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Property owners constantly seek fresh and original approaches to attract prospective renters. Due to the internet, property owners now have a simpler way to market their properties.

In addition to using property photographs as a marketing strategy, you can also employ rental video tours.

When you create a video tour of your rental, you might increase the number of requests you receive from potential tenants. A property tour is a powerful tool for promoting real estate if you have both the high-quality tools and the know-how.

Here at Home Choice Property Management, we’ll share our best advice on how to use a video tour to highlight and advertise your property’s best aspects.

Pay Attention to the Lighting

The quality of your lighting is crucial for videos, just as it is for taking images. The video should ideally be shot in the late afternoon.

Keep in mind that the windows may let in powerful sun rays, which make your video appear overexposed. Consider drawing your shades a little bit closer if you happen to record the video during intense sunlight.

You should be mindful of backlighting in addition to sunlight. Backlighting will happen when you aim your camera straight at the light source. We recommend you film with the sun on your back rather than on your face for best results.

You should also make a few minor modifications to the video’s natural lighting. Additionally, avoid turning on the built-in light on your smartphone, as natural light provides an incomparable quality.

Have a Strategy in Mind

Every successful outcome begins with a strategy. Ensure you have a shot list, so you know what you want to film and in what order before you start recording anything. This will guarantee that your transitions from one region to the next are seamless and steady.

Planning your filming route should take a few things into account for the best outcomes. You should make sure that your property looks its finest to start with. So, before the filming, you might wish to stage your house.

Next, you should consider how appealing the exterior of your property is. You should ensure the home’s exterior is beautiful, as you’ll probably begin there.

Additionally, you should focus on the distinctive characteristics of your house. Write out the distinctive qualities of your property, and then make sure to include them in the video.

Make Sure the Area Is Tidy and Clean

Creating a video tour is not so different from showing or staging a house. When you show a house personally, you’ll make sure that the property is in its best condition possible. All grime or dirt should be scrubbed clean from your property. The same standards should apply when doing a video tour.

This applies to your exterior as well. A great video tour will also capture the curb appeal and landscaping on the front and back yards. If you don’t have the time, resources, or expertise, consider paying somebody to put in the work.

A clean and tidy home will make your property stand out and make it alluring to potential renters looking to move into the area.

Map Out the Ideal Route

You need to choose the path for the video tour before pulling out the camera. The video tour has the same function as a property display.

It must include a complete overview of the entire rental property as well as the surrounding area. The video should also provide a seamless and perfect viewing experience. Planning in great detail is necessary.

Walk through the entire property after opening all the doors. Consider that you are showing the unit to a prospective tenant while they are standing beside you. Normally, you would begin by entering from the outside.

Pick out the aspects of each area or place you want to emphasize for the prospect. Having a notebook on hand will make it easier to record these details.

Create an Impactful Title

What impression do you want your rental property to leave on your target audience? Your target audience should be taken into consideration when creating your titles. You might include the number of bedrooms your house has in the video title if your target audience is large families.

On the other hand, you can also include that precise information in the title of the video if the property is close to the business district and you want to draw in young professionals.

It is also wise to give the audience more significant information by including a brief description after the title.

Record an Intro and an Outro

To complete this how-to guide on video tours, note that your video may appear more polished, professional, and narrative-driven if it has both an intro and an outro. A few seconds should suffice. Keep them as brief as possible.

You can also include your website and professional email address information in the outro. Additionally, make use of your professional contact details to protect your privacy. You can use this to establish boundaries between your personal life and your rental business.

Remember to incorporate a call to action for both your intro and outro. This is to ensure that you provide them with information on how prospective renters can contact you if they’re interested.

Conclusion

It takes planning to create a fantastic video tour. Take your time to create a quality video and concentrate on making it straightforward and impactful. Instead of adding extra sequences, choose to cut.

Make the scenes brief and focus on the greatest elements that will make an impression on your target audience. However, if you don’t have the time or expertise to do so, consider hiring a professional property management business.

At Home Choice Property Management, we have over a decade of experience providing property management services. We’re a full-service property management firm committed to providing our customers with high-quality services. For more information about our services, get in touch with us today!

Have you just bought an investment property and are thinking of managing it on your own? This can be a very rewarding endeavor!

Keep in mind that managing a rental property is no small feat. From finding tenants and screening tenants to responding to maintenance complaints and dealing with tenant issues, managing a property can be stressful and time-consuming. That said, you can still manage it successfully if you implement the right strategies. In today’s article, we’ll share with you 7 mistakes to avoid as a new landlord. 

1. Not Requiring Tenants to Sign a Lease

This can be a grave mistake. A rental agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant. It highlights the rights and obligations each party has for the duration of the leasing period. It also outlines important policies that both parties must abide by.

Without having a written legal contract with your tenant, it’d be nearly impossible to enforce any rules. You’ll want to for instance include policies on rent collection and what happens if a payment is late or missed. Create a lease agreement that clearly states your expectations of the tenant. This will go a long way in minimizing potential conflicts and misunderstandings during the tenancy.

2. Not Inspecting the Property Periodically 

Even after finding a tenant, your property’s habitability is still your responsibility. While tenants have certain maintenance responsibilities including reporting issues, you, as the landlord, must ensure that the property meets building, health, and safety codes.

Routine rental inspections will help you know whether or not your property is in great shape. You’ll also know whether or not your tenant is caring for it as required in the lease agreement. What’s more, with frequent inspections you’ll be able to spot issues early before they become more costly. Keeping up with the property’s maintenance and inspections will result in significantly fewer calls and a happier tenant. 

3. Not Beginning the Marketing Process Early 

Vacancies are profit killers. Every day your property sits vacant, its money down the drain. As a savvy landlord, your goal should be to keep vacancy periods between tenants as minimal as possible. Usually, tenants must provide notice prior to moving out. In the state of California, for instance, month-to-month tenants must provide their landlords with a 30-day advance notice prior to moving out. 

Once your tenant serves you such a notice, begin making plans on how you’re going to find a replacement tenant. Create a rental ad and advertise it extensively. Then, begin the tenant screening process to choose a qualified long-term tenant. This will ensure you have an as little downtime as possible, thereby minimizing potential losses resulting from vacancies. 

4. Not Evicting a Tenant According to the Law

The California landlord-tenant law is clear on this matter. The only way to evict a tenant from your rental property is through a court order. 

You cannot try to evict a tenant in any other way, such as trying to remove them by:

• Shutting down their utilities 
• Locking them out 
• Removing their personal belongings from the unit 

To start eviction proceedings against a tenant, you must first and foremost have a valid reason such as nonpayment of rent or violation of the terms of the lease agreement. Next, you must serve them a proper eviction notice. Depending on how they answer the eviction notice, you can choose either to continue or stop further eviction actions. 

5. Not Screening Prospective Tenants 

As a landlord, your ultimate goal is to see a steady return on your investment. But, you are only going to achieve this if you’re able to get the right tenant. The following are the qualities of a great tenant: 

• Pays rent on time
• Cares for the unit
• Notifies you when maintenance issues occur 
• Honor all terms of the lease agreement

To land such a tenant, you need to have all prospective tenants undergo a meticulous tenant screening process. Among other things, do credit and background checks to ascertain whether a tenant is going to be reliable. 

6. Not Responding to Maintenance Issues on Time

As previously mentioned, you are responsible for providing your tenant with a habitable rental property. In California, the following are a couple of things that make a property habitable:

• Running cold and hot water 
• A working HVAC system 
• Properly operating windows and doors 
• Adequate garbage receptacles
• Proper stairs and railings 
• Fire exits, alarms, and smoke detectors

You must also respond to maintenance requests from your tenant within a “reasonable” amount of time. Failure to do so gives your tenant the option to withhold rent payments or make the repairs themselves and then deduct the cost from future rent payments. 

7. Not Providing Your Tenant with the Required Disclosures 

Landlords are required by both federal and state law to provide their tenants with certain disclosures prior to them moving into the property. In California, the following are just some of the disclosures you’re obligated to provide a tenant:

• Disclosure on the use of lead-based paint. This is required of landlords who rent out properties built prior to 1978
• Disclosure on bed bugs. Be sure to follow the specific language as specified under state law as well
• Documentation about any known mold
• Disclosure of knowledge of asbestos 
• Disclosure of how utility fees are going to be applied and how they will be divided up
• Failure to provide these disclosures could result in financial and/or legal repercussions. 

Bottom Line

Becoming a successful landlord is based on skill, experience, market knowledge, and hard work. If you find it daunting, the team at Home Choice Property Management can help. We help property owners in Southern California take care of their investments in a worry-free way thanks to our ten years of experience and quality rental management services. Get in touch to get started today!  

The furnishings you’ve purchased when your property is new are bound to deteriorate over the years. “Normal wear and tear” or “reasonable wear and tear” are terms used to describe rentals that have depreciated when a renter is occupying your rental space. This damage does not occur out of a renter’s abuse or neglect.

Landlords must be aware that damage stems from “normal wear and tear” which is their responsibility to address. If a renter caused property damage, then a landlord can deduct the repair cost from the tenant’s security deposit. It’s important to keep receipts for the repairs as proof as this can reduce conflicts when returning the deposit after the tenancy.

It can be confusing initially to determine if the damage was caused by wear and tear or neglect or abuse. Differentiating between the two is essential for a landlord to learn. If you would like to learn how to identify issues of normal deterioration versus neglect, keep on reading!

Wear and Tear in Comparison to Other Damages

Although “wear and tear” are defined in varying degrees by different states, in general, it points to the expected decline of the property over time due to its continual use. This covers the furniture and fixtures inside the property as well. 

When one lives on a property, some areas begin to deteriorate as a result of everyday and ordinary use. Take, for example, flooring that appears new during the first year of construction. It won’t have the same spotless look in a few years. Given that renters continually walk on these floors, you can’t expect it to be scratch-free. It will also begin to look dull if it’s not well-maintained.

This decline is a normal outcome and happens from regular occupancy by the renters. You must also accept that the longer you have tenants living in your property, the more wear and tear it’ll be facing. 

Now when we talk about unexpected property damage, it can be a world different from wear and tear. You can see that it destroys the functionality of an object and decreases the value of the rental. It has an effect on the rental’s usefulness and stems from abuse and neglect. In other words, it goes beyond ordinary living in the unit. 

For instance, it’s unacceptable to find a huge hole in your rental’s wall. It may be a result of an accident but this does not occur normally in the course of a tenancy. It could also be done on purpose by a renter or caused by neglect.

Ultimately, if the damage was caused by the renter then it’s appropriate to use the security deposit. If it resulted from normal wear and tear, then the landlord must pay for it.

Defining Wear and Tear

Since renters are occupying your unit, you can expect there to be a small amount of deterioration. The value of the items around the rental can also decline. Examples of normal wear and tear are:

• Faded or cracked paint on your walls
• Dull floors
• Sticky doors and windows 
• Minimal carpet stains
• Worn enamel from sinks or old toilets
• Loose grouting on the tiles

Defining Unexpected Damage

When we talk about unexpected damage, this refers to deterioration that one can avoid. It didn’t occur from normal everyday use of the property or the typical use of an item. It can result from an accident or neglect. The action leading to the damage can also be intentional.

Examples of unexpected damage include:

• Unapproved wallpaper or paint colors in the unit
• Stains or burns on the carpet
• Chipped flooring 
• A door off its hinges
• Large scratches on the windows
• Chipped enamel on sinks or the bathtub 
• Clogged toilets

Often, renters are blamed for property damages. However, this isn’t always the case since some damages occur out of the landlords’ neglect of performing their maintenance responsibilities. For example, a renter may have reported a leak but it was ignored until heavy rains came and flooded the unit. The water damage could have been prevented in this situation.

Here are some other examples of unexpected damage due to landlord neglect:

• Flooding that resulted from having unmaintained pipes
• Repairs that should have been performed but were postponed 
• Structural damage that must be fixed such as sloping floors

Issues that come from these damages could have been prevented if the landlord addressed the initial situation. Landlords are mandated to keep their rental properties habitable under state law. The rental property must be free from health and safety hazards and abide by building codes. It should also be maintained properly.

Using Security Deposits for Repairs

Landlords can ask for a security deposit from a tenant but it can’t be used at random. If you’re going to use the deposit, you must prove that the tenant was at fault for the damage.

A lot of conflicts can occur between tenants and landlords in this event. The definition of what constitutes damage may be disputed by both. It can even result in a legal battle. To avoid disagreements and keep the situation from escalating, a landlord can make use of a few of the following methods:

Documenting Property Damage Through Photos

A landlord can conduct a move-out and move-in inspection. Doing a property walkthrough allows you to explain what wear and tear and unexpected damages look like to the tenants. If you clearly define and agree on its definition then disputes will be minimal later on.

You can also record the present condition with photos to show the renter later if there are damages. It will make it easy to compare the before and after state of the property. Existing damage will also be captured in the photos, making it easier to assign repair costs.

Conducting Tenant Screening To Prevent Property Damage 

Landlords can also intensify their tenant screening procedure to ensure that only responsible tenants with no history of property damage will be welcomed in their rental units.

Bottom Line

Knowing that wear and tear is versus property damage will help you keep your rental in good condition and reduce conflicts with tenants. That said, maintaining a rental property can be a lot of work so it’s best to hire a property manager. 

Contact the experts at Home Choice Property Management today. We can help keep your renters happy while maximizing your ROI!

The terms landlords and tenants agree to abide by in their renting arrangement are outlined in a lease or rental agreement. It’s a binding legal agreement and highly useful as it contains all the essential business information, including the duration of the tenant’s occupancy of the property and the monthly fee owed. 

The basic parameters of the tenancy must be covered by the lease to protect both the tenant and landlord. What’s more, the lease should be in writing. The following are some of the most crucial provisions listed to include in your lease or rental agreement.

All Tenants’ and Occupants’ Names

All those residing on the property, including individuals in a married or civil partnership, should be included as tenants and need to sign a lease or rental agreement. Having all adult inhabitants sign a lease gives landlords more insurance should an issue occur.

Each tenant shall pay the rent in full and comply with the lease provisions. As a result, if one renter vacates the property without paying the rent, you may legally demand payment from the remaining tenants. Additionally, you have the authority to evict all renters, not just the offender, if they break the lease or rental agreement terms.

It’s also a good idea to include an occupancy provision that specifies that only the renters and their minor children are permitted to dwell in the rental and that visitors are only permitted for a predetermined number of days. This will protect you if a renter brings in an unapproved roommate or sublets the apartment without your permission.

Rent Policies 

The timing, method, and location of rent payments are some of the most crucial aspects to include in a rental agreement. You must list the exact amount of rent you’re charging and the due date. Rent is always best paid at the beginning of the month. The cost of your rent is influenced by your property’s location, value, and rental amenities. 

To determine what you might be able to charge, it’s crucial to look at the local rental market. Setting fair market rent guarantees that your rental is priced competitively to draw tenants while also increasing your revenue. To find out how much rent is being charged, look at nearby, like-kind properties. 

In addition to the rent price and payment deadline, it’s good to list the accepted payment methods as well as any penalties for late or missed payments.

Fees and Deposits

By collecting a security deposit, you’ll have a monetary safety net on hand if the tenant damages the home. You can use the security deposit to cover repair costs for damages that go beyond normal wear and tear. A security deposit can also motivate your tenants to maintain the apartment, so they can receive their money back at the end of the tenancy.

Remember to also account for any additional charges and deposits, including parking fees, key deposits or replacement costs, and pet deposits in your lease agreement. If the tenant refuses to pay any fees, you’ll want to be able to refer to the agreement. Finally, make sure you have legal justification if you need to keep some of the deposit after they move out.

Repairs and Maintenance

Regardless of how wonderful your tenants are, something will break eventually, and your agreement needs to spell out who is responsible for what kind of repairs. Answer the following questions in your lease:

• Do tenants have to provide notice to the landlord or a maintenance worker? 
• Who will bear the financial burden of the repairs? 
• What time frame can tenants expect repairs to be completed?

Additionally, routine property inspections and maintenance are crucial. Therefore, in the lease make it clear who is responsible for kinds of maintenance and cleaning tasks. Doing so will help keep your rental in good condition and ensure that everyone is doing their part.

Duration of Tenancy

There are different kinds of lease agreements. That said, whether it be for one month, six months, a year, or longer, a fixed-term lease is one that starts and finishes on a certain date. A new contract will be required to include those details and the new dates after the lease ends.

A periodic-term lease, on the other hand, is one that lasts until the tenant or landlord provides the other party written notice that it’s terminating. Indicate in your rental agreement exactly what your terms are, how long your lease will last, and whether it may be renewed. 

Additional Rules and Clauses

It’s a good idea to include behavior clauses and other guidelines if you’re a landlord renting out a property. For instance, state certain “Quiet Hours” during which tenants must refrain from making excessive noise in order to prevent future issues of noise complaints. 

If you include a clause like this, you should define “extreme noise”, and specify what constitutes it and how to reduce noise levels. Explain in detail what occurs after the first, second, and subsequent infractions and the fees and actions taken if tenants violate these regulations. Give your new tenants a move-in package that includes useful information in addition to the rules they’re expected to abide by during their tenancy.

Bottom Line

Crafted a detailed lease agreement will protect you, your tenants, and your property. Ensure that all signing parties have read and understand the terms as this will prevent disputes or confusion. If you would like help leasing your rentals or managing them, contact Home Choice Property Management. 

We have been in the real estate industry for more than ten years and have assisted countless landlords with maintaining their rental properties. Our business provides clients with full-service property management solutions. 

We will work together to ensure you receive excellent returns on your investments without having to deal with the burden of managing a rental on your own. Our real estate and property management team have years of practical industry experience. We’ll see to it that everything is taken care of for you, your tenants, and your properties. Contact us today to learn more!

The front of your property can be made more attractive to generate interest from new occupants. The outside is essential regardless of how well-maintained the inside of your rental is. Since it’s the primary thing potential occupants will see when coming to visit the property, you need to create a positive environment immediately.

Even if you have popular amenities like contemporary furnishings and energy-saving appliances, potential tenants will factor how appealing your property looks from the outside into their final decision for renting the space. There are several options available to you when improving curb appeal. The best part is that you can increase curb appeal with little effort or cost. 

Little changes can go quite far in renewing the look and feel of the outside of your property and attracting prospective tenants. Here, Home Choice Property Management will share a few ways to enhance the curb appeal of your rental property.

Utilize Vibrant Colors

Utilize clear and vibrant colors on the outside of your property. You can paint the walls, doors,  window shudders, or mailboxes in eye-catching colors to separate your property from your competitors.

Moreover, you can improve the exterior of your home and cultivate a positive air for potential occupants by planting nice flowers or putting potted plants on either side of the front steps. A bold splash of color has the ability to attract attention.

Upgrade Your Front door

Prospective tenants will first see your investment property’s front entry. The way in which you maintain the home’s entryway can also indicate the level of care that you take when maintaining the inside of the house. 

The curb appeal of your property can easily be improved by replacing the front door. Pick a tint or color that stands out. While a bold and unique color will differentiate the home from others on the block, it might not appeal to a wide range of tenants. Picking a charcoal dark door could speak to a bigger number of occupants. You can also change of the hardware on the door for an added splash. 

Focus on Landscaping and Maintenance

Focus on your front yard to build up your curb appeal. First-time prospective tenants assessing your investment property will pass judgment on the state of the yard. Set aside some time to weed the garden, mow the lawn, and replace any dead plants. Keep a standard upkeep schedule. 

Keeping your rental home’s outside clean and well maintained also reduces the possible break-ins or vandalism as people will realize that there are individuals on the property caring for it. 

Assess the Roof

Buy quality material. Give comfort to your new occupants by having a durable rooftop. Although expensive, a good rooftop keeps your property safe and keeps up with its external allure. Since strong rooftop materials are costly, set aside savings. You should also note that roofs should be changed every 15 to 30 years. 

You ought to call an expert if you notice stains on the roof or missing shingles. To ensure the occupants are living in a protected and clean rental, you may likewise have it checked for leaks and mold inside the property. An extraordinary rooftop can help improve the worth of your property and safeguard occupants.

Give the Garage Door a Refresh

The garage door is regularly neglected. Since most of your neighbors are fine with basic garage doors, you get the opportunity to give your property more character. Adding some extraordinarily reasonable garage door improvements you’ll be able to stand out further from the competition. 

A new garage door can cost a lot. That said, there are many cost-effective alternatives available to property owners. It will significantly improve the curb appeal if you power washes the outside and add either a new coat of paint or fixtures to the door.

Install Quality Lighting in Your Walkways

Any great exterior design plan should incorporate lighting, as well positioned lighting might assist with showcasing your rental’s front yard and make it stick out. Therefore, your home’s curb appeal should be attractive day and night. 

There is a large variety of lighting choices available on the market, no matter your spending limit. Spotlights and hanging lights can improve the structure’s appeal and illuminate the outside of your property. 

In addition to this, walkway lighting makes it easy for people to get and from their door in the evenings and early morning. Moreover, a well-lit exterior provides more security as it’s often a deterrent from thieves and vandals. 

Add Plants and Greenery

One of the finest ways to make your rental home stand out is with greenery. Trees and plants can give a place color and life while also giving any potential tenants more privacy. If vegetation isn’t quite what they want, try including flower planters. They are always a fantastic way to add life while being simple to maintain in any environment. You aim to establish a calm yet energizing atmosphere.

Keep in mind that the plants and other flora you choose should require little upkeep. Consult with professionals in landscape design if you want a lovely but low-maintenance yard.

Conclusion

It’s important for landowners to think both about the inside and outside appearance of their properties. By doing this, you put your rental space above other rentals on the market. Furthermore, it makes the property marketing process easier as the exterior of the home will sell itself. If that’s not enough, when you make an effort to protect your property’s curb appeal you’ll keep existing tenants happy!

If you need advice on how to market your rentals and improve your property’s overall appeal to tenants, contact real estate experts. The team at Home Choice Property Management is more than happy to help you achieve your investment goals. Contact us today to learn more about our property management services!