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How to Run a Free Background Check on Yourself

Background checks are pretty common these days and are run for a variety of different reasons. Many people have been in a situation where they were required to have a background check done in order for the person or business they are dealing with to get a good idea of who they are and the history of their behavior.

While anyone these days can get online and search to find out personal information about someone via search engines and tell-tale social media pages, a real background check is so much more in-depth than that. Now-a-days, nearly every business, institution, and person you deal with on a financial or even personal level wants to know your history and what they can expect from you – and they find these answers by doing a background check.

From employers and property managers to insurance and loan companies…and even a new dating partner – it seems like everyone has a reason they want to do a background check and find out different information about you. Some are looking for financial information, others are looking to verify your education, while others want to know your driving history, or if you have been arrested. Background checks can show all of this personal information to just about anyone who searches, so you definitely want to ensure yours is completely accurate and up to date to make the best impression.

Is Your Personal Background Information Accurate?

While this background information on you is wanted to ensure you are creditworthy, an upstanding citizen, or simply to confirm that you did indeed graduate Magna Cum Laude as your resume indicates, it is important to know that background checks offer a detailed report that is very comprehensive. This means that the reports may also include personal items about yourself that you may not realize, including income, bank loans, criminal records, debts, as well as other private data.

Because of the sensitivity of this information, it is crucial that you are aware of exactly what people see when they run a background check on you. Savvy consumers want to know what details are being given out about them and what information businesses, financial institutions, and others can actually request, as there are some limitations that may apply.

Since these background checks can have a huge impact and effect on many areas of your personal and business life, it is recommended that you conduct a “do-it-yourself” (DIY) background check periodically to ensure the online records and details reflect a complete and accurate account of your history. Performing this research now and learning what others can see about you when they perform a background check, lets you prepare your online resume to pass a background test in the future.

Tips for Conducting a Free DIY Background Check on Yourself  

There are some simple steps you can take to review the information that others will see when they run a personal background check on you. In addition, there are some websites that you can visit that let you find out what information is circulating on the internet about your background that may need to be hidden from the public, corrected to be accurate, or completely removed. You just may be surprised at what you might find out about yourself!

To save money, you may consider the DIY approach for your background check. With the high-tech world we live in today, there are a variety of ways to gather information online and see everything that others can view about your history and give insight to your background. When you begin your background research and check of yourself, be prepared to find errors, omissions, and outright lies which will need to be corrected. While it is not fun to find any negative information about yourself online, you can rest assured that it can fixed with the proper documentation and by contacting the agency or organization responsible for the post.

Here are some of the different types of personal background checks you can run on yourself as well as some helpful websites that provide background information. Most institutions that require a background inquiry are very thorough and are likely to look into more than just a criminal background check, so it is smart to be prepared for them to see information about you from a variety of sources, including these:

How to Run a Free Background Check on Yourself

• Search Engines – The quickest and most convenient way to begin a background search on yourself is to utilize internet search engines. They are free and easy to use and are a great way to get started just by entering your name. Also, be sure to do a search for any other aliases you may go by like a maiden name or previous married name. Make a note to yourself of which name variation has the information that needs to be corrected or deleted so you can resolve that issue once you have completed all of your research.
• Social Media – Social media is the next place you should look to see what personal data or information is being broadcast online about you. Too often, we do not set our privacy settings on our social media accounts as well as we should, and unintentionally expose private information that we shouldn’t. Make it a point to view all of your social media accounts as a viewer of the page and not the owner, to see what information is available for the public to see. Check out your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts and adjust privacy settings as needed.
• Public Records – When performing your own personal background check, do not overlook access to public records, which is very telling about a person. A simple online search can give access to a variety of personal records including marriage licenses, birth certificates, divorce decrees, trials and court appearances, death certificates, and more. While you will need to do a search for each individual record you wish to view information about, it is all there and available for free public viewing for anyone to see.
• Internet Domain Registration – If you own or manage a website of any kind, be sure to remember that anyone can do a search to find the IP address and data for those websites to see your association. This information can typically be easily found free in a “WHOIS” look-up via any domain registration company. In addition, companies like Domaintools will help determine all of the domains a someone might be associated with, giving an insight to their background, habits, hobbies, likes, and dislikes.
• Credit Reports – Businesses of all kinds check your credit reports to verify creditworthiness. Anyone from employers to auto insurance companies to banks and credit card companies are checking to see your score, so it is definitely a good idea to check yours often. In fact, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three credit bureaus. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com today to get a copy of your credit report so that you can review it for accuracy. If there are any errors or omissions on the report, you will need to file a dispute to have the issues reviewed. They will determine the validity and make adjustments as needed. Be advised that this could take several months, so regularly monitoring of the report is crucial for good credit.
• Insurance Reports – The insurance industry has their own industry-specific insurance screening companies that they use to determine the approval of your coverage. It is your right to receive a copy of your free specialty insurance report each year when you have coverage such as auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or personal property insurance. Simply contact the insurance company to request a copy of your report to check for accuracy.
• Personal Medical Information – Viewing your medical specialty report is a good idea for those who intend to apply for or purchase any type of insurance policy including life insurance, health insurance, long-term care policies, or disability income insurance. Companies like MIB Group, the kind of reporting companies that the medical insurance industry and firms use to evaluate you, are also required to let you know what they are saying about you in their reports to these companies. Therefore, consumers are allowed to have one free report per year, which can be requested on their website here.
• Social Security Number – It is a good idea to review your Social Security account periodically. This can be done on the Social Security Administration website, where you can easily see and verify all of the names that have been associated with your Social Security number over the years. This may include name changes due to marriage, divorce, and other legal name changes
• National Sex Offender Registry –Visit the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website to check to see if your name is on the sex offender list if this is a concern to you in any way. The website allows anyone to search sex offender registries for all 50 states, The District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Indian Country by entering a name.
• Driving Record – Checking your driving record is a good idea, especially if you have a career that depends on your maintaining a certain type of license or status with your state. You can request a copy of your personal driving record through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure its accuracy. This can be done either online or by visiting a local office near you. It is also smart to check your driving records in any other state you may have had a driver’s license from in the last 20 years to ensure accuracy in their records.
• Education – It is common practice for prospective employers to check your education by verifying your degree through your college or university’s records. Be prepared for this part of your background check by contacting the educational institution directly to verify that your record is accurate. In addition, you should request a copy of your transcript to keep on file for your personal records.
• Criminal Record – Check to see if your conviction or arrest records (if any) are accurate by requesting them from the court that issued them. It is very important to know that any criminal convictions, paroles, probation, or jail time you have incurred will be reflected in this criminal background report and can be seen by others. In addition, please note that if you have been arrested within the last seven years, this may still show up on your record or background check even though there was not a conviction.
• National Crime Information Center –The National Crime Information Center (NCIC), nicknamed the lifeline of law enforcement, assists law enforcement officers in performing their duties more safely. You can visit the National Crime Information Center website to see if your name is on the government fugitive database during your DIY background check.

Please be advised that the inclusion of your name in a negative way on any of these background reports or lists can have a major effect on your background check and can be a determining factor for several important decisions that banks, employers, landlords, and other institutions make concerning you. It is a smart decision to perform a DIY background check to avoid any issues in the future.

People Search Websites for Free Background Checks

Considering the vast amount of online resources available to investigate one’s background, it is obvious that the gathering of information can be very time-consuming. Fortunately, in addition to the websites, organizations, and resources listed above, there are several “people search” and other types of companies that specialize in background checks. These businesses were created especially to help you easily learn and identify what is in your records and online history.

If you do decide to use a background check service for your own personal background investigation, it is important to know which type of service you would like:

Types of Background Check Services:

• Full-Service Background Check – A full-service background check is when the company does all of the investigative work for you. The company searches their online databases and may also visit courthouses to check for criminal history. They are also able to verify your past employment, education, and any other requested details.
• DIY Background Check – A do-it-yourself background check can be done via websites that allow you to conduct online searches of your own and provide you with instant results. The online background check websites are typically inexpensive and very easy to use, offering instant results and plenty of background details.

Websites such as BeenVerified, TruthFinder, and Intelius are examples of companies that do the investigative work for you by gathering digital information quickly from public records that are readily available These free search options on the website will include background information on you such as:

• Aliases
• Cities and States Lived In
• Age
• Known Relatives
• Social network profiles

These background checking companies offer dynamic search engines that allow you to find the information you are looking for via a search by simply entering a name, address, or phone number, for instant results. No matter what type of information you wish to find out about yourself, the search engines quickly gather and organize the data from public records, police records, social media, civil judgments, and white pages into an easy-to-read format to give you the requested background information and history you require on yourself.

If you find that  you need to expand the search for background information on yourself, details such as addresses and phone numbers can be found free of charge at websites such as Spokeo, US Search, and WhitePages which allows you to look up all the addresses that are associated with your name and/or Social Security number by performing a simple search.

In addition to the information available on these sites via a free search, each website also gives you the option to view a more complete background profile of yourself for a fee. If you find that there is a need for any type of additional verification of the information found while doing your self-background check, it may make sense to utilize one of the affordable paid service companies to investigate your background.

These companies offer an affordable alternative to tiresome research that not only saves you time, but offers a comprehensive background check that is reliable with access to credible, verifiable data for your search. Quickly and easily find information such as:

• Public Records
• Criminal Records
• Reverse Phone Lookup
• People Search
• Email Search
• Reverse Address Lookup
• Background Check
• Arrest Records
• Sex Offenses
• Details on Arrests and Plea Deals
• Bankruptcies
• Civil Legal Judgments
• Marriage Records
• Social Security Number Verification

 

Benefits of Using a Background Check Company

While there are plenty of resources available online to perform a free background check on yourself, sometimes getting the help of experts in the field is the right solution. Here are some good reasons to use an established company for your own personal background check.

• Affordable – Background screening companies offer affordable services with access to several levels of information discovery.
• Safe – Access from reputable companies get you the needed information quickly, allowing you to promptly access what needs to be done to keep your personal information safe and sound.
• Private – All background checks and searches you perform are completely private with the utmost of confidentiality
• Access – Background searches provide access to over 20 billion public records and the best and most detailed information available online as well as from other resources including courthouse documents, former employers, and educational institutions.

How to Choose the Right Background Check Service for Your Personal Background Check

There are a variety of different background check services available today, so it may be difficult to decide which one is the best choice for you.  Here are a few tips to consider when looking for the right background service company for your needs.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Background Check Service

• Does this service offer the ability to provide all of the information I need for my personal background check?
• Is the cost of the service affordable to me?
• Does the company offer an easy to use online portal that you can access to order searches and review the results?
• How quickly am I able to access the search results?
• How will I receive my search results? Are the reports clear, accurate, and complete?

Savvy Consumers Know What Is in Their Background Report

It is a good idea to do a periodic background check on yourself to see exactly what information others may have access to when conducting an investigation into your credit history, educational background, or criminal past. It is a great way to ensure that your reputation is protected, and you don’t lose any opportunities due to incorrect or outdated information that shows up in your background check.

Once you receive the results of your background check, be sure to examine the information thoroughly and promptly make request any necessary corrections if there are any issues with accuracy. Following these tips will help you run a successful, free online background check on yourself and know exactly where you stand.

 

 

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How to Get a Real Estate License in 2020

Selling real estate is a popular and lucrative profession for many people across the U.S. The rules vary from state to state about the requirements for obtaining a professional real estate license, so it is important to decide where you would like to assist people with buying and selling properties to ensure that you are licensed with the proper state or states in which you intend to start your new career in real estate.

Here are the typical state requirements for becoming a licensed real estate agent in the U.S:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be a legal resident of the US
• Completion of required pre-license real estate school classes
• Successfully take and pass the state real estate license exam
• Background check and fingerprinting
• Sponsorship by a licensed broker

State guides:

California Real Estate License, How to get your license in New York  , Michigan real estate license and Florida real estate license.

It is also helpful to be familiar with the term real estate agent versus Realtor® and to know that not every real estate agent is in fact, a Realtor®. While both must be licensed to assist people in buying and selling properties, the Realtor® title is only given to real estate agents that are also a member of the National Association of Realtor’s. Most new real estate agents find that it is advantageous to become a member of the association, which is explained more in detail later.

Why You Need a Real Estate License

All states require you to be a licensed real estate salesperson or real estate broker to represent buyers and sellers who want to buy or sell a home.

Real estate licenses are issued by the government of each individual state. The state real estate license allows you to represent buyers and sellers in all legal real estate property transactions. To become a licensed real estate agent in your state, you must first be able to meet the state eligibility requirements, which are listed above, and may vary from state-to-state. When you are certain you qualify, you must then take all of the approved pre-licensure classes, successfully pass the real estate agent exam, find a broker to sponsor you, then finally apply to the state’s governing real estate board for approval and licensing. After approval, most new agents join the National Association of Realtors to add the prestigious title of to their credentials, which also gives real estate agents the following perks:

Perks of Being a Licensed Realtor®

• Increases your earnings
• Real estate software
• Gives you access to the multiple listing service (MLS) to view all homes available for sale
• Shows your credibility and helps you gain trust with clients and investors

How to Get a Real Estate License

From pre-licensing courses to continuing education classes, the more you know about real estate in your state, the more successful and lucrative your career as a real estate salesperson or real estate broker will be. Although each state does have different classes and hour requirements, many follow these general rules about how to become a licensed real estate agent. Here are the necessary steps needed to teach you how to get a real estate license in 2019.

A Successful Career in Real Estate Starts Here 

The cost of real estate school and continuing education classes and requirements differ from state to state, so make sure you check costs for the pre-licensing real estate school classes, registration to sit for the real estate license exam, and the application fee for the license so you will know exactly what to expect. New agents should be aware that they will be required to seek a real estate broker to sponsor them as they are getting started in their new career, which is typically a requirement for new real estate agents. You can find important information about the necessary sponsorships and other important details from the real estate commission website for your state.

The cost of real estate classes varies by state and institution but typically ranges somewhere between $350 to $1,000. The cost varies due to the number of course hours required from each state that is needed to sit for the state real estate licensing exam. Here are some typical costs involved with obtaining your real estate license:

Costs Associated with Obtaining Your Real Estate License

• Pre-licensing Education at Real Estate School – $200 to $1,000
• Real Estate Exam Registration – $25 to $100
• Real estate License Application – $75 to $175

Additional expenses might include any state-required items like background checks and fingerprinting, as well as test preparation classes and guides, which can also vary in cost in each state. Those who are interested in becoming a Realtor® should be prepared to pay organization fees to the National Association of Realtors which are $150 annually.

Real Estate Courses – Pre-Licensing

To prepare for your real estate license, you must first take the pre-licensing classes needed to prepare real estate agents for the exam. All states require that these courses be taken before you can even think about registering for the exam. It is to be noted that each state’s required pre-licensing hours can vary greatly and range from 60 to 150 hours, so please plan you real estate coursework accordingly.

These professional courses provide a wealth of information to prepare you for a new career in real estate with classes that explain the important aspects of being a real estate agent  including:

• Contracts
• Titles
• Real Estate Investments
• Deeds
• Fair Housing Laws
• Finance and Mortgages
• Real Estate Law
• Real Estate Appraisal

…and more.

In addition, there are additional courses designed to teach you about your specific state as well as all federal real estate laws and regulations.

Choosing a Real Estate School

When it comes to selecting a real estate school, it is important to choose one that offers a state-approved pre-licensing course. Most states allow for convenient, online coursework for your real estate pre-licensing courses, including Arizona, Delaware, North and South Carolina, Idaho, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, DC, and Rhode Island. It is recommended that you take the online courses if your state offers them due to the fact that not only is it more affordable, but it is also so much more convenient.

Once you have chosen a state-approved real estate pre-licensing course, you can either register online to enroll or visit the school’s website along with the state’s real estate commission website for information, courses, location, cost, and other important enrollment information you will need to be aware of.

Preparing for the Real Estate License Exam

You can sit for the state real estate licensing exam when you have completed the real estate pre-licensing courses and successfully passed the final exam for the course of study. You’re your time and ensure you know the materials and take the test when you feel like you have studied and are completely prepared to sit for the final exam. This can be scheduled online via your state’s real estate commission website.

You will be scheduled for the exam when you have completed the online registration with the state, and will receive notification of your exam time, location, and date. Be sure to schedule your real estate license exam as soon as you can after the completion of your real estate school classes, because most states require that the exam be taken within a certain number of days of completing your coursework.

The exam will be timed, so be prepared to answer the test questions quickly, yet efficiently. Make it a point to answer the questions you are certain of and come back later to any that you are not sure of. This allows a higher percentage of correct answers on the exam. You will be notified about your test results online or via mail, depending on your state’s preference.

If you fail the exam, this may be frustrating, however, don’t fret, because you are allowed to retake the real estate exam. You can register to retake the test a mere 24 hours after notification of failure to pass the course. In addition, you can take the exam up to three times each year. Feel free to visit your state’s real estate commission website to register or to get more information.

You’ve Passed the Real Estate Exam – Here’s What to Expect Next

You are now well on your way to becoming a licensed real estate agent. Once you have successfully taken the real estate exam and passed, most states require that new real estate agents find a broker to sponsor you.

Having a broker sponsor you gives you the hands-on training and experience needed to be successful in the industry. It is recommended that in order to successfully find a sponsor that is a good fit for you, make time to review brokers in your area and schedule sponsorship interviews with each of them. Here are some questions you should be prepared to ask your potential broker during the interview:

Interview Questions a New Real Estate Agent Should Ask their Prospective Sponsors

• Commission Split – Since most real estate agents get paid on commission, it is important to know that you will be splitting the commissions with your broker. There are several different types of commission structures, so be sure to discuss and possibly negotiate a commission split that satisfies your needs.
• Support and Culture – There are many variations of types of brokerage firms, so look for the style that suits you best. While some brokers offer extensive mentoring and free training and marketing opportunities, others simply offer an office to call home while you grow your real estate business. Ask questions to help determine if the broker offers what you are looking for.
• Fees and Other Costs – Make it a point to ask the real estate brokers you are interested in working with about any fees and other costs that are associated with their company. Do your research to ensure that the fees are common in the industry. Such costs may include desk fees, printer and copier fees, transaction fees, insurance, and more.

Doing your homework and asking these important questions will not only help you learn about each broker and their pertinent company information, but it will also help you make an educated decision and choose a broker that is a good fit for your goals. Having a broker that you will enjoy working and mentoring with makes all the difference.

It is important to note that new agents must have a sponsoring broker before the application for a license can even be submitted to your state’s real estate commission. After you have chosen a sponsoring broker and have a signed sponsorship agreement to submit, you are ready to submit the agreement and application for your license to the real estate board. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks up to a few months for the application to be approved, depending on your state’s period of consideration. When the board has approved your real estate license, most states send out an email confirmation, followed by the license and official approval letter in the mail.

I’m a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Now What?

You have passed your real estate exam, secured an agreement with a sponsoring broker, and have received notice of the approval of your license – so it is time to get to work helping people buy and sell homes! Here are a few tips to help you get started in your new career as an agent.

• Join Industry Associations – It is crucial for your career in real estate to join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as soon as you can. The NAR is the largest professional association for real estate agents in the U.S. While becoming a member is not a requirement to buy and sell real estate, it is required to list properties and have access to the Multiple Listing Service. In addition, the NAR offers a variety of agency resources, including valuable networking opportunities, real estate software, continuing education resources, and a special designation among agents. To join the National Association of Realtors, visit their website for the application, and pay the annual membership dues of $150.
• Create a Website – Real estate agents will need a website of their own. It is important to plan for the expense of having a website designed for your new career in real estate in addition to the one your agency has. Maintaining your own business website allows you to create your own brand and get your name out there. This includes choosing a domain name, designing a logo, finding a website host, selecting a theme, and ensuring you are connected to a hosting company with IDX capabilities, which allows you to connect to the MLS so your website visitors can easily search the available property listings for sale.
• Select a Contact Relationship Manager – As a real estate agent, you will need a customer relationship management (CRM). This is a type of software that helps you keep track of your leads and organize clients from first contact all the way through to the closing. Choosing a good CRM allows you to stay organized and engaged with your client leads and track the progress you have made with them as clients. Look for a good free CRM to get started and graduate to a paid service once you have clients. Make sure that your new CRM is easy to use with popular features to keep you as efficient as possible.

Maintaining Your Real Estate License and Keeping an Active Status

Just about every state requires a real estate salesperson to renew their real estate license every two to four years. This requires continuing education courses in real estate to make sure you are up to date with any new laws, rules, or regulations. Your state real estate commission website can provide the necessary requirements for maintaining your real estate license and keeping it in an active status.  In addition, members of NAR can find useful information about requirements and continuing education courses in your area.

Your Career as a Licensed Agent

From required pre-licensing courses needed to pass the state real estate exam to finding a sponsoring broker, and creating a new brand, there are many things a prospective new real estate agent must do to prepare themselves for a successful career in real estate.

Savvy potential real estate salespeople begin by learning all of their state’s licensing requirements about how to get a real estate license. They then make a professional plan from there to complete real estate school for the required pre-licensing classes, pass the licensing exam, find a broker to sponsor them, and secure their real estate license for a successful career in the real estate industry.

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How to Finance a Rental Property

 

Buying rental property has long been a mainstay for investors looking for a steady return. When you buy wisely and keep it maintained, you can add substantially to your portfolio.

But how do you finance rental property? The simplest and fastest solution is to pay cash. But it’s seldom the case that people can afford that, especially when they are just starting out.

Getting a conventional mortgage for rental property can also hit snags. This is definitely true when the home you want to buy is in poor condition. Banks are hesitant to let them qualify for certain types of financing.

Thankfully, there are several ways to finance your investment property. Here is a look at a few of your options.

The Conventional Method

Conventional financing means using the property you want to buy as collateral for the loan. You can get mortgages that last 15 to 30 years, all for a monthly payment that stays the same. With this method, you are usually required to come up with 20% to 30% for the down payment.

It sounds good, but as always, the devil is in the details. For example, many banks require that you can afford the mortgage on your rental house and on the house you are living in, without including future rental income in your loan calculations. You also can’t use it when figuring your debt-to-income ratio.

Home Equity Loan and HELOC

These are popular ways to finance rental property because most lenders let you borrow up to 90% on your primary residence and 80% on a vacation home.

With a home equity loan, you get the entire amount when you qualify. Like a mortgage, you pay a fixed amount each month for 15 or 20 years, which covers both principal and interest. In effect, this is the light version of the conventional mortgage.

A related method is called a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, and it works much like a credit card. You are able to charge or borrow funds from your line of credit as you need it. You get a bill once a month. As a rule, the minimum payment is the interest.

Cash-Out Refinance

This can be done two ways, on a primary or vacation home. It can also be done on a piece of investment property that you currently own.

Your primary residence or your vacation home is used as security for the loan. The process is just like a regular mortgage, and it takes about a month and a half to get your funds. As a rule, lenders let you borrow up to 80% of your home’s value. The outstanding amount on the original mortgage is first paid, then you get the rest of the funds, the “cash-out.”

If you already own a rental property, you can get a maximum of 75% of its value, as long as you bought it longer ago than six months. This is the standard amount for a one-unit property. For one with two to four units, the maximum you can borrow is 70%. If you have four or more properties financed, then the limit it 65%.

There is also a variation called the delayed financing exception. This means that you don’t have to go through the six-month waiting period and the refinance can happen immediately. This is possible if the purchase transaction involved no financing and you are able to meet several requirements. For example, the new mortgage must be less than the initial investment that was used for the purchase and no liens must show up in a title search.

Private Funding and Hard Money Loans

You might be thinking family and friends when you hear the term “private funding.” But the fact is, there are many people who offer private financing secured by a home. One big advantage is that it is usually faster than the process of getting a standard mortgage from a bank.

You will most likely end up paying a higher interest rate, but it is often worth it. Consider that if your property has a positive cash flow and appreciates, you may need the funding only for a short period. After that, you can get conventional financing on better terms.

A popular type of private funding is called a hard money loan. It is offered by individuals or by small groups who base their decision to lend you money on the value of the property you are buying, not on your credit score.

It doesn’t come cheap. The interest rate can be twice as high as a conventional mortgage and it usually has steep origination fees. You need to back up the loan with real assets. What offsets this for some investors are the facts that you can usually borrow up to 100% of the purchase price and there is little red tape to slow the process down.

Whichever method you use, it makes sense down the road to refinance your rental property with a conventional mortgage with a 15-, 20- or 30-year term. The rates are lower and what you pay is predictable every month, making it easier to manage your investments.

 

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Single Family vs Multi Family Homes

Single Family vs Multi Family Rental Properties

Investing in rental properties can bring a nice return on investment (ROI), especially if you approach it with the proper know-how and strategies. Learning from the mistakes of others is one of the best ways to know how to invest and manage your properties. One question you may have is whether it is best to invest in single family vs. multi family rental properties. Let’s compare these investments.

There are similarities between the two types of investments. Both types of properties:

• have higher interest rates and require a higher down payment than buying a home as your primary residence. This is because investments are more risky for banks than a loan on a primary residence. The down payment is usually 20% since mortgage insurance is not available for investment properties. (Buy An Investment Property)

• usually have a good ROI, with single family homes coming in as high as 20% and multifamily homes at 11-15%. As a general rule, if the rent you are able to charge is 1% or more of the cost of the property, you will have a positive cash flow. To calculate your best scenario, take your yearly rental income and divide by the cost of the property. Say you charge $1,500 rent per month on a home that cost you $150,000 including closing costs. $1,500 x 12 =$18,000/$150,000 = 12% ROI. Remember that if you take out a loan, the renters will be paying the loan back for you, so you will be building equity in the home each month. You will also want to figure in all of your expenses as you consider a property.

• depreciate over time. (Depreciation of Rental Property)

• have tax benefits such as deducting mortgage interest and real estate taxes, advertising, management fees, insurance, etc. This publication on rental income and expenses from the IRS is very helpful in understanding what you can deduct.

• need to be rented and maintained by you or a rental manager to whom you pay a percentage of the rental income.

• are not subject to self-employment tax (SE Tax) which can be as high as 15.3%.

Single Family Rental Properties

Single family homes can be a great investment if you do things wisely, therefore some people feel they are a better investment. Here are some pros of renting single family vs multi family homes:

• More Affordable. Single family homes can cost less than multi family homes and apartment buildings, so even people who have less money to invest can start out with one rental property and expand from there. You can slowly build up a portfolio of rental homes over time, say adding one home per year. In addition, mortgage requirements are not as stringent on single family properties.

• Less Turnover. In general, there is less turnover with a single family home than with multi family homes. This is often due to families or couples looking to rent a single family home. Families or couples tend to pay rent more consistently than single people. Because of this, there is less time where the property is vacant. Investors also find that in general, renters of single family homes take better care of the home and property, although there are certainly exceptions to this rule. This often depends on the location and quality of the property.

• Appreciation. Single family homes almost always appreciate more than multi family homes.

• More Exit Strategy Options. If you decide to sell a single family rental property, you can sell it to another investor, a family looking to buy their own home, or lease it to the current renters on a lease-to-own basis. Buyers of multi family properties are limited to investors.

• Location. Often the location of single family homes can be more desirable than multi family homes or apartment buildings. When looking for a property to invest in, consider the location, schools, comparable rents in the area, property taxes, crime rates, the job market of the area, and how many other homes there are for rent in the area.

Multi Family Properties

Some purport that multi family homes are a better investment. There is evidence that cash flow is better with these properties, however that may be offset by the quality of tenants and high turnover. Here are some pros of investing in multi family vs single family homes:

• Financing. The government limits the number of properties that can be financed by one person. When considering multi family properties, keep in mind that those with more than four rental units are not subject to this limit. However one to four unit properties are limited.

• Cost Per Unit Is Lower. Although the up front cost is greater, when comparing the two, the cost per unit is always lower with a multi family property.

• Professional Rental Property Management Costs Less. In general paying a professional to manage your single family properties will result in 10% of the rent, whereas with multi family properties this amount is 4 to 7%.

• Vacancy Expenses Are Lower. If a single family home goes vacant you are out 100% of the rent, however with a multi family unit, there is still rent coming in from the other units if once or two go vacant.

• Less Locations to Manage and Maintain. In a multi family home all of your units are under one roof or on one property. Often mutliple repairs can be completed at the same time since the units share walls and the same property, avoiding multiple trips to the property or less cost to have maintenance companies make repairs.

Ultimately, both types of properties can be a good investment. It’s important to look at what you have to invest, how involved you want to be in the management and maintenance of the properties, how long you plan to keep the properties, how much you need to finance, and how much money you have stashed for emergencies. Both single family and multi family rental properties can set you up for steady income and early retirement if you invest wisely.

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Top 15 Tax Deductions for Landlords

Top 15 Tax Deductions for Landlords

Paying taxes isn’t fun for most business people, but it is a necessary or compulsory part of life. As a landlord, paying your taxes doesn’t have to be a bitter pill to swallow, because federal law allows you to take advantage of a number of tax deductions on your rental income.  This article seeks to explore some of the top fifteen tax deductions you could benefit from as a landlord.

Taking advantage of these deductions could make the difference between gaining a sizeable amount of income on your rental property, and losing it.  There are some rules every landlord has to follow if they want to take advantage of these deductions, the crucial one being that you can only deduct necessary and ordinary expenses.

An ordinary expense is one that is accepted and common in your industry, such as paying contractors to repair a leaking roof. On the other hand, an expense is deemed necessary if it is appropriate and helpful in your line of business, such as advertising your premises so as to get tenants.  It is important to keep proper and detailed records of all your expenses concerning your rental property, so as to make the deduction claim and process seamless. Below is an elaborative list of the deductions you can make as a landlord:

1) Depreciation of Assets

Depreciation of assets refers to the things that you have purchased for business purposes, which depreciate over time and whose use goes beyond the current tax year. There are three major types of costs that you can depreciate, these include:

•    The value of the property (not the land, as land appreciates in value over time)

•    The cost of any improvements done on the property such as replacing worn out carpets, countertops, roofs, appliances and more.

•    Equipment, automobiles, laptops, and computers for business use.

These expenses are not deducted in a single year. They are spread over multiple years.

2) Interest

One of the biggest deductible expense you can make as a landlord is on any interest you accrue because of a loan or any other expense related to the rental property.  For instance, if you took out a mortgage or loan on the property, then you can deduct the interest accrued on the loan/mortgage when filling your property’s tax returns.  You can also make deductions on the interest accrued on your credit cards as a result of making payments related to improving or repairing the property.

3) Repairs

Repairs are a necessary part of owning a rental property, because “things will always break.” Repairs help landlords keep their premises in good working condition, they are, therefore, deductible. Examples of repairs that can be deducted when paying tax include:

•    Air Conditioning Repair

•    Painting

•    Fixture Repairs

•    Incidentals that are related to a repair

•    Plumbing Repairs

•    Labor Costs and Contractor fees

4) Travel Expenses

Both long distance and local travel expenses that are business related are deductible. For instance, if you use an automobile to travel to your premises regularly then the cost of maintaining the vehicle, the cost of gasoline and parking fees are deductible. If you use public transportation then you can deduct these expenses.  On the other hand, if you have to travel by air you can deduct the cost of your air tickets.

5) Legal and Professional Fees

You can also deduct the amount of fees you pay for professional or legal advice/work. These include real estate agent fees, attorney fees, accountant fees, and the fees you pay other to professional advisors, such as structural engineers.

6) Insurance

All insurance premium payments you make towards securing your business premises are tax-deductible, such as:

•    Fire/ Liability and Damage Insurance

•    Theft Insurance

•    General Liability Insurance

•    Flood Insurance Riders

•    Homeowners Insurance

•    Personal Umbrella Insurance

•    Mortgage Insurance Premiums

•    Workers’ Compensation Insurance

7) Management Fees

Managing your property can be quite a challenging task. For this reason, most landlords usually hire property managers or on-site manager to assist them: you are allowed to deduct these expenses, as well as those of other employees.

8) Commissions

As a landlord, you will sometimes be required to pay fees to tenants or managers for referring potential residents to hire out your premises. The IRS recognizes these commissions as being deductible.

9) Office/Operating Expenses

As a landlord, you need somewhere to keep your documents, records and even work. Any commercial space you use concerning your property can be deducted. If you work at your home office, then you can deduct square footage. You should also deduct any other operational expense, such as:

•    Pencils, Pens, and Staples

•    Ink & Printer Paper

•    Legal Forms

•    Phone Bills

10) Advertising

Some landlords use advertising as a way of getting their property occupied fast.  All the different types of advertising costs can be deducted, so whether you use Craigslist, signs, and banners, online ads or newspapers to advertise include these costs in your tax deductions.

11) Maintenance costs

Maintenance is not the same as repairs. Unlike when doing repairs, you are not fixing any broken thing or item when doing maintenance. For instance, the lawn has to be regularly maintained by cutting grass, but the lawn does not break. Other types of maintenance costs include:

•    Pest control and treatment

•    Homeowner Association Fees

•    Light Bulbs

•    Landscaping and Tree Trimming

•    Smoke Detector Batteries

•    Pool Maintenance

•    Janitorial Items

•    HVAC Filters

12) Casualty and Theft Losses

If you happen to lose rental income because your property has been damaged or destroyed, then you can make a tax deduction on part of or all of your loss. Loses that occur all of a sudden as a result of flooding, fire or some other unfortunate occurrence, are regarded as being casualty losses.  You can also deduct items lost as a result of theft.

13) Utilities

The costs you incur in services can be deducted when making your rental income tax returns. If your tenants happen to reimburse you for paying a utility expense, you can still make a deduction. You will, however, have to claim the reimbursement made as income.  Deductible utility expenses include:

•    Water & Sewer

•    Gas

•    Electricity

•    Trash & Recycling

•    Heating Oil

14) Start-up Expenses

A start-up expense is incurred even before a business has commenced. These costs are deductible, but they cannot be deducted in a single year because a start-up expense is still a capital expense (a cost that will benefit you for years and no just one year). $5000 is the maximum startup deduction you can make in the first year.

15) Passive Activity loss

Because you earn money from your real estate venture, it is regarded as a passive activity, in which losses incurred in this activity are deductible by up to $25,000 (special allowance). However, a landlord must actively participate in the real estate business to qualify for the passive activity loss deduction. For instance, you must be actively involved in management decisions including repair and maintenance decisions.  You must also have at least 10% interest in the rental property, to qualify for this deduction.

One of the aspects that make’s the real estate industry quite lucrative is the income you can make from your property. The other lucrative aspect of this industry is the various tax deductions you can claim such as maintenance and repair fees, employee payments, stat up expense and more. It is important to be as accurate as possible when making these deductions to avoid encountering any problems with the IRS. Where possible, keep some form of record such as a receipt for evidence.

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Property Management Licensing and Certifications

Is it worth it getting certified as a property manager? The answer: it depends? While the courses themselves provide a lot of useful information, Landlords and Property Managers are not really the same job.

Landlords actually own property, while property managers are the people who actively manage these properties on behalf of the landlord. For smaller landlords, this may be the same person. Larger businesses and out of state landlords will often employ a property manager.

What does a Property Manager Do

The property manager’s responsibility will change depending on both jurisdiction and landlord, but usually involves:

1. Renting out vacant properties
2. Collecting Rent on behalf of the landlord
3. Managing all issues surrounding the property (repairs, maintenance, improvements)
4. Handling evictions
5. Handling lease-ends, walk arounds etc

Does a Property Manage Need a License?

This question depends on the jurisdiction, so you’ll need to check both state and local laws. If you’re going to be involved in both the renting/selling on behalf of clients, then you’ll definitely need a real estate license.

Even if you’re jurisdiction doesn’t require specific licensing as a property manager, certification is still important. Below are what are considered the 5 best certifications and licenses for property managers:

Real Estate License

Most states require property management companies to have a real estate broker license, especially if the company is involved in collecting rent. If your company has a broker’s license, you may only need a salesperson’s license, as long as you are listed as working under the managing broker.

In states like Maine, Idaho and Vermont, property managers do not need to be licensed. Other states, like South Carolina, Oregon and Montana, recognize a property manager license instead of a real estate agent license.

To obtain a real estate license, check out the requirements of your state’s relevant agency. This is usually called a licensing board, agency or something similar.

Certified Manager of Community Associations

This certification was created by the Community Associations Institute, and is currently awarded by the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers.

Certified members are kept up to date on local laws, and are required to undergo continuing education in order to maintain their membership.

Residential Management Professional

This certification was created by NARPM, the National Association of Residential Property Managers. This is probably one of the more highly recognized certifications for property managers. To be awarded this certification, you need to have a real estate license in good standing, 2 years minimum experience, and you must have managed at least 25 units.

Certified Property Manager

Created by IREM, the Institute of Real Estate Management, this is one of the more difficult certifications to achieve. You must have significant experience in property management and investing, and show that you either have a real estate license or are not legally required to hold one.

Certified Apartment Manager

This certification is awarded by the National Apartment Association. It’s best for those who work in larger apartment buildings or for bigger companies with a portfolio. You are required to take a series of classes, complete a project and then pass a final exam.

 

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Sample Landlord Reference Letter – With a Free Template!

Has a tenant recently asked you for a landlord reference letter? Or perhaps the tenant’s new  place of residence has called, asking for a quick reference on the tenant?

Here are 5 important things you need to know when providing a reference, followed by a sample reference letter you can use to write for your tenant.

1. Be Honest – tell the truth, even if it hurts. Especially if it hurts. Do not say anything just to get rid of a troublesome tenant.
2. Just the facts – don’t mention how the tenant is as a person. Keep to the facts about payment and care of the property.
3. Be Mindful of Fair Housing: Don’t mention anything about the tenant’s race, background etc. You must be mindful of fair housing laws at all times, especially in a reference letter.
4. Describe the unit, too: Many landlords will leave out important factors about the condition of the unit, mentioning only rent paid on time.
5. Use a formal template: You will save yourself countless hours of time and potential litigation, by using a standardized template for all of your tenants. That way, you can prove that you treat all tenants equally.

Free Landlord Reference Letter Template:

[Date]

 

To Who  It May Concern:

This tenant reference letter is provided on behalf of [tenant name]. They were tenants at [rental address] from [First Day of Lease] to [Last Day of Lease].

Payments

1. The last monthly rent payment was ____.
2. The rent was paid on time.
3. There were ___ late payments during the duration of the lease.

Condition of Property

The tenants kept the property in good condition. The following damages were noted upon their exit from the unit:

Security Deposit

The security deposit of $___ was fully/partially refunded within the legally required time frame. If only part of the security deposit was refunded, it was because of:

Evictions

No eviction notices were served on the tenants.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. My information is below.

Regards,

[Your Name] [Company Name, if Applicable] [Street Address] [City, ST, Zip] [Phone] [Email]

 

 

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How To Get Rid of Squatters

If you have a tenant who has stayed on without paying rent, they’re what’s known as a holdover tenant. This is often called “tenancy at sufferance” in the legal profession.

You might, however, consider them a squatter. A Squatter is defined as:

a person who settles on land or occupies property without title, right, or payment of rent

In other words, a squatter is someone who lives in your rental unit, but does not have the legal right to be there. The worst thing about squatters, is that in some more “enlightened states”, it can be almost impossible to get them removed from your property. California – we’re looking at you!

The rise of house sharing platforms like AirBNB or VRBO has created a huge rise in squatters, or previously paying tenants who now have stopped paying the rent. Why, you ask? California, and many other states, have laws that define tenants as anyone who has lived in a property for 30 days.

If you rent out your AirBNB for more then 30 days, in those states, your “guests” would become tenants. If they stopped paying, that means you’re going to need to evict them.

Trespassing Squatters

Hopefully you don’t have rental units just lying vacant. But if you do, you may end up with the worst kind of Squatters – the kind that trespass and refuse to leave. As a law abiding landlord, is the law on your side?

It depends, as always, on the city and state you live in. If your squatters manage to fulfill certain requirements, the law might recognize them as lawful residents. For example, in some states, just getting utilities hooked up under the squatter’s name can be considered residency!

If the squatters establish this important distinction, then the police are not going to help. You’re going to turn to the civil courts, a process that may take months or years. In the meanwhile, you’re up the creek while your unit is in limbo.

Warning! Don’t Do These Things To Your Squatters!

If you end up with either illegal squatters or tenants requiring an eviction, then it’s important not to do things that may harm your cause later in the eyes of the law. In other words, don’t shoot yourself in the foot.

Don’t:

• Lock the tenant out, put padlocks up or change the locks
• Attempt to shut off the utilities
• Intimidate the tenant/squatter physically or verbally

Help! I have a squatter, what should I do?

If your vacant rental unit ends up being squatted, here’s what you should do right away:

1. Call the cops. Let the police know immediately that you have a trespassing problem. If they consider the matter a civil issue, it’s time to start eviction right away.
2. Start the eviction process. You can find more details in our eviction guide.
3. Call the Bailiff. The squatter probably won’t move when served with an eviction notice. The law is now on your side – have the local sheriff proceed with the actual eviction.

You need to be careful with your rental property, and protect yourself at all times against squatters. If you do end up with them, make sure you know exactly how to handle them according to your state and local laws before going forward.

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Rent Increase Letter

How To Write a Rent Increase Notice

There are a lot of good reasons to raise the rent. In fact, training your longer term tenants to expect a yearly rental increase can be one of the best ways to guarantee an increase in the return on investment of your rental properties. Additionally, it serves as a good hedge against inflation.

Some Landlords feel bad or awkward about raising the rent, but remember, it’s just a cost of doing business.

Below, you’ll find tips on how to increase the rent without losing your tenants, as well as a free rental increase template for you to modify.

Tip #1: Make the rent increase part of the rental contract

In your initial rental contract, add language that, on renewal, mentions a rental increase. You can either mention a real number or use a percentage. Try not to overcharge, 3-5% is usually a good bet. Of course, if rents skyrocket in your market at the end of the lease, you’re not required to renew with that tenant.

Check with your local landlord association to make sure this is legal in your state.

Tip #2: Give Ample Notice, In Compliance with Local Laws

Let the tenant know way in advance that you’re going to raise the rent. If they don’t want to stay, then you’ll have time to properly market and rent out the unit, lowering your vacancy rates and keeping your cash flow going.

You can send the letter via email, or mail. It’s up to you if you want to explain why you want to raise the rent. Sometimes, mentioning an increase in your expenses (such as local taxes, heating, etc), may make the tenant more open to a rental increase.

If a new lease is required, make sure to send it to the tenant to get their signature and renewal.

Tip #3: Use This Sample Rental Notice as a guideline

[Date] [Tenant’s Name] [Tenant’s Address] [City/State/Zip Code]

Re:Notice of Rent Increase

Dear [Tenant’s Name],

Your lease at the property listed above will expire on [Lease Expiration Date].

Effective [Rent Increase Date], the monthly rent for this property will increase to $____. This represents a change of $___ from your current rent, $____ per month.

If you wish to continue with your [lease agreement/month to month tenancy], you will be required to pay this new amount. The rest of your lease agreement shall remain the same, with all terms in force and effect. Should you not wish to renew your lease agreement with us, please provide us with notice as soon as possible, but note then the legally required date of [Last Day Notice Date].

Please contact me with any questions or concerns you have, at [contact information].

Sincerely,

[Signature] [Name]

Tip #4: Know The Law about Rental Increases!

As always, the law has something to say about rental increases. If you are a landlord in an area with rent control or rent stabilization, then there are significant restrictions on your ability to raise rents.

Additionally, you cannot raise the rent in the middle of a fixed lease contract. If you rent to section 8 tenants or through another HUD or local agency program, there may be additional restrictions on rental increases.

For tenants who signed a lease, you cannot arbitrarily raise the rents until the period is up. If you placed a clause in your lease agreement to allow for rental increases within the term, note that many courts frown upon this and may invalidate your entire lease agreement.

For month to month tenants, you can raise rents as long as you provide proper notice. The notice period will vary by state. Your notice must be provided in writing. As with any important communication with a tenant, we strongly suggest registered mail at a minimum.

Additionally, you cannot raise the rent in a way that is discriminatory. Meaning, you can’t raise a rent due to race, religion, or something else you don’t particularly like about the tenant.

If a tenant has filed a complaint or exercised a legal right, raising the rent within a certain period may well be viewed as “retaliation” by the courts.

Tip #4: Know Your Local Market Rents!

You can’t charge whatever you want for a rental, because tenants will go elsewhere. Make sure to know your local rates. Keeping your rates within the market range will ensure that tenants stay, even when you raise the rents a bit.

 

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How To Evict a Tenant

This guide will take you through the eviction process, and will give you the steps necessary to properly evict/kick out a tenant from rental property. Note that we are not lawyers and the aim of this guide is to provide general guidelines. Contact legal counsel before proceeding.

Important notice to landlords in California, Florida, and New York: You will have extreme difficulty in evicting tenants in these states. These states are notoriously tenant friendly, and you may not be able to evict. Please contact your local landlord association or attorney before even beginning the process.

Evictions: The Process is Part of being a Landlord.

If this is your first time having to evict someone, don’t bee to hard on yourself. Evictions are simply part of the process of being a landlord. Even great tenants sometimes have issues. Your job is to be sympathetic but firm. In other words, pay or get out.

While it may seem harsh, at the end of the day, your job is to make money from your rental properties. Letting someone stay in your unit rent free is a surefire way to lose your shirt in the real estate business.

Don’t get me wrong – it can be really depressing to evict a tenant whom you have a relationship with. But sometimes, you don’t have a choice. And when it comes to being nice or making sure you get paid, you need to get paid.

The eviction process starts with having a valid reason to evict a tenant.

Let’s get started:

How Eviction Laws Work

Eviction laws are different from state to state (see our above notice, for example). More so, eviction laws can even be different by county. Some counties enact ordinances or requirements that may make it more difficult then the minimums set by the state.

Because evictions are a legal issue, it’s important that you start from a solid legal basis. We recommend using a lease agreement that is written by lawyers, designed specifically for you state. Your local landlord association or real estate broker may have a standardized set of lease agreements for you to use.

If you’ve used a custom lease agreement, it’s important to take a few minutes and make sure that the lease you used will allow you to evict your tenant. Otherwise, you may lose your case in eviction court when the time comes.

You Can’t Just Throw a Tenant To The Curb

As much as you’d like, you can’t just kick the tenant out after they’ve violated their lease. These type of evictions are illegal and unlawful and may completely wreck any attempt at actually getting the tenant out.

Specifically do not:

• Enter the tenant’s property without consent
• Remove their property to the curb before being awarded an eviction by the court
• hire someone to physically remove or intimidate the tenant
• change the locals on the tenant’s apartment
• shut off utilities (electric,gas,water,heat,etc)
• Harass the tenant in any way or form (stink bombs, loud music, etc).

Remember that evicting someone is a legal process that can take time. If you act rashly or outside the scope of this process, you can seriously harm your case in court.

Do you have a good reason to evict someone?

You can’t evict someone just because you don’t like them. You need to have a legitimate, legal reason for attempting to evict a tenant.

Typical good reasons for evicting a tenant include:

• Not paying the rent
• Doing something against the lease/rental agreement (pets, airbnb, criminal activities, drugs etc)
• Damaging the property
• Breaking local ordinances such as noise, occupancy or health codes
• Causing harm or danger to other tenants

Make sure you have proof (the more, the merrier), so you can prove your case in court.

Should you try and talk to your tenant?

This is a good question. It really depends on the situation, why you need to evict, and what the rental market is like in your area.

For example, in a soft rental market, where you may not be able to get another tenant, attempting to reason with a tenant who is a bit behind on the rent might make sense.

Conversely, in a strong market, you probably can afford to be much stricter with your tenants.

Generally speaking, it’s best to have a written process in place and enforce it equally among all your tenants. Otherwise, you open yourself up to both Fair Housing lawsuits, and the possibility that you may lose your eviction case as well.

File an Eviction Notice or “Notice to Quit”

Once you’ve decided you want to evict your tenant, you need to provide the tenant with an eviction notice. In legal jargon this may also be called a “notice to quit”.  Below we’ll provide a general guidelines of eviction notices, however it’s important to note that this process varies greatly by state.

How to File an Eviction Notice

1. Include a deadline to pay or move out.
2. Include amount owed, including fees.
3. Make sure you provide ample notice before the actual eviction. This differs from state to state and can be anywhere from 3-60 days!
4. Provide a copy to the tenant, and make sure to send a copy certified mail with return receipt requested via US Mail to provide proof.

At this point, the eviction process has formally begun.

Hopefully, your tenant will “cure” the issue by paying the rent or making repairs, but sadly that’s not often the case. Now the clock starts ticking, and once the specified time has passed, it’s time to file in local court.

How to File an Eviction Notice in Court

The next step is to go to your local court, and file the eviction paperwork. If you’re a bigger landlord with several units, you may have an attorney on retainer who does this for you. In some states, you must file eviction with an attorney. In other states, you can file yourself.

Go to the appropriate court or their website, and ask the clerk for the paperwork necessary to file an eviction. At this point the clerk will issue a summons, and your tenant will need to show up in eviction court.

(Bonus:If your tenant doesn’t show up, then you win the case by default!… Usually.)

 

Getting Ready for Eviction Court

Assuming your tenant hasn’t already flown the coop, then it’s time to go to court and win your case.

Bring as much documentation as you can, including:

1. lease agreements
2. bounced checks/failed credit card or debit payments
3. communication records (emails, phone, letters, text)
4. any other proof for the eviction (pictures of damages, police reports, complaints, etc)
5. a copy of the notice provided to your tenant
6. proof that the tenant received your notice, with the date.

The court will usually decide at the time of the case.

If you’ve won, then read on.

Evicting the Tenant

Once you’ve won your eviction case, you can now evict your tenant.

If your tenant hasn’t physically left, you can go the local sheriff or bailiff who will help you evict the tenant. In general, it’s better to have the law do this for you. Eviction processes have been known to get violent, so you’re best making sure a professional gets them out if they haven’t already.

How To Get Good Tenants

Alright, your eviction is done. Hopefully it won’t happen again. Here are some helpful hints to help you get better tenants:

• develop a better screening process – did this tenant have a bad record?
• check for previous eviction processes. Often they may be in several states. Sometimes their filed as unlawful detainers.
• Run a thorough employment and credit check – can the tenant really pay the bills?
• Nervous? Demand a qualified guarantor.