Property Management Kit For Dummies » (With CD-ROM)

Robert S. Griswold, MBA, is a successful real estate investor and hands-on property manager with a large portfolio of residential and commercial rental properties. He uses print and broadcast journalism to bring his many years of experience to his readers, listeners, and viewers.

The fun and easy way tomake managing propertiesboth profitable and enjoyable!

Thinking about becoming a landlord? This guide gives you proven strategies for establishing and maintaining rental properties, be they single family or multi-resident. You'll see how to prepare and promote your properties, select tenants, handle repairs, avoid costly mistakes and legal snafus — and meet your long-term goals.

• Learn all the basics of the rental housing business — from finding and showing properties and dealing with tenants to record keeping and paying your taxes

• Prepare your properties for prospective tenants — set the rent and security deposit, clean up properties, and verify rental applications

• Become a top-notch manager — work efficiently with employees and contractors to keep your properties safe and secure

• Manage your money wisely — evaluate the different types of insurance and understand income and property taxes

Bonus CD Includes

Sample rental contracts, financial worksheets, eviction notices, and other valuable tools for simplifying day-to-day operations

See the CD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

Open the book and find:

• Advice on whether you should manage the property yourself or hire a pro

• The latest on property management and rental housing laws

• Tips for handling vacancies, renovations, open houses, mandatory disclosures, rent increases, and evictions

• The pros and cons of lease options, working with public rental assistance programs, and maintenance alternatives

• Troubleshooting advice for rent collection problems, housing discrimination complaints, and environmental hazards

Introduction.

Part I: So You Want to Be a Landlord?

Chapter 1: Property Management 101.

Chapter 2: Do You Have What It Takes to Manage Your Own Rental Property?

Chapter 3: Managing Your Property Yourself or Hiring a Pro.

Chapter 4: Taking Over the Proper ty.

Part II: Renting Your Property.

Chapter 5: Getting Your Rental Property Ready for Prospective Tenants.

Chapter 6: Rent, Security Deposits, and Rental Contracts: The Big Three of Property Management.

Chapter 7: FOR RENT: Generating Interest in Your Rental.

Chapter 8: Handling Prospects When They Come A’Calling.

Chapter 9: Strutting Your Property’s Stuff: Making Your Property Stick Out.

Chapter 10: Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo: Selecting Your Tenants.

Part III: The Brass Tacks of Managing Rentals.

Chapter 11: Moving In the Tenants.

Chapter 12: Collecting and Increasing Rent.

Chapter 13: Keeping the Good Tenants — and Your Sanity.

Chapter 14: Dealing with Problem Tenants.

Chapter 15: Moving Out the Tenants.

Part IV: Techniques and Tools for Managing the Property.

Chapter 16: Working with Employees and Contractors.

Chapter 17: Maintaining the Property.

Chapter 18: Keeping Safety and Security in Mind.

Part V: Money, Money, Money!

Chapter 19: Two Necessities of Property Management: Insurance and Taxes.

Chapter 20: Financial Management and Recordkeeping.

Chapter 21: Finding New Ways to Increase Your Cash Flow: Only for the Daring.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Reasons to Become a Rental Property Owner.

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Rent Your Vacancy.

Appendix A: On the CD.

Appendix B: State Statutes for Landlord-Tenant Laws.

Index.