How to Manage Rental Property

Though at face value it seems like an easy enough job, the truth is that there's more to managing rental property than simply showing up at your tenants' doorsteps and collecting their rent each month.

So what exactly does managing rental property entail?

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Rental property managers are usually involved with a number of tasks. These tasks mostly have to do with complying with local building codes, making sure tenants are taken care of and keeping up to date with the local housing market.

Know Your Local Laws

Because of the fact that managing property is more complex than just watching over things, landlords must be knowledgeable with local laws that encompass all aspects of renting and leasing. Among these are ensuring the clarity of the terms of any contract, whether it's a lease or a rental to make sure that there are no ambiguous clauses that would become difficult to interpret.

When drafting leasing agreements, it is also important that a landlord is able to create uniformity for the local area that will enable tenants to lease on a short term or long term basis depending on their needs.

Aside from creating clear and standardized leasing agreements, a landlord must also understand the legalities of eviction when tenants who signed those agreements fail to live up to their end of the deal. Evicting tenants is not as easy as most people think because of the laws regarding eviction that landlords need to follow before tenants can be lawfully evicted. For one, landlords are required to issue formal requests for payment before they can issue an eviction notice. Aside from this, some areas require waiting out a six-weed span between the issuance of the notice and the actual eviction. This is to make sure that the tenant has some time to dispute the notice. Again, since these are local laws, they vary from area to area and city to city.

Maintenance

Another important task that a landlord must be able to do is to maintain the rental property through regular repairs and upgrades. This includes repainting walls whenever a unit gets vacated, refinishing floors and replacement of carpets. Some of these tasks required for general upkeep must be done on a regular basis as a form of prevention, while some are done to address specific concerns regarding the upkeep of the property and are only done when necessary, as happens when tenants complain of maintenance problems in their units.

Some concerns that require immediate attention regarding maintenance are clogged pipes, faulty plumbing, heating and the like. If addressed properly, it will become easier for the landlord to create a well-managed rental property.

Keep your tenants happy

In general, a good property manager will be able to keep his/her tenants happy if they are able to do the aforementioned tasks responsibly and if they respond to their tenants' concerns in a timely manner. Maintaining open lines of communication between tenant and manager will also go a long way in improving conditions within a rental property environment.

How to Manage Rental Property

Compare property management companies by reading independent property management reviews given by landlords and tenants.

What is a Timeshare Property?

Do you know what does Timeshare Property means? Timeshare Property is that type of property that is mainly used for spending vacation in short they are the vocational property. These vocational properties are mainly owned by a person or a group of person. Even the entire family can own it. Timeshare property doesn't mean only resort, villas type of property it can also be Caravans and can also car.

Getting a good timeshare property is not always easy unless and until you have the proper knowledge of the property and how to deal with while buying the property.

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The most important thing is the sales pitch. Here people get the chance of buying the property in retail price. But after having couple of vacations in the same resort or enjoying in same caravan you can find the property boring and of no use. Thus they sell the property at 50% less than the original price. Many companies utilize the opportunity and buy the property at fewer prices. Sometimes the same company from whom the owner has bought the property they themselves buy the property. So you don't have to move here and there moving from one company to other saying " Sell my Timeshare ". So we can see that sales pitch is often a costly timeshare mistake.

To find the proper timeshare company is a big deal. Always prefer a licensed timeshare company or affiliation from a renounced place. For example American timeshare companies have the affiliation from American Resort Developers Association and Organization. You can also take the help of EBay for searching proper timeshare companies.

Don't get so such impressed with the presentation given by the company. The presentation will always look attractive with tempting offers and discount along with pictures of attractive places. This is the job of the employees of the company to make the presentation as much interesting as possible. Use your brain and judge well before buying the timeshare property which you don't want. So that you don't end up buying something which you never longed for.

But don't panic. There are lots of companies who have good reputation in the market. They will always help you at your need and give you relief from timeshare contracts. They will never cheat you because that may hamper their reputation and brand name. They will never advice you to buy a thing which is not suitable for you. Their main moto is always guiding you in the right path and give the customer 100% satisfaction. They will always try to give you the best property at your convenience and also at your budget.

The first thing they will do is they will obviously ask you the budget. According to your budget they will show the property. Now a days the most costly resorts are Caribbean Beach Resort and Florida Beach Resort.

The another very important advantage of a reputed timeshare company is they will allow you to exchange your property with another owner provided that owner also bought the property from them.

You have to give the annual maintenance fee and the rest work will be done by them.

What is a Timeshare Property?

Sometimes people outlive their timeshare and will look for timeshare relief. This is where timeshare rescue can help people get out of their timeshare debt.

House Blessings - Bless Yours NOW!

It's time to kick the enemy out of our homes and our of our family's lives. My wife and I recently bought an 85 year old Victorian home in Stephenville, Texas. We call it Vanderbilt Place and we run it as a rooming house. On New Year's Eve 2005, along with some friends, we prayed a blessing over the house. It made such a huge difference insofar as not only keeping the place occupied but also in the quality of renter we attracted from that day onward.

Later, after sharing this experience with a friend, a local business woman asked if we would pray with her over her business. Once we prayed, not only did productivity soar, but the strong ungodly element decreased dramatically, starting with the manager's resignation several months later.

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In this message, I did not want to get too ritualistic, thereby possibly inviting some other religious devil. Consider this a model; feel free to customize it for your needs. So, I'm keeping it simple and duplicatable so that others might be able to bless THEIR home...people like YOU! Don't wait for Sunday to do something spiritual...we are the Church, NOT the buildings! Don't wait for a minister either...you ARE one according to Scripture.

In America today, we tend to scream at societal issues and throw money at our problems. We do a great deal of finger pointing, too. What I'm proposing is that, house by house, American Christians must take back what the enemy has stolen from us. Starting TODAY! As they say, if you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done.

Single parents, grandfathers, college students alone in your dorm, apartment dwellers AND apartment managers or property owners - if you are a Christian, you have the authority to take dominion over your dwelling place. Don't delay. Gather some friends and a bottle of virgin olive oil from the kitchen and start praying and anointing as the Spirit leads...first your place, then THEIRS! There's power in agreement so, regardless of their denomination, go for it! If you like, have communion afterward or sing some hymns. Here's what we're doing. Do likewise and be blessed!

1) TAKE AUTHORITY OVER SPIRITS THAT HAVE BEEN WELCOMED THROUGHOUT THE HOME'S HISTORY - LEAVE DOORS OPEN FOR THEIR ESCAPE. The Bible declares, "Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee." Here's a prayer you can begin with:

In the Name of Jesus our Messiah,and by the power of His Blood and His Cross, and the Holy Spirit that raised Him from the dead and now dwells within us, we bind all spirits in the air, and the fire and the water, in the ground and the underground and the nether world,and we bind any satanic forces of nature that have been assigned to this dwelling place. You will steal from us no longer! In fact, you will repay us sevenfold, according to Eph 4;28. "When the thief is caught he must repay seven fold". That includes sevenfold time, energy, money, health and anything else stolen from God's children.

We break all generational and word curses, hexes, or spells, or any witchcraft or occult activity that have been invited into this house - on purpose or by accident - throughout the generations past.

We bind the interaction and interplay of demonic spirits within these walls. And we claim the protection of the shed Blood of Jesus Christ over this house and grounds, and over every person who ever spend so much as a few moments upon this property. May they receive God's blessing!

We call out to you, Holy Spirit. Come now and fill this place, never to leave! We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Here are a few Opening Scriptures you may choose to start with:
"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:7)

"Jesus said, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in..." (Revelation 3:20)

2) PRAYER OF BLESSING WHILE ANOINTING WITH OIL

Most loving God, we thank you that through faith in your Son Jesus Christ, you make us all members of your eternal family. We give thanks for all the love that you send to draw our earthly families together, to heal us, and to heal those who have gone before us. Fill this house with your divine presence, we pray. Pour out your love to deepen the fellowship shared here. Let your wisdom guide us, your trust free us, and your peace bless us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We dedicate this home to love and understanding. May its joys and sorrows be shared and the individuality of each person who lives and visits here appreciated.

We dedicate this home to work, and rest and play. May our home have joy and high fellowship, with kindness in its voices and laughter running within its walls.

We dedicate this home to friendly life. May its doors open in hospitality and its windows look out with kindness toward other homes and those who pass by its doors.

We dedicate this home to cooperation. May its duties be performed in love, its furnishings bear witness that the work of others ministers to our comfort, and its table remind us that God works with us for the supply of daily needs.

We dedicate this home to the appreciation of all things good and true. May the books bring wisdom, the pictures symbolize things beautiful, and the music bring joy and inspiration.

We dedicate the time and talent of those who live here to help build a world in which every family may have a home of comfort and fellowship.

We dedicate this home as a unit in the Church universal, an instrument of the Kingdom of God, a place of worship and Christian training and a threshold to the life eternal.

With our hearts turned toward you, so our thoughts rise in gratitude to God for this home, and in prayer for God's blessings upon it.

Following are s few Scriptures and Reflections about Homes and God's Care:

1. The Bible teaches us that a home is far more than a physical building.

Proverbs 24:3-4

By wisdom a house is built,
and by understanding it is established;
by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

2. We need God's presence, power and direction for our lives and homes to be fruitful.

Psalms 127:1

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.

3. The Bible indicates that it is important to dedicate our homes to God. Before going into battle, the men in the Bible were warned to dedicate their homes!

Deuteronomy 20:5

Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, 'What man is there that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.'

4. God told his people to write his word on the doorposts of their homes.

Many Jewish people today place a portion of God's Word on a parchment scroll in a container on the doorposts of their homes. They touch the scroll every time they go in or out to remind them that their homes belong to God, and what happens there is to be directed by God's Word.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your hearts and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

5. When a person dedicates their house to God, we trust that God responds to their commitment. When Solomon dedicated the temple, God responded, speaking to him.

2 Chronicles 7:15

Now my eyes will be open [says the Lord] and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.
For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there for ever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time.

6. When people in the Early Christian movement gathered to teach and preach about Jesus, and to pray in the power of the Spirit, they often met in homes. Even today, there is a growing movement throughout the Western world - something our third world brethren have been doing for decades - meeting in homes or anywhere the Spirit leads them to.

Acts 5:42

And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 28:30,31

[Paul] stayed two full years in his own rented quarters, and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ...

7. Jesus can use our homes to minister to us and with us if we will welcome him.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

8. In his teachings, Jesus presented home life as a model of what it means to live a life in God's presence and love.

John 14:1-3

"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms;
if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

9. The Psalmist saw God's care in a similar way.

Psalms 91:1-2

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress;my God, in whom I trust."

10. How will we use the homes God has loaned to us? Dedicating our homes to God is not a one-time act. It is an ongoing ministry!

Hebrews 13:2

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

11. We are accountable to God for the use of our homes and our hospitality. God honors those who consecrate the use of their homes to bless others in need.

Matthew 25:31-46

"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats... Then the King will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was ...a stranger and you welcomed me...'
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see thee...a stranger and welcome thee...? And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.

Final Prayer of Blessing:

Almighty God,we thank you for the desires of our hearts for this home and all who enter its doors,that all we have and do here may be in accord with your divine plans,that this home and its residents may be truly and completely dedicated to you, and to serving your kingdom.

We ask you to strengthen them in this commitment. We pray to you, O God, for this home, its occupants and possessions,that you may bless and sanctify them, enriching them by your kindness in every way possible. Pour out on them, O Lord, heavenly dew in good measure, as well as an abundance of earthly needs.

Mercifully listen to their prayers, and grant that their needs be fulfilled.
As we come before you, Father, bless this home & every aspect of it,
cleansing any misdeeds of the past, and leaving it pure, fresh and holy.
Bless this house, just as you blessed the homes of Abraham and Sarah, of Isaac and
Rebecca, of Jacob and Rachel.
Within these walls, let your angels preside and stand watch over those who live and
spend time here, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

House Blessings - Bless Yours NOW!

Pastor Michael has been accused of saying that which everyone else is afraid to say. He has written nearly 700 online articles since 1999. He has also written 15 books, all designed to challenge and strengthen the thinking person. His latest book, "8 Things I Hate About Jesus," is receiving great reviews and is now available at http://www.lulu.com/content/1472061

Commercial Property - What Is My Commercial Property Worth?

As a property investment company, which offers its clients a full estate agency service that is backed by professional advice and personal attention, we are often called upon to answer questions like ...

"What is my commercial property worth?"

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This is by no means an easy question to answer and to be perfectly honest it's only worth what someone is willing to pay. Having said this, we do however use a number of basic formulas so as to calculate the value of commercial property.

The first method

We will measure the land and determine the square meterage. We will then determine the market value per square meter which is dependent on the area in question. We then multiply the square meterage by the price per square meter. This will give us a rough indication of the value of the land. The price per square meter normally decreases as the size of the land increases. The price per square meter will also be affected by factors such as the proximity to road and rail networks as well as by shop frontage, foot traffic and so on ...

After we have evaluated the land, we will evaluate the improvements such as the height, size and general condition of the buildings. It is normally quiet simple to determine the replacement value of the facilities by keeping your finger on the local building costs. You can then compare the price of new build and marginally discount the price depending on the current state of the buildings. The ratio between the cost of new build and existing stock will vary depending on a number of economic factors. These factors are cyclical in nature but can be determined by an understanding of where in the property cycle we are at. (This will however unfortunately go beyond the scope of this article.) Finally, if you then add the value of the improvements to the value of the land, you will have the results of the first method.

The second method

This is more often than not the preferred method of evaluating what commercial property is worth. It is also favoured by the vast majority of property investors. Using this method, we will simply evaluate the rental yield that the property can produce. The rule is simple: the higher the rent, the higher the value of the property. What most investors do, when contemplating their acquisitions, is to divide the annual rent that they will receive by the purchase price that they will have to pay. They will then compare one property with the next and will usually settle on the one that offers them the higher yield.

They will however also take into account the strength of the tenancy agreements. If they are buying A-Grade office space with a Blue Chip tenant, a long term lease and favourable escalation clauses they will normally accept a lower yield as there is less risk to worry about. If however there are any concerns as to the integrity of the tenant, or if the lease is about to expire, then the potential risk increases. The only way to compensate for increased risk and potential void periods is to lower the purchase price and offer a higher yield.

The third method

This involves a healthy mix of the above two mentioned methods. Firstly we will evaluate the yields, this being the easiest method to compare apples with apples. We will then discount or add on to the value depending on the strength of the tenant and their lease agreement. Finally we will take a look at the value of the land and add to that the value of the improvements. That way, regardless of how the tenancy runs we will at least know that there is good value in the physical asset.

Having demonstrated to you the various methods of evaluating commercial property, please remember that at the end of the day, these methods and formulas only serve as a guideline. We always advise our clients that we can estimate the value but that only the market will determine the true selling price. Commercial property, like all property, is only worth what a willing buyer is prepared to pay for it!

Commercial Property - What Is My Commercial Property Worth?

This article was compiled by:
Bradley Hancock - Founding member of PPI

Portfolio Property Investments (PPI) is a web based property investment company that offers its clients expert advice on property market trends and specializes in putting together offshore property investment packages on behalf of their client database. It is also possible to subscribe to their monthly newsletter that is aimed at keeping their clients up to date and ahead of any developments in the global property markets. You will also find that they offer a number of useful property investment tools as well as an email notification system that one can register for and be the first to receive the latest property investment opportunities as and when they get listed.

Bradley can be contacted on the following:
Email: bradley@portfolio-property.com
Tel: ++27 72 0196192

Or visit their unique property investment website at:
http://www.portfolio-property.com/

Should I Rent My Investment Property As Furnished or Unfurnished?

As a professional rental management company, one of the more common questions we get asked from investment property owners is whether to rent their apartment, condo or townhouse as a furnished or unfurnished option. Based on our years of experience, there are many pro's and con's a real estate investor should consider before committing to any one option.

Obviously, with a furnished rental, you are able to secure a much higher rent level compared an unfurnished rental. Depending on the amenities provided, one can generally fetch anywhere from a 20-50% premium over and above "normal" rents - sometimes even higher. However, the expectation from most tenants seeking furnished accommodations is for a fully turnkey stay.

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Since most furnished tenancies are shorter term 1-3 months, sometimes longer, tenants do not wish to setup utility accounts, including TV, internet, phone, etc. Of course, cutlery, glassware, linens, bedding, and other household items need to be purchased. With these "extra" costs it often cuts into the "extra" income you are earning. In considering that there is usually periods of vacancy during turnover of tenants, and that as an owner, you still need to cover the "extra" expenses of utilities etc which nullify any additional rental income collected.

Likewise, with the more frequent turnover of tenants, your property is subject to greater wear and tear over the long term. If you use the analogy of a car rental, surely, a rental car will ensure much more wear and tear vs. a car with one owner. The car with a single owner will generally have less wear and tear as the owner is more invested and will take much better care of the auto. The same philosophy applies to property.

In addition, an unfurnished rental often has a lease term of 1 year or longer which provides more consistent rental income, less turnover and less wear and tear.

In considering the above, we will almost always recommend unfurnished rentals over furnished rentals. With an unfurnished rental, you can secure a more long term stable tenant, who supplies their own furniture, sets up their own utility accounts and takes care of your property as though it's their own.

Should I Rent My Investment Property As Furnished or Unfurnished?

Carey Chan is the Managing Broker for Urban City Rentals Inc who provides professional rental property leasing and management services for unfurnished strata titled apartments, condominiums, lofts and townhouses in the metro downtown Vancouver area and Richmond, BC. Visit http://www.urbancityrentals.com to learn more about how Urban City Rentals can help you manage your investment property today!

Risks in International Business

Just as there are reasons to get into global markets, and benefits from global markets, there are also risks involved in locating companies in certain countries. Each country may have its potentials; it also has its woes that are associated with doing business with major companies. Some of the rogue countries may have all the natural minerals but the risks involved in doing business in those countries exceed the benefits. Some of the risks in international business are:

(1) Strategic Risk
(2) Operational Risk
(3) Political Risk
(4) Country Risk
(5) Technological Risk
(6) Environmental Risk
(7) Economic Risk
(8) Financial Risk
(9) Terrorism Risk

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Strategic Risk: The ability of a firm to make a strategic decision in order to respond to the forces that are a source of risk. These forces also impact the competiveness of a firm. Porter defines them as: threat of new entrants in the industry, threat of substitute goods and services, intensity of competition within the industry, bargaining power of suppliers, and bargaining power of consumers.

Operational Risk: This is caused by the assets and financial capital that aid in the day-to-day business operations. The breakdown of machineries, supply and demand of the resources and products, shortfall of the goods and services, lack of perfect logistic and inventory will lead to inefficiency of production. By controlling costs, unnecessary waste will be reduced, and the process improvement may enhance the lead-time, reduce variance and contribute to efficiency in globalization.

Political Risk: The political actions and instability may make it difficult for companies to operate efficiently in these countries due to negative publicity and impact created by individuals in the top government. A firm cannot effectively operate to its full capacity in order to maximize profit in such an unstable country's political turbulence. A new and hostile government may replace the friendly one, and hence expropriate foreign assets.

Country Risk: The culture or the instability of a country may create risks that may make it difficult for multinational companies to operate safely, effectively, and efficiently. Some of the country risks come from the governments' policies, economic conditions, security factors, and political conditions. Solving one of these problems without all of the problems (aggregate) together will not be enough in mitigating the country risk.

Technological Risk: Lack of security in electronic transactions, the cost of developing new technology, and the fact that these new technology may fail, and when all of these are coupled with the outdated existing technology, the result may create a dangerous effect in doing business in the international arena.

Environmental Risk: Air, water, and environmental pollution may affect the health of the citizens, and lead to public outcry of the citizens. These problems may also lead to damaging the reputation of the companies that do business in that area.

Economic Risk: This comes from the inability of a country to meet its financial obligations. The changing of foreign-investment or/and domestic fiscal or monetary policies. The effect of exchange-rate and interest rate make it difficult to conduct international business.

Financial Risk: This area is affected by the currency exchange rate, government flexibility in allowing the firms to repatriate profits or funds outside the country. The devaluation and inflation will also impact the firm's ability to operate at an efficient capacity and still be stable. Most countries make it difficult for foreign firms to repatriate funds thus forcing these firms to invest its funds at a less optimal level. Sometimes, firms' assets are confiscated and that contributes to financial losses.

Terrorism Risk: These are attacks that may stem from lack of hope; confidence; differences in culture and religious philosophy, and/or merely hate of companies by citizens of host countries. It leads to potential hostile attitudes, sabotage of foreign companies and/or kidnapping of the employers and employees. Such frustrating situations make it difficult to operate in these countries.

Although the benefits in international business exceed the risks, firms should take a risk assessment of each country and to also include intellectual property, red tape and corruption, human resource restrictions, and ownership restrictions in the analysis, in order to consider all risks involved before venturing into any of the countries.

Risks in International Business

Dr. Sidney Okolo is a professor, consultant, strategist, and Africa expert. He is affiliated to several universities, the Managing Director of International Business Associates, a management consulting firm, and also the CEO of Global Education Support, an education assistance program.

Among other things, he engages in all aspects of learning, knowledge, organization and human change. His focus is on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, profit engineering, human potential, excellence, achievement, business strategy, research and development. Product management, change management, conflict management, athlete management, marketing, business development and operations. He works with clients to adapt to change due to change in factors of production, technology, goods and services. He engages clients in training, retraining, development, skills enhancement, association, behavior modification, ways of thinking, and attitude adjustment. In addition to his work in the United States, his focus is also on developing countries in the continent of Africa, their leadership, culture, economic and market structure, community planning and development, and his created four letter word, "PIES", which stands for: poverty, instability, ethnicity, and sectarianism.