I am excited to announce that 2019 BAH rates have been released. If you have not checked your rates for next year you can find them HERE. For some, the new BAH rates are a blessing and welcome relief to a high market. For others, this may be not so great news. It all depends on if your rates have increased or decreased and by the anticipated amount. Every year there are always tons of questions from people about how the BAH changes will … [Read more...]
30 Frequently Asked and Answered Landlording Questions
Getting started as a landlord is scary. I know when I got started I had TONS of questions. When I was brand new, I had a limited landlord community and once I did have a community, I felt too self-conscious to ask questions. Since everyone in my community was so much more experienced than I was, I didn't want to be THAT person. That being said, you should NEVER feel alone or like you cannot ask questions. We have all been there and there is … [Read more...]
My Extended Stay America Experience
I have always held Extended Stay America close to my heart. Years ago when I was at doing my internship at Toyota I almost stayed at one for the 13 weeks internship (a good friend of mine did). A couple of months later my boyfriend, now husband stayed at an Extended Stay America in Charleston for his internship. It worked perfectly. He had a small stove top, microwave, and refrigerator. He was able to cook his favorite breakfast, pancakes, and … [Read more...]
3 Out of the Box Ways to Advertise Your Listing!
My parent were reluctant self-managers since before I have been born. Over the years I have noticed the listing platform has DRAMATICALLY changed. I remember growing up my mom would place an ad in the newspaper and a sign in the front of the house. That was how she would find her tenants. She still did that till I got started in 2012. Now, everything is done online and through the internet. Funny enough, I was the one who taught her … [Read more...]
Are your Property Management Accounting System Costing You MONEY!
I am excited that Propertywares sponsored this article. As I can tell you first hand that having a great property management accounting system in place is the key to landlording success!. When we first got started as landlords, the daunting property management task were listing the house for rent, creating a rock solid lease, placing a tenant and then managing the house. 5 years later, that is easy peasy. It's our property management accounting … [Read more...]
Lowe’s Military Policy Change Means MORE savings!
Did you know Lowe's recently made TWO huge changes to their Military Discount policy? May 1st, 2017, Lowe's made two significant changes to their military discount policy. Change 1 (Military Discount for ALL who Served) Lowe's military policy changes mean more savings as the discount is now available to ALL who currently serves (Active, Guard, Reserve, FTS, ADG, etc) and who served (HONORABLY Discharge Veterans). This means instead of those … [Read more...]
Extended Stay America Coupons
Extended Stay America is a great option for anyone looking for additional transient housing options. Years ago my boyfriend, now husband stayed at an Extended Stay America in Charleston for his internship. It worked perfectly. He had a small stove top, microwave, and refrigerator. He was able to cook his favorite breakfast, pancakes, and bacon. As a military family who moves often, I totally get what it is like trying to find affordable … [Read more...]
11 Commonly Asked Questions Regarding the 2017 BAH Rates
I am excited to announce that 2017 BAH rates have been released. If you have not checked your rates for next year you can find them HERE. For some, the new BAH rates are a blessing and welcome relief to a high market. For others, this may be not so great news. It all depends on if your rates have increased or decreased and by the anticipated amount. Every year there are always tons of questions from people about how the BAH changes will … [Read more...]
How to Get Rid of Cat Urine in Cushions, Carpet and Clothes
As a landlord of eight houses and counting, I know that cat urine is very destructive. As the mother of three precious cats who are the love of my life and foster mother to over 30, 4-8 week old kittens, I can tell you that accidents happen in a cat lovers household. The key to my survival and sanity was to figure out how to get rid of cat urine in cushions, carpet and clothes. As someone who has invested over $3,000 in boat … [Read more...]
What to Buy for Your Furnished Rental
If you are starting from scratch, putting together a furnished rental can seem overwhelming and incredibly expensive. We have saved a ton of money by buying all our furniture from Craiglist and Buy Trade pages. This has allowed us to furnish entire houses for less than $2,000 in furniture. Unfortunately, what I have learned the hard way is that the most under estimated but highly expensive items are not furniture, but all of the other items … [Read more...]