![Partnership with Updater | Serving our Residents]()
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Dec 7, 2021 | Barker Realty, Company News, Investment Property Blog, Property Management Company
Announcing Updater for Barker Realty, Inc.!
Since the moving process doesn’t end once you’ve signed the lease, we are pleased to offer Updater to all our residents. In case you’re unfamiliar, Updater simplifies the moving process by helping you save time on moving-related tasks.
With your Updater account, you can:
- Purchase renters insurance
- Forward your mail
- Update accounts and subscriptions (such as alumni associations and magazines)
- Connect your utilities
- Find home services in your area (like cable and phone providers)
- Schedule in-home moving estimates
- Browse exclusive move-in offers
- Share digital moving announcements with family and friends
We believe in customer service from start to finish, and offering Updater is one way we will continue to achieve this goal. Learn more about Updater’s features here.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Nov 9, 2021 | Tenant Acquisition, Tenant Management, Tips for Landlords, Tips for Property Investors
A lease is a lot like the rules to a game.
The key to getting everyone to follow the rules is to make sure that they are stated at the beginning, in writing and signed off on. A property management company does not have anything to enforce if there is no lease agreement. And same applies to you, the rental property investor.
The lease agreement helps the property management company and tenants understand what is expected of them as outlined below with some tips and insight from Barker Realty.
Key Components of a Lease
There are several things that a property management company needs to include in the lease to ensure it is strong and enforceable.
- The name of the landlord and tenant.
- The property address
- The terms of the rental payments (ie: when is rent to be paid, how much is rent, what’s included in rent, late payment policy, etc)
- Lease term: When it starts and when it ends
- Information about the security
- Whether pets are allowed
- Right of Entry: When can the landlord enter?
It is a good idea for a property manager to include a clause about subletting. Some tenants will want to sublet. However, you have to decide whether you will allow this. If you allow subletting, then the new tenant should have to go through the same approval process.
You will also need to let the tenant know how much notice is required to move out of the apartment when the lease expires. The typical length of time is requiring a 60-day notice. Keep in mind that if you do not include this in the clause, then you may lose one month of rent. You will not be able to get a new tenant until the lease expires.
Be careful about copying the template of other leases. This can be convenient, but it is important to note that laws can vary from state to state. That is why you do not want to use a California template if you live in Texas.
If you already have a lease agreement, then it is a good idea to double-check it. It is not too late to make the necessary changes. Make sure that all of the aforementioned items have been addressed properly and it’s never a bad idea to have an attorney review to make sure it’s buttoned up and fair to all parties involved in signing.
Taking the right steps will ensure that your lease protects your tenant, you and the property. Barker Realty has worked over our 30+ years of experience to develop a strong and enforceable lease. Contact us today for more information on our property managers in Raleigh for professional and reliable services.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Sep 7, 2021 | Property Management Blog, Property Selection, Raleigh Investment Property, Raleigh Property Management
The Raleigh economy is booming! Thousands of people are moving to the city to enjoy the abundant job opportunities, excellent school systems, and unique attractions. The influx of people has made Raleigh real estate more in-demand than ever–meaning real estate investors can rehab homes quickly and sell them for a big profit. Properties can also be rented out, bringing in a monthly income while they appreciate. If you’re ready to get in on the action, here are some real estate tips that can help you find a Raleigh investment property.
Finding your Raleigh investment property
When the price of Raleigh real estate bottomed out in 2012, it was easy to find homes. Now, in 2019, it’s much more challenging. Three ways real estate investors can get a reduced price on homes to include:
- Buying homes in need of repairs
- Paying in cash
- Buying homes that aren’t listed
Another solid way to find investment homes is working with a real estate investment company. A property management firm like Barker Realty can help you find the best deals and options in the area.
If you can, pay with cash
It’s true that few people can afford to make a full cash offer on an investment property. However, if you can you should. Whether you are purchasing property to rent out or purchasing to renovate and flip, you are unlikely to see a great return in the first two years of your investment, and the monthly financial impact of the loan payments can be significant.
Qualifying for financing may also be difficult for some people. You will need to have good credit and will have to provide several years of tax returns and other financial evidence to demonstrate that you can afford the home. If you are purchasing the home to flip or rent, you’ll need at least 20% as a down payment, and you will need to provide your lender with a much deeper look into your personal financial history. In order to avoid borrowing too much, investigate all your options with your realtor and a financial advisor.
Finding quality tenants
If you are purchasing a property with the intention of renting it out, consider whether you will have the time or the energy to find, vet, and manage your tenants. Many landlords find that finding respectful, quiet, financially responsible tenants is quite challenging and time-consuming. In some cases, using a property management company is the best solution, so you can continue to run other businesses or look for new investment opportunities. A property management company can manage the property’s daily tasks and maintenance for a small monthly feed.
Hire a Raleigh real estate investment company
Ready to find your dream property? Just call Barker Realty, and we’ll be happy to start you on the process.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Aug 8, 2021 | Investment Property Blog, Landscaping & Grounds, Property Management Blog, Repair & Upgrades
When preparing rental properties for the summer, there’s a lot that needs to be done in terms of maintenance on the inside and outside of the property. Property managers in Cary should use this time to give their property a pre-summer makeover that will make the rental more attractive to anyone hoping to move in.
Summer-Ready Maintenance Tips
There’s no other season quite like summer that inspires families and friends to spend a lot of time outdoors. By taking care of their property and making it look its best, property managers will instantly boost the rental’s property value, while making renters feel at home. Read on for ways to make any rental summer-ready.
1. Get the Pool Ready
The pool is one of the most important amenities property managers must take care of before the summer arrives. Start by evaluating the condition of the pool and performing any necessary maintenance. Following any remodeling, managers should make sure the pool is clean and ready to use. Ensure the area around the pool is as safe as possible by either having a lifeguard available or signs posted.
2. Check the BBQ Grills
As the colder weather gives way to the warmer months of summer, property managers will want to make sure all of the grills are still in proper working condition. By keeping the propane filled and the grill clean, managers will ensure that renters can enjoy their summertime properly.
3. Keep a Maintenance Checklist Handy
Summer requires a different type of rental maintenance for property managers in Cary. Property managers should keep this in mind as they go over their regular maintenance checklist. This list will include maintaining the irrigation system, updating the A/C units, cleaning the community area, and any similar responsibilities.
4. Remove Fire Hazards
The heat of summer always comes with increased fire dangers. Property managers must take this into account by fire-safety apart of their summer rental maintenance. This can be achieved by removing any overhanging branches, flammable debris, or overgrown bushes.
Property managers can make their renters feel at ease and relaxed as summer approaches by performing their rental maintenance for the summer. Contact us for more information to help get your rental ready for the warmer months.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Jul 6, 2021 | Featured Article, Property Management Blog, Property Management Company, Safety & Security, Tips for Landlords
Managers are some of the most critical team members in any company offering property management services. Just like any other company, safety and security of your team should always be top priority.
The roles assigned to managers, including showing properties and homes to strangers, is somewhat unsafe when you think about it, and property managers are expected to perform their duties as well as take precautions to minimize risks that come with the job.
Below are 10 safety tips that our property managers at Barker Realty follow before going into the field, which we’d like to share with you.
1. Gather Information about the Client
Collecting information before meeting any client is crucial. The info might reveal whether a client poses any threat or has any ill motive towards you or your company. Proper screening of clients can help you collect relevant client information.
2. Meet Clients at the Office
The first meeting with a client should always be at the company offices. You get first impressions and get to judge their character. Collecting information about a potential client including where they work and their current home address will be more comfortable in the office.
3. Be Cautious
Always leave valuables at homes or the workplace. Also, avoid giving too much personal information to your client.
4. Follow Company Financial Policy
Always let clients know the company financial policy. Rent and security deposits should be paid directly to the company’s bank accounts. Also, avoid handling too much cash in front of a client.
5. Be Assertive
If you feel uncomfortable around a client, excuse yourself. Get to a safe place and inform a trusted co-worker. In this business, it’s recommendable that you always trust your instincts.
6. Maintain a Good Relationship with Co-Workers
Always ensure you have someone on standby who knows your schedules for the day. A trusted colleague or your boss may prove very helpful. In case of you don’t return on time, they will know how to locate you.
7. Always Play Safe
Avoid going into basements, attics or closets. Open the door to a room, allow clients to go first as you follow them behind.
8. Let Clients Know Your Schedule
If you have other appointments, let your clients know that other people are expecting you. Show your client how important your job is to you in a friendly way.
9. Use Surveillance Equipment
Install CCTV cameras on your office premises. Cameras will be useful for facial recognition of clients who walk in out of the office premises. Surveillance adds protection the property by identifying threats fast.
10. Attend Training Seminars
Most companies that offer property management services have safety and work conduct seminars. Attend these workshops to improve your knowledge base.
If you have additional questions or looking for an excellent property management service provider, look no further. Request an appointment today with our Apex property managers full of experience and expertise, especially when it comes to remaining safe in the field.
