CategoriesDallas Real Estate SFR

Arlington, TX is a top rental market for SFR investors

Arlington, Texas is one of the most attractive single family rental markets in the country for a number of reasons. From its strong economy and thriving job market, to its abundance of entertainment and recreational opportunities, Arlington has a lot to offer both landlords and tenants.

One of the biggest factors that makes Arlington an attractive rental market is its strong economy and thriving job market. The city is home to a number of major employers, including the University of Texas at Arlington and the Arlington Independent School District, as well as several Fortune 500 companies. This means that there is a steady demand for rental properties, and landlords can expect to have little difficulty finding qualified tenants.

Another factor that makes Arlington an attractive rental market is its abundance of entertainment and recreational opportunities. The city is home to a number of popular attractions, including Six Flags Over Texas, the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, and the Texas Rangers Baseball Stadium. This means that there is always something to do and see in Arlington, making it an appealing place to live for both families and young professionals.

In addition to its strong economy and abundance of entertainment and recreational opportunities, Arlington also offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city has a number of excellent schools, as well as access to healthcare and other essential services. It is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, providing residents with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Overall, Arlington, Texas is one of the most attractive single family rental markets in the country due to its strong economy, thriving job market, and abundance of entertainment and recreational opportunities. This makes it an ideal location for landlords looking to invest in rental properties, and for tenants looking for a high quality of life.

CategoriesCompany Insight Property Management Real Estate

Why does property management get a bad rap?

Too often, property management businesses have a bad reputation. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The key to overcoming this negative reputation is to focus on providing high-quality service and building strong relationships with landlords and tenants.

One of the biggest reasons that property management businesses have a bad reputation is that they often prioritize their own interests over those of their clients. For example, some property managers may prioritize filling vacancies over finding the right tenant for a property, leading to problems down the road.

Another reason for the negative reputation of property management businesses is that they often fail to communicate effectively with their clients. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations, particularly when it comes to important issues like repairs and maintenance.

However, it is possible for property management businesses to overcome their negative reputation and provide high-quality service to their clients. The key is to focus on building strong relationships with landlords and tenants, and to prioritize their needs and concerns.

One way to do this is by providing regular updates and clear communication. This means keeping landlords informed about the status of their property, and providing timely responses to any questions or concerns they may have. It also means ensuring that tenants are aware of their rights and responsibilities, and providing them with the support they need to maintain the property. We’re proud to share monthly financial statements for our property owners so they know exactly what’s going on.

Another important aspect of providing high-quality service is to have a team of experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of property management. This includes everything from coordinating repairs and renovations, to handling legal issues and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

Finally, property management businesses can overcome their negative reputation by building trust and establishing a positive track record. This can be achieved by consistently providing high-quality service and exceeding the expectations of landlords and tenants.

By focusing on providing high-quality service, building strong relationships, and establishing a positive track record, property management businesses can overcome their negative reputation and provide value to their clients.

If you’d like to learn how Heart Property Management is different, click here and let’s connect.

CategoriesCompany Insight Dallas Property Management Real Estate

How do professional property managers maintain properties better than landlords?

As a professional property manager, I am often asked how we are able to maintain single family rental properties better than independent landlords. The answer is simple: it’s all about the approach.

As a professional property manager, I have access to a team of experts who are trained to handle all aspects of property maintenance. This includes everything from coordinating repairs and renovations, to conducting regular inspections and ensuring that the property is in compliance with all local laws and regulations.

On the other hand, independent landlords are often working on their own, which means that they may not have the same level of expertise or resources at their disposal. This can lead to a number of problems, including delays in addressing maintenance issues, and potentially even legal issues if the property is not properly maintained.

One of the key advantages of working with a professional property manager is that we have established relationships with reliable and reputable vendors. This means that we can quickly and efficiently coordinate any necessary repairs or renovations, ensuring that the property is always well-maintained and in top condition.

In addition to having access to a team of experts and established vendor relationships, professional property managers also have the knowledge and experience to handle the legal aspects of property management. This includes understanding and complying with all local laws and regulations, as well as handling any tenant issues that may arise.

Independent landlords, on the other hand, may not have the same level of knowledge or experience, which can put them at a disadvantage when it comes to dealing with legal issues. This can lead to costly mistakes, and can even put the landlord at risk of being sued.

Overall, the combination of expert knowledge, experienced team members, and established vendor relationships allows professional property managers to maintain single family rental properties better than independent landlords. We are able to quickly and efficiently address any maintenance issues, ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, and handle any tenant issues that may arise. This allows us to provide both landlords and tenants with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their property is in good hands.

If you want to talk more about how a professional property manager can help you, click here and let’s chat.

CategoriesProperty Management Real Estate SFR

9 ways to increase cashflow as a real estate investor

As a landlord, maximizing the cash flow of your rental property can be a critical part of your investment strategy. Here are 9 ways that you can increase the cash flow of your rental property:

  1. Set competitive rental rates: One of the key ways to increase the cash flow of your rental property is to set competitive rental rates. Conduct market research to determine the going rates for similar properties in your area, and make sure that your rates are in line with these rates. By setting competitive rental rates, you can attract more tenants and generate more rental income.

  2. Reduce vacancies: Another way to increase the cash flow of your rental property is to reduce vacancies. Vacant properties generate no rental income, so it is important to minimize the amount of time that your property is unoccupied. To do this, make sure that your property is well-maintained and attractive to potential tenants, and consider offering incentives, such as reduced rent or waived fees, to encourage tenants to move in quickly.

  3. Increase occupancy rates: In addition to reducing vacancies, you can also increase the cash flow of your rental property by increasing occupancy rates. If your property is currently under-occupied, consider allowing multiple tenants to rent the property, such as by renting out rooms in a single-family home or offering short-term rentals. This can help to increase the amount of rental income that your property generates.

  4. Implement a pet policy: If you currently do not allow pets in your rental property, consider implementing a pet policy. Many potential tenants have pets, and by allowing pets in your property, you may be able to attract more renters and increase the rental income of your property. However, be sure to carefully consider the potential risks and liabilities of allowing pets in your property before making a decision.

  5. Implement a rent-to-own program: Another way to increase the cash flow of your rental property is to offer a rent-to-own program. This type of program allows tenants to rent the property for a set period of time, with the option to purchase the property at the end of the rental period. By offering a rent-to-own program, you can generate additional rental income and potentially sell the property for a profit at the end of the rental period.

  6. Implement a storage rental program: If your rental property has extra storage space, such as a basement or attic, consider implementing a storage rental program. This can involve renting out the extra storage space to tenants or to individuals who are not tenants of the property. This can provide an additional source of rental income and can help to increase the cash flow of your property.

  7. Implement a short-term rental program: Another way to increase the cash flow of your rental property is to implement a short-term rental program. This can involve renting out the property on a short-term basis, such as through a platform like Airbnb or VRBO. By offering short-term rentals, you can generate additional rental income and potentially attract a higher rental rate than you would for long-term rentals.

  8. Implement a roommate matching service: If your rental property has multiple bedrooms, consider implementing a roommate matching service. This can involve helping tenants find roommates to rent the extra bedrooms in the property. By offering a roommate matching service, you can increase the occupancy rate of your property and generate additional rental income.

  9. Negotiate with tenants to increase rent: If your tenants have been renting the property for an extended period of time, consider negotiating with them to increase the rent. Be sure to carefully consider the current market conditions and the potential impact on your relationship with the tenants before making any decisions. If the tenants are willing to pay a higher rent, this can help.

If you’re looking to grow your cashflow, we can help. Get in touch today and let’s talk.

CategoriesCompany Insight Dallas Property Management Real Estate

What are “accidental landlords”?

In recent years, there has been a trend of “accidental landlords” – individuals who have become landlords without intending to. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as inheriting a property, having a tenant who wants to continue renting after a home is sold, or purchasing a property as an investment and then finding it difficult to sell. Whatever the reason, becoming a landlord can be a challenging and unexpected experience, especially for individuals who are not prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved in property management.

One of the biggest challenges that accidental landlords face is managing their properties effectively and efficiently. Dealing with tenant inquiries and complaints, maintaining and repairing the property, and handling the finances of the property can be time-consuming and stressful, especially for individuals who are not familiar with the property management process. This can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction for both landlords and tenants, and can even result in legal liabilities if the property is not properly maintained or managed.

One solution for accidental landlords is to hire a professional property manager. Property managers are experts in the field of property management, and they have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle the various tasks and responsibilities involved in managing rental properties. By hiring a property manager, accidental landlords can free up their time and energy to focus on other aspects of their lives, while ensuring that their properties are being managed effectively and efficiently.

Professional property management can provide a number of benefits for accidental landlords. For example, a property manager can handle the leasing and tenant management process, including advertising available units, showing properties to potential tenants, and screening applicants to ensure that they are qualified and suitable to rent the property. A property manager can also handle maintenance and repair issues, coordinating with contractors and other service providers to ensure that the property is well-maintained and safe for tenants to live in.

Additionally, a property manager can provide valuable expertise and guidance to accidental landlords. A property manager can help landlords to set competitive rental rates, maximize the income potential of their properties, and comply with any applicable laws and regulations. They can also act as a liaison between landlords and tenants, handling tenant inquiries and complaints, and working to resolve any issues that may arise.

Overall, the trend of accidental landlords presents a number of challenges and opportunities for individuals who find themselves in the role of a landlord without intending to. Hiring a professional property manager can provide a solution to these challenges, by offering expertise, experience, and support to help landlords manage their properties effectively and efficiently. If you are an accidental landlord, consider hiring a property manager to help you navigate the complexities of property management and achieve your investment goals.

Are you an accidental landlord? You don’t have to be! Get in touch and let’s talk about how we can help solve your property management pain.

CategoriesCompany Insight Property Management Real Estate

So, what exactly do property managers do anyway?

Property managers are professionals who are responsible for the management and oversight of rental properties. Their primary role is to manage the day-to-day operations of rental properties, which can include a wide range of tasks and responsibilities.

One of the key responsibilities of property managers is to handle the leasing and tenant management process. This can include advertising available units, showing properties to potential tenants, and screening applicants to ensure that they are qualified and suitable to rent the property. Property managers may also be responsible for drafting and negotiating rental agreements, collecting rent, and handling tenant inquiries and complaints.

Another important role of property managers is to maintain and repair rental properties. This can involve coordinating with contractors and other service providers to handle routine and emergency maintenance and repair issues, ensuring that the property is well-maintained and safe for tenants to live in. Property managers may also be responsible for conducting regular inspections of the property to identify potential issues and ensure that the property is in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

In addition to these core responsibilities, property managers may also be involved in other aspects of property management, such as managing the finances of the property, preparing budgets and financial reports, and coordinating with property owners to ensure that their goals and objectives are being met. They may also be responsible for communicating with tenants and other stakeholders, such as landlords, vendors, and regulators, to ensure that the property is being managed effectively and efficiently.

Overall, property managers play a critical role in the management of rental properties. Their expertise and experience can help to ensure that properties are well-maintained, tenants are satisfied, and landlords are able to maximize the income potential of their investments. If you are a landlord or investor with rental properties, consider hiring a professional property manager to help manage your properties and achieve your investment goals.

If you’re looking to learn more about property management, reach out today and let’s chat.

CategoriesCompany Insight Dallas Real Estate SFR

Why Dallas is a great market for owning single family rental homes

Dallas, Texas is a great market for owning single family rental homes for a number of reasons.

First, the city has a strong and growing economy. Dallas is home to a number of major corporations, including American Airlines, AT&T, and Texas Instruments, which provide a strong base of employment for residents. The city’s economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a number of industries, including technology and healthcare, experiencing significant expansion. This strong economy means that there is a steady demand for rental housing in the area, which can provide a reliable source of income for landlords.

Second, the city has a relatively affordable housing market. While housing prices in many major cities have been skyrocketing in recent years, Dallas has remained relatively affordable, with median home prices that are lower than the national average. This means that investors can purchase single family homes in the area at prices that are more accessible than in many other parts of the country, making it easier to get started in the rental market.

Third, the city has a large and diverse population. Dallas is home to a wide range of people, including families, young professionals, and retirees, which means that there is a strong demand for rental housing across different demographics. This diversity in the population also means that there are a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.

Fourth, the city has a strong rental market. Dallas has a relatively low homeownership rate, with many residents choosing to rent rather than buy. This means that there is a strong demand for rental housing in the area, which can provide landlords with a consistent and reliable source of income. Additionally, the city has a number of employment centers, including downtown, Uptown, and the Medical District, which can provide tenants with convenient access to jobs and other amenities.

Finally, Dallas has a number of amenities and attractions that make it a desirable place to live. The city is home to a number of museums, parks, and other cultural attractions, as well as a thriving arts and music scene. It is also located near a number of major highways, making it easy to access other parts of Texas and the surrounding region.

Overall, Dallas is a great market for owning single family rental homes because of its strong and growing economy, affordable housing market, diverse population, strong rental market, and numerous amenities and attractions. Whether you are looking to invest in rental properties as a way to generate income or as a long-term investment, Dallas is a city that offers a number of opportunities for landlords.

CategoriesReal Estate

DBJ: More higher-income millennials opting to rent, not buy, especially in Arlington, McKinney, Denton

By Bill Hethcock – Senior Reporter, Dallas Business Journal

A growing number of higher-income millennials are renting instead of buying a home in North Texas, according to a new study.

The trend toward “lifestyle renting” by millennials is especially evident just outside of major cities, according to new research from RentCafé.

In Arlington, millennials generated a 61% rise in rental applications — more than any other buying age group, according to RentCafé. In McKinney, applications from millennials earning more than $50,000 annually increased by 51%. And rounding out the top three in North Texas is Denton, with a 39% increase, according to RentCafé’s analysis of 5.9 million rental applications nationwide.

Compared to last year, millennials earning even higher incomes have turned to renting. Specifically, in Arlington, new applicants for apartments earn a median wage of $57,500, while last year’s new applicants earned $42,000, the study says.

The difference is significant in other North Texas cities as well. In McKinney, new millennial renters earn $6,000 more than last year’s applicants, while in Denton, the difference is of more than $2,000.

Fort Worth and Dallas also saw their fair share of millennial applications, but the growth within the city limits of North Texas’ biggest burgs was slower than in most surrounding cities. In Fort Worth, applications from millennials earning more than $50,000 increased by 19%, while in Dallas, they rose by just 8%.

All Dallas suburbs experienced higher increases in millennial lifestyle renters compared to the city of Dallas.

The lifestyle renting trend is playing out nationwide, as renting continues to be the choice in 2021 for a growing number of people with incomes that might allow them to purchase a home, RentCafé found. The share of applications coming from millennial renters with individual incomes of more than $50,000 reached a five-year high of 43% in 2021, according to the apartment search website.

More broadly, 39% of all applicants in 2021 had individual incomes above $50,000 — up from 32% five years prior. This year’s rental applicants are earning on average 10% more than those who moved last year, which works out to $4,300 more in annual wages, according to the analysis of rental application data.

Macon, Ga., was the U.S. city that saw the biggest change in the share of rental applications from higher-income millennials, with an 83% increase. Mesa, Ariz., and Spokane, Wash., were Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, with 78% and 75% increase in their share of applications from higher-income millennials.

Arlington was the top Texas city and ranked seventh nationally, with its 61% rise in rental applications from millennials earning $50,000 or more. McKinney, with its 51% increase in applications in that category, ranked 17th in the U.S.

In addition to soaring home prices, housing analysts say that rising inflation and interest rates make it increasingly difficult to save money for a down payment.

Lifestyle renters have above-average incomes that would allow them to buy in a less competitive market the study notes. Renting with a bigger budget allows them to live in higher-quality, amenity-rich apartments.

The trend is most noticeable among millennials, but the home-buying market frenzy and other factors are deterring other generations, too. Generation X and Baby Boomers also saw a rise in applications from higher-earning renters in 2021.