Security Deposit for Rent: A Simple Guide for New Landlords

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, October 13, 2021

As a new landlord, you've heard of the term "security deposit" in the past. If you've ever rented a property on your own, you've likely even paid one. But what is a security deposit? Why do you need a security deposit for rent, and when do you have to g...

How to Calculate Your Rental Property Value

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, September 22, 2021

As the housing market continues to boom, so have rentals. A "buyer's market" where bidding wars are commonplace has either forced or enticed many to rent. This in turn has made the rental environment more competitive and volatile as well.You may be wondering how the...

What the End of the Eviction Moratorium Means For Landlords

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, September 8, 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government put certain protections in place to protect tenant's rights. One of those protections was a federal eviction moratorium. While eviction is often the last resort for landlords, it is sometimes the only tool to deal with...

Expert Advice on How to Find Good Tenants for Your Rental Property

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, August 25, 2021

It's a hot market for renting right now. There are so many tenants looking for good housing, and you know that filling vacancies doesn't take long.That said, not all tenants are alike. While most tenants are agreeable and willing to abide by their lease terms and pay rent...

4 Reasons Why You Should Always Run a Background Check on a Tenant

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Around 19 of 20 employers use background checks. Background checks are very helpful if you want to learn about a potential hire. They are helpful if you want to see if they have a criminal past and if they could be a danger to your business. Running a background can spe...

Why Some Investment Properties Are Better Than Others

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Many opportunities present themselves when you decide to invest in real estate. How do you know which ones are worth investing in?Knowing which investment properties are best is easy. They’re the ones that turn a profit.The challenge is determining in advance which ones wil...

Property Management: 3 Do's and Don'ts When Hiring

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, July 14, 2021

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with investment properties, you’ve probably considered outsourcing to a pro. Dealing with the nitty-gritty details of rental property management can be a hassle, which is why many owners turn to experts for help.However, find...

Why Hire a Professional Property Management Team

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, June 23, 2021

If you own a rental property, you know just how much work goes into managing it. If you've got your hands full and don't want to handle all the daily logistics, hiring a property management team may be the best option for you.Is a rental property management team worth it?...

For Rent by Owner: How to Turn Your Home Into a Rental Property

By Kathy Scott Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Out of the 100 largest cities in the US, 91 saw an increase in rent prices in 2018. Now is the perfect time to turn your home into a rental property. In order to list your home as for rent by owner, you’ll need to take a few steps. Let’s take a look at exactly wh...

Detecting Elevated Radon Levels

By Kathy Scott Tuesday, March 2, 2021

I first became aware of radon gas when I was sent a box full of radon test kits from the bank when refinancing a large multi-family apartment complex in College Station, Texas. I had heard some about radon gas, but really didn’t have much thought about it until I was confro...