Property Maintenance and Repairs – Advice for Landlords

Property Maintenance and Repairs – Advice for Landlords Owning and managing rental properties is an excellent way to earn passive income. However, the responsibilities that come with it can be overwhelming at times. One of the most significant challenges is ensuring that the property is well-maintained, and repairs are done in a timely manner. Neglecting your property can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs down the road. In this article, we’ll share some tips for landlords on how to maintain their rental properties and minimize repair costs. Make a Property Maintenance Checklist A property maintenance checklist is essential to ensure that you are taking care of all the necessary repairs and maintenance tasks. Creating a checklist helps you stay organized, save time, and money. The checklist should include regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters, checking for leaks, and replacing air filters. You should also include the frequency of each task to keep you on track. Perform Regular Inspections Performing regular inspections is critical to maintaining your rental property. Inspections help you identify any potential problems before they turn into major issues. Regular inspections should include checking for leaks, examining the roof, and testing smoke detectors. During inspections, document any issues and take necessary action. Address Repairs Promptly Addressing repairs promptly is essential to keep your tenants happy and protect your investment. When tenants report issues, make sure to address them as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can lead to more significant problems, and in some cases, it could be a violation of tenant rights. Work with trusted contractors who can respond promptly to repair requests. Schedule Preventative Maintenance Preventative maintenance is a proactive approach to reduce repair costs and avoid costly emergencies. Examples of preventative maintenance tasks include cleaning the gutters, changing air filters, and servicing HVAC systems. Preventative maintenance can also include pest control, which can help prevent infestations. Choose Quality Materials When making repairs or replacing items in your rental property, choose quality materials. Quality materials will last longer, reduce the frequency of repairs, and save you money in the long run. Low-quality materials may be cheaper upfront, but they can lead to more significant issues, and you’ll end up spending more on repairs. Work with a Property Management Company Working with a property management company can help you take care of your rental property effectively. A good property management company will provide you with a team of professionals who can handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. A property management company can also help you save money by negotiating contracts with contractors and suppliers. Conclusion Maintaining your rental property is a critical part of being a landlord. Keeping up with regular maintenance, repairs, and inspections can be time-consuming and challenging, but it’s an essential part of protecting your investment. By using the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your rental property is in good condition and minimize repair costs. Remember to work with a trusted property management company to take care of everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
Marketing and Advertising for Landlords and Property Managers

Marketing and Advertising for Landlords and Property Managers Marketing and advertising are critical aspects of being a landlord or property manager. The success of your business largely depends on your ability to attract tenants and keep your properties occupied. With so many options for advertising and marketing, it can be overwhelming to determine the best strategies. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective methods for marketing your properties and attracting potential tenants. Importance of Marketing and Advertising for Properties As a landlord or property manager, marketing and advertising are crucial to attract tenants and ensure the profitability of your properties. Effective marketing strategies can help you differentiate your properties from competitors, appeal to your target audience, and ultimately lead to higher occupancy rates and increased revenue. Utilizing Social Media for Property Marketing Social media is an increasingly popular marketing tool that landlords and property managers can utilize to reach potential tenants. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help you showcase your properties to a wider audience, promote your brand, and engage with potential tenants. To use social media effectively, create a business page for your properties and share high-quality photos and videos that highlight the best features of your properties. You can also share information about your community, such as nearby attractions, events Marketing and advertising are critical components of a successful rental property business. In today’s digital age, effective marketing strategies can help attract potential tenants and increase demand for your properties. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Coastal Real Estate, we understand the importance of marketing and advertising, and we’re committed to helping our clients find the best tenants for their properties. In this article, we’ll share some effective strategies for marketing your rental properties and attracting high-quality tenants. Using Social Media to Promote Your Properties Social media is an essential tool for marketing your rental properties. With billions of people using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, these platforms offer a vast potential audience for your properties. By creating a strong social media presence and promoting your properties, you can attract potential tenants and generate leads. One effective social media strategy is to create a professional business page on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Here, you can showcase your properties and post updates about available units, upcoming open houses, and other relevant information. You can also use these platforms to create targeted ads to reach potential tenants based on demographics and interests. Listing Your Properties on Online Platforms Another essential tool for marketing your rental properties is online listing sites. Websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com offer a vast audience of potential tenants looking for rental properties. By listing your properties on these sites, you can reach a broad audience and generate leads. To make your properties stand out on these sites, it’s essential to create detailed and informative listings. Include high-quality photos of the property, a comprehensive description of the amenities and features, and relevant information like rental rates, lease terms, and move-in dates. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for potential tenants to find and consider your properties. Partnering with Local Businesses and Organizations Partnering with local businesses and organizations can also be an effective way to market your properties. For example, if you have rental properties in a college town, you could partner with the local university to promote your properties to students. You could also work with local businesses, like restaurants, gyms, or retail stores, to offer discounts or other incentives to your tenants. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, you can expand your reach and generate interest in your properties. You can also create a sense of community and provide added value for your tenants, which can help increase tenant retention rates. Creating a Professional Website for Your Business In addition to social media and online listing sites, having a professional website for your rental property business can help attract potential tenants and establish credibility. Your website should include detailed information about your business and the properties you manage, including photos, descriptions, and pricing information. Your website should also include contact information and a clear call-to-action for potential tenants. You may also want to consider incorporating a blog on your website where you can share news and information related to your business and the rental property industry. Working with a Professional Property Management Company Finally, if you’re looking for a more hands-off approach to marketing and managing your rental properties, working with a professional property management company can be a smart choice. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Coastal Real Estate, we offer comprehensive property management services, including marketing and advertising, tenant screening, lease preparation, and maintenance and repair coordination. By partnering with a professional property management company, you can save time and reduce the stress associated with managing rental properties. Our team has the experience and expertise to help you attract high-quality tenants, ensure compliance with local and state laws, and maximize the return on your investment. In conclusion, for any landlord or property manager wanting to find and keep great renters, marketing and promotion are essential components. You may increase the visibility of your homes and appeal to a larger audience by putting into practice a diverse marketing approach that makes use of a variety of channels, including social media, listing websites, and local advertising. It’s crucial to keep in mind that good marketing includes more than just publishing a listing online; it calls for a considered and strategic strategy that takes into account your target demographic and the distinctive features of your homes. You can attract the best tenants and establish long-lasting relationships that are advantageous to both you and your tenants by making the effort to develop a solid marketing strategy. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5
How to Approach Your Landlord About Minor Renovations in Myrtle Beach
How to Approach Your Landlord About Minor Renovations Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant As a tenant living in Myrtle Beach, it is natural to want to personalize your rental property to make it feel like home. However, before making any changes to the property, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as to communicate effectively with your landlord. If you are considering minor renovations to your rental property, this article will help guide you through the process and provide tips on how to approach your landlord about making changes. First and foremost, it is important to understand that as a tenant, you do not have the right to make changes to the rental property without the landlord’s permission. This includes both major and minor renovations. However, minor renovations, such as painting the walls or installing shelves, can often be negotiated with the landlord. When it comes to approaching your landlord about minor renovations, the key is to communicate effectively and professionally. Here are some tips to help you get started: Review Your Lease Agreement Before making any changes to the rental property, it is important to review your lease agreement. Your lease agreement should outline the terms and conditions of your tenancy, including any restrictions on making changes to the property. If your lease agreement prohibits making any changes to the property, then you may need to consider alternative options, such as temporarily decorating the space with removable items, such as wall decals or furniture covers. Prepare a Proposal Before approaching your landlord, it is essential to prepare a proposal outlining the changes you would like to make and why you believe they would benefit both you and the property. Your proposal should include the following information: A detailed description of the proposed changes An estimated cost of the renovations Any potential risks or disadvantages of the changes A timeline for completion Choose the Right Time to Talk When it comes to discussing minor renovations with your landlord, timing is everything. It is essential to choose a time when your landlord is likely to be available and in a good mood. Avoid making the request during a busy time, such as the end of the month when rent is due, or during a stressful time, such as when the landlord is dealing with a difficult tenant issue. Use Professional Communication When communicating with your landlord, it is essential to use professional and respectful language. This includes avoiding any negative or confrontational language, and using a calm and friendly tone. Your landlord is more likely to be receptive to your request if they feel that you are respectful and understanding of their perspective. Offer to Share the Cost If your landlord agrees to your proposal, it is often helpful to offer to share the cost of the renovations. This shows that you are committed to the changes and are willing to invest in the property. It also helps to reduce the financial burden on the landlord and demonstrates that you are responsible and considerate. Be Prepared for Rejection It is important to remember that your landlord may not agree to your proposal, even if it is well-intentioned. If this happens, it is essential to accept their decision and respect their position. While it may be disappointing, it is important to maintain a positive relationship with your landlord and avoid any negative or confrontational behavior. In conclusion, making minor renovations to your rental property in Myrtle Beach can be a great way to personalize your space and make it feel like home. However, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as to communicate effectively with your landlord. By following these tips and approaching the process with professionalism and respect, you are more likely to have a positive outcome and enjoy your updated rental property. If you are unsure about your rights as a tenant or need help communicating with your landlord, consider reaching out to a real estate professional at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Coastal Real Estate. Our experienced agents can provide you with valuable guidance and support, helping to ensure a positive outcome for both you and your landlord. In addition, our agents have extensive knowledge of the local rental market in Myrtle Beach, and can help you find the perfect rental property to meet your needs and budget. Whether you are looking for a spacious apartment, a cozy cottage, or a luxurious beachfront home, we can help you find the ideal rental property in Myrtle Beach. If you are ready to start your search for the perfect rental property in Myrtle Beach, contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Coastal Real Estate today. Our experienced agents will work with you every step of the way, providing you with the support and guidance you need to find the perfect home for you and your family. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
8 Things People with Always Clean Bedrooms Do

Do you currently have a bedroom floor covered with stacks of clothes? How about laundry baskets that are still filled with clutter from the last time you cleaned up before inviting guests using the laundry basket method? Same here, I agree. With good reason, bedrooms are undoubtedly the most private areas in homes and are rarely visited by guests. As a result, they frequently receive less attention and effort when it comes to cleaning. But bedrooms have a significant role in encouraging slumber. The moment you enter this area, whether it is at the end of the day or in the morning, you should feel as though you are entering a warm, comforting hug, giving you the signal to relax and let the day go. Your bedroom must be clutter-free and spotless if you want it to be an oasis. Here are some tips from those who maintain their bedrooms spotless all the time: Clear off nightstands every morning. Your nightstand can rapidly fill up with mementos of your bedtime activities, whether you read in bed, journal before going to sleep, or enjoy a cup of tea to relax. Perhaps you may want to sip on one of nice very special flavors of tea, including South Carolina’s original American Classic Tea. This is the only brand of tea in the world that is made exclusively with 100% tea grown in America. Make it a strict morning ritual to clean off your nightstand. Straighten your book (or books; just don’t let them build up), tidy up your diary, try to store things in a drawer or on a shelf, and, most importantly, bring your tea mug into the kitchen. Make the bed every morning. This is yet another inflexible. The bedroom equivalent of leaving the bed unmade is to leave a dirty dish in the sink rather than cleaning it or putting it in the dishwasher. Keep in mind that cleanliness breeds cleanliness and that mess breeds mess. You’re much less inclined to throw garments on the floor if your bed is made up beautifully. Have a designated place for already-worn clothes. You’ve begun a pile as soon as you leave one piece of clothing lying about on the floor. Return any clothing that you try on but ultimately decide not to wear (or perhaps place it in a charity box?). Decide once and for all what you will do with worn-out clothing that hasn’t yet been washed, and then place the clothing that needs to be washed in the hamper. Stick to a routine for washing sheets. Designate one day a week for washing your sheets and you’ll never again have to wonder when the last time was. Clean sheets are important for your health because they reduce allergens and bacteria and feel so good. Schedule bedroom deep cleaning tasks. Again, because your bedroom is rarely seen to others, it is simple to neglect deep cleaning it. However, you should get to benefit from a spotless room. To ensure that your bedroom receives the care it requires, schedule thorough cleaning jobs that are specialized to bedrooms, such as cleaning the blinds, washing the curtains, polishing wooden furniture, and replacing pillows. Dust and vacuum weekly. As important as infrequent deep cleaning is, regular cleaning also makes deep cleaning easier. Weekly floor cleaning should be completed after dusting all surfaces, including vacuuming and/or mopping (including plants). Don’t allow the bedroom to become a storage space. Promise to store the goods where they belong if you throw them in your bedroom to keep them out of public spaces. Make decluttering a regular part of your bedroom maintenance routine, whether it be once a day or once a week. Your bedroom will never get out of control with a frequent reset. Unpack within a day of arriving home. When you return from a trip, throw your clothing right into the washer to capitalize on the momentum. Prior to staying at your house for 24 hours, set a goal to empty your suitcases. This will prevent you from leaving a mess of strewn-about bags and questionably clean apparel. Another example of how to avoid having one issue lead to another is this. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
Spice Up a Dated Apartment

This Renter Added Warm Paint Colors to Spice Up a Dated Apartment Location: Silver Spring, Maryland Type of home: Apartment Size: 900 square feet Years lived in 1 year, renting Credit: Deborah Rouse In Silver Spring, MD, you will find a quaint 900-square-foot apartment that exudes warmth and a cozy sense of a “Home Sweet Home” feeling. When the tenant initially moved in, this apartment wasn’t her favorite because the walls and windows gave the impression that the building was built in the 1950s. The addition of paint, artwork, and plants had a profound impact. She was hesitant to paint the walls as much as she did but her apartment has changed from a place she tolerated to one that she now enjoys. Being artistic and somewhat of an introvert, she loved orange and art her entire life. She’s naturally drawn to this color and states that it makes her feel so peaceful. It has a cozy quality, character, and spice. She has incorporated it in the color scheme of the flat even though it may be excessive for other people. The plants perfectly match the hue she feels, plus she adores the striking contrast. What room is her favorite, and why? By far, the living room is her favorite because she is able to be the most creative there, and she spends most of her time there. It’s also a lovely spot to be when the sun shines on the plants and walls at 4:00 in the afternoon. What was the latest item you purchased (or discovered!) for your house? The Moroccan Berber rug she bought for the main room is the last thing I purchased. She exclaimed that it was love at first sight when she stumbled upon it while browsing. The room was greatly warmed by it, and she says that it is also really attractive to look at. Any suggestions for building a house you love? Whatever gives you comfort and contentment, put that in there. Take the time to design a place where you feel secure and happy since your home must be your haven. Credit: Deborah Rouse Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
Painted Mural Arches: Give Them Something to Talk About!
Move Over, Arches: This Is The Throwback Painted Mural Trend Design Nerds Will Be Talking About All Year Perhaps you’ve noticed a return to more conventional, opulent rooms in interior design, as evidenced by the abundance of homes with board-and-batten walls, grand Persian rugs, classic plaid upholstery, and crown and picture frame molding in your social media feeds and favorite magazine pages. Homes with original character have long been prized, but the property market and many of the home improvements right now on Instagram and TikTok seem to be reflecting a newfound regard for historic elements. Renters are joining the trend in various ways, and homeowners who have upgraded to more contemporary homes are also copying these exquisite features to breathe life into otherwise boring areas. This mini-design movement’s DIY projects have primarily been focused on incorporating traditional architectural details. What if I told you that individuals are turning to paint cans and brushes rather than their toolboxes for the newest (and perhaps most budget-friendly?) iteration of the adding vintage character trend? That’s right; trompe-l’oeil architectural beauty is a popular, old-meets-new paint technique. Trompe-l’oeil is French for “to mislead the eye.” People are beginning to paint moldings and picture frame trim rather than hanging them. Consider Calvin Hrezik‘s 500-square-foot studio as an illustration. The flat has plain white walls, wood floors, and little living space, which is par for the course in New York City. Despite this, Hrezik has furnished and decorated the house to give it a sumptuous, Parisian-style air. She also cleverly used paint. Being an interior designer by trade, he used creativity to infuse personality into an otherwise bland abode. “I collaborated on trompe-l’oeil paintings throughout with my incredibly amazing muralist friend Colton Ackerman, but in a cartoonish, campy, ‘Mary Poppins’ way,” he adds. For a unified, encompassing appearance, a row of closets in the entry hallway are painted fully in Benjamin Moore’s San Antonio Rose (027). The pair added creative, almost doodle-like renditions of picture frame molding in a contrasting red tone on top of that peachy-orange base. The living room is decorated in Benjamin Moore’s Coastal Cottage (1164) and features painted drapes and garlands that hang from the ceiling. As she continues, Hrezik describes how “the tassels dance on the tops of the Benjamin Moore Coastal Cottage walls around the main area, tying off a faux curtain into the entrance and closet hallway, complete with a painting of my cat, Disco Stardust, engaging in her favorite activity of pawing at pigeons.” You can find additional deceiving visuals in the bathroom, this time in the form of “wallpaper.” Hrezik requested that Ackerman paint “frames filled with a handful of my favorite things, inspired by the thought of flooding all of the bathroom walls with my queer art collection” for this project. These wacky outlines were painted in Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20), and they are located above the shower’s towering wainscoting of blue tiles. There’s no disputing that the painted mural trend may be moving from abstract geometric patterns and arches into this trompe l’oeil realm. These painted features may be more stylized than your standard crown molding or box panels. Although following this trend may take some time and effort, it is a very cost-effective method to give your house personality and charm. If you feel comfortable, you can create these graphics by hand, or you can collaborate with a pro as Hrezik did. However, when it comes to picture frame molding specifically, the look may be effectively achieved with a few colors and some deliberate measuring, painting, and tape to produce the shadows that actual molding pieces would cast. Because 2023 is still a new year for paint ideas, there will be even more eclectic ideas this year! Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
How Much Square Footage Do Couples Need To Be Happy?

How Much Square Footage Do Couples Need To Be Happy? Moving in together is a significant and frequent life-or-death decision for couples. But how much does the size of your apartment actually affect how content you and your partner are when you live together? It appears to be a lot. Recently, 900 people were polled by the lighting company, Sofary, regarding the expenses and advantages of moving in together. The results revealed that when it comes to square footage, couples do need their space – 1,800 square feet, to be exact. According to Sofary, those who were content in their romantic partnership typically had 12.8 percent more living space than those who weren’t. According to the study, the size of a home—even just 100 square feet—can determine whether a couple is happy or unhappy. The average home size for baby boomers was 1,835 square feet, compared to 1,733 square feet for miserable couples. The square footage to happiness ratio was far less constrained for millennials, though. Happy millennial couples shared an area of 1,810 square feet on average, while dissatisfied millennial couples only had 1,566 square feet to call their own. 1. Break up the stay However, despite the skyrocketing rent prices, most couples aren’t moving in together just to save money. 73.6 percent of surveyed couples decided to move in together because they felt ready to advance in their relationship. However, 45.7% of couples chose to live together because it was more convenient for them to see one another. While 20% of couples did so to save money on living expenses other than rent, just over one-fourth (28.1%) of couples moved in together to do so. So, while sharing a small apartment shouldn’t completely deter you from doing so with your spouse, remember that everyone occasionally needs their own space. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
5 Things Everyone Should Clean in January

5 Things Everyone Should Clean in January Everyone, happy January and welcome to the peak of the cold and flu season! The gloomy January days are the ideal time to clean your house because Covid is still around, and other infections have crept in. You may then start the new year clean and new. After holiday parties, January is a fantastic time to deep clean. This will prevent you from having to search for a hidden champagne glass beneath a table three months later as in previous years. A house cleaning expert discussed the finest items to clean in January. What she said was as follows. “Bid farewell to the holidays!” The parties are over, the revelers went home, and the holiday decorations are starting to droop. Take this opportunity to clean all your holiday swag and stash it away for next year. According to Jennifer Rodriguez of ProHousekeepers, “January is the time to pick up and organize Christmas decorative objects in preparation for a new year cleaning.” Wash any pillows, throws, or other soft goods you have for the holidays that can be washed by hand or machine. Thoroughly clean the bathroom The bathroom needs a thorough cleaning as well. After all, it is flu season, and over the holidays, the bathroom was probably one of your house’s most frequently visited rooms. For toilets, I suggest Microban, and for bathtubs, showers, and sinks, I suggest Clorox bathroom cleaning. “Microban says that for 24 hours following application, their solution keeps surfaces clean.” Put away gifts (and declutter) Another recommendation? To reduce clutter, make sure you’ve stored all your holiday presents. If you received brand-new clothing as a present, think about giving similar items that you no longer wear. Tackle hard surfaces Clean and sanitize all the hard surfaces in your home and other public areas to start the new year off right. Consider items such as countertops, tables, doorknobs, computers, faucets, and even items you might not think of, such as cell phones and laptops. Some germs can remain on these items and the likelihood that you will become ill increases if someone in your immediate vicinity coughs or sneezed and subsequently touched anything. Do annual maintenance tasks Every home needs maintenance work done at the beginning of the year. Because you won’t forget to do it, the timing is very wise. A fresh start and maintenance updates. In addition to inspecting your HVAC system’s filters for potential cleaning or replacement, Rodriguez advises checking your water filters to determine if they need to be changed. Additionally, pay attention to any dirty electronics, windowsills, curtains, and dryer vents, as well as fridge problems. After the holidays, “[these items] are typically disregarded since everyone is focused on their New Year’s resolutions and starting work again,” according to Rodriguez. Start the new year off properly by maintaining a clean and healthy house and avoiding illness. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
How Often Should a Landlord Make Repairs?

How Often Should a Landlord Make Repairs? A major advantage of renting a property is that you don’t have to worry about making and paying for repairs that arise from daily wear and tear. While not every component of your rental home will be replaced during your stay, you can expect your landlord to make basic repairs regularly. Here, we share the common repairs that landlords may make to a rental property, and how often they are expected to complete them. Carpets Some carpets are made from higher quality materials, and therefore, have a longer expected lifetime than others. Because of the variability in the type of carpet installed in your rental home, how often it will be replaced will also vary. According to Diana Valin, owner, and broker of The Rental Xperts, “rental grade” carpet will typically have a life expectancy of five years. However, top-grade carpets with lifetime warranties against wear and tear may only need to be replaced upon significant damage. If damage to the carpet like a large stain or hole occurs before the recommended replacement period is up, landlords should replace the carpet before the next tenant moves in. In pet-friendly rentals, landlords may be less strict on the replacement rule when it comes to stains; however, carpets should always be cleaned and sanitized before the next tenant. Paint Typically, a property receives a fresh coat of paint in preparation for a new tenant to move in. Paint will cover those nicks, scrapes, and scratches that come with moving in and out of the home, and provides a clean start for the new renters. If a property has fewer move-ins and move-outs, as a general rule the walls should be repainted every three years. Quality paint jobs from professionals may last longer, but tenants expect that small touch-ups will be made throughout their stay. In addition, if a landlord wants tenants to renew their lease, offering a free paint job may be useful as one of the incentives. Extermination No tenant wants to live with unwanted guests, especially creepy crawly creatures and pests. To keep tenants happy and healthy, landlords should conduct routine pest prevention services. In many cases, communities will have contracts with pest control companies to conduct extermination services weekly or monthly. However, some situations will require more specialized extermination services, and quickly. Landlords should be prepared to call pest control technicians at any moment to spare their tenants from unexpected infestations. Leaks Leaks that are ignored have the potential to wreak havoc on any home. Any plumbing problem should be addressed quickly to avoid large-scale damage. The exact time frame for a leak repair varies on the type of leak, however, most repairs should be fixed within one-to-two days. More significant leaks and plumbing problems will require an outside contractor, meaning the repair will take longer to complete (and will cost more). Repair Requests Not all repairs are equal in size and intensity, so the time landlords should fill a repair request can differ. However, it is important to remember the laws that surround maintenance and repairs for rental properties. In the state of South Carolina, when tenants submit a written repair request, landlords will have fourteen days to start the requested repair and finish it in a reasonable period. However, if a landlord wants to stay in good standing with their tenant, he/she should work to restore the property within one-to-two days. In the event of an emergency, like a burst pipe, landlords are expected to act immediately. When a property is vacant, the landlord is also expected to continue regular maintenance to ensure habitable conditions; routine inspections are important in determining maintenance and repair responsibilities as they arise. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.
6 Tips for Surviving a Stay with Family

6 Tips for Surviving a Stay with Family Are you spending the holidays at someone else’s home this year? If so, you may be dreading sleeping on a lumpy pull-out bed or the countless hours of small talk with the in-laws. But staying at a family member or friend’s house doesn’t have to be that bad. In fact, we’ve put together six tips to help you survive the entirety of your stay (without going insane). 1. Break up the stay Want to enjoy the holidays closely with family, but don’t want to have a bad backache the entirety of your trip? Consider splitting your overnight stays between family and a hotel or Airbnb closeby. Start off staying with family so you don’t miss those important holiday festivities and finish in a cozy hotel so you are well-rested for your travels back home. 2. Bring your own pillow If you do stay your entire trip at a family member’s, you can alleviate some of that impending back and neck pain by bringing your own pillow. Experts agree that you can enjoy a better night’s sleep, simply by sleeping on your own pillow. Flying travelers who can’t bring their own should ask their host for an extra pillow or two for comfort. 3. Offer a host gift While you may have some complaints about the stay, you should still be grateful for your hosts to invite you in during the holidays. What better way to express your gratitude than by bringing a thoughtful host gift. Ideas include a bottle of champagne or wine, breakfast pastries, their favorite snacks, or a delicious bag of coffee. In addition to a physical gift, bring your best self and give the gift of engaging conversation! 4. Layer up Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the warmth of a home, especially if you both live in strikingly different climates. Out of preparation for your hosts keeping the house either too toasty or quite chilling, pack clothing that you can layer. Consider bringing a bathrobe, a thin pair of long underwear, fuzzy socks, and a cardigan or sweatshirt in addition to your regular trip-taking attire. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask We’ve all experienced the dread of jumping in the shower to come face-to-face with a confusing and complicated faucet handle. Don’t be afraid to ask your hosts the ins and outs of the home during your stay! We promise, they don’t mind giving you the Wi-Fi password or telling you how to work the microwave. 6. Keep busy Being around the same people 24/7 can make you go a little stir-crazy, and even the best host can’t prevent you from having cabin-fever during your stay. Ease your boredom by taking a daily walk or visiting attractions in the city you’re located. Even better, ask your host what you can do to help them out, whether that’s offering to run errands or helping with the housekeeping and cooking. End your stay by cleaning up after yourself (make those beds!) and thanking your family members or friends for allowing you to visit. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.