Remember even if you don't know about something and it comes back later guess who is responsible for knowing all of this, you the realtor.Here are the most frequent claims made against realtors, fraud, negligence, breach of contract, breach of duty, misrepresentation regarding floods or leaks, misrepresentation regarding the value of property, misrepresentation regarding the condition of the property, consumer protection act, bodily injury, property damage and earnest or escrow disputes.How do you protect yourself as a real estate professional, take a look at what I offer as in legal service, some people compare this to insurance, I say its more of an assurance so you can worry less and live more.

thanks for your posts. i fortunately have been able to work with the tenant with the help of an attorney. he's moving out by feb 28th and I'm cautiously optimistic it will be peaceful and with minimal damage. thank you again. kim

This is our method for addressing homes damaged by smoking and/or pets.

Currently I do both but am trying to find my own niche here's my opinions I like owning outright because no stressful bills like bank hassles or if something goes wrong finances aren't as tight because you own the property and higher cashflow based on expenses but the other side is I'm in a lower income bracket so you get higher vacancies complaints and damages.

It is fair to both, and they actually only feel one month because the deposit covers the second month (assuming they didn't damage the place).

I have them look everything over well and if its scratched or damaged just change it out.

This is also great for cigarette odor damaged homes.

You say the lower 4 inches or so is damaged; sounds like some vinyl cove base or a baseboard could help to cover that up.

This does not apply to the heater.In general, look for signs of water damage.

In our lease we have a stipulation that upon moving out the tenant will be entitled to the SD when all of the following is completed:the property is clean, no damage found except for wear and tear, tenants have given 60 days written notice about moving out and they cooperated with the LL/PM to show the property to prospective tenants.