Tag: realestate

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

100 Potomac Place, Winchester, VA 22602

Detached home for rent in Winchester! Great location, backs to Frederick-Heights Park, easy access to grocery stores and Winchester City. 

Four bedrooms, two full baths. Spacious fenced backyard features in-ground pool (opening/closing) included in rent. Offered for $2000/month

Pets considered case by case with deposit. Listed by Meghan Pachas 

by megpachas

303 Starry Way, Stephenson, VA 22656

Newer townhome in desirable Snowden Bridge! Four bedrooms, primary bedroom features private bathroom with soaking tub. Large closets in bedrooms, three full bathrooms. Spacious open kitchen and living room floor plan. No smoking and no pets Enjoy all the Snowden Bridge amenities: Basketball Courts, Common Grounds, Jog/Walk Path, Party Room, Picnic Area, Pool – Outdoor, Tennis – Indoor, Tot Lots/Playground

Offered for $2300/month

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