While this might seem like the easiest solution, it might be the worst. Tenants search for rental properties that have a lot of green spaces. This makes the outside of the house look better and more inviting. Plus, it’s great for kids, pets, and barbeques. So, you should only use pavement where it’s practical. For example, you can create paths leading to the house and a paved sitting area.
A paved path leading to a house surrounded by grass and trees.
A good landscaping tip for your rental property is to limit the paved areas
No. 4 Use the right plants
One of the easiest landscaping tips for your rental property is choosing native plants. This is a good idea because native plants are used to the local climate and soil. This means that they don’t require so much maintenance. Moreover, you shouldn’t go overboard with all sorts of flower arrangements because your taste might not match that of the tenants. So, stick with neutral, local flora that will appeal to more tenants.
The front yard of a house that includes a lawn, some shrubs, and a palm tree.
One of the easiest landscaping tips for your rental property is choosing neutral and native flora
No. 5 Keep pets in mind
If your rental property allows pets, you should keep this in mind when designing the landscape. A good solution would be to create a dedicated pet area. This way, you will make sure that pests won’t ruin the rest of the lawn. You can separate this section using a fence or by creating a rock garden. And you should also consider using pebbles or pea gravel in this area since pets will use it as their toilet.
A dog sitting in the grass with its tongue out.
If your rental property allows pets, consider creating a dedicated pet area.
No. 6 Protect the outside of your rental
Landlords often focus on protecting the inside of the rental but forget about the outside. However, just like you can have pest infestations indoors, you can have bird infestations outdoors. Yes, there is such a thing as bird infestation. The main problem with birds is that they create nests in unwanted places. You might consider this harmless, but it’s not. They can make a lot of mess and noise. Plus, their acidic poop can even damage solar panels. Therefore, the advisors at peakservices.com recommend having a proactive bird control plan.

No. 7 Set clear rules
When it comes to taking care of your rental property’s landscape, you must set some clear rules. On the one hand, you can choose to hire a property manager who will be responsible for this, amongst other things. On the other hand, you can make your tenants responsible for the landscape maintenance. In such a case, it’s mandatory that you include this in the lease and that you properly inform your tenants.

However, if neither of these solutions is right for you, you still have one option. You can hire a specialist to take care of the outside of your rental. This will ensure that the landscape is properly looked after. And you can simply add these costs to the monthly rent. However, if you choose to do this, you must disclose it in the lease.

A piece of advice
One of the most important landscaping tips for your rental property is doing some prior research. Before you start designing and changing things up, you must be aware of the local regulations. This way, you can make sure that your rental’s landscape doesn’t violate any green space rules. For example, you should find out if there’s a list of prohibited grasses and plants in your area.

Final thoughts
Being a landlord can be great for your future finances. But to find quality tenants and make a profit, you have to invest time and money in your rental. And you should remember that you need to take care of both the inside and the outside of the property. So, apply these 7 easy landscaping tips for your rental property. This will help you attract tenants and keep them happy afterward. 

​Images used:
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Local vs. Long Distance: Which is Better for Landlords?

2/22/2022

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A magnifying glass, a house model, and a piggy bank
Buying an investment property in Nevada is a financially wise decision. And not only because it's a valuable asset that can provide you with a significant passive income. On top of that, it can be a stress-free occupation. You can run a rental business any way that suits you. However, to ensure everything goes smoothly, it's better to choose the location carefully. Both local and long-distance landlords face different challenges and enjoy different benefits. Before you decide, it's best to consider both options. With that in mind, we've decided to examine both possibilities and help you make the right choice. So, local vs. long-distance investing: which is better for Nevada landlords?
How to make the right decision?
Firstly, before you start searching for the right property, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Knowing the answers will help you make up your mind and make a sound decision. So, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What are your overall financial goals?
  • Are you interested in cash flow, appreciation, or both?
  • Are you planning to self-manage, or would you rather hire a property management company?
Decide on your financial goals
So, what are your financial goals? Do you want to get out of debt, gain independence, or accumulate wealth? To answer this question, you need to first assess your current finances. Then visualize where you want to be in the next five, ten, or twenty years. Knowing this will help you focus your investing in the right direction.

A man sitting on a pile of coins thinking about local vs. long-distance investing
Before you decide, you need to consider your financial possibilities and goals.
Choose the right market
Next, you need to decide on the right market. For example, you might want to have a high rent-to-value ratio. In that case, you should choose a cash-flow market that will provide you with valuable income. Or, if generating the cash flow isn't your priority, you might want to choose a market with a potential for long-term appreciation. Lastly, hybrid markets offer a mix of both options. Of course, what you decide on depends on your long-term goals.
Self-management or using property management?
To determine your real estate strategy, you need to answer this question. Maintaining the property and dealing with tenants can be pretty overwhelming at times. From the potential renovation of the property to tenants losing their keys for the n-th time, self-managing demands a lot of effort and work.
 
However, some landowners prefer to be in charge and gladly take on these responsibilities. If that is the case with you, there is no dilemma. In local vs. long-distance, local investment property is a clear winner.
 
On the other hand, if you'd rather hire a third party to manage your property, both options may work for you. In that case, the key is to find an experienced property management company you can rely on. Whether you choose a local or long-distance property, you'll be able to save both time and effort while they manage your rental business for you.
A property manager holding a model of a house in his hand
When considering local vs. long-distance investment, it's crucial to decide on property management.
Local investment property
Now, let's have a closer look at what you can expect from buying a local investment property.
Familiarity with the market
The first and most obvious advantage is that you're more likely to be familiar with the market when you're investing locally. Every local market is unique, and knowing little flows and trends can help you invest in the right property. You'll know all the local attractions and amenities that are likely to attract tenants. However, doing proper research is still a must.
You'll have more control
This is crucial for many landlords in the local vs. long-distance dilemma. While it's not impossible to manage your property long-distance by yourself, it's certainly more demanding. On the other hand, you can choose a more hands-on approach as a local landlord. For example, you can meet with your tenants when necessary, show your property in person, and perform an inspection of the property.
You can hire local contractors when necessary
When you delve into investing in real estate, you're bound to need contractors at some point. Whether you want to remodel that fixer-upper or need some repairs, finding the right contractors locally is much more manageable. Firstly, you can choose them yourself and ensure they're suitable for the task. Secondly, they're less likely to try and take advantage of your absence.

A hand holding house keys
Before you buy an investment property, carefully consider both options.
Long-distance investment property
However, long-distance investments also come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let's have a proper look.
A wider range of investment opportunities
Depending on where you live, your local market might not be able to offer you what you want. What if you need cash flow but live in an appreciation market? On the other hand, if you don't limit yourself, you can opt for a more profitable market with a higher return on investment.
 
If you find the right property in other parts of Nevada, you might even want to relocate there! If the business proves very lucrative, this might be an excellent idea. However, if you want to live nearby, ensure you plan your long-distance relocation with care. From packing your belongings to hiring trustworthy movers - many tasks will require your attention!
Use a property management company
Of course, you can do this on a local level, too. However, limiting yourself may lead to losing some excellent opportunities. And if you plan to hire property managers in either case, a long-distance investment can be a better choice. There are many reasons to hire property managers! Although it may seem a more expensive option at first, it can save you money in the long run. Especially if you don't have a lot of experience - they'll ensure your tenants are satisfied and your property in good condition.
You can use your property for a variety of purposes
While your goal is mainly to rent your property to tenants, you can also use it as a vacation home in between. Or, your kids can use it when they start college - no accommodation worries! And lastly, you might choose to relocate or retire there someday.
The bottom line
As you may see, there are many things landlords should consider when it comes to local vs. long-distance investing. Both options come with their unique advantages and issues. However, once you know your long-term goals and preferences, you'll be able to make the right choice.
Meta description: Buying the right investment property is not an easy task. Find out which is better for landlords - local vs. long-distance investing!

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Tips for renting with pets

10/14/2021

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Woman sitting in front of a computer with a dog in her lap.
The life of a tenant comes with many caveats. Besides needing to find a place you like, you’ll also have to deal with the landlord or property management company. If you have a pet, finding a suitable rental property can be a bit more challenging. It goes without saying that not every landlord is going to be thrilled with the prospect that you’ll be bringing a pet with you. Thankfully, we will give you tips for renting with pets, which will make the whole process a lot easier.

Consult with the landlord
Obviously, the first thing you will need to do is consult with the landlord. Be direct and find out if the apartment you are interested in is pet-friendly. Some places with a “no pets allowed” policy may be open for discussion, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask. The worst thing that can happen is that you get declined, which will just bring you back to square one.

It is of utmost importance that you do not lie to the landlord or try to hide your pet. When they perform a property inspection, they are bound to find pet hair, chew toys, and pet food. Hiding your pet can just land you in trouble and get you kicked out of the apartment. Don’t even think you will be able to fool a seasoned landlord. They are always on the lookout for tenant scams, so you should steer away from any illegal or suspicious activity.

Choose a home with your pet in mind
A small, one-bedroom apartment isn’t the greatest environment for a dog. Try to find something more suitable for your pet, and have their needs in mind when browsing property listings. Depending on the type and size of your pet, you may want to rent something with a spare room, a balcony, or a yard.

​Also, consider what the neighborhood is like. Look for an area with a nearby park or perhaps good trails where you can go for walks together. Before moving, check to see if there is a local vet in the area and contact them to see if they can care for your pet.

Dog sitting on a wooden stool.
Ask your old landlord to confirm that your pet is well behaved.
Get references from your previous landlordIf you have already rented a place with the same pet you have now, you can ask your old landlord for a reference. This is especially helpful if your pet is well behaved and left a good impression on them. The landlord-tenant relationship is something you need to nurture, and it can be mutually beneficial. When moving out of a rental property, make sure to repair any damage your pet may have caused even before the property manager asks you to do it. If your previous landlord can mention that both you and your pet behave responsibly, that can go a long way towards convincing the new property owner to give your pet a pass.

Gather documentation and introduce your pet
Besides all the regular paperwork you will need when renting a home, you should also create a dedicated pet-paperwork folder. Have all the vaccination and neutering information from your vet readily available. You can also include your vet's phone number, since they can also serve as a reference for your pet. Compose a short bio for your pet, where you can mention their breed, hygiene, and overall habits. Always include your pet's resume with your own when inquiring about an apartment. After all, you are going to be roommates together. If you are going to have an in-person meeting with the new landlord, make sure to bring your pet. This can be an excellent opportunity to show off that they are well behaved.

Cat sitting on cardboard boxes.
Tell your landlord that you will cover for repairs from scratch or bite marks of your pet.
Be willing to negotiate
When discussing the lease agreement, you can offer an addendum to the lease. It can state that you are ready to cover any potential expenses which can come from the damage your pet may cause. When renting with pets, it's not uncommon for landlords to require you to pay an additional security deposit. Obviously, the best way to get it back is for you and your pet to be on your best behavior. Always clean up after your pet, and fix anything they damage to get your security deposit back.

Moving with pets
You will find that moving to a new home is a bit more complicated when pets are in the picture. We will go through some tips for renting with pets that will make your relocation a breeze. Pets can sometimes get even more stressed out about a move than humans, and what's worse is that they don't have good ways to express themselves. Here is what you can do:
  • Talk to your vet. They can give your pet a checkup and go over the paperwork you have collected. You can even ask them for a mild sedative to help your pet handle the day of the move.
  • Update their information.
  • Drive them in your car. Spend time with them and bring them to your new home yourself.
  • Keep things similar to your old home. Pets may need help adjusting. Try to keep things the same wherever you can.
Dog driving in a car and looking out the window.
Do everything you can to help your pet adjust to the new environment.
If you don’t already have a pet
If you plan on getting a pet, don't just adopt one and assume that your landlord will be okay with you bringing them into the rental property. Talk to the landlord in advance and get their approval before bringing a pet into your home, and make sure you get it in writing. Adopting an animal without a formal okay will get you on the fast lane to getting evicted.

The bottom line
The main takeaway from our tips for renting with pets is that you should always be straightforward and direct. Inquiring about pets on the property should be one of the first talking points with the landlord. Of course, there are a few things you can do to set the odds in your favor. If you train your pet and make sure they are well behaved, renting with a pet shouldn't be a problem.
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Affordable ways to show appreciation to your tenants

9/13/2021

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A neon sign saying
You don't have to be psychic to know that the landlord vs. tenant relationship is the subject of many articles you can easily find online. The only thing is: most of them focus their attention on the unwanted, unloyal, or scamming tenants. So, where are all the good ones and why's nobody writing about them? How about doing something in advance for your tenants to make them feel just right? Well, we'll try to make it up to them by posting an article about affordable ways to show appreciation to your tenants. Good tenants are a blessing! Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep them!

A Welcome Gift

​Before your tenant/landlord relationship kicks off big time, it's good you show some appreciation in advance. There isn't a better way to do this than by leaving a little welcome present on the kitchen counter or sofa. It's up to you to figure out what kind of present it will be. Try to look for something affordable, yet don't be cheap. It's always like that, right? Let's say that a gift card from your local hardware or home appliance shop is something most tenants will find appealing. Also, make sure to include a welcome note with the gift. You can make this into a tradition. For example, you can do this again once your tenants renew their one-year contract.
A girl carrying a wrapped gift.
Buying a welcome gift for your new tenants is a great way to start your relationship with them.

Update the place

Let's say you've noticed that the old washing machine is slowly dying. It can still be of some use, but you can clearly see its days are numbered. Don't wait for your new tenants to call you when they have issues with washing their clothes. Replace the old lady before they move in! You should also renovate the place if needed. If you're nice enough to leave a welcome gift, you must act nice on all fronts. That way, your tenants will know you're a one-of-a-kind caring landlord. You can surprise them with your positive attitude!

Share some quality info

​Let's say your tenants have some problems relocating to their new address: the cozy apartment you're renting out. There are numerous ways you can help them in this scenario. One of them, of course, is to show them some relocation tips they can use on their moving day. As you've probably experienced relocating at some point in your life, your knowledge might turn out to be very helpful. Tell them how to organize the preparations or how to handle moving-day stress. It's a big plus having a trusty landlord, always ready to help or give a bit of advice!
Piled up boxes.
Moving is a stressful procedure. As a landlord, you can share some experiences with your new tenants. They'll surely appreciate that!

Remember (write down) your tenants' birthdays

​A fun way to show your tenants some attention is to remember their birthdays. Sending a small gift cannot hurt! Even a plain old birthday card will do the trick. If you own a building, we guess it's pretty hard to remember the birthdays of all your tenants. In that case, write them down and set up a reminder. Also, if you want to be a dreamlike landlord (what a combination of words...) you can even track anniversaries or other dates important to your tenants. On the other hand, that might seem a little creepy. Stick to birthdays!

Throw a tenant appreciation party

As we've mentioned in the previous paragraph, you might be the owner or a property manager of a building. In that case, you can throw a cookout event or something similar for all your tenants! Is there a better way to show that you care? That's right - there isn't! Rare are those who would turn down a party invitation.
A man pouring champagne into a glass.
Throw a party for all your tenants! Can you picture a better way of showing appreciation?
Never let your tenants wait for a repairIf your tenants call you because of an issue inside your apartment, you should act momentarily. Letting them wait is not something we would recommend. They need to know you're always there! Imagine the scenario: something's wrong with the plumbing, and because of your poor timing, now the living room tragically reminds your tenants of a scene in a movie about a sinking ship (Titanic, anyone?). Even movie buffs would hate that! Not to mention the folks who live downstairs. They'll undoubtedly adore the light brown aquarelle on their ceiling!

Give them a discount

If your tenants are on time every month with payments, it might be time to show them how much you value their responsibility. Give them a discount on the next rent payment. It's a win-win situation! You're happy because they're always on time, they're happy because you gave them a monthly discount! Then you're happy because they're happy, and so on. It's not so hard to picture an idyllic landlord/tenant relationship blooming out of this. Okay, that was probably a bit too much, but you get the point! A discount on rent is one of the best ways to show appreciation to your tenants!

In conclusion

In the article above, we've shared with you affordable ways to show appreciation to your tenants. By following the mentioned tips and tricks (there aren't any tricks, though), you're bound to form a great relationship with your tenant/s. It's never hard to show some extra care, and your tenants (if they behave like normal people, that is) deserve your attention. A nice word, friendly gesture, or a small gift will get the job done!

Photos used:
https://unsplash.com/photos/0ZF7BrJ2xmg
https://unsplash.com/photos/8mj-o2H5PKE
https://unsplash.com/photos/iNeH9jvtwyU
https://unsplash.com/photos/RygIdTavhkQ
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7 signs it's time to sell your rental property

8/11/2021

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7 signs it's time to sell your rental property
​If you happen to be a rental owner, there's a high chance you've put blood, sweat, and tears into managing the said property. While the investment might have been a smart one initially, perhaps it doesn't ring true today. There are many instances in which you are better off moving on from the property than keeping it in your possession any longer. Unfortunately, knowing just when to say goodbye isn't simple to determine. With that said, you are encouraged to take note of these 7 signs that suggest the time to sell your rental property has come.

1. The value of your rental property has increased
If the value of the property has drastically increased since the time you bought it, that may be a signal it's time to convert it into cash. This approach is especially favored by professional flippers, who purchase properties only to sell them for profit a short time later. While typical flippers don't usually turn to renting, a few of those do stick around long enough to venture into the process - which goes something like this:
  • Make a purchase
  • Find tenants to whom they'll rent out the property
  • Make updates with the intention to sell
  • Part ways with the property once the prices have gone up and the local market starts favoring sellers
You may not consider yourself a flipper, but in this case, it may be wise to take a page out of their book.

2. The property is no longer generating profit
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that a property that doesn't bring revenue isn't one worth keeping. Of course, if you've only recently acquired your asset, perhaps you should stick around for a bit longer. After all, it does take some time for profit to show. However, if you've already been a landlord for a while and you've been in the red for months, it might be wise to sell your rental property. It's better to let go of it now than allow it to drain your savings any further.

If you truly are keen on sticking to real estate investing, though, put your money elsewhere. For example, into another Reno property that's bound to prove more profitable.

3. You are miles away from your rental property
When you live close to your rental, managing it doesn't seem all that complicated. Whenever the property requires your attention, you are just a short drive away.

However, as life is relatively unpredictable, sometimes, we must move away. This challenging time requires us to think about many things: our next living arrangement, the moving process, and last but not least, the property we currently own. As far as hiring movers goes, it's worth noting that reliability is the most important factor to consider. Always opt for a company that has considerable experience moving people across long distances, throughout the entire state of Nevada.

While the relocation process can be reasonably smooth, maintaining your property when you live miles away becomes all that harder. You can no longer be there to tend to issues and must rely on the help of others to make do. Selling is possibly the best choice, but if you wish to keep your asset, by all means, do it. Should that be your final decision, remember to seek out a professional Reno property manager.

4. You no longer wish to be a landlord
The thought of being a landlord doesn't excite you anymore? If you find this to be true, that's a tell-tell sign that you should sell your rental property, or actually, consider selling it.

Perhaps you are just tired of the amount of work that needs to be done around the property. Maybe managing it has occupied so much of your free time, which isn't what you initially signed up for. Or, you've stumbled upon trouble with your tenants. Whatever the case, if real estate investing no longer does it for you, it might be time to leave the game altogether.

5. Your rental property has begun deteriorating
The state of your current asset is such that it requires extensive repairs to become yet again profitable. Investing in a new roof in Reno, for instance, can cost you anywhere between 6,000 and 10,000 dollars. That's about a year's worth of rent down the drain! Instead of spending a fortune on fixing it all up, it's better to sell the rental ''as-is''. This is especially true if you are dealing with a somewhat older property. The potential for something going wrong grows with age, so parting ways sooner rather than later is recommended.

6. You set eyes on another property
New opportunities to invest in something, including properties, arise constantly. Maybe you've recently stumbled upon an asset that you believe could be worth your while. The only problem being that the lack of money is preventing you from acquiring it straight away. However, if you sell your rental property now, you'll have just the amount you need to fund the new investment. But pause for a minute: are you aware of what you're getting yourself into? Is the potential of obtaining higher profits with the new property truly that great? Is it that great that it makes saying goodbye to a rental that's already been bringing you constant cash flow reasonable? Ask yourself these questions before reaching the final verdict.

7. Circumstances surrounding your life have changed
​
At the time you purchased your investment property, you couldn't have possibly known something in your life would change. While you would want nothing else but to keep your property, certain events could make you question that decision, including:
  • Wanting to purchase your dream home
  • Having to pay your child's college tuition
  • Losing your job
  • Retiring
  • Death of a family member
Whatever your situation, don't rush into making a decision. While the smartest choice may very well be to sell your rental property, double-check it by picking the brain of others. A financial advisor could prove the right person to ask for insight, as they are someone with the knowledge but no emotional attachment to the property. Additionally, if you decide to keep your rental property but have no time to manage it, contacting a property management company in Reno might be the best choice!
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