Latest Posts
Essentials to Keep in Your Emergency Kit
Let’s face it: You can’t predict the future. That’s why having a fully stocked emergency kit is so important. No matter the time of year, it’s always better to play it safe. Would you and your family be prepared, just in case? Putting essential supplies together doesn’t have to be a chore and can even…
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The True Value of a Real Estate Agent
RentLife® Property Management in Houston, Texas, has a wealth of information online; many of today’s consumers are incredibly knowledgeable about the home buying and selling process. Add in the desire to save — or make — as much money as possible, and it’s easy to see why you might be tempted to pass on hiring…
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4 Upgrades to Enhance Your Outdoor Space
4 Upgrades to Enhance Your Outdoor Space How have you been spending your summer? Have you been tending to your garden, grilling dinner on the patio, or taking dips in the pool? No matter what your property offers or how you and your family like to spend your free time, there’s almost always something you…
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8 Rental Property Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
8 Rental Property Insurance Mistakes to Avoid Not having the proper property insurance: Many real estate investors consider insurance a necessary evil. The truth is that insurance is essential and can certainly be evil if you do not have the right protection. Investor insurance is inherently more complex and much less standardized than the average…
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7 Real Estate Investment Mistakes
7 Real Estate Investment Mistakes Are you hiring a real estate sales agent to manage your property? Even though an agent may be perfectly qualified to sell you a home, they certainly don’t specialize in property management. Many agents are unaware of the specific legal policies that could cost you thousands of dollars when a…
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10 Questions To Ask The Property Manager
Here are some of the best questions to determine which property management company is best for you. How long have you been managing rental properties? Always choose a company with experience. You do not want to make a mistake and hire someone who is going to be learning with your investment property and tenants. Experienced…
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Looks Can Be Deceiving –The Importance of Applicant Background Screening
If you own a rental property, chances are you fall into one of two groups –experienced investor or “unexpected landlord.” Right now, let’s focus on the latter –the “unexpected landlord.” What exactly does that mean? Unexpected landlords are those who aren’t in the business of buying, renting, and selling investment properties. Perhaps you’re managing property…
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How do I Evict a Tenant in Houston, Texas? What mistakes to avoid?
By Mark A. Kallus, MPM®, RMP®, TRPM®, TRLS® at RentLife® Property Management What is the biggest reason someone avoids owning a rental property? “What happens if my tenant doesn’t pay rent?” This is a question we get asked a lot when being interviewed by a Prospective Owner who is about to buy his/her first…
Read MoreWear and Tear vs. Damages
Security deposits can be used to repair damage for which a resident is responsible. However, the landlord cannot apply the security deposit to normal wear and tear. The question is: “What’s the difference?” NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR DEFINED The legal definition of “normal wear and tear” as stated in the Texas Property Code Title 8.…
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