Shamontiel's clips from Go4Rent Magazine
The magazine geared toward educating and informing Realtors, property managers and tenants
Volume II: Can Pet Friendly Homes Bring Better Tenants?
“Do you have a pet-friendly policy?” It’s a common question that landlords receive before attempting to rent a single-family home. The American Veterinary Medical Association guesstimates that 38.4% of households own a dog and 25.4% own a cat—and that was before the pet adoption surge during social isolation from 2020–21.
By default, landlords who don’t allow pets are at an automatic disadvantage for the pet-owning population who are shopping for a new rental. In all fairness, there are justifiable reasons why landlords may want to dodge this rental “perk” altogether. But implementing a pet agreement in the lease could resolve some of these concerns. Here is a suggested guide to start the process.
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Live Publication Date: October 28, 2021
Volume II: Is Saying ‘Nay’ to Tenant Applications OK?
When a landlord signs a lease with a new tenant, both parties are crossing their fingers while shaking hands. Tenants hope they have contractually agreed to work with an attentive, responsible landlord who will handle any rental and repair concerns in a timely manner. Landlords are hoping to have responsible tenants who will pay rent on time and take care of the property
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Live Publication Date: October 28, 2021
Volume III: Battle of the Bedbugs
From the fanciest hotels to the cheapest apartments, bedbugs do not discriminate. Where there is blood, they will follow. From hotel managers to business and leisure travelers to landlords, combating a bedbug problem can be a tough job to fix. It can also be a disservice to the reputations of property owners who ignore these insects because bedbugs certainly won’t pack their bags and leave without reason.
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Live Publication Date: January 12, 2022
Volume III: COVID-19 Left Tenants and Landlords Scrambling
With more than 45 million infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) and 734K fatalities, COVID-19 is reportedly the worst pandemic in the United States, bypassing the 1918 Spanish flu. The results of this virus outbreak have left health care providers overworked, hospitals understaffed, and led to so much overcrowding that in some cities (like Houston) staff had to set up tents outside because all hospital beds inside were taken.
But it wasn’t just the healthcare industry that got hit hard; unemployment from the worldwide health pandemic resulted in at least 8.8 million jobless people total, with the unemployed stats as high as 13% by the second quarter of 2020 before falling to 6.7% in the fourth quarter. In this bunch were tenants scrambling to hold on to their own jobs while juggling their utility bills, day-to-day needs and rent.
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Live Publication Date: January 12, 2022
Volume III: No Vaccine, No Rental: Can Landlords Reject an Unvaccinated Tenant?
When landlords prepare themselves to find a new tenant, they already have a number of credentials on their minds: pet-friendly preferences, good credit, eviction status, professional and personal references, annual salary to cover rent, funds for security deposits, etc. But in today’s political climate, there’s a taboo question that landlords may (or may not) dance around: Is this renter vaccinated from coronavirus disease 2019?
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Live Publication Date: January 12, 2022
Volume IV: Wabi-Sabi: Adding Imperfect Beauty to the Home
When tenants are shopping around for a new place to rent, they want to see something that stands out. Too often, they see homes that may all start to look alike. Could the earthy, muted interior palette of wabi-sabi be the added touch that draws them in?
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Live Publication Date: March 7, 2022
Volume IV: Even With Homeowners Insurance, Regular Roof Maintenance Is Key
For a sizable amount of homeowners, having enough cash on hand to buy a home outright is rare. This means a mortgage is a given. Even during a worldwide health pandemic, Experian confirms mortgage debt rose to more than $10.3 trillion in the third quarter of 2020.
But buying a home via mortgage loan has its disadvantages, primarily having to play by the mortgage company’s rules. And one of those rules is often a requirement for homeowners insurance until the home is paid off.
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Live Publication Date: March 7, 2022
Volume V: Tenants Welcome, Disruptive Guests Need Not Arrive
Before a new tenant moves in, there are some topics on the lease that need to be explained—the cost for rent and security deposits, maintenance and repair roles, condition of the premises, and pet and smoking rules. These are rules that usually have minimal room for misinterpretation.
But there’s one gray area on a lease that could become a sticking point for both tenants and landlords: quiet enjoyment. Although the wording may vary, this point on the lease is that if tenants pay rent in a timely manner and perform all other obligations on the leasing agreement, they may peaceably and quietly hold and enjoy the premises throughout the rental term without landlord disturbance. If tenants hold up their end of the bargain when it comes to behavior on the property, so can landlords. But the lease is the deciding factor.
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Live Publication Date: July 24, 2022
Volume V: Closing Deal Is Done? Give a Gift to Celebrate!
Realtors meet countless clients, some of which end up being repeat clients if they move again. Once the lease is approved and signed, giving closing gifts are both a common courtesy and a way to leave a long-lasting, positive impression. Sometimes it’s tough to find the best gift for new tenants, especially if the rental transaction was reasonably quick. Fortunately, these 13 gift ideas should work for anyone.
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Live Publication Date: July 24, 2022
Volume V: Artificial Intelligence for Rentals: Friend or Foe?
In today’s digital world, much of what is experienced online is based on algorithms, data science and in-depth analytics. Artificial intelligence (AI)—a form of data science that solves a problem using advanced computer programs, software and other apps—has gained popularity among many industries. For all of its conveniences, there are some downsides.
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Live Publication Date: July 24, 2022
Volume VI: Correcting Miscommunications: Language Barriers With Tenants and Realtors
America is a melting pot not just of people but languages too. Outside of English, there are 17 languages spoken regularly in the United States. In order of popularity, the top 10 are Spanish, Italian, German, French, Polish, Chinese, Tagalog, Greek, Portuguese and Japanese, reports the Census.
Would it make sense for Realtors and landlords to become familiar with any or all of the local languages above to be able to network with a larger rental audience? Probably. Being a multilingual real estate professional can certainly help to connect with a wider clientele.
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Live Publication Date: September 28, 2022
Volume VII: The Price for Pets
Pets are a superb way to improve mental and physical health. However, they’re also expensive. Pet adoption ranges anywhere from $100 to $700 for dogs and $30 to $300 for cats, according to the Animal Humane Society. The first year of pet ownership can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000.
And if the pet owner is not responsible, landlords are left footing the bill and juggling neighbors’ complaints for a pet that does not belong to them. So would charging pet fees and screening tenants resolve it all? Yes and no. Here’s why.
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Live Publication Date: November 4, 2022
Vol. VII: Hit or Miss: Are Real Estate Professionals Getting In Their Own Way?
Imagine the likelihood of hiring a fashion consultant whose wardrobe decisions are unattractive. Picture hiring a gardener who only has pictures of lawns with brown grass and dying plants. Humor the idea of hiring a caterer who constantly burns the food. Consider hiring a web designer whose sites all go to dead links.
What is the likelihood of this happening? Slim to none. First impressions matter. People care about those who put their best foot forward and have a professional, efficient reputation.
Realtors need property owners. Property sellers need buyers. Brokers need agents. Landlords need tenants. All of these groups are connected in some way or another. And in this digitally savvy world, having a solid online presence matters for all involved.
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Live Publication Date: November 4, 2022
Volume IR: Is Wabi-Sabi the Best Way to Decorate a Home?
When Realtors have shown tenants back-to-back locations, after a while, these places may start to look the same. That is, unless something stands out about one over the others. Maybe it’s the neighborhood, the cabinets, or the texture of the walls or floors. Something about the place has to feel like “home” in order to want to move in.
But once the tenant application is approved, the closing costs are paid and the move-in boxes are ready to be unpacked, now it’s time to spice the place up. Could the earthy, muted interior palette of wabi-sabi be the added touch that a new rental needs?
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Live Publication Date: October 16, 2022
Volume IR: Accent Walls: Yay or Nay?
The housewarming party is about to start. Guests walk in and see a freshly painted accent wall. The hue has a modern, calming feel. During the rental shopping stage, it was the one place among many that stood out. (After a few walk-throughs, some available rentals may all start looking alike.) But this accent wall left a lasting impression—and the landlord knows it, too.
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Live Publication Date: October 16, 2022
Volume 4R: Clean Laundry Appliances, Cleaner Clothes
Once a month. That’s how often home decor guru Martha Stewart recommends washing out a washing machine. But how often do people actually wash their washing machines? That answer may vary. One medical assistant on Quora said she only washes her machine once every four months because her clothes are “light- to moderately dirty.” So does the filth on the clothes matter more than the maintenance of the machine? Not really.
Here are six tips for maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of laundry appliances in a rental. (Note: For tenants who live in multi-units, consider asking the property manager or landlord to make this a routine for maintenance staff.)
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Live Publication Date: November 8, 2022
Volume 4R: Eight Items To Look For During a Rental Walk-through
When a Realtor is hired to show prospective tenants around homes, guests may be more likely to look at the size and number of bedroom(s), closet space, lawn maintenance, cleanliness of the bathroom(s), and check out the distance for schools and work.
However, here are eight frequently overlooked housing details that tenants should look for more often when they reach that residence.
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Live Publication Date: November 8, 2022
Volume 5R: Navigating Mid-Year Landlord Lease Changes? ~ Are Renters Required To Agree To New Lease Requirements Mid-Year?
Mistakes happen. But what happens when that mistake requires a landlord to need to change the tenant’s lease after she’s already moved in? The response to mid-year lease changes can vary—a win-lose or lose-lose situation for the tenant or the landlord, or a win-win and a happy medium for both parties.
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Live Publication Date: December 9, 2022
Volume 5R: Building a Bar In Your Rental
2022 created a “new normal” and people have headed back to the office and their favorite hangouts (if those companies survived economically). But some homebodies and hosts have found themselves growing even more comfortable with their DIY home decor, including building their own bars.
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Live Publication Date: December 9, 2022
Substack Exclusive: Tax Reminder for Landlords in 2023: Report $600 or More in Rent Income
For landlords who may have missed the tax reporting memo, the Internal Revenue Service now requires landlords (including Airbnb hosts) to report all rental income that exceeds $600. Previously, landlords reported this income if it exceeded $20,000. However, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is making short-term renters (or property owners who may have started renting toward the end of the year) check their tax forms a little closer.
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Substack Exclusive: Online Hit or Miss: Are Real Estate Professionals Getting In Their Own Way?
Imagine the likelihood of hiring a fashion consultant whose wardrobe decisions are unattractive. Picture hiring a gardener who only has pictures of lawns with brown grass and dying plants. Humor the idea of hiring a caterer who constantly burns the food. Consider hiring a web designer whose sites all go to dead links.
What is the likelihood of this happening? Slim to none. First impressions matter. People care about those who put their best foot forward and have a professional, efficient reputation. Realtors need property owners. Property sellers need buyers. Brokers need agents. Landlords need tenants. All of these groups are connected in some way or another. And in this digitally savvy world, having a solid online presence matters for all involved.
Click here to read more.
Volume 6R: From Brackets to Rust, Balcony Maintenance Is Key
After the Miami balcony collapse, tenants may choose to reevaluate some of the questions they never asked before, including balcony safety, whether Building Violations should be called, and what balcony repairs have already been made and/or are in need.
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Live Publication Date: February 9, 2023
Volume 6R: Laundry On the Go
A portable washer and dryer may be the easiest way to resolve a broken washer/dryer repair. In this post, find out the pros and cons of these machines, how to install them, and how to negotiate pricing details with the landlord.
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Live Publication Date: February 9, 2023
Substack Exclusive: What’s the Best Way to Heat a Rental?
People often consider a handful of factors before deciding how to keep a living space warm. Unlike trendy design features and wall decor, the heating source typically flies under the radar unless something has gone wrong and it needs a major repair or overhaul.
But the process of keeping a home at a comfortable temperature level can come with a hefty price tag. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating often costs more than any other system in a home and makes up about one-third of the entire utility bill.
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Volume VIII: Get Paid With the ABB Form
In a perfect world, Realtors could easily bounce back and forth between prospective tenants and property owners looking for new renters. Both agree on the terms. The application fee is paid. The tenant is approved. Then the Realtor gets 100% of the commission.
In the real world, Realtors do not always represent both parties for multiple reasons. Once the Realtors find tenants and the landlord is satisfied with the selection, the lease is signed and the Agreement Between Brokers (ABB) Form should follow. But what exactly is this form anyway?
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Live Publication Date: January 2, 2023
Contributing writer and research for:
When One Tenant Leaves, Be Ready for Another One ~ 8 Tasks To Complete Before the Next Tenant Moves In
Substack Exclusive: Finding the Perfect Property Manager
The day-to-day duties of a landlord are a bit like a seesaw. Some days the tenants want nothing. Other days, they won’t stop calling. And as with most professions that require person-to-person communication, soft skills are a must. But for property owners who realize fairly quickly that they’re more interested in the disposable income and investment and less in the rental duties, this may be a good time to find a property manager.
Jonathan Coleman, a licensed mortgage broker since 2004 and property manager since 2008, has some tips for how to navigate the property manager hiring process.
Click here to read more.
Vol. IX: First Impressions: Realtor Etiquette to Reach Final Sales
Twenty-seven seconds. That’s how long it takes for someone to form a first impression. And for Realtors who are looking to impress prospective tenants and landlords, the results from a OnePoll/ Dollar Shave Club of 2,000 Americans is particularly relevant. Before a Realtor speaks, clients may be sizing up their facial expressions (smiles and eye contact), mannerisms, wardrobe, and even smell.
And as soon as Realtors start talking, whether it’s behind a computer screen or in person, clients will be paying attention to whether they’re good listeners and can hold a conversation well.
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Live Publication Date: March 1, 2023
Vol. IX: Tenant Selection Criteria: Finding the Best Renters
Whether a Realtor’s farming location is here or somewhere else, having a Tenant Selection Criteria form evens the rental playing field for all. This uniform rundown is a documented checklist that Realtors can use when selecting, accepting and denying any prospective tenants. Find out what the form should include, what it should not include and how to create one.
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Live Publication Date: March 1, 2023
Vol. 7R: Know Legal Ramifications of Recording Tenant-Landlord Disputes
Whether it’s the tenant’s fault, the landlord’s fault or the calendar dates changing, there will come a time when tenants will have to contact property owners to make repairs. But what happens when a landlord refuses to do so and the tenant needs a record of their discussions?
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Live Publication Date: April 2, 2023
Substack Exclusive: Securely Making Tenant Security Upgrades
Stories of home invasions and robberies on the nightly news don't exactly make for sweet dreams. Renters sometimes feel like they are at a disadvantage when it comes to home safety because they don't have full control of their environments. Luckily, digital and portable home security systems are available to help renters keep an eye on things.
Click here to read more.
Notes from the Editor
Vol. II ~
Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote,” “Tickled,” “We Need To Talk” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly posts on the third Friday.
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