Making a Move in Winter Weather

Moving during winter months is a great way to save on costs because professional moving services often offer discounts during the chilly season — but there are other things to consider, as well. Prepare for the challenges of cold weather conditions with these helpful tips.

Weather-proof your vehicles
If you’re uncomfortable driving in winter weather in a passenger car, imagine what it would be like driving a truck with a heavy load! Consider the bargains to be had from moving companies during the winter and whether it might be easier overall to leave the driving to a pro.
If you are hiring movers, you can likely assume that they won’t want to take any chances with their trucks and will equip them with necessary snow tires and/or chains. It’s still a good idea, however, to talk to the company about their cold-weather moving practices.
If you are renting a truck yourself, however, you’ll need to be vigilant when it comes to getting what you need from the rental company. If there is a chance of any significant snow or ice on your journey to your new home, be sure that the truck you’re renting can handle it with the proper tires and chains.

Maybe you have only your own car to worry about during your move. In that case, be sure it is in good working order, with proper tires and/or chains, working heat and topped-off fluids.

 Be prepared for emergencies
 Whether you’re traveling in a rental truck or your own vehicle, prepare for the worst by carrying supplies, should you break down. Make sure you have:

• Warm coats/clothes/blankets for each person
• Water and nonperishable food for each passenger
• Jumper cables
• Tow rope
• Candles
• Ice scraper
• Collapsible shovel/screwdriver kit/hammer
• Flashlight/light sticks
• Batteries/matches
• Hand warmers and knit gloves
• Roadside safety manual and survival instruction 

A GPS is great unless your signal and or/batteries fail. Bring an old-fashioned road map of your route, as well, and consider signing up for roadside assistance service. (This may be included as part of your moving truck rental, so ask your vehicle provider.)

You’ll want a battery-powered or hand-cranked NOAA emergency radio so that you can keep track of storms, especially if your car battery fails. Also bring a bag of non-clumping kitty litter for traction, should your car get stuck on ice.

 If you already have such a kit assembled, be sure to check the working order and freshness (batteries, water, food) of everything in it. And don’t forget to have plenty of warm clothes with you in the car!

Most of all, don’t drive alone if you can help it. Two (or more) is always better than one in an emergency situation.

Weatherize the load
Antiques and other wooden pieces are sensitive to cold temperatures, so be sure to wrap them well in packing material to protect them. Make sure you have drained liquid out of anything you’re moving that could freeze and also keep plants in a controlled climate as much as possible. If they will be in a moving truck, cover them with garbage bags with holes in them so the plants can breathe.
Moving during the winter can mean a shorter wait for a rental truck and lower prices with professional movers, but there is one major downside—it’s cold! Ice and snow might complicate your move, so plan ahead to make sure you still have clear sailing ahead!

Courtesy http://wwwRentals.com By Amber

How to Save Energy (and Money) when Renting an Apartment

Whether your apartment is considered all-inclusive or if you have to cover some of the utilities yourself, it’s everybody’s responsibility to reduce the amount of energy they use, regardless of whether the costs are coming out of your own pocket. Reducing your apartment hydro bills will not only save you (or your landlord) some money, you’ll also be doing your part to help save the environment, which is just as important. If you’re looking to cut back on your energy consumption, all you need to do is follow these handy everyday apartment rental energy-saving tips.

Lighting

1. Turn off lights when they aren’t in use.
2. Use compact fluorescent lights instead of regular incandescent light bulbs. While they are more expensive initially, fluorescent bulbs will pay for themselves many times over in the long run, as they consume about a quarter of the power and last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs.

Heating and Cooling

1. Use a fan during the summer months instead of an air conditioner. However, if you have to use an air conditioner, keep it on a lower setting and at a slightly higher temperature. Don’t forget to turn off your A/C when leaving the apartment – most window units cool the apartment very quickly, so there’s no need to keep them running while you’re away.
2. Close window shades during the day, particularly if your apartment has windows that receive direct sunlight.
3. Open windows at night when there is a breeze.
4. Seal windows with plastic during the winter.
5. If you control your heat in the winter, turn down the thermostat when you are not home, and at night.
6. Install an energy-efficient showerhead in the bathroom to reduce your hot water usage.

Furniture and Electronics

1. Arrange your furniture in a way that doesn’t block or obstruct any heat vents, radiators or baseboard heaters. This includes drapes or curtains; not only will they block the heat from entering your apartment, but it’s a fire hazard too!
2. Turn off and unplug appliances when not in use.

Cooking and Storing Your Food

1. Minimize the number of times you open the oven, refrigerator and freezer doors.
2. Match the size of any pots or skillets you use on the stovetop elements. There’s no need to use the energy required to heat up the largest element when you’re only using the smallest pot in the kitchen.
3. Reduce cooking times by thawing frozen foods in the refrigerator beforehand.
4. Don't overcrowd your fridge, or unfill your freezer.

What are some good tips for deciding what to plant in an aparment garden?

If you have some room to garden, you'll need to think about what types of plants you want to have and how much time you are willing to spend on the area. Here are some gardening tips for your apartment yard:

• Flowers. If you choose to go with flowers, have a plan. Are you looking for pretty ones to cut and put in a vase or would you prefer they decorate the yard area? What colors do you like? Do you prefer to tend to them a lot or just let them bloom and fill the air with fragrance? Knowing these things ahead of time will help you do a little research. Either take a look on the Internet or ask at the garden center, but keep your criteria in mind.
• Vegetables. It can be fun to grow vegetables in a garden and then use them in your food. Choose a few favorites that would do well in your soil/sun conditions and make sure you know how to deter any pests that may spoil your goodies. Again, a bit of advance research will set you on the right course.
• Decorative plants. Grasses and other decorative plants can be a great addition to any yard. Many require little maintenance, so they can be a super choice for those who like to garden but don't have much time.

Seasons on the Park Open House! Visit our new apartments at Battle Ground Village!

Seasons on the Park Open House! Visit our new apartments at Battle Ground Village!

 

Why You Must Hire Condo Property Management

Buying condo properties is a big investment decision and more so in these days of economic slowdown. Therefore, it is very important for you to maintain its condition to its optimum level in order to make sure that your investment is safe. Since running a property investment business and dealing with the maintenance aspects of buildings can be an overwhelming task, it is always wise to hire a condo management company to do the needful. The management company will definitely charge a certain fee that may look like a substantial amount, but when you look at the wide array of benefits that their valuable services offer, you will realize that the benefits actually far outweigh the costs. Here is how.

Collecting Rent      
If you are using your condominium for rental business, you may find the task of rent collection a very difficult and highly time consuming one. When it comes to dealing with the tenants, it is always a painful process. However, you can definitely take much pain out of the proceedings by availing a condo property management service. They are professionals in this field. They will make sure that rent is paid on time. This way, you can substantially improve rent collection using their professional systems and strategies.

Local Knowledge Of Rents  
 
The building management professionals will also help you in determining the rent, as they have extensive knowledge of local rent. You can charge the highest possible rent for your condos depending upon the location and other factors. The tenants these days have also become smarter. They first research on Internet in order to see whether the rent charged is reasonable or not. This way, by keeping the rent highly competitive, the condo management company will also get you an edge over your competitors.

Information About Tenants    
Tenant screening is one of the most difficult tasks that you have to deal with in condominium rental business. The company responsible for the management of your properties will do this job on your behalf. They have a set system for this. They first ask the tenants to fill out an application form with all the essential details. The information provided in the application form is then verified using criminal, social security and public notice searches. The condo management company also talks with the employers of the tenant and their previous landlord in order to make sure that tenants financial condition is good enough and that his behavior is also good. 
  
Marketing
The marketing expertise of these companies is also an added advantage, as they can help you get your properties rented in the quickest possible time. In order to find quality tenants quickly and to maximize your property exposure, they use both offline as well as online marketing strategies.

Legal
What is more, an experienced condo management company will also prove to be a great help for you in legal issues associated with your condominiums. You can benefit from their extensive knowledge of property laws and regulations. In order to keep things smooth, it is very important for you to make sure that everything in your rental business is in compliance with your federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

Overall, we can see that it is always beneficial to hire a condo property management choice in order to run your rental business smoothly and profitably.

Courtesy Property Management Blog

9 Inexpensive Ways to Spruce Up Your Rental Property

Homeowners will spend months beautifying their houses for sale, but for some reason, that attention to detail doesn’t translate to rental properties. I’ve heard horror stories from tenants who have looked at rental properties where the counters were covered with dirt and no one had even bothered to mop the floors! If you want to attract desirable tenants, however, here are nine inexpensive ways to spruce up your rental property.

1. Front Door

This will be a slightly more expensive way to spruce up your rental property, but a new front door can do wonders for curb appeal. If you don’t want to buy an entirely new door—which, on the cheap side, will run you $130—you can paint the existing door a new color. Use a sprayer to avoid having to apply multiple coats.

2. Tile Entryway

If your entryway is currently a drab linoleum or carpet, you might want to replace just that small area with tile. It will run you between $75 and $100 for materials, and you can lay the actual tile yourself. Or, if you want something a little more rugged, go with a laminate hard-wood that you can install yourself to spruce up your rental property.

3. Electrical Switch Plates

Very few landlords consider this comparatively minor detail on their rental properties, but it can work wonders for aesthetics. Don’t paint over them with you do the walls, and don’t let old yellowing switch plates remain. Instead, spring for new ones (at fifty cents a pop) to touch up the joint.

4. Interior Doors

Hollow interior doors cost around twenty dollars at your local hardware store, and are well worth the expense, especially if the current doors are old. You can spruce up your rental property simply by exchanging ugly brown or yellowed doors for plain white ones. Painting existing ones will cost you more in paint.

5. Door Handles

Plain Jane door handles covered with flecks of paint can ruin the ambiance you want to create in your rental property. To spruce it up, buy new door handles for around ten dollars each, and install them yourself. Brass lever-action door handles might cost five dollars more, but they’re even fancier.

6. Paint Trim

It can be expensive to paint an entire rental property before each new tenant moves in, but you can spruce it up by painting the trim alone. For example, if the walls are a pale green or light blue, white trim will set off the colors and create a classier look. You can also replace cracked trim for less than a dollar per foot.

7. Shower Curtains

Admit it: Your bathrooms would look far nicer with brand new shower curtains and fancy rods. Shower curtains will make prospective tenants feel more at home, and will also add depth to your bathrooms. This will only cost around $40 per bathroom to spruce up your rental property.

8. Kitchen Cabinets

You don’t have to buy (or build) new kitchen cabinets to improve the look of your rental property, but you can repaint them. And if that doesn’t do the trick, simply replace the doors and hinges.

9. Window Shutters

Bare windows on the exterior of a house can look drab and even tacky. Spruce them up on your rental property with pairs of wooden shutters. You can find them pre-made at your hardware store, and it will only run you about $60 per set.

One more tip that will gain points with your new tenant: Clean the backyard!

HOA Maintenance Projects: Determining the Need

Becoming a homeowner means that in addition to your career and family you are essentially taking on another lifelong project: the upkeep of your property.

Whether you are adept at DIY projects or have a handyman on speed dial, the average wear and tear on any type of home is going to require the occasional repair and maintenance.

As a HOA board member that responsibility will now fall on your shoulders to develop a comprehensive plan for your entire complex compound. This maintenance plan covers issues like gardening, minor fixture replacements and general upkeep, and is executed based on a Reserve Study that allocates the proper funding for necessary projects both large and small.

What is a Reserve Project?

Among the many stacks of paperwork you'll receive as a new condominium owner will be the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions otherwise known as the CC&Rs. Typically, most new owners will engage in a cursory review of the CC&Rs to find out about restrictions that would have an immediate impact on their lives such as pet ownership or whether a washer/dryer can be brought into or unit.

As a member of an HOA board you will have to become a lot more familiar with all aspects of the CC&Rs in order for you to facilitate what is required of the HOA, especially when it comes to handling HOA maintenance projects.

The community association fees that go into a reserve fund are used for regular maintenance issues, which can range from replacing light bulbs to re-paving the entire community. These items are expenditures that are budgeted for, and separate from a Capital Improvement Project (CIP), which requires additional funding and could be something such as installing a pool at a community that does not have one. CIP’s are usually to fulfill a want, not a need, and are not exeuted nearly as commonly as a maintenance project using a reserve fund budget.

One note of caution: If aboard is constantly asking for additional assessments for HOA maintenance projects, they're probably doing an inadequate job of fund management. While unforeseen circumstances are unavoidable, associations who’ve retained professional management services have significantly decreased the threat of a special assessment.

Community association management professionals understand the importance of being proactive, maintaining an effective Reserve Study, funding reserves properly and developing a Maintenance Plan.

Voting for HOA Maintenance Projects

Because most CIPs require an additional assessment and budget, there will be a need for the HOA board members to vote on that issue. But for maintenance requirements already covered in an existing maintenance plan, they are already budgeted for and a board does not have to administer a vote.  In other cases, there might be the need for upgrades that are required by federal or state regulations. This could be items such as handicap access or new railing height requirements.

When the issue is one of compliance versus a fine then no vote is required; the project simply needs to move forward.

Courtesy HOA Managment

The Country's Most Affordable Homes

Where can you find the most affordable homes? You may be surprised to learn it’s in New York. Or, specifically, the most affordable homes for sale can be found in Niagara Falls, N.Y., according to the Home Listing Report by Coldwell Banker.

The report takes a look at the average listing prices of four-bedroom, two-bathroom houses listed on ColdwellBanker.com between September 2010 and March 2011. Overall, the report analyzed 2,300 markets in North America.

The list includes three cities in Georgia, including the No. 2 city on the list, Riverdale, and two Ohio cities. Below is a look at the top 10 markets with the most affordable real estate and homes for sale.

1. Niagara Falls: With a population of 50,499, the median sale price of a home in Niagara Falls was $60,820, compared to $58,750 the previous year. The median household income there is close to $32,000.

2. Riverdale: With a population of 14,385, the median sale price of a home in Riverdale is $61,618, compared to $83,500 the previous year. The median household income there is $41,707.

3. Coolidge, Ariz.: With a population of 11,343, the median sale price of a home in Coolidge is $69,083, compared to $65,000 the previous year. The median household income there is $45,360.

4. College Park, Ga.: With a population of 22,632, the median sale price of a home in Coolidge is $72,477, compared to $111,409 the previous year. The median household income there is $35,593.

5: Detroit: With a population of 793,258, the median sale price of a home in Detroit is $73,363, compared to $73,187 the previous year. The median household income there is $31,547.

6: Hastings, Fla.: With a population of 600, the median sale price of a home in Hastings is $74,910, compared to $59,000 the previous year. The median household income there is $29,642.

7. Cleveland, Ohio: With a population of 412,852, the median sale price of a home in Cleveland is $76,042, compared to $55,000 the previous year. The median household income there is $27,278.

8. Lithonia, Ga.: With a population of 2,529, the median sale price of a home in Lithonia is $77,385, compared to $108,792 the previous year. The median household income there is $28,999.

9. Trotwood, Ohio: With a population of 25,493, the median sale price of a home in Trotwood is $77,445, compared to $50,400 the previous year. The median household income there is $37,387.

10. Sioux City, Iowa: With a population of 83,605, the median sale price of a home in Sioux City is $80,152, compared to $85,000 the previous year. The median household income there is $43,608.

About The Author

Kevin Hughes is a Boise Idaho real estate agent servicing buyers and sellers in Idaho. If you’re looking for a great home in Idaho, you can visit Kevin’s website where you can search great cities like Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Eagle.

The Circle of (A Property’s) Life

By Linda Day Harrison, Manager Labs, Chicago, IL
There are business models in all shapes and sizes. There are retail stores, medical and legal practices, cleaning companies, general contractors, grocery stores, etc. So when you think about a business, how many business models do you know of where the business owner outsources the entire business to another party? For instance, if you visit your local grocery store, is it managed by a grocery management company? How about a retail store management company? So what makes the residential real estate investment business any different? Why are there so many property management companies and outsourced service providers to the property industry?
According to a colleague of mine, the answer is quite simple, “It is not easy, there is so much at stake, and there are many moving parts.” Also, when you think about properties as investments, there are often multiple partners and joint venture groups who own the assets. In those cases, the managing partner realizes they do not have enough time or expertise to do all of the functions required of them to maximize the value of the asset. That is what outsourcing offers.

As a property manager outsourced by these partnerships, the responsibility of managing that asset is crucial in so many ways. First of all you have been selected by the partner on the management of the asset. All of the actions you take as the manager or management company directly reflect onto the reputation of that partner or company that made the decision to hire you.

Next you have the individual people that make up the partnership. In each case, the goal of the investment with each partner is diverse. Whether there is one partner or 100, each one has their own individual investment objective. For instance, one partner may be investing because they have young children and the investment is intended to be a college fund. Another partner may be saving for their retirement. The point is that in managing the property there are many significant outcomes to decisions and actions of the property manager.

Remember, the actions you take need to be considered as part of a global picture. Each action impacts the value of the property. Now enter the customers. The actions of the property customers (aka tenants) also play a pivotal role in the value of the asset as well. For instance, if a tenant does not pay rent, the cash flow of the property is impacted. This is a business and the business must be financially healthy to exist. There are services and debts that the business is obligated to support as well. So if the rent is not collected in a timely fashion, there may be consequences to the service providers looking to be paid. The service providers are outsourced too. Those service providers need to be respected and considered as they are a vital resource to the property ecosystem and the operations.
The entire ecosystem of the property needs to flow in a healthy and respectful manner. If there are members of the ecosystem that do not respect the life cycle of the asset, there is imbalance. An imbalance is what causes tremendous pressure on the other members of the ecosystem. For instance, if a tenant does not pay, there is not enough cash flow to pay the electric bill. If the electric bill is late, there is a penalty. When a penalty occurs, it further erodes the income. When the income becomes eroded, other service providers suffer since the invoices cannot get paid on time. It is necessary to understand how all the actions of the parties involved will affect each other.

When issues arise, keep the ecosystem or big picture in mind. Each move matters and each party to the property ecosystem can make or break the healthy cycle. Hold every member of the ecosystem accountable. Follow up and follow through on everything! Make sure you have an excellent command of the property and your communication to all parties is crystal clear. As with all business habits, be fair and honest about how everyone must work together. If one party falls short of their obligation, be sure to put them on notice. Do not hesitate to follow the letter of the lease or contract or whatever you are obligated to enforce on behalf of the partners who own the property.

Being a property manager is exciting and rewarding, but it does require hard work and the ability to view the business from a holistic perspective. It can be a challenge to maintain the ecosystem, but as long as you’re always looking out for your partners’ (owners, tenants, and service providers) best interests, you will feel gratified about the work being done with the property. Your owners and investors will be pleased that you are increasing their properties’ value, and your tenants will be happy about their living situation.

How To Handle An Abandoned Property

By Carla Toebe, New Century Realty, Kennewick, WA
They say that abandonment is a landlord’s or property manager’s worst nightmare when dealing with a tenant. How do you know it is really abandonment? Sometimes it’s obvious when everything is gone, the place seems perfectly empty, and the tenant’s keys are lying on the counter. But what if the place is full of furniture, the food is still in the cupboard, and you can’t get a hold of them? They haven’t paid their rent, they haven’t returned your phone calls, no one has seen them, and you can’t get a hold of anyone on the emergency contact form you had them complete when they moved in. Surely this means they must have abandoned the place. So you change the locks, and uh-oh! There they are coming back claiming you have now burglarized their place. Oh no! This can’t be, they clearly abandoned the place and you took all the steps you had to take that were required by law.

Maybe it isn’t that clear cut. Maybe a tenant still has some rights. Now you are facing penalties, a criminal investigation, and a whole slew of troubles you never knew you had. Let’s back up and figure out how to determine that this is really abandonment and you have the right to take possession of your unit.

You spelled out what abandonment was with your tenant and you had it written in the lease, right? Good, well at least you tried to get the tenant on board with your ideas. Unfortunately they have forgotten about your request for them to tell you they have left, and to turn in their keys. That would be the easy thing to do. However, they don’t want you to know they have left because they are in a hurry, that they are embarrassed that they have to leave owing rent, or that they had to leave things such a mess. They may not want to face you or deal with any of these responsibilities. Maybe they could have left a note telling you to dispose of everything there, and that they are not coming back.
Why didn’t they think of these things for you? Unfortunately abandonment isn’t always so sweet and simple. Usually you have to determine without any doubt and with full public notice of some sort that you intend to declare the place abandoned. You also have to hold onto any property left for so many days prior to disposing or selling it. Each state has their own set of laws and it is very important to become familiar with the particulars of the process to establish abandonment because that tenant could come back. Now you are now expected to return everything that you just disposed of because you thought it was left behind.

Write your abandonment process down if you haven’t already so that tenants, anyone who works for you taking care of the units, and owners who are hands on, consistently follow the appropriate process. Make sure that your complete process complies with the state laws. It may be helpful to have an attorney review it.

Typically in order to establish abandonment, the tenant must be late on the rent and they must have not responded to a 3 day notice to pay or quit that you mailed and put on their door. They have also not responded to an abandonment notice that you put on their door for all to see after 48 hours. What if they are just gone for 5 days and forgot to pay rent? Well you need to start calling their personal phone numbers, work numbers, relatives, friends, neighbors, and anyone you can think of that might know them in order to validate that they are really gone. You need to check and see if their vehicles have been parked there at all during this time. You also need to check with the utility companies to see if any service has been disconnected. In other words, ask around, do some investigating, and document all that you have done.

Once you are inside because the evidence all points to the fact that they have abandoned the unit, take a picture of that abandonment notice still stuck to the door and a picture and/or video of everything inside that has been left behind. Carefully store all items that are clearly not garbage and place it into a safe secure location for the length of time required by law. I don’t know how many times I have seen someone dump everything outside for all bargain hunters in the neighborhood to come around and clear away. Do not fall into that temptation as appealing as it sounds! It is the worst thing to do and it is not worth the potential harm that a little effort would prevent. Do the right things, know the laws, and know what the process should be.

If you are a tenant, please let someone know that you have left. If you don’t, it will cost you more money in the long run than it would have if you just let your landlord or property manager know when you left the property. Avoid getting into legal troubles over abandonment, turn in your keys and leave a note!

Applying Green Principles In Property Management

A guest post by Samantha Harvey

With sustainability becoming more important to the general population, there is an ever-increasing necessity to provide eco-friendly properties. The rise in popularity of green technologies has led an industry that was once seen as expensive and niche-based into one that has competitive prices for many aspects of the building process. With the decreasing initial price disadvantage combined with the always present efficiency positives, the green movement presents a good deal of incentive to implement more eco-friendly resources. With the majority of greenhouse gas emissions coming from buildings, incorporating sustainable processes in homes is vital for curbing the impact of global warming.

As a property manager, the bottom line is the strongest guide as to how a property is to be managed. Incorporating green strategies can be a very productive aspect of property management. A major incentive for providing eco-friendly aspects to homes are the tax breaks, whether on a local or national level. Whether it is windows, heating systems, or solar panels, incentivized government programs are out there waiting for people to take advantage. Along with tax incentives, the strategies of increased efficiency provide savings in the operating costs of residential buildings. In cases where utilities are included, the bottom line effect can really add up. If utilities are not included, the potential renter will, or at least should, recognize that their own personal utility bills would be lower. This provides a key advantage over non-green buildings where potential customers will be left to wonder how inefficient their potential home might be.

Taking advantage of perceptions, good and bad, provides another opportunity for property managers to keep their bottom line strong. Creating an eco-friendly living environment can be a powerful marketing tool that keeps the properties filled. As previously stated, the green movement has been initiated into the mainstream consciousness. The reasons behind this are twofold: the growing recognition that the Earth’s resources are being taxed by its people and the need to change that, and the cost-effectiveness of more efficient models of building. Taking advantage of this newly invigorated social consciousness by offering people what they want creates a boon of public relations goodwill that will keep property managers busy with potential customers.

One final eco-friendly strategy that can help your bottom line is creating a paperless interface for your customers. Monthly statements, contracts, leases, and receipts are all things that can become paperless. This allows you to save paper for only the most necessary of jobs. This is an effective way to kill two birds with one stone. With the rise in technology, from phones to tablets, more people are keeping digital records, so why not join in this movement and save some money on paper along the way?

With competitively priced green technologies, tax incentives, the obvious efficiency benefits, and the public relations goodwill, updating and expanding properties into more eco-friendly operations provides a strong compliment to your bottom line. Plus, it is becoming increasingly evident that it is the right thing to do. It seems to be a rare occasion where the right thing and the profitable thing travel the same arc, but the eco-friendly property is one of those cases!

Courtest All things Property Management

$1,695/mo.

4BD/2.5BA

4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath in Salmon Creek, close to Hospital and Freeways!

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509 NW 148th St , Vancouver, WA 98685

PICTURES | MAP | PRINT

APPLY NOW

CONTACT US

This former model home is absolutely perfect for entertaining and has many upgrades! Built in 2002, this beautiful floor plan features hardwood throughout the first floor which hosts the living room, dining room, family room and kitchen area.

The kitchen features an island with all appliances excluding the refrigerator and a lovely view of the backyard. Cozy up next to the gas fireplace for a movie in your family room or entertain your guests during the summer, knowing the air conditioning will keep you nice and cool.

All 4 bedrooms are located upstairs, carpeted, and are very good sizes. The master bedroom features vaulted ceilings while the attached master bath includes a relaxing soak tub.

This home includes a double car garage which is carpeted and has a heater and stereo speakers installed. The property also has a sprinkler system, and a fully fenced backyard. Pets okay! Corresponding schools are: Chinook Elementary, Alki Middle, and Skyview High. Don't wait, apply today! - DMF

By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser): https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=wa Additionally, applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.

Square feet: 2,346

Amenities

• Area: Salmon Creek
• Type: House
• Style: 2-Story
• Year Built: 2002
• Floors: Carpet & Hardwood
• Fireplace: Gas
• Family Room: Yes
• Dining Room: Area
• Parking: Double Garage
• Fence: Full
• Sprinklers: Yes
• Heat: Gas Forced Air

 

• Air Conditioning: Yes
• Range
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Pets: Large Possible
• Paid Utilities: Lawncare
• Lease Term: 12 Months
• Deposit: $1200
• Nonrefundable Fee: $275
• Pet Deposit: $300/$600
• Pet Nonrefundable Fee: $150
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & CRWD

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,695.00

Security Deposit: $1,200.00

Contact Us

The Management Group, Inc.
(360) 892-4000 or (800) 678-6199
www.TMGnorthwest.com

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509 NW 148th St , Vancouver, WA 98685

PICTURES | MAP | PRINT

APPLY NOW

CONTACT US

This former model home is absolutely perfect for entertaining and has many upgrades! Built in 2002, this beautiful floor plan features hardwood throughout the first floor which hosts the living room, dining room, family room and kitchen area.

The kitchen features an island with all appliances excluding the refrigerator and a lovely view of the backyard. Cozy up next to the gas fireplace for a movie in your family room or entertain your guests during the summer, knowing the air conditioning will keep you nice and cool.

All 4 bedrooms are located upstairs, carpeted, and are very good sizes. The master bedroom features vaulted ceilings while the attached master bath includes a relaxing soak tub.

This home includes a double car garage which is carpeted and has a heater and stereo speakers installed. The property also has a sprinkler system, and a fully fenced backyard. Pets okay! Corresponding schools are: Chinook Elementary, Alki Middle, and Skyview High. Don't wait, apply today! - DMF

By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser): https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=wa Additionally, applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.

Square feet: 2,346

Amenities

• Area: Salmon Creek
• Type: House
• Style: 2-Story
• Year Built: 2002
• Floors: Carpet & Hardwood
• Fireplace: Gas
• Family Room: Yes
• Dining Room: Area
• Parking: Double Garage
• Fence: Full
• Sprinklers: Yes
• Heat: Gas Forced Air

 

• Air Conditioning: Yes
• Range
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Pets: Large Possible
• Paid Utilities: Lawncare
• Lease Term: 12 Months
• Deposit: $1200
• Nonrefundable Fee: $275
• Pet Deposit: $300/$600
• Pet Nonrefundable Fee: $150
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & CRWD

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,695.00

Security Deposit: $1,200.00

Map of 509 NW 148th St , Vancouver, WA 98685

Contact Us

The Management Group, Inc.
(360) 892-4000 or (800) 678-6199
www.TMGnorthwest.com

Homeowners Association Insurance and Natural Disasters

The most unexpected east coast earthquake of 2011 was felt all across the Washington Metropolitan Area and as far as New England, Ohio, and the Carolinas. Fortunately, only minor damage was reported.  While this is an extremely rare case it does raise questions of insurance coverage.
Of the many things your association assessment pays for, insurance is one of the most important. Association governing documents and state law require the association board to purchase adequate insurance as part of a comprehensive risk-management program.

There are two major types of commercial insurance coverage for an Homeowners Association (HOA) —property and liability.

Property insurance covers loss of or damage to any common structures or physical property caused by fire, flood, storms or other natural events. For instance, if high winds uproot a tree that damages a common roof, the association’s property insurance would cover the cost of repairs. Property insurance may also cover what we call “human perils” (such as theft) and “economic perils” (such as stock market fluctuations) that might impact our association’s investments.

Liability insurance covers losses that would result if someone took legal action against the association for an injury, financial loss or other type of damage.

It is imporant to communicate with your insurance professional to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage for your unique HOA needs.  If you have a professional community association manager they will facilitate this evaluation at least on an annual basis.

The association’s insurance does not cover private property of owners or residents.  Each member should have his or her own insurance policy for their home or belongings. If you need information about homeowners insurance, talk to a licensed insurance agent who specializes in homeowners associations. Or you may want to talk to the association’s insurance provider; this person will know exactly where the association’s master policy coverage ends and where yours should begin. This prevents you from over or under insuring yourself.  If you have a professional management company, contact them and ask for a reference.

Let's all hope that earthquakes will not require regular consideration during HOA insurance reviews in our region any time in the near future.

Courtesy HOA Management

Apartments for rent Portland Oregon - Halsey East Apartments

Halsey East Apartments	Starting from $1095
16909-16992 NE Halsey St Portland, OR 97230 (503) 260-0741

BRAND NEW town homes!
These town homes have 9 foot ceilings, white woodwork trim throughout, very open and spacious! The Master bedrooms have vaulted ceilings and each home comes with an attached garage!
Excellent I-84 access, just 15 minutes from downtown and a short trip to the Gorge!

Unique Info:

• 2 & 3 bedrooms
• 1 – 2 car attached garage
• A/C available, call for details
• All appliances included
• Brand new 2008
• On bus line
• Large decks/Patio
• Full-size Washer/Dryer
• Large pets allowed (Breed restrictions apply)
• From $1095 to 1300

Floor Plans:

• 2 Bedrooms/2 Baths
• 3 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths
• 3 Bedrooms/3 Baths

Location: View Map
Email: Halsey East Apartments

Valentine's Day at the HOA?

Valentine's Day stretches back in history over 1,500 years. The day is based upon stories about a man, or men, named Saint Valentine. Though several priests bore the name Valentine, one in particular is believed to be the one the "love day" is based upon. It seems that this particular Valentine was arrested by Emperor Claudius II and placed in prison. While in prison, this priest, according to legend, healed a jailer's daughter of an eye disease. The night before Valentine was put to death, he wrote a love note to the jailer's daughter, and that is said to have been the first Valentine expressing love sent from one person to another. Of course, no one knows for sure if the story is true, but that hasn't kept the greeting card companies, flower shops and confectioners from taking full advantage of it; not to mention the jewelry shops that promote their wares during this season!

But, what does Valentine's Day have to do with the HOA? Well, for one thing, HOA work involves families and that is a place where love lives. Families, couples and companions who live in a home together face tremendous pressures in life. HOA officers and committees can help relieve stress, and thereby increase a better atmosphere in the home, by taking care of the community in which these people live and play. Stress places great strains on relationships, and one stress people face today is the falling value of community homes and properties. By providing excellent maintenance, beautiful landscaping, proper signage and safe places to swim and play, HOA leaders can assist those who live in their communities with the assurance that the lack of value in their homes is not related to the community itself.

HOA leaders can also offer opportunities for families to get together for games, fun and play. When neighbors spend time together they tend to look after each other. A great man once said, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." When love blossoms in a community it almost always means the community is safer, cleaner and happier. An HOA can't ensure love in a home, but can make it possible for families and neighbors to feel good about where they live and who lives beside them or around them.

Lastly, HOA leaders should love what they do. It is often a thankless job, and a misunderstood one; yet, those who serve should do it because they love the work involved in caring for the community, property and people who live there. It is unlikely that an HOA officer or committee member will receive a Valentine Card from members of the community, but the officers and committee members can give the community a Valentine's gift each day by simply loving what they do in the HOA and doing what they love as they provide a very important service.

In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor, act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less." Lewis was right. So, hopefully, all of us who labor in the business and affairs of HOA management can do so with our hearts in the right place, always remembering that doing good for a neighbor, even one who is difficult to love, will result in a better community, a better life and a better future!

Courtesy HOA Management