Just A Landlord

Every year around this time people focus a bit more on planning, all part of that New Year’s Resolution thing.  While planning should ongoing and not be restricted to the last month of the year, I too kick off the beginning of every year with a “big” project with the intent of fundamentally changing some aspect of our business.

This is the first of a handful of ideas that you could use to make 2010 more productive than 2009.

Document Imaging / Scanning instead of paper files

One of the biggest changes in the operation of our business occurred at the end of 2007 when we went from paper filing systems to full document scanning and digital storage.

The scanning project is so cool that I couldn’t help but share it with the readers of the ApartmentAssoc email list.  It is a project that a mom and pop operation working from their kitchen table to large multi person offices.  And it’s relatively cheap. You can get into it for under $200 and quickly save more than that in time and aggravation.

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The following was a post from Ray Como ten years ago. I’ve reposted it to the ApartmentAssoc@YahooGroups.com email list (More info about this free, open to all disussion group) every year since. Even if the ideas themselves are not suited to your situation, they may get you thinking of other ideas that better fit you or at least remind you three weeks in advance that the tax year is coming to an end. — Tim

Each Year

On or about this time of the year you should be thinking of strategies that take advantage of the “straddling-effect” that occurs every December 31st.

This will be worth thousands (maybe millions) to you and your corporations, if you simply TAKE ACTION!  With that—lets talk deductions and straddling strategies . . . Read the rest of this entry »

These are the reference links I use everyday
- Tim Ballering, Affordable Rentals Milwaukee, WI

More Useful Links For Landlords Read the rest of this entry »

A couple property owners approached me stating they have received notice from the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) that they must obtain new occupancy certificates on properties they purchased a couple of years ago.  In both cases the properties had been in foreclosure.

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Owners of pre-1978 properties:  It’s going to get much more expensive to make repairs come next April due to the EPA Renovator Rule.

You may have heard the recent Window World ads for their $185 installed vinyl replacement windows. In the ad they warn you to replace your windows now because their price goes up by $100 in April 2010.  Why is this?

It’s the new EPA Renovator rule

The rule affects most people who perform maintenance on residential properties, daycares and schools.  Contractors performing work on owner occupied homes are also required to comply.

And no, this is not just a painter rule. Property owners, landlords, plumbers,electricians, HVAC, maintenance and handymen all will be affected by the new certification disclosure, documentation and training requirements, too.  EPA documentation is at English (PDF)

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