9 Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Property Manager in South Florida

One of the advantages of being a real estate investor is the ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Since you don’t have to deal with the nine-to-five, you can handle your landlord duties from anywhere in the world, whether it’s from the comfort of home or miles away. Plus, if you hire a property manager, you don’t have to do a thing. You can put property management in South Florida on autopilot and watch as your rental income rolls in.

Unfortunately, some property managers consider your rental property as a way to earn easy money. In other words, they don’t have your best interests at heart. They’ll only do the bare minimum. So, how can you be absolutely sure that they can care for your property as properly as you? 

Leaving your investment property in the hands of a stranger can be scary. To ensure that you receive the top services, we’ve put together a couple of considerations when choosing a property manager in South Florida.

Purpose of Hiring a South Florida Property Manager 

What are property managers supposed to do, anyway? Before choosing the best South Florida property manager, you should understand the purpose of hiring one in the first place. 

A property manager is someone that oversees the day-to-day activities involved in running a rental property. Property managers can be independent contractors or they can be employed under a property management company. In a nutshell, they take over the landlord’s tasks when they aren’t able to or when they simply don’t want to. 

They typically handle:

• Marketing and advertising

• Tenant screening

• Lease processing

• Accounting and reporting

• Conducting property inspections

• Collecting rent

• Coordinating maintenance

• Communicating with tenants

• Complying with local and state laws

How to Choose the Best Property Manager

The property manager you choose can affect the future of your property. If you choose correctly, you can generate a higher ROI and live the life you’ve always wanted. If you choose wrong, you’ll end up with losses, forcing you to give up your investment property. With that said, not all property managers in South Florida are created the same. Here are nine things to consider when choosing a property manager:

#1 Determine Your Needs

What do you want in a property manager? Do you want someone who can handle everything, or do you simply need some assistance from time to time? To determine the types of services your investment property needs, consider your present challenges. For instance, if you’re having a hard time filling vacancies, you should look for a property manager with strong marketing skills. 

#2 Consider Local Experience

An understanding of the local market is the key to taking your property to greater heights. So, choose a property manager that knows what the South Florida market is like. They should know the local laws (e.g. licensing, building codes, etc.) and the market demographics. For instance, if the property is in a college town, they should be aware that it would be better suited to students. 

#3 Check Their Vendor Network

Your rental property will eventually need repairs. By partnering with a property manager with an established network of vendors, you can take advantage of competitive prices for property maintenance in Florida. In addition, you can rest assured that your property receives the attention it deserves in a timely manner. 

#4 Create a Pool of Candidates

Don’t sign a contract with the first property manager you can find. You should create a pool of at least three candidates that satisfy your criteria, such as location, rate, and so on. Find out as much information as possible and compare their capabilities and character. The goal is to go for a high quality property management or a candidate that you know can take care of your property properly. Not only will this help you find the right fit, but it will also give you negotiating power to get the best deal.

#5 Get Referrals From Fellow Landlords

Do you have friends that are also real estate investors? Ask them if they know of anyone whom they think can be trusted to take care of your property. If your colleagues can vouch for them, you can have peace of mind, knowing that you aren’t taking a chance on a complete stranger. And, depending on your state, you should confirm if your prospective property manager has the necessary licenses.  

#6 Keep in Mind Their Track Record

The easiest way to tell if a property manager knows what they’re doing is by checking their track record. Of the number of units they’re handling, how many are vacant? What’s their eviction rate? How fast can the property management company fill vacancies? Remember, having several clients doesn’t always mean they’re capable property managers. 

#7 Test Their Tech

It’s the 21st century. Your property manager must leverage technology that can support the administrative demands involved in running a rental property. These include rent collection, repair coordination, and more. Besides, going paperless is a huge benefit as it is safer than storing paper copies. Choose a property management company that’s up-to-date, and that uses applications such as tenant portals. 

#8 Assess Their Skills

Your property manager should be able to handle all sorts of situations, especially since they’ll have to call the shots in most cases. During the interview, ask them questions that are designed to assess their decision-making skills, like:

• How would you handle emergency repairs?

• What would you do if a tenant had to be evicted?

• How would you deny a rental application without violating the law?

• How would you approach a tenant with unpaid rent?

#9 Trust Your Gut

Aside from looking at your South Florida property manager’s skills, you should also get to know who they truly are. If you end up hiring them, you’ll have to communicate with them constantly, so you need to establish rapport from the start. If you don’t think that you “click” with them, trust your gut. They’re probably not the best fit for you. If you two can’t get on the same page, you’ll face challenges down the road.

Conclusion

Choosing a property manager or property management company is a critical step toward your property’s success. Your chosen manager can make or break your property, so be sure to choose carefully. Remember these tips, and soon you’ll find someone that can take care of your property the way it should be taken care of.

Avoiding foreclosure on New York real estate

As a New York resident, owning property gives you a chance to really make the most of this amazing city. Whether you own the property you live in, use for business, or rent out, you must stay on top of your required payments. Otherwise, you can run the risk of seeing the word that every NY real estate owner wishes to avoid seeing: Foreclosure.

Although NY Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new moratorium for foreclosures in New York until January 15th, 2022, you must file a hardship declaration with your lender. As such, it is better to also be prepared for other ways to avoid the threat of foreclosure on your home. To help you avoid the issue, here are some actionable tips to consider.

Engage in reinstatement

The best thing to do is to try and meet the lender halfway. This requires you to agree to meet all of your current amounts, as well as penalties and fees, by an agreed date. This gives you more time to pay and can allow you to source finance to cover this debt burden. Consider reinstatement as your first port of call if you wish to deal with a New York real estate foreclosure threat.

Consider loan forbearance

Some lenders will also consider going down the route of loan forbearance. This means that the lender reduces or suspends monthly payments for an agreed period. The missed payments are then added to the final total.

If your foreclosure threat is more down to temporary cash flow issues and you have shown a good history of payments before, lenders will consider this. However, if your foreclosure is more down to long-term issues and debt, this might not be possible.

Refinance your property

An effective way of keeping hold of a property that might be foreclosed is to refinance your property. Refinance the mortgage on a New York property can be done by the following government refinance options. This could extend the length of your mortgage, but give you more time to manage the payments in smaller quantities. This is useful if your problem is meeting the exact sum as opposed to any sum, and could be the ideal way to keep your property.

Negotiate a short sale

Another option, though seen as the ‘nuclear option’ is to negotiate what is known as a short sale. Lenders will sometimes agree to a short sale, where your home is sold to a third party for a fair market rate, and the lender takes less than the full value of your debt to satisfy your burden.

For example, you might wish to read into how other real estate owners, such as those in Kansas City, deal with foreclosure. Check out ‘How I avoid Foreclosure in Kansas City’ for further ideas and solutions outside of the NY bubble for more advice on dealing with foreclosure.

This is probably the last resort, but it’s an option worth considering should your situation worsen.

The Tips and Tricks in Commercial Garage Door Repair

Commercial garage doors commonly have many uses. With employees, purchases, logistics, and clients coming in and out every day, there may be a point where your garage door starts to fail. If your garage door does not appear to be functioning the way it should be, it may require repairs. Family Christian Doors have listed some commercial garage door tips and tricks to get your garage door working and well again. 

Broken Glass Replacement

If you own a sectional garage door with glass, those windows are in danger. If a window starts to crack, break, or get damaged, replacing it is simple. Yet, it is a delicate one, too. First, you have to measure the size of the glass. More apparently, you can buy a glass replacement from your trusted garage door manufacturer. Once you acquire the glass replacement and are ready to install it, you have to unscrew the frame that is holding the broken piece. If your window has cracks, remove the window carefully; so they do not break completely. But, if the window is already broken, you could use a device to shatter it. Always make sure to wear safety gear, like gloves, especially when you are handling broken glass. Once you remove the old glass, shave off any sealant you left behind and tidy up the surface. Now, you can replace the old glass with a new one. Use a sealant on the edges and pat it smoothly using a putty knife. It ensures that no drafts or air leaks in your garage. After all the process, screw back the farm into its place. Lastly, clean your window to remove any dust, fingerprints, and you are all set. 

Garage Door Opener Repairs

When it comes to garage door openers, things can get a little complex. Begin by identifying what your issues are. These are the most come problems linked with garage door openers: 

• The Remote Will Not Work – The first thing you can do is check the batteries. Of course, you constantly use the remotes, and the battery may be dead. Also, you possibly place the garage into lock mode. Look for your manual for necessary information and check how you can turn the mode off. Another culprit here could be the antenna or sensor. Make sure your antenna is hanging down to get the best reception; the sensor is clean. 

• Garage Door Does Not Open/Close Fully – Every garage door opener has a “close limit switch” button. Set it; so you can move the garage when you wish to. To see where you can find the switch, again, check your manual for information. 

• Garage Reverses Before Closing – To ensure that nothing is stopping the path of your garage, check it. If something is obstructing the sensor, the garage door will go up. Second, always clean your sensors. If there is a blemish on it, it could see it as an object in its way. If the problem persists, adjust the close force motor of your opener. You can find it on the back of the motor but consult again to the instructions on your manual to make sure. 

Lessening Garage Noise

A loud garage can be very uninviting. The noisy screeches and squeals can turn away clients and make employees go crazy. Fortunately, these noises are commonly simple repairs. Many times, loose nuts could be the cause of a noisy garage. Check your garage door tracks using a socket wrench and ensure that you snug every loose nut. From there, go along with your garage door rollers. A lot of garages have metal rollers that produce noises and get worn over a long time. Sometimes all you have to do is to update the parts. Replace the hinges and rollers to help lessen the loud and off-putting noise. In addition, lubricate everything that is moving, and make sure you grease your tracks. It will make your garage door function quietly and smoothly. Alternatively, seek help from a garage door repair service in Lansdale (or near you) for help with these issues, as they will have the expertise to make these repairs effectively.

Seek Help If You Must! 

Repairing a garage can be an intimidating task. If you are confident enough to do the job yourself, the garage door professionals at Family Christian Doors can help you. With many years of experience and expertise, we have helped many residents and businesses in Flower Mound. If you have some issues with your commercial garage door, do not hesitate to contact us. Also, if you have any questions about our garage door services, give us a call. Let us do the talking as we provide you with quality residential garage door repairs. 

Here Are the Right Times to Wear Your Compression Socks

Compression socks are a specialized type of garment primarily designed to promote healthy blood circulation in the lower extremities. They come in various lengths, pressure levels, and materials, and they’re designed to serve different purposes. Additionally, many American made compression socks now come in lots of attractive patterns for men, women, and kids.

While compression socks may not always be an appropriate alternative to regular ones, there are many other situations in which wearing these specialized socks can provide you some with tangible benefits. Here are some of the best times to put on a pair of these practical garments:

While Working

If you spend most of your day sitting or standing because of your profession, you’re at high risk for many health-related complications. This is because long periods of immobility can lead to a decrease in blood flow in the legs, causing blood to pool in the veins. When this happens, you become at risk of developing leg swelling, varicose veins, and blood clots.

Fortunately, investing in compression socks can prevent these health complications. These kinds of socks promote optimal blood circulation by applying pressure to the legs and allowing blood to flow more freely back up to the heart.

With that in mind, workers who are on their feet for most of the day can definitely benefit from putting on compression socks. Examples of these professions include healthcare workers, teachers, flight attendants, maintenance staff, and many others. Whether you’re working in an office, in a restaurant, or at a hospital, compression socks are a great investment so you can stay productive while keeping yourself comfortable on the job.

When Traveling

Any form of travel that requires you to stay seated for over eight hours can significantly increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a potentially fatal condition where a blood clot forms in at least one of your body’s deep veins, most commonly in the legs. Your risk of DVT further increases if you have certain pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

Fortunately, using compression socks when traveling can reduce the risk of DVT to almost zero. This is because these socks can stimulate blood flow in your legs while you’re sitting, promoting good blood circulation and preventing DVT from developing.

Furthermore, wearing compression socks can minimize muscle aches and cramps caused by sitting for long hours on end. Thus, make sure to put on a pair of these practical socks whenever you have to travel by land, sea, or air. Don’t forget to pack an extra pair or two so that you can change into fresh, clean socks every few hours, especially if you’ll be traveling long distances.

When Playing Sports

For athletes, compression socks can relieve tired, swollen legs by promoting blood circulation from the lower legs back to the heart. Additionally, many athletes report that they feel less pain and soreness in their lower extremities whenever they use compression socks. This is likely because compression socks help speed up oxygen delivery to the body’s muscle cells. As a result, athletes can focus more on improving their physical performance because they won’t be distracted by any aches or pains.

Compression socks also have a positive impact on recovery. Having optimal blood circulation in the legs increases oxygen flow to the muscles, thereby preventing lactic acid buildup. Many athletes have also noted that, when wearing compression socks, they experience a much quicker recovery after their practice sessions.

When Exercising

Compression socks can offer workout buffs many benefits when it comes to exercising. For one, using these socks can provide added support for the legs and feet, boosting one’s overall endurance. And with the added comfort and cushioning that these kinds of socks offer, physically active individuals can do more sets and reps, thus maximizing their workout periods.

Additionally, wearing these specialized socks has been found to improve one’s sense of balance. This is because the pressure these socks apply around the calves helps improve proprioception, or one’s awareness of their body’s movements and positioning. Compression socks also improve venous blood flow in the lower limbs, which aids in reducing muscle cramps and soreness. Lastly, compression socks have been shown to reduce soft tissue damage while promoting more efficient muscle firing.

Because of the above benefits, health and fitness enthusiasts can push themselves to do a bit more every time they exercise. Overall, putting on compression socks can make a significantly positive impact on the wearer’s performance.

These are just a few of the situations where it makes perfect sense to use compression socks. As long as you make sure to wear these socks when whenever it’s actually beneficial to do so, you shouldn’t run into any issues. So, if you haven’t tried compression socks before, what are you waiting for? Get your first pair today and experience the advantages they can bring to your everyday activities.

UAE real estate attracts a growing number of foreign investors

The coronavirus pandemic has turned everything upside down, and here's a good example: foreigners tend to look for stability not in Europe or the United States, but in the Middle East. The number of requests for the purchase of housing in the United Arab Emirates in January increased by 35% compared to December, reports the Emirates.Estate portal. On a yearly basis, the increase is almost 20%.

Advantages of owning a property in Dubai 

Foreigners want to buy apartments in the UAE near the beach to rent out or to use them as a second home. If we are talking about the first option, then there are favorable payment terms from developers in Dubai. For example, if the project has not yet been completed, then you can get a long-term installment plan. The annual rental yield in Dubai is 5%-10%. In addition, there has been an increase in demand for premium properties with private beaches, with prices in luxury complexes starting at $2 million.

It is very easy to get a UAE visa.  Air traffic with this state resumed in September, with planes fly there daily now. And even in the spring, at the height of the pandemic, the country's leaders did not take drastic measures, with the lockdown being rather mild. Many foreign investors are attracted by the favorable attitude of local authorities. It's not difficult to buy housing there. The capital of people who buy real estate is treated more leniently in the Emirates than in European countries or in the United States of America.

Rising overseas demand for UAE homes 

Real estate in the UAE is gaining popularity among foreign home buyers. During the pandemic, foreigners began to actively buy housing there, with Dubai being the top destination. Is it an escape or a profitable investment? 

Foreigners’ demand for local real estate also increased due to the fact that from 1 June this year, foreign investors and entrepreneurs received the right to own 100% of their business in the UAE. Now they do not need to involve a local partner from the UAE citizens to formally have 51% shareholder rights.

Most foreigners buy housing in Dubai primarily as a holiday residence while investment potential is also important. Of course, you can rent out any apartment. However, this process will be more successful if a property comes with facilities and amenities that meet tourists’ needs.  This is the case for a residential complex managed by a hotel company, or even better, for a 5-star hotel occupying part of the building. In this case, the hotelier can offer the owner the most flexible scheme for using square meters. 

The tax regime in Dubai (or rather, its absence) makes it especially profitable to invest in Dubai housing. In contrast, owning real estate in Europe can be quite expensive due to the annual tax a homeowner has to pay. In Dubai, you will not feel the effects of owning an idle apartment in your pocket. You will just need to pay for optional property management services. The same goes for profits. Everything you earn by renting out your property belongs to you, and you can take this money out of the country without any issues.

What properties do expats prefer?

Apartments with a view of the Persian Gulf are the most popular among foreign investors. The average area of apartments is 150 square meters. Prices vary, but the best-selling options are within a range of $300,000 to $1.5 million. Moreover, if at least $270,000is invested in real estate, the new owner can apply for a residence visa. Other popular assets include hotel rooms, which are offered for investment by local companies. 

How To Start a Dog Breeding Business

If someone decides to have a dog, they may find themselves in a dilemma about where to get it from. It might be that they don’t think they’re up for adoption; while shelter dogs deserve our love and attention, not everyone can provide them with the necessary care, as they are often traumatized or suffering from other serious health issues. In this case, a person will likely start looking for dog breeders.

If you are a dog lover who’s currently looking for business opportunities, this might be your chance. However, you should bear in mind that it will require extensive knowledge and complete dedication. As awareness is growing, people pay attention to getting their puppies from reputable breeders only.

If you’re up for the challenge, good luck! To help you get started, we have compiled the following guide on starting a dog breeding business. Read on to discover the necessary information about preparing a business plan and a budget, forming a business entity, choosing a good company name, working on your brand and marketing strategy as well as obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, and working with experienced professionals.

Develop a Business Plan and a Budget

Once you've decided you want to run a dog breeding business, the first thing you need to do is write a business plan. It is a written document containing all the essential information about the company, including its goals and vision, a detailed description of its products/services and marketing strategy, as well as estimated costs and profits. 

It's always recommended to research your potential competition, conduct market search, and audience targeting. A business plan will help you avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs, as well as find out if running a dog breeding business is the right decision for you.

A budget is a financial plan that tracks the forecasted income and expenses of a company. It’s also vital to consider situations when something doesn’t go as planned and prepare an emergency fund. There are many online business planning templates you can use to create a budget for your dog breeding service. 

Form a Business Entity

A business entity is a legal form of an organization that separates it from the owner(s) of the business. It determines the type of activity it performs, how it is taxed, what laws apply to it, and whether it can sue or be sued. You should choose your business entity wisely, as it will strongly impact your business in the future.

If you decide to run your dog breeding business on your own, you will be its sole proprietor. On the other hand, if you want to run it with someone else, you can register a partnership using a written agreement. Lastly, if you wish to limit the risks you face in case something goes wrong with your business, it’s ideal to create a separate legal entity. This way, if your company faces financial difficulties, you won’t have to bear all the losses.

There are many different types of business entities available in most countries. Depending on which one you choose, you will have to complete various documents, pay fees, or follow different legal requirements.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Every country has different rules and regulations for dog breeding companies. Therefore, you need to contact the local authorities and find out what permits and licenses you will need in order to operate your business legally.

For example, in the US, you will have to get an official dog breeder license issued by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). On the other hand, if you live in England, you are required to contact your local council, which will conduct an inspection and decide whether you should be granted a license for 1-3 years.

Moreover, in some places, you might need additional permits if the number of dogs you have exceeds a certain number (e.g., more than four dogs in most US states, more than three in England).

Choose a Catchy Company Name and Work on Brand Identity

The next essential step is finding the right company name. You should come up with something catchy to make it memorable to potential customers, relatively short, easy to remember, and spell. Don't forget that it should also be relevant to your business and the image you want to develop for your brand.

After you have chosen the company name, you need to create its brand identity. This way, people will know what to expect from your business and how you’re different from your competition. No matter if you’re just starting your dog breeding service or running an established company, it’s not enough to offer good service and high-quality products. You need to clearly communicate this to potential customers through your brand image.

The brand is the foundation of your business, and you should work on it as much as possible. It’s essential to choose the right colors (e.g., according to the desired effect and impression you want to give), fonts (e.g., an easy-to-read font that looks professional), and symbols (e.g., a paw print).

While you’re at it, make sure you include all the necessary information on your website (e.g., address, phone number, email, social media profiles) and ensure it’s compliant with your chosen name. This way, people will be able to find you easily.

Develop a Relevant Marketing Strategy

You can offer top-notch services and products of the highest quality, but you won't get far with them if you don't invest some time and money in a relevant, carefully planned marketing strategy. A business plan and budget will help you determine what’s feasible at the moment, how much you can afford, and what you should focus on.

It's crucial to develop a website to interact with your customers and form a connection with them. If you've created a business plan and a budget, you should allocate some money for digital marketing services like search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), email marketing, and social media marketing (SMM).

You might also actively participate in the relevant online communities and forums and build a positive reputation for your business. Consider joining trade associations and getting involved in community events. This way, you'll meet like-minded people and get a chance to build connections and relationships that will help you grow your dog breeding business. Moreover, it will help you establish yourself as an authority in the field.

Work With Experienced Professionals

Running a business might be challenging, especially if you have little or no experience in this field. That's why you need to seek the support of experienced professionals who will guide you through the entire process.

You can start by hiring an accountant or lawyer to help you set up your company and obtain all the necessary licenses/permits. Furthermore, you can use their expertise to develop a business plan, write a marketing strategy, deal with competition, and so on.

Once your company runs smoothly, you can easily find yourself overwhelmed by daily tasks, bookkeeping, and administrative chores. In this case, it’s best to hire a virtual assistant who can handle these tasks for you. They will also help you focus on growing your company.

And since you will be running a dog breeding business, you need to find a vet who will take care of your dogs and provide them with the necessary vaccinations, microchips, and spaying/neutering. Moreover, you can consult with them to determine the best breeding practices or the optimal diet. Plus, if you’re not a professional yourself, you should also use the services of a trainer who will teach the dogs basic obedience skills, tricks, skills that will help them become more adoptable. 

This way, your dogs will have fewer health issues and have better chances of being adopted.

Conclusion

If you consider starting a dog breeding business, don’t forget that you should always strive to do right by your future dogs. After all, if you are responsible for their well-being, it’s your duty to treat them humanely and with respect.

To begin, we suggest you follow the above advice and be prepared to invest a lot of time and effort in your company. Consult with professionals, start off with a small number of dogs to make profits without incurring major losses, and set realistic goals to achieve them.