Friday, August 29, 2014

Run a Spot Check on Your Potential Home

Buying a home is certainly a far cry from picking out a new pair of shoes or a piece of furniture. The decision can take years because apart from the financial aspect, it is also based on emotions. It involves a choice in lifestyle that will perhaps last for several years. It includes considerations on the breadwinners’ jobs, the children’s schools, your freedom to customise, and your commitment to the new neighbourhood. While these reasons are subjective, there are also general points to check before purchasing a new home.

Safety tops the list

A peaceful and secure neighbourhood is the most basic requirement in deciding where to live. Allot an hour to search local government sites, newspaper websites, and blogs to read about the pressing issues in the community and learn about the ongoing or future developments in the area. A more meticulous approach is to visit the local police station or also research on crime reports in the area. It doesn’t hurt to be this cautious, especially if you have little children. It is only right to prioritise the safety and security of your family.

Check for Local Amenities

After safety comes accessibility and convenience. Find out where the nearest facilities are. Make sure it is not that far from the most important facilities such as the hospital, market, fire and police stations, or schools. It is now easier to find out about this with Google Maps; with it, you can explore the entire neighbourhood and even look at a street view of it so you can have a glimpse of what’s nearby. The goal is to live in a community where it’s easier and more convenient.



Test Drive

Be familiar with the traffic pattern by testing your commute. Visit the home at different times of the day and take special consideration during the rush hour. It will give you an idea of the activities and the peacefulness of the area. Remember that transportation also has a big effect on how satisfied you will be with the property.

The toughest part would be talking and negotiating with the sellers. After several home inspections, you would want to have a thorough discussion about other details such as the renovations and home improvements done through the years. You will need a support system with a wide range of experience in the field. If you’re interested in a property at Shepherds Bush Road, consider giving agents like those from Finlay Brewer a call. Their real estate agents will assist you in finding a home that will suit all your needs. With such experts at your side, running a spot check definitely won’t be that tough.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Property Management: Learning the Basics

There’s more to being a landlord than just earning money off your properties. Apart from collecting rent, your responsibility as a landlord is to handle repair and maintenance of the property as well as advertising your property to potential tenants. Sound like hard work? It certainly is, but there is a better way to manage your property.

What is Property Management?

Propertymanagement is defined by Investopedia as the “administration of residential, commercial and/or industrial real estate”.  Property management usually involves managing of properties owned by another party or entity. Managed properties can either be a residential, commercial or industrial.


What does a Property Management company do?

Property management companies are responsible for all aspects of managing one’s property from advertising to tenant placement. They also handle rent collection, property maintenance and repairs, tenant complaints, and even evictions. The goal of the property managers is to increase the property value while generating income.

When should you hire a Property Manager?

Although there are several advantages of hiring property managers, it is an investment that should not be taken lightly. There are several factors you need to consider before you dive into it. One factor is the number of properties you manage/lease. Imagine managing more than properties on your own compared to having a group of property managers handling them. This means that you can earn from all of your properties all at the same time. Other factors to consider include your proximity to the properties, time availability and experience in managing properties.


How to choose a Property Management company


Hiring a property manager requires due diligence and research. You can check online for different companies available in your area. You can also ask your friends and family for any recommendations. Regardless of what your method for finding one, make sure that you choose a company with enough experience in the field and the right credentials. Be sure to check their website, if available, and contact them directly to know more about their services. 

Friday, August 15, 2014

Why You Should Hire a Property Manager

As a landlord, your goal is to increase the value of your property and maximize the profit on your investment. However, knowing the pitfalls and challenges of managing properties, this is easier said than done. Thankfully, you can rely on experts like property managers to help you out. Let’s list some ways these experts can help you.

Time-Saving

When you’re a landlord, you need to be on top of things and handle all aspects of managing your property from collecting rent payments to handling repairs and complaints, not to mention dealing with delinquent tenants. If you hire a property manager, you don’t need to worry about this. These experts will manage your property all throughout the tenancy, from rent collection to repairs.

Better Tenants

If you rely on community boards and classified ads as your means of getting tenants, chances are you’ll have your share of delinquent tenants. But with the help of experienced property managers, you can get better tenants. Property management companies invest in better marketing and advertising strategies to ensure that they target the right and the best tenants. In addition, they have the experience to screen possible tenants that meet the standards you’ve set out for your property.



Legal Matters

There’s more to being a landlord than owning a property and renting it out. There are laws you need to understand and comply with before you can start advertising your services and accept tenants. This is where a property management company can certainly help you. These experts have a complete understanding of the law and how it may affect your investment, including matters of rental fees and eviction.


Although some landlords manage their properties on their own, a little help from the experts will go a long way in ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. For reliable property management needs, trust only the experts- Finlay Brewer.