Successful rental owners follow these guidelines to ensure the success of their rental, and maximize their owning experience. 1. Treat your rental property like a business… because it is a business! 2. Have a financial reserve set aside for the “unexpected.” Placing...
Looking for a way to build your wealth through investments without playing the stock market? If so, investing in real estate is the best way to go. Take it from a group of millionaires who made their fortunes this way—property is one of the most stable forms of equity...
There are many exciting and interesting things to learn about being a landlord. But, one of the most often overlooked topics is rental property tax deductions! As a new or experienced landlord, you need to take the time to become a master of your taxes to ensure...
The COVID-19 crisis has left millions of Americans in a tight financial spot. Many have been furloughed, laid off, or had to close their businesses. Others are saddled with medical bills from hospital stays or are dealing with grief from losing a loved one to the...
The COVID-19 pandemic has put over 40 million people out of work in the US–a full quarter of the labor force. While there are no reliable estimates as to how many of these people are renters, we do know that nearly 50 million people in the US rent their homes. ...
Unfortunately, moving is ranked as one of the most stressful activities and can also be one of the most wasteful. However, there are small changes you can make to cut down on both the intensity and the inefficiency of moving. 1. Downsize by Donation As you begin...
Did you know that there are over 48.5 million rental units in the US? While there aren’t many accurate statistics on how many landlords there are, suffice it to say that that million rental units means that there are quite a few landlords across the US. If you...
When people take their first steps into becoming a landlord, they often expect that it will be a simple way to make a passive income. The dream is clear. Find a tenant, put them in your property, then sit back and relax as the rental payments come in. The reality is...
Moving to a new home, especially if it’s in a new city, creates stress. This stress can be troubling for children who do not fully understand what’s going on. Though adults can justify changes in environment and routine, little ones need extra time to process.When...
Deciding if you want to allow pets in your rental impacts how much profit you make, whether your property will get damaged, and how many tenants will be interested in your property. More and more people are getting pets, and yet not many landlords will allow pets....
Move-out inspections are an important responsibility for landlords and property managers to perform. Some states require a move out inspection, but even if your state doesn’t, most experts recommend that you take the time to do so. Here are a few basics that will help...
A big part of the “American Dream” is owning a house. However, while both renting and buying have their advantages, owning a home is simply not right for every lifestyle. As a renter, you have more time to save money, do research, and plan accordingly for when you are...
Spring cleaning isn’t always the most enjoyable, however, as rental property owners, it’s nice to embark in to make sure your properties are well run and won’t be needing much daily oversight. For many of us, the warmer weather usually sparks great motivation to...
Tenant screenings often take a significant amount of time, but they are incredibly important. A poor-quality tenant causes an incredible amount of problems. Tenant screening is a great way to help protect your investment and eliminate issues that bad tenants can...
Whether you are currently living in or visiting Provo, Utah, the winter season is definitely upon us and if you haven’t been able to participate in any of Provo’s winter activities, it’s time you dive right in and get out! There are so many different activities to do...
Moving can be an incredibly stressful process, but following the right steps can ensure that your move-in day goes as smoothly as possible. This can go a long way toward simplifying your process and minimizing your stress. Here are some tips for both your move-in...
Keeping your rental properties in good condition can go a long way toward maximizing your profits. These steps are also vital in retaining tenants long term, which prevents vacancies from becoming an issue. Here are some of the best tips for keeping your rental...
A real estate investment is generally a safe, valuable investment. Real estate property tends to appreciate in value over time, unlike many other assets. They tend to bring in consistent profit and the profit margins only increase over time. Utah, in particular, is...
Trying to figure out the different Fair Housing Laws can be difficult for anyone. Hiring a property management company is one of the best ways to ensure you are able to maintain your income source, and keep happy tenants. Understanding what Section 8 means, and how...
The real estate market can experience excellent highs and serious lows. For investors, keeping track of market conditions do assist in determining when it is the right time to buy or sell. Rental properties can provide an excellent return on investment, but they do...
Handling a pest infestation as a landlord can be challenging. No matter what the reason, prompt action is required of landlords. Landlords need to schedule an appointment for proper documentation in the event the tenant does cause the situation to go into litigation...
Tenant screening provides landlords with the ability to learn more about who will be renting their property. Serious concerns like arrests or convictions for violence and drug problems can be concerning. Troublesome tenant behavior could lead to expensive and...
Filling a vacancy is often one of the most stressful parts of a landlord’s job. You have to decide what to charge for rent, what rules to set in place, and, often most importantly, the duration of the lease. Here are a few things to consider before deciding whether...
For one reason or another, you have decided to hire a property management company. Whether you became too busy to manage your Provo properties yourself or you moved away from the area, it is important to find an effective property management company you can trust....
In a perfect world, every tenant would pay their rent on time and cause no property damage. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world and as long as it keeps turning, there will be bad tenants. Odds are, if you are reading this, you just might be renting to one. If...
Managing properties is much more than fixing and repairing a few things here and there for your renters. When it comes to rental properties, it is vital to take the time to create a strong accounting system to prevent missing payments and late rental deposits....
As a landlord, it’s your job to keep your rental property looking in tip-top shape. In most cases, this requires periodic upgrades and upkeep. Although property maintenance may seem like a daunting task, there are easy and inexpensive upgrades that will allow you to...
Decorating your home is fun. Even subtle changes can make your home feel warm, comfortable and inviting. A pleasant environment can change your attitude and brighten your outlook on life. Careful thought should go into the way you decorate, especially if you are...
There comes a time when the landlord wants a tenant to vacate his or her premises for one reason or another. It is also possible for property management to get a notice from tenants who want to shift or leave the property because of varied reasons. The law guiding...
Roommate agreements are a binding contract between people who live together and share responsibilities. Sometimes referred to as a roommate contract or a housemate agreement, a roommate agreement defines the terms and conditions of living together as well as the...
Owning rental property has always been an exciting experience. However, management is an entirely different issue; It comes its fair share of challenges. For instance, landlord-tenant laws in Utah and almost everywhere else in the country are continuously changing. It...
In 2012, it was estimated that 30 percent of people in America were living with a roommate. That number is increasing. There are many benefits of having a roommate, keep reading to find them. Save Money It is getting more expensive to rent a house or apartment. This...
After your previous tenants have moved out, you will want to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. A vacancy means your rental properties are not making any money, and your rental is a significant investment. Once you have good photos and copy, think about which...
One of the most responsible things you can do as a renter is to purchase renter’s insurance. You cannot stop bad things from happening, but you can offer yourself some protection in case something does happen. However, before you go out and purchase a renter’s...
Moving can be stressful enough, but to worry about whether or not you are going to receive your security deposit or not will certainly increase your anxiety. The important thing to remember is that you are only entitled to the security deposit if the apartment you...
With the arrival of summer come many new questions for landlords. While the change in season seems innocent enough, without proper policies, summer presents more potential issues. Make sure you and your renters have a firm understanding of what should and should not...
The furniture in an apartment can be arranged to give the impression of an open space in the corner of a room or along a wall. Tenants can use a modular design to arrange furniture in a layout that includes sections of open space, which can be used to control an...
It’s hard to furnish your home on a budget. Furniture-specific stores are often outrageously expensive, and their ordering processes can be finicky and unreliable. Excluding items you really shouldn’t skimp on, such as a bed or a dining room table, here are some...
As a growing problem within many rental homes, mold has become a frustrating issue for landlords and renters alike. As you search for and move into your new rental home, familiarize yourself with the warning signs of mold. Between health problems related to exposure...
If you want to pitch yourself as the ideal tenant, you’ll need a solid résumé to back you up. Here are some ways to strengthen your application. Establish Strong References When you fill out your application, be sure to present professional, well-spoken...
Let’s face it: we all love our pets. They make us smile after a bad day at work. They do something picture-worthy basically every second of the day. Though your pet makes you happy, have you stopped to think about whether you make your pet happy? Caring for Dogs in a...
Face it: you aren’t getting one hundred percent of that deposit back. No matter how clean, careful, and thoughtful you are, there is nothing you can do to circumvent all the charges that accrue upon move-out. That being said, here are some tips to ward off unnecessary...
No one expects a tragedy to happen in his or her neighborhood. However, being unprepared can make an already terrible situation much, much worse. To prevent your renters from reacting poorly to occurrences that require immediate action, make sure you educate them on...
As a renter, it is often difficult to know where your landlord’s responsibilities end and where yours begin when it comes to the care and maintenance of your home. As the seasons change, this question becomes more pressing. Some winterization is more extensive and...
In the months before your lease is up, you have to make a critical decision: stay or go? Since most landlords perform a rent hike if you decide to renew your lease, leaving can look very appealing. Then again, do you really want to move? While you’re mulling that...
Communication almost constantly challenges the relationships between landlords and tenants. Too much communication often hinders the tenant’s ability to take ownership of the home; however, too little communication leaves all parties in the dark and reduces the...
As you shop for your new rental home or apartment, there’s no doubt that you have elements in mind that you couldn’t live without. That’s great since one important key to moving into a place you’ll love is to distinguish between your preferences and necessities....
You didn’t choose the plain white blinds that currently cover your windows, so why should you have to find a way to incorporate them into your personal decor? Take a look at these creative ideas to accent your windows without sacrificing your security deposit....
If you’re preparing to rent for the first time, there are some things that may surprise you. Whether you previously owned a home and made the decision to downsize or this is your first taste of independence, signing a lease is a big step. Pay attention and you won’t...
In this constantly evolving job market, many families and individuals find themselves moving to new cities with little time to gain familiarity with the new area. In fact, more and more, prospective homebuyers and renters are searching for the most desirable...
In 2012, just over 30 percent of adults in the United States lived with roommates. Since then, that number has continued to grow. Consequently, more and more people find themselves looking for the perfect individual with whom to share a home. The potential...