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. Preparing to move outIf 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.
1. Make sure you clean the ovenUnless 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. 2. Don’t overlook the fridgeThis 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. 3. The walls will need a lot of loveYour 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. 4. Try out these cleaning hacks for the floorsAny 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. 5. Give the bathroom a good scrubYou 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. Moving cross country?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. Additional useful tips and cleaning hacks to keep in mindIt 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.
Meta description: Learn some great cleaning hacks to help you get your security deposit back offered by the experts at Clark Real Estate. Photos by Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/female-cleaning-stylish-living-room-in-apartment-7513086/ https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-woman-industry-writing-7841451/ https://www.pexels.com/photo/glad-woman-with-baking-pan-standing-near-oven-5181813/ https://www.pexels.com/photo/bathtub-with-candles-and-flowers-6620859/ 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. Update the placeLet'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! 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 partyAs 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. 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 discountIf 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 Nevada's expanding popularity is due to various causes, including cheap taxes, high-paying jobs, natural beauty, and year-round recreation, to mention a few. This thriving region of the American West, notably Reno, Nevada, is attracting new house buyers and businesses. Here are a few reasons why Californians love Reno and think it is a terrific place to live. No income tax makes Californians love Reno In comparison to other states, Nevada has a low overall tax load on its inhabitants. Nevada has the eighth-lowest crime rate in the United States, thanks to all of the tax income generated by the state's thriving tourism economy, particularly the casinos. Retirement funds and pension income, whether private or governmental, are tax-free. Also, in Nevada, there is no estate or inheritance tax As a result, if you live in Reno, you will likely pay less in taxes, leaving more money in your pocket for other things such as student loans, recreation, dining, shopping, and so on. If you're considering buying a house, buying a fixer-upper home in Reno may be a suitable option for you. That is if you are handy and have many renovation ideas. Outdoor adventures, nightlife, and an impressive cultural scene Reno provides terrific outdoor experiences, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene. Reno offers world-class entertainment and leisure opportunities, all while surrounded by the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west. The culinary scene in Reno, Nevada, is titillating and unusual, as one might expect from the city's hotel and casino lifestyle. Every week, new restaurants and cafes open, providing foodies with a never-ending gastronomic adventure. Casino buffets and bars aren't the only things to do in Reno. The beer and distillery scene is expanding, with many stops along 4th Street in the Brewery District. Many Californians are thrilled by all these fantastic features Nevada offers. SO, if this made you want to move to Reno, too, rest assured that this easy process is possible. With a reliable moving company by your side, a knowledgeable real estate agent, and some preparations, you will become a Nevada resident in no time. Year-Round Activities Reno provides year-round entertainment for people of all ages, with various family-friendly activities, events, museums, parks, and other attractions. Artown, the Reno River Festival, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, the Great Balloon Race, the Reno Rodeo, Burning Man, the Barracuda Championship, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, and many other events take place in Reno. If you prefer arts and entertainment, the Pioneer Center, Nevada Museum of Art, Greater Nevada Field, or Discovery Museum will definitely satisfy your needs. From Shakespeare on a sandy beach at Lake Tahoe to 500-mph plane races and hot air balloons hovering above the Reno cityscape, there's something for everyone. Tech-hub The Tesla Gigafactory, designed by Elon Musk, is only a short distance from Reno. This, together with the presence of numerous start-up companies, creates work prospects, attracting many tech professionals to the area. Noble Studios, Mabble Media, KPS3, Clear Capital, and other tech companies are all hiring in Reno. Reno is home to more than just computer companies; it also has other enterprises distinct from the conventional clusters of casinos, resorts/hotels, and eateries Warm climate If you live in Reno, you'll almost certainly see all four seasons. The climate of Nevada is arid and warm, with plenty of sunshine all year. Summers in Reno are generally hot and dry. However, winters can be bitterly cold. Snow may fall if you live higher up in the mountains, but it is less likely if you live further north. If you like a desert climate but want to experience all four seasons, Reno, Nevada is the place for you. The mild weather in Reno is especially appealing to people considering retirement. The UNRAccording to the US News & World Report, the University of Nevada, Reno, is a national Tier 1 university. It is the state's flagship university, with a lovely campus featuring brick buildings and old trees that provide a gorgeous backdrop for academic endeavors. UNR is a doctorate institution focusing on science, engineering, and medicine, particularly earthquake science and biotechnology. A "pipeline" relationship, in which recent UNR graduates frequently acquire jobs in Reno and stay in the area, benefits both students and future employers. It's a win-win situation. Moreover, if you're raising a family, you'll be thrilled to hear that there are excellent schools in Reno as well as good sports programs. The Animal Ark Zoos bear an element of animal cruelty. The Animal Ark in north Reno, on the other hand, is unique because it is a safe haven for orphaned, injured, and non-releasable animals. Basically, if these animals were free, they wouldn't survive. Therefore you get to see beautiful animals without feeling guilty. Wherever possible, Animal Ark is committed to utilizing ecologically sustainable energy strategies. Passive solar panels and wind production provide the majority of Animal Ark's energy needs. There are also water recycling rules in place, and the entire 107-acre complex is under fire management. Animal Ark's purpose is to promote environmental care through wildlife education. Ski Resorts at Lake Tahoe Reno is home to the country's largest concentration of world-class ski resorts strategically positioned to over twenty locations in the Tahoe region, including Mt. Rose, which is only a 30-minute drive from Reno. Whether you're a first-time skier or a seasoned pro, Reno has it all when it comes to getting on the slopes. Reno Tahoe features 18 ski resorts within a short drive of the Biggest Little City's entertainment and nightlife. There are more ski resorts in this area than anywhere else in North America! Looking for a place to call home? Now that you understand why Californians love Reno, Nevada, you may decide to move here or buy a house and hire a property manager to handle it. Rest assured that you won't regret that decision. Reno maintains its status as the world's largest little city by providing modern amenities. When you make this city or its surrounding metro region your home, you will undoubtedly find an opportunity to create a wonderful life for yourself. Take advantage of luxury houses with large outdoor living areas and many rooms ideal for fun with friends and family.
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:
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:
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. Natural beauty of the area and possibilities for outdoor activities are some of the reasons people opt for moving to Reno, NV.
Not many cities are lucky enough to have a river. Reno, Nevada is among the fortunate ones.
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. Reno, NV is a large enough area to attract world-class entertainment and events, but it is small enough to offer a homey charm. 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:
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! ![]() When tenants are asked why they don't just buy a home, the answers often include, "my credit is bad." Improving your credit is not as hard as most people believe but it does take some action. Credit is established by a payment history. It is important to know what kind of payments are used to create a credit score. Some payments are not reported to the credit bureaus, but can be used as "non-traditional" forms of credit. These payments include cell phone, utilities and rent payments. If you have no credit score, these "non-traditional" payments can be used to prove your credit worthiness and are acceptable for certain home loan products. Keeping good records of these payments are important and can be the proof you need to qualify for financing. In the case of having poor credit due to slow payments on past loans such as a car payment or bills that were turned in for collection or repossession, that can still be overcome. The first step comes from learning what shows up on your credit report by having a bank pull a report and is willing to show you the results. If there are outstanding balances or collections, they must be addressed. It is possible that the creditors are willing to negotiate a payoff that is less than the actual amount you owe. Using a tax refund, for example, to pay off old debt would be a smart way to use those "extra dollars." A phone call to the creditor requesting a discount, in most cases, will result in a payoff that may be affordable and will be a step in improving your credit score. In any case, clearing any bad history is critical before any "good credit" can be obtained. If credit report shows only limited use of credit and the score is low, there is another way to correct this problem. Of course, the answer is to obtain recent payment history to show you now have the ability and willingness to make timely payments. One way to make this happen is to go to a bank or credit union and tell them what you are trying to do. Request a small loan of $1,000 or whatever the lender's minimum loan is. Use the loan proceeds to open a savings account or Certificate of Deposit to be held by the bank as security for the loan. The bank is 100% guaranteed that the loan will be repaid since they are holding the money to apply to the loan if you don't make the payments. Once the loan is in place, be sure to make timely payments until the loan is paid in full. The bank will then release the hold on the funds in your savings account. You will have accomplished two things: you improved your credit score, and you have money in the bank! Plus, the bank is now more willing to consider you as a risk for future loans. Building credit, or repairing credit is not an overnight thing, but is vital to making the leap from paying off someone else's mortgage to paying off your own. 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. |
Clark Real Estate
305 W. Moana Ste C Reno, NV 89509 (775) 828-3355 Reno Property Management
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