Cathy Fontana's Blog (13)

Are you looking for a multifamily investment property? If so, what is included on your list of criteria when shopping available options? If the five must-have features listed here are not on it, then it’s time to make some adjustments in your search if you want a property that will perform for years to come.

1. Location. Yes, it’s true that not every property can have the most appealing location in town; but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. In addition to lower maintenance,…

Rental rate. It’s a critical factor. It’s the reason you’ve picked this asset class as your investment, and ensuring it provides the greatest return is your highest priority. But raising the rent can be a challenge. People are sensitive about money and no one wants to pay a higher price for exactly what they currently have.

The truth is, inflation happens. Just like property taxes and other associated costs with houses rise each year, so too does the cost of living in an apartment,…

Whether you’re a multi-family property owner or thinking about becoming one, it’s imperative you understand what renters are currently looking for in a rental property. While it’s fairly safe to assume most want safety, community, and good management, there are additional line items that could make or break the decision for a prospective tenant.

According to the latest survey from Apartments.com, it is apparent that more and more Americans are choosing to rent. Their reasons why and…

Whether you’re a multi-family property owner or thinking about becoming one, it’s imperative you understand what renters are currently looking for in a rental property. While it’s fairly safe to assume most want safety, community, and good management, there are additional line items that could make or break the decision for a prospective tenant.

According to the latest survey from Apartments.com, it is apparent that more and more Americans are choosing to rent. Their reasons why and…

If you’re a property owner, then you probably have a nagging desire for information about the market as well as tenant behavior. Let us help quench that thirst with a brief summary of the results of the National Survey of Renters survey, conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation.

• The total number of apartment buildings in the U.S. account for 48% of available rental space options
• Seventy-three percent of renters live in apartments, as opposed to the 27% that live in…

How many videos do you have scattered around the Internet working for you to promote your property at all hours of the day and night? If you said “none,” we need to have a serious talk. Videos are highly beneficial, and they are especially so for real estate for the following reasons:

1. Visual. Video allows you to show the property, its amenities, the desirable attributes prospective tenants will love, and more, rather than just explaining them in ads, articles or…

For the second straight month, national homebuilder confidence fell during the month of May. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo, confidence slipped 2 points to 44. This was unexpected, as a Bloomberg survey earlier in the month had revealed an expected increase in confidence to 47.

What does this say to us about the rental market? According to the report, anything below 50 means survey respondents consider homebuilding conditions to be poor.…

If you’re considering a rental income property for purchase, but you’re not sure whether to go for the traditional, single-family investment (i.e., homes, duplexes, condos) or to opt for the larger, multi-family complex, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five reasons why the larger investment may be worth more to you in the long-run:

1. Multi-family properties allow for more tenants, hence the name: multi-family. This, naturally yields itself to greater income…

If you’re considering a rental income property for purchase, but you’re not sure whether to go for the traditional, single-family investment (i.e., homes, duplexes, condos) or to opt for the larger, multi-family complex, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five reasons why the larger investment may be worth more to you in the long-run:

1. Multi-family properties allow for more tenants, hence the name: multi-family. This, naturally yields itself to greater income…

Why would you want to trust an asset such a property to a company that you know very little about? It may sound like a no-brainer question, yet there are plenty of investors who do not perform due diligence when it comes to the property management firms they choose to use. They simply think that because the firm has been in business for some time, has other clients, and claims to be knowledgeable, that’s all that is needed to suffice their needs.

Wrong.

Why…

If you’re at the point in your investment decision where you’re considering a property management firm, then it’s likely you’ve researched or may have even been contacted by firms offering turnkey services. While the business has its merit, it also has a very specific place, which may not be appropriate for every investor.

What is it?

A turnkey real estate vendor is an investment firm that typically specializes in a particular market, and they have several…

Investors too often approach the decision to buy a multifamily property without a support system, but the smart money is made when they team up with property managers well before closing. A property manager who knows multifamily property management is an irreplaceable asset for a buyer for many reasons, but there are three primary advantages these real estate professionals bring to the table when shopping for an apartment building to enhance your investment…

Investing a large amount of money into multifamily properties can be risky for the unprepared. Answer the following questions and check your answers at the end to determine if you're ready to start shopping for properties.

1. Which of the following functions are the responsibility of an apartment manager?

 a)   Lawn and landscaping services

 b)   Pest control

 c)   Tenant relations and dispute mediation

 d)   Emergency repairs (HVAC, plumbing, electrical,…