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The dream of rental income as a passive income is a tempting siren song for many. Steady stream of cash flowing in, a little nest egg growing with each passing month. But being a landlord isn't quite the sunshine and rainbows some may paint. Here are 5 realities seasoned landlords wish they'd known before diving in: 1. Tenants Make or Break You (Stats Don't Lie): A National Apartment Association study found a whopping 11.6% of renters pay rent late at least once a year. That's a significant chunk of your income potentially up in the air. Fin…

Let's face it, being a landlord can be a rollercoaster. Finding great tenants, dealing with maintenance headaches, and staying on top of legalities can feel like a full-time job. That's where property management companies come in – superheroes swooping in to save the day (or at least your sanity). Before you hand over the keys to your kingdom (or investment property), you need to make sure you're choosing the right partner. The wrong property management company can leave you feeling like you've invested in a headache, not a rental property. Her…

A helpful guide from Blue Door Residential Property Management & The Norman Home Team of Keller Williams Gateway This is part two of our series on the winter maintenance checklist focusing on the exterior of the home and the property. As the colder temps have arrived, now is the time to work through your winter checklist to ensure your investment property stays in tip-top condition. Winter is one of the hardest seasons on our properties in Maryland because of the freezing and thawing that occurs all winter long. This guide will focus on t…

If you're considering renting out your property, here are a few key steps you can take to prepare your home for tenants. 1. Clean and declutter: Before you start showing your home to potential tenants, it's important to give it a deep clean and remove any clutter. This will help your home look its best and make it more appealing to potential tenants. Having an open clean environment will allow potential tenants to see themselves in the home. 2. Paint and deep clean the floors: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the look and feel of your r…

Having a pool on a rental property can be a great amenity for tenants, but it also comes with additional responsibilities for landlords. Here are 8 things a landlord should keep in mind when renting a house with a pool: 1. Safety Regulations: Make sure the pool and surrounding area comply with all local and state safety regulations. This includes having a fence around the pool, having proper pool signs, and having adequate pool lighting. 2. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is importantl for keeping the pool safe and functioning properly. This …