Blog

Feb
01
Landlord Liability Issues to Look Out For

Landlord Liability Issues to Look Out For - Article BannerIf you’re renting out a home in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, or anywhere throughout the East or West Valley, you know that being a landlord comes with a lot of risk and liability. There is bound to be some risk in any investment you make, and this particular investment happens to involve other people and the homes they’re living in.


There’s no way to completely avoid risk. But, you can minimize it. And, when you’re prepared for those situations where you could find yourself in trouble, you’ll find that they’re more easily managed.


When you work with a local property manager, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary liability. Self-managing landlords don’t ha...


Jan
18
Resident Retention: 5 Simple Ways to Retain Residents

Resident Retention: 5 Simple Ways to Retain Residents - Article Banner


As a rental property owner in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, or around the East or West Valley, you know how important it is to keep your rental property occupied. This needs to be part of your long-term investment strategy. Vacancy means lost income, and the longer your property stays empty, the more it costs you.


There’s more to it than just avoiding vacancy, however. You’re not trying to simply fill the space. Instead, you want to retain the good tenants that you’ve placed. Retaining tenants is just as important as attracting them in the first place. Not only does it save you the time and money of finding new renters, but it also creates some stability for your prop...


Jan
04
Landscaping Tips to Make Maintaining Your Rental Property Easier

Landscaping Tips to Make Maintaining Your Rental Property Easier - Article Banner


Maintaining a rental property can be difficult on its own, and maintaining the landscaping is even more of a challenge, especially in the East and West Valley, where grass is nearly impossible.


That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying attention to your outdoor space.


Every rental property will have a different exterior. Maybe there’s no more than a courtyard for you to manage at your rental property, or a small patio with no trees, grass, or bushes. Great. But, what if you’re renting out a single-family home that has some outdoor space? How can you manage the landscaping in a climate like ours?


Simplicity is the key. You want to install and maintain landscaping that&rs...


Dec
14
Common Maintenance Issues and How to Avoid Them

Common Maintenance Issues and How to Avoid Them - Article Banner


Maintenance issues are a common occurrence at every rental property we’ve ever encountered. Even if the property is new. Even if it’s in great condition. Even if it hasn’t been occupied for a few months. Repair needs are a constant when you’re renting out a property. Budgeting for those maintenance issues must be a priority, and you’ll also have to know how to respond to them.


Preparing yourself for your property’s maintenance needs is essential, and it’s even better when you know how to avoid some of the common maintenance issues that take up much of your time, money, and other resources.


We’re taking a look at what you can do to avoid the mos...


Nov
30
Negotiation Tips and Strategies for Purchasing an Investment Property

Negotiation Tips and Strategies for Purchasing an Investment Property - Article Banner


Some real estate investors make an offer on a property with confidence and courage; knowing that they are likely to get everything they want. But, if you’ve never purchased an investment property before, or you’re not sure of yourself during the process of making an offer and negotiating the terms, you might be wondering just how much you should push and just how much you should accept as inevitable.


Good negotiation skills are important when you’re buying real estate, even if you have a great real estate agent on your side who is doing most of the negotiating for you. Learning how to measure your seller’s strengths and weaknesses to negotiate properly can save you a ...


Nov
16
Risks and Rewards of Investing in Mesa Real Estate

Risks and Rewards of Investing in Mesa Real Estate - Article BannerThe East and West Valley are full of opportunities for real estate investors, and if you’re thinking about buying Mesa real estate, you’ll enjoy a lot of the rewards that come with such an investment. You’ll earn consistent rental income and set yourself up for long-term returns that only improve as your asset appreciates and you earn equity while tenants pay down your mortgage.


Mesa real estate investments are going to make you money, whether you’re buying a single-family home that you plan to rent out to long-term tenants or you’re diversifying your portfolio with different types of rental properties across the Phoenix area. This is a growing market with a sur...


Nov
02
Winter Property Maintenance Checklist for Your Rentals

Winter Property Maintenance Checklist for Your Rentals - Article Banner


Winter is coming, as it does every year.


What does this mean for Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, and the rest of the East Valley?


Not much, really. Lower temperatures, but nothing too unpleasant. We likely won’t freeze. We probably won’t see snow or ice or even much rain.


In this area, we’re fortunate not to have to worry about blizzards and ice. We might see snow-capped mountains in the distance while enjoying fairly moderate temperatures.


This doesn’t mean we’re going to forget our winter maintenance tasks, especially at rental properties.


If you’re renting out a home in Phoenix, maintaining that home is likely a priority. If you’re smart, you’re inv...


Oct
19
Maximizing Rental Income: Proven Rent Increase Strategies

Maximizing Rental Income: Proven Rent Increase Strategies - Article Banner


Increasing your rent is one of the best ways to maximize what you earn on your rental property in both the short term and the long term. How can you bring in more from your tenants every month?


Start by researching where your market is, currently. You’ll need to know what your range looks like, depending on where you are in the East Valley. Then, you’ll need to think about some ways that you can earn more by making improvements, adding value, and possibly restructuring your lease terms.


The best way to maximize your rental income will depend on your particular property and your own unique investment goals. However, there are some strategies that are proven ways to earn more money o...


Oct
06
Tips for Saving Money During Tenant Turnover

Tips for Saving Money During Tenant Turnover - Article Banner


It’s turnover time.


Your tenant has given the required amount of notice, and you know they’re moving out at the end of their lease term. This should trigger a process that’s well-organized and efficient. You don’t want to waste time during the turnover because time is money. Every day that your property isn’t occupied is a day that you aren’t earning rent.


The vacancy cost is one thing.


The turnover costs can be brutal. Having managed hundreds of turnovers throughout Phoenix and the East Valley, we understand the urgency of completing a turnover in an efficient and timely manner. We also have some tips on how to save money during a tenant turnover.


Work Qu...


Sep
15
Unexpected Costs of Owning a Rental Property

Unexpected Costs of Owning a Rental Property - Article Banner


Are you spending more than you expected you would on your rental property?


You’re not alone. This is common, especially among investors who are not working closely with a professional property management company.


Owning a rental property can be a lucrative investment opportunity for those looking to reap financial rewards. Renting out a property or a portfolio of properties can provide an extra source of consistent and recurring income, deliver some great tax benefits, and deliver long-term financial gains as property values appreciate.


However, while owning rental property is an enticing gain for most investors, you also have to be aware of the hidden costs that come with it.


Let&rsqu...