October 2008



Rentals.com Newsletter


Rental Homes Vacation Rentals Log In
Rentals.com

Issue No. 14, October 2008

Do It Yourslef - Bathroom Renovations

Do it Yourself – Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects. Whether it’s a new coat of paint, replacing a bathtub, or new cabinets and flooring, you should definitely weigh out the good vs. the bad before deciding to take on this type of project. Knowing your skill level  is the key  to completing a project successfully, on-time and within your budget. There are many things that you should think about in order to make sure you get the most out of this project.

• Colors: Lighter colors can make the bathroom appear larger, while darker colors could make it look smaller and closed in.

• Tile: Size is important. The larger the tiles, the larger the room looks; the smaller the tiles, the smaller the room looks.

• Cabinets: Excellent space makers. They can be used to store away extra stuff and give your bathroom a neat and clean look.

• Doors: Instead of using normal doors, perhaps use sliding doors – these make your bathroom appear larger in size.

• Mirrors: Instead of the large wall-size frameless mirror over your sink, consider a beautiful framed mirror.  It gives an elegant, overall touch, and also enhances the space.

• Sink: Try installing a double sink with vanity – a smart and stylish way to maximize space.

• Accesssories: Accessories are the icing on the cake.  You may want to design your bathroom so that changes can easily be made by adding bathroom accessories without remodeling the entire bathroom.

Everyone wants a bathroom that’s elegant, efficient, and easy to keep clean. Decorating and renovating the bathroom can be a fun and rewarding project – so plan well, and have patience – you’ll be pleased with the results!

 

Green Tip

Green Tip

 

When remodeling your bathroom, consider faucets, shower heads and toilets that can conserve energy and water. Look for fixtures that carry the EPA’s Water Sense label. They are at least 20% more efficient than standard models.

Got a Green Tip of your own? Share it at comments@rentals.com

The Basics of Writing a Lease

As landlord and property owner, your job is to keep the peace between you and your tenants. The first step would be to discuss the rules of your property with the tenants prior to their scheduled move-in date. These terms should be outlined in a lease.

Landlords choosing to write their own lease should know their state and city’s laws – your state and city may have different laws for management. Knowing your state and city’s laws will help you determine what to include in your lease agreement. Things to consider in a lease would be any restrictions of use, and any conditions for maintenance of the property. Think about your deposit terms, pet restrictions, activity use, your right of entry, and anything else that would not be tolerated.

Once your lease is completed, we recommend having an attorney review your document to make sure you have not included any illegal or unenforceable conditions. Remember, your property is an investment – therefore, it is best to have a good, solid lease to protect it.

 

Upcoming Events

Date

Location Event
October 19-20 Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Association of Realtors Convention and Expo

October 22 Austin, TX

Austin Board of Realtors Realty Round Up

November 6-9 Cincinnati, OH

Ohio Real Estate Investor’s Association Convention and Expo

November 7-10 Orlando, FL

National Association of Realtors Conference and Expo

In this Issue

In This Issue:

Rentals.com
 

NARPM Affiliate of the Year

 

 
Rob Massey, Jr.

Rob’s Tips

Send Reminders to Residents about Winter’s Hazards

In colder parts of the country the onset of winter is a good time to send tips to residents about precautions for the prevention of weather associated maintenance problems.

Every year frozen and burst pipes are responsible for significant property damage and costly repairs. Sending residents the following tips can help prevent many of the problems related to colder weather.

1) Close crawl space vents and verify that crawl space doors are securely closed and in place.

2) Disconnect all hoses from outside sillcocks (faucets).

3) Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls when temperatures reach very low levels.

4) During extremely cold weather, especially at night, allow cold water faucets to run at a stream thickness the size of a pencil. Offer to pay the extra water cost if necessary. Reimburse for the difference between the added cost and the monthly average. It’s far cheaper than the cost of a freeze out.

5) Shut off the water to freeze prone outside sillcocks.

If your climate is such that these winter-related problems don’t occur in your area then appreciate the beauty of your palm trees and count your blessings!

Rob Massey Jr., is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and past President of the Louisville Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM).

Rentals.com

Forward to a Friend

Think someone else would enjoy this newsletter? Forward this email to a colleague or friend.

Forward this Newsletter

Rentals.com has a national sales force, covering every region of the U.S. To connect with the account representative in your area, please call 1-888-501-RENT (7368).

Rentals.com • 3585 Engineering Drive • Norcross, GA 30092 • 888-501-RENT (7368) • A Primedia Inc. Company

 



This message was sent by Rentals.com using Responsys Interact.
Safely unsubscribe from Rentals.com e-mail at any time.
View our permission marketing policy.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *