PropertyManagementMaven: December 2009

New Shootout Rules will Allow some Great Drivers to Field Cars in Early February

I am glad that they have changed the rules and so that drivers like Michael Waltrip, John Andretti and  Kevin Harvick will get to drive.  It will be interesting whose cars John, Terry, Kenny and Derrick will drive - may spice up some sponsorship for some smaller teams or get some rides for some GREAT drivers!!!

2010 Budweiser Shootout Eligible drivers

DriverFilled Criteria
   
John Andretti July race winner
Greg Biffle 2009 Chase
Geoff Bodine Daytona 500, Shootout winner
Jeff Burton July race winner
Kurt Busch 2009 Chase
Kyle Busch July race winner
Derrike Cope Daytona 500 winner
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Daytona 500, July race, Shootout winner
Carl Edwards 2009 Chase
Bill Elliott Series champion, Daytona 500, July race, Shootout winner
Jeff Gordon 2009 Chase
Denny Hamlin 2009 Chase
Kevin Harvick Daytona 500, Shootout winner
Jimmie Johnson 2009 Chase
Kasey Kahne 2009 Chase
Matt Kenseth Series champion, Daytona 500 winner
Bobby Labonte Series champion
Terry Labonte Series champion, Shootout winner
Joey Logano Reigning Raybestos rookie of the year
Sterling Marlin Daytona 500, July race winner
Mark Martin 2009 Chase
Jamie McMurray July race winner
Juan Montoya 2009 Chase
Ryan Newman 2009 Chase
Ken Schrader Shootout winner
Tony Stewart 2009 Chase
Brian Vickers 2009 Chase
Michael Waltrip

Daytona 500, July race winner

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

3 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 30 2009 06:12PM

Checkers (flags) and Wreckers (tow trucks) are ALL a part of NASCAR

Wrecks are a part of NASCAR * not particularly a FUN part * I remember where I was when I heard Dale Sr had crashed at Daytona (the RIC airport baggage carousel) so seeing them over and over on TV is memorable....some CRASH pictures from 2009

This is the second Daytona race where Kasey Kaine wrecked and took out Kyle Busch as the same time.  VA driver Elliott Sadler scrapes by in the #19

Night All-Star race from Lowe's with Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Math Kenseth AND Carl Edwards

Horrible wreck of Carl Edwards where he actually got out of his car and WALKED across the finish line

JR takes a BAD left turn at Fontana * must have been a tire!!!

JR wrecks at Phoenix

Ryan Newman's wreck at Talladega where he landed on his head.

JR, Robbie Gordon, Kyle Busch and Brian Vickers wreck at Daytona

I disagree with the critics.  The COT has made for BETTER, SAFER and MORE EXCITING racing!!!

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

4 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 30 2009 12:38PM

How I have SAVED money and CUT expenses for my Real Estate Business

Although my property management business is an S-corp entity, I am the chief, cook and bottle washer and as such I have found that by being totally and completely involved in the day-to-day operation, I can make decisions regarding my bottom line that may go against the grain of many corporate real estate firms.

These are some of the ways I have SAVED money over the past year.....

1)   I use USPS stamps and delivery confirmation, priority and express mail. I don't use FedEx or UPS and if I have to send something overseas, I use our local DHL from our local pack n'mail. I don't pay for a postage machine lease or have a lot of money loaded into a postage machine waiting for use. I receive my business mail at a post office that is near my home and utilize their window hours when necessary.

2)    I no longer make bank deposits for my client/escrow account. Late in 2008, I started using a wealth management account through Merrill Lynch and so now I remote scan checks directly from my computer and desktop scanner. No going to the bank, writing out deposit slips and while the account gains interest, the big savings is in my time and being able to do banking anytime from my desktop.

3)    After over 8 years of using laptops for my business and home, I elected to have a pc computer tower and specialized drives installed and operate two monitors for faster processing and storage and multi-tasking. I had an additional shadow drive installed with software that automatically backs up my work. Additionally, I have photo and other important data backed up on jump/travel drives and use them transport data to my home laptop. No expensive monthly online backup service.

4)   After years of growing my business with quarterly printed client and farming newsletters, I have stopped them and am now concentrating on my blogging efforts.  I promote my blog on my business card, website, return address on my correspondence, owner financial reports and owner property presentation.   The propertymangementmaven is EVERYWHERE!

5)   Finally, I no longer have any print media ad costs except for a business card size ad in a monthly newsletter that is delivered to an area where I have a large inventory of rental homes.  The cost is about $45 per month and I enjoy working with the firm that puts it out.  By aggressively marketing rental listings on my website and promoting my website on Craigslist, postlets and their partner sites, I am able to put my listings and company name out and feel that the additional time spent on these daily posts is well worth my efforts as my properties rent faster, my company name is high on search engines and prospective clients appreciate my diligence in posting my property listings.  I gave up my yellow page advertising over 5 years ago and now I take the time to review Google and Yahoo as well as other online business listings for my company and monitor entries and reviews with ALERTS for my and my company name.

These items may appear small in the day-to-day of running a real estate business; however, the savings add up and show on my bottom line!!!

 

 

 

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

14 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 29 2009 06:24PM

Does your house need gutters ?

 

I'm re-blogging this to the property management group because it is SO VERY IMPORTANT in the inspection or property review process for us to look UP...toward gutters, overhanging tree limbs, chimneys, plumbing vents AND roofs 

 

Via Chuck Berg (Berg Design : Certified Home Inspections):

   Gutters and downspouts carry water from the roof away from the building, protecting the cladding system and the foundation. Gutters are also called troughs or eavestroughs. Downspouts are also called rain water leaders, leaders or conductor pipes. While not every home requires gutters and downspouts, those that do suffer dramatically if they are not present or are not effective. Generally speaking, houses with basements or crawlspaces in areas where rainfall is significant should have gutters. Gutters may also be needed to protect siding from damage or discoloration caused by splashing. Where landscaping may be damaged by water running off the edge of a roof, gutters and downspouts should be provided. Gutters and downspouts are not used in some heavy snow areas because ice damming problems may be worse with gutters, and because snow and ice can damage gutters or pull them off the building. These are ice buildups near the lower edges of roofs that allow melting snow to backup under roof shingles and get into the home. In some areas, gutters and downspouts are put up seasonally and are removed for the winter. In some areas a rudimentary rain deflector, often called a Yankee gutter, is used. This consists of an L-shaped trough installed just above the edge of the roof with the one side lying on the roof, tucked under the shingles. The gutter will usually slope to direct the water off the low end, sometimes into a downspout.

ProblemsThe performance issues with gutters are failure to collect and carry away the water running off the roof. In most cases, the causes of problems are installation defects, mechanical damage, or deterioration of components from age, wear and tear. The implications of a failed or missing gutter system is potential leakage into the basement or crawlspace, damaged foundations, damage to siding (and with interior drains or integral gutters damage to soffits, fascia, roof framing, wall systems, and the building interior), and damaged landscaping.

Get it inspected.....keep it safe.

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

8 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 29 2009 06:06AM

Road Trip brings Property Management Group Members TOGETHER!!!!

Eric and Lori Boyd bought me lunch today....yes, they live in Jacksonville, FL and I live in VA; however, Lori's sister lives in Fredericksburg, VA about an hour 20 min drive from my home and since their family was visiting  herfor the holidays. Eric suggested we get together  I drove to the Olive Garden on Rt.3 at I-95 and met them for lunch. Great time with lots of property management discussion and joking and the value of AR. I hope I was able to provide some insight and help in their establishing their property management company.  Judging by Eric's contributions on his blog * they are off to a VERY GOOD START!!

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

5 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 28 2009 03:40PM

Some of the STUPIDEST Questions Rental Prospects Asked me This Year!!!

 

1) Will you hold this home for 3 months?  My lease does not end for 3 months!

2) Will you repaint the home?

3) Will you re-carpet?  I want to make sure it is clean.

4) Will you change the gas stove?  I’m afraid of gas.

5) Can I repaint if I paint it BACK when I move?

6) Will you take the deposit next month when I get paid?  I’ll sign the lease today.

7) Will you lower the rent for a longer term lease? I wrote an ENTIRE blog about this

8) Can I have my sister and her family stay temporarily while she looks for work?

9) Can I have my sister’s 3 pit bulls stay with me while she is on vacation?

10) Do you REALLY run credit checks? 

These questions were ALL asked of me during my phone pre-screening after prospects had seen my listings on Craigslist.  When properties have fenced yards, I feature that in my CL heading.  I frequently have to re-direct callers directly to my website although there is a prominent LINK to my website from the CL listings.

My web site host * HomeRentals.net  * offers a module to schedule property showings for me; however, I am a FIRM believer that pre-screening WORKS!!!!  

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

13 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 28 2009 05:53AM

Judge me by my CAR!!! Men are from JEEP and Women are from LEXUS

Having driven almost 400 miles on our area roads since the snowstorm on Friday/Saturday, I have made some observations.

There are very few Toyotas and NO Lexus(i/es) parked on the side of the road still in snow.  There was an older Camry that I suspect is a hand-me-down to a teenager or college student. 

There are still LOADS of trucks * many 4WD on the road and one I saw this morning is upside down on its roof and I suspect it may be a new wreck as it was on a curve on an icy road.

There are numerous JEEPS * too many still in the snow * so either their WIVES came to get them in their LEXUS *and they are probably too embarassed to come get them NOW OR they are really BAD drivers because they are driving a JEEP.  My husband dug out his JEEP before he drove it and his license tag was the subject of a prior blog.

My Lexus has a "magic button" that I have only had to use 2X so far - I get traction and brakes when I push it so IT and the heated seats have REALLY been beneficial.

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

8 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 23 2009 11:29AM

Add To Your Investment In Property Management

 

Although I'll excuse the use of HE/HIM when referring to a property manager, this is EXCELLENT information for our AR property management pros.

 

Via Property Management In Atlanta - Carla Barnes (EOTM Properties, LLC):

 

 

 

Investment property management is fast emerging as one of the vital aspects of a successful realty investment. In spite of the currently dull phase of the housing market, investing in properties is still considered one of the most profitable and stable activities. To keep all realty investments profitable, it is important to ensure efficient assets management.

Managing a property that includes managing of any type of tenants can be a daunting task. While purchasing realty is one thing, effective management is another. This is especially true if the owner or the investor does not possess management skills like the management professionals have. These experts can help to maintain the investments in the apartments or homes efficiently and also to manage good tenant relationships.

While management of properties such as apartments, single family homes and commercial properties does include screening prospective tenants and handpicking the suitable ones, it does not necessarily stop there. The property has to be well maintained and there has to be an impeccable system of accountability related to all financial transactions of its equity growth as well as the cash flow generated by renting it out to tenants.

What Makes Management Professionals Indispensable

Most property owners who stress on saving money usually end up hiring a single professional for investment management. Whether it is a house or a small apartment community, it is not possible for a single individual even a qualified one to attend to all the responsibilities associated with management or apartments and commercial investsments, supervise its maintenance and turn it into a profitable investment. This is why the primary concern of an owner or an investor must be to hire an established company that can offer outstanding services to keep all kinds of properties functioning at the highest possible levels.

A good management company will connect the investor with an experienced manager who will handle all matters related to the property. The professional responsible for investment property management will also act as the intermediary between the investor, tenants and the management company. The manager will also make sure that the investor receives accurate financial statements regarding the income generated from the property regularly.

A person who has invested in an single family home, duplexes or something on a more larger scale would definitely require a professional who is an expert is in his field and is aware of the financial goals of the investor. Since all properties are able to generate profits, a property manager must treat all properties as serious business. Therefore, before actually hiring an agency for investment management, the investor must create a great business plan with the management company. If the company seems to treat each investment as real business, they are likely to handle properties efficiently by enhancing their value and lowering potential risks. 

Obviously, there is a lot at stake while choosing a company to manage realty investments and keep it running profitably. Therefore, it is important that the company and their overall business ethics inspire confidence and trust in the investor so that he is completely comfortable in assigning the property to the company handling investment property management.

Making the right decision regarding the company selected for managing properties and evaluating the experience of this company can directly influence the success of a realty investment. As long as owners or investors choose the best management professionals, they can create a profitable realty business.

Our goal is to help maximize your most prized investments. Contact Carla Barnes of EOTM Properties today to receive a free rental analysis of your most prized investment(s).

Direct line – 678-548-9466

Email – carla@eotmrealestategroup.com

Website – www.eotmrealestategroup.com

Real Estate Blog - http://activerain.com/blogs/mortgage_diva

 

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

12 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 22 2009 06:12AM

Carl Edward's Family Christmas Card * Oh! She's writing about NASCAR again!!!

In the small world category, about 10 years ago a friend of ours introduced us to Jim Sterling.  Jim's sister is our friend's good friend from KC.  Jim came to Virginia and although our friend and Jim did not hit it off, Jim kept us on his Christmas card list.  A few years later Jim married Nancy Edwards, mother of NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards, and we started getting cards with Carl in the family photo.  The first card actually had a live-size cut-out of him in his firesuit because he was unavailable.

 

This appears to be the WHOLE FAM DAMILY!!!

 

This is their message:  The family at Thanksgiving, 2009.  From left to right, Beth & Kenny Edwards, Kate & Carl Edwards, Nancy & Jim Sterling, Liz Sterling, Stephanie & Jim Lawrence.  Front:  Charlotte and Ella Lawrence.  Soon to be added:  Carl and Kate's baby in February.  Not pictured:  Four dogs and two cats.

 

Carl better have the baby pager Jeff Gordon used * The Daytona 500 is February 14, 2010 * 

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

12 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 21 2009 11:42AM

No Travel * No Place to Go * Let it SNOW, Let it SNOW, Let it SNOW

Calculations differ so my guesstimate is 12 inches of snow on our cars and drive here in Keswick, VA.....Neighbor with a blade on his truck cleared our drive yesterday * my SoCal husband has a new JEEP and transferred his VIRGINIA vanity plate of WAVGUY to his new car....I grabbed camera from my car to take this picture before he destroyed the evidence.....Yes, it DOES snow in Virginia!!!

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
View our available rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

12 commentsWallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI • December 20 2009 08:58AM