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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 ...

The 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Renewing lease agreements with existing residents is good for the consistency of your rental income and it’s important for your long term return on investment (ROI). In our current rental market throughout the East Valley and in places like Phoenix and Mesa, retention rates remain fairly high, even while rents have stabilized and stopped rising. Tenants are still likely to pay less by staying in their current home than they will if they move. Most residents understand this, and they’re willing to renew their lease agreement as long as they’re having a positive rental experience.

You cannot take a renewal for granted, however. There are still plenty of reasons that you might...

One of your earliest and most important decisions as a rental property owner will be pricing your property. You want to ensure that you set the price high enough that it’s profitable for you, but you also want to remain competitive. If you price it too high for what the market will demand, you’ll be left with no interested tenants and a vacant investment that’s losing money.

It can be challenging to get the pricing just right, and there are several factors that need to be considered when you’re setting an accurate rental price for your investment property. From evaluating the current housing market to consulting with experienced professionals, understanding where your...

Showing your vacant rental property to tenants is an important part of the rental property marketing process, and a critical component to leasing your home. Most of the tenants who schedule showings have already seen your listing, and they’ve likely seen it online. So, they understand the relative size and the number of bathrooms and bedrooms.

When they arrive for an in-person showing, they want to imagine themselves moving right in.

If you’ve been intensely focused on marketing and listing your home, it’s easy to forget about the importance of showings. You have to be responsive, available, and willing to let tenants see the property on their own time and when it’s...

Addressing tenant disputes is never easy nor is it fun. Whether it's an issue with the rent payment or other behaviors that may be causing a problem for your property or yourself, disputes between landlords and tenants can be difficult to manage. Things can escalate or words can be misunderstood, and before you know it, there’s a lot of anger and emotion and very little room to seek out solutions.

Learning how to effectively solve tenant disputes is an important part of protecting both your investment property and your relationships with tenants.

You cannot be afraid of conflict as a landlord. You will almost certainly be called upon to manage tenant disputes and complaints. Sometimes,...