Five Decorating Hacks For Renters!

January 5, 2022

Happy New Year! Whether you just moved into your dream rental home, or you just cleared out all the holiday decor- we know that decorating as a renter can be a challenge. Starting off the new year with some fresh, new decor can brighten the mood in the winter months and even make your space feel more open and light! We have compiled a shortlist of our landlord-friendly decorating tips to make your house feel like home!

Temporary Wallpaper

Wallpaper? YES! Wallpaper is making a comeback! Peel and stick removable wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to add a pop of color to your rental home! Since you are likely unable to paint the walls, this is a quick and affordable way to make your space stylish! Websites like Amazon have hundreds of options and are filled with inspiration! When you are ready to remove, just peel the design and be sure to wipe the walls down!

Area Rugs

When you are renting a space, you do not get to choose the floor coverings and they may not completely match your taste. Your landlord is very unlikely to change the flooring if it is still in good condition, so the renter will need to improvise. Area rugs are a great way to make a space come together with very little effort. The hardest part will be choosing the perfect design! Area rugs will also keep flooring in tip-top shape & prevent wear and tear of the flooring in your rental.

Photo Tiles

Nothing says “home” like personal photos! Your landlord may have strict restrictions on nail holes which can limit your decorating options. Websites like Snapfish and Mixtiles and many other photo sites have helped to solve this problem! While we have no affiliation to any specific provider, we have used these ourselves! You can upload your favorite photos, and they come printed on a lightweight surface and are ready to hang with double-sided photo tape. Photo tiles also create a clean, uniform look that solves the issue of mixing and matching photo frames.

House Plants

Whether you have a green thumb, or just prefer the look of an artificial plant, house plants are a stress-free decorating option for renters! If you opt for artificial plants, you do not have to worry about watering them or getting dirt anywhere. If you prefer live plants, be sure to keep a watch for bugs or leaks in the pots to ensure no damage occurs in the property.

Battery Operated Flameless Candles

Relaxing at home almost always includes lighting a candle. When you are a renter, you have to be especially conscious about fire hazards and your lease may even have specific terms against candles. Thankfully, there are many options out there to create the same ambiance of candles, but without the risk! Some flameless candles come scented and even have lifelike flickering flames. Battery Operated Flameless Candles usually come with timers so you can even set a daily timer so your candles are lit each night at dark! Pretty cool, right? You can find flameless candles almost anywhere that sells traditional candles. A side note, flameless candles are a huge bonus if the power goes out!

We hope you loved these easy-to-manage tips on how to beautify your rental home as well as keep your landlord happy! Want to learn more about our services or how to become one of our happy tenants? Contact us at 208-949-3083 or check out our website at www.rentwisepm.com. Less Hassle. More Happy.

From Our Family To Yours This Season…

December 22, 2021

One of the real joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New year! We understand and appreciate these last few years have felt like a challenge. All of us have experienced an uphill battle of some kind. As we spend some time reflecting, it must be said that we could not do this without our amazing property owners and residents! You make everyday fun and bring our RentWise family so much joy!

We love our community in the Treasure Valley and try to give back as much as we can! RentWise Property Management had the absolute honor of being able to provide The Idaho Diaper Bank with a $1,200 donation to fulfill their yearly supply. This contribution will help to provide diapers and wipes to all birth and foster families in the community. Family is first to us and we are more than grateful we are in a position to bless these little boys and girls with the needs and necessities they deserve!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing and trusting us! We are looking forward to a successful 2022 and all of the joys that a new year brings! We can’t wait to continue our relationships with each of you as it has been an honor and privilege to serve you! From the RentWise Family to yours, Merriest of Christmases and Happiest of New Years!

Want to learn more about our services and how owning an investment property can be LESS HASSLE and MORE HAPPY? – www.rentwisepm.com

10 Tips For Attracting And Retaining The Best Tenants!

December 8, 2021

One of the primary concerns of a good property manager is maintaining occupancy in all of the properties they manage. High occupancy is a result of resident retention. Winning the loyalty of current and prospective residents is a key piece in maintaining a high occupancy rate. Location and luxury amenities may seem like home runs for keeping residents, but this isn’t always the case.

Additionally, a picture-perfect neighborhood will certainly attract prospective residents right off the bat. It is what happens behind the scenes that really make the true difference. An attentive, professional property manager and leasing team can set the tone for how the entire tenant-property manager relationship will go. Trust, credibility, reliability, and rapport with new and existing tenants will be what drives success in both new leases and renewals.

In addition, we have compiled a list of our Top 10 tips to attract & retain the best tenants!

1. Be Easy to Reach and Responsive

A good property manager sets the stage with creative options for communication. This does not mean that you are on call 24/7, but that your tenants know you will be responsive if they need to reach out, for instance. If your tenants feel as if you aren’t responsive, they may give up. This can lead to larger issues down the road that you may not be aware of.

2. Build Professional, Flexible Lease Terms

If a tenant feels like they are locked into never-ending rules, regulations, and fees they may start looking to move. Maintaining positive communication and being flexible to reasonable requests can make a world of difference.

3. Create Personal Relationships

No one likes to feel like a number in a database. Starting the interactions off right with a positive impact will create lasting relationships between tenants and their leasing team. Helpful welcome packets, personal notes, or cards at the holidays and birthdays, and planning small events will create a sense of community & makes tenants want to live there.

4. Make Improvements To The Property

Inexpensive upgrades can make a property feel brand new again. This can look like a fresh coat of paint, installing new technology, new landscaping, or upgrading appliances. One of the personal touches that can go a long way is letting a resident choose their preferred color of paint(within reason). This will make their house feel like their own and they will likely take pride in their residence.

5. Observe Fair Housing Practices

Treating all tenants fairly and equally is one of the best things that you can do to retain your best residents. This ensures that you don’t overcharge your tenants in rent and also prevents illegal discrimination.

6. Conduct Routine Inspections

Creating a schedule for routine inspections at move-in will eliminate any confusion when the time comes. Additionally, a tenant may be putting up with a small problem in their home that they haven’t reported to you. Relying on tenant maintenance is ineffective to knowing the true state of your property. Conducting routine inspections will keep your property in tip-top shape and will keep your tenants happy.

7. Keep Up On Maintenance

The number 1 reason tenants choose to move out is a slow response to maintenance requests. From a tenant’s perspective, they are not in control when something goes awry and they rely on responsible property management teams to alleviate the problems quickly.

8. Make Rent Collection Easy

Having a reliable and user-friendly platform to collect rent is one of the most valuable tools a property manager can have. Reminders and receipts can be sent to tenants so that rent payments are received in a timely manner.

9. Conduct Thorough Tenant Screening

A property owner and management team only want to retain tenants who are responsible, maintain their home, and pay their rent on time. One way to get a good idea of if someone will be a good fit is to conduct a thorough screening. This will include a credit check, financial credentials, and a background check.

10. Respect And Prioritize Privacy

Tenants want and deserve to live somewhere peaceful and where they feel respected. This means that if you must enter a property, with the exception of urgent emergencies, you should always give at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows the tenant to prepare and also make arrangements if there is a pet on-premises.

This is only a small list of ways that you can attract and retain the best tenants! It is our mission to provide excellent service to you when it comes to your most valued asset and do it with the highest quality of customer service, tools, technology, and expertise in our industry! Visit us at https://rentwisepm.com/free-rental-estimate-boise/ to receive a free, no-obligation, estimate on what your home may rent for! Our motto here is LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY when it comes to owning a rental property!

Five Tips To Avoid A Holiday Decorating Disaster

November 24, 2021

The holidays have officially arrived! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwaanza, or all three- we share in your excitement! While you’re busy decorating the house, it is easy to get caught up in the fun and safety might be the last thing on your mind. Thankfully, we have put together a short list of our top safety tips to keep your home and your family safe and sound while decking the halls!

Christmas Trees

According to fire departments across the U.S., there are nearly 200 house fires each year caused by Christmas trees. If your family prefers a live Christmas tree, here are a few ways to make sure it remains safe in your home.

Keep your tree hydrated. A dry tree is 20x more likely to catch fire than one that is properly watered
Check the water every other day
Starting with a green tree, this shows that the tree is healthy and has proper hydration
Keep your tree away from heat sources such as outlets, candles, fireplaces, and heaters
Keep a fire extinguisher handy
Fake it! If you can, use an artificial tree. They are cost-effective and provide protection against fires
Check the lights for any exposed wires or sockets

Christmas Lights

Double-check for any frayed wires, exposed sockets, or missing bulbs. If you find any, replace them immediately
Don’t hammer, tack, or staple through any electrical wires. This can cause a short which may result in a fire
Keep lights away from curtains, furniture, and carpeting
Use heavy-duty extension cords and only use cords approved for outdoor use
Use a timer that automatically turns the lights off each night and if you are away from home, not only will this save on your energy bill, this will prevent lights from getting too hot
Do not use furniture as a ladder

Fireplace

Decorated mantles are gorgeous! Stockings, greenery, and tinsel are all flammable. If you plan on using your fireplace, consider moving these elsewhere
Look for fire-resistant decorations
Don’t burn wrapping or tissue paper in the fireplace, wrappings can ignite intensely and get out of control

Ornaments

Purchase unbreakable and non-toxic ornaments, if possible
Replace metal hooks with ribbon or string to avoid injury or choking
Try to avoid decorating the bottom of the tree to avoid small children mistaking it for candy and choking

Festive Plants

Plants are a popular hostess gift, but some of our favorites can be toxic to pets and small children.

Keep plants out of reach of pets and kiddos
Decorate with artificial greenery if possible
If artificial is not an option, try decorating with edible vegetables such as butternut squash

Here at RentWise Property Management, we understand how important time with family and friends is during the holiday season. Enjoy your loved ones and remember these safety tips and holiday decoration suggestions while you enjoy the holiday.

Rental Listing Scams: How To Spot Them and How to Avoid Them

November 10, 2021

Rental Listing Scams happen more often than we’d like to think about. The world is at our fingertips on the internet, and scammers will use this to their advantage. Scammers know that finding the right apartment or home is hard work, and that good deals may be hard to pass up!

Whether you are moving to a new city or just shopping around for a new home, you will be considering the costs associated and the location of the property. Also, consider that the listing that you may be viewing could be a scam.

How To Spot Rental Scams

They want a security deposit or rent paid before you’ve met or signed any documents

Our world has changed a lot over the last few years. It is not uncommon to do business strictly over the phone or through email these days. If you are out of town or unable to do a drive-by of the rental listing, ask someone you trust to view the home and ensure it matches the listing. In addition, at the very least, set up a virtual meeting to meet the owner or property manager.

The advertised price is much lower than comparable properties in the area

One of the surefire ways to spot a scam is that the price will be significantly lower than other homes for rent in the area. Scammers know that in today’s world, everyone is seeking out a good deal. Do some research on the surrounding areas and the average rental cost.

There is a charge to view the home

A property manager, property owner, or agent will never charge you to view a home. There are instances where a management team could vet the potential residents prior to viewing a home with a few questions to ensure that they are qualified residents. This protects the listing parties from scams as well.

The owner or agent uses very high-pressure sales tactics and pushes you to rent the property right away

The rental market is very competitive today. But, not so competitive that you should ever feel pressured to sign a lease without the ability to view the home whether virtually or in person. Listing agents understand that the market has shifted and rentals go quickly. Agents also understand that future residents are entitled to viewing a home prior to signing any documentation or paying anything.

They hijack ads

Scammers are sneaky. Another tactic used may be that they will find a legitimate real estate listing and change the email address or other contact information. The altered ad could include the correct name of the listing agent, but with incorrect contact information. Scammers have even gone as far as hijacking the correct email addresses on rental sites.

They tell you that you have to wire money

The most certain way to tell a rental scam is that the listing requires you to wire money. Wiring money is the same as sending cash, and once you send it, there is usually no way to get it back. Property owners, managers, and agents are typically flexible in how they will accept funds for security deposits, fees, first month’s rent, etc. Scammers will only accept wire-transferred funds.

How to avoid rental scams

Get the terms of the rental in writing, including fees, rent, and maintenance.
Do some homework on the owner, property management company, and listing. If the names are different, or there is no contact information, this is likely a scam.
Ask to view a copy of the lease that is to be signed by the property manager and/or owner.
Check out other listings in the area and see how they are worded and how the photos look. If there are big discrepancies, this is a red flag.

Reporting Scams

Rental Scams are a huge deal. Don’t feel bad if you fell for one, it can happen to anyone! Stopping scammers is so important and there are many resources available. The Federal Trade Commission asks that you report any scams to them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

You never have to worry about being scammed here at RentWise Property Management. Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency are our core values. We build great relationships with all of our property owners and our residents to ensure that everyone is having the best experience. To learn more about how we do business, visit us at rentwisepm.com/rentwise-property-management/

Happy Halloween in the Treasure Valley 2021

October 27, 2021

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At least we think so. Fall landscapes, crisp air, and of course living in a community where Halloween is a BIG deal! So much so, that we needed an entire post to fill you in on all the amazing things happening around the Treasure Valley. We should always note that before attending an event, please check out their information regarding COVID-19 protocols. Safety first! Now, let’s get into the spooktacular fun!

October 28

Downtown Nampa Annual Halloween Trick or Treat

From 4-7:00 PM in the beautiful downtown Nampa area- be sure to check out this Annual Halloween Event. There will be an 80’s tribute band, bounce houses, vendors, food trucks, axe throwing, a flash mob, AND a scavenger hunt! This sounds like an event not to be missed!

Sienna Halloween Festival and Trunk-or-Treat

Located at Sienna Elementary School in Meridian this super fun Halloween Festival is happening from 5-8:00 PM! There will be food trucks, best trunk contests, barrel train, crafts, carnival games, rock wall, mechanical bull, and of course trick or treating!

October 29

Kids Halloween Yoga Party with Jesse

Located at True North Yoga in Kuna, this yoga Halloween Party for kids from 4-4:45 PM. Wear your Halloween costume and be ready to practice poses that correspond to popular Halloween characters such as bats, spiders, zombies, ghosts, cats, scarecrows, and more! Recommended for ages 4-12 years old. 15 students total for social distancing.

High Fitness Monster Mash

Located at N. Discovery Place in Boise from 5:30-8:30 PM, this Monster Mash is a family-friendly Halloween event! Featuring pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating (and eating), games and a photo booth, followed by a fun High Fitness Class for everyone!

12th Annual Shocktoberfest

Located at the Peppershock office in Nampa, Shocktoberfest Client & 18th Anniversary Celebration will begin at 5:00 PM. This event will be in person as well as virtual via Zoom. There will be ghoulish treats, boo-oze, costume contests, and more!

80’s Halloween Party

Located at the Ironwood Bar & Grill in Garden City, this Spooky 80’s party will begin at 8:30 PM. There will be food and drink specials, prizes for the best Halloween costumes all while dancing to your favorite 80’s hits!

Kids GLOW Night: Halloween

Located at Fire & Ice Pottery Studio in Caldwell from 6-9:00 PM. Available for ages 6-15, there will be dinner, dessert, games, and crafts! $50 per child with a sibling discount available.

October 30

McNabb’s Annual Halloween Carnival

Located at 123 Banner Street in Nampa, this annual Halloween Carnival will be providing tricks and treats from 3-8:00 PM. Featuring carnival games, face painting, concessions, prizes, raffles, costume contests, carousel rides, and more! The games, concessions, and crafts are all FREE! Purchasing a raffle ticket helps to fund this wonderful event year after year.

Trick or Treat the Market

Located at the Nampa Farmers Market on Saturday, October 30th. Happening from 9:00 am-1:00 PM- rain or shine! On the final day of the 2021 season, bring your kids, enter a costume contest, snap a selfie with fun backdrops, and trick or treat in a family-friendly, safe environment!

The 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl- Boise

Check-in time is from 4-6 PM at the Cactus Bar Boise. Headlining as the SCARIEST bar crawl ever, there will be exclusive drink specials, amazing local food, waived cover fee at all venues, professional photographer, amazing after party, AND a $1,000 Grand Prize Costume Contest!

Homes of Idaho Trunk-or-Treat Caldwell

Beginning on Main St. in Caldwell, this Trunk-or-Treat event is happening from 3-6:00 PM. There will be tons of trunks, candy, food trucks, a photo booth, a costume contest, and a DJ!

The Fabulous Chancellors Annual Halloween Ball

Located in The Riverside Hotel’s Grand Ballroom– doors open at 7:00 PM from this fantastic Annual Halloween Ball. Enjoy classic Rock’n’Roll hits, music, dancing, and costumes! 21+ event. Enjoy dinner at the Riverside Grill and there will be a no-host. bar service available throughout the event. Room package specials are available.

October 31

Hull-o-Ween Paddle & Party

Hosted by Idaho River Sports, this annual Hull-o-Ween Party is from 11a-2:00 PM. There will be cider & Halloween treats provided. Dress up and paddle on the pond for a chance to win prizes for the best costume! The parade and costume judging begins at 12:00 PM.

A Throwback Halloween

Located at Treasure Valley Skate and happening from 6-9:00 PM, skate to your favorite old school hits while dressed in your favorite themed costumes! This is a family-friendly event & masks are required.

Ten Mile Trunk-or-Treat

Located at the Ten Mile Community Church from 5:30-7:00 PM. This family-friendly event will provide a safe place to have fun, gather some candy, and work your way through the maze!

Whew! We are currently trying to figure out how to attend each of these events- they all sound amazing!

As you can see, living and doing business in the Treasure Valley is WONDERFUL! Let us show you how owning a rental property here can be easier than you think with the right partner in property management!