Human Interaction, there isn't an app for that!

Technology has brought us immeasurable benefits; however, in and of itself it does not create nor sustain relationships. In some cases the exclusive use of technology as communication can destroy a relationship. How many times have you received an email or text message and thought, wow, that person is really rude? When in fact they didn't mean to sound "harsh or grumpy", they were just in a hurry. Or maybe you sent a text message and misspelled or misused a word and the receiver of the message took action that you were explicitly asking them to do the opposite. Recently a longtime client sent an email to their property manager asking if they would check on an issue with their financial report. The email came across very casual without urgency but that's not what the client meant to convey. So when the PM checked on the issue and returned the email several days later, the client was very upset that it had taken so long. There was no one at fault here, only a good example of how something very simple goes awry when there is no physical sense of the other person, i.e. tone of voice or body language.

How can we establish a balance between accomplishing tasks quickly through email or text messaging while maintaining quality business relationships? Well, I had this crazy idea! What about actually seeing a client in person every so often??? So I called a few long time clients to see if I could just stop by their office and just say hi. They seemed very taken aback and I believe they thought for sure there must be something up. The visits were enjoyable and they seemed pleasantly surprised there was no "agenda"! A side benefit for me personally, I enjoy connecting with people face to face and to put it simply, it was fun!



Carmen Villarma
President




Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

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2 Bedroom Waterfront Condo! W/S/G Paid!

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441 N. Hayden Bay Drive, Portland, OR 97217

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This is a great location in Jantzen Beach and has the bonus of a partial river view. There is a nice sized patio out back and a little flower bed in the front. Both spacious bedrooms are located upstairs. All kitchen appliances except for the microwave are included and a front load stacking washer/dryer are included as well. Enjoy the outdoors and cruise the Columbia River walking paths or sit on your back patio and watch the ships pass by. Water/Sewer and Garbage are included with rent! Also enjoy the community pool and tennis court!

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: 1,184

Amenities

• Area: Portland
• Type: Condo
• Style: 2-Story
• Year Built: 1973
• Floors: Carpet & Vinyl
• Fireplace: Wood
• Dining Room: Area
• Parking: Carport
• Laundry: W/D Included
• Heat: Electric Forced Air

• Range
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Pets?: Small Only
• Paid Utilities: W/S/G
• Lease Term: 15 Months
• Deposit: $900
• Pet Deposit: $500
• Pet Rent: $25/m
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & Shown by Apt Only & CC&Rs & OSP

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,195.00

Security Deposit: $900.00

Available On: 12/28/2012

Map of 441 N. Hayden Bay Drive, Portland, OR 97217

Contact Us

TMG Property Management Services NW
(503) 858-1226 or (800) 678-6199
www.TMGnorthwest.com

10 Good Tips For Renters To Feel At Home

One of the best things you can do as a renter is to treat your rental as your home instead of a 12 month contract. As a longtime renter, I've picked up some great tips - some practical, some emotional - when it comes to home sweet home. After the jump, check out them out and share your own as well.

Change out the lights. Set the design tone in your rental by replacing the standard lights with new ones that fit your taste. Plus use lower wattage bulbs to create an intimate vibe in your home.

Live by the idea of "home sweet home". Even though it's a rental, you are living there so take on the perspective that this is your home and place for you to enjoy, relax and unwind.

Save your boxes. Save yourself $40 or so and take apart your moving boxes when you are done unpacking and place them in a closet or under your bed.


Buy a toolbox. A small toolbox with a hammer, nails, screwdriver, etc is a great resource to have around when moving in and getting settled.

Get rid of the "box" that you may keep lugging around with you. If you aren't going to unpack it, then you probably don't need it. Really consider what you are keeping in your home. If it's meaningful then find a place for it. If it's just stuff, consider letting it go.

Use your walls. It's easy to fill nail holes when you leave so hang up your favorite pictures and artwork. Surround yourself with things you love.

Invest in pieces that you know you will keep. Along the ideas of home sweet home, invest in pieces that you love and you know you will use. Forget the idea of waiting until you own a place. Long after you leave your rental, you'll have these with you.

Unpack all of your stuff. It takes some people a while and some people no time at all but unpack all of your things when you move and really settle into your home.

Post by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

Follow us on Facebook
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5 Bedroom home for rent with RB Parking!

GREAT 5 BEDROOM HOME IN EAST COUNTY! FULLY FENCED AND RV PARKING!

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7411 NE 165th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98682

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You will love this beautiful 5 bedroom home in Snyder’s Country Place. This home features a family room that is open to the kitchen, with a living room, dining room and guest bathroom on the main level of this home. The upstairs has a master bedroom with a private bathroom, as well as 4 additional bedrooms all upstairs on the same floor. One of these bedrooms is so spacious it can be used as a bedroom, or a bonus room! At this home you are provided very energy efficient gas forced air and air conditioning. A large side by side Refrigerator with an ice maker, purchased one year ago is also included for your use. This home also includes lots of storage with two linen closets upstairs and a large storage area in the downstairs laundry room.
This fully fenced back yard includes a wonderful open area for your enjoyment, as well as an Asian Pear Tree, Apple Tree and Vegetable Garden all for your enjoyment. A shed and a separated fenced in dog run is located in the side yard and a RV parking space or 3rd car parking is also a part of this home. Mature dogs under 35 lbs are welcome. The front yard consists of a newly landscaped easily maintained yard.
This home is located in a great neighborhood within easy walking distance to Pioneer Elementary School and Frontier Middle school. Corresponding High School is Union High School.

Hurry and schedule your tour today! AH/JP

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: 1,998

Amenities

• Area: East County
• Type: House
• Style: 2-Story
• Floors: Carpet & Vinyl
• Family Room: Yes
• Dining Room: Formal
• Parking: Double Garage
• Garage Opener: 2
• Fence: Full
• Laundry: Hookups
• Heat: Gas Forced Air
• Air Conditioning: Yes

• Range
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Pets: Dogs Only
• Lease Term: 12-23 Months
• Deposit: $1000
• Nonrefundable Fee: $275
• Pet Deposit: $500
• Pet Nonrefundable Fee: $150
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & CC&Rs & Shown by Apt Only

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,495.00

Security Deposit: $1,000.00

Available Now!

Video Walkthrough

7411 NE 165th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98682

Contact Us

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

Rents are still moving upward

Rents are still moving upward, vacancy is at an all time low, and so are interest rates. While it's still a landlord's market, we are beginning to see tenants giving notice and purchasing homes. Currently there are 2600 apartments units scheduled to come online in the Portland area in 2012 and just under 400 units in Clark County, WA. Financing for apartments and non-owner occupied homes are still a challenge, so inevitably some projects scheduled to come online in 2012 will be delayed.

Residential sales in Portland, surrounding cities & SW Washington are steadily improving. Days on the market (DOM) for Portland decreased to 76 days for July 2012 vs. 80 days for Q2. SW Washington went from 112 DOM in Q2 to 100 DOM in July 2012. Average sold price for Portland in Q2 was $279,963 vs. $293,900 for July 2012. SW Washington sold price for Q2 was at $221,144 and increased to $229,160 in July 2012.

The good news: both the rental & sales markets are expected to continue to improve through Q4. The bad news: we won't be able to sustain continuing improvements into 2013 unless job creation continues to increase.

Best regards,
Carmen Villarma
President

Post by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

Follow us on Facebook
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http://twitter.com/#!/TMGNorthwest

3 Bedroom home for rent in Washougal WA

$1,395/mo.

3 bd / 2.5 ba

3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath Home in Sunset Ridge Of Washougal

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5512 L St , Washougal, WA 98671

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Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath, 2 story home in prestigious Sunset Ridge of Washougal. Entry features 9ft ceilings, and pergo flooring throughout home. Kitchen includes built in microwave, gas range, dishwasher and refrigerator. Tile counters and maple cabinetry make the kitchen complete. Family room includes built-in surround sound. Huge master bedroom with spacious walk-in closet and vaulted ceilings. Master bathroom features a soaking tub with a separate glass shower, double sink, tile back splash. Third bedroom would make a perfect loft or den. Washer and dryer are included in the home, but will not be maintained. Sprinklers in front lawn and a fully fenced backyard. Community offers, parks, trails, recreation room, and a pool. Near public golf course with private entry. Minutes from Highway 14, easy commute! JP

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: 1,833

Amenities

• Area: Washougal
• Type: House
• Style: 2-Story
• Year Built: 2004
• Floors: Tile & Laminate
• Dining Room: Area
• Parking: Double Garage
• Garage Opener: 1
• Fence: Full
• Sprinklers: Yes
• Laundry: W/D Included
• Heat: Electric Forced Air

• Range
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Pets?: Possible
• Lease Term: 12 Months
• Deposit: $975
• Non Refundable Fee: $275
• Pet Deposit: $500
• Pet Non Refundable Fee: $150
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & CC&Rs

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,395.00

Security Deposit: $975.00

Available Now!

Map of 5512 L St , Washougal, WA 98671

Contact Us

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

Open Ranch style 3 Bedroom in Orchards! New Vinyl! Evergreen School District!

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15917 NE 83rd St , Vancouver, WA 98682

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You will fall in love with this great one level home in Orchards! Enter your living room and enjoy the vaulted ceilings with fan designed to spread the warmth from the gas fireplace throughout the home.
The kitchen has plenty of cabinet space and includes a gas range and a dishwasher; residents are responsible for providing a refrigerator. The kitchen also has a window above the sink, letting in an abundance of natural light into the home. The dining area is adjacent to the kitchen, divided only by an eating island and is well designed with vinyl flooring.

The sliding glass door in the dining area leads to a large covered back patio and huge fully fenced, beautifully landscaped yard! 1 small pet will be allowed with proof of spay or neuter. Do not hesitate, apply for this home now! Corresponding schools are: Pioneer Elementary, Frontier Middle School, and Heritage High School! 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: 1,360

Amenities

• Area: Orchards
• Type: House
• Style: Ranch
• Year Built: 1996
• Floors: Carpet & Vinyl
• Fireplace: Gas
• Dining Room: Area
• Parking: Double Garage
• Garage Opener: 1
• Fence: Full
• W/D: Hookups

• Heat: Gas Forced Air
• Range
• Dishwasher
• Pets?: 1 Small Only
• Lease Term: 12 Months
• Deposit: $950
• Nonrefundable Fee: $275
• Pet Deposit: $500
• Nonrefundable Pet Fee: $150
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & OSP

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,350.00

Security Deposit: $950.00

Available Now!

Map of 15917 NE 83rd St , Vancouver, WA 98682

Contact Us

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

1/2 OFF First Months Rent - Visit the BG Village Outdoor Market May 5th from 10am - 2pm!

Get ready! We are starting Phase II of our Seasons at the Park Apartments! Visit the BG Village Outdoor Market tomorrow, May 5th from 10am - 2pm to get your 1/2 off first months rent card. Hurry! There are only a few of them!

Posted by: Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

Follow us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/TheManagementGroup

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http://twitter.com/#!/TMGNorthwest

4 Bedroom in Lookout Ridge - Camas School District! Move-In Special!!

 

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2575 W 10th St , Washougal, WA 98671

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Located in the Lookout Ridge neighborhood, this beautiful home has 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. Open floor plan on main level, with a separate den or formal dining room in addition to the living room and eating area. Kitchen includes all appliances. Gas fireplace in the living room and stylish arches complete the look of this home. Laminate floors on main level, new carpet, paint and blinds throughout home. Master bedroom boasts french doors and a walk-in closet. Deck off eating area is perfect for entertaining. Apply today and receive $250 off your first full month of rent!!! JP

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: 2,054

Amenities

• Area: Washougal
• Type: House
• Style: 2-Story
• Year Built: 2000
• Floors: Carpet & Hardwood
• Fireplace: Gas
• Dining Room: Formal
• Parking: Double Garage
• Garage Opener: 1
• Laundry: Hookups
• Heat: Gas Forced Air
• Air Conditioning

• Range
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Pets?: Small Possible
• Lease Term: 12 Months
• Deposit: $1200
• Non Refundable Fee: $275
• Pet Deposit: $500
• Pet Non Refundable Fee: $150
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & CC&Rs & FF

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,595.00

Security Deposit: $1,200.00

Available Now!

Contact Us

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

House for rent - Salmon Creek, Skyview School District!

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

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509 NW 148th St , Vancouver, WA 98685

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This former model home is absolutely perfect for entertaining and has many upgrades! Built in 2002, this beautiful floor plan features hardwood throughout the entry hallway, kitchen, and eating area. There is carpet in the living room, formal dining room, and family room.

The kitchen features an island, light color cabinets, and comes with a gas range, micro-hood, dishwasher, side by side refrigerator, and pantry area. The home has wood blinds throughout. Enjoy your view of the back yard from the eating area off the kitchen. 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 and your guest nice and cool.

All 4 good-sized bedrooms are carpeted and located upstairs. The laundry room is also upstairs for convenience, and includes the washer and dryer. The master bedroom features vaulted ceilings while the attached master bath includes a relaxing soak tub, separate shower, two sinks and a walk-in closet. Also featured in the master bedroom are additional closets.

This home includes a fully carpeted double car garage which has an office built in it and is equipped with a heater and stereo speakers! The rest of the garage can be used for storage as there is no space to park a car. 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: Formal
• Parking: Double Garage
• Fence: Full
• Sprinklers: Yes
• Laundry: W/D Included
• Heat: Gas Forced Air

• Air Conditioning: Yes
• Range
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Pets: Large Possible
• Paid Utilities: Lawncare
• Lease Term: 12 Months
• Deposit: $1200
• Nonrefundable Fee: $275
• Pet Deposit: $500/$800
• Pet Nonrefundable Fee: $150
• Other Terms: Non Smoking & CRWD & OSP

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,695.00

Security Deposit: $1,200.00

Available Now!

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

Follow us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/TheManagementGroup

Follow us on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/TMGNorthwest

 

Spring is just around the corner here at TMG!

Spring is just around the corner here at TMG and we are looking forward to longer days with more sunshine and day-light to enjoy (less rain!). We are looking forward to this time of year not only for the properties we work with directly but for the clear sunshine to enable us to get out and take care gaining more neighborhood HOA's. Now is the time to look at each of our properties, figure out what needs to be done and get ready for the high rental season that comes with this time of year. Spring Clean-Up is a regular occurrence both inside and outside of the home and it is very important to stay on top of yearly maintenance tasks. Taking care of your home now in small steps should protect you down the road from having more maintenance trouble in the long-run. Don’t forget such preparations as cleaning and checking gutters, or dry vegetation/ weed clean-up in the yard.

Remember to take a break after your hard work too and enjoy the warmer temps!