Allow us to assist you in your search for new tenants. We are committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations when providing the following services:

- Assistance with setting the right price.

- Property preparation and staging advice to make property as appealing as possible.

- Listing of property in the REALTOR database.

- Advertisement of property and implementation of open houses.

- Prospective renter(s) qualification from the perspective of the landlord(s).

- Negotiation between landlord(s) and prospective renter(s).

- Post leasing assistance and advice.

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Sanity-saving rules for new landlords

Rule 1: Don’t be deluded about the market.
Joseph Cooper, vice president of Massachusetts-based Monument Mortgage, cites "underestimating the cost in time and the cost in money of actually owning property" as the biggest mistake investors make. To overcome that weakness, he and others suggest studying local vacancy rates, getting a good appraisal and gathering information about any construction in the area that could change the status quo.

Rule 2: Get out your calculator.
To get a good estimate of the initial rate of return: Take the first-year revenue minus estimated first-year expenses (including some value placed on your time) divided by the full cost of the property when purchased (essentially price plus transaction costs minus mortgage). To calculate the rate of return in later years, divide by estimated equity in the property (what you could sell it for after deducting transaction costs and the remaining mortgage), taking into account price appreciation or depreciation.

Rule 3: Choose tenants carefully.
Prospective tenants who respond promptly and conscientiously to calls or e-mails and who show up on time to see units will likely be responsible when it comes to paying rent and taking care of the property. And be careful to observe discrimination laws. Landlords can choose among prospective tenants for economic reasons that arise after credit, employment and reference checks. Set standards for prospective tenants. 

Rule 4: Avoid getting sued.
Understand aspects of federal, state and local laws which affect the landlord-tenant relationship. Aspects of these laws that can lead to litigation include mishandling of security deposits, lead paint levels and failure to provide minimum standard of habitability.

Rule 5: Get Expert Help.
Keep an electrician, plumber and handyman on speed-dial.  It also helps for landlords to know a good lawyer, financial adviser, mortgage broker and real estate professional.

(Boston Globe, 2007)