Thursday, July 25, 2013

What people REALLY want in a vacation rental



This week, we’ve discussed how to pick the ideal location for those real estate investors interested in buying a vacation home, and what costs to consider. Today, we’ll examine what qualities tenants are looking for in a great vacation rental.

Privacy
Many people will choose a rental home over a hotel because they don’t want to be away from the crowds. Vacation homes without noisy elevators or private pool can be quite attractive to renters looking for some peace and quiet.

Space
Offer as many sleeping areas as possible without making the home too crowded. Pullout couches, trundles, bunk beds are great ways to increase the likelihood of renters because you can appeal to bigger-sized groups. Some people also prefer a rental property with a fully functioning kitchen so they can cook their own meals, or an outdoor space where they can barbeque and let their children play.

Renters like extra beds in vacation properties


Amenities
Vacationers want to hit the “easy” button when they arrive to a retreat for several days. So, having on-site laundry, free wi-fi, functioning kitchen appliances, and good parking are all big plusses. Also, being near a bus route, bike trail, or having a community gym can be very attractive property features. The more qualities you can offer, the more likely your rental will have high occupancy rates all year long.

Visit our homepage today to find out why ATS Inc. is the best background check choice for landlords, property managers, real estate investors and agents.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Networking with other Property Owners


There are so many ways for landlords and property managers to network with each other via various internet channels. Why should you want to stay connected with other rental industry experts?  Here are just a few ways that networking can enhance your real estate investment business:


Keeping Vacancies Minimal

Nowadays, you can utilize social media networks and certain internet group forums to advertise a rental unit to a massive audience. If you are connected to other property managers and real estate professionals on social media, they can share your rental listing with their followers, expanding your reach even more. The more people who view your rental property online, the better the chances are of renting it out quickly.

Online Groups Help you Get Answers

There are many groups on sites like LinkedIn, Google+ or Facebook geared specifically for landlords, property managers, real estate professionals, etc. If you sign up and join these groups, you’ll be able to get tons of free advice from other industry experts. You can get ideas on various topics, from how to stage a small space, to how new laws might affect the terms of your lease agreements.

Establish Yourself as An Expert

Networking with other property management insiders can also help build your credibility as an expert within the rental industry as you offer advice to others. You can also answer questions in group forums, or share things you’ve learned  from your tenants. You can also offer to guest blog for another website, and reach out to a new audience who wasn’t familiar with your business or properties.

For more info on how to successfully network with other landlords , or to get the best credit report for landlords, visit ATS Inc’s website.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

ATS Inc. = Best Background Check for Landlords


This year American Tenant Screen, or ATS Inc., celebrates our 25th year in business as the best background check service provider on the web! We are proud that we've been around this long, and boast that we were the first tenant screening service provider with an internet presence in the late 1990’s.

ATS Inc.’s website  is extremely user-friendly because we offer reports for landlords 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year .We are also extremely proud of our rating A+ with the Better Business bureau.
ATS Inc is the best background check for landlords
http://www.alwaysscreen.com

In addition to tenant credit checks, we offer free lease forms, tons of landlord advice, and a several choices to help you get the most comprehensive renters background check. You can decide if you want your tenant screening to include eviction checks, sex offender reports and much more!

Thanks again for making us the best choice for new landlords, property managers, real estate investors and agents!!!



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Would you Invest in a Rental with a Pool?


There are many pros and cons to having rental property with a pool. While a pool can be an attractive amenity to many renters, an experienced landlord might also tell you they come with a big cost.

So, if you are real estate investor who is weighing to pros and cons of a property with a pool, here are some things to consider:
rental property with pool
Rental properties with pools come with a cost

1.     Knowing the Rules There are federal, state, and local laws pertaining to pool safety , such as minimal fence height requirements and required inspections. It is your job to know the rules for your area and comply.

2.     Liability Even if you follow all of the proper safety precautions, you s
hould know that if someone is injured or drowns in your pool, it is likely a claim can be filed against you. Ultimately, the pool owner is responsible for the safety of those using it. You should make sure there is extra coverage to your homeowner’s insurance policy that specifically covers incidents related to the pool.

Also, you should also have specific pool safety rules added to your lease agreement, and review it with tenant signing.

3.     Maintenance Pool maintenance can be costly and time consuming. You have to make sure all of the chemicals are balanced properly and that the mechanical features of the pool are in working order.

Make sure you know beforehand what the maintenance will entail and how you plan to address it. Will you be checking the chlorine levels regularly? Do you have a trusted property manager or pool servicing company to use?  It’s important to have a plan in place before you invest and also set aside extra funds for the services.

A pool can bring added value to a home for the right renter, especially in warmer climates. It it’s important to make sure you know what you are getting into and have the diligence to deal with the responsibility if you plan to invest in a rental that comes equipped with one.


Visit ATS Inc's homepage to find out more about our tenant screening services!