As the world moves towards prioritizing a more sustainable future, the real estate industry is picking up the trend. This is partially in service to creating a better and more environmentally healthy planet, but it’s also turning out to be good business.  Real estate investors in Arlington have a great opportunity to not only contribute to a clean environment but also improve their rental properties and attract tenants who are concerned with the carbon footprint they’re leaving behind.  Upgrading your property to an eco-friendly standard can result in lower operating costs, highe ..read more

As a landlord in Arlington, it’s crucial to make sure that the rental values you set when your property is vacant are competitive with the market rate. But, you should also be thinking about your rental income and what you expect to earn on the property you’re renting out. Setting the right rental price can help you attract tenants quickly, retain them, and keep your cash flow strong. However, it's not always easy to get this right, and many landlords end up losing revenue as a result. This is where advanced pricing strategies come in.  We’re talking about some strategies that you can ..read more

Inspections can feel tedious. They’re time consuming. They require documentation and paperwork. What if you find something you don’t like happening at your rental property?  We understand. However, it’s important to perform regular property inspections to protect the condition of your Arlington investment property . You want to check for deferred or unreported maintenance issues. Inspections are also a good way to hold your tenants accountable to their lease agreements.  Regular inspections can provide peace of mind; you’ll know everything is going the way it should. They also sa ..read more

Investing in real estate is a good idea. You know this. But, to be profitable, you have to invest in the right property.  How can you determine if a rental property is a good investment?  With so much experience in Arlington property management , we know what to look for, and here are some of our best tips.  Arlington Rental Property Location You don’t have to be an experienced real estate investor to know that location matters. It matters to buyers and it matters to tenants. It matters to you, when you’re choosing an investment property that you expect to make money from ..read more

Most of the decisions you make as an Arlington rental property owner are likely focused on what you need and what your property needs in order to have a successful and profitable investment experience. How much rent will you collect? Who will perform the necessary maintenance? When should you make updates and improvements? Don’t forget your residents. Tenants have specific needs and requirements when they’re looking for their next rental property. If you want to attract the best tenants for the most amount of money, you’ll need to get inside their heads.  Here are the top 3 things we ..read more

Not sure whether you want to self-manage your investment property or hire a professional property management company? A lot of rental property owners face this decision.  The best option will depend on the amount of time you have and your own knowledge about what’s required in the leasing and management of a rental property. Smart investors know that professional Arlington property management can protect you and your asset and increase what you earn.  State, Local, and Federal Landlord and Tenant Laws Virginia has strict requirements when it comes to rental housing, and you’ll n ..read more

Most Arlington real estate investors know that vacancy is expensive. You’re not earning any rent on an unoccupied home, and you’re also paying out of pocket for things like utilities, lawn care, marketing, and cleaning.  Turnover is even more expensive. You have to fix up any wear and tear items that occurred during the previous tenancy, and there may be improvements and upgrades needed to keep your property competitive in the market. How can you save money during tenant turnover periods?  It isn’t always easy. The cost of tenant turnover can be a shock.  We have some tips ..read more

Virginia has some specific laws when it comes to security deposits. For example, you cannot collect more than the equivalent of two months’ rent when a tenant is moving in. That’s the limit to what you can collect.  It’s usually more than enough, and the standard is a security deposit that’s equal to one month of rent.  The collection of a security deposit is rarely as challenging as its return. You need to understand the timeline for security deposit returns and, even more importantly, you need to understand what you can and cannot deduct for.  Conduct an Inspection After ..read more

Buying an investment property is a great first step in earning money on real estate.  What comes next?  We can help you navigate the process, which isn’t always easy for a first-time investor. The exact steps you take will depend on your goals as an investor and the property (or properties) you have purchased. However, this can be used as a general outline of where you need to focus your attention once the deal is closed.  Choose an Arlington Property Manager  Surrounding yourself with experts helps you have a successful investment experience. If you’re working with y ..read more

Safety is always a priority, whether you’re walking down a dark street or settling new tenants into your rental home. One of your most basic responsibilities as a landlord or a rental property investor is to provide a home that’s safe, habitable, and well-maintained. You want your tenants to be safe inside of your property and you also want them to understand how to protect themselves and their home when they’re not there.    Let’s talk about what you can do to make your rental home safe for you (it’s your investment) and for your tenants (it’s their home).    Safe System ..read more