Tag: #homemaintenance

Considering Buying a Rental Property? Here’s What You Need to Know About Property Managers

If you’re considering purchasing a rental property, here’s the good news: they can be a great investment. But they can also be a lot of work, and some homeowners don’t have the skills or desire to put in the work necessary to both take care of their property and ensure it brings in steady income.

That’s where property managers come in.

A good property manager can bring a ton of value to rental property owners, so if you’re considering buying a rental property, you may also want to consider hiring an experienced, trustworthy property manager.

But what, exactly, do property managers do—and how does that help the property owner?

A recent article from realtor.com outlines some of their main responsibilities, and the value they can deliver to property owners, including:

  • Market your property. Finding new renters can be a hassle. Property managers leverage a variety of channels (including social media, paid ads, and the MLS) to get your property in front of qualified potential tenants.
  • Vet potential tenants. Once they’ve marketed your property and generated interest, property managers will vet all potential tenants (including running a credit check, checking for past criminal history, verifying employment and income, and calling former landlords for references) to ensure you rent your property to qualified, responsible tenants.
  • Perform property checks. If you live in a different area than your rental property, it can be hard to stay on top of the home’s maintenance and condition. Most property managers do regular home checks (typically, once per quarter or twice per year) to ensure the tenants are taking good care of the property—and will report back if any major repairs or maintenance tasks are necessary to keep the property in good condition.
by megpachas

Break These Kitchen Design Rules in 2023

It’s a new year, and with it comes the opportunity to rethink your approach to design and break the design rules that no longer make sense.

And that includes kitchen design.

So the question is, in 2023, what kitchen trends should you embrace—and what design rules should you break?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the kitchen design rules you should consider breaking in 2023, including:

  • Neutrals are the best choice for the kitchen. White, neutral-toned kitchens will never go out of style. But in 2023, expect there to be a definite shift to more color in the kitchen, particularly in the warm and/or dark tones. To embrace this trend, try painting the cabinets in a warm green or add a pop of color with a navy blue accent wall.
  • Microwaves belong over the range. Many homeowners install a microwave over the range to save space. But to be on trend in 2023, the real estate above the range would be better suited for a more eye-catching design feature, like a modern range hood. (The good news? You can embrace this trend without losing precious counter space; there are lots of space-saving options for storing your microwave, like installing a microwave drawer with your lower cabinets.)
  • You can go cheap with floors and countertops. Renovating a kitchen is expensive. As such, it makes sense to look for any opportunity to save money. In 2022, many homeowners opted for cheaper flooring and countertop materials as a cost-saving measure—but in 2023, experts predict a return to more high-end, sustainable materials like quartz, hardwood, and natural stone.
by megpachas