Tenants Guide to Spreading Holiday Cheer

Posted on December 9, 2010 by admin

The holiday season can be a busy and sometimes stressful time. This is especially true for those who own Miami apartment rentals. There are late or bounced rent checks to worry about, repairs to be made, complaints about the neighbors to field and much more. A good landlord handles these situations as quickly and fairly as possible to ensure that their tenants are inconvenienced as little as possible. The holiday season is a great time to show appreciation to a landlord who has provided you with such service during the year. Here are some ideas on how to do this.

Getting Ahead

One of the worst parts of owning rental homes is having to deal with late rent. You can help out a lot during the holiday season by adding a small amount to the rent or paying it early once or twice. Another problem is the small repairs that you often need to deduct from the rent. If you are handy, you might consider volunteering your services to take care of a few of them. Who knows? Your landlord may even remember this later and offer a regular rent discount in exchange for future repairs.

The Personal Touch

Another way to show your appreciation is to give them a small gift or even just a holiday card. Remember, though, the holiday season is about much more than just Christmas. Some people celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa for example. Pay attention to these differences and give them something that reflects their own special holiday. They will really appreciate it as well if you acknowledge any birthdays that fall during the holiday season as well.

Spreading Goodwill

Another way to make the holidays nice for a good landlord is to be as good a neighbor as possible to the other residents of your Miami Condo rentals. Remember to always observe noise and other restrictions and keep the common areas as nice as possible. This will go a long way towards promoting good will during this time of year.

Finally, you might even want to get the other tenants in on the action. See about chipping in together for a gift or have several of you offer to put up a few decorations in the building/courtyard to save your landlord the task. Again, this will also reflect well on you if you ever end up needing a reference for a new home or job.

Sadly, good landlords are sometimes in short supply. Showing one you appreciate their effort is a great way to mark this time of year. You can use the ideas above or come up with some of your own. However you go about it, you will be sure to brighten the season for them and their families.

Posted in Resources for Renters | Leave a comment

The Energy Efficiency Tax Credit: What You Need to Know

Posted on December 8, 2010 by admin

Tax season is almost upon us and landlords are not immune to having to get all kinds of paperwork in order. You’re probably already looking at any possible deductions you can take, such as repairs to your Miami rental homes. Did you know, however, that there is a soon to expire tax credit you can still take advantage of? Ever since the 2008 elections, people have been talking more and more about energy efficiency and alternative fuels as a way of helping fix (or at least reduce) damage to our environment as well as our dependence on oil. As part of this goal, the government is offering a tax credit on energy efficient products.

Improving Your Tax Outlook

If you have been reading the tips on this site, you know that one of the biggest money wasters are inefficient windows, appliances and other items. The government is willing to cover 30% of any such improvements up to $1,500 you make to your Miami apartment rentals. However, you only have a limited time left to take advantage of this credit.

The credit, which is set to expire on December 31st, covers a variety of things. One of the biggest would be certain types of insulation and windows. Check with your accountant or other tax preparer to see which ones specifically qualify. You (or your tenants, if they cover the utilities) will also be able to enjoy smaller energy bills throughout the year. With the weather getting colder, they will also like the fact that more heat will be staying inside.Caulking, weather stripping and sealant are just some of the types of insulation to look into.

Out with the Old, In With the New

Another thing that is covered under this tax credit are certain appliances. Water heaters, for example are something to look into, especially if you have a particularly old one. Replacing it now may just save you the trouble of having to deal with a broken one flooding your rental homes. If that happens, you not only have to deal with replacing the appliance, but fixing water damage as well as possibly having mold to get rid of.

Doors are also covered under the tax credit. These will ensure that the warm and cold air inside the unit stays in the unit. If you have a door that’s a little damaged or a tenant who has just moved out, this is an especially good time to change it. You’d have the change the locks anyway, right?

Roofing

Finally, if you have someone who is available to do so, there are also improvements that can be made to your roof that will be covered under the credit. Again, check with your tax professional to get the specifics. If you act quickly, you will be able to take advantage of a tax credit that will not only save you money now, but for years to come while helping the environment at the same time. Your tenants will thank you for it when the weather cools down.

Posted in Resources for Property Managers | Leave a comment

Decorating Miami Rentals for the Holidays

Posted on December 7, 2010 by admin

One of the best parts of the holidays is getting to decorate. Decorating a tree or putting up stockings can bring back so many wonderful memories from our childhoods. However, when you are occupying Miami apartments for rent, the yearly ritual can become a little more complicated. Here are some things to keep in mind as you deck the halls this holiday season.

Getting Your Lease and Checking it Twice

Before doing any decorating, make sure you go over your lease carefully to refresh your memory regarding any restrictions your landlord may have. Some landlords do not want their tenants putting nails in the wall. Even if they allow it, there may be limits to how many things you can hang and where. To get around that, go to your local home improvement store and ask about products that allow you to hang things without doing damage to the walls. There are several of them out there at a reasonable price.

Decking the Halls

Another problem you may face while decorating your Miami apartment rental or home are space restrictions. You just might not have the room in your apartment to put everything. There’s a simple solution to this (which will also help with the nail problem above). Pick several pictures and knick knacks to swap with Christmas decorations. Not only will you be saving space, but there will be more attention on the holiday items you’ve put out. You might also consider forgetting about the big tree and getting a smaller one that’s more suited to an apartment. You might also make it a fake one, as there is less potential for damaging the rugs and such.If you choose to use real holiday plant, such as poinsettias, be careful if you have small children or animals as they can be very dangerous.

Outdoor Decorations for Miami Rentals

Many people also love to decorate outdoors as well. When you’re living in a rental home, however, this may not be possible. Again, check with your landlord before putting out the decorations to make sure you won’t have any issues later on. Even if they do let you do so, try and keep the decorations as simple as possible. Strings of lights on every possible surface along with tons if inflatable characters and other such decorations can cause a nuisance and even violate local ordinances. The key is to remember that everyone has the share the space, so we have to be courteous to the other tenants. One good way to add a little holiday cheer is a small wreath on the door or a Christmas doormat. These will work nicely for people in buildings as well as houses.

Decorating is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holidays for many people, although it can be complicated for many renters. Making the most of space saving techniques and working with your landlord will help make it much easier for both of you. It will also help show off the ones you have chosen more effectively.

Posted in Resources for Renters | Leave a comment

Spreading Holiday Cheer for Landlords

Posted on December 6, 2010 by admin

The Holidays are a time for giving thanks and helping others. It’s also a time when many show their appreciation for those who have helped them out during the past year. Some give cards or tips to their mail carrier, while others may bring in small gifts for teachers or service providers. There is one group of people you may have overlooked, however: the residents of your Miami apartment rentals. If you have some tenants you would like to make sure stick around in the new year, here are some little things you can do to show your appreciation.

Small Gestures for Tenants During the Holidays

One of the first things you may want to think about is doing some minor upgrade to their unit. Some brand new hardware or a freshly cleaned carpet are fairly cheap ways to spruce up their place while also ensuring your rugs will last longer. The new hardware can also be a potential new selling point should your tenants have to move anyway. You might also consider a small discount on the rent or even a gift. Personalized holiday cards are also a nice gesture.

Spreading Some Cheer for a Miami Renter’s

Another way to spread a little holiday cheer would be to hold a holiday party in a common room (if you have it) or courtyard. Food and drink wouldn’t cost much and it would also allow new tenants a chance to get to know everyone while promoting a spirit of community. Even if you decide not to hold a party, a few lights, wreaths or other decorations in these areas would most likely be appreciated. You might also want to look into cheap DVDs or games for the common room if your Miami condo rentals have one.

Small Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way

If you can’t afford to spend any money, you can still show your appreciation for the residents of your rental homes through small acts of kindness. Visit a tenant who is sick or hurt. Offer to run a few errands on a day when you’ll be out doing your own anyway. If you have a teenager who babysits, see if he or she will volunteer their services to a tenant who needs a night out. You’d be surprised how much little acts like that can mean to a person going through a hard time. You can be sure, too, that that tenant will remember you should their friends need a new place to live. Keeping track of birthdays and acknowledging the occasion are always appreciated by people. For those whose birthday is on or very close to a holiday, they are even more appreciative as there are many people whose own day get lost in the holiday chaos.

Any landlord knows a good tenant makes life much easier. What better time than the holidays to show these tenants they are appreciated? The ideas above are just some of the ways you can do this, but they might not work for everyone. Look at your own buildings/tenants situations if needed to suit their needs and your building/home.

Posted in News, Resources for Property Managers | Leave a comment

Preparing Your Home for Holiday Travel

Posted on December 3, 2010 by admin

The holiday season means travel for many people. Each year, thousands of people brave the airports and highways to visit family and friends who live far away. It’s a busy and stressful time for many (especially those who have children to consider) so some details may fall through the cracks. Here are some reminders to keep handy so you can be sure your rental homes will be as safe and secure as possible while you’re gone.

Getting Peace of Mind

The biggest thing you’ll want to take care of is making sure you have renter’s insurance. Your landlord will have a policy that covers the structure itself, but that won’t help you if there is a break-in or a fire destroys your personal property. Shop around and see what deals are available. The company you have your car insurance with just might have a plan that you can get at a discount since you already do business with them. You might even be required to carry it in some cases, anyway.

Creating an Illusion

Now that you’ve taken care of your insurance, it’s time to start taking care of other things. Nothing screams “this place is empty” more than an overflowing mailbox or some newspapers on the front step. Ask a family member or trusted neighbor to take them in for you or stop deliver of your paper while you’re away. You might even want to establish a PO box (especially if you’re living in Miami apartment rentals) if you don’t have someone to take in the mail for you. Another tip-off is a ringing phone. Most security experts suggest turning off the ringer and turning your phone machine all the way down so people can’t hear it. There are also devices you can use to turn on TVs and lights for specified periods of time to create the illusion people are home. Be sure you also have double checked the locks and haven’t left any keys hidden outside.

Preventing Nasty Surprises

Now that you’ve taken care of the security of your Miami condo rentals, it’s time to think about protecting it in other ways. If you are going to be gone a week or longer, clear the fridge of perishables. Check with the manufacturer- this might even be a good time for defrosting it. You will also want to see about turning off the water supply if you don’t have anyone staying there or checking up on the place often. That way, you can be sure you won’t be coming home to a flood if a pipe bursts. Also, keep the doors to each room in the unit open (including closets) to keep the place from getting musty.

Holiday travel can be a stressful experience. There are hotel bookings, traffic delays and airport security screenings to deal with. Making sure that your home is well-prepared for your absence will take some extra stress out of the picture, allowing you and your family to relax

Posted in News, Resources for Renters | Leave a comment

Hosting Relatives for the Holidays

Posted on December 2, 2010 by admin

The holidays are, for many, a time to travel. For others, it means hosting friends and family coming from out of town. While this is already sometimes a stressful and complicated process, it can be even more so when you are living in Miami apartment rentals. Where will they keep their cars? Can I have their pets stay? Here are some things to think about as you prepare for guests.

Reading the Lease… and Checking it Twice

Some Miami condo rentals may have restrictions regarding kids and pets that make hosting family a little more complicated. Make sure you have carefully read your lease to make sure these restrictions are not in place. You will also want to make sure there are no restrictions on the number of people allowed to stay in the unit. This is especially important if you are hosting family members on a long-term basis. Family can be hard to say no to, but don‘t let anyone stay there who will not treat your unit properly. Any damage they do, you will be responsible for. Plus, it will reflect badly on you if you attempt to move at some point.

The Finer Points

Some areas (not to mention some buildings) have restrictions on parking and what kind of vehicles are allowed to park there (especially when talking about RVs). For this reason, you want to make sure you have checked with the landlord and your local officials about these restrictions. In bigger cities, there are usually parking garages or big lots within walking distance of many of the many attractions/neighborhoods. If your relatives are not driving in and you’re picking them up, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there and contact the airline/train station/etc to make sure they are arriving on schedule before you go.

That’s Entertainment

One of the most important things to think about when hosting family is what to do with them once they’re there. This is especially true when kids are involved. Some apartments are small and tempers can start to flare after awhile in close quarters. To make things more pleasant for everyone, it’s a good idea to have some activities planned out to give everyone a chance to get out and enjoy the sights. You may want to plan a day at a local park or go to a concert/movie/etc. The city’s official website has a list of monthly events. Many of them cost little or no money to attend and have plenty of kid-friendly activities to choose from. You might also want to borrow some movies from the local library or rent something from a local store. There’s plenty of choices for everyone. You can even get several similar movies for theme nights.

Hosting out of town relatives can be a stressful experience. Making sure you’ve taken care of the little details and you have plenty of options for things to do can make the experience easier on everyone. Not to mention more fun.

Posted in News, Resources for Renters | Leave a comment

Guide to Miramar

Posted on December 1, 2010 by admin

Miramar, Florida once used the motto “The center of everything”. While the motto has changed over the years, the old one still fits. Miramar is surrounded by busy, active areas on most sides. Hollywood, Miami and Pembroke Pines are some of the areas that are only a short distance away. Choosing Miramar when looking at rental homes means being close to Hollywood’s Hard Rock Casino, the many beaches and clubs of Miami and shopping of Pembroke Pines.

A Growing Community

Miramar was first incorporated in the 1950’s and has grown quite a lot over the past half century. It went from having only 2 square miles to over 30 today. Over the last decade alone, the population has grown significantly, with today’s population being over 109,000 residents. Families will like Miramar as well, as a large portion of the city’s population is made up of young couples with children.

Just the Facts

When deciding whether to choose Miramar over one of the many Miami apartment rentals out there, it is important to have some facts about the area. While rental rates are listed as being above the average in Florida, home values and average incomes are higher as well. The city also boasts a lower crime rate and newer homes. It’s also home to a wide variety of public and private schools for children of all grade levels.

Local Entertainment

So, now that you know some facts about the area, you’re probably wondering: what is there to do here? Well, Miramar has over twenty different parks within its borders, offering plenty of opportunities to get some sun and fresh air. There is also a civic Center in the area featuring a variety of events and activities. One annual activity is holiday-related. A large tree is decorated and lit up each year in November. Dancing and music are also included in the festivities, provided by the communities schools. You can get some more information about that by visiting the city’s website at http://www.ci.miramar.fl.us/. You can also get information about community services, job opportunities and contact numbers for most of the departments you would need to get in touch with. The city even offers special rec passes for a reasonable price that allow you to take advantage of classes and exercise facilities.

Another thing people look at when looking at Miami condos for rent is the local shopping. Miramar has plenty of places close by to enjoy. One of the big ones in the Pembroke Lakes Mall. Located only a short drive away, the mall features a variety of clothing stores, department stores and food. There is even a Sears optical center located inside the mall. They city also has the Palmetto By Pass Shopping Center and Miramar Shopping Center.

Let’s Eat

Finally, you may be wondering what dining options are in the area. Miramar has a little of everything from American to Italian, Chinese and more. There is the Thai Noodle House, Antonio’s Pizzeria and even a Blimpie’s Subs for those looking for something a little healthier.

Posted in Moving to Miami, News, Resources for Renters | Leave a comment

Filling Rentals During the Holidays

Posted on November 30, 2010 by admin

Trying to fill rental homes (or sell them for that matter) can be difficult. This is especially true when the market isn’t favorable. Still, it is possible to sell or rent during the holiday season- you just need to put a little extra effort in. Whether you are looking for a long-term commitment or just to sub-lease during your holiday travels, here are some things to keep in mind.

The First Impression

No matter what time of year you are trying to fill your Miami apartment rentals, you can never underestimate the importance of putting together a good advertisement. Your ad is the first thing many of your prospective tenants will see and you want to make the right first impression. Be sure any pictures you use show your house in the best light possible. Make sure to emphasize any features or amenities prospective tenants would like, especially if you are offering something the other buildings/homes in your area do not. Make sure you also take full advantage of free online advertising and, most importantly, word-of-mouth. If you have great tenants who are willing to spread the word, consider offering them discounts or sending them a gift as a way of saying thank you.

Setting a Mood

So, now you have advertised your home/apartment and it is time to start showing it off. If the unit is currently occupied and you’ve gotten the ok to show it off, make sure your tenants have made it look as neat and neutral as possible. For empty units, you will want to make it as inviting as possible. Many experts have suggested putting up a tree or some lights to get potential tenants into the holiday spirit. Having a (supervised) fire lit or cookies baking are other suggestions experts have to make a house as homey and inviting as possible. Just be sure that whatever decorations/lights you use are as understated as possible. For example, a huge inflatable cartoon character on the front yard is likely to overshadow the great qualities your rental has, while some tasteful lights and a warm fire can enhance them. Again, you want them to be able to envision themselves celebrating the holiday in your unit.

Enticing Attractions

Another great way to attract long-term and short-term renters is to point out any wonderful events or attractions the area has to offer at this time of year. Miami has Santa’s Enchanted Forest, a theme park that runs from November to January every year. There is also the Orange Bowl Parade and other similar events. More specifically, does your neighborhood have a community center that puts on holiday pageants? Are there special holiday events at your local mall? Make sure that is mentioned at some point, especially when showing to a family.

Finally, you might want to consider offering special discounts to those looking at your Miami condos for rent during the holiday season. People are already short of cash at this time of year, so a small break in the rent for the holiday season might help make the decision to move a little easier.

Posted in News, Resources for Property Managers | Leave a comment

Preparing for Tax Time

Posted on November 29, 2010 by admin

It’s an inevitable fact: every year, we need to take a trip to the accountant or a place like H&R Block to get our taxes done. When you own Miami apartment rentals, there are extra things you will need to deal with and think about throughout the year. New landlord especially may have many concerns. You may be wondering about deductions and tax breaks available. Continue on to get some tips that will help you throughout the year.

For the Record

One of the most essential things when dealing with the IRS is documentation. They will want to see a written record of every expense you’ve had as well as what you have made from your rental properties. Make sure you have kept good records throughout the year and have them neatly filed where you will be able to find them quickly. You will also need to keep these documents on hand for at least five years, as the IRS may want to see your old records in the event of an audit. Consider getting a fire and water proof container to keep these and other important documents in so you can be sure they will stay safe if disaster strikes. It’s a good idea to have computer back-ups as well. Just make sure your computer has a virus protection program and firewall installed.

Knowledge is Power

Just as you might keep up with local real estate trends or building codes, you should be reading up on the financial aspects of owning rental homes. There are always new tax laws being passed that will have an impact on you. Even the financial reform laws recently put into place have ramifications for landlords. The more information you have, the better prepared you will be come tax time. You might even consider signing up for a tax preparation course once a year to keep as up-to-date as possible. Many tax preparation companies offer these courses for little or no money. If you feel comfortable with doing so, you can even earn extra income doing taxes for these companies.

Looking for Deductions

Anyone filing taxes wants to know what they can deduct. The more deductions you are able to take, the more money you will get back at the end of the year. For some, it will reduce the amount you have to pay out. Landlords have a number of things that are deductible. Losses from having empty units are one possibility. You may also be able to deduct repairs, travel and property taxes as well as other similar expenses. Just make sure you have well-documented each deduction you are taking and you have run all the paperwork by a tax professional to ensure you are deducting these items properly. This is especially true for travel expenses. They may also be able to point you to some new ones you may not have heard of yet.

Whether you own Miami condo rentals, a single-family home or multiple properties you, as a landlord, will have to file taxes on that income at the end of the year. Following these tips will

Posted in News, Resources for Property Managers | Leave a comment

Key Biscayne Guide

Posted on November 26, 2010 by admin

One of the things that makes South Florida attractive to people looking for rental homes is the weather and the beaches. Visitors and residents alike enjoy spending time on the beach and enjoying the different events that the area has to offer. For people who really love the water, there is Key Biscayne.

The official name is the Village of Key Biscayne. It’s an island connected to the rest of Miami by the Rickenbacker Causeway. Key Biscayne was first settled back in the 1940s, although it didn’t end up becoming an official city until 1991. It’s incorporation made it the first city to be established in Miami-Dade in over half a century. The newly incorporated city faced a tough challenge almost right away with the arrival of Hurricane Andrew. The storm caused massive flooding and damage. To this day, the area is one of the first to be evacuated when a storm threatens.

People looking in Key Biscayne when looking for Miami Apartments rentals will find a smaller, quiet type of place that is family-friendly. There were over 10,000 residents as of a few years ago and quite a few of them were married couples or families. The population growth was creating a concern for residents, so changes were made to avoid excessive condo development, ensuring the area doesn’t get too crowded.

Residents and visitors to the area have a wide variety of events and attractions to enjoy. One of the big ones is the Cape Florida Lighthouse.The area is also home to Crandon Beach Park and The Key Biscayne Community Center. The center has a gym, pool and more available to enjoy. Some other popular pastimes in the area include biking, rollerblading and water sports. You are also close by Coco Walk, Bayside Market Place and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens if you choose to take a day trip. The village’s website, http://www.keybiscayne.fl.gov/, provides a full events calendar. You can also find information about jobs, community services and how the city is going green.

The village of Key Biscayne also features a wide variety of restaurants that cater to almost any taste. Being an island famous for its Beaches, there are plenty of seafood places such as Boater’s Grill and Chief’s Seafood. There are also Cuban places (La Carreta), Health Food (Key to Health), Chinese (Two Dragons) and more. There’s also a Subway for those who want a sandwich fast and a Winn Dixie.

Another attractive feature to Key Biscayne is the shopping. There is an art gallery, bike shops and clothing stores. Given the area, it’s also no surprise that there are plenty of photography shops there as well for people who want to capture the scenery. There are also plenty of clothing stores and salons in the area as well as places for new residents to get furniture and have their homes decorated.

If living in a relatively quiet and active beach town appeals to you, you might want to check out the Village of Key Biscayne instead of Miami Condo rentals.

Posted in Moving to Miami, News, Resources for Renters | Leave a comment