Tag: real estate

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

Buying New Construction? These Upgrades Will Deliver The Most Value

When you buy a new construction home, you can go with the baseline design, or you can invest in upgrades to customize your home.

But the question is—which upgrades are actually worth the investment?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the most valuable builder upgrades buyers should consider for their new construction homes, including:

  • Energy-efficient upgrades. Energy-efficient upgrades (like Energy Star windows or a smart thermostat) offer significant savings on utility bills—so consider investing in the upgrade while your home is being built to save money in the long run.
  • Kitchen upgrades. Kitchen upgrades can be pricey. But if you love to cook, investing in those upgrades during construction (for example, upgraded appliances, a kitchen island, or a pantry) can significantly change how you experience the space—and add value and enjoyment to the space for years to come.
  • Bathroom upgrades. Renovating a bathroom can be a long, disruptive, and expensive process—so if you’re buying a new construction house, make sure to install the bathroom upgrades (like upgraded flooring, tile, or bathtub) from the get-go.
by megpachas

2020 Decor Trends We Can’t Wait to Kick to the Curb

    The pandemic has radically changed the way we live and work. It’s also had a significant impact on our home decor—and not necessarily for the better.

    After spending months inside, you’re probably beyond sick of looking at some of the COVID-related adjustments you’ve made. With the new year rolling in, and the coronavirus, hopefully, on its way out, chances are you’re looking forward to taking back your home and your health before too long.

    The following are some trends that started in 2020 that we’re betting you’d probably prefer to never see again, let alone in 2021!

    Toilet Paper Towers

     

    Toilet paper was more prized than shiplap was in its heyday! While you may have considered yourself very fortunate to have a towering supply, those toilet paper pyramids just bring back bad memories. We’re happy to see this trend of stacking and displaying TP go down the drain!

    Mask Racks

     

    Nothing says 2020 quite like the mask rack. Sure, you don’t want to leave home without face coverings, but they certainly don’t add much to your entryway’s aesthetic. Like underwear on a clothesline, this is something we’d prefer to not have to look at again any time soon!

    Wall Art Reminders

     

    Words as wall art has been a trend that’s been on the way out for a while now. But when it has a pandemic spin, it’s definitely time for it to go—and not return!

     

    Joke-y Doormats

     

    COVID-related doormats make you feel anything but welcome! If you’re trying to keep visitors at bay, this probably does the trick. Still, if you’re hoping 2021 is the year you expand your social circle, you’ll want to ditch these un-welcome mats.

     

    Handwipe Displays…Everywhere

     

    Who needs a centerpiece when you’ve got…handwipe displays? Sure, it’s convenient to have multiples stationed around the house but we’re definitely ready to let these slip into the background again.

    Homeschool Classrooms

     

    If you had to quickly convert to virtual learning, you know how fast your school supplies can take over the house. Not only is it hard to be both teacher and parent, but the sprawl of online learning takes its toll. Here’s hoping 2021 sees kids returning to the schoolhouse and your home returning to order.

    Shared Office Spaces

     

    Working from home meant setting up shop just about anywhere you could. But whether you have kids, pets, or both, it was often a struggle to keep your “office” tidy this year. If you’ll be working remotely for the foreseeable future, try to carve out a designated, quiet space in 2021.

    Hand Sanitizers—Indoors & Out

     

    Hand sanitizers took the place of aromatherapy candles in 2020. But seeing them everywhere felt like another reminder of the germs surrounding us. Sure, we want our hands clean, but having these bottles all over the place doesn’t enhance your home’s Feng Shui.

    If we’re being honest, we probably won’t be getting rid of these decor trends as soon as we ring in 2021, but we can at least hope that these are all a distant memory by the end of it!

    by megpachas