Web Based Property Managment Software

While there are many excellent accounting software programs out on the market today. The generic one size fits all application wasn't quite meeting the my needs as a property manager. Subsequently, I began the process of evaluating property based software and came across really great web source that reviewed many property software programs. You can visit www.thereibrian.com for a complete evaluation of property management software.

Many of these software programs offer a 15-30 day free trial. After reading all reviews, I chose a FREE web-based service called Rentec Direct. For a nominal fee you can upgrade your account for an enhanced version however the basic services that Rentec offers are outstanding. Set up for the units I have was very quick and user friendly. Once information is uploaded you can easily generate online reports that reflect profit and loss. Best of all since the software is web-based you have access to your files from any where you can get online. Additionally, you can set up tenant portals, so that your tenants can pay their rent online, check their account, and communicate with you online. Below is a description from www.rentecdirect.com

WHAT WILL RENTEC PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE DO FOR YOU?

*Full bank, property and tenant accounting to keep your record keeping simple and accurate.

*Automatic ACH (electronic draft) support to automate and simplify receiving tenant rent payments.

*Publish vacancies online, complete with pictures, details and pricing.

*Tenant Screening provides you the security of knowing the history of each tenant you place as well as if they have past challenges paying bills.

*Online file management allows file storage related to tenants or properties safely and securely online

*Manage other recurring transactions such as: utility billing, landscaping or supplemental fees you may charge your tenants and let the software automatically generate the charges whether you're at a computer or not.

*You'll be up and running quickly making good use of the software without the expensive training required of other property management applications. The software is so easy to use you'll be up and running in 5-10 minutes.

*Easily manage tenants, their accounting and settings.

*Online software access anywhere in the world for you or your tenants With a single click, print a complete tax report of expenses associated with one or all properties to hand to your accountant at tax time.

*Many management reports to show your property performance.

*At a glance stats and graphs of current and historical property performance.

*Tenants have a special login to the management software to view their balance, when their rent is due, and ability to place repair requests.


RENTEC DIRECT IS FREE!

When we say no risk, we mean it! All the basic functions necessary for a landlord or property management firm to manage rentals is included in our basic product which is free! We're not offering a time limited demo like everyone else, we're giving away the basic fully functional version of Rentec property management software for free. No obligation whatsoever. Our free version even includes our new file library to store and backup your important files online (online backup companies and desktop software charge for this, we include it at no cost). Take a product tour today to discover how valuable this software is for property managers / landlords.

Inexpensive Solutions to Increase your Property Value

Drive around any neighborhood and you notice a significant number of "FOR RENT" signs in windows and lawns. There is no shortage of vacant apartments in today's market. So how do you get your rental property rented quickly? Below are some inexpensive that can help increase the value of your income properties.



Add some curb appeal by doing some basic landscaping, particularly in the front yard. The front yard is the first thing that potential buyers see, so don't miss out on your chance to pique their interest. Prospective buyers and tenants make up their minds about your home as they walk the first 10 feet from their car to your front door. A junky yard will make them think that you've neglected maintenance. A pristine yard will reassure them that your home is well kept. Focus on a clean cut, straighten up the lawn edges, freshen the landscaping and add some color spots or striking shrubs for impact. Mulch is inexpensive, so use it. If your yard lacks interest, consider constructing a retaining wall. Use railroad ties, bricks, or stones to construct that wall. The landscape design should complement your home's style and colors.

Get a new front door, or give the existing one a facelift. Paint the front door a complementary but bold color. Choose a color that says, "Look at me!" Once you're finished painting the door, install a new doorknob that emphasizes sturdiness and class. Also install a new kick-plate that matches your lockset finish. Remember, while your prospective homebuyer or tenant is waiting for you or the real estate agent to let them in, they are observing your front door. If you have an old storm door, get rid of it. If you really feel the need for a storm door, install one of those with a lot of window space to highlight the bold color of your front door.

Install some blinds and window shades. Certain rooms could really use blinds or shades to emphasize style. The best places to start are the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and master bathroom. These are the four rooms that prospective buyers and tenants will study most when evaluating your property. Pick window shades that complement existing furniture or your paint color. If you want to stick with inexpensive vinyl blinds, then make sure all the blinds in the room are a matching color. When showing a home during the day, you should always have your blinds and shades open to let in abundant light (unless you've got a clear view of the mess in your neighbor's backyard).

Make sure every light bulb in the house works. Always make sure that every light bulb in your home works. If the prospective homebuyer or tenant can't see your place, then you can't expect them to like your place. When people see lamps with one good bulb but three burned-out ones, they think that you don't maintain the residence and they worry about other deferred maintenance. Where it's safe, use higher wattage light bulbs in your lamps for a bright, warm atmosphere. Also consider slightly pink-tinted or full spectrum "natural" light bulbs to create a warm glow for your home. Don't forget about the bulbs in your basement and in your exterior lamps.

Refinish your hardwood floors. Most people like hardwood floors, particularly if the floor has a luster to it. If your hardwood floors are stained, you still may able to sand them and apply a darker finish that hides stains. If your hardwood floors don't need to be sanded but have dull spots or cracks, try some off-the-shelf refinishing agents or cleansers. Murphy's® Oil Soap or Rejuvenate polish are personal favorites to restore that classic wood look.

Shampoo your carpet. Yes, many people like new carpet for obvious reasons. However, we can't always afford to buy new carpet, for obvious reasons. Rent a carpet cleaning vacuum or hire a shampoo service. The proper detergent and equipment can get rid of old stains and make odors disappear.

READ more on the member's page of the www.salemlandlords.org

News Article "Accepting Late Payments Can Land You in Court"

Accepting Late Payments Can Land You in Court

by Bill Gray

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t allow a tenant to pay rent late, but the legal implications must always be at the top of the list.

Unfortunately, by being the nice guy or gal, and accepting late rent payments, you might be establishing grounds for a Fair Housing lawsuit.

Last year, I sat in on a seminar given by Milwaukee landlord-tenant attorney Tristan Pettit, where I learned that case law has been established that says you cannot accept late payments from one tenant and not accept late payments from another.The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to “set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental.” By accepting late payments from one tenant and not another, you may be violating the law.

Any trip to court can be precarious and expensive in terms of time and money. You can never be certain of what the outcome of a court case or dispute is going to be. Any good attorney will tell you that avoiding court altogether is always preferred.

To compound the issue of being sued for a Fair Housing violation, consider what you are doing to the terms of your lease by habitually accepting late rent. Let’s say your lease requires the rent to be paid by the third of the month. But for the last six months, you have accepted the rent on the fifteenth.

Suddenly, in the seventh month you put your foot down and demand the rent be paid by the third, but the tenant ignores you and continues to pay the rent on the fifteenth. In the eight month, you file for eviction when the tenant again is late with his or her rent.

If the tenant were to hire a savvy attorney to represent them, the attorney could easily argue that you had amended the terms of the lease by accepting the rent late the first six months of the lease. Not only could this force you to continue accepting the rent, it could cause a counter suit.

Enforce the terms of the lease and require that the rent be paid on time—from each and every tenant. Doing so may keep you out of court.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed to be legal advice. Consult a local landlord-tenant attorney to discuss your specific situation.
The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed to be legal advice. Consult a local landlord-tenant attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Email me your tenant screening and tenant debt questions.

Bill Gray

www.thelandlorddoctor.com

Bill@thelandlorddoctor.com

Copyright 2010 – Click here to reprint/re-post

Shower Curtains and Water

First floor tenant called about a water stain on her bathroom ceiling. After inspecting the second floor bathroom noticed severe water damage to the wall and floor tile by the bath tub. This is an all too common repair when water gets by a shower curtain.

Below are photo's of the damage and subsequent repair