​There is a lot to consider when it comes to moving out of your rental. Whether you have been there for a long time or just a short while, multiple things can determine if you get your security deposit back or not. Always make sure that you take your time to consider all possibilities and sort them out before you officially move out. The issues that your landlord might consider deal-breakers could be as small as a few leftover nails in the wall or as big as broken furniture. With some cleaning hacks, you will be able to relax and have no problem getting all your money back.

​If you have ever rented a car, you’ll remember that you needed to do an initial inspection of damages so that you do not get charged for them afterward. The same rule should apply to an apartment or house rental. If you have done this before signing a lease for your home, it will make your life a lot easier once you decide to move out.

​Unless you do not come near your stove due to your less-than-enviable cooking skills, the kitchen is the area where you will have the most significant amount of work. You know very well how much damage oil splatters can cause and what a pain they are to clean. Almost everyone will agree that they hate cleaning the oven with a passion. Who can blame them—it is extremely difficult to do, it demands some serious contortionism, and even after you clean it, it still looks dirty.

​Procrastinating with this task, though, can create quite a messy situation, and you want to take care of it before you move out. An easy cleaning hack is to make a baking soda paste by mixing it with water and then spread it all over the oven. Leave this overnight and simply wipe it clean in the morning.

This is the home of lots of spills, stains, and bacteria. If you empty it and unplug it without cleaning, it will be a nasty sight—and smell. A bowl of baking soda overnight will take care of the smells for you. One of the best cleaning hacks is to use a vinegar solution and spray it all over the refrigerator. All the stains and grease will come off surprisingly easily.

​Your walls can go through substantial damage even if you do not hang any pictures on them. Simple, everyday activities can leave stains and marks on the walls that you will most certainly need to take care of before moving out. To clean stains, use white toothpaste with a paper towel or a rag. If you have removed nails from the walls, fill in the holes with toothpaste as well, or use the traditional nail hole fillers and even out by scraping the excess with a wet knife.

Any lighter shade of carpet will be susceptible to stains. To clean these, use a mix of hydrogen peroxide and some lemon juice. Spray the solution on the stained area and leave for a few minutes. After that, scrub it with a brush. For dark carpets, use a solution of white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap and water. If your hardwood floor has scuffs, use a tennis ball or an eraser and apply a bit of pressure while rubbing the surface. This magic trick will save your security deposit.

​You may have noticed some stubborn stains in your bathtub. They usually form from shower and hair products build-up, but also limestone. Most cleaning products will not get rid of them, so why not try a mix of lemon juice and salt? Scrub on the area until it magically disappears.

​If you are currently renting in the state of Nevada and are planning an interstate move, consider hiring a moving company. After you have finished your thorough cleaning and you got your full safety deposit, these professionals will save you a great deal of trouble and help you transfer from the state to wherever you are moving. Especially if you are relocating for the first time, you will be more than grateful for the assistance of experts. You might get overwhelmed by the amount of planning and organizing that needs to take place. With professional movers, you will rest assured that everything will be arranged for you perfectly.

​It is very easy to overlook details when moving out of your rental. Your landlord might be a lovely, honest person, but they also might be digging for ways to deduct money from your safety deposit.

1. For example, your landlord is not obligated to give you your deposit back unless you ask for it. Do not take for granted that you will simply receive it in your mail by default. You need to make sure to communicate this to your landlord before you change your address, especially if you are moving out of state or internationally.
2. In addition to that, read the lease carefully for hidden rules. You might have to pay a certain percentage for the regular wear and tear even if you have cleaned all the areas spotlessly.
3. Finally, if you are thinking of cleaning every corner of the apartment or house thoroughly, you should keep in mind that certain areas are generally in the spotlight. So before breaking your back, use the cleaning hacks in the main areas like the bathroom, the walls, the kitchen, and the floors, and pay a bit less attention to the rest of the home.

 
Meta description: Learn some great cleaning hacks to help you get your security deposit back offered by the experts at Clark Real Estate.

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!

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​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!

Flipping your first house is a thrilling undertaking. After putting in the hard work of choosing everything from the flooring to finding the perfect finishing decor, you should feel proud of your major accomplishment. Once you approach the end of your project, however, you are faced with one final decision: Sell the property or rent it out?
 
If you are torn between these two options, here are several important questions for you to consider.
 
How is the current housing market in your area?
One of the most significant factors in your decision to rent or sell should be the current housing market in your area. Do research to find out the following: Are home prices slumping, or are homes selling for a reasonable (or higher than normal) price? What is the current demand for rental properties in the area? What is the future outlook for home and rental prices?
 
Gathering data like this will help inform your decision. You can use this information to quickly assess whether renting or selling would bring you the highest profits. When it comes to flipping houses, knowledge is power.
 
Do you have the time to be a landlord?
For many individuals who flip houses, another major determining factor in renting or selling is the time they have available to dedicate toward being a landlord.
 
Landlords are responsible for the majority of repairs needed in a home or apartment. At a moment’s notice, you may need to replace electrical wiring, handle a plumbing emergency, or replace an appliance. Thankfully, those who don’t have the time to work as a landlord can hire an experienced property management company like Clark Real Estate. Property management companies handle most of the time-consuming duties involved in renting a property — including tenant screening, rent collection, and repairs.
 
If you instead opt to be the landlord of your property, ensure that you have plenty of extra funds saved. The cost of emergency repairs can quickly add up, so it is important to have enough in the bank to cover these expenses and that you work with qualified professionals to make repairs. For instance, if your rental property needs window repairs or replacement, you can find local contractors through Angi.com and view customer testimonials and feedback. Before hiring a service, insist that they’re licensed and insured and can provide you with referrals upon request.
 
What are your long-term financial goals?
If this is your first investment property, you may have not established long-term financial goals for this project. However, setting financial goals for yourself and for this property is critical in helping you decide how to move forward.
 
For example, are you looking to make a lump sum to reinvest into your business? This option makes the most sense if you are formally starting a career or side hustle as a house flipper. The cash that you will receive from the sale of your property will not only pay off any outstanding renovation bills, but it will also give you a large chunk of money to use on the next house you plan to flip. If you instead want this property to provide you with a stream of passive income, renting will always be the best choice. For as long as you desire, you can generate funds from this home with no extra work involved.
 
What do you plan on doing with any other fixer-uppers that you purchase?
Finally, consider your plans for any future fixer-uppers you plan to buy. Was this a one-time project, or are you planning to flip homes regularly? Do you want a mix of rental properties and ones that you decide to sell? Having this plan in mind will allow you to decide whether to rent or sell this current home and all future homes you purchase.
 
The finality of making the decision to rent or sell your fixer-upper can feel daunting. When you ask the right questions, and do plenty of research, you can rest assured that your final decision is the right one.
 
Clark Real Estate offers full-service property management services for property owners and investors in and around Reno. Call (775) 828-3355 to learn more!
​

Midsize cities in the U. S. have recently seen a genuine revival. People who have formerly enjoyed the hassle of large metro areas are now settling down in average size cities. Many have decided moving to Reno, NV is an excellent idea as this is one of the midsize cities with many offers. The question is: What makes midsize cities appealing when someone is moving? Compared to larger areas, the quality of life, affordable housing, and job opportunities are primary reasons. So, if you are considering buying or renting a property in Reno, NV, you might want to add numerous outdoor adventures and natural beauties to the list.

Pros of moving to Reno, NV
The first thing that comes to one's mind when talking about Reno is gambling. But, surprisingly, Reno has to offer a lot more. Here are some advantages of living here based on the stories of residents.

• Whether you decide to rent or buy a Reno property, the good thing is that it is more affordable than many larger cities. Reno makes a definite place to put on your list of considerations along with no income tax incentive.
• Sierra Nevada Mountains offer engaging outdoor activities, especially skiing during winter. Also, Reno is less than an hour's drive from Lake Tahoe, a popular destination for swimming, boating, and camping. The Truckee River flows right through the town, and it is great for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
• There are also opportunities for fun road trips to San Francisco or Napa Valley for the perfect weekend getaway.

Living in Reno: things to consider before making your decision
Keeping in mind that Reno, Nevada has recently been ranked no.1 best small city in the U.S., it does make it an attractive place to consider relocating to.
 
However, deciding to move is not an easy task, especially if it is a long-distance one. You would need to deal with many things, from choosing a property to hiring professional movers to help you settle hassle-free. To make it a bit easier for you, we've made a list of facts you should carefully consider before moving to Reno, NV.

Weather
Many consider the weather to be one of the best things in Reno, Nevada. Reno's residents get all four seasons, and typically there are 300+ sunny days in a year. Spring and fall are considered to be the periods of the year with the perfect climate. It can get hot during summer, but it gets more comfortable at night. Although winters are usually mild, snowstorms can happen. However, they don't seem to cause many problems, and people living in Reno typically don't use snow tires.

Traffic and Transportation
Even though Reno is experiencing growth in many ways, it hasn't seriously affected the traffic yet. The average one-way commute is 19,5 minutes, a bit below the national average of 26,5 minutes. The majority of commuters travel by car since Reno isn't a particularly walkable or bikeable city.
The Victoria Highway and a branch of Lincoln Highway both serve Reno. U.S. Route 395 runs north to rural eastern California, and I-580 runs south on the Sierra Nevada Mountains east side, and they both merge in central Reno. Reno is also connected with Sacramento and San Francisco in the west, and Winnemucca, NV, and Utah in the east by I-80.

Housing marketAlthough the median home price in Reno is higher than the national average, the area offers more affordable neighborhoods. Among the top five affordable communities in Reno are: West Reno, West Sparks, North Valleys, Airport, Grove, and Northeast Reno.
 
The prices are likely to rise in the future. That's why now is the adequate time to invest in real estate and ensure your future financial growth.

Education
Reno, Nevada, is home to a Tier 1 research university. The University of Nevada, Reno, has experienced noticeable enrollment growth in recent years. This doctoral university is best known for engineering, science, and medical programs, including biotechnology and earthquake science.
Furthermore, Truckee Meadows Community College offers 160 undergraduate degrees. Another great college is the Career College of Northern Nevada, specializing in training students for technical fields in rapidly expanding industries.

Events"Reno is Artown" through the entire month of July with multiple events every day, from crafts to dancing with fire, photography, and music. Many of these events are free and an excellent way to celebrate the tremendous contribution of arts to our community.
Another popular event is Hot August Nights which showcases numerous classic cars. Other noticeable events are the Rib cook-off, Reno air balloon races, Street Vibrations, and many more.
Restaurant and BarsReno is the perfect place for craft beers and cocktails. Several award-winning breweries are 10 Torr, The Depot, Revision, and many more.
 
Among the most popular bars are Rum Sugar Lime, Death and Taxes, or Pinion. When it comes to dining, sushi bars are abundant, and most offer affordable all-you-can-eat options. Some of the notable restaurants are Beefy's, Loco Ono, and Johnny's Ristorante.

Final words
Reno is an excellent place for those wanting big-city advantages with a small-city charm, community, and convenience. However, if you are looking for a place to call home, it would be wise to seek professional guidance when moving to Reno, NV. This city offers plenty of opportunities for both the younger and older population, which is why it has seen noticeable population growth.

In the world of real estate, having a rental property is an excellent investment. You will benefit not only from long-term investment returns but also from interim income. This is why many investors are looking for rental opportunities. However, being a landlord is not an easy job. It can be pretty demanding at times because it requires many skills and knowledge about real estate. So, if you're having a hard time being a landlord, you should definitely consider hiring professional help. Read this article to find out about 5 signs that show it's time to hire a property manager!

You don't have time to manage 
One of the main reasons landlords choose to hire a property manager is they simply don't have enough time to manage their investment. More often than not, being a landlord is not a full-time job, but it sure is time-consuming. It comes with regular responsibilities and requires total commitment. This being said, if you have a full-time job, managing your rental property as a side job can become an issue.

Another problem can appear if you have multiple rental properties. The more properties you're leasing, the bigger management needs you'll have. It's hard to keep up with one; imagine with two or more! Therefore, it's highly beneficial to hire a professional in situations like this.

You have a problem with tenants 
Being a landlord means choosing reliable and responsible tenants who will be respectful of your property. Unfortunately, this is harder than you think. As a landlord, you might face a lot of unpleasant situations. Here are the most common examples:

• Paying the rent: It's not unusual for tenants to be late with rent payments or avoid paying it altogether.
• Disrespect of your property: Sometimes, they will not take care of your property, so you'll have additional costs.
• Complaints from the neighbors: Your tenants may be accused of making loud noises, playing loud music at night, not acting according to the house rules, or other unpleasant behavior.

This is why it's essential to do proper screening in order to prevent and handle the recurrent problems with difficult tenants. If you don't have the skills for this kind of job, make sure to hire a property manager for fast and professional solutions to your problem.

You don't live nearby
Not living in the area of your rental property can turn into a problem when it comes to being a landlord. The distance can intervene with your management obligations. For example, even if the property is in excellent condition, there will be times when you need to drop by and pick something up or inspect the building. You will be unable to respond to these emergencies if you don't live nearby. As a result, anyone who lives far away from their commercial property should think about contacting a professional manager to keep an eye on it. Hiring a property manager eliminates the need for you to commute back and forth every time your tenants need something. You'll be able to rely on the manager and their expertise when it comes to managing your property without your supervision.

You're struggling with leasing 
As an investor, you want to make the highest possible profit from your investments. If you're renting a commercial property, this means you'll have to have tenants at all times. To make this happen, you have to meet the tenants' needs and keep up with the current real estate trends. Learn about what's hot on the market at the moment, how you can interest potential tenants for your apartment, what you can do to improve it, etc.

Every good property manager has this kind of knowledge, so it would be a good idea to hire one for some expert advice on the matter. Tenants may relocate for a variety of reasons, but the property managers can assist in lowering turnover. They know how to make tenants happy and keep them from looking for a new place to rent. Additionally, they will definitely have good marketing strategies and a network of interested tenants to occupy your property. All things considered, hiring a property manager is a win-win situation.

You don't know anything about rental laws
Every successful landlord should know the local landlord-tenant laws. Every municipality has its own regulations when it comes to the relationship between the landlord and their tenants. In a nutshell, these regulations are the guidelines on what your obligations and responsibilities are as a landlord, and they apply to tenants as well. So, before renting a property, you should get to know these regulations very well. If you don't have time for this, or you're having problems with understanding and applying all the rules, you should definitely consider hiring a professional property manager. They will know these rules by heart, and they'll take care of everything you are having trouble with.

Additionally, property managers can help you with getting all the legal documentation you need for your rental property. As a landlord, you'll have to get a few licenses and follow proper regulations when it comes to your property. All this can be a bit overwhelming, so it's a good idea to have a professional take care of it. They know every code and regulation, and they can help you obtain every license you need. It's also convenient because the property manager will make sure everything's done according to law, so you won't have problems in the future.

Are you ready to hire a property manager?
Based on the above mentioned information, we can all agree that being a landlord is a demanding and time-consuming job. It requires a diverse skill set and proper knowledge of the real estate market and its constantly changing trends. Therefore, if you're struggling with any of the things we mentioned in this article, it's time to contact a property manager to help you take the management obligations and stress off your plate. This would allow you to continue expanding your business without dealing with minor problems that can quickly escalate into major headaches. So, don't hesitate and make that call!

Renters beware
Caveat Emptor. That is a Latin phrase that is used in the real estate field which means "let the buyer beware." While much has been done for prospective home buyers to protect them from scams, the same cannot be said for prospective tenants. Anyone in the market for an apartment or house to rent should beware of some of the scams being promoted to separate them from their money.

Fake ads
Most of us can recognize fake ads by misspellings or abnormal use of the English language. Those that run fake ads have nothing to rent. Their goal is to obtain information that will give them access to your bank account, credit card or other assets in your name.

Demand for upfront fees
Recently a landlord was contacted by several different people claiming they had paid a deposit for a vacant unit and wanted to know when they could move in. The landlord had not had contact with any of them. The prospects had called on an ad posted at a local laundromat and had actually met someone at the apartment that claimed to be the manager. The scammer collected deposits from several prospects promising that they could move in at the beginning of the next month. Of course the scammer was long gone by then and the prospective tenants were out their deposit.

Too good to be true
If something sounds like it's too good to be true, it probably isn't true. If a rental unit is offered at below market rents or includes incentives that are excessive, most likely the offering is a scam.

No application
Any legitimate rental agency will require a completed application before agreeing to a lease. If the party claiming to be the owner or manager is more interested in getting a deposit than learning about your rental or job history, beware! It could be a scam.

The best way to avoid scams is to work with a reputable property management firm that has a real office and real property managers available to assist you in finding an apartment that fits your needs and fits your budget.

​A lot of challenges come with owning and renting properties. From remembering to bill your renters to staying on top of maintenance needs for every property, there is no shortage of things to do. 
 
If you own many properties that you rent out or even just one property, there are a lot of headaches and challenges you can face along the way. One thing you must do as a landlord is make sure the property stays in shape. Amanda Hinson, who rents out a property of her own, says that she must “call on tree trimmers, painters, construction workers, the plumber, and electrician for help with maintenance.  If there's something I can manage myself, I will do the work such as cleaning gutters.”
 
However, when you don’t live near your rented property, it is not easy to find the best options to keep up the maintenance, let alone to do the work yourself. You also can’t check if your renters are following the rules, such as not having more people than agreed upon, or taking on another pet. So how can you live with peace of mind while managing your property? By using a property management service!
 
Reno Property Management Service with Clark Real Estate is a great solution for owners in the Reno/Sparks area. A family business run by Charles and Rick Clark, they will help you rent out your Reno or Sparks property without the usual stress and challenges.
 
When asked why someone should use a property management service, Amanda Hinson said that it was “convenient, low stress, it provides me peace of mind and freedom to manage my personal house more. I can give time to what's really important.”
 
Give time to what is important to you, such as your own home and family, while the professionals help you advertise, collect payments, do maintenance, find good renters, deal with emergencies, and more! 
 
And on the flip side, renters can find property more easily with the Clark Real Estate website. They can find what they are looking for among Clark Real Estate’s options, while you still get money as the property owner. 
 
As Real Estate’s brokers find the best tenants for your properties and find the best properties for tenants using their unique qualification process, start relaxing and doing what feels most important again.