All Forum Posts by: Alec Barnes

Hello Everyone,

I am considering leaving a gift or a couple items for new tenants upon move-in as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill. Have any of you included a gift basket or welcome kit for your new tenants to begin a positive relationship from the start?

I'm interested in hearing about your experiences and whether you've found this to be beneficial in establishing a good relationship with your tenants. What types of gifts or items have you found to be most appreciated or effective? And for those who don't do this, what are your reasons or concerns about doing so?

Hello Pat,

Referrals are very important when growing your business. Make sure to network with local investors, real estate agents and firms. Creating relationships with realtors and getting on vendor lists will help bring in business. I take donuts to at least two firms a week and speak with the agents in the office to see how I can help them with their business and grow new relationships. Good Luck!

Hello Leslie,

If the applicant does not even make twice the monthly rental amount, I would deny them. You are 100% correct - Just because your previous tenant was great does not mean that their friend will be. I would be cautious when accepting the full years rental amount in advance. Hope this helps!

Hello Damion,

It may be tempting to sign up for an online course, but I strongly suggest taking a course that is in person. You should be able to find night or weekend classes. Taking the licensing course in person will allow you to network and form a study group, which will be beneficial long term. Good Luck!

Hello Dan! I work for a full service PM company in Charlotte, NC. I would love to connect and see if we would be a great fit!

Hello Alex,

Does your lease contain an early termination clause? It depends on the lease that was signed, but I have commonly seen a lease break fee equivalent to 2 months worth the rental amount and a 60 or 30 day notice in addition to that. I hope this helps!

Congratulations on getting your license! Make sure you join a firm that is clear on the training and guidance you will be receiving. It is helpful to speak with some of the agents that belong to the firm that you are interested in joining as well! Good Luck!

During my time working in single family and multifamily property management, it was very common for me to experience scammers who would apply sight unseen with an ASAP move in. A good way to weed out some of the scammers is to hold the move in date a week or so to see if the application fees bounce. Did you verify income?

After you have compared comps and are determining the pricing for a rental property, what improvements impact the rental amount the most in your opinion? 

Just a couple that I have thought of: Updating countertops and appliances in Kitchen, new deck/patio, new flooring/carpet.

Hello Aaron,

I work in Property Management around Charlotte (mainly within the 485 loop) and would love too connect with you. Feel free to message me privately if you would be interested in speaking!