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Normal wear and tear is damage that naturally occurs in an investment property due to aging. It typically results from a tenant living in the property and is considered normal depreciation. Here are some examples of normal wear and tear vs. excessive damage.

#1: A Property Manager Won’t Take Care Of My Home As I Would

A professional property management company cares about your home. They want to protect your investment and help add value if possible. Property managers can bring fresh perspective and knowledge of the area and market and may increase the monthly income.

#2: Renters Will Destroy My Home

It’s hard not to think about all the horror stories of tenants completely destroying rental properties, but in reality that truly doesn’t happen that often. Although it’s impossible to prevent all tenant issues, using a property manager can help find more qualified and responsible tenants.

#3: Property Managers Are Too Expensive

A good property manager may be able to actually increase your net income. Since they are familiar with the rental market they can suggest a more competitive rate to max out the best results. They also have the ability to advertise to a large network to help get tenants in place quicker. Also, be sure to learn what expenses as a landlord are tax deductible.

#4: They Won’t Screen The Tenants As Thoroughly

Hiring a professional property manager means they have to adhere to certain laws and rules when it comes to screening potential tenants. They are also aware of Federal Fair Housing guidelines which will ultimately protect you as an owner.

Clogged drains and backed up/blocked pipes can easily escalate into major problems. A clogged drain can cause slow drainage, corrosion, flooding and potentially sewage backup. Here are some of the most common plumbing clogs and how to prevent them.

1. HAIR

Hair is the number one cause of clogs in showers, bathtubs and bathroom sinks. To reduce or even eliminate this issue, install drain filters/strainers to catch hair but allow water to run through.

2. GREASE

As you may know, when hot grease cools, it turns to a solid wax-like substance. Avoid ever pouring any grease, oil or meat broth down your drains.

3. FOOD

Even small particles can build up over time and become a major issue. Make sure you have a strainer in your kitchen sink to reduce the amount of food waste that can get caught in the drain.

4. PAPER

Toilet paper, feminine products, and cotton swabs are a major issue with toilet clogs. Toilet paper is designed to break down, but if too much is used it’s not able to do so and can result in a clogged drain.

5. WIPES/DIAPERS

Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down a toilet. No matter what they advertise, wipes are not meant to be flushed and can easily cause a backup or clog.

6. TREE ROOTS

The smallest of cracks in a pipe can allow tree roots to work their way in and can easily obstruct water flow and cause damage.

If your toilet, sink, or bathtub is draining very slowly, or not draining at all, that is an indicator that you likely have a clog. Be sure to deal with or report the issue as soon as possible, as clogs tend to worsen over time.

Quick and easy way to clean your microwave in just minutes!

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup water and one cup white vinegar

2. Let cook in your microwave for one to two minutes

3. Keep the door closed for about 3 minutes to steam up

4. Carefully remove the bowl (use a potholder or towel since it will be hot)

5. Wipe off bottom, sides, and roof of the microwave with a paper towel or cloth

6. Hand wash the rotating plate with soap and water or even through the dishwasher

7. Clean exterior buttons, handle and display with a paper towel or cloth with multipurpose cleaner or soap and water

8. Replace rotating plate back in the microwave

Arizona is said to be adding more than 165,000 new jobs by 2020.

Arizona’s employment is expected to increase from 3,015,242 to 3,180,933, representing an annualized growth rate of 2.7 percent — an increase from last year’s projection of 2.6 percent and more evidence of Arizona’s continued acceleration over the last 12 months.

And where there are more employment options, there are more residents. In just a year, Maricopa country has added 81,244 people, which averages more than 200 people a day! “Arizona is open for opportunity — and the word is out,” said Governor Ducey. “For the third year in a row, more people are moving to Maricopa County than any county in the nation.”

Now is a great time for investors, rental properties are in high demand for all these new residents moving to Arizona.