Bev Roberts Rentals Fall Décor Contest

🍂🦃 Gobble Up the Fun with Bev Roberts Rentals Fall Décor Contest!

Hey there, valued landlords and tenants! Let’s “turkey” up the festivities and get as “corny” as we can with our home décor. It’s time to show off your decorating “stuffing” and turn your space into a Thanksgiving masterpiece. Don’t be a “turkey” and miss out on the chance to “squash” the competition. So bring your A-game and let’s “pie” the stakes high, because in this “gravy”-ty battle of decorations, only the “mashed” talented will emerge victorious! Get ready to turn your homes into a Fall wonderland and win big! The grand prize? A $100 Amazon e-Gift Card that will have you shopping for turkey and all the trimmings.

🏡🍂 Here’s how to make your Thanksgiving extra special:

1. Follow Us on Facebook: If you haven’t already, follow Bev Roberts Rentals on Facebook for all the latest updates: www.facebook.com/bevrobertsrentals

2. Showcase Your Décor: Send us one photo capturing the essence of your Fall or Thanksgiving decorations, inside or outside your home, to amy@robertsrentals.net.

3. Let the Feast Begin: Starting on Monday, November 13th, we will post a collage on Bev Roberts Rentals Facebook page featuring all the stunning participant photos for everyone to admire.

4. Share the Love: Spread the fall cheer by sharing the post on your own Facebook page, inviting your friends and family to cast their votes by liking your entry. Every LIKE counts!

5. And the Winner Is: The moment we’ve all been waiting for! On Friday, November 24th, we’ll unveil the grand image of our Fall Décor Contest and announce the winner’s name on our Facebook page.

🌟✨ Now, let’s talk turkey – here are the contest rules:

🍁 WHO CAN ENTER. Participants must be current landlords or tenants of Bev Roberts Rentals, Inc.

🍁 FOLLOW. Participants must follow Bev Roberts Rentals on Facebook.

🍁 ENTRY LIMIT. Participants can enter only one (1) photo, so make it count! Email photo to amy@robertsrentals.net.

🍁 THEME. Décor photo must capture the Fall or Thanksgiving spirit, depicting décor either inside or outside the home.

🍁 SELECTION OF WINNER. The winner will be determined by the most number of LIKES a photo receives from users on Bev Roberts Rentals Facebook page. Just remember, our Bev Roberts Rentals staff won’t participate in the contest or vote – it’s all up to your friends and family!

🍁 THE PRIZE. The ultimate reward – a $100 Amazon e-Gift Card to make your holiday shopping extra special.

🍁 SPONSOR. And who’s the sponsor behind this fantastic contest? None other than Bev Roberts herself, owner of Bev Roberts Rentals, Inc.

So, let the countdown to Thanksgiving begin! Share the joy, spread the warmth, and join us in this fantastic Fall home décor contest. Let’s make this holiday season truly memorable!

A Homeowner’s Guide to Estimating the Lifespan of Key Home Components

In our role as a property manager, we frequently encounter a common question from landlords: “What is the expected lifespan of my carpeting, roof, deck, and other home components?” This inquiry is essential, as it allows for effective maintenance planning, repair, and fair assessment of tenant negligence charges.

In a 2007 study commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and supported by Bank of America Home Equity, valuable insights have been gained regarding the expected lifespans of various home products. In this article, we’ll provide a general guide to give you a sense of when it might be time to consider upgrading or replacing various elements of your home.

Exterior Paint:

The exterior paint of your home not only adds aesthetic appeal but also serves as a protective layer against the elements. The lifespan of exterior paint depends on several factors, including the quality of the paint, the climate of your area, and the level of exposure to sun and moisture. On average, you can expect a well-maintained paint job to last up to 15 years. Regular inspections for signs of peeling or fading can help you determine when it’s time for a fresh coat of paint to maintain your home’s curb appeal and protect against weather damage.

Carpets:

Typically, the lifespan of carpets can vary depending on the quality, material, and traffic they endure. On average, you can expect carpeting to last anywhere from 8 to 10 years. High-traffic areas may need replacement sooner, while carpets in less-used rooms can last longer. Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend their lifespan.

Kitchen Cabinets:

The kitchen is often the heart of a home, and its cabinets are a significant component. The lifespan of kitchen cabinets depends on the quality of the materials and the level of care they receive. On average, well-maintained cabinets can last for several decades, with some high-quality wood cabinets enduring for 50 years or more. To prolong their lifespan, clean and polish your cabinets regularly, handle them with care, and address any issues like loose hinges or chipped paint promptly. If you find that your cabinets are showing signs of wear and tear or you want to refresh the look of your kitchen, consider cabinet refacing or replacement to revitalize this essential part of your home.

Faucets:

The faucets in your kitchen and bathroom are frequently used fixtures that can wear out over time. The lifespan of faucets varies based on the quality and the frequency of use. Generally, you can expect a standard faucet to last around 15 to 20 years. However, if you notice persistent leaks, corrosion, or reduced water flow, it may be a sign that your faucet needs replacement or repair. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can prolong the life of your faucets, ensuring your home’s water supply remains efficient and leak-free.

Microwave:

The trusty microwave in your kitchen serves as a time-saving appliance for quick reheating and cooking. The lifespan of a microwave typically ranges from 5 to 10 years. However, this can vary based on usage and care. If you notice issues like uneven heating, unusual noises, or reduced performance, it might be a sign that your microwave is nearing the end of its lifespan. Upgrading to a newer model can introduce modern features and improved efficiency to your kitchen, making meal preparation even more convenient. Regular cleaning and maintenance, such as wiping down the interior and keeping the vents clear, can help extend the life of your microwave.

Sinks:

Sinks are essential fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms, enduring daily use. The lifespan of sinks depends on the material and usage. Enamel-coated steel sinks fall within a range of 5 to 10 years. Stainless steel sinks can last around 15 to 30 years, while porcelain or ceramic sinks may endure for 25 to 50 years. However, if you notice chips, cracks, or severe staining, it might be time to replace your sink for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help your sink serve you well throughout its lifespan.

Appliances:

Household appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers typically have lifespans ranging from 9 to 15 years. Regular maintenance can help them last longer. When replacing appliances, consider energy-efficient options to save on utility bills.

Dryers and Washing Machines:

Typically, dryers and washing machines have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning lint traps and checking for leaks, can help extend their longevity. Upgrading to energy-efficient models not only saves you money in the long run but also contributes to a more eco-friendly home. Keeping an eye on the performance and addressing any unusual noises or issues promptly will ensure these appliances continue to serve your household effectively. Just like with other home components, proactive care goes a long way in getting the most out of your dryers and washing machines.

Driveway:

A crucial but often overlooked part of your home is the driveway. The lifespan of a driveway can vary based on the materials used and the amount of traffic it endures. Typically, concrete driveways can last up to 30 years, while asphalt driveways may have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Proper sealing and maintenance, such as repairing cracks and resealing the surface, can significantly extend your driveway’s life.

Garage Door Opener:

Your garage door opener is an unsung hero, ensuring easy access to your home. The typical lifespan of a garage door opener ranges from 10 to 15 years. However, frequent use and exposure to varying weather conditions can impact its longevity. Keep an eye out for issues like unusual noises, slow operation, or remote control malfunctions. When it’s time for an upgrade, consider modern, quieter, and more secure options to enhance your garage’s functionality and security. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, can help prolong the life of your garage door opener.

Wood or Stone Flooring:

The lifespan of your flooring depends on the material and maintenance. Hardwood floors can last for decades, often well over 25 years, while stone flooring can endure for a lifetime with proper care. Regular cleaning and refinishing can enhance their durability and timeless appeal.

Deck:

Outdoor decks are exposed to the elements, which can impact their durability. Wooden decks may last around 10 to 15 years if well-maintained. Composite or PVC decks tend to have a longer lifespan, often surpassing 25 years. Proper cleaning and sealing can help extend the life of your deck.

Tub or Whirlpool Tub:

Your tub or whirlpool tub can be a relaxing retreat in your home, but its lifespan can vary. Typically, a standard tub can last around 15 to 20 years, while a well-maintained whirlpool tub may endure for 20+ years. Regular cleaning and maintenance, including addressing any leaks or motor issues in the case of a whirlpool tub, can help ensure your bathing oasis remains in top condition. If you notice signs of wear or want to enhance your bathing experience, consider upgrading to a more luxurious tub for a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.

Shower Enclosure:

Shower enclosures, a vital part of your bathroom, offer both functionality and style. Their lifespan depends on factors such as the quality of materials, water exposure, and maintenance. On average, a well-maintained shower enclosure can last around 50 years. Regular cleaning and sealing can help prevent issues such as mold or corrosion, ensuring your shower enclosure remains a pleasant and functional addition to your bathroom.

Toilet:

Your toilet, an essential fixture in any home, is often overlooked when estimating lifespans. While your toilet is a vital fixture, it’s important to note that its individual components have varying lifespans. The toilet itself, typically made of porcelain, can last for decades with proper care. However, components like the flush valve, flapper, and fill valve may require replacement every 5 to 10 years due to regular wear and tear. Keeping an eye on these parts and replacing them as needed ensures the continued functionality of this essential element in your home. Regular inspections for leaks, cracks, or wobbling can help you determine when it’s time for a replacement or repair. Upgrading to a water-efficient model can not only save on utility bills but also extend the life of this vital component of your home.

Electric Switches and Sockets:

Electric switches and sockets are often overlooked but play a vital role in your home’s functionality. Fortunately, these components are built to last, with an average lifespan of over 10 years or more. The durability of switches and sockets can be influenced by usage frequency and the quality of installation. Regularly checking for signs of wear, loose connections, or overheating is advisable to ensure their continued reliability and safety. When the time comes for replacement or upgrade, consider modern, energy-efficient options to enhance your home’s convenience and efficiency while maintaining electrical safety.

Smoke and CO Detectors:

Ensuring the safety of your home goes beyond the physical structure. Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are essential safety components in any household. The typical lifespan of these detectors is around 5 to 10 years. After a decade, their sensors may become less sensitive, reducing their effectiveness in detecting smoke and dangerous gases.

Home Security:

Ensuring the safety of your home is paramount. Home security systems and components like alarms, cameras, and motion sensors play a crucial role in safeguarding your property. These systems can vary in lifespan, with some lasting up to 10 to 15 years before needing upgrades or replacements. Regular maintenance and updates to software and hardware are essential to keep your home security technology effective in protecting your home. Stay vigilant and invest in modern security solutions to stay ahead of potential threats and enhance your peace of mind.

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems typically have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Regular servicing and maintenance can significantly impact their efficiency and longevity. Upgrading to more energy-efficient systems may also be beneficial.

Windows:

The lifespan of windows can vary based on the material. On average, you can expect wooden windows to last around 15 to 30 years, while vinyl or aluminum windows may last up to 40 years or more. Proper sealing and maintenance can help windows reach their full lifespan potential.

Roof:

The lifespan of a roof largely depends on the type of material used. Asphalt shingles, one of the most common choices, have a lifespan of around 20 years. Metal roofs tend to last longer, often up to 50 years or more. However, regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure a longer lifespan for your roof.

Plumbing:

The lifespan of plumbing systems depends on the materials used. Copper pipes may last around 50 years, while PVC or PEX pipes can have a lifespan of up to 75 years or more. Regular inspections and addressing minor issues can extend the life of your plumbing. 

Being a typical landlord often entails the responsibility of replacing home components when their expected lifespan has run its course, and this doesn’t always result from tenant neglect. However, in cases where the lifespan hasn’t exceeded its estimate, and clear tenant damage is evident, landlords have the option to charge tenants for the expense. To maintain fairness, the practice involves depreciating the life span estimate, ensuring that tenants are not burdened with the cost of a brand-new replacement.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and actual lifespans can vary depending on factors like climate, usage, and maintenance. Regular inspections and addressing issues as they arise are key to extending the lifespan of your home’s components. When it’s time to upgrade or replace, consider investing in more energy-efficient and durable options to enhance the value and comfort of your home.

The article was authored by Bev Roberts Rentals, Inc.

I’m a landlord and I have to increase rent, but I know my tenants can’t afford the new price. What should I do?

This is really an easy question. All long term landlords will say the same thing (because there is really only one answer that lets you be a long term landlord).

Do you like your tenants? Then you don’t.

Commercial real estate is priced on ratios. When you purchased the property you looked at the ratios, decided it was fairly priced, and obtained a mortgage. Nearly all of your annual expenses are in the mortgage. Taxes, insurance, upkeep, advertising, legal, bad debt, etc are all relatively small. The mortgage is nearly always fixed, so your expenses should only go up a little bit from year to year. Increasing the rent when you have turnover should take care of your minor expense increases. If not, minor rent increases (less than inflation) should cover it.

Here’s the math why it doesn’t make sense (usually) to lose a good tenant. Let’s say your property rents for $2000/month (of course there is a wide range of rental rates, but the ratio will be the same). You decided to increase to $2500/month, which is more than your tenant can or wants to pay so they vacate.

Now you need to repaint, replace some worn carpet, update the old bathroom fixtures, and replace the water heater that was long overdue for an emergency repair at weekend rates, so you may as well take care of it. It takes you 6 weeks to do the work and 2 weeks to re-rent, so you’re out $4k in rent. The repairs cost you $6k, so your total expense/lost revenue is $10k. The new tenant will pay $2500, but it’s going to take you 20 months to break even on the expenses. Unfortunately for you, the new tenant only stayed a year before relocating to another city, so you have more lost rent and more repairs/refresh to get a 3rd tenant in, so now you’re at 30 months to break even on your increase. Or, worse yet, the new tenant doesn’t pay and you are forced to evict. It is hard to recover funds from a deadbeat tenant with no assets to attach to and often less-than-optimal employment, so you wind up eating the lost rents PLUS legal fees. Certainly your evicted tenant didn’t leave the place pristine.

In any case, you spent a lot of money to get the $500 that you shouldn’t have “needed” if you’re running your rental business right. This is why long term landlords don’t do what you’re considering. Please reconsider. Best of luck to you.

https://www.quora.com/I-m-a-landlord-and-I-have-to-increase-rent-but-I-know-my-tenants-can-t-afford-the-new-price-What-should-I-do/answer/Eric-Richardson-149?ch=10&oid=1477743678189240&share=8a13e0b3&srid=SJVxN&target_type=answer

Landlord Can Reject ESA if Other Tenants Are Allergic

Karen Cohen has a medically documented severe allergy to pet dander that causes nasal congestion, swollen sinuses, excess coughing, and, at times, a swollen throat. Due to her severe pet allergies, Cohen sought an apartment building that did not allow pets. After Cohen moved into her apartment, another tenant, David Clark requested a reasonable accommodation to have his emotional support animal (ESA), a dog, with him on the apartment premises. The request was made one month after his lease began.

The landlord assigned separate stairwells to each tenant and installed an air purifier for Cohen’s apartment. However, the accommodations didn’t work. Her nose was constantly stuffy, her sinuses were swollen, she was constantly coughing and her throat felt as if it was beginning to swell.

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a no-pets apartment building should not have allowed the new tenant to have an emotional support dog after an objection by another tenant with severe allergies. The court ruled in favor of Cohen in her lawsuit for breach of her lease’s no-pets provision and interference with her “quiet enjoyment” of her apartment.

The landlord’s accommodation for the dog wasn’t reasonable because the tenant with allergies to pet dander had “priority in time,” and her severe allergies had been medically documented. The court noted that this case is not a one-size-fits-all test that will create the same result under different circumstances, such as when the animal at issue is a service animal for a visually disabled person.

The court said that its decision aligns with those of other decisions including:

• A 2019 decision by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Cincinnati rejecting a tenant’s request to ban smoking in her condo complex because of her asthma. The court said a smoking ban would fundamentally alter the complex’s smoking policy and would intrude on the rights of third parties.

• A 2018 decision by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia that found that an employer did not engage in disability discrimination by banning a worker’s emotional support dog partly due to co-workers’ dog allergies.

• A 2013 decision by the 4th Circuit at Richmond, Virginia, holding that potential injury to third parties is a relevant factor in determining whether a rejected accommodation request violated fair housing law.

To prevent emotional support animal lawsuits, view New York landlord attorney Robert Friedman’s seminar video or call him at 716-543-3764

https://www.wny-lawyers.com/2023/08/landlord-can-reject-esa-if-other-tenants-are-allergic/

This Wake County small city is one of the best in America, new study says

by: Chloe Rafferty Posted: Oct 3, 2023 / 12:11 PM EDT Updated: Oct 4, 2023 / 05:53 AM EDT

APEX, N.C. (WNCN) — A Wake County town is getting national attention as a new study says it’s one of the best small cities in America.

According to WalletHub, Apex ranks number 12 in 2023’s Best Small Cities in America.

To gather their findings, researchers compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 based on 45 key indicators of livability.

These indicators include housing costs, school system quality, homeownership rate, income growth and restaurants per capita.

Their full rankings are as follows:

1. Carmel, Ind.
2. Lexington, Mass.
3. Brentwood, Tenn.
4. Westfield, Ind.
5. Fishers, Ind.
6. Fair Lawn, N.J.
7. Milton, Mass.
8. Melrose, Mass.
9. Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
10. Brookfield, Wis.
11. Bozeman, Mont.
12. Apex, N.C.
13. Redmond, Wash.
14. Needham, Mass.
15. Kaysville, Utah
16. Zionsville, Ind.
17. Appleton, Wis.
18. Portland, Maine
19. Franklin, Tenn.
20. Arlington, Mass.

Other Wake County cities that ranked high overall were Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Morrisville, and Fuquay-Varina.

Two other North Carolina cities stood out in certain categories.

Asheville was tied for the number one small city with the most coffee shops per capita.

Jacksonville was ranked 1,319 — second to Fort Hood, at the lowest — for average weekly work hours.

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/a-wake-county-small-city-is-one-of-the-best-in-america-new-study-says/

Median real estate prices in Wake County decline $5,000, but remain historically high

ByDeJuan Hoggard 

Monday, October 2, 2023 6:27PM

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — This may come as welcome news to would-be homebuyers in the Triangle. For others, it may be a sign of the times due to the highest interest rates homebuyers have seen in 23 years.

According to the Wake County Register of Deeds, the median price of a home in Wake County has dropped by $5,000. The median price now sits at $450,000.

“Changes in median sales prices tend to be caused by the activity in the core market,” the Register of Deeds wrote.

The core market is defined as real estate transactions under $1 million.

“A lot of people have been priced out. I mean that’s the problem,” said real estate professional Adam Grossman. “You went from an average home sale price of like high $200,000s to the $400,000s and then rates have more than doubled. It just became unaffordable.”

The news comes as Wake County saw a 15% reduction in transactions in September compared to August when the median price was at $455,000.

For September, the Wake County core market conducted 1,786 transactions.

Additionally, according to Freddie Mac, the current rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.31%.

Grossman said he believes buyers and sellers are holding off any forward-looking activity for the time being.

“I think there’s an attitude that rates are going to come down and they’re going to come down in the near future for some of the homebuyers,” said Grossman. “So they’re kind of holding out to see what the market does. And people with cash are holding on to their cash because they’re unsure of that as well. People want to be ripe with cash. So they’re not really spending it as readily as they were before. I think people are scared too.”

For the county’s high-value segment, which tracks transactions between $1 million and $30 million, there was an 8% decrease from August with 131 sales.

“Everything is so gosh darn expensive,” said Grossman. “It’s not just real estate. It’s gas, it’s food, it’s everything.”

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https://abc11.com/housing-market-nc-home-sales-interest-rate-wake-county-real-estate/13855787/

Rental Market: August Rent Slows, Annual Fall Decline is Early

By  John Triplett  -September 5, 2023

The rental market continued slowing down in August as both monthly and annual rent growth turned negative, according to the September report from Apartment List.

Rent growth typically follows a seasonal pattern with rents up in spring and summer and down in fall and winter, but 2023 seems to be showing an early decline in rents already down heading into the fall and winter period.

“Annual rent growth turned negative last month, for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. Today it stands at -1.2 percent, meaning that on average, apartments across the country are 1.2 percent cheaper today than they were one year ago,” Apartment List research team writes in the report.

“This is a major deceleration from recent years, when annual rent growth neared 18 percent nationally and soared to over 40 percent in a handful of popular cities.

“Additionally, monthly rent growth turned negative this month, marking the beginning of the rental market’s slow season. Our national rent index decreased 0.1 percent in August, flipping negative one month earlier than it did last year.”

Overall Apartment List says rents fell month-over-month in August in 53 of the nation’s 100 largest cities. With sluggish rent growth throughout the past 12 months, prices are down year-over-year in 72 of these 100 cities.

Rental slowdown finally reflected in inflation numbers

The primary measure of inflation in the United States is the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is heavily influenced by changes in housing prices.

“Our index shows that the rental market has been cooling rapidly for a year, but the CPI housing component has just recently hit its peak. Despite the CPI’s measure of housing inflation remaining elevated, topline inflation has already meaningfully cooled. As the CPI housing component now gradually begins to reflect the cooldown that we’ve long been reporting, it will help to further curb topline inflation in the months ahead.”

Vacancies continue growing

“Our vacancy index has increased for 22 consecutive months and now sits at 6.4 percent, slightly above the pre-pandemic average. Additionally, with a record number of apartments under construction, we expect vacancies to remain strong in the coming months.

“New apartment construction is recovering from pandemic-related disruptions, and there are now more multifamily units under construction than at any point since 1970. As this new inventory continues to hit the market over the remainder of this year and into next, we are now entering a phase in which property owners are beginning to compete for renters to fill their units, a marked change from the prevailing conditions of the past two years, in which renters had been competing for a limited supply of available inventory.”

Summary

August’s 0.1 percent rent decline marks an early start to the rental market’s slow season, and brings year-over-year rent growth to a low that has not been seen since early in the pandemic.

“As apartment demand wanes throughout the remainder of the year, and apartment supply improves through a strong construction pipeline, expect rent growth to cool further for the remainder of the year,” the report says.

Rental Market: August Rent Slows, Annual Fall Decline is Early