I had a recent question: "Aside from watching asking prices for rents on places like Craig's list is there a good way to determine the fair market value in a given city or area for a property?" Determining Fair Market Rent can difficult to figure … [Read more...]
Tenant Application-Red Flags
Receiving a tenant application can require some detective work and a good ear. A prospective tenant calls you and wants to see that 3 bedroom apartment that you have for rent. What types of "red flags" should you be watching and listening for as … [Read more...]
The Lease Deposit Refund
Many landlords take a lease deposit from a prospective tenant to hold an apartment prior to move-in. I require a deposit when there is more than 1 week before the start of the new lease. State law is very clear on how this process must be executed … [Read more...]
Rental Scams on Craigslist
Some of you may have heard about rental scams on Craigslist before, but I thought it was worth repeating to get the word out. I suppose it is like that old saying: if I save one person from this scam it was worth it! Here is how it goes: you … [Read more...]
Tenant Applicant Scam Artists
If you are a landlord, you will run into tenant applicants (and tenants for that matter) that will just lie to your face or on their tenant applicant screening. I had another one recently, that I just felt I had to share [long story, but it will … [Read more...]
8 Upgrades to Make Your Rental Unit Look Fresh for the Market
If you're like most landlords, you want to get your rental unit rented as soon as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes this means cutting corners or doing quick fixes so they can get them on the market. This can leave your rental looking tired and … [Read more...]
Showing Rental Property
I am in the middle of showing rental property that I own in NE Minneapolis. It has hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms and because it is kinda small, I am asking $850. It is available immediately (if you know anyone, send them my way!). I have had several … [Read more...]
Reverse Prospecting for Tenants
Have you ever heard of reverse prospecting for tenants? Hopefully, as a landlord, you are already using Craig's List to find new tenants. This is a free and powerful tool to quickly advertise your apartment openings. I have good success for most … [Read more...]
Apartment Association Tenant Screening
Collective apartment association tenant screening is a new technique that some associations are using to manage the flow of tenants into their buildings and neighborhood. Here is how it works: All building owners agree to collective tenant … [Read more...]
Advertising your Investment Property Using Craig’s List
Advertising your investment property using Craig’s List is something you should seriously consider. Craig's List is an excellent place to advertise your investment property vacancies. I wrote a post about doing Reverse Prospecting for Tenants on … [Read more...]