3 Moving Hacks to make your life easier

Moving isn’t always a fun experience, especially if you’re a do-it-yourself mover, but by prepping for your move in advance you can save yourself some headaches when you arrive at your new residence. 

1.    Number your boxes – Along with numbering your boxes, make a list of what is in them. This may take a little bit of time, but you’ll be grateful for that extra effort when you need something from the truck.

2.    Mark where the box is going ­– along with knowing what’s in the box, knowing which room it will end up in will make unloading easier and quicker. You can even use different colors of duct tape to color code rooms, eliminating the need to write anything on the box during packing. 

3.    Pack an Overnight Bag – You know you are going to need some items while everything is packed up. If you have some extra clothes, necessary toiletries and chargers for your electronics you can take a day or two to unpack without worrying about being uncomfortable in your new home. 

Remember that moving can be a stressful experience, so start as early as six weeks before your move to sort, plan and pack. You’ll be thankful you did.

Save Energy, Save Money

High energy bills are tiring, but they are also a symptom of deeper problems. Each year, the air from your heater or air conditioner could be seeping out the windows, walls, ceilings or doors of your home. By investing a little, you could save big in the long run. Here are three quick tips to save you money.

1.    Windows – These are your main energy-wasters, especially in older homes. Single-pane windows let the cold and heat in, as well as out, making it hard to keep your home comfortable. If you can’t afford to replace all the windows, start with a good, thick set of curtains. It may make your home a little darker, but it will also make it more comfortable. 

2.    Doors – If you can see the outside even when your door is closed because of cracks, then you know air can get through there as well. Quick repairs on older door frames to firm up the seal when the door is closed are both cheap and effective. 

3.    Thermostat – Like most homes, you probably have an electronic thermostat. And, like most homes, you probably have no idea how to use it. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to figure out. By programming your thermostat to turn off when you aren’t home (or when you’re asleep), you could save big time. 

Just remember that every little bit helps. The more you conserve energy, the more money you will save in the long run, and who doesn’t like more money?

How to Start Investing in Real Estate

Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to increase your monthly income and your net worth. Like most things, the hardest part for first time landlords is just getting started. The secret to success is two-fold; first break the process down into small steps, and second build a team to support you:

1.    Finances – The first thing you need is money to purchase the house. If you have enough liquid cash to pay for the house outright, you’re ready for the next step. If you don’t have money coming out of your ears, you need to draft the first member of your team; an investment banker. 

Look for a banker that you get along with, that is willing to teach you and uses simple language. Jargon and complicated processes aren’t on the road to success.

2.    Property – After you have your finances in order, you can start the search for the perfect property. Generally, there are two types of homes you will look at for property investment; move-in-ready and fixer-uppers. There are advantages and disadvantages for both types; you need to decide which way fits you and your budget.

This is also where we meet the second member of your team; a real-estate agent. There are many real-estate agents, and, like all industries, some are good and some are bad. You are looking for the same qualities in your real-estate agent that you found in a banker. A good real-estate agent will build a relationship with you and consistently find properties that will make you money.

3.    Tenants – Assuming you purchased a move-in-ready home, it’s time to start collecting rent. This is more complicated than you might expect. You need to screen your potential tenants, ensure the house is ready to move into and then maintain the property.

The third member of your team is Provident Property Management. A good property manager will make you money by protecting you asset, keeping tenants in your property and saving you time – allowing you to start the process all over and continue to build wealth.

Provident has a network of bankers and real-estate agents that we have personally vetted, which means we can help you find the missing member of your team no matter what stage you are at in the game. Contact us today to get a free consultation and start (or continue) your journey in property investment.

**BONUS!**

4.    Fixing the Fixer-upper – One of the benefits to getting a fixer-upper home is that you may be able to save money on the initial purchase of the home. You need to know what you are doing though, because the last thing you want is to discover you bit off more than you can chew after you’ve purchased a property.

Here you can add an optional member of your team. A good home-remodeler can help you fix-up the fixer-upper faster than you can do it alone, and still save you money on the initial purchase. If you are pretty handy, you can combine your skills with theirs to save you even more money while still quickly preparing the home for tenants. 

3 Reasons to Screen Tenants

3 Reasons to Screen Tenants  

Screening tenants is one of the most important things a landlord does before renting out a property. However, many times the effort required to screen your tenants before letting them move in can seem to be a waste of time - this is especially true if the property has been vacant, and you are anxious to start collecting rent. So before you stop screening, consider these three reasons why you should always screen:

1.    Protect your bank account – That candidate says that they have the money and will pay on time every month, but how do you know? Contacting their previous landlord will help you know beforehand whether or not you are dealing with a late, or non-payer. Screening beforehand is easier than an empty bank account.

2.    Stay out of court – If you end up having a non-paying tenant starting the eviction process can be long, inconvenient and expensive. You are much less likely to end up at this point if you have screened your potential renters.

3.    Protect your rental home – Every time you rent out your property it’s an exercise in trust. You have to trust that they will not only pay, but protect your property. If you don’t screen your potential tenants you could end up with holes in the walls and motor oil on your carpet. 

While it may seem like a lot of effort, a landlord should always screen tenants before allowing them to move in. Screening will save you time in the long run, not to mention headaches and money! Building a reliable system to screen tenants and collect rent is one of the many benefits of working with Provident. For more information and a free consultation – send us an email.

Fighting the Winter Decor Blahs

It can be easy to catch the winter blahs when most of the day turns dark before you have a chance to go out and enjoy it. Whether you are living in the home or trying to show one for a client, walking directly into a cheery room on a cold gray winter day can set the right tone for the rest of your time in the house. So here are a few simple ways to lighten up your home and get it sold or rented!

1. Add eye catching accents
Exciting furnishings and décor to perk up the life in a dull or bland space. Bright pillows, vases, lamp shades and other accessories offer cheap and easy way to bring life to an area. Just remember more is not always better, sometimes 1 or 2 quality changes is better than 5 or 6 random ones.

2. Deck the Walls

Artwork is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most fun ways to change the look of your space.  Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) make a room feel cozier. Choose a big piece of art if you need a center piece or want to make a statement, or hang a collection of prints on your wall for a more active look.  

  

3. Light the Night
Make the most of the remaining natural light by pulling back or changing out heavy window treatments. You can also update your lighting to brighten your gloomy days. Try mixing different light sources to add accent areas to the room.

4. Blankets and Floor Coverings
Wood floors have a classic clean look in the spring and summer, but in the winter they can look sterile and cold. Adding runners, area rugs and other floor coverings can breathe a little life onto the floor and keep your feet warm at the same time. Same thing with blankets, strategically placing some colorful blankets can add warmth to a room and supply a ready source of extra warmth.

   

5. Remove the Excess
So far we suggested adding things to a room, but you can also lighten up a room simply by sprucing up a bit. A couple key accent pieces will have a greater impact than a messy collection. Remove excess items and store them away for a later date.

Whether you are living in the house, trying to sell it or rent it, out first impressions are always important be sure to make that first moment in the home is an impressive one.

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