The way we judge what makes a good credit score is starting to change, especially with VantageScore becoming more popular, so it’s important to understand that the credit reports you receive from tenants might contain different information than you’re used to. First, you must check the report to determine of the three-digit number was determined… Read more »
Credit Check: Deciphering FICO vs Vantage Scores
As a landlord and business owner, you’ve likely become intimately acquainted with credit checks, credit scores and credit bureaus. That means you’re probably aware that the bureaus designed and released their own proprietary scoring model called the Vantage Score. While most lenders and property owners are still using FICO scores to determine an individual’s credit,… Read more »
Housing Bubbles and the National Vacancy Rate
As we’re sure you’ve noticed, we’re currently going through a confusing period for housing, the economy, and business in general. Many economists are predicting that housing bubbles will burst in the near future, which means we may see homes lose value. More importantly for renters and landlords, however, is the National Vacancy Rate and what… Read more »
Why You Should Screen All a Unit’s Occupants
When you’re selecting tenants to occupy your rental units, it’s a given that you want to make sure you’re finding the best match for your property. That’s why many landlords choose to do extensive tenant screening for background checks, credit scores, eviction history, criminal history, and more. It’s important to know who’s going to be… Read more »
What to Expect From Millennials When Renting Your Property
At this point, it’s no secret: millennials are becoming the “Renter Generation.” More and more people born in the 80s and 90s are choosing to rent rather than purchase a home, often because home prices are so astronomically expensive, but also because renting better suits their lifestyle and needs. This means you have a ready… Read more »
What Constitutes a Service Dog?
As a landlord, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that you might receive an application from a renter who uses a service dog. Legally, it’s important for you to understand what a service dog is, what it does, and how it affects you under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing… Read more »
Why It’s Important to Check Tenant ID
There are a number of tips that seem like a given when you’re in the landlord game: find tenants who will pay rent regularly and maintain your property, have an emergency repairman’s number available at all times, and make sure to check an applicant’s ID. Surprisingly, many of these things are easier said than done…. Read more »
See How Perspective Tenants Live: Visiting Previous Residences
One of the biggest challenges facing landlords is finding the right tenants for their property. Once you have a steady stream of applicants rolling in, you no longer have to worry about getting your units filled, you have to worry about filling them with responsible and respectful renters. It’s important to have a good idea… Read more »
Things to Look for in a Rental Property
So you’re looking to invest in rental property. Congratulations! Becoming a landlord and rental property owner is a big step, and one that can be very rewarding and lucrative. Before you make the leap, there are a number of very important factors to consider when selecting the property you’d like to purchase. Here are the… Read more »
What Young People Look For In Rentals
If your property is located in an area that’s popular with younger renters, you’ve probably wondered if it’s a market you should tap into. College towns and cities are two areas full of younger rental markets, and if you’re interested in making your property appealing to them, there are several things you should know about… Read more »