Sometimes, "Fair" Landlordin' Doesn't Seem Fair Sometimes, "Fair" Landlordin' Doesn't Seem Fair   http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/12/13/sc-landlord-says-visiting-solder-cant-stay-in-wife-apartment/   Sometimes fair doesn't seem fair- but that doesn't make it any less so.  The news report here speaks a veteran whose returned home on leave and wishes to stay with his wife.  That's understandable, but a bit of a technicality exists in that he is not a party to her lease.  He'd be a visitor in the eyes of the landlord- and would fall under their policy that visitors can only stay 7 days.   Guess what?  This landlord's policy is more liberal than any I've ever had. Everywhere I've been, the policy for visitor stays has been between 48-72 hours, and with good reason.  Boyfriends/girlfrie... 12/13/2014

A day in the Property Management life...   (photo courtesy, LLC Property Management) A day in the Property Management life...   I'd have to say a few (if not all of these) are pretty valid illustrations.  Much like the "Realtors work a few hours and get big ol' commission checks!" belief many seem to have, a number of misconceptions about Property Management-land remain as well.   So what might you add?  Whether Property Management or "sales side" Realtors, what are some of the misconceptions you encounter?   ...And perhaps more importantly, what are some of them you've held?   A day in the Property Management life...   12/10/2014

As the year winds down the month of November is behind us.  Here are some of the latest properties that we sold last month.  Take a look at some of these great deals.                          Timucua                                            Ottawa                                            Errol   1.  Timucua Circle, Orlando, FL 32837.  Very nice 3/2/2 home in Hunter's Creek in South Orlando.  Sold within just a few weeks for $341,000.   2.  Woodmere Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773.  Investor special 3/1 home near the Sanford airport.  Sold with seller financing for just $38,000. 3.  Ottawa Ave, Orlando, FL 32837.  3/2 pool home in Whisper Lakes near the Florida Mall.  Sold for over full price at $189,000 with multiple offers. 4.  Mexicali Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34743.  3/2 home in Buena Ventura ... 12/09/2014

A Race Relations Revolution?  Not quite necessary. A Race Relations Revolution?  Not quite necessary.   Recently, Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard J. Tyson penned a column (here: http://klou.tt/thiwom1lftxj) expressing his idea that America needs to "revolutionize" race relations (his words).  While Mr. Tyson does make a few good points, he also proffers for consideration a few points, characterizations and commentary on inevitabilities with which I must respectfully disagree.  "Revolutionize" race relations?  Whether Mr. Tyson wrote solely in response to recent events in Ferguson, New York or nearby Sanford or seizing an opportunity to write about some long-held beliefs, I feel he's off base.   Ferguson?  A competent and duly sworn grand jury saw no probable cause to indict f... 12/08/2014

In honor of lives lost and those who remain In honor of lives lost and those who remain 73 years ago today, the relative serenity and calm of a Honolulu morning was interrupted by the sound of incoming enemy aircraft from the Empire of Japan. Soon to be followed by the sounds of one shipmate after another yelling "Incoming!" and warning each other of both the Japanese planes and their ordnances, it was undoubtedly one horrific day. U.S. Navy folks surveyed the damage once the attack was over and the cowards who'd sucker punched us had departed, and the toll was grim: 2,403 lives lost and another 1,178 were wounded and would never be the same.  The U.S.S Arizona is the most famous of the ships whose crews lost lives that day- and many of the 1,177 lives lost aboard her remain forever en... 12/07/2014

Just a hint of inspiration... Just a hint of inspiration...     Toward the end of this Thanksgiving Day, I offer a rare 2nd post for the holiday.  That's no reflection of any sort of greatness on my part, mind you- as typing away on this thing requires no real valor or courage.     The subject in the video above is another story, however.     For those not familiar with his story, Marcus Luttrell is a true war hero.  As the recent movie Lone Survivor chronicled, he was a member of the U.S. Navy's SEAL Team 10.  Luttrell was the sole survivor of Operation Red Wing in the midst of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).  He was awarded the Navy Cross for valor during the operation (the 2nd-highest award a member of our military may receive behind only the Congressional Medal of Honor) a... 11/27/2014

The importance of first impressions The importance of first impressions   http://www.inman.com/next/5-key-elements-of-a-brilliant-first-impression/   The author here does a great job of making the case for 5 small steps that can play a big part in making a first impression.  While this is from Inman and more/less geared toward Realtors, the premise holds true in pretty much any of our relationships.  I'd add a few things:   1) Be on time.  I hate it when don't really like it when folks are late for an appointment with me- just don't like it.  I could probably work on my tolerance in that arena a bit- but I reconcile things by throwing in the one thing I'm probably even less fond of- my being late for an appointment with someone.   2) Be genuine.  Simply put, folks can see right through ... 11/25/2014

Pet policy considerations Pet policy considerations   http://www.certifiedps.com/cps-blog/top-things-to-consider-with-your-pet-policy   There's virtual unanimity within our industry with regard to whether a property management company should have a pet policy of some sorts (they should).  There's a slight disagreement with regard to whether pets should be allowed, but the vast majority of property managers understand both the percentages of tenants who have them (75%+/-) and the need to encourage their owner-clients to accept pets to a certain degree.   A greater degree of variation comes into play with respect to aggressive breeds, prohibited/"bad dog" lists, etc.  Each property manager should do their own research and arrive at a list of breeds they feel comfortable excluding- underst... 11/19/2014

Congratulations, Clayton Kershaw - 2014 NL Cy Young Winner Congratulations, Clayton Kershaw - 2014 NL Cy Young Winner   http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/la-sp-dn-dodgers-clayton-kershaw-wins-cy-young-20141112-story.html I've never been an L.A. Dodgers fan.  Growing up in Alabama, one tends to gravitate toward the Atlanta Braves- and I did for the most part as I cheered them on through a number of poor seasons where being able to watch a true professional in Dale Murphy was each year's saving grace. That said, I've never been a Clayton Kershaw fan, either- until yesterday. Kershaw was awarded his 3rd National League Cy Young Award yesterday- alone a rare feat, and might very well add a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award to his trophy cabinet when this year's winner is announced at so... 11/12/2014

Realtorin' With Narcolepsy... Realtorin' With Narcolepsy...   Over the past few years, a number of folks have asked me about my narcolepsy- "What is it?", "How does it affect you?", "How does it impact your everyday life?", etc.  A few have even asked (and I presume innocently so) "You mean, narcolepsy is real?".  I figured I might as well write something about it.   Knocking out the latter (and perhaps most obvious) question first-  Yes, narcolepsy is real.  And despite the humor found in a character from Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, the "real life" version of narcolepsy is no joke.   So what is narcolepsy?  WebMD does as good of a job explaining it as they do any condition (http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/narcolepsy) for those concerned about the particulars- but the basics ... 11/10/2014

Property Manager discusses renting to college students Property Manager discusses renting to college students   My video series continues- with one today in which I discuss the various aspects of renting to college students.   Hope folks find a bit of value here.   Remember….. Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Management question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I’ll have an answer for you- and you’ll likely be able to help others who might also find value in the question and its answer!   Property Manager discusses renting to college students 10/31/2014

Total Realty Corp- now in Sanford! Total Realty Corp- now in Sanford!   In today's video, I discuss Total Realty Corp's new Sanford, FL office- and how the company voted Volusia County's "Best Real Estate Company" and "Best Property Management Company" can help you buy a home, sell your home or find a great tenant for your home.    As always, I hope folks find a bit of value here.   Remember- Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Management question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I’ll have an answer for you- and you’ll likely be able to help others who might also find value in the question and its answer!   Total Realty Corp- now in Sanford! 10/30/2014

Property Management FAQ-  "What if something breaks?"   Property Management FAQ-  "What if something breaks?" My video series continues- with a new video today in which I discuss a Frequently Asked Question that comes from both owners and tenants alike: "What if something breaks?"   Hope folks find a bit of value here.   Remember….. Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Management question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I’ll have an answer for you- and you’ll likely be able to help others who might also find value in the question and its answer!   Property Management FAQ-  "What if something breaks?" 10/30/2014

Property Manager Discusses Pool Safety and Holiday Safety     Property Manager Discusses Pool Safety and Holiday Safety   In today's video, I discuss pool safety- and why it's as important towards the end of swimming season as it is at the beginning of it.  I also discuss a bit of holiday safety- specifically as it relates to dryer lint and the fire hazard it presents.    As always, I hope folks find a bit of value here.   Remember- Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Manage-ment question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I’ll have an answer for you- and you’ll likely be able to help others who might also find value in the question and its answer!   Property Manager Discusses Pool Safety and Holiday Safety   10/29/2014

I joined this Twitter thing- don't shoot!                             I joined this Twitter thing- don't shoot!   Anyone who knows me fairly well has known of my long-held aversion to Twitter.  I remember when it went live years ago- and my thinking how absolutely ridiculous it seemed.  "What am I doing?"  None of your dang business, Twitter.   I can't recall who I was speaking with when I first said it, but my canned response whenever folks have asked me about Twitter over the past few years has been that I didn't have account or interest in one- and that folks could feel free to shoot me in the head if I ever got one of the dang things.   Don't have any kind of solid count of how many folks could be out to get me once they get wind of my entry into the Twittersphere with my @orlrental... 10/25/2014

How I Show Houses How I Show Houses     One of the greatest aspects of our profession is that so much of it is flexible. As long as our laws and Code of Ethics are abided by, virtually every other facet of our daily Realtor lives is conducted however we see fit. Indeed, it's at the end of the law and following the Code's final Article where we're set free from "right" and "wrong"/"ethical" and "unethical" and left to conduct ourselves in whichever manner we've deemed successful.  That said, I've used today's post and video to discuss how I show houses to prospective tenants.  Hope folks find a bit of value here.  Remember….. Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Management question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I... 10/24/2014

Your local property manager: Sanford local expert Your local property manager: Sanford local expert   Video production continues… with this one in which I discuss both theimportance of employing the services of a local or “neighborhood expert“- as well as how I can be your Sanford neighborhood expert.    Whether it’s Lake Forest, Terracina at Lake Forest, Dunwoody Commons, Buckingham Estates, Preserve at Astor Farms, Regency Oaks, Greystone, Retreat at Twin Lakes, Flagship Park or elsewhere in Sanford- let’s discuss how I can help you!    Hope folks find a bit of value here.   Remember- Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Management question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I’ll have an answer for you- and you’ll ... 10/23/2014

FAQ Series: Orlando Property Manager Discusses Security Deposits     FAQ Series: Orlando Property Manager Discusses Security DepositsMy video series continues- with a new video today in which I discuss an issue that generates questions from both tenants AND owner/clients: security deposits.   Hope folks find a bit of value here.   Remember….. Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Management question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I’ll have an answer for you- and you’ll likely be able to help others who might also find value in the question and its answer!   FAQ Series: Orlando Property Manager Discusses Security Deposits 10/20/2014

FAQ Series, Owner question:  Should I be present for showings?   FAQ Series, Owner question:  Should I be present for showings? My video series continues- with a new video today in which I discuss whether owners should be present when their rental properties are shown to prospective tenants.   Hope folks find a bit of value here.   Remember….. Feel free to suggest a video topic!  Have a Property Management question?  Let me know, and I’ll answer it and make a video from it.  Chances are pretty good that I’ll have an answer for you- and you’ll likely be able to help others who might also find value in the question and its answer!   FAQ Series, Owner question:  Should I be present for showings? 10/20/2014

Walk-in traffic magic.... walk-in traffic?                                 Walk-in traffic magic.... walk-in traffic?   I guess I've just never given a whole lot of thought to the walk-in traffic concept.  Literally every other place I've worked has been located in a business/office park of some sort- a situation which simply never allowed for thoughts of walk-in traffic to enter into the ol' consciousness.   That's changed with my recent move to Total Realty Corp- where our Deland, FL office is in a shopping center that allows for a good bit of traffic.  Today's the day for our Open House at our new Sanford, FL location- and as you can see, this one is also in a small shopping center.   With a fairly large Publix grocery store a few doors to the right and a nail/hair salon, Pizza Hut, ... 10/16/2014