How to Attract Families to Your Rental Properties | Resident First Focus

How to Attract Families to Your Rental Properties | Resident First Focus

However, you ultimately decide to go about attracting tenants, remember this one thing: discriminating against households with children is 100% illegal. Make sure you understand all local, state, and federal laws as you advertise, screen, and select tenants for your rental properties.

6 Ways to Boost the Curb Appeal at Multifamily Properties | Resident First Focus

6 Ways to Boost the Curb Appeal at Multifamily Properties | Resident First Focus

Now that it’s the busy summer season, with budget season around the corner, and people will be spending more time outside—so there’s no better time to invest in a few low-cost improvements to boost your multifamily property’s curb appeal. The time and money spend on projects like these can translate into even more significant gains when you consider the impact it will have on finding (and retaining!) high-quality residents over time.

Ways to Better Manage Cash Flow at Small Multifamily Properties | Resident First Focus

Ways to Better Manage Cash Flow at Small Multifamily Properties | Resident First Focus

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to preserving cash flow at small properties—and your ability to protect cash flow can ultimately make or break your investment.

What to Know About Squatters’ Rights | Resident First Focus

What to Know About Squatters’ Rights | Resident First Focus

Prevention is always the best strategy, but sometimes even the most cautious of landlords can’t stop unwelcome visitors from camping out. If you find a squatter on your property, call an attorney and be sure to follow all local procedures for eviction as laws inconspicuously vary from mild to wild in various states.

11 Things to Consider Before Renting to Someone with Pets | Resident First Focus

11 Things to Consider Before Renting to Someone with Pets | Resident First Focus

Apartment owners already have a lot to consider because home is where pets find loving care. Adding pets into the mix can seem like an unnecessary complication. However, in our experience, pets can be an excellent addition to your property if policies are laid out clearly and managed adequately.

Off-Campus Student Housing Market Reaching Peak Popularity | Resident First Focus

Off-Campus Student Housing Market Reaching Peak Popularity | Resident First Focus

Before you run out and buy the closest multifamily property near your local college or university, consider the unique challenges landlords face when renting off-campus student housing.

Tips for Managing Residents' Security Deposits | Resident First Focus

Tips for Managing Residents' Security Deposits | Resident First Focus

Actively communicate with residents throughout their tenancy, and set expectations from the outset. Who’s responsible for what maintenance and repairs? Who pays which bills? Managers should keep lines of communication open – especially if there’s any sign of property damage or if they start to have concerns about a resident’s activity.

A Real Estate Tax “Loophole” That Isn’t Really a Loophole After All | Resident First Focus

A Real Estate Tax “Loophole” That Isn’t Really a Loophole After All | Resident First Focus

Taxes are complicated. One of the reasons so many people enjoy investing in real estate is because of its tax advantages. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your CPA to understand how to take advantage of these tax “loopholes” – that, as we’ve seen here today, aren’t really “loopholes” after all!

Growing Rental Market for Those Aged 55+ | Resident First Focus

Growing Rental Market for Those Aged 55+ | Resident First Focus

So, why does all of this matter for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors? We aren’t just throwing data at you for the sake of wading through data! Instead, we hope you’ll use this data to capitalize on shifting demographic needs and changes. If you’re located in a market that’s expected to experience an uptick in renters aged 55+, consider making property improvements tailored to these residents.

How to Help Your Property Compete with New Construction | Resident First Focus

How to Help Your Property Compete with New Construction | Resident First Focus

At the end of the day – DON’T STRESS OUT. Remember that there will always be competition for renters and embrace the challenge! Housing is something people will always need. Now it’s up to you to position yours as the housing they want.

Things to Consider Before Allowing Marijuana Use at Your Property | Resident First Focus

Things to Consider Before Allowing Marijuana Use at Your Property | Resident First Focus

An experienced property manager will be well-versed in these regulations and can help keep you protected. Laws regarding marijuana use and discrimination can be a lot for new landlords or homeowners’ associations to wrap their heads around, particularly as the regulatory environment continues to change.

How to Add Value by Adding Amenities to Smaller Apartment Communities | Resident First Focus

How to Add Value by Adding Amenities to Smaller Apartment Communities | Resident First Focus

As you can see, there are many ways for landlords and property managers to integrate amenities into smaller apartments communities. Best yet, these don’t require spending a fortune. The majority of these amenities are low-cost additions that will add value to a property and help lure (and keep) residents who may have otherwise moved to a larger apartment community for the amenities they tend to offer.

Key Performance Metrics Every Real Estate Investor Should Track | Resident First Focus

Key Performance Metrics Every Real Estate Investor Should Track | Resident First Focus

Data collection may seem burdensome, but it’s highly essential to the success of your real estate portfolio. Collect data, benchmark your performance against both previous years AND your competitors, and then adjust as needed to improve the value of your portfolio.

Why You Should Consider Doing a Cost Segregation Study | Resident First Focus

Why You Should Consider Doing a Cost Segregation Study | Resident First Focus

However, what if you could depreciate components of your rental property faster? What if you could amortize some pieces of property in as little as five years, saving thousands of dollars a year in the process?

Thinking of Investing in “Turnkey” Rentals? Proceed with Caution | Resident First Focus

Thinking of Investing in “Turnkey” Rentals? Proceed with Caution | Resident First Focus

Several third-party “turnkey” providers have sprung up recently to meet increased demand. However, is this a wise investment strategy, or is it all just a cleverly marketed gimmick?

Understanding Real Estate Appraisals—and How You can Influence Them | Resident First Focus

Understanding Real Estate Appraisals—and How You can Influence Them | Resident First Focus

An appraisal is an act or process of developing an opinion of value. The valuation process is a systematic procedure that an independent appraiser follows to answer a client’s question about real property value (usually, market value). A real estate appraisal is also commonly referred to as a “property valuation.”

Investment Strategies: Should You Buy Class A in Secondary Markets or Class B in Primary Markets? | Resident First Focus

Investment Strategies: Should You Buy Class A in Secondary Markets or Class B in Primary Markets? | Resident First Focus

Here’s What the Research Says out of MIT’s Center for Real Estate Development.

How to Invest in Real Estate by Tapping Your 401K or IRA | Resident First Focus

How to Invest in Real Estate by Tapping Your 401K or IRA | Resident First Focus

What most people don’t realize is that this isn’t an either-or dilemma. You can use both your 401k and individual retirement account (IRA) to invest in real estate.

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Long-Distance Real Estate | Resident First Focus

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Long-Distance Real Estate | Resident First Focus

Alternative markets are where real estate investments require less upfront capital while still generating strong returns.

Five Tax Write-Offs that Landlords Should be Aware of this Tax Season | Resident First Focus

Five Tax Write-Offs that Landlords Should be Aware of this Tax Season | Resident First Focus

Property owners often overlook many of the tax deductions available to them. Most are so laser-focused on the mortgage interest deduction and depreciation that they miss other write-offs in the process. This year, make it a priority to maximize your investment’s full potential by taking as many deductions as possible.