Owning rental properties can be a fantastic way to build wealth, but managing them yourself takes time, effort, and expertise. That's where property management companies come in. However, simply choosing the cheapest option can backfire and hurt your bottom line in the long run. Here's a roadmap to navigate the selection process and find the perfect partner for your investment: Why Price Isn't Everything While cost is a factor, a seemingly "cheap" company might nickel and dime you with hidden fees, leading to a higher overall expense. Look for transparency: a 10% fee with no surprises might be a better deal than a 6% fee riddled with additional charges for leasing, maintenance, or late payments. Research, Interview, and Repeat Utilize Google searches and review platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Google My Business to understand their reputation. Schedule interviews with at least two companies and inquire about their experience, the number of units they manage, and for larger organizations, the qualifications of their staff. The Lease is Key: Protecting Yourself and Your Property A well-crafted lease agreement protects both you and your tenants. Reviewing it carefully addresses potential issues like unauthorized occupants, pets, early termination, security deposits, lease breaches, late payments, evictions, and property maintenance responsibilities. Understanding Their Processes Ask detailed questions about the company's protocols for handling key areas: Maintenance: How do they handle repair requests? Do they have a network of qualified vendors? Outstanding Payments: What's the process for collecting late rent? Evictions: How do they handle evictions in case of non-payment or lease violations? Turnovers: What's the process for tenant move-out and readying the unit for new occupants? A professional company will have clear and documented procedures for all these situations, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Getting the Inside Scoop Request permission to speak with current property owners and tenants managed by the company. This allows you to get firsthand accounts of their experience. Don't be discouraged by a few negative reviews – some might stem from problematic tenants themselves. Ask the management company for their perspective on any complaints you encounter. Filling Vacancies Quickly Vacancies can diminish your profits. Inquire about their marketing strategies. Do they create detailed listings with high-quality photos that showcase your property? Ask for evidence of their success in minimizing vacancy. The Road to Success Starts Here This guide equips you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. It lays a solid foundation for a successful property management journey. If you have any specific questions about property management, feel free to reach out!

Should I Sell or Rent It Out? | Home Owners Series  Deciding whether to sell your home or rent it out can be a tough decision. Both options have their merits, and the choice depends on your financial goals and long-term plans. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each path to help you make an informed decision. Selling: Gain Immediately and Simplify Advantages: Immediate Cash: Selling your home provides a significant cash payout, which you can invest elsewhere or use for personal needs. Quick Transition: Finding a buyer can lead to a rapid sale process, helping you move on to your next home or investment sooner. Disadvantages: No Rental Income: Opting to sell means you'll miss out on the potential for ongoing rental earnings. Lost Appreciation: You might forego future property value increases if the market improves after you sell. Renting: Earn Passively and Benefit from Appreciation Advantages: Steady Income: Renting out your home brings in regular monthly earnings without needing to sell. Growth in Value: Properties typically increase in value over time, offering you financial benefits without selling. Disadvantages: Market Fluctuations: The real estate market can be unpredictable. A drop in property values could affect your investment's worth. Selling Challenges: When it's time to sell, the market may not be as hot when you first bought your home. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—each homeowner’s situation is unique. Consult with McIntire Kingstone to weigh the options and make the choice that aligns with your long-term vision.

How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal in a Weekend First impressions are everything – especially when it comes to selling your property. Identifying what your home’s curb appeal is will help you highlight what brings people in! A positive curb appeal will pull a larger audience – ultimately leading to increased chances of obtaining a great offer. Here are some easy and affordable tips to improve your home’s curb appeal in just a weekend! Make It Sparkle The simplest and cheapest way to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to clean it up. Spend a weekend tidying up your yard. Cut the grass, prune the shrubs and hedges, remove any trash, and hose down the sidewalks and driveways. Make Your Front Door Inviting Your front door is the focal point of your home’s curb appeal. You don’t have to buy a new door, just sand the one you have and give it a fresh coat of paint. Add some decorative metal house numbers. If the season is right, you can also add a wreath or a flower basket. If you don’t want to put your house numbers on your door, you can try these simple ideas:  Plant a post in the ground with a planter hanger and put the numbers on the post. Paint the number on the vertical riser of a front step. Paint the number on the curb in front of your home. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting Replace your outdoor lighting fixtures or, you can save some money and give them a new look with some paint. It’s the Little Things That Matter When it comes to creating curb appeal for your home, the little details make a big difference. Get a new mailbox or paint the old one. Add some flower boxes with colorful blooms if the season allows. Consider planting some new flowers and trees. All these things are easy, quick, and inexpensive to do. But they can have a huge impact on how fast your home sells and how much it sells for.

How to Prepare Your Home for Heavy Rains As the rainy season approaches, it is essential to take proactive steps to secure your home against potential damages. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for heavy rains: Keep Balconies Clean and Clear Any Drains: Regularly inspect your balconies and ensure they are clutter-free. Clear any debris, rugs, or furniture that might obstruct water flow. In case of a leak, place a bucket underneath to prevent further damage. If you encounter electrical issues, contact the office during business hours or the emergency maintenance number after-hours at (626) 228-2777. 2. Create an Emergency Plan: Natural disasters, such as rain storms, can disrupt power, water, and heating; Assemble an emergency kit with essential items: Flashlights (with extra batteries) At least a gallon of water per person for drinking and bathing A fully stocked emergency pantry Three-day supply of canned food (don’t forget a can opener!) First aid kit 3. Understand Your Insurance Policy: Read your home insurance policy thoroughly to know what’s covered during emergencies. If you need clarification, reach out to your insurance agent. Consider photographing your furniture and valuables in case of storm-related damage. Keep important documents in a secure, fire-safe box. Remember, preparedness is key to minimizing the impact of heavy rains on your home. Stay safe and be proactive!

Looking to cut down on your utility bills and contribute to a greener planet? Here are some easy-to-implement tips for your home, kitchen, and bathroom that can make a difference. In Your Home: Unplug appliances when not in use to prevent 'vampire' energy consumption. Use LED or fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent for better energy efficiency. In the Kitchen: Run your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads. Keep your freezer full and refrigerator well-ventilated for optimal efficiency. In the Bathroom: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth to conserve water. Use a timer for showers to keep them short and sweet. By adopting these simple habits, you can enjoy a more energy-efficient home, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Check out this LIVABLE SMART SAVINGS GUIDE to learn more!

Finding a great roommate can make your living experience so much more enjoyable. Here are some essential considerations to ensure a harmonious living arrangement: What’s your Type? Start by thinking about what you're looking for in a roommate. Do you want someone who is social and outgoing, or someone who is more quiet and reserved? Do you have any deal breakers, such as someone who has pets? Once you know what you're looking for, you can start your search. Networking Ask around and checkout online roommate-linking websites or apps to find “the one” or 2.. Or 3.. Whatever floats your boat (and is legally allowed for maximum occupancy purposes). Compatibility Once you've found a few potential roommates, schedule a time to meet with them in person. This is your chance to get to know them better and see if you click. Be sure to ask questions about their lifestyle, habits, and expectations for living with a roommate and share a little about yourself as well. The Roommate Treaty Once you've found a roommate that you're comfortable with, it's important to have a roommate agreement in place. This should outline your expectations for things like paying rent & bills, chores, guests, and noise levels, etc. Having a roommate agreement in place can help to prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts down the road. Remember, this is between you and them – management companies, property managers, and landlords cannot and will not be involved in this. Living with a roommate is a two-way street, so do your part as well. Be respectful of your roommate's needs and expectations, and be willing to communicate and compromise. By working together, you can create a living situation that is both comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Good luck!

The rainy season is just around the corner, preventive maintenance gets you one step ahead by preparing the property from potential damages that heavy rains and flooding can cause. Here are some tips to ensure that your property is well-equipped to withstand the challenges of the season.

Finding the right rental home is a chance to explore and create a new chapter in your life simply by moving into a new space. There may be some complexity but there are ways to make the journey a breeze. Here are some tips:

Nobody likes a dirty and damaged home – whether you’re in an apartment or house, you want to keep your private space cozy, clean, and well-maintained. Caring for your rental unit is important for both you and your landlord. It will make your life easier and show your landlord that you are a responsible tenant (extra perk: higher chances of getting that deposit back).