November 2010: Never Ignore Water

By Michael Mengden Sunday, October 31, 2010

Water is a necessary element to support life and when it concerns rental property, water usage must be available to tenants. However, water can be destructive. This can come from an act of nature, such as a serious flood or hurricane. If there are repairs left unchecked in a ren...

October 2010: When It is NOT a Pet

By Michael Mengden Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ordinarily, property owners have the right to refuse animals while renting their property. However, there a specific circumstance exists when a dog, cat, or possibly another animal it is not considered a "pet." When a disabled person with an assistance animal applies to rent...

September 2010: Plan Winter Maintenance Now

By Michael Mengden Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Thinking about winter maintenance needs for your investment before the season hits can often save you money. An extra benefit is that it can help keep tenants happy. For example, if you wait until the rains or winds come and the roof leaks, you will be competing with everyone el...

August 2010: Are You Prepared?

By Michael Mengden Saturday, July 31, 2010

We continually work on educating tenants for any event that could happen during their tenancy. This includes making rental payments, reporting maintenance, handling emergencies/disasters, checking smoke alarms, practicing good neighbor policies, buying renter's insurance, and mo...

July 2010: When Handed Lemons, Make Lemonade

By Michael Mengden Wednesday, June 30, 2010

People have many fears when deciding to rent their home or contemplating buying an investment property. Horror stories abound about damage and difficult tenants. They have made many movies that portray outrageous tenant situations. Unfortunately, difficulties can arise and ...

June 2010: Mistakes Investors Should Avoid

By Michael Mengden Monday, May 31, 2010

The economy has certainly been volatile for the last few years. The stock market took a major nosedive, foreclosures have been rampant, and unemployment has risen to all time highs in many areas. However, in every market, there are opportunities and for some, now is a good time ...

May 2010: Renting and the Handicapped

By Michael Mengden Friday, April 30, 2010

Fair Housing is simple - do not discriminate. While this may be a basic principle, it is often not "easy" to follow, particularly in the area of handicapped or disabled persons. Many landlords often do not know or understand the legal requirements when it comes to renting to han...

April 2010: Setting the Stage for Better Showings

By Michael Mengden Wednesday, March 31, 2010

If you list your home with a REALTOR®, they would advise you to take certain steps to maximize how your house would show to the public. Their recommendations may include cleaning, landscape clean up, painting, installing new flooring, changing an appliance, and more. In ad...

March 2010: A Message from TERRA Residential

By Michael Mengden Sunday, February 28, 2010

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the online version of the TRS monthly Newsletter. Many of our clients have been requesting more online and we have been listening. In addition to this Newsletter, TRS now offers online electronic statements and documents on our secure onli...

February 2010: Terra Residential OWNER Portal

By Michael Mengden Sunday, January 31, 2010

Many of you have been requesting more online and we have been listening. TRS is pleased to announce that we are now offering online electronic statements and documents. We now have our secure online OWNER PORTAL through our website at terraresidential.com where you will have t...