Emails that go unopened and unnoticed by your tenants are a waste of valuable time and energy. Given how much effort is put into marketing emails, you deserve to have your messages read. Whether you're offering rent specials, updating community policies, or remind folks of upcoming events, your communications will get way more notice with these tips:
Create an Engaging Headline Your subject line serves as the ultimate first impression. Take time to craft a subject that feels attention-catching or persuasive. Make sure to be concise - studies show that email subject lines with 40 or fewer characters tend to be opened most often. Keep it Short and Sweet Very few people will take the time to read their emails from top to bottom. Most of the time, we open messages and scan for information that applies to us. With that in mind, consider keeping your messages short and to the point. Put especially important information in bold to really capture the reader's attention. Be Consistent If you never send emails, it's easy for your messages to get lost in the mix. If you send them too often, on the other hand, your tenants may start ignoring your frequent emails. Instead, find a sweet spot by firing off emails at the same time each month. A once monthly email blast sent right before rent is due is a great opportunity to share news while reminding tenants of their payment deadlines. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
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Congratulations! You've found the perfect place to live. Before you can move into the apartment of your dreams, you've got to first navigate the leasing application process. In most cases, that process will include a background check. Landlords use background checks to get to know each applicant a little better and to so if there's anything in their history that they should be concerned about. While the process can feel intimidating at first, it helps to understand how they'll work.
Background Checks are Fast Once a landlord fires off the request for a background check, the turnaround time is fairly speedy. Within 24 to 48 hours, they'll have insight into your rental history, employment history, credit history and criminal history. The best part? You won't need to lift a finger! While you might be asked to verify some information, most landlords will rely solely on what the background check tells them about your history. Background Checks Go Back 10+ Years Credit checks will generally go back seven to 10 years, encompassing all of your major financial history during that time. If you've experienced a bankruptcy in the last decade, your landlord will see it on your background check. Most landlords will be looking for credit scores of 600 or higher, so it's worth checking into your credit history yourself before applying for a new apartment. You May be Asked to Foot the Bill for a Background Check Whenever you apply for an apartment, you'll be asked to pay an application fee. This fee typically includes the cost of a background check. Before you apply for a new place, make sure to ask about any and all anticipated fees. Getting the full financial picture before you apply can help ensure you're not left with an expensive surprise. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management Everybody loves a puppy. They're tiny, adorable and so much fun. Unfortunately for many new puppy owners, though, they can also be incredibly destructive. If you're an apartment dweller, it's especially important to take some precautionary measures to prevent serious damage to your unit. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management advises renters to double-check their lease before bringing home a new pet, as many communities have strict pet policies in place. Once you've confirmed that your new furry friend can indeed be brought home safely, try these puppy-proofing ideas:
Set Aside Space for Fido No matter how tiny your new pup might be, they'll still need a comfy place to rest, relax and play. As you begin housetraining the dog, you may want to designate a spot that's got vinyl or hardwood flooring. It's easier to clean up accidents that happen on a hard surface! If your apartment is all carpet, consider investing in a piece of hard plastic, like the kind you'd put under a rolling desk chair. Then lay down your dog's new bedding, toys and a baby gate to keep them securely in their space. Keep Dangerous Products Out of Reach Puppies have a way of getting into everything they see. Since a lot of the most enticing human foods are toxic to dogs, it's a good idea to keep things like chocolate, onions, and grapes far out of Fido's reach. While you're at it, tuck away phone charging cords, laptop chargers, and any other important equipment that you don't want your new furry friend sampling. Discourage Barking from the Beginning Nothing will drive your neighbor's crazy faster than a dog that barks all day. While you might think your pup's little bark is adorable, the people living above, below, or beside you aren't likely to be quite as enamored. As you begin training your new puppy, work to minimize barking while indoors. If Fido barks at the sound of mail carriers dropping off the day's deliveries, for instance, you may want to leave the TV on to drown out the most triggering noises. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management There are few experiences more exciting than bringing home a new pet. While you might be inclined to select a new furry friend based on their personality or adorable features, it's important to consider their needs before adopting them officially. Every dog breed varies slightly in their preferences for things like exercise and activity levels. Size also plays a role in deciding which dog to bring home to your apartment. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management advises looking to the American Kennel Club for guidance. Here are a few of their selections for most apartment-friendly breeds:
Cocker Spaniels The friendly cocker spaniel is one of the world's most beloved dog breeds, and for good reason: they're playful, gentle and smart. With a maximum weight of 30 lbs, these dogs will also fit many of the size requirements for most pet-friendly apartment communities. While cocker spaniels don't need a ton of outdoor space to roam, they will need at least 30 minutes a day for walks, so be sure to factor that into your decision. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels There are few faces as adorable as those of King Charles spaniels, a breed that's more in demand than ever. These pups make for excellent apartment dogs, as they are generally less than 18 pounds and love to snuggle up on the couch. Just be sure to seek out adequate opportunities for exercise to keep your new best friend in shape! Greyhound Cat lovers may be especially fond of this oversized breed. Known primarily for their speed and reputation for racing, this breed is surprisingly low-key, preferring to lounge around in bed than go for marathon walks. Of course, it's important to let these pups run freely on occasion. They can grow upwards of 70 lbs though, so be sure to check breed restrictions before bringing home this pooch. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management Putting together the perfect rental application can take a lot of legwork. It's incredibly frustrating to put in so much effort only to be denied an apartment by management. If you've ever wondered why rental applications get denied, here are a few perfectly legal reasons to consider:
Bad Credit A landlord has to protect their investment, and bad credit scores are often red flags. While it might seem unfair to reject someone solely based on their credit history, your score is a reflection of your financial responsibility. It's no wonder so many landlords opt to fill their vacancies with fiscally responsible tenants over those with less than stellar track records. Pets Even when a property allows pets, management can deny your application because of Fido or Fluffy. This is especially true if your pet has a history of violence. Landlords and property managers have to make responsible decisions to protect the safety of everyone involved, so if your beloved pet has a track record for misbehavior, you may find your application denied. Questionable References Rental references can be a huge bolster to your application, but if any of them seem questionable, they may jeopardize your chances of securing a new place to live. Landlords and property managers rely on references to ensure you're a responsible, trustworthy tenant. If your previous landlord won't return calls or give sketchy feedback about your tenancy, your application may indeed be passed over. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management Have you ever walked into a restaurant, bar, or hotel and felt instantly at home? It likely had a lot to do with the way the space was decorated. A properly coordinated color scheme can give you much-needed direction when designing your living space. Without a clear understanding of how colors work together, though, the challenge can feel tricky. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends keeping these tips in mind as you build your dream decor:
Stick with Neutrals No matter what color palette you select, it helps to build your decor around neutral shades. A gray couch, a white bookshelf, or a black lounger can all seamlessly fit into your plans for more exciting shades. What's more, neutrals will allow you to swap out fun throw pillows and curtains whenever you get bored! Find Inspiration from Patterns One of the easiest ways to select a color pattern you love is to base your decor around a single pattern or print. It could be a throw blanket you love to cozy up with or a lampshade you can't wait to display. So long as you pull from hues within one particular pattern, your room's new color scheme is sure to be aesthetically pleasing. Work with a Lateral Color Palette A lateral color palette of shades within the same color family can help you expand your decor further. Grays, blues, and greens all pop with colors like orange and red. If you decide to employ multiple shades, make sure to display them throughout the entire apartment for maximum impact. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management For all of the damage it has done, COVID-19 has had one silver lining: more pets are being fostered and adopted. With more of us working remotely than ever before, people are more inclined to finally bring home that puppy or kitten they've always wanted. While empty shelters are indeed good news, many new pet owners find themselves overwhelmed at first. Scott Safadif of Cal Bay Property Management advises pet parents to be to weigh these important considerations before signing the adoption papers:
Is the Breed Appropriate for Your Living Space? Some dogs are content to sit on the couch all day and watch you work. Others require lots of exercise and time outside. Before you bring Fido home, do a little research on the activity levels of the dog breed you're considering. While you might have more time on your hands right now, you may be called back into the office sooner rather than later. How will your new dog handle being alone all day? Does Your Landlord Have Pet Restrictions? Some property owners forbid dogs over a certain weight. Others ban pets outright. If you're renting, it's important to check your lease before bringing home a new dog or cat. Fail to do so and you could find yourself in serious hot water. How Will Your Pet Impact Others? Even if you're abiding by your landlord's pet policies, it's important to consider how your new dog or cat will impact the people around you. Check-in with each of your roommates or family members before signing the bottom line. It's also worth the time to chat with neighbors, especially if you live upstairs. A large, rowdy dog that bounds around your apartment might be fun for you, but for your downstairs neighbors, the addition could become a real headache. Chat honestly about your plans and be open to criticism. It's a common courtesy that will go a long way to keep the peace! -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management The world has been locked down has been locked down for months, thanks to COVID-19. As we all grow more and more weary at the thought of cooking dinner for our families, the humble food truck has stepped up to the plate. If you're looking for a fun way to cheer up residents, Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends bringing a food truck to the community.
Food Truck Fridays have become commonplace for apartment communities around the country. Resident events like these can be a great way to boost your community morale while ensuring families have easy access to delicious food. These trucks often bring a top-shelf food experience that is both exciting and refreshing after months of quarantine. Pizza is the ultimate comfort food, but there are so many incredible food trucks offering more exotic fare. From burgers to tacos to ramen noodles and beyond, there's no shortage of possibilities. You can cycle through your favorites and keep every craving satiated. Should you decide to bring a food truck to your community, be sure to spread the word well in advance. Share news of the upcoming event online, via email, over text and on flyers you post throughout your neighborhood. Trucks that earn decent profits will be more likely to return in the future! -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management Delicious fruits, veggies, and herbs are some of the best parts of summer. Renters can get in on the action by cultivating their own gardens on their balconies. If you're ready to turn your little patch of the great outdoors into an oasis of freshness, Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends these tips:
Take Inventory of Your Space Balconies and porches come in all ranges of sizes. Keep your dimensions in mind as you map out your ideal garden space. Be honest about the space and its use before you start implementing plans. If you know your roommate uses the area to read in the sun every morning, you'll want to leave them space to do so. Also, be sure to factor in the amount of sun and shade your balcony receives. Select Your Plants When you're short on square footage, you'll have to make some crucial decisions about how to use your space wisely. Consider your favorite meals when making your choices. If you cook a lot of Mexican, Indian or Thai food, cilantro plants might be a worthwhile use of real estate. Those who are big fans of Italian food, on the other hand, may want to dedicate space to basil or parsley plants. Choose Planters Wisely Since you can't dig into the ground to plant your garden, you'll need to be smart about which planters you opt to use instead. Consider how the planters will drain excess water, how easy it is to access them and weed them, and how heavy they are in case you need to move them. Once you've done your due diligence, all that's left to do is dig in! -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management Summer has arrived. Your tenants are probably eager to get outside, enjoy the warm temperatures, and make the most of their outdoor space. If your property includes a yard, porch, or patio, there's no better time to do some maintenance. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends these landscaping tips for getting your rental into top shape for the summer:
Water Grass in the Morning You don't have to have a green thumb to see the obvious benefits that come with watering early in the day. A good watering before a long day of hot sun can do wonders for the health and longevity of your grass. A deep watering every few days is actually more effective than daily short waterings, so make lengthy morning sessions part of your weekly routine. Plant Drought-Tolerant Shrubs There's just no telling when another drought may threaten the health of our lawns. With that in mind, consider planting drought-tolerant plants and shrubs. Aloe, fountain grass, and geraniums are all gorgeous, hardy plants that can survive on very little water. Mow Regularly Regular mowing can make a big difference to the look of your lawn. While you might be tempted to shear it down as close to the ground as possible, doing so can threaten the health of the grass. Soon, you'll find yourself awash with brown, dry and dead grass. Do your lawn a favor and make gentler, more regular trimmings. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management |
AuthorScott Safadi leverages extensive experience in the real estate industry to serve as the CEO of Cal Bay Property Management (CBPM), which he founded in Palo Alto, California. Archives
January 2020
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