by Barker Marketing | May 29, 2025 | Apex Investment Property, Barker Realty, Cary Investment Property, Featured Article, Real Estate Investment
In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2025–2026, Cary and Apex have earned impressive spots among the top 10 best places to live in the United States—Cary at No. 5 and Apex at No. 7. These accolades highlight the exceptional quality of life, robust job markets, and overall desirability that these towns offer.
Key Factors Behind the Rankings
The U.S. News rankings evaluate cities based on several critical factors: quality of life, job market strength, affordability, and overall desirability. Cary and Apex have excelled in these areas, boasting strong employment opportunities, excellent schools, and vibrant community life.
Implications for the Housing Market
Such national recognition often leads to increased interest from potential homebuyers and investors, potentially driving up demand and home prices. For current residents, this can mean a rise in property values, while prospective buyers may face a more competitive market.
Navigating the Market with Barker Realty
At Barker Realty, we understand the dynamics of the Cary and Apex real estate markets. Our team is equipped to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with these evolving markets. Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
Cary and Apex’s top rankings are a testament to their appeal as places to live and invest. As these towns continue to gain national attention, staying informed and working with experienced real estate professionals like Barker Realty can help you make the most of the opportunities in the Raleigh metro housing market.
For more insights and assistance, contact Barker Realty today.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Jun 18, 2024 | Apex Investment Property, Apex Property Management, Barker Realty, Tips for Property Investors
Operational Benefits of Hiring a Property Manager
One of the key benefits of hiring a property manager for your investment property in Apex, NC is the operational expertise they bring to the table. Property managers are experienced professionals who are well-versed in handling all aspects of property management, from finding and screening tenants to handling maintenance and repairs. By entrusting your property to a property manager, you can rest assured that your investment is in good hands and being managed efficiently and effectively.
Financial Benefits of Hiring a Property Manager
Another significant benefit of hiring a property manager is the potential for financial savings and increased revenue. Property managers have a keen understanding of the local rental market and can help you set the optimal rental price for your property. They can also help you minimize vacancies and maximize rental income by finding and retaining high-quality tenants. Additionally, property managers can handle rent collection and ensure that your property is well-maintained, which can help prevent costly damage and repairs in the long run.
Peace of Mind Benefits of Hiring a Property Manager
Perhaps the most valuable benefit of hiring a property manager is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your investment property is being properly cared for. Property managers handle all aspects of property management, from marketing and leasing to maintenance and tenant relations, allowing you to focus on other priorities in your life. With a property manager in place, you can rest easy knowing that your investment is being well-maintained and protected, giving you the freedom to enjoy the benefits of property ownership without the stress and hassle of managing it yourself.
In conclusion, hiring a property manager for your investment property in Apex, NC can provide a wide range of benefits, from operational expertise to financial savings to peace of mind. If you are looking to optimize the performance of your investment property and enjoy a stress-free property ownership experience, consider hiring a property manager to help you achieve your goals.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Jun 6, 2023 | Apex Investment Property, Apex Property Management, Local Property Management, Tenant Acquisition, Tips for Landlords
Rental season is a challenging time for property managers as there are many things that can make it difficult for a property management company to fill the vacancies. More millennials are starting to buy homes. Occupancy rates are also starting to decrease. Fortunately, there are many seasonal leasing tips that will make it easier and our team wanted to share a few.
Show off Your Rentals
It is estimated that half of the US population use their mobile phones in order to find a place to rent. That is why it is important to make sure that your website is optimized for mobile use. You also need to make sure that you put your rental listings in the right place, there are good pictures and amenities are listed to enhance the property.
Follow Up With Them Quickly
Most renters want to get information about a property as quickly as possible. When someone inquires about the property, you will need to follow up with them as soon as possible. Barker has an efficient system in place to follow-up with all potential tenants and answers the numerous questions they may have.
Screen Your Tenants
Bad tenants can create a nightmare for a property management company, which is why you will need to thoroughly-screen them. Do a background check, credit check and have them fill out an application. Barker has a strong lease agreement and thoroughly vets each and every applicant.
Effortless Conversions
You want to get your new tenants moved in without having to go through additional paperwork. A streamlined process will make things a lot easier for you. Barker allows for online lease signing, has a new tenant checklist and even offers a moving assistance service called Updater for our residents.
Make Your Renters Happy
If your renters are happy, then it is likely that they will stick with you for a long time. It is also easier to retain tenants than attract new ones. You can make your tenants happy by addressing their problems and concerns quickly. You may also want to give them a renewal incentive.
If you need help from our property managers in Apex, feel free to contact us for more information.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | May 9, 2023 | Apex Investment Property, Apex Property Management, Tenant Acquisition, Tips for Landlords
For property owners in the Apex area, investing in real estate properties can be a great option. However, for those investments to be successful, you will need to keep them occupied. There are certain times of the year that can be very busy with renters. To ensure you do as well as possible, there are seasonal leasing tips that should be followed.
Showcase Your Property
One of the best seasonal leasing tips to follow would be to showcase your property. Many property owners make the mistake of not showing off their investment enough. If you want your homes to lease quickly, host open houses and make them look as attractive as possible inside and out.
Follow Up
When working with our experienced property managers in Apex, you also want to make sure you follow up with potential tenants quickly. Property managers should be able to show units to prospective tenants, answer follow-up questions, and doing a variety of other things to make sure that prospects are interested in the property.
Screen Tenants
It is important that applicants are screened properly. Run a full background check that includes running credit reports, criminal background checks, income verification, and referrals from current and previous landlords. This will help you in obtaining a quality tenant.
Provide Good Service
Ultimately, for your investment to perform well, you will need to provide good service. By working with our Apex property management company, you will be able to develop a plan and protocol for dealing with tenants and ensuring their needs are met. Satisfied tenants are more likely to stay longterm, which will reduce your turnover. It will also improve your reputation in the marketplace, which will make it easier to lease properties in the future.
Barker Realty is trained and skilled at managing these details. If you are interested in learning more about our services and letting us manage the details of your Apex investment property please contact us today!
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Aug 9, 2022 | Apex Investment Property, Apex Property Management, Featured Article, Property Management Blog, Tips for Property Investors
Many people have a lot of rental property questions and there are a lot of myths about renting, which our Apex property management company would like to clear up and dispel your concerns.
Myth 1: You are Throwing Away Money
Fact: Many people think that because you will not build equity by renting, you are wasting money. However, renting does not waste any money. In fact, our property managers in Apex can help you save money. The cost of maintenance is included in renting.
It may not be a good idea for you to buy a home right now. For example, if you do not have enough money saved up for a down payment, then it is best for you to rent. It may also be a bad idea to buy if you live in a bad housing market.
Myth 2: You Cannot Negotiate With a Apex Property Management Company
Fact: Many people think that landlords have all of the power. However, you have more negotiating power than you think. The most important thing that you can do is read through your entire lease and if there are terms than you want to negotiate, then you have every right to openly discuss these items with your landlord or property management company.
Myth 3: It is Hard to Get Out of Your Lease
Fact: It is not a good idea to sign a long-term lease if you know that you will have to move. However, unexpected things can come up in your life. For example, your roommate may move out. You may also have to move because of a job. You may have health issues. The list goes on.
If you have to move, then you will need to let your landlord know as soon as possible. You may be able to sublet your place. You may have to pay fees, but there is always a way out of your lease and we always recommend to be as open and honest as possible with your landlord or property management company, so you can collectively come up with a solution.
If you have any rental property questions, give Barker Realty a call today. We have property managers in Apex, Cary, Raleigh and throughout the whole Triangle region.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Apr 28, 2020 | Apex Investment Property, Cary Investment Property, Investment Property Blog, Raleigh Investment Property
On the surface, renting out investment property can seem like a dream: instead of toiling away all day in an office, you can kick back, contract out all the tough stuff, and rake in your rent dollars at the start of each month. We sincerely wish it were that simple! Unfortunately, the reality of property investing is that it’s as challenging as anything else. And, like anything else, your success depends on a number of factors, both within and outside your control.
The short answer? Yes, you can make money on rental property. As long as…
You Buy in the Right Place, at the Right Time
What qualities make a good rental property? Well, we’ve dedicated a whole blog to answering that question; but to make a long matter short, it’s all about location. A great investment property should be within driving distance of schools, shopping centers, grocery stores, hospitals and other amenities. It should also be in good repair; have reasonable property taxes; and have a low crime rate. The property you choose will be half the battle when it comes to making a profit, so be sure to work closely with a property management company or realtor with substantial industry experience. Timing matters, too: if you buy near the bottom of the housing market, your properties will likely increase tremendously in value.
You Have—or Can Build—an Emergency Fund
Furnaces; air conditioning units; roofing; sump pumps; pool repair. That’s just a very small list of things that you may have to fix at one point, which individual tenants aren’t responsible for (and which therefore can’t be paid for with security deposits). Now, in an ideal world, if you are charging high enough rents and spending as little as you can, you should have enough left over from your profits to cover big repairs. But since we’re not living in an ideal world, it’s likely that the repair money will have to come from your own pockets. That means that you’ll need to have an emergency fund already set up by the time you purchase your first property—and you’ll need to be the type who is budget-savvy and budget-loyal. If you currently love shopping and spending, that will have to change if you want to be a profitable landlord.
You Can Set Firm Rules and Stick to Them
Not only will you have to be firm with yourself, you’ll have to be able to be firm with your tenants—no matter how nice or forgiving you want to be. Unfortunately, some people will take advantage of temporary kindness for weeks, months, or even years until you work up the courage to put your foot down. A good landlord needs to be able to enforce rules in a non-confrontational, yet assertive way. If you struggle with doing that in your day-to-day life, you will probably struggle as a landlord.
You Approach Property Investment as a Job
We have been working in the Raleigh property management industry for over 30 years. What we see again and again in clients who are ultimately successful is that they approach property investing as a job, not as an escape from one. Even with the help of a property management company, being a landlord is a 24/7 commitment. Just like pursuing an expensive education, it’s a long, tough road with a big payoff—it’s not the “easy way out!”
For that reason, you will need one more quality to become a successful landlord: optimism. If you can’t weather ups and downs with courage and calm, you’re better off staying at a safer harbor.
