Real Estate

Full Service Belize Real Estate

Belize Real Estate

If you are considering buying real estate in Belize, you have a few options. You can choose a condo, a home, a beachfront house or invest in a piece of land. As long as you have some cash to spare and some patience, you can find what you are looking for. There are also several options for financing your purchase, so you don’t have to break the bank to become a property owner.

The Belize Real Estate government has a plethora of laws and incentives to promote the ownership of real estate in the country. This includes the Title Free and Clear scheme, which makes buying and owning real estate in Belize easier than ever.

In addition to the title free and clear system, the Strata Titles Registration Act allows developers to build condominiums in the country. Property taxes are low, which make Belize a great place for investment.

Full Service Belize Real Estate

Another big advantage is the absence of Capital Gains Tax and Local Inheritance Tax. However, you should be aware of the risks of committing to a real estate purchase without knowing who you are dealing with. A good real estate agent can help you avoid the pitfalls of purchasing a Belize property.

To be sure, you should hire a reputable lawyer to conduct a title search to verify the legality of your potential purchase. Your lawyer should be able to provide you with an accurate quote, and you should always use two separate lawyers, one for the buyer and one for the seller.

For the most part, the real estate market in Belize is quite competitive. Some real estate agents are more than happy to take your money, but you should be on guard against high-pressure sales pitches and real estate scams.

In fact, you should consider hiring a full service real estate company if you are a client with multiple needs. One such company is Vista Real Estate. Their website is updated daily, and they can help you find the right property for your needs. They specialize in a variety of residential and commercial properties, including waterfront homes, ranches, and resorts.

Other companies you may want to check out include Ceiba Realty, Rainforest Realty, RE/MAX Island Real Estate, and Vision Properties. Each provides a wealth of information about Belize. Among their listings are some of the most impressive pieces of real estate in the country, and they can guide you through the process of purchasing your own piece of paradise.

Vista Real Estate Belize is a real estate company that serves the six districts of Belize. It was established in 2004 and has a staff of five. Hugo Moguel is the broker and he will be able to give you some insights into the current housing market.

Although Belize is not the most populated country in the region, its affordable housing options and low property tax rates make it a perfect spot for a vacation or a long term investment. Whether you’re searching for a rental house or a luxurious new construction, you’re sure to find what you are looking for.

Real Estate

Preliminary market research

The decision of where the market will grow can be approached in many ways. Presumably, where you live in the United States you usually lay the cornerstone, and the rest follows. For example, someone who lives in Florida may prefer to focus their efforts on the Southeast region of the United States, as opposed to someone in the Northwest who may find the Portland or Seattle markets more to their liking. It could also be said that the market itself will dictate where the activity is, and as such, someone who lives in Iowa City may find herself looking at markets that are a long way from where she lives. Many speculators, investors and flippers will literally travel to the ends of the earth to break into a market and initiate flip candidate opportunities. You could call these people equal opportunity flippers. Being a plane ride away is no obstacle for a truly dedicated investor who enjoys both the hunt and the chase.

In terms of preliminary market research, I recommend focusing on the markets that offer the most apparent advantage based on bona fide news accounts and real estate data. As a web font, try HomeBuilder. com and NewHomeSource.com to get started. Both sites will give you access to all fifty states and developer activity in those respective areas in terms of specific builders, sites, locations and cities, and what kind of houses and how many houses they are building, and prices. You should also use the large number of websites that offer free, in some cases, listings of preconstruction opportunities in various parts of the country. Just type the keywords into a search engine and you’re done. In terms of a fee-based membership, don’t turn those services down too quickly. Organizations like NREIA (National Real Estate Investment Association) and REIClub (Real Estate Investment Club) are well worth the nominal registration fee. I cannot underestimate the importance of leads, leads, leads!

This will be the lifeblood of your business and hopefully the latest organizations and sites just mentioned will give you a start in the right direction. However, keep in mind that not all preconstruction cables are created equal. Brokers, developers, and syndicators take advantage of these websites, clubs, and organizations to remain “inventory neutral,” and as a result, the pre-construction opportunities they advertise may not be great deals. In addition, offers presented on the Sites may not be geographically located within a market that is on an appreciation trajectory that meets the parameters of a quick offer. So make sure you do your research, research, research before you buy.

During the investigation you may encounter some obstacles. For example, there are some markets that are clearly anti-investor. This literally changes depending on whether it is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. In a seller’s market, you will tend to find that builders are quite stingy with investors. Conversely, in a buyer’s market, things are reversed and the sellers/developers are much more generous and welcoming. Although there may be many legitimate reasons why a home builder will not sell to investors, many of the explanations are not good and do not make sense. It is a well known fact that investors are a hidden offer that you can always count on them to buy, however some builders refuse to sell homes to investors and/or limit the number of homes per development to a specific allocation for the investor activity. . My experience is that many builders will not allow investment because they are not investors themselves. These vice presidents up to the regional level are parsimonious and didactic with investors. Thus, a form of “buyer envy” sets in and just plain old jealousy dictates a “no investor” policy. No matter what the reasons, investors are forced to “lick their salty wounds” and egos and take advantage of other regional markets, checkbook in tow, who are investor-friendly and welcoming to their trade.

Real Estate

Real Estate Investors: Buy, Sell or Hold?

Brandi Brand is Director of Sales for Breakwater Mortgage in Virginia

Beach, Virginia. Brandi and her husband, Scott, also rehab and resell

real estate investments in southeast Virginia. the next interview

consists of common questions that real estate investors have right now,

when mortgage interest rates appear to be on the rise.

Q: What is the general holding of the real estate and mortgage industry in

Virginia at the end of 2005 and before the first quarter of 2006?

A: The local market has slowed down in Virginia for the last six months.

Homes stay on the market longer. This means that there is more time

involved for real estate investors who want to sell.

Q: Are the real estate and mortgage markets headed for a recession?

after?

A: The market is still very strong despite a slight decline in activity. In

Southeast Virginia home sales fell about 3% in

November 2005, indicating a slight adjustment.

Q: Is it a buyer’s market now?

A: Currently, the market is stabilizing. When it was a seller’s market,

contracts were signed on houses and property before anyone had one

opportunity to think through the purchase completely. Now investors have the

opportunity to quote the repairs and renovations necessary to obtain the

most return off property.

Q: Is it a good time to buy?

A: Yes. The market is adjusting and there are great deals for

the real estate investor. You can always find good deals. Year

investor is looking to buy a property below market value, that is

how they make profit Buy a property with aesthetic problems,

rehabilitate and resell is a strategy. Other good deals can be found.

with Properties for Sale by Owner.

Q: What makes the Virginia real estate market different from, say, the

market in the northeast?

A: In general, the Northeast market is more expensive than the

Southeast, with the exception of Florida. royal southeastern virginia

Real estate is more affordable, so investors come from the Northeast to buy

here.

Q: What do mortgage lenders look for when considering issuing loans?

for real estate investors?

A: A mortgage lender is looking for a strong employment history and six

times the monthly payments on assets left over after paying the money owed on

closure. For 100% financing, the applicant may be required to have a

Credit score of 680 or higher. Ideally, lenders would like to see two years of

experience in renting properties if the real estate investor is trying to

buy multiple properties. On average, a property that brings in a

return of at least $200.00 per month (for maintenance and repairs) is

considered a good investment. For new investors, banks will be

inclined to limit the investor to two properties in the first two years.

Q: What are the best real estate markets to invest in?

A: One of the highest areas of real estate investment is near the military.

the essential. Southeast Virginia has a large number of bases. soldiers in his

own often prefer to live at the base of hoses. Those with families often choose

to rent in order to have more privacy or a patio.

Q: What are the current trends in real estate mortgage financing?

investors?

A: Before the summer of 2005, many investors chose interest

2-, 3-, or 5-year Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMS) or loans only that

requires little up-front money. Most investors buy a property with 5

years in mind. Home values ​​will continue to rise, but

investors view 30-year fixed loans as stronger while interest rates

they are on the rise. Young investors seem less concerned about the rise

mortgage rates. Many experienced investors remember when interest

rates were 13-14%, but investors under thirty have not seen comparables

interest rates during your adult life.

Q: What are the refinancing trends for real estate investors?

A: Many investors choose to refinance by going from a short

term mortgage a long-term loan. Investors with rental properties

lock in rates with 30-year fixed loans. investors who want

rehab and resell the property will be refinanced to get cash for

Other real estate investment. Overall, the refinancing boom has

decelerate.

Real Estate

What is real estate white label crowdfunding and how does it work?

real estate white label crowdfunding

Real estate white label crowdfunding is a fundraising strategy that is ideal for real estate firms. It allows companies to capitalize their projects by creating a crowdfunding site that can be customized to fit their needs. This strategy also allows them to connect with a network of investors and business owners. These investors are able to buy equity or receive interest in the company.

Typical white label crowdfunding real estate sites capital raises are between $1 and $3 million. If you want to get involved with real estate crowdfunding, make sure that you know what it entails before you sign up. There are many factors that you should take into account before investing, including whether you will be a part of a regulated program and how much risk you will be taking on.

In order to start a real estate crowdfunding campaign, you will need to form an LLC and create a crowdfunding website. Then, you will be able to post your property and ask for funds to help you reach your goals. Depending on the project, you may be required to pay a fee for the funds that you raise. You can also hire a team of developers to build the site.

What is real estate white label crowdfunding and how does it work?

Before you start your crowdfunding campaign, you will need to choose a platform that is reliable. Make sure that the platform is easy to use and offers security to protect all users. Additionally, it should support two-factor authentication and data protection solutions. Also, the site should have a good online reputation. This includes customer reviews, average monthly search volume and complaints.

While there are many white label platforms, it is important to select one that supports your needs and is safe for all users. Some of the features you will need include:

Choosing the white label crowdfunding real estate sites depends on your investment objectives. For instance, if you are looking for a peer-to-peer lending solution, you will need to find one that offers low interest rates and a low entry point. A white label site can be a great way to jumpstart your business, but it is important that you make an informed choice.

Crowdfunding software makes it easier for you to manage your portfolio of real estate investments. In addition, it is a great tool for obtaining exclusive deals and staying up to date with the market. Many platforms offer low fees and a variety of features.

If you are considering real estate crowdfunding, you should consider how the new SEC regulations will impact your business. Title III of the JOBS Act is still being written, and it is expected to have a profound effect on the entire industry. As a result, the Securities and Exchange Commission is closely monitoring the real estate crowdfunding industry.

White label crowdfunding solutions can help firms capitalize their real estate projects, while allowing them to stay relevant. They also offer a more efficient way for firms to connect with investors. Choosing the right platform is essential to avoiding common pitfalls.

Real Estate

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Farmland

Buying farmland can be an attractive prospect for many, for a number of different reasons. Whatever your reasons; it is imperative to have a full understanding of what you are getting yourself into, because the legal processes are often more complicated when it comes to buying farmland.

Depending on which state you are in, there are certain laws that will prevent you from buying farmland unless you can show that you have farming experience or own another parcel of farmland. These laws exist to protect the integrity of farmers and to prevent the complete urbanization of agricultural land in the country.

That being said, it is not impossible to own a farm plot. It depends on how you plan to use the plot. Read on to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of such an investment.

Advantages of buying farmland

Owning farmland can generate one of three main incomes; You can earn income by selling the crops and products, leasing them from a farmer, or renting a house built on them.

  • Perhaps the only advantage that tempts people to invest heavily in farmland is the tax exemption. Profits you make from your farmland will not be subject to estate tax, which is a type of tax that is typically levied on profits made from property.

  • You can also grow your own crops and apply for government grants, if you’re ready to invest your time and energy. You can rent your land to other farmers and share the profits, but that would largely depend on various natural factors.

  • You can choose to share crops and let someone else plant crops on your land. You can take a portion of the dividends as payment. This way, you can ensure that your land is taken care of as well. You can reap great benefits in the long run. You can receive tax credits, or even divide up your land and sell it for a large profit.

Disadvantages of owning farmland

  • The main disadvantage would be adjusting to the drastic change in lifestyle, as you would have to move closer to your farmland, which is probably in a rural area. Even if you don’t, regularly traveling to your plot to ensure its upkeep will take a long time. Unless you have a trusted relative or friend nearby, you’ll also need to invest heavily in protecting your land from invaders.

  • If you plan to lease the land to a farmer, the profit you make depends on the quality of the crops. Too many extraneous variables, like weather and water supply, affect the product, leading to unreliable profits.

  • There are laws that restrict building a farmhouse or vacation home on your farm parcel. You will need to be familiar with these additional laws to avoid legal problems.

Real Estate

How to get money fast (even if you don’t have a driver’s license)

Are you tired of depending on mom and dad to pay your allowance fee? Need to make some quick money? Why not do something about it? It is not necessary to have a driver’s license to earn money. In fact, there are many ways to make quick money without having to rely on your weekly tasks.

1. Wash cars: Just because you don’t know how to drive them doesn’t mean you can’t wash them. Start a neighborhood car wash service. To make even more money, choose to also include an interior vacuum and window washing service in your business.

Because laundry is a bothersome chore that most busy working adults are more than willing to pay you to do. So take advantage of this and start scrubbing.

2. Deliver Weekly: Check the yellow pages or your local community ads for businesses that may need a delivery person. Deliveries are easy to make and allow you to enjoy the sun. Ride your bike, skate, or just walk around the neighborhood for cash.

3. Offer a dog walking service: Many people are simply too tired after a long day at work to walk their puppies. Offer to wipe the furballs off your neighbors’ hands for an hour and start a dog-walking business.

Pick up as many dogs as you can, collect a fee, and head to the park or around the block after school. Dogs and their owners will thank you! And your wallet too!

Real Estate

Looking for luxury apartments? 7 things to consider

A luxury apartment is synonymous with a comfortable life. It’s a place to call home where you return to after a busy day at work. It is your living space where you relax. The perfect feeling of bliss over coffee, remote control in hand, watching your favorite show on the HDTV. Whether it’s a two-bedroom or a three-bedroom pad, your home should have the perfect blend of aesthetics and upscale amenities. Here are eight things to consider before searching for luxury apartments in a city:

1. An ideal location

Apartment living is all about striking the right balance between location, connectivity and ambiance. Before you move into a new apartment block, make sure it is close to schools, hospitals, main roads, shopping malls, transportation services, and recreation centers. Is the town free of pollution and has the lowest crime rates? Are there good schools and universities nearby? How far is the community park? These are some of the questions to ask your property manager before moving into an apartment.

2. Higher floors that offer natural lighting

Your apartment should not only offer the best amenities, but it should also have high ceilings and floors to ensure natural lighting and ventilation. Make sure that the property you are renting also offers a panoramic view of the city.

3. The best amenities

Whether it’s spacious bedrooms, walk-in closets, Wi-Fi connectivity, elevators, state-of-the-art fitness center, parking, pool, jogging trails, clubroom, modern kitchen appliances, granite countertops, or covered balconies. a luxury home should include all these amenities. You shouldn’t settle for anything but the best.

4. The best place for the party

A luxury apartment is also the right place to have fun with your friends and family. Get your friends or loved ones together to throw a party on the weekends. You can even use the community pool to host a pool party. However, be sure to get pre-approval from your landlord before the event. Most of the luxury apartments in the city have an outdoor barbecue area where you can delight your guests by preparing delicious meats and vegetables.

5. Security and Protection

Most luxury apartments do not compromise on the safety of the residents. Before investing or renting, make sure you have trained security personnel. The building should also have the proper fire fighting equipment in case a fire breaks out.

6. Reasonable maintenance costs

Investing in a luxury home is not the end of your worries. You have to consider things like the general costs of maintaining Wi-Fi 24/7, central air conditioning, electricity, full-time security staff, gym, laundry, etc.

7. Parking space

Just like you, your car will need a place to stay. And, just like you, it will also need protection. That is why you should verify parking arrangements with the property management office. Find out as many details as possible about the parking area, including additional charges, if applicable. These tips will help you buy one of the best luxury apartments that suits your lifestyle. Make an informed decision. Happy house hunting!

Real Estate

4 Options for Buying Investment Real Estate Purchases

When someone decides they are ready and prepared to invest in real estate, for investment purposes, they should do their homework and know/understand their options, in terms of investing in this type of property. While investment real estate is often a great investment, this is only the case, when the property is right, a well-considered appraisal is made, and one is properly prepared to consider the best way to finance. these purchases. The process should start with a thorough financial analysis and feasibility study to consider the revenue stream, costs/expenses, and whether the purchase makes sense. Once this is done, and done carefully, consideration must be given to how the transaction will be financed. With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss 4 possible options for financing your commercial real estate purchase.

one. Conventional Loans: Begin your analysis and review by considering conventional loans and whether this makes sense for you and your needs/requirements! A conventional/traditional loan, usually offered by a bank or other lending institution, requires significant collateral and other collateral to qualify. It also requires a down payment, often around 25%. One’s overall credit rating should be at a level that generates the best deals, etc.

2. Get funds from contacts/investors, etc.: Sometimes, it is best to look for partners or shareholders to obtain the necessary financing. Doing so often reduces your personal risk, but also limits your top chance. In addition, it requires, formalizing, a legally drafted agreement, etc. This is often attractive when one does not have the personal funds, or cannot come up with, the necessary down payment.

3. Combination: Sometimes the best course of action, for someone, may be to use some sort of combination of the two methods listed above. Perhaps using a conventional approach, for much of the financing, and attracting investors, either to minimize risk or create the ability to hold the necessary degree of reserves, associated with managing these types of properties, might make sense. for some.

Four. camaraderie; limited liability company; corporation; Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT): If you don’t want to, or can’t do this, on your own, a partnership, limited partnership, or corporation might make more sense. However, if you’re not prepared for quality analysis to choose the right property, or you’d rather be more diversified, a real estate investment property (or REIT) might make sense because if you select the right property, General Partner, and experienced, expert, will be able to invest in real estate, in a similar way, to advise the investment in a Mutual Fund.

If you want to invest in investment real estate, do so wisely and be prepared to make the wisest decisions possible. Understanding, financing options, etc., positions you to make the best decision for you!

Real Estate

Manufacture and processing of tin

Tin making involves the extraction of tin from its ore, which is casetterite. During the manufacturing process, various other materials are used, such as limestone, silica, and salt. Caseterrite ore is first purified to remove chemical and physical impurities. In this process, the ore passes through a vibrating chamber to remove physical and chemical impurities. After this, the ore is made more concentrated by adding some chemicals. As the ore becomes more concentrated, it floats to the top of the chamber from where it is collected.

The tin that is collected in this way is not 100% pure. It is about 80% pure. Tin that is 80% pure is then put through a process where it becomes 95% pure. In this purification process, a magnetic force is applied to the can, which removes the iron particles from the can.

The pewter then undergoes a process called casting. In this smelting process, concentrated tin is mixed with carbon and heated in a furnace to around 1,400 degrees Celsius. During this heating process, limestone and silica are added to the mixture of tin and carbon. This is done to remove more impurities present in the can.

At the end of the casting process, the tin obtained is raw tin. This raw tin is then agitated with steam, and through this process, impurities collect on top and can be removed manually. The tin that is now obtained has a purity of 99.8%.

No useful by-products are obtained as a result of the manufacturing process. Waste products include the sand, stone, and soil that are rejected during the mining and smelting process. The slag produced during the smelting and refining process contains arsenic, lead, and other poisonous materials that are harmful to the environment. But tin itself is not harmful to the environment.

The application of tin for commercial purposes is increasing and will continue to increase. Since materials like cadmium and lead are harmful and poisonous, efforts are underway to replace these materials with tin. In the soldering process, combined lead and tin were used as the solder. Efforts are now underway to replace this combination with tin and silver as solder. In shotgun shells, lead shot is slowly being replaced by tin shot. Therefore, due to the positive environmental effects of tin, it is slowly replacing harmful materials such as lead and graphite.

Real Estate

retain good tenants

All residents of your properties should be treated as your business partners, as they are responsible for income, expenses, and your bottom line cash flow. It is important to have a good retention program and reward good tenants.

Why do people move?

People move for many different reasons, and sometimes they just like to move and have no reason at all. They don’t like the neighborhood, they want to move their kids to another school, they get divorced and need to move, or their family grows and they start looking for a bigger place. Some people decide to buy their own house, some move with their relatives or elderly parents, some move due to their job change. Surprisingly, the most common reason people move is because the landlord ignores them. Not having a good relationship with your tenants can cause them to move out of your property. Tenant turnover is always expensive, with unnecessary repairs and work required, as well as accounting for vacancy and advertising expenses. To build a strong, long-term relationship with your tenants, having a retention program is essential.

Rank your tenants

Make a list of all the properties and rank your tenants from A, B, C, D: A is simply the best without a headache and D is the worst nightmare ever. Most likely, the class of tenants matches the class of ownership. What I mean by that is that your best properties located in type A neighborhoods will probably have the best tenants. Good neighborhoods attract more wealthy, educated, and responsible people who want a better life for themselves and their families. These are people who are always polite, respectful, pay on time, and don’t call for unnecessary reasons. They will also take care of your own home and any minor work that needs to be done, such as minor painting, carpet cleaning, or even getting your own appliances. Type B tenants are also good paying residents with some flows. The type of tenant should always be classified by 2 factors: punctuality in rent payments and maintenance of the property. Lateness isn’t necessarily a bad factor, as long as you can collect rent plus late fees, which turns out to be another source of income. Type C tenants are those who have had eviction notices due to non-payment, maintenance problems or increased wear and tear. They are not responsible, their phone number never works, they forget to pay their utilities and they go from job to job always trying to catch up on their bills. They do not maintain the property well and you may have received litter citations, violations, and even complaints from neighbors. Tenant type D is the one you want OUT. These people are the ones who are non-negotiable, often have little or no education, engage in illegal activities, and often live in D-type neighborhoods (war zones). In D-type neighborhoods, the best strategy is to rent the house to a Section 8 or government-subsidized tenant, as rent payments always become an issue.

80/20 RULES

Like any business, you probably spend 80% of your time with 20% of your tenants. The goal is to analyze which tenants are causing you the most problems and get rid of them. It’s not worth the time to deal with headaches, extensive repairs, late payments, and evictions. Get rid of them, take a loss at first, and make it work for the long haul. On the other hand, don’t forget about your A and B tenants and take some time to reward them for being great residents.

Implement retention programs

While you may be busy handling the problems of 20% of your tenants, don’t forget about the good ones. In the end, they are the ones that make your life better and headache free. Remember, when people pay on time, they also have some expectations. When you have 100k in your bank account, you expect your banker to know you by name; The same applies to its residents. Memorize their names and the composition of their family. Build a relationship, get to know who they are and what their interests are. Treat them as they do, make all necessary repairs on time and always, follow up on their requests and return their messages on time.

• Welcome move-in packet. The first impression is what lays the foundation for a long-term relationship. When people move into your property, make sure it is clean and no repairs are needed. Help them transfer their utility bills and follow up to make sure they changed them to your name. We also normally give small welcome gifts to new residents. We also include a welcome packet that has all the information you need, including our Rent to Own program! The welcome pack is an opportunity to upsell your client in the long run.

• Quarterly Checkups. It’s a good idea to do quarterly property inspections and make sure the properties don’t need any work or maintenance. Once people decide to move, it’s VERY hard to change their mind, so don’t get to a point where it’s too late, and allot plenty of time for your good residents. If you don’t have time to inspect the property or visit your residents, send them an email, text, or make a quick phone call to check things out. People always appreciate that.

• Avoid frequent rent increases. If you have well-paying tenants, keep them on the property and don’t raise their rents frequently. Rent increases will eventually become an issue and may cause your residents to move. It is especially common in times of recession when property values ​​fall and new owners may offer lower rents due to lower mortgage payments. Rent increases are okay if you are offering an initial discount on your rent or if you have government-subsidized tenants where a small annual rent increase is allowed. One year we decided to raise all of our rents by $25 and we lost several tenants. It costs thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs, advertising costs, and vacancies! It is also your TIME that must be taken into account to re-rent the property. In the end, you don’t know what kind of tenant you’ll end up with and it may cost you even more money in the long run. To avoid that, you can implement small “inflationary” rent increases and justify them through an increase in your insurance rate, an increase in property tax, or improvements/upgrades that have been made to the property.

• Gifts, Postcards and Thank You Letters. Show your residents appreciation by sending them birthday and/or Christmas cards. You will be surprised how happy it makes people when they get it. We ALWAYS give presents to tenants at Christmas and New Years. It’s also a good idea to give them a Home Depot/Lowes gift card or a free carpet cleaning. It will improve your property and make your tenants happy. Many times it’s not the gift but the care you give people, they appreciate it and a $25 gift will translate into a great long term relationship with your residents.

• Be consistent and do what you promised. Managing rental properties is a business and should be treated as such. It’s common sense, but many people don’t do what they promise. It makes the landlord look unprofessional and irresponsible. It’s your responsibility to stay on top of management if you don’t have a management company and it’s a full time job! Just do what you promised and don’t promise if you can’t deliver.

• Pay for referrals. You can convert your existing clients into more referrals by sending them a mass email newsletter with new properties or simply brochures with your properties in the mail. It is important to send them to your type “A” and “B” tenants. Good people usually associate with like-minded people and the chances are very high that you will end up getting another good resident. Your tenants would not want to put their relationship at risk and are unlikely to recommend someone they do not know personally. Like any business, you want to give your residents incentives for referrals and it can be in the form of a commission, referral fee, or rental discount.

• Renew lease EARLY. Make it a habit to submit your lease renewal at least 2 months before the current lease expires. At this point, residents don’t think about moving and are more likely to sign another lease. If you do it at the last minute, chances are they are already looking elsewhere and have found something better or cheaper, or both. Put the dates on your calendar and remember to send the rental agreement by post/e-mail and confirm receipt with the tenant. You need to know as soon as possible if your current resident is moving so you can start advertising the place. It’s also a good idea to review your moving policies if you decide to move.

Politics and procedures.

Being nice doesn’t mean you can avoid policies and procedures. Set your residents’ expectations up front and explain everything they need to know (must be in writing on your lease) about late payment policy, property upkeep, pet policy, subletting policy, renter’s insurance, move-in procedures, security deposit policies, local laws and ordinances. People may not notice the things they do wrong and it will make you look bad in the end. Set all expectations up front and be nice later! Find a tenant retention program that works for you and implement it regularly, try several things. Remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another.