PropertyManagementMaven

Sorry Ben....Unless NASCAR FedEx Driver #11 Denny Hamlin comes to my office with your PACKAGE, No Can Do~!!

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:51:24 -0400

Reply |Ben Wilson to info
show details 7:19 PM (23 hours ago)

--
I have registered your consignment box.

All the necessary arrangement of the delivering your $2.500, 000.00 USD in
cash was made with FedEx Courier Service.

So contact Mr. Brett Hooper
EMAIL: bretthooper0@yahoo.cn

For your information, I have paid for the delivery Charge, Insurance
premium and Clearance Certificate Fee of the Cheque showing that it is not
Drug Money or meant to sponsor Terrorist attack in your Country.

The only money you will send to the FedEx Courier Service to deliver your
Draft direct to your postal Address in your country is ($265.00) US Dollars
only being Security Keeping Fee of the Courier Company so far.

Send them your contacts info to enable them locate you immediately they
arrived in your country with your draft.

Name:
Home Address:
Phone Numbers:
Country:
Valid ID:

Let me repeat again, try to contact them as soon as you receive this mail
to avoid any further delay and remember you will pay them their Security
Keeping fee of $265.00 US Dollars for their immediate action.

Thank you,
Regards,
Ben Wilson

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

SOMEBODY!! Please tell the White House that FORD DID NOT take the Auto Bailout!

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:48:34 -0400

I am not a FORD fan. I had Ranger pickups in a former life and I remember the term Fix Or Repair Daily......Ford did NOT take the government auto bailout because they had sufficient capital including 20% stake in Mazda.

Harry Reid has MISTAKENLY mentioned Ford being bailed out by the government AND NOW WH Press Big Mouth Robert Gibbs has mentioned that he doubts that Rush Limbaugh drives an F-150....HELLO! Rush had GM as an advertiser for several years - LOVED their cars * he and his staff were given various models to drive by GM and they raved about them on the radio * HOW COOL is THAT?!

However, when the GOVERNMENT took over GM and they asked Rush to continue with their advertising, he said NO. He did not want to advertise something AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE!

Rush is a man of principal and has mentioned on his show that he had no problem with the cars * he just did not want to be involved in the government auto bail out.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/07/29/gibbs-takes-on-rush-limbaugh/

I'm so sorry Mr. & Mrs. Rental Prospect, While you were questioning my PROCESS * The HOME was LEASED

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:06:28 -0400

I am at my most ACCOMMODATING PROPERTY SHOWING mode. I get gas in my car when it is half-full and I have 10 minutes. I have Coke Zero bottles in my car AND my car phone charger. I am often on the phone arranging a rental home viewing while prospects are following me to their next property viewing.

....so after showing a couple several homes last week and providing them with my rental applications with my credit criteria on the reverse side, I got a phone call from them today. Their FIRST choice of home was GONE * they had listened to a real estate agent who said he had to contact the property owners about their application * and was the home they saw 7 days ago still available. I asked them if they had their application paperwork completed and could they fax or e-mail it to me within the hour? They did not have their applications completed. I STRONGLY suggested they complete them within the hour and get them to me so that they would get into the queue for this property as I was on my way to show it AS WE WERE SPEAKING!

They seemed surprised that I was so candid and that I was so insistent on their paperwork. I quickly reminded them that I cautioned them a week ago to select a new rental home and have their application paperwork completed and submitted ASAP.

I am CANDID with them because the SOONER they....1) get over their STICKER SHOCK on our AREA RENTAL HOME RENTS; 2) submit their COMPLETED APPLICATION PAPERWORK; and 3) provide a check for their move-in monies * First FULL Month's RENT and SECURITY DEPOSIT....the SOONER they can SECURE their NEW RENTAL HOME!

White House BUNGLES Rose Garden Photo Op with Woman Unemployed AFTER A DRUG CONVICTION

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:12:26 -0400

HOW did the White House FIND this woman? She should NOT be on unemployment because she is on PROBATION for PRESCRIPTION DRUG FRAUD.

From the unionofunemployed.com website • Leslie Macko, from Charlottesville, VA, lost her job as an aesthetician in 2009. She received, and exhausted, Virginia unemployment compensation benefits. She has also exhausted her Tier I benefits and had 4.9 weeks of Tier II EUC for which she is eligible. However, there has been a 6-week delay in the Tier II benefits and once she receives these benefits, she will not be eligible for additional unemployment insurance. She has persistently searched for work, and continues to do so. To pay her rent, utilities, food, and other expenses she has had to borrow money from her father on a monthly basis.

http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/99497354.html

Drive 40 miles * wait 4 hours * Drive 40 miles * wait 4 hours * Drive 40 miles * wait 4 hours

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:28:10 -0400

The Volt can travel 40 miles on its battery charge and an additional 340 miles on a gasoline-powered generator.

GM has a NEW Edsel.

I actually REMEMBER the Edsel and I suspect there are few at GM or the White House who remember this automotive FIASCO or why nobody puts their son's names on their auto models any more.

While area Realtors may have a Prius or Lexus h model, I suspect few will buy a vehicle that has to have an EXPENSIVE after market "docking station" and SIT for 3 to 4 hours to charge in order to go ANOTHER 40 miles.

I DROVE 130 miles yesterday showing rental properties in 3 counties. It is not WORTH my TIME to BUY or DRIVE this vehicle!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/27/AR2010072705834_pf.html

Amazon to Unveil their 3rd Generation Kindle Today!

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:53:41 -0400

I've had a kindle for 2 years...and LOVE it. I am an avid reader * probably an hour of pleasure reading a day on average * and it is a JOY to be able to download a book and start reading in MINUTES.

The kindle actually SAVES me money because the book titles are on the kindle OR on my Amazon account so if you have ever purchased the same book a second time as I have done in the past and starting to read a book only to realize that you have already "read this story", the kindle is the way to go.

The only downside is that you need to purchase a HARD COVER if you plan on traveling with it and I purchased a red leather one for about $60.

Hey, VERA BRADLEY!!! We need kindle hard cover totes!

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010-07-29-amazon29_ST_N.htm

NASCAR Owner Jack Roush Injured in Plane Crash in WI

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:40:44 -0400

Known as "the cat in the hat" around NASCAR tracks, Jack Roush * owner of Roush Fenway Racing * is a pilot had has numerous planes including a P-51 Mustang which is what my father flew in WWII. Roush was returning from WI after attending the Annual Experimental Aviation Show. Roush Fenway Racing spokesperson indicates he was taken to a local hospital and his injuries may require surgery.

OK! OK! I'll say it * let's hope for a SPEEDY recovery for Jack!!!

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2010-07-27-jack-roush-plane-crash_N.htm?csp=34sports&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+UsatodaycomMotorSports-TopStories+(Sports+-+Motor+Sports+-+Top+Stories)

I'm sorry rental prospects that your real estate agent dropped the ball ♥ I'll be happy to assist you!

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:20:03 -0400

I got a call on Monday morning from prospects wanting to see a home I have for rent. It took me 30 minutes to get to the property and they were waiting outside While showing the home, they indicated they were selling their home in NY and wanted to rent for a year before buying....PERFECT!!! They then indicated they had gotten a referral to a local real estate agent and when they indicated they wanted to rent for a year, they never heard back from her and started looking for rental homes on their own.

Since they only had 3 days to find a home and return to NY, I gave them some suggestions since schools were of a major concern. I saw them again this morning coming out of my office building and I stopped them to see their progress. They had decided on another property manager's townhouse and were instructed to apply online. They were leaving that manager's office which is in my building. They were heartbroken as they had no way of accessing a computer and had checked out of their hotel. I invited them in to my office, we downloaded the application forms and they started to work sitting at my conference table. When they did not have some of their financial information, they had an application they had completed previously e-mailed to me and I printed it so they could copy the information.

Finally, they were able to present their applications and check for their move-in monies to the property manager of the townhouse. I gave them 2 cold water bottles from my refrigerator and sent them on their way back to NY.

Hopefully, they do not have such a bad feeling about our area and our real estate agents and they will enjoy their new home!!!

I can't WAIT for the Re-Runs * LOLA * Law & Order Los Angeles * Debuts this Fall

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:53:01 -0400

I can't wait for the re-runs since I don't watch "network" tv after 4P. Alfred Molina will be the LA DA and the BEST PART of this for ME is that Skeet Ulrich * I ♥ Jericho * will be a detective. Having found L&O UK during a medical break this spring, I hope this show lasts another 20 years. I'll have to fit the reruns in between Royal Pains, Burn Notice, Mad Men and Dexter!!!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/27/DDT31EJG1C.DTL

Why do I NEED a Property Manager? I Have a Tenant!~!

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:27:08 -0400

New landlords who are faced with leaving the area frequently call me asking if I will lower my management fee because they have already done the HARD PART and secured their own tenant.

I explain that I would not charge my "leasing fee"; however, I would charge my monthly management fee as I collected the rent. I then go on to question where they are in their process with "their" tenant? * do they have applications from the tenants? * is there a signed lease? what type of lease form did they use? This is often where they realize that maybe all of the "heavy lifting" has not been done and that the "lease up" job is not completed.

While they may have applicants and even application paperwork, they have not screened the applicants, done their past landlord reference checks, run credit reports, done employment checks NOR do they have lease paperwork.

To these landlords, the "hard part" is over; to a professional property manager, the FUN PART is OVER and the HARD PART is just BEGINNING.

How to make WALLACE SPEW Coke ZERO Out her Nose!!!!

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:26:09 -0400

I don't know if this ad was shown during the Nationwide race last night; however, I was watching the start of the NASCAR Cup race from The Brickyard on the Juan Pablo Montoya channel of DirectTV, when this ad came on I spewed my Coke ZERO out of my nose * I kid you not. What a GREAT ad!!! YouTube comments are about the song * GO RENT SMOKEY and THE BANDIT * you 30'something!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcgeoMOsMDA

Tenant Bank Drafts Save Landlords' Profits and Simplifies Collections

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:51:16 -0400

I still L♥VE receiving rent checks in my post office box at the beginning of the month AND late & notice fees are a profit center for me so I think I'll keep asking for checks. I DO REMOTE scan checks and don't go to the bank to make deposits!!!

Via Nathan Miller (Rentec Direct Property Management Software):

I know I'm not the only one out there that has a nagging feeling in their head when the beginning of the month rolls around. I pro-rate my tenants so they are all due on the first, and typically give a 3 day grace. There's the select few tenants that pay on the 1st. That breed of tenants has mostly vanished. The remainder tend to push that grace limit to it's maximum and come in on the 3rd or 4th of the month. The whole time I'm worried if they will be in at all. If the 5th rolls around and nobody is around, just the thought of notices and eviction sets me on fire because I know it's going to be a painful process no matter what and at the very least will strain the landlord-tenant relationship.

The scenarios may be:

The tenant just forgot to bring it by, or was out of town.

The check got lost in the mail (I've heard this more times than I think is really possible).

This just happened to me this month, once the mail reached my office it ended up in a different co-workers box, so while the rent arrived on the 4th, I didn't get it until the 7th.

Maybe the tenant really is looking to move.

In most cases it's just an accident that the rent didn't make it on time. Most tenants want to stay and they just aren't prioritizing their bills well. Even so if you've begun the eviction or notification process for non-payment it's creating a strain on your landlord/tenant relationship and it's costing you time and money.

There's a lot of companies out there that have similar practices to landlords in collecting a recurring fee for services. The power company, the gas company, cable and satellite companies, and most municipal utilities such as garbage, water, and sewer. What have all these companies discovered? Yes, automated bank drafts (ACH) save them money, collection efforts, and often get them their funds faster! Why haven't landlords jumped on this ship yet? The answer: some landlords have, most haven't however, but why is that? My research tells me that the municipalities and big utility companies all have the means to go through the extensive process of getting it setup and automated with their banks whereas landlords do not.

I'm here to tell you that Landlords now do now have the means! It's MUCH EASIER than setting up a bank account or merchant account, and the only prerequisites are a) You must own or manage property for rental purposes, and b) You must have a bank account. If your a landlord reading this I'm absolutely certain you qualify. The setup process is so simple now that any landlord could be accepting ACH tomorrow.

What does it cost? I've seen processors charge from $0.50 (plus add'l monthly fee's and percents) up to $5.00 per transaction. Rentec Direct charges a flat $2.00, and no percentage or monthly charges.

HUGE BENEFITS! Aside from being able to sleep better knowing that the rent payments are going to happen automatically, one enormous benefit of doing automated ACH is longer term tenants. Studies have shown that services that are paid automatically are less likely to be cancelled. This is one of the very reasons the utility companies push ACH. For a landlord this means less turnover. How would you feel if your vacancy rate went from 30 days/year down to 10 days/year? It's possible. Another big benefit is your payment always gets priority. Set the deduction day the day following the tenant's paycheck and generally banks process electronic payments (ACH) before paper checks. You get your money before anyone else.

Sounds great, where do I signup? I would suggest you do your research and pick a reputable company you can feel comfortable with handling your funds. Go to Google and just type in tenant ach and see what you get. There's a number of companies, including ours, that provide tenant ach services.

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The author is a founding member of Rentec Direct. Rentec Direct provides property management software which includes ach for landlords and tenant screening. While the above article may speak of products we offer or use screenshots from a product we offer, we encourage landlords to do their research and make up their own minds when selecting a new product. That said, we of course welcome ActiveRain members with open arms.

My Weekends Will Not be the Same without Daniel Schorr * Dead at 93

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:28:54 -0400

After listening to talk radio and soft rock music during my work week at my office and in my car, I looked forward to listening to NPR on the weekends and Daniel Schorr's broadcasts were are HUGE part of my drive to my office and I listened to him when working. His BOOMBING voice was the reason I purchased my FIRST Bose radio. My 10 minute drive through the beautiful VA countryside to my office "quite time" were made more enjoyable when I listed to him.

I vaguely remembered him on CBS and I found him and NPR about 10 years ago when I started going to my office on the weekends.

He was a GIANT when we needed GIANTS and I will miss him.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128730967

6 Top Rent Boosting Tips For Your Property

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:09:28 -0400

Some EXCELLENT tips for property managers and investors when the renting market slows!!!

Via Constantine Isslamow (Century 21 United Realty Inc. / Centum Core Financial):

Managers can easily fall into the trap that the rent is the rent and miss great opportunities to drive additional revenue from a property. Let's take a few minutes and brainstorm the possibilities. With imagination and focus, the possibilities could be endless.

Rent Booster Idea #1: Consider offering the first month free, if the resident agrees to a greater monthly rent amount on a 13 month lease. This could be a great tactic to boost your rent numbers if you are anticipating a sale of the property down the road. There could be a significant boost to value for premium rents if you used this tactic for a month or a two prior to a sale significantly in the future.

Rent Booster Idea #2: Offer roommate leases at a premium in a market where they are not available. This approach could result in a per unit rent rate that is 60% or more greater than a basic unit rent rate. There are some lease contract and management issues to overcome, but properties do this every day. This could be a superb idea for investors by foreclosed "mcmansions".

Rent Booster Idea #3: Offer a very basic furnished unit where you buy and own the furniture. In some markets (I know from experience), this approach can almost double the rent.

Rent Booster Idea #4: Look into setting up to pay hotel tax if you have a large transient community. Monthly leases could bring a large premium and fill some turnover vacancy resulting in higher average occupancy and significantly increased rent.

Rent Booster Idea #5: Consider offering unit specific appliance features such as counter top microwaves, washers and dryers, disposals, portable unit storage buildings (fork liftable), etc. for increased per month unit rents based on addendum adds. This could particularly effective with townhome style and ranchstyle units common in many older complexes.

Rent Booster Idea #6: Look into partnership memberships with local gyms or facilities based on addendum agreements. This idea is not only a great rent booster, but could significantly enhance the amenity value of your property.

Rent boosting ideas are more than good ways to enhance rent. These ideas often can result in a higher perceived property value and quality. Customer service ratings can rise. Occupancy can be enhanced. Combined with the bonus of more cash flow, rent boosters are good business for you and your property. The best managers will spend time every week looking for ways to enhance rent.

Blake Ratcliff (US Naval Academy Graduate & Marine Officer, Serial startup entrepreneur, COO/CEO, multifamily / residential investment founder, and property manager).

Blake's crafted 100+ business plans, prepared and delivered 1000+ investor presentations, and is an expert financial modeler. A deeply experienced real estate business person and startup business expert, Blake hones your Business plans, reports, and presentations.

Visit http://internationalresidentialrealestateinvestorsassociation.org/real-estate-project-services-due-diligence-reports-business-plans

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blake_Dale_Ratcliff
It's Your Career - I'm Here to Support YOU!

Constantine Isslamow

Real Estate Broker / Mortgage Broker

CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage.

Independently Owned & Operated

CENTUM Core Financial Inc. Brokerage License #: 10642 Constantine Isslamow License#: M08005391

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Top 12 Health Tips for Busy On-The-Go Real Estate Professionals

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:13:43 -0400

Being a GRITS * Girl Raised in the SOUTH * I ♥ NAPS!!!

Via Lauren Bernstein (ActiveRain):

For five years I worked in outside sales and spent half the month on the road. A typical month included 1,500 miles behind the wheel and 5,000 miles in the air. Even though I was excelling in my field, I was constantly tired, sometimes moody and always craving sugar (I became wildly addicted to homemade yogurt covered pretzels and "energy" bars). I fell out of balance and I knew that something had to change.

It is easy to neglect our own health and well being with life's many distractions: work, family, friends, balancing schedules and numerous commitments. Staying healthy can be challenging. Through real experience, I learned that small steps really do make a difference. I committed to one of the suggestions below and within a day or two noticed a change: I felt a bit more energized and "balanced." To strive for improved health and balance, I encourage small life changes using the guidelines below.

Top 12 quick health tips to find and maintain balance for busy on-the-go real estate professionals:

focus on yourself - take time for yourself: take a bath, walk your dog, read a book, take a yoga class, listen to music, take a drive, go for a run, sing in the shower, get a massage, walk through the park. Take the thing that you enjoy and indulge! You deserve it!

exercise - it gets our blood flowing and re-energizes us. Even if you only have five minutes per day, use it! Take a brisk walk around the block, run up and down the stairs, do sit ups, push ups or jumping jacks, dance, jump rope...just move!

drink water - hydration is so important for our cells and our skin and is critical for proper body and brain functioning. We need to stay hydrated - if you need to take baby steps, try increasing your water intake slowly. Drink one glass before each meal. You'll feel amazing in no time!

eat good food - we all know that whole foods are best for us. Try to avoid processed foods (anything packaged), sodas, refined sugar and pastries. Avoid hydrogenated oils and trans fats like the plague.

sleep - if you're short on time and the choices are sleeping, eating or exercising, sleep! Sleep helps restore your cells and even boosts your metabolism. Sleep helps increase your focus and response time and can help prevent aging. It also lowers the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and other medical conditions. Get your zzzs!

breathe - deep breathing is a great way to regulate your stress levels and reset your body and mind connection. One of my favorite techniques is Dr. Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise. I use this often - on planes (taking off isn't my favorite) or when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It works!

manage your time - find tools that help you save time and be more efficient: real estate technology tools like CRMs, electronic document management and virtual assistants. Delegate your tasks and save time!

take naps - studies show that an afternoon power nap of 10-20 minutes can help boost energy, mood and mental performance and is great for stress management. Find a bed or couch and embrace your own personal siesta.

get a massage - massage is great for blood flow and circulation, promoting energy movement, and reseting your alignment. There are fancy spas which can be pricey or you can choose a more affordable option like Massage Envy or a local massage school. Try to schedule one massage per month. It is well worth it!

smile - smiling really is the best medicine. The next time you aren't feeling great, smile. It is hard to feel bad when you are smiling. Smiles are a great way to connect with others and brighten a stranger's day.

BYOF - Bring your own food - when traveling, plan ahead and bring your own food. If you're in the car all day, pack a lunch and healthy snacks like raw nuts, carrot sticks, sugar snap peas, apples, bananas, etc. When hunger strikes, you'll be prepared with healthy options.

cook - a home cooked meal tastes better and is healthier for your body and soul! The time, pride and care you put into cooking comes out in the food. Cook with others or for others and make it a special event.

I challenge you to choose one tip and try it today. Try it on your own or better yet, find a buddy and do it together. Stick to it, share it, even blog about it. Then add one more tip when you're ready. To be healthy and stay healthy we must exert a little effort, but it is well worth it. The benefits are priceless.

Images courtesy of SuperFantastic and Brunna Peretti Loureiro