These tips on how to save water at your rental property will reduce impact on the environment, and reduce your bills.

Whether you’re renting a home or an office, one thing is for sure – you want to save money on bills. Paying attention to how you spend water at your rental will save you money and protect the environment. So, what are the ways to do something good for the planet and reduce your water usage? Well, here are the main 6 ways to save water at your rental property and be a good citizen of our planet.

Reasons to seriously consider saving water from now on
Not all people understand the importance of paying attention to how much water their household spends daily. Here are the reasons to start spending water more conscientiously:
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• Water supplies are limited – only 2.5% of all the water on our planet is freshwater, and only 0.3% of that is accessible to us. Those are very limited supplies we’re running out of! 
• We save energy by saving water – spending less water for showering and cleaning means spending less energy to preheat that water;
• Limited water supplies would mean limited food supplies – plants need water to grow so water limitations would result in food shortages;
• Protecting the animals – we’re not the only species that need water; animals need it, too. Wasting water on a daily basis means taking away precious water from the animals and whole ecosystems;
• Finally, saving water at your rental property will reduce the water bills, which can lead to significant savings at the end of the year.

4. Turn off the tap when not needed 
Several daily tasks in your bathroom can waste so much water. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, washing hands, and taking a shower. It would help if you brushed your teeth for a couple of minutes. There’s no need for water to be running the whole time. Use the tap wisely and use it only when you need to rinse the products of your body. It’s a simple habit that can truly make a difference to the water bill. 

5. Save when doing dishes
One of the best ways to save water at your rental property is to run full cycles in the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers are environmentally friendly and spend less water than you would need to hand-wash the same amount of dishes. Make sure you fill the dishwasher and do full cycles each time. However, not all rentals have a dishwasher to create more space when organizing a small kitchen. In this case, you’ll have to be more practical with hand washing. Carefully scrape food leftovers, fill the sink, wash the dishes altogether and then rinse them. Avoid washing the dishes one by one while the tap is constantly running. This method wastes so much water!

6. Cool water in your fridge 
If you drink tap water, the chances are you left the water running until it cools down a bit before pouring it into the glass. Water gets warmer in the pipes, so some people need to cool it down before drinking it – but that’s a huge waste of water. In the summer months, the amount of water waste this way can really add up. Instead, you can pour it directly into a jug and place it in a fridge to cool down. This way, you’ll always have cold water at your disposal without making a huge waste. 

Final words
Being environmentally conscious is about implementing small habits to create a lifestyle. As you can see, these simple ways to save water at your rental property are not difficult to do, so you can start practicing them even today and do something good for our planet. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are just a few of the major deliberations that need to be had before you think about up and moving everything somewhere new. But it's vital that you do to ensure you have the wherewithal to not only cope but thrive during this new transition. 
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Learn about the questions to ask when viewing a rental property so you can ensure that you rent the best possible home for you and your family!

Finding a home is a tiring and challenging task. Even if you rent a property, it is still a place where you will spend a part of your life. So, naturally, you want it to be perfect for your wants and needs. To help you find one such place, here are some questions to ask when viewing a rental property.

How and when should I pay rent?
Different landlords have different preferences when it comes to paying rent. This is why one of the most important questions to ask a prospective landlord is how they expect you to pay and when. After all, it makes a difference. If your landlord expects the rent on the fifth of every month, it will affect how you budget your money until the end of the month. If you need to pay your rent around the thirtieth, when you typically have the least amount of cash on hand, you have to plan before it. Similarly, some landlords like to get cash in person and might visit or require you to visit them. While some prefer you transfer the money to them online.

Can I expect the rent to change?
​Asking whether the rent will change in the future is essential, especially if you plan to live somewhere long-term. Living in a 'perfect' apartment for a couple of months only to have your rent nearly double all of a sudden is the worst. If you can't afford the new price, you might need to move out in a hurry. This is why a wise sub-question is: Will you inform me at least a month or two of your decision before you change the rent? 

How much are the utilities?
Sometimes, you come across a place for rent that seems like it’s come straight out of your dreams. The property is beautiful, the rooms amazingly organized, and the furniture and appliances in top condition. Even the rent might be low! You rent it out quickly and live your life in bliss for a month. And then you get hit by the sky-high utility bills. Another intelligent question in the same vein is whether there are any outstanding utility debts because they can either land on your head or increase the cost of your utilities.

Will you help with any repairs?
Knowing who is responsible for what is critical when trying to find your ideal rental. If an appliance breaks down, can you count on your landlord to replace it? What about if a leak suddenly pops up in your bathroom? Or if there is a problem with the roof? If you do not clarify such things beforehand, you might have to spend a lot more money than you originally planned to.

Can I freely decorate?
​Everyone wants to feel at home in the place they're renting, and there are many things to do after moving that can help them feel that way, from unpacking and cleaning to decorating. It's important to focus on these steps and make your rental feel like home, but be careful with decorating. Some landlords do not like it when you make too many changes. So, make sure to clarify how far you can go.

Do you allow pets?
Do not assume that just because your landlord hasn't explicitly told you that you couldn't keep a pet, you can do it. The subject might not even come up unless you bring a pet to viewing. And if you get a pet or already own one, you may be in trouble if you haven't discussed it with your landlord. If you want to find the best possible rental property for you, one of the most important questions to ask when viewing a rental property is whether or not pets are allowed.

How often will you visit?
Some landlords like to make sure their property is well looked after. Some, however, take this too far and pop in to check on you every other week. If this is something that would make you uncomfortable, then you need to check with your potential landlord and figure out how often they are planning to make visits.

Have you had infestations before?
Among questions to ask when viewing a rental property, asking about previous infestations in a rental is often overlooked. This is a mistake, especially if you are looking for an apartment. Just because you've called in exterminators in apartment buildings doesn't mean your neighbors have. And if they have declined to do it, the infestation will repeat itself frequently. Not to mention that taking care of an infestation might require you to move out and take your things with you temporarily. Disassembling furniture when moving to make it easier to transport is a hassle. Let alone finding a temporary place to stay. So, it may be best to pass up on such apartments.

How new are the appliances?
You might think it's not polite to ask about the age of appliances in a furnished apartment viewing. However, this is a crucial question if your landlord has made it clear that you will need to take care of replacements or repairs. Even if the landlord pays, it will still be a pain if things break down often.

Have neighbors caused problems before?
If there is one thing that can make life a living hell, it's terrible neighbors. One of the important questions to ask when viewing a rental property is whether there have been problems with the neighbors in the past. If the landlord admits to having had problems, or if they get dodgy with their answers, pass up the property. Of course, the landlord, not living on the property themselves, might not know enough to comment on this. So, one of the things to remember when moving out of your rental apartment, if you want to be extra nice, is to leave your contact info so prospective tenants can consult you about your experiences.

Final advice
​Now that you are familiar with the questions to ask when viewing a rental property, the only thing left is to be patient. Never rush into renting a place because it seems nice or because it’s cheap. Sometimes, paying a little more is worth it in the long run. And even the prettiest of rentals might be hiding serious problems.

Photos:
​Unsplash
Unsplash
Unsplash
Unsplash

Homesteads throughout Nevada have a lot of potential opportunities. The state’s primary cash crop is alfalfa hay. However, various other crops also grow well where irrigated, despite Nevada’s arid climate. These include potatoes, barley, winter and spring wheat, corn, oats, onions, garlic and honey. Raising livestock, however, is the primary way homesteaders and farmers can sustain themselves. 

But what if you wanted to go beyond personal sustainability and create an income from your family homestead? The good news is that this is possible with a little hard work and determination. Clark Real Estate shares some insights.

Legally Set Yourself Up for Business

​It isn't enough to want to create an income; you'll need to set yourself up for business legally. You may consider forming a limited liability company, which allows for several advantages when compared to other business types. Although you could use a lawyer, they come with a hefty price tag. Consider saving money by filing yourself or using a formation service. Each region has its own rules regarding the formation of a limited liability company, so be sure to research the regulations in your area before moving forward. 

Secure Funding for Expansion and Marketing

There are a few options for funding your business. For example, you could take out a business loan, borrow from your personal savings, or ask for help from friends and family. If you plan on getting a loan, make sure your credit history is in order. However, one of the best ways to secure funding for your new agricultural business is through grants. Finding a grant you qualify for can be challenging and take time, but it's well worth it.
A few tips to help you on your grant-funding journey include:

• Seek grants earmarked specifically for your industry
• Prepare a high-quality grant application
• Have a fully developed business plan ahead of time

Market to Attract Customers

Marketing your products to customers is crucial. It doesn't matter how great your local, organic honey or grass-fed beef is if nobody knows it exists. Take time developing a marketing strategy with a high return on investment (ROI) that doesn't stretch your resources too thin.
If you're adding images to your marketing materials or communicating with a designer, consider compressing your JPG files to make them easier to email. However, be wary of compressors that degrade the quality of your files. Instead, use a JPG-to-PDF converter that will preserve your image's quality and allow you to convert several at once.

Outsource Relevant Tasks to Save Time

Numerous small businesses have turned to outsourcing certain tasks. It can be more affordable than hiring a part or full-time employee in some situations. Running a homestead and selling your agricultural products is a very hands-on business that doesn't seem to leave much room for remote workers.

However, there are several tasks you could outsource. For example, you could outsource your website design, marketing, and content creation. You could even hire a virtual personal assistant to help organize and handle your online business. You can find freelancers for these positions on sites like Upwork and Freelancer.

You Can Create an Income From Your Homestead

​If you want to go beyond self-sustainability and create an income from your homestead, it's possible. You just have to take the necessary steps to market your agricultural products and legally set yourself up for business.

If you’re searching for a homestead property in the Reno area, reach out to the professionals at Clark Real Estate for all your real estate needs today!

The first step of trying to make a virtual tour of your rental property the right way belongs to depersonalization. Walking into a rental property can often feel like you are intruding into someone’s home. You do not want potential tenants to feel this way because this may turn them away from renting your property. In addition, there is a real possibility that they might not like the property simply because of the style of furniture and decorations you have put in. This makes it even more vital to pick out a neutral look for your rental. This way, even if it does seem a little bland, it will make it easier for potential tenants to imagine themselves living in the space. And you will minimize the chances of someone giving up on renting the space simply because they dislike the interior design.

​Again, to make a virtual tour for your rental home, you don’t need the best or the most expensive equipment. You need something serviceable. That isn’t to say that you can’t use top-tier tech. There is always the option of renting equipment for a day or two if you’re confident that you can get things done quickly. But you don’t want to risk the chance of not knowing how to properly use all the bells and whistles on the top-notch equipment. Some such devices require at least some know-how to handle properly. But, if you are switching your tenants often, as is frequently the case in college towns, or have recognized the signs it’s time to sell your rental property and buy a new one, then it can be helpful to have your own equipment for when you need a new virtual tour.

Now that you know how to create a virtual tour for your rental property, you can slowly work towards making one yourself. Remember to give each step of the process its due consideration and not rush through things!
 
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