Magazine Archive

While tenants of rental properties focus on factors such as property quality, location and monthly rent, investors may focus on one overarching factor: return on investment. Here’s what Realtors need to know about how investors generally decide whether they want to invest in rentals.

Move-in/move-out inspection and periodic inspections are important aspects of managing a rental property. By better understanding what to look for during inspections and how often to schedule them, it is possible for landlords to avoid common mistakes.

Agreeing to a contractual relationship, such as a service maintenance agreement, with a vendor could significantly speed up any frantic searches—especially during emergencies and late-night hours.

Today’s housing market is a bit of a seesaw. In 2022, the Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate six times. Higher interest rates mean loans are more expensive for consumers. But no matter what happens with inflation, people need a place to live. This is leading property owners to look for a means of disposable income. And sometimes the real estate investor may choose a property from another state.

It can be difficult for landlords to tell if someone has a legitimate ESA or simply a pet. Banning a tenant with an ESA could lead to legal action against the landlord. Fortunately, there are ways that landlords can fairly differentiate between the two to comply with the Fair Housing Act.

Regardless of where a Realtor’s farming location is, having a Tenant Selection Criteria form evens the rental playing field for all. This uniform rundown is a documented checklist that Realtors can use when selecting, accepting and denying any prospective tenants.

Here are six Realtor etiquette tasks for showing a rental home that should seal the leasing deal.

Rental tours can be awkward if the current tenant still lives in the unit. Communication breakdowns can get messy and sour the deal if it's evident to the people interested in moving in that there is a lack of boundaries and respect.

Some Realtors choose to become experts in a particular geographic area, price point or home type. Choosing that niche can help them master a specific expertise, build a reputation and provide a better experience for clients.

Before a new tenant collects any keys, move-in fees are (usually) mandatory. In addition to the security deposit, when a Realtor is hired to help with the rental process, the move-in charge should be an immediate discussion between the Realtor and the property owner.

Once the Realtors find tenants and the landlord is satisfied with the selection, the lease is signed and the Agreement Between Brokers (ABB) Form should follow. But what exactly is this form anyway?

Home warranties could be a solution they both need. Here are some things property owners should know about home warranty programs and whether it makes sense to invest in one.