Property Management Blog

High technology is no longer an amenity; it is a must. Tenants expect the bare essentials in the property - cable ready access, internet access, and sometimes even security systems. If you own a high-end property and are looking for a more upscale tenant you may also wish to include features like mobile access to security and camera systems or mult... Read More

Making your rental property more eco-friendly can do more than just soothe your tenant’s worries about life in our resource-guzzling modern age. Living in a home that uses less water, gas and electricity will save you and your tenants money and invite more applications from environmentally conscience tenants. Installing energy efficient appli... Read More

The issue of security deposits can be a tricky one for many landlords.  You may want to ask for the traditional first month’s rent, last month’s rent and a security deposit, but during these rough economic times it may be in your best interests to be a little flexible.  In many cases a landlord can ask for as large a rental de... Read More

One of the most important issues for owners of income property is deciding whether or not to have tenants directly pay for utilities like water, gas and electricity. There is no hard and fast rule, and the decision depends on a number of factors. Duration of the Lease: It is common for landlords to put utilities in the name of the tenant ... Read More

The recession and the slump in the housing market has created an enormous number of individuals and families with poor or diminished credit, with the majority of these turning to renting a residence due to the unavailability of financing for the purchase of a home. This creates an opportunity for homeowners and real estate investors who choose to r... Read More

A well drafted lease is something that you must have if you are going to be renting out your property.  The laws in each state are slightly different so be careful – a lease must both spell out the entire agreement between you and your tenant and must meet all of the requirements of your state.  If you ... Read More

If you own rental property, all of your revenue is tied to keeping the property rented at all times.  An empty house is not producing any revenue and that defeats all of your other efforts.  Here are five quick tips to successfully rent your home: Curb Appeal: Curb appeal is an important area on which to focus your money and your eff... Read More

The cold weather has arrived!  It’s time to make sure your rental home has been winterized.  Here are a few tips to help you make this happen: Turn Off Water:  Turn off the water supply to any exterior hoses or sprinkler systems.  Drain the water from the hoses, and drain the entire sprinkler system of ... Read More

The Latest Trends for the Portland, Oregon Rental Market It has been an interesting year for real estate across the United States – including the Portland, Oregon metro area.  Home sales have continued to be sluggish with foreclosures and short sales still occurring.  This has obviously been fueled, in large part, by a sha... Read More

One of the six basic human needs is significance. Everyone wants to feel important and feel that they are valued by others.  As a landlord, you want your tenant to know they are appreciated, and the Holidays are a great time to make this a priority. There are many ways to express your gratitude to your tenants during the Holidays. &n... Read More