What It Takes To Be A Great Landlord

Being a landlord is a smart way to create your own income. It’s a shrewd way to provide yourself and your family with a lucrative living without hawking products, traveling to trade shows or getting caught up in the world of e-commerce. One of the keys to being a successful landlord is realizing that you are, in fact, a business owner, and treating your rental property as your product and service. You’re in the business of helping people find a home they can live in at a price they can afford. The following tips and strategies can help you rent more properties to the right tenants and realize the greatest profit over time. With a more efficient and profitable business, you can spend more time in it. With more time and money, you can slowly find new investment properties and rent those out as well. How many of these qualities do you possess?

 

Know How To Choose The Right Tenants

There are several things you can do to ensure you select the right tenants.

• Make sure the prospective tenant’s income is three times the amount of the monthly rent. Verify their income and make sure you don’t lease to a tenant who simply cannot afford to easily meet your monthly payments.
• Run a credit check to ensure they have no evictions or foreclosures on their record. You’ll also want a tenant who takes paying their bills and maintaining an overall good credit rating a priority.
• Insist on referrals from previous landlords, where applicable. Unless this is your tenant’s very first apartment, they should have at least one previous landlord who will speak to their tenancy record.
• For first-time tenants, or tenants with a less than stellar record, you’ll want a cosigner. Choose the right cosigner by making sure they meet the criteria you’ve set for the original tenant and have clear, easy contact information.

 

Know When To Set Strict vs. Flexible Office Hours

Having regular office hours lets your tenants know you take your business seriously. It also helps establish a healthy working relationship.

• Don’t limit your office hours to 9-5 when your tenants are likely to be at work. Instead, opt for office hours that cover the early morning and early evening hours as well.
• Have an emergency contact policy (and a clear definition of what constitutes an emergency) in place. Broken pipes or non-working furnaces need to be attended to when they happen.
  • A Google Voice number is a great alternative to handing out your cell phone number. It’s a free service that forwards to any number you choose. A Google Voice number lets your stay available while keeping you somewhat anonymous.
• Whether its phone, text, or email, stick to your preferred method of contact. Once you set a precedent with a tenant, it can be extremely difficult to un-set it.

 

Know How To Automate Monthly Rent Payments

Establishing systems that do much of the legwork for you is a strategic way to keep your landlord business running like a well-oiled machine. Building an efficient process for rent collection is key to your success.

• Establish a PayPal or other online payment gateway account. How does this benefit you and your tenants?
  • It takes the angst out of handling cash
  • It issues automated receipts
  • It guarantees the validity of each month’s payment
  • It saves you valuable time
  • It allows you to build in an automatic late fee
    (You should always charge a late fee to discourage tenants from making late payments)

 

Know When To Hold ‘Em & When To Fold ‘Em

Every smart landlord knows how to play to their strengths and how to outsource their weaknesses.  If you choose to do the property management on your own, there may be other aspects you’ll need to outsource. Do what you know you can do well and in a timely fashion – then learn to outsource the rest.

• Because they involve the safety of your tenant and your property, plumbing and electrical issues should almost always be left to the pros.
• Lawn maintenance and snow removal are tasks that can go either way. They’re simple enough to manage on your own as long as they don’t take time away from activities that might increase your cash flow.

 

Maintain The Right Documents

One of your mantras as a landlord should be, if it isn’t in writing, it doesn’t exist. A smart landlord protects himself by asking every, single tenant to:

• Sign a dated rental agreement
• Accompany him or her on a pre-rental walk through
• Accompany him or her on a post-rental walk through
• Verify every repair in writing

Stay organized by having a physical or online filing system that keeps these documents at the ready whenever you need them.

 

Good landlords and good tenants are a match made in renter’s heaven. By providing the best possible customer (tenant) service, maintain well-kept properties, and equipping yourself with the right tools, you can make being a landlord your full-time business and lifestyle.

The post What It Takes To Be A Great Landlord appeared first on Aramis Realty.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Investment Property in Atlanta

If you are dreaming of owning an investment property, what better place to do that than in Atlanta? The city has a thriving real estate industry that promises lucrative returns.

It is worth noting that just because the property business is flourishing, building a successful portfolio is not a walk in the park. For you to succeed, you need a solid understanding of Atlanta’s real estate industry, and you have to do your homework to avoid common real estate investment mistakes.

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you understand the common mistakes made by many first-time property investors in Atlanta.

Not Understanding The Law

A majority of first time investors never bother to educate themselves regarding the rules and regulations for Fair Housing in Atlanta. Most of them presume that just because they have the funds, they can acquire whatever asset they desire.

They proceed with their acquisition only to realize that they are either in violation of the legislations or that they are obligated to meet certain financial regulations like paying land rates, designing properties that meet specified housing codes, and much more.

Before purchasing any property, make sure you are conversant with what the law has to say concerning property ownership, landlord-tenant relationships, housing codes, as well as lease agreements.

Failure To Research

Carrying out detailed research before buying a property is crucial. For starters, you should conduct a comparative market analysis to help you work out the real market value of the asset in question.

Secondly, you must determine the viability of the asset in satisfying the market demands and its ability to help you earn the rental amount that you desire. You should examine as many properties as possible, preferably from different suburbs, to gain an understanding of what options are available. The findings from such investigations will provide useful feedback to help you determine whether you have a good deal or not.

Relying On The Real Estate Agents

Many first-time property investors naively presume that the real estate agent is genuinely interested in helping the buyer get a great deal. Consequently, they take whatever the agent says to be the gospel truth.

Doing so can be a mistake.

Regardless of what the real estate agent tells you, their  primary objective is to sell the property. Which means they will be biased to only show you and talk to you about the good qualities the property has.

Instead of following the agent blindly, ask him or her important details about the property. For instance, how long the property has been on the market, what offers has it gotten so far, how they arrived at the asking price, as well as whether there have been any recent sales of houses similar to the one in question.

Shopping For Property Without Pre-Approval

Inexperienced property investors soon learn the hard way just how heart wrecking it feels to watch someone else get the home of your dreams simply because they raised the needed funds before you could.

Protect yourself from such an emotionally draining experience by first talking to a mortgage expert or local bank to determine how much financing you qualify for, and what requirements you must fulfill to get the funding. This information will give you the impetus you need to shop and negotiate for your dream property.

Overstretching Finances

Many people, driven by the excitement of owning their first investment property, end up overstretching their finances beyond their means. Subsequently, even though they manage to acquire the property, they end up being slaves to their investment and spend years struggling to repay the mortgage.

Instead of over committing your funds, consider going for financing whose repayments do not exceed twenty-five percent of the total property’s net income. Also, avoid borrowing more than eighty-percent of the value of the asset but rather settle for those that demand you raise at least twenty percent of the total value.

While these investments may be more difficult to find, they leave you with a much larger margin of safety.

Purchasing Property Sight Unseen

Even if you live an extremely busy lifestyle which makes it impossible for you to visit the site, you must go and view the property. Doing that will save you from making disastrous errors.

Many first timers only take part in virtual tours where they see the assets online and arrive at the buy decision based on what they see. What these investors fail to understand is that the images on the virtual tour are designed to entice the viewer to buy. In fact, in most cases, the actual property is not as striking as the photos. For this reason, it is judicious for you or someone you have confidence in, to go physically assess the investment property you wish to acquire.

Ignoring Inspections

It is unwise for a real estate investor not to inspect the property you want to buy. You should always make it a habit of hiring a professional house inspector to check the asset for any evidence of termite infestations, sub-standard renovations, malfunctioning fixtures like smoke sensors, HVAC systems and much more.

Failing to perform a proper inspection of the property can result in a lot of unforeseen costs, which can yield your investment unprofitable.

While this list is not exhaustive, it addresses many of the primary concerns faced by first-time investors. If you make sure to follow this list and perform the required due diligence, you’ll soon be on your way to enjoying the rewards of owning investment property in Atlanta.

If you would like assistance in buying investment property in Atlanta or the surrounding areas don’t hesitate to call us at 770-744-4811 or contact us by email at admin@aramisrealty.com

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Top 10 Things To Do in Lithonia

Located in the east of DeKalb; Lithonia, Georgia is best known for its rock quarries throughout the city. Likewise, it’s also home to the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, where visitors can enjoy many scenic views and experience the fitness trails. As a Lithonia property management company we’re privileged to be able to experience this wonderful city just East of Atlanta. We decided to put together this list of interesting things you can do in this wonderful city.

10 Interesting Things to do in Lithonia

1. Hike on the Arabia Mountain

Link: http://arabiaalliance.org/educate/

Location: Arabia Mountain
The Arabia Mountain is a 30-minute drive from Atlanta, Georgia–that is why it is considered interstate driving. Although the exit is well labeled, it is still a little hard to see the signage for Arabia Mountain, so it would be better if you bring your GPS/phone with you. Additionally, although you can actually explore the place by yourself, if you really want to enjoy your Arabia Mountain adventure, we highly suggest that you consider being part of a hiking group where Arabia Mountain Rangers will serve as your guide. These people are really acquainted with the place, giving you the assurance that you’ll be able to learn more about the importance of the ecosystem. As for the hike, it’s not really as strenuous as what you imagine, but it can be a little difficult for those who are not used to walking on an uneven ground. The view from the top is breathtaking, and you can even have a picnic from there.

 

2. Visit the Mall at Stonecrest

Link: http://www.mallatstonecrest.com/

Location: Stonecrest Mall

Ideally; you should visit this place during the weekday if you really want to enjoy what it has to offer. If you were going to wait until the weekend, then the entrances being congested would probably welcome you, and the mall will most likely be packed with unruly teens.

 

3. Have a Great Time at Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill

Link: http://smokeybones.com/

Location: Smokey Bones Bar & Grill 

Craving ribs? The Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill has the best tasting ribs in Lithonia, Georgia. The drinks being served are also splendid! However, if you are on a budget, we do not really suggest visiting this place, as your bill could easily rack up as you have a good time.

 

4. Have Fun at Gamers Xperience

Link: http://www.gxgaming.com/

Location: Gamers Xperience 

This is probably the game room of the century and there is a reason for that! In the Gamers Xperience, you will find the latest games you and your children can enjoy. It is also near great restaurants.  You can even leave your kid here and have a delicious meal while they are playing some games.

 

5. Play Golf at Golf Club Cuscowilla

Link: http://www.cuscowilla.com/

Location: Golf Club Cuscowilla

This residential gold resort is about 70 miles east of Atlanta. It’s a place that offers a quality lifestyle in a very relaxing environment nestled among pine trees and native grasses. Thus, golfers could definitely enjoy golf while being a step closer to nature. Bill Coorer and Ben Crenshaw designed the award-winning course.

Another reason why Cuscowilla should be your one-stop destination is the fact that it has the best accommodations, amazing restaurants, and a conference center perfect for business meetings.

 

6. Have a Picnic at the Yellow River Park

Link: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/CommunityServices/ParksandRecreation/OurParksandFacilities/GuidetoYourParks/YellowRiverPark

Location: Yellow River Park 

The Yellow River Park is a 566-acre land that offers visitors the perfect outdoor trail for horseback riding as well as mountain biking. Not just that, the trails also offer a magnificent view of the falls, river, and the surrounding forests!

 

7. Socialize at the Redan Party Rental and Cultural Center

Link: http://kristespice-19887.wixsite.com/redanculturalcenter

Location: Reden Party Rental & Cultural Center 

Redan Party and Cultural center is a place where there is usually a gathering, and it could hold between 50 and 500 people. It is definitely worth visiting, especially if there are important events happening around the city.

 

8. Check the Green Tree Horse Farm

Link: http://www.greentreehorsefarm.com/

Location: Green Tree Horse Farm

The Green Tree Horse Farm is just a few minutes away from Georgia International Horse Park, and its 10 miles outside the perimeter of Atlanta. Here, you can go horseback riding and learn about the different breeds of horses and how to discipline them.

 

9. Appreciate the Stone Mountain Bridge

Link: http://www.stonemountainpark.com/Activities/History-Nature/Covered-Bridge

Location: Stone Mountain Bridge

 

The Stone Mountain Bridge is a beautiful structure that has been fully restored from its condemned status. Thus, it is a wonderful place if you are into photography or you just simply want to appreciate the beauty of this landmark.

10. Have a Picnic at DeShong Park

Link: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/CommunityServices/ParksandRecreation/OurParksandFacilities/GuidetoYourParks/DeShongPark

Location: DeShong Park 

The DeShong Park is a great community park perfect for both the young and old. It has a separate teen area, a gated skate park, and playgrounds for kids. However, what makes this park truly remarkable is that, despite the fact that a number of people visit it every day and it is still well kept and clean.

 

Final Words

From Gamers Xperience to Arabia Mountain, there are definitely many things to enjoy in Lithonia. These are just some of the activities that you should definitely include in your bucket list next time you visit this place.

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Most Original Places to Eat in Atlanta

As an Atlanta business and property management company, it’s important to know what your region has to offer. One of the most common questions we received is something in regards to best places to eat. This post is dedicated to answering that question in some form.

“Where should we eat right now?” It’s a question that is easy, yet hard to answer at the same time. Easy in a way that you can always go to your usual restaurant, but it can be hard if you want to have something unique. If you’re in Atlanta, then you should be thrilled if you’re a certified foodie! There are a lot of restaurants and eateries here that are original and one of a kind. Here are some of those.

9 Unique Places to Eat in Atlanta

1. Heirloom Market BBQ

Link: http://www.heirloommarketbbq.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xsXcgKizj842

If you’re a meat lover, then this barbecue spot would send you to cloud 9. Although the place is a little small, it has the biggest of hearts. It’s a chef driven restaurant that was inspired by the iconic BBQ food ways, but with a touch of a distinct flavor. Even if you’re not a fan of BBQs, once you have a bite of Heirloom, you’ll be converted! Their brisket is very tender, and melt-in-your-mouth, minus the greasy and fatty feeling.

Indeed, this place could easily replace your existing barbecue snobbery with more intense barbecue elitism. Everything you’re going to eat here would satisfy your palate, and might even make you think that it’s the best dish you have ever eaten.

2. Restaurant Eugene

Link: http://www.restauranteugene.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/biBRAJhRk9p

Although the owner and head chef of Restaurant Eugene, Linton Hopkins has expanded his empire with a number of new ventures in recent years, Restaurant Eugene, continues to be the most popular one. As a matter of fact, this restaurant defines what good food really is, and that has been made possible because everything is sourced locally. Don’t believe us? Order one meal, and you’ll see what we mean.

The atmosphere in Restaurant Eugene is amazing, and lovely! Thus, it can be a perfect venue for special occasions. It stands out due to its excellence, and just like what has been mentioned earlier, exquisite cuisine.

3. Java Cats Cafe

Link: http://javacatscafe.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/27x9csNcWsv

If you’re a cat lover, then the Java Cats Cafe is worth visiting. It is the first cat cafe in Atlanta. The restaurant is divided into 2 areas– there’s a cat play room, and of course, the Cafe side. Since it’s a cafe full of cats, you’ll have the enjoyment of playing with these felines as you wait for your meal. Each cat in this cafe has its owner’s personality, making them unique and interesting. Basically, the concept of this place is to encourage the customers to get to know the cats and have the thought of adopting them. Likewise, they also serve the best tea and coffee in Atlanta!

4. The Vortex Bar and Grill

Link: https://thevortexatl.com/
Location 1: https://goo.gl/maps/vHEgTabCbnG2
Location 2: https://goo.gl/maps/fiK7mHVpkM62

If you’re a fan of stunt-food TV shows or have seen the Man vs. Food, you have probably heard of the Vortex Bar & Grill. However, this isn’t a restaurant for minors; you have to be 21 and above before you can dine here. So better bring your ID if you’re thinking of visiting this place. “Hell’s Fury” burger is one of their most famous meals, and believe us, you won’t be disappointed in this one. Though, if you’re sensitive to spice, we suggest that you don’t try this burger because you might have a very unpleasant experience. As for the service, most customers would say that it’s subpar.

5. The Hungry Ghost

Link: http://www.hungryghostatl.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RMNaiG8girj

The Hungry Ghost is a restaurant owned by chef Poor Calvins and it’s located in Downtown Atlanta. It’s a takeout restaurant with very limited seating. If you bring a car with you then you’ll have to pay for parking across the street. As for the food items, the Hungry Ghost specializes in Asian/Korean cuisine. It’s simple, but you can say that it has a very unique ambiance.

6. Antico-Pizza Napoletana

Link: https://www.facebook.com/Antico-Pizza-Napoletana-111540785551972/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GC3cv6TWmo72

After a long day working as a property manager, there’s nothing better than an authentic Italian pizza. In Antico-Pizza Napoletana, you’ll have the feeling that you’re just sitting on the counter of your Italian aunt’s kitchen, waiting for the homemade pizza to be served straight from the oven. It’s a very wonderful place for pizza lovers because everything including their brick stone ovens came from Italy. That means, as you dine in, you’ll have the feel that you’re indeed in Italy.

7. R. Thomas Deluxe Grill

Link: http://www.rthomasdeluxegrill.net/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aW6XwbZSV8H2

The visit to this restaurant will give you an idea of what you can expect in Atlanta at night. For the interior, it’s nothing more than just a patio in a semi permanent plastic structure embellished with colorful lights. However, what makes this place worth visiting is its expansive menu that’s perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

8. Folk Art

Link: http://www.folkartrestaurant.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bnRJpwSfs4m

Folk Art restaurant is owned by the man behind Wisteria, who has decided to serve amazing AM eats, such as campfire inspired chocolates, waffles, s’mores, and many more! It’s definitely the bar for those with a sweet tooth.

9. Restaurant 356

Link: http://www.restaurant356.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EosuW7tNjr82

Are you interested in eating in a fine-dining restaurant, but would also love to watch jumbo jets land at the airport? Then the restaurant 356 would let you enjoy both of these. Not just that, you can also watch luxury sports cars run around the racetrack. Indeed, it’s perfect for every guy (and girl) out there who’s into this kind of thing.

Final Words

These are the top 10 original restaurants in Atlanta. The reason these restaurants have been included in our list is because they have a “must-go” element in them. The space is beautiful, it has a fun atmosphere, and best of all, they serve good food. So better visit some of these restaurant next time you head to Atlanta.

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Essential Property Maintenance Tips

A well-maintained property is not only good to look at, but it is healthy to live in too. Sadly, most people don’t think about taking good care of their properties until the building starts developing serious problems. For instance, when the roof starts leaking or the basement is smelly.

What most of these homeowners fail to understand is that by conducting simple routine checks and maintenance they can end up saving a lot of time and money. Otherwise, they may end up spending a lot of money on massive renovations in the future.

Fortunately, property maintenance is not an insurmountable task. With a little planning, determination, and creativity you can keep your Atlanta, GA property looking lush for a long time.

Here are some few hints on how you can accomplish that.

7 Great Ways to Maintain Your Property

Inspect your roof

Roof restoration is perhaps one of the largely ignored things when it comes to property maintenance. In fact, most homeowners do not think of the roof until after they observe signs of roof damage, like water stains on the ceiling and walls. Take the time and inspect your roof at least once or twice a year, more so if you are in a windy location. If during the inspection you notice any irregularity such as missing shingles, broken tiles, or gawking holes get a roofing technician to repair it before it gets too big and costly to fix.

Have in place a garbage and dirt collection plan

As long as there are people on your Atlanta, Georgia property there will always be waste buildup. It could be from food remains, grocery wrappers, stationery, broken pieces of furniture, worn out clothes and so on. Be kind to your property by availing suitable waste disposal solutions. For instance, you can place adequate trash bins in your Atlanta, GA property and enter into an agreement with a waste collection company to be collecting garbage from your units on a weekly basis. If your property has a garden, you could also set up a compost pile for disposing of organic wastes, like food remains. Lastly, you should instill a culture of cleanliness in your homes by helping the residents to comprehend the importance of sustaining a clean environment.

Seal all the leaks

One of the reasons for high energy bills is overworking of the heating and cooling units caused by poorly insulated house fixtures. For this reason, you should create time and inspect the insulation of your Atlanta property. That means, examining the doors, windows, attic, air duct, and crawl spaces to ensure that they do not allow the unwanted circulation of air into and out of the building. If for instance, you notice signs of leakage be swift to repair them by reinforcing the insulation or replacing the ineffective fixture.

Spruce up your lawn

If your Atlanta, Georgia property has a yard you should take the time to neaten it up and make it welcoming. A good starting point would be the lawn. Make sure you mow and water it regularly. You should also get rid of any weeds that might sprout up, as these will compete with your turf for essential nutrients. Furthermore, you need to get rid of any fallen leaves, broken twigs, and rotting tree stumps. In case you have planted any ornamental trees or hedges, always trim and prune them to size to keep them looking at their best.

Inspect the safety and security fixtures

Most Atlanta homeowners have installed HVAC systems, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors and ground fault circuit interrupters. Since these devices play a significant role in enhancing the safety and security of the house you must have them inspected and serviced regularly by a certified technician to ensure that they are in perfect working condition. It might just save someone’s life, and who knows, it might be yours.

Fix water leakages

Most Atlanta households are culprits when it comes to misusing water. Massive amounts of water go to waste through leaks and ill-usage of water. Besides amassing high water bills, water leakages can ruin the valuables in the house or even result in unsightly structural damage of the property. You should, therefore, take the time to fix the leaks and transform your Atlanta property into a water efficient home. For starters, fix all the faulty faucets, leaking toilets, and damaged water pipes. Next, you should ensure that your heaters and waste disposal units are in tip-top shape.

Get rid of pests

Occasionally, preferably once or twice in a year, you should fumigate your Atlanta property to discourage pests and rodent infestation. Pesky pests like termites, ants, bedbugs, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance around the home. Not only are they annoying but some like ants and termites can destroy your wooden structures, while the mosquitoes and bedbugs are a health hazard. Luckily, there are several reputable extermination contractors in Atlanta that you can engage to rid your property of pests.

If you are working with a property manager, there are many benefits to doing so including taking care of your property. If not, the above tips will help you keep your property healthy and your tenants happy.

We hope this helps!

The post Essential Property Maintenance Tips appeared first on Aramis Realty.

Tips for Collecting Rent on Time

Every Atlanta landlord desires prompt rent paying tenants. However, that is not always the case. Some residents end up making late payments, while others miss payments altogether. If you ask them, all of these tenants have justifiable reasons for doing so. Well, some of the reasons are genuine, and you might wish to empathize with them. The bottom line, however, is that the success of your real estate depends on your ability to collect rent from your tenants on time. If you are an Atlanta landlord struggling to get your renters to pay on time, here are a few tips you can use.

7 Rent Collection Tips:

 

Carefully screen tenants

A primary reason owners end up with rent defaulters is inadequate or lack of thorough tenant screening. Many owners, eager to fill their rental properties, quickly accept any tenant that shows interest, without even conducting background checks. As a result, they end up with tenants who either cannot afford to pay the rent or are poor at meeting their financial obligations.

Avoid falling into a similar trap by thoroughly vetting all prospective renters and only qualify those that earn more than three times the monthly rent, have an excellent credit score rating, and flawless previous landlord references. Such tenants will always pay up promptly and also take good care of your investment. 

Make it clear on the lease agreement

The lease agreement is what defines the nature of your relationship with your Atlantan tenant. Moreover, whatever rules or clauses you put on the contract will be binding to both of you. For this reason, make it clear to your residents through the agreement what your expectations are in as far as rent payment goes.

The rental agreement should include what the monthly rent amount is, the due date, as well as the methods of payment. Furthermore, you need to highlight what the repercussions are in the event of late payment. For instance, does it attract fines and how would you calculate the fine?

 

Inform your tenants of the consequences of late payment

It’s not just enough to tell your residents that they will get fined for late payments. You need to inform them of all other consequences and steps you are willing to take to ensure you get your due rent. For instance, let the tenants know that if they default for three months in a row, you might report them to the major credit agencies in Atlanta. The thought of having a negative credit score will compel the tenants to prioritize their rent paying. While this approach might seem mean, the rationale behind it is not to punish the residents. Rather, it hopes to ensure that only those who can afford your units occupy them.

 

Introduce automatic rent payment solutions

One of the most efficient methods to ensure your tenants pay their due rent promptly is to include direct debit or electronic rent payment solutions like auto-pay or auto-deduct systems. Such solutions automatically deposit the rent into your bank account at specific pre-set dates.

It is a useful rent collection strategy since it eliminates human error factors such as the tenant conveniently forgetting to pay the rent.’ Some of the automatic rent payment options include using automated clearinghouses, online bill-payment methods, and postdated checks.

 

Talk to the tenants who don’t pay on time

At times a good renter might consistently fail to make payment on the due date, for varied reasons. For instance, it could be that the person forgot when the due date is, or perhaps he or she receives their income way past your due date. As a result, the person might either fail to make payments yet he or she had the money when it was due, or may be unable to pay because of delayed income.

Before getting upset with such tenants, take the time and talk to them to unearth the underlying reason. After which you could decide to remind the forgetful renter of the due date, and consider changing the due date for the one whose income comes in late. Moreover, make a habit of talking to your tenants and informing them about the importance of making on-time payments.

 

Give incentive for prompt payments

A novel way to make your Atlanta residents to pay their due rent promptly is by rewarding those who do. For instance, you could give small discounts, prizes, or end of year gift vouchers to those who pay on the due date.

By paying their rent on time, the tenant makes it easy for you to get your money without you having to spend too much time and resources chasing payments. When a resident knows he or she will get a reward or discount for early payments, he or she will need no further prompting to pay.

 

Get rid of tenants who have difficulty paying

While tenants can have valid reasons for defaulting on payments, you are in business to profit. Do not allow problematic renters to stay on your property if they consistently miss the due date. In this case, you do not have many options but the best solution is to terminate the lease or evict the tenant.

Of course, no one wishes this to be the case but at times it is necessary. For that reason, it is imperative you implement all the strategies above to minimize this outcome as much as possible.

 

We hope this helps!

 

Keep reading for more landlord tips!

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Important Tips For Choosing The Best Property Manager

Whether you are looking to lease a property or buy one in Atlanta, choosing the right Atlanta property manager can bring a lot of advantages to the table. But, it is fairly easy for just about anyone out there to call himself or herself a property manager even when they have no experience at all. This might cause you not only headaches but potential lawsuits as well. Being a property owner, it is your responsibility to adhere to the rules and keep your tenants safe. Your property manager’s role is that of a middleman, and you rely on them completely to keep things in order.

The situation can be made a little tougher if you do not reside in the same locality as your property. From evaluating renters and collecting rent to taking care of lease agreements, there is a lot that needs to be handled by a property manager. Here are some of the most crucial considerations to make when looking for the best Atlanta property manager:

 

Qualified and Licensed in Atlanta, Georgia

Before hiring a property manager, it is imperative for you to ensure that your prospective property manager is properly qualified and licensed. Make sure to check the academic as well as professional qualification of the professional you are considering. Do not hesitate to ask for a proof of his or her qualification, as it is your right to confirm that the professional you are choosing is actually a legitimate and honest service provider. Most reputable professionals are always willing to show their potential clients the proof of their license and qualification in order to gain their confidence and trust.

 

Years of Experienced and Good Track Record

The next thing you need to do to find an ideal Atlanta property manager is to check if your prospective property manager is fairly experienced in the area of real estate and property management. Ideally, you need to choose someone who has been in business for a number of years. There are several different benefits of choosing an experienced property manager. Not only is he or she well-familiar with the market, but he or she will have a lot of resources and links to help you get exactly what you are looking for. Therefore, it is in your own best interest to opt for a property manager who has been around for a long period of time and knows the ins and outs of property management.

 

Good References – Speaking with Existing Landlords

It is very important to check for references when choosing a property manager in your area. They will help you determine whether or not your prospective property manager is the right choice for you. You must get reviews from both tenants and landlords. Asking for references is usually a bad thing to do because the professional will hand-pick those clients whom he or she prefers. Do not forget to check the website of your prospective professional as it will most probably have a page that allows you to randomly pick one of the listed properties. Ask your prospective manager if you can speak to the owner of the property.

Once you have the contact details of some of the past clients of the prospective manager, make sure to ask them a few pertinent questions so as to gauge their level of satisfaction with the manager in question. This will give you an idea of what it will be like to work with that particular professional.

 

Value/Price Relationship for Services Provided

No matter what type of service provider you are hiring, price is always one of the most crucial factors. You need to understand the fact that a professional that charges a higher fee is not necessarily better than one that is more affordable. It is important to strike a perfect balance between price and the value they have on offer.

 

 

Getting recommendations and suggestions from people you know, like your friends and family members is always helpful when finding the right Atlanta property manager. Chances are that one of your acquaintances or family members have had the experience of working with a top quality property manager so they may want to refer you to that particular professional. Word of mouth is an excellent way to find an experienced and reliable property manager in your area. Thus, you should consider all these guidelines and tips when looking for the best property manager in Atlanta.

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