While property management takes business knowledge, interpersonal abilities are just as important. The best landlords know the way to mix both by practicing the following concepts.

Besides crucial components of a lease agreement such as the names of the parties, late fee amounts, rent, and deposit; a proper agreement needs to include other options like termination agreement, pest control provisions, zoning ordinances, and pet restrictions. Landlords should use a leases agreement template and modify it as needed. It’s also their responsibility to provide their tenants with a copy of the contract.

One of the primary responsibilities of a great property owner is upholding a routine maintenance plan. The following items require preventative maintenance: gas and electrical mechanisms, water heaters, sanitation and heating systems. Additionally, the property owner is accountable for arranging yearly safety inspections through gas installers and electricians. Also, he needs to make sure that security and safety measures like locks, fire extinguishers, and alarms are fully functional.

When items do stop working, it’s rarely at the landlord’s convenience. Even when a phone call comes in the middle of the night or while at the job, he needs to manage the call. Timely fixes are required whether the landlord views them as minor or not. If there’s a delay in getting something repaired, use great communication skills to explain the reasons for the holdup and state when maintenance will be conducted. Keep in contact with the tenant until the issue is fixed.

Even though common politeness must be given to anybody, landlords often view their roles as authoritative and deal with renters as subjects. Because renters are really paying customers, they should be given extra service, particularly when things go wrong. Renters commonly hesitate in bringing repair issues to the property owner’s attention out of fear. Treating them with courtesy could prevent inexpensive issues from turning into costly ones.

Though it’s easy to expect the worst, specifically if the landlord had bad prior experiences, it serves no purpose to deal with all the tenants alike by presuming the worst. For example, a particular renter may have to pay rent late once because of an urgent situation. In this case, evaluate the scenario based on how he deals with it. If the tenant gives plenty of notice and follows up properly, deal with him with the credibility he deserves. Another tenant may habitually pay late and avoid communication. In cases like this treat him based on his behavior by implementing the conditions of the lease agreement.

The same concept is applicable to repairs. Don’t assume something broke down because the tenant was careless. A landlord’s major obligation is to hold all things in working order. That’s why it’s important to have a well formatted inventory sheet and checklist during the time of move-in for each renter. While with this list does not stop things from breaking down, it maintains order as well as discourages renters from making false reports.

Since several renters might see regular inspections as an invasion of privacy, state the terms of these kinds of inspections clearly in the lease agreement. Generally regular inspections occur every 6 months. Provide at least 24 hours of notice and offer different time choices in respect to work schedules and private lives.

Proper preventative maintenance and doing timely fixes boosts property values and entices a better clientele. Treating renters with politeness will attract better potential occupants in the future. These combined efforts will also keep current tenants from moving out as well as keeping the leasing revenue flowing with minimal interruptions.

Do you need help managing your property? Visit http://www.inordertosucceed.com.

by: Guest Blogger Rick Del Sontro, the President of Zippy Shell USA.Buying a house, getting a new job, upgrading your living quarters – these are all usually wonderful and exciting things! So what’s the downfall? The actual moving process. It is long, difficult and usually quite expensive. There are a few things you can do, however, to make sure the process is as painless as possible.

Here is a list of 5 things to help you out that you will want to keep handy the next time you move. These tips will save your sanity, as well as your things.

1. Start early and give yourself enough time.

Moving always takes longer than you would expect. And you always have more stuff hidden away in your closet than you expect. There is also an illusion that happens when it looks like you are about done, but really still have quite a bit to do. Part of the remedy for this is to start a good 4-6 weeks before your actual moving day.

Start with the things that are out of season, like winter clothes, or gardening tools – whatever the case may be. Pack the things that obviously won’t be needed between now and then. Books/movies are another good place to start. When you start early, you can go slow and not worry about rushing things as you get closer to moving day.

You can also start early by saving up supplies and budgeting for the move. You don’t need to save boxes forever, but when it’s time to pack up, you will not regret having a corner in the basement for them.

2. Get organized!

One of the biggest things that will save come time to move and pack up is your ability to get (and stay) organized. Having a plan, and knowing exactly where things are and what is coming next will reduce stress like nothing else on this list.

Start out by creating or getting a list of all your “moving to-dos”. You can find many moving checklists online available for free. These will include things like address changes, new resident packets, tax breaks, etc – the stuff that easily falls through the cracks until the last minute.

Another way to get organized is to create categories for your move. You can pack everything in these categories into the same boxes, and know exactly what you are unpacking. Examples include “electronics”, “office”, “kitchen”, “clothing”, etc.

Also be sure to have the proper supplies ready for the move (mentioned also briefly in point number one). Have lots of tape handy, different size boxes (clothes are much lighter than books, for instance, and can therefore be in a bigger box generally), permanent markers to label things, and of course some quick and easy food to re-energize yourself!

3. Get rid of the clutter.

The more you move, the more things you will realize you can live without. Saved every single piece of homework your child has ever done? Consider cutting that in half. Have enough clothes to fill the truck? Give some to your local Goodwill. Do you have a small library in your home? Ditch the ones that collect the most dust.

Getting rid of your extras will save quite a bit of room. This is a category to take inventory of before you start packing. If you can’t remember the last time you used something, go ahead and give it away – it is doubtful you’ll miss it!

4. Have a few “open first” boxes/suitcases.

This often gets forgotten. Pretend like you’re going on a 3 or 4 day vacation and pack what you would for that. Clothes, phone chargers, laptops, toiletries, etc. You want to make sure you can live for those first few days that you don’t have things unpacked. These need to be put in the moving trucks/cars last so they are easily accessible once you get to your destination. They are also handy if you need to be in a hotel for a few nights on a long road trip, or whatever the case may be. For entertainment purposes you might also want to throw in a few a books, DVDs, and games, especially if you have kids.

5. Consider going professional.

This does not have to mean hiring a company to pack up and move everything for you. You can rent trucks and trailers yourself, you can go with a mobile self-storage option, or you can keep things in a storage unit and come back later. The expense often outweighs the headache of doing a move 100% on your own.

By: Guest Blogger Alec Chan

Packing is probably the most tedious and most time consuming step in preparing for any trip. The type of suitcase used for packing plays an important part to ensure that your items will be transported safely to your next destination. There are various types of suitcases out in the market, and each has its unique designs and usages. In this article I will provide a comprehensive summary on some of the most popular types of suitcases out there.

1.) Rectangle luggage, with wheels on the base and an extendable handle on top

This is probably one of the most popular types of suitcase out there. These are the rectangular shaped suitcase with wheels on its base and with an extendable handle on top. This type of suitcase is very useful as they have a lot of storage capacity, and are very easy to move around since they have wheels on the base that allows you to easily push or pull the suitcase without actually having to lift it.

2.) Backpacker’s bag

Another popular type of travel bag, which isn’t really a suitcase, is the backpacker’s bag. These are essentially bigger scale backpacks that have a lot of storage capacity, and are easily carried on a person’s back. These are very useful for trekking or hiking where you need to constantly carry your belongings with you. You can pretty much store anything inside the backpacker’s bag, and they are very durable.

3.) Cheap canvas bag

Also not really a suitcase, but a very common type of bag to transport items with is the canvas bag. These canvas bags are usually inexpensive and are often designed for one use only. They are great when you go for a shopping trip and need additional bags to pack the newly purchased items for your trip back home. Because they are inexpensive and are very common everywhere, you can pretty much purchase one of these bags anywhere. However one downside of the canvas bag is that they are not very durable, therefore it is not recommended to pack fragile items in them.

To find these types of travel bags, you can simply visit your nearest department store. There will be numerous styles and types to choose from. Dependent on where you will be going, and what requirements you need during your trip, this will help you to determine which type of travel bag to use. It could be quite possible that you need more than one type!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alec_Chan

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1. Downsize

This is a critical step in getting control of your finances. Getting rid of debt is the first thing you should do. A good way to do this is to choose one debt and start making double payments on this debt. Once that debt is paid off, take the amount of the double payments you were making and apply it to a different debt. Keep repeating this process until you are debt free. If possible, consider re-financing your home for a lower interest rate or a shorter mortgage term. If it is time to trade in your vehicle consider downsizing to a more inexpensive vehicle or simply pay off your car and drive it for a while.

2. Develop A Budget.

No household should attempt to function without a budget. A good budget allows you to get a realistic picture of how much money is coming in and going out each month. Look for ways to reduce spending so you have a larger surplus each month. You may need to cut back on cable services, start taking your lunch to work, or reduce the amount you spend on things you really don’t need.

3. Savings

A savings account is a must in these rough times. Financial experts now recommend that you should have at least eight months of living expenses in a savings account. This is because it is taking laid-off workers longer and longer to find a job. So if your monthly expenses equal $2,500, you would need $20,000 in a savings account. Realistically, few individuals are able to save that much but try to put away as much as you can to build your financial cushion.

4. Make Yourself Marketable.

It is important you do everything you can to make yourself marketable to employers. Keep yourself up to speed on new advances in technology. If you work in a specialized trade, make sure you are current in new developments in your trade. Keep your resume updated to reflect your achievements. The job market is tough, and you have to do everything you can to make yourself stand out.

5. Invest In Yourself.

Health problems can take a toll on your finances.  Do your part to avoid health problems by eating right, exercising at least 30-minutes each day and getting adequate amounts of sleep. It is critical you avoid risky behaviors such as smoking or drinking to excess. Stay away from elective medical procedures and maintain a healthy weight.

6. Look For A Sideline Income.

This is a very important aspect of getting control of your finances. These days, a job is not a guarantee of a stable financial future. It would be smart to investigate ways to make money on your own. Think about your skills and consider freelancing. Develop a good customer base. The extra money will help you pay down debt faster and also help you build your savings account. If you do get laid off, your freelancing business will give you something to fall back on.

By Guest Blogger Corrie Petersen

When you work more efficiently you get more done in a day and you won’t stress about things. One of the best ways to make that happen is to organize your home. There are a number of ways to make this work, but it’s important you get it done so you work your business efficiently and effectively.

Here are a few suggestions for you to consider putting into action in your own home.

1. Clean your home from top to bottom making sure everything has a home and that it makes sense where you put it. Don’t put your toilet paper in the kitchen or your towels in the bedroom. It’s important to put things in your home close to the place you’ll use them at the most.

2. Create chore lists for the family. When they know what needs to be done they won’t bother you with questions about what needs to be done. One thing to consider is creating a list for each room of the home and taping it in a place where each person can see it easily. A cabinet or wall is a thought.

3. Take one day a week and clean your home thoroughly. Then do a quick pick up each day so it doesn’t take a lot of time to clean on that day you choose. Involve the entire family so you’re not the only one cleaning the house.

4. When you work a home business it’s important to have your own space. While that space is important you need to keep it organized and personal home items free. Don’t store the kids’ toys in your office, but at the same time it’s important to keep your business items in your office and not in another part of the house.

An organized home makes for an efficient family. It’s like a well oiled piece of machinery, it works smoothly and efficiently and the same goes for your home. When it’s organized and in order you won’t have problems knowing what to do and how to do it. You won’t have to worry or stress when you spend all day cleaning only to find out you forgot something.

When your family works efficiently you’ll have less to do and that will help you work your business efficiently. You won’t feel like it’s a terrible thing for you to be working instead of doing something for your family or your home and that will help reduce the stress which will give you more productive time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Corrie_Petersen

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1. Spam filters

Every email program has spam filters. It is up to you to make them work for you. Check your email settings and play around with the spam filters until you get it set to the level of privacy you desire. Less spam will mean fewer emails you have to wade through.

2. Unsubscribe

Unsubscribe to those newsletters that you no longer need. Get rid of the ones that just don’t provide useful information. There should be an unsubscribe button or link at the bottom of the email or newsletter.

3. Organize

You organize your paper files at home so why not organize your email? You can create files for your emails such as work mail, personal mail, receipts, etc. Place the appropriate emails in the appropriate files. A lot of email programs will even allow you to label emails from specific addresses according to their purpose. For example, emails coming from your work address will be labeled as work in your inbox. You can even color code your emails for higher efficiency.

4. Dedicate Email Time

Set aside a specific time each day in which you will check your email. It could be the first thing in the morning, or it may be the last thing you do in the evening. If you want to remain productive you have got to stop checking your email periodically throughout the day.

5. Short Responses

When you answer your emails, keep your replies short and to the point. This saves time for you and the person receiving your emails.

6. Spring Cleaning

Once a month or even once a week, set aside time for a little email spring cleaning.  Go through all your saved emails and purge what you don’t need. You want to try to get your email inbox down to 0. This may not be possible every day, but you can significantly reduce the number of items in your inbox and your outbox.

7. Establish Alternate Email Addresses

To cut down on the email clutter it is a good idea to set up several email addresses. You can use one for emails between family members, another for personal emails between friends and yet another address for business-related emails.

8. Learn More About Your System

Did you know that most individuals use less than 20% of the programs found on their system? Take some time to learn more about your system and what it can do. You may be missing out on some program features that could save you a lot of time.

9. Determine Your Next Action

Every time you open an email, make a decision on what your next action will be. Are you going to file it, answer it, or delete it? Make a decision and commit to it. This will reduce the amount of emails found in your email folder.

10. Don’t Forget Sent Mail

It is true email can really clog up your inbox, but you should not neglect your sent mail. Organize your sent messages in folders for each client or job. This makes it easy for you to find the email again if you should need it for reference.

Here is a list of recommend amounts for holiday tipping:

1. Housekeeper

If you have a housekeeper who works hard to keep your home clean it is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work around the holidays. The suggested tip amount would be one week’s pay.

2. Newspaper Carrier

These individuals work hard to get your newspapers to you. They brave the dark and the cold to deliver your paper in the wee hours of the morning. The suggested amount to tip your newspaper carrier is $20. However, if you can afford to give more, it would be a great way to show your appreciation.

3. Child’s Teacher

Your child’s teacher has the immense responsibility of educating your child. There are very few jobs that are this important. Many individuals feel that gift cards are more appropriate for the teacher than money. One or two gift cards in the amount of $25 to the local book store or office supply store is a great tip for that special teacher.

4. Hairstylist

It is customary to tip your hairstylist with each session. So a random holiday tip may not be necessary. However, if you call your hairstylist and beg her to fit you in for that last minute holiday party, you should expect to tip her at least 50% over the amount you normally would.

5.  Dog Walker

If you have a good dog walker who always shows up on time and never complains about walking your dog during the rain and snow, you should reward them handsomely for their dedication.  A good tip amount for a dedicated dog walker would be the equivalent of what you would normally pay for three dog walking sessions.

6. Trash Collectors.

These guys have a rough job. Imagine getting up before dawn to collect other people’s stinky trash. The customary tip amount for trash collectors is $10 to $30.

7. Personal Trainer

If you have a good rapport with your personal trainer and have been thrilled with his or her services over the past year then a holiday tip is necessary. The normal tip would be $50 or the cost of one session.

8. Letter Carrier

Keep in mind, the U.S. Post Office forbids mail carriers from accepting cash. Any gifts that are given must be worth less than $20. But you can still your letter carrier how much you appreciate him or her by giving them a basket of fruit or a box of chocolates.

When you are out and about this holiday, spread a little holiday cheer by tipping your waiters and waitresses a little extra. You have the power to make someone else’s life a little easier through the simple act of tipping.

1. De-clutter Your Counters

This is one of the most important things you can do to organize your kitchen. Remove any appliances that you don’t use every day. Mount phones, calendars, to-do lists, etc. on the wall. Consider cabinet mounted appliances to free up counter space. A retractable bookstand will hold your recipe book at eye level while you cook. It will fold up flat under the cabinet when not in use.

2. Organize Your Pantry.

Go through your pantry and group items together into categories. For example, canned vegetables could be one group, and canned fruits could be another.  The foods in each group could be arranged in alphabetical order.

It is a good idea to get an over the door see through pocket organizer to store your small pantry items in. The see through over the door shoe organizers work great for this. You will be able to see what you have in your pantry at a glance.

3. File Your Plastic Containers.

Place dividers in a large drawer and neatly file your plastic containers in the sections created by the dividers. File the lids together in the same drawer. Install lid racks in your cabinets to neatly store the lids to your pots and pans. You won’t have to spend precious time searching for those elusive lids.

5. Hanging

Install a small shelf with pegs to hang items like aprons, dishtowels and potholders. This will keep these items within easy reach while keeping them off your countertops.

6. Organize With Totes

Keep all your Thanksgiving cooking utensils in one large tote for easy access each year. This tote could contain your electric knife used for carving the turkey, recipes used at Thanksgiving, serving platters and even spices you use once a year. Having everything together in one tote will make Thanksgiving preparation a breeze.

7.  Designate Space.

Have a designated drawer or storage area for all of your pots and pans. This area should be near the stove. Hanging pots and pans is a good idea if your kitchen area allows. Store cooking utensils together in a vase or container so they are within easy reach of the stove. Group like items together. For example, aluminum foils, plastic wraps and parchment paper should be stored together in a drawer preferably near the refrigerator.

8. Shelf Organizers.

Sliding shelf organizers are great for keeping all your frequently used kitchen items easily accessible. Just slide out the shelf to find the item you need.

A well-organized kitchen can make cooking a Thanksgiving dinner a snap. If you keep your kitchen organized you will find you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the things you love.

Have you ever rented out your home, only to find when the tenants left, they had left a mess and the last month’s rent due? While renting out a home is a great source of additional income, you want to make sure it isn’t also a great source of additional headaches. Here are some tips to follow when looking for good tenants to rent your property:

Try to Rent to a Referral First—Between yourself and your family, you certainly know a lot of people, who know a lot of people, and so on. This is definitely the most difficult of your options when looking for a tenant, but usually the trustworthiest. Getting a renter this way is ideal. Usually when the person you are renting to knows a friend or family member of yours they feel obligated to be clean, be on time, etc. as they may have to see the person that referred them in the future.

Run Credit & Background Checks—If you aren’t so lucky to rent to someone you know, then you’ll want to make sure you do some research about the person that is interested in staying in your space. Many landlords will chalk this option up if they’ve met the person and they “seem nice.” In addition, both of these queries cost money—which no one likes spending. However, to ignore the possibility that a person could have skipped out on all their bills—or in the worst-case scenario—jail time—is setting yourself up for trouble.  In addition, if you’re really concerned about spending the money to have these checks run, charge interested applicants an application fee to defer some of the cost of the process.

Call Their Previous Landlord—This is a big one. It seems like it should be obvious. However, some landlords think that simply asking for a previous landlord’s number will deter the person applying if they aren’t rental-worthy. Don’t let this be you! Call the previous landlord—they have the best information on if you should rent to this person or not—they’ve already dealt with them!

Call Their References—I can’t tell you how many places I’ve rented over the course of my life and NOT A ONE has called my references.  Really? Isn’t that the purpose of putting references on an application? You ARE allowed to call these people too and ask them questions in regards to the tenant. Keep in mind—it is illegal to discriminate against a prospective tenant due to age, race, color, gender, religion, nationality, or marital status.  So questions regarding any of these items should not be asked. You CAN ask questions regarding how long they’ve known the person and where they know him/her from. Often times, you’ll find references offer up a lot more information about a person than you even ask for.

Overall, when you’re interviewing prospective tenants, do your homework. A little bit of effort can protect your investment and provide good, solid, additional income for years to come!

Hillary Hansen is a featured writer for the site UniqueMirrorsOnline.com, where you can find an assortment of decorative, floor, wall, and vanity mirrors for every style and budget!

1. Pick A Spot And De-Clutter.

Everyone has that counter top, desk or table that is cluttered with papers, mail, receipts, etc. Maybe you have more than one area like this. Pick one area, have a trash can handy and start throwing away the paper clutter you no longer need. Newspapers, magazines, old bills, and some receipts should go in the trash. Don’t fall into the trap of saving something to read later. If it wasn’t important enough for you to read right away, you don’t need it. Receipts that you need to keep should be placed in a stack for organizing later.  Current bills can be placed in a separate stack to put into your bill file.

2. Your Medicine Cabinet.

Set your timer and go through your medicine cabinet. Throw away any old medicines that are expired. Toss old make-up and make-up utensils. While you are tossing, clean your cabinet shelves with a damp rag or towel. Organize your current medications by placing them all on the same shelf. If you take certain pills in the morning and certain pills in the evening, divide these  pill bottles by placing them in separate storage baskets. Make-up should be kept separate from medications in its own tote or basket. Group like things together for easier access.

3. Clean Out The Fridge.

Take five minutes and clean out old leftovers and expired food from your fridge. Load empty containers into the dishwasher as you go. Have a damp sponge or cloth handy to quickly wipe shelves as you clear them. Place all condiments together on one shelf. Dedicate a shelf for dairy items, a drawer for vegetables and an area for drinks.

4. Conquer The Clothes.

Pick up all the clothing and shoes that are lying around the house. Invest in a sorter hamper to organize your dirty clothes by color. Put all clothing in the proper closets and drawers. If you have time left, make the bed. Making a bed only takes one minute, and it makes the bedroom look so much neater.

5. Make A List.

Every night before going to bed take five minutes and make a list of things you want to accomplish the next day. You can use pen and paper, your computer or your iPhone. A list can be the most powerful tool you have in your organizational toolbox.