Wacky Wednesday - Dumb Laws!

Hi Everyone!!

I was thinking about my next blog and really hit writers block!  Do I talk about property management or something funny and it hit me.... Let's do Wacky Wednesday!

Well, what exactly is Wacky Wednesday?  Well here at Top Notch this new created Wednesday blog will have fun and interesting laws or videos or ??? to give us a boost mid-week.  Oh don't worry, I will also post informative information about property management & Real estate, this is just for us to un-wind some!

I think it will be fun and my hope is that it will also make you laugh a little.  So here goes...

Lets talk Laws - Crazy laws!

Alabama  - Bear wrestling matches are prohibited.  BUT, they would be entertaining.

Alaska - It is considered an offense to push a live moose out of a moving airplane.  Would a moose actually go on an airplane?

Arizona - Donkeys cannot sleep in bathtubs.  I really did not know this was a problem.
Prescott - No one is permitted to ride their horse up the stairs of the county court house.  mmm, ok!

Arkansas - It’s strictly prohibited to pronounce “Arkansas” incorrectly.  Am I missing something, how else would you say it... AR-Kansas!

California - No vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour. Really?  I hope this never happens - watch out.

Colorado - Car dealers may not show cars on a Sunday.  Must be a little hard on business.  I am guessing Sunday's are busy. 

Connecticut - You can be stopped by the police for biking over 65 miles per hour.  Is this even possible?

Delaware - Rehoboth Beach - No person shall pretend to sleep on a bench on the boardwalk.  Sorry folks, no resting with your eyes closed on the benches.  

Florida - If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.  An elephant?  Do they have these problems in Florida?

Georgia - No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.  Maybe I need to try this?  (but not in Georgia).

Hawaii - Coins are not allowed to be placed in one’s ears. Curious how this law got on the books?

Idaho - You may not fish on a camel’s back.  What?  Does Idaho have camels?  

Illinois - You may be arrested for vagrancy if you do not have at least one dollar bill on your person.  Is there a dollar police?  Who really carries cash now a days.  Busted!

Indiana - Waitresses may not carry drinks into a restaurant or bar.   So, do the people go get their own drinks?  I'm confused!

Iowa - Tanning bed facilities must warn of the risk of getting a sunburn.  Wait, "sun" burned, isn't this inside a facility.  Who monitors this?

Kansas - Pedestrians crossing the highways at night must wear tail lights.  Do they sell these somewhere  in case you need them?

Kentucky - One may not dye a duckling blue and offer it for sale unless more than six are for sale at once.  A blue duck?  I want one...

Louisiana - Persons could land in jail for up to ten years for stealing an alligator.  IF you can catch it and keep it without getting eaten. 

Maine - You may not step out of a plane in flight.  Highly advised not to do this!

Maryland - Thistles may not grow in one’s yard.  Oh goodness, how do you prevent this? 

Massachusetts - No gorilla is allowed in the back seat of any car.  OK, good to know!   I wish I could put my pet gorilla in the back seat.  What???

Michigan - The last Sunday in June of every year was named "log cabin day".  Cool!  I wonder how they celebrate this great day. 

Minnesota - A person may not cross state lines with a duck atop his head.   Silly, just put the duck in a bag.


That should tide us over for this week.  Tune in next week for the remainder states....

Have a great rest of your week and a good weekend from all of us at Top Notch Property Management & Sales.

Call us if you need us!  928-772-4801

  

TENANT RETENTION - BETTER COMMUNICATION

Wait, Wait....don't leave!

We strive to place a tenant in the property but yet there seems to be a gap that encourages a tenant to want to stay.  

Reducing turnover and loss of revenue for our owners requires multiple factors working together...such as setting pricing correctly, property in a good location, nice and functional home and amenities, and a maintenance crew that is always on point. But perhaps most importantly, the relationship that renters build with their property managers can make or break a lease renewal. 

Developing good social skills is not difficult and it proves to make 

relationships between property managers and residents happier days and longer stays.

Here are 3 helpful tips when communicating with tenants:

Visual Connection

Eye contact is vital for successful face-to-face communication, whether you are the listener or the speaker. Studies show that listeners are more likely to trust what you say and have confidence in your abilities when you visually connect with them.

As you listen, eye contact becomes equally important. When you fail to make eye contact with your residents, you risk conveying:

◾“I’m too busy to pay attention to you.”

◾“Oh look… someone else is walking in the door.”

◾“You’re unworthy of my attention.”

Lack of eye contact can put a resident in defensive mode and ready to counter-attack. This can quickly turn a simple complaint or concern into an argument. The resident will be harder to please and more likely to express aggression. While eye-contact alone won’t solve problems, it can help you avoid them.

Engaged Listening

Since you will want to make eye contact while listening, it’s important that you’re actually listening. A blank stare is a dead giveaway that you’re thinking of other things rather than paying attention to their needs. Engaged listening—hearing, processing, and responding appropriately—builds confidence and empathy during conversation.

When you are a good listener you will notice that listening and handling resident concerns plays a crucial role in resident retention. We will not be successful in our jobs if we do not listen to the tenants, to their complaints, to the good and the bad, and actually make an effort to do something about it.  People most of the time just want to be heard and know that you are listening. 

Accountability

When tenants come to you with an issue, try to address their concerns without passing the responsibility on to someone else. Remember: your renters are not a distraction. They’re your business! When you see a resident through his or her concerns from start to finish, you build a relationship of trust and accountability. You also demonstrate integrity on behalf of your company.

If for some reason you can’t help the resident, see him or her through the introductions needed to reach the right person. When doing so, you can vanquish the frustration that many renters feel when they are given “the run around.”

What is your team doing to improve communication between staff and residents? 

Here are Top Notch Property Management & Sales, communication and relationship building is the foundation of what we do.  Call us today to found out more.  

928-772-4801

TopNotchPrescott@gmail.com

www.TopNotchPrescott.com

Let's Talk Property Management & Rental Market

Let's talk Property Management and the Rental Market!

Overall, Arizona is doing well with growth in the rental market.  Rents have increased due to the influx of people moving into the State.  Prescott and Yuma saw the largest increase of 5.6% and 8.5%.  Phoenix increased 3.3%.  Flagstaff and Sierra Vista saw a decline and Tucson only gained 1%.

Why do people love Prescott?  Prescott has a combination of great weather, access to biking, walking trails and still the small town feel.   It is inviting, functional and overall the people are great.  I moved into Prescott about 16 years ago and still feel like I am on vacation.

Prescott is inviting which has created a double edged sword.  People love it here, and hear about it and want to move here BUT inventory is low for both re-sale homes and rentals.  If you have a property to sell or rent out, NOW IS THE TIME!  The statistics show it and we see it as we monitor the market.

Who do you trust to rent out your home or investment property?

It can be a tough decision.  Here is a guideline of a couple of questions to ask when you interview a Property Manager to take care of your home or investment property:

1)  What type of communication should I expect?
Communication is key and the number one complaint from owners.  You should expect to be kept informed of every step of the way.  What type of marketing and activity did you have this week on your property?  Do you even know when you have an approved application?  Did you get a copy of the signed lease.

1)  What type of education do you require of your team?
Property Managers that invest in their time for education are proud of their knowledge and this is a large benefit to you, the client.  When there are situations that may occur, their knowledge will be tested to come up with a solution to benefit all parties involved.   Have a thinker on your side!

2)  Are you familiar with the law?
Hire a property manager that is familiar with the ins and outs of the Residential Arizona Landlord Tenant Act.  Will they be able to protect your asset when needed?  Acting within the appropriate time lines will save you money as well.  If a time line is missed, tenants can use the system to stay at the property for free.   Knowing the law is priority!

3)   Do you inspect my property regularly?
Hire a Property Manager who has your asset protection in mind.  Inspections should be done before a tenant, during a tenant and after a tenant.  They are your eyes and ears to the property.  You should be regularly informed of any deferred maintenance items and have the ability to maintain your property as required by the law and for asset protection.  If your property is not looked after then you could spend thousands at one time in preparation of a sale or to bring the property into good condition.   Inspections during a tenancy also reduces the risk of damage, unauthorized pets or roommates in the property.  They should be looking out for your best interest!

There are many other questions you can ask a Property Manager.  Be prepared and take the time to properly interview.  Real Estate is an expensive and large asset, it should be cared for by someone who takes it seriously and knows how to protect it.

Top Notch Property Management & Sales would love to interview with you.  Come learn why we are Top Notch, why we put our clients first, how your property will be maintained and why knowledge is the key to good Property Manager.

There is more information on our website at www.TopNotchPrescott.com 

Or Call us at 928-772-4801 anytime.

Concierge Home Services

ARE YOU TOO BUSY?

Are you too busy?  Or should I say, have you taken time to relax?  That may be the better question.

This time of the year everyone is busy with friends and family get togethers, Christmas parties and holiday functions.  It is amazing to me that in September, life is just moving along, then Halloween hits and it gets busier than Thanksgiving and wow, things have really progressed.  Then Christmas and New Years....I get it!  We all do it.

My suggestion for the holidays:  take it in strides - enjoy it.  Visit friends and family and actually spend time connecting.  Don't do the "hey, how are you?" bit, but really enjoy each other.  When was the last time you stopped by someones home or office unannounced just to say hi and connect? Cup of coffee or tea anyone?  For me, I love doing that.  I am all about relationships. I love a great chat, smiles and hugs from people who unexpectedly say "I was thinking about you" and decided to call or stop by.

I bet you can relate!  Remember those days when no matter how stressed or busy you were, when a little baby or puppy enter the room, everyone stops!  For a few moments -  all you can think about is how sweet, how cute - all of the stress disappears.  I love that feeling!  So, what little steps can we do to get that feeling again?

If you have a moment, or actually TAKE a moment and call, stop by or even email someone who has not been present in your day to day but is your friend or family member.

Reap the benefit of making someone else's day and you will see that it actually makes the difference in your day.

Merry Christmas everyone...take a moment to make someone's day!  Sometimes, all it takes is a smile.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Fun Facts about Christmas

How do you ensure lease is followed?

Honestly! Did the tenant tell the truth?

While security background checks are certainly required and definitely necessary to help you make a good decision in picking your tenants, there is only so much that a background check can tell you. Is your tenant telling you everything?  Ok, they probably have good financials and a credit score that helped them qualify, but are they honest? Are they clean? Will they respect the terms of the lease? Most of all, will they take care of the home?As a Landlord, it is important that your property is well taken-care of and your tenants are respectful in regards to the upkeep of the home BUT what about the conditions of their lease they agreed to? Do you have peace of mind and feel confident that the lease will be complied with?  Lease compliance is important and part of how you can check on this is making a habit of regular property inspections. 

WHY INSPECT?

An inspection allows you as the landlord or your property manager to check up on your property and make sure that there isn’t any violations to the lease. What do you look for?  There are possible code violations that could be anything from tenant-related violations to building violations.   Your tenants may not be looking for deferred maintenance items and report them timely.  There might be outstanding tenant issues that require some resolution for example, un-authorized occupants in the home, the arrival of an un-authorized pet or type of pet in the property, subletting, etc.. .  These are some of the items that are not permitted per the lease agreement. Building violations could be mechanical or appliance related, or about the wear and tear of the property itself. Overall, many aspects of the lease can be evaluated for compliance during an inspection. By making a habit of regular property inspections, you can stay aware of the condition of your property and have the peace of mind that the home is being maintained. 

It is important to remember, however, that nobody likes a pesky landlord! Regular inspections can be done timely, allowing you or your property manager to evaluate the property and respect the privacy of the tenant at the same time.  It is a great idea to inform the tenant ahead of time when the lease is signed that regular inspections will occur to confirm the property is being well maintained.

Want to take the extra step? 

Hire a professional property manager who has a scheduled time to check your property, submits written reports of the findings and has the ability to receive maintenance requests from the tenant.   Letting the tenant know that the condition of your property is a top priority for you as a landlord is very important. It’s not difficult to assure lease compliance with a little extra care and the right management company.

When Hiring a Professional Property Manager, Call Top Notch first at 928-772-4801, email at topnotchprescott@gmail.com or check out our website at www.TopNotchPrescott.com for more information.