Atlanta Property Management for Investors and by Investors ALH|Podland Realty is a licensed Real Estate Company. Atlanta Property Management and Real Estate Investing is our only business. Our goal is to provide maximum return on investment for property owners and investors and quality rental housing for the community.We help our clients acquire, remodel and manage their real estate portfolio and help them maximize returns on their investment.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Benefits Of Your Property Management Company Utilizing Cloud-Based Software
Benefits Of Your Property Management Company Utilizing Cloud-Based Software
THE CLOUD IS THE IDEAL TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.
Cloud computing is growing in popularity across all businesses due to the many benefits it offers. Unlike traditional computing systems, cloud systems don’t require a physical computer or server to be on-site to store your programs, applications and data. Cloud services improve efficiency, help increase cash flow and streamline other processes.
As you are searching for a Decatur or Stone Mountain property management company, it’s important to narrow your focus to ones that only utilize cloud-based solutions. With the responsibilities, daily functions and risks involved with renal property management, cloud-based management software is by far more cost and time effective when managing rental properties and provides superior benefits to property owners.
Consider these advantages of cloud-based management software solutions and how this technology can help streamline rental property management.
Increased Reliability And Security
Once you switch to the cloud, you can throw your complicated crisis-recovery plan out the window. Cloud service providers have their own recovery systems in place that are much faster and more efficient. By storing your important data and information in the cloud, you will still be able to access it in the event of a failure, such as a power outage, computer malfunction or loss of a computer or other primary device.
In addition, if you find yourself in need of more bandwidth, a cloud-based service can respond immediately, getting you the added space you require right away.
Auto-Updates
Cloud service companies take care of all maintenance to your management system, which includes software and security updates. This ensures your Decatur rental property management company always has the latest software and is up to speed on every necessary update.
Flexibility
Another benefit of cloud-based rental property management software is the ability to make and accept rent payments online. By utilizing this aspect of the technology, tenants are able to conveniently pay their rent each month and are therefore more likely to do so in a timely manner. Not only does this benefit the renters themselves, it speeds up the receipts of rent, meaning the property owner receives their funds faster.
24/7 Access And Updates From Anywhere
Whether you are located in the same city as your rental properties or live outside the United States, you will always have real-time access to the financial information of your rental properties, your owner portal and the ability to converse with your rental home property manager at the drop of a hat. All necessary financial and maintenance information is at your fingertips with a cloud-based software program. For instance, you are easily able to determine what’s going on with your properties at any time of the day or night by viewing pictures, reports and other helpful documents.
As you can see, the rise of cloud-based systems has opened up many options with added benefits to landlords and rental property managers. If you’re considering making a change in the way your Decatur or Stone Mountain rental property management is handled, you should consider looking into a rental property management company that utilizes a cloud-based software system.
If you’d like to learn more about your rental property management services or are interested in our properties for rent, contact us. Here at ALH|Podland, we embrace cloud-based solutions and are ready to meet all of your needs with the latest technology.
ALH|Podland Rental Homes Property Management
We are the premier rental property management company in the Atlanta. If you feel overwhelmed managing your own renal properties or feel that your current rental property manager has performed inadequately in renewing new leases, consider contacting us with your property management needs and see how we improve the overall experience. Visit our website at www.alhpodland.com or check out more articles on property management in our OwnerBuzz.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
7 Steps On How To Prep A Home For Rent
7 Steps On How To Prep A Home For Rent
7 Steps On How To Prep A Home For Rent
The rental market is becoming increasingly competitive, wise property managers tend to keep their units modern and fresh which helps in attracting prospective leaseholders. One of the most important steps in managing and operating investment properties is to ensure quality of the building’s structure. Good property managers would prepare their rental properties by following these 7 Steps on How To Prep a Home For Rent.
1. Maintain A Paper Trail
The most important step in Prepping a Home for Rent is Documentation. Documentation is everything! It is the only tangible proof of keeping properties in optimum condition. Always make sure to document the time resources spent on the investor’s properties. This allows the manager to materialize proof in order to withhold security deposits in the case of tenant damages. This also allows the manager to keep the property owners informed on their properties as well as attract prospective leaseholders.
2. Fix The Unbreakable
No one finds broken handles or outdated fixtures to be attractive. Not only do improper or broken fixtures serve no purpose but they also makes a property unit look unkempt which can and will deter potential renters looking for a new home. Make sure to fix all broken light switch plates and replace all the nonfunctional bulbs. Even the minutest of details can make or break a deal. You would especially want to make sure that all the little things are done if you want to get top rental price dollar for your property.
3. Secure The Property
Tenant safety should always be prioritized by the property manager. A property manager is responsible for more than just maintaining the properties of their clients. Make sure to switch all the exterior locks and change codes to the mailbox and keys to ensure the privacy of the new leaseholder. A caring property manager is good for business, as it’s the responsibility of the property manager to make sure all involved parties are content with their current situation. In some instances, security system have been installed in rental homes for tenant and investor protection. It’s a small cost in comparison to vandalism, theft or damage.
4. Examine All Appliances
What’s the point of offering a fully equipped home when a some of the appliances break down ? Ensure all appliances such as washing machines, stoves and dish washers are in working order. Monitor temperatures on freezers and refrigerators for food safety. And additionally, test ceiling fans and clean the debris or dust from the blades before showing the house.
A lot of times rental units don’t require any major repairs or maintenance and a good scrubbing is all that is needed to return the home to its former glory. Some managers prefer to change out carpeting between leases. Although, it can prove to be a bit costly but it ensures the freshness for a new occupant. When new flooring isn’t a possibility, a heavy duty carpet shampoo machine will eliminate any prior stains. As property managers, getting discounted rates for extensive and professional cleaning services is quite easy. Sometimes all you need for a stubborn property is a good scrubbing and maybe some fresh coating on the walls. Manifest the power of cleanliness and its illusionistic effects, after all, all we want is to maintain an illusion we’ve created around our lives.
6. Unleash The Exterminator
This is probably one of the most important steps that must be undertaken before any potential leaseholders are courted. Get an exterminator and have all the unwelcomed creepy crawlies exterminated. Not only is it sanitary to hire a professional exterminator but it will also minimize any future costly repairs due to pest damage.
7. Landscape The Inhabitable
Nothing attracts potential renters more than fresh curb appeal and proper landscaping. Make sure to discard old flower pots and eliminate the growth of weeds. All the damaged walkways should be repaved and repair any damaged gutters. The exterior condition of the home is just as important as the interior.
We’ve just scratched the surface with these few tips. Property management is a full-time job, hence the industry. If all the extra work along with your primary occupation begins to overwhelm you, you can always opt for a property manager to take care of all your investment properties. If you’re wondering how to select a good property manager, you can always refer to our blog for more valuable insights into property investments and management.
Monday, March 2, 2015
It’s Cleaner Than When I Found It – Good Property Management Tips
It’s Cleaner Than When I Found It – Good Property Management Tips
It’s Cleaner Than When I Found It
Every property manager has heard this phrase many times. If said during a property management walk-through, it usually elicits laughs or groans. As a property owner, you may have experienced these words yourself first-hand from a resident. No one really wants to hear this statement from any tenant.
Three scenarios can lead to this clich̩. First, there are times when tenants actually do deliver a property in better condition even though the property was clean when they took possession. They are simply meticulous people Рthis does happen. Second, the majority who make this statement are trying to put you on the defensive because they want their security deposit back in full and they know it is not as clean as when they moved in. The third and last scenario is that it actually is cleaner because the property was not in good condition than when they moved in.
The first scenario is the one you wish will happen; the second is manageable with good documentation and common sense to dispute the tenant’s claim. The last one, that the property is actually cleaner because it was dirty when they moved in, is not a good thing.
Why is it so important to have the property in the best condition when a tenant takes possession? Habit two of Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, puts it into perspective, “begin with the end in mind”. If you think about it, you want the best possible exit or ending with that tenant. You want a long-term tenancy but the reality is that they all do move eventually.
By having the property in clean condition, you have the best chance of attracting the right tenancy. The residents you want in your property are those who are more particular because this is how they want to live – in a well-maintained clean property.
When the property is clean when they move in, you send a message that this is what you expect when they move out. You immediately set the stage for a good landlord/tenant relationship. Otherwise, residents begin dissatisfied and the tenancy can deteriorate from there.
As your property management company, we want to avoid unpleasant and costly problems for your investment, so we have certain requirements when properties transition between tenants.
- We have the same “clean” standards for all properties and require vendors to follow these standards. This applies to both inside and outside of the property.
- Unless unnecessary, we have a professional cleaning properties so that we have documentation to support the security deposit disposition when the tenant moves out.
- We use reliable vendors to complete the professional cleaning.
- We document the condition of the property before the tenant moves in, and again when the tenant moves out incorporating photos and reports that follow the same pattern for all properties.
- We not notify tenants when they move in what the expectations of cleanliness are when they move out, we incorporate those expectations into the lease agreement.
What you don’t want is a security deposit dispute when they move out, particularly one that can lead to legal issues. There is a simple answer to this – have the property clean when residents move in. Then you are on solid ground when the tenants move out.
If you’d like more information on ALH|Podland Rental Homes Property Management services, please visit our website or give us a call at 404-937-2827.
ALH|Podland Rental Homes Property Management
We are the premier rental property management company in the Atlanta. If you feel overwhelmed managing your own renal properties or feel that your current rental property manager has performed inadequately in renewing new leases, consider contacting us with your property management needs and see how we improve the overall experience. Visit our website at www.alhpodland.com or check out more articles on property management in our OwnerBuzz.
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