Redefining the Tenant and Owner Experience

The two things you should never compromise when sealing the deal on an investment property are 1) your team, and 2) the numbers. Let’s unpack this a bit more. Your Team Time is precious. And so is your sanity. Putting your money to work for you in the most efficient way possible will require an expert real estate agent, property management team, and maintenance experts. And if you are smart, you’ll find a team that will not just handle all of the above, but will exceed your expectations in every way. Real estate is a long-term play and you need people around you who can help you unpack and fine tune your goals – and then execute. We have the contacts, the tenant circles, the maintenance expertise, the real estate agents, and the experienced property managers to help you succeed. We don’t compromise when it comes to making the right connections with the right people. And we don’t think you should either! A better network = better net worth. The Numbers Don’t compromise on the numbers. Just don’t. Before you tell us that you already knew that, answer this: do you have a goal in mind for what kind of passive income you want to generate monthly to achieve financial freedom? Every property gets you one step closer, unless you buy properties where the return on investment breaks even or you lose money every month. It may not be as simple as it seems, which is why you have to establish a goal. Underestimate your income and overestimate your expenses. We promise. It will be worth it. Have questions? We have answers. Our team of real estate experts and property managers stand ready to help you succeed. Want to come in for a free consultation? Call our team of experienced real estate experts and property managers today! Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter .

We are going to cut to the chase. Here are three creative methods to help you find the best real estate deals. Cold Call/Email: See a home that catches your eye? Approaching and then asking the owner if they are interested in selling can be one of the best ways to find unconventional buys. You might just be surprised by the response you receive. (And don’t forget you can check property records!) Be sure to have your pitch down and ask questions that will help you determine if the seller is motivated. And be clear – tell them directly that you want to purchase their home when they decide to sell. Don’t forget to leave your contact information behind! Buy Off-Market Deals: The best deals are those that are off the market because anything that is on the market has higher competition (driving prices up!). Build relationships with owners and network to find the people who are interested in selling. One of our founders found an off-market deal by running into a seller carrying a “For Sale by Owner” sign outside of Home Depot! Anything can happen! Follow-Up: While this may not seem like the most “creative” method, this really is what separates the amateurs from the pros. Follow up with a thank you. Then follow up again. And again. And again. Our team of real estate experts and property managers stand ready to help you succeed. Have questions about investing in real estate? Or want to come in for a free consultation? Call our team of experienced real estate experts and property managers today! Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter .

Owning real estate is generally a safe bet. Even Franklin D. Roosevelt believed firmly in property investment in his day. "Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world." – FDR However, it’s not all rainbows and cash flow. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for property investors to lose their investment in foreclosure or bankruptcy if they invest without a guide or a thorough understanding of how it works. Here are three things that can wreak havoc on your rental property investment. Vacancies This is one of the toughest obstacles a property owner will face. Every day a property sits vacant is money out of your pocket. In fact, if you purchase your property with a traditional mortgage, you’re depending solely on cash flow to bring in your profit. If the home sits vacant for 30 days, profit can be wiped out for months or even a year depending on the size of your margin. For instance, a $100,000 investment may have a monthly mortgage of around $600. If your rent for the unit is $850, your cash flow is $250 a month. If the unit sits empty for a month, it will take you almost four months to recuperate the lost profit. At Generation Property Management (GPM) we strive for 7-10 day turns, on average, to ensure your investments are working for you. Misplaced Goals and Expectations When it comes down to it, does your property fit your portfolio? Or are you buying just to buy? Identifying your goals and having clear direction will inform each decision you make when purchasing property. Are you a long-term investor who wants to hold rentals for 10, 20, 30+ years and experience the slow-build? Or would you prefer to switch gears from rentals to flips in order to make a profit faster but part with each investment at the end of the project? Maybe you’d like to do some of both. Either way, understanding how your money will work for you in any scenario is vital to the longevity of your investment career. That’s where our experienced team of real estate professionals can help! Maintenance Because there are always things that need to be fixed. And unresolved issues only get bigger. It’s important you have vendors you trust. You want to be frugal – not cheap. Don’t be the investor that settles for the half-fix and has to pay to have an issue resolved three times over. Not only will this cut into your profits, you’ll most likely have a disgruntled tenant who's unwilling to renew their lease. Maintenance items can be a tough pill to swallow. Don’t let uncertainty make them worse. Find a team of property managers (that’s us!) to take care of the nitty gritty for you. At GPM, our vendor relationships have been nurtured to stand the test of time, so we know exactly where each penny is going anytime there’s an issue. Remember, this is YOUR investment. Have questions about investing in real estate? Or want a free consultation? Call our team of experienced real estate experts and property managers today. Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter .

Every industry has its own language. If you don’t know what to look for or how to interpret it, getting into the game can be a challenge. All the acronyms. Complex terminology. Jargon. It can take a while to familiarize yourself to the concepts related to renting and buying residential investment properties. That’s why we did the legwork for you. Check out our list of the top real estate investing terms you need to know so that you can get into the game! ____________________ 1031 Exchange: This is a tax process by which property owners can defer paying capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from an investment property into a comparable investment. Adjustable vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: An adjustable-rate mortgage has an interest rate that fluctuates based on market conditions, whereas a fixed-rate mortgage remains consistent for the length of the loan. Appraisal: This is the value of a property determined by a licensed third-party based on the property’s condition and comparable listings in the same area. Appreciation: That’s an increase in the value of a property over time. This can be due to inflation, weakening supply, and/or increased demand. Capitalization Rate ("Cap Rate"): This is the ratio of a property’s NOI to its current market value. Equity: That’s the difference between the present (market) value of a property and the amount owed on the mortgage. It is built over time as the mortgage balance is reduced and the property value appreciates. For Sale By Owner (FSBO): Pronounced fizz-bo , this a property that is "For Sale By Owner" and not listed with a real estate agent. Net Operating Income (NOI): NOI is the annual income an investment property makes MINUS property expenses such as taxes, fees, and repairs. Off-Market Property or "Pocket Listing": These are gold in the real estate market. These are properties whose owners are willing to sell but they are not listed on the public MLS (multiple listing service) for sale. Return on Investment (ROI): ROI is the net profit of an investment property relative to acquisition cost. Seller’s Market vs. Buyer’s Market: When we experience a seller’s market, there are more buyers than there are homes for sale, meaning property prices tend to be higher (and more attractive) to sellers. A seller’s market creates competition for buyers. A buyer’s market means there are more homes for sale than there are buyers, meaning the sellers compete for buyers’ attention, driving down home prices. Short vs. Long-Term Rental: A short term rental is a vacation rental (such as Airbnb or VRBO) that is typically furnished, and you guessed it, rented on a short-term basis, typically for anywhere from a couple days to a month. A long-term rental is a traditional lease that is rented to a tenants for a long period of time, typically for a year or more. Single vs. Multi-Family Home: A single-family home is a free-standing property, while a multi-family home is designed to house many families separately in one building divided into multiple units. This could mean an apartment, duplex, triplex or quadraplex. Tenant Screening: This is the process of interviewing and vetting potential tenants. Turn: The process of moving a tenant out of the property at the end of their lease, and then repairing, cleaning, and preparing the property to be rented to a new tenant. Vacancy Rate: The percentage of vacant units at any given time (ours is low and we currently average a 7-10 day “turn” on properties). ____________________ Did we miss one? Drop it in the comments below and we will get back to you! Now that you know the lingo, it is time to put your money to work for you. Contact our experienced team of experienced real estate experts and property managers today for a free consultation! Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter .

It seems everyone has written a book these days, and everyone that has ever read a book on investment strategies won’t hesitate to offer their opinion. From the self-proclaimed expert across the table to the hoard of gurus online, everyone wants you to follow x strategies to get rich quick. It can be overwhelming, but the truth is, you don’t need more real estate investment strategies. You need the right strategies and discover your niche. That’s what distinguishes the average real estate investors from the great ones. Step 1: If you have decided to take the plunge into real estate, stick to it ! The first few years are the hardest, and if you change your mind in the beginning, you will miss out. Step 2: Understand the market. To implement your strategy, you have to understand the local market. That’s where we come in. We can help you identify opportunities and hit the ground running. Step 3: Your competitors can be your best teachers. Believe it or not, watching your competition is vital for success. Where the rubber meets the road is how you learn to distinguish yourself from them. Step 4: Know your limits before you hit them. How much money and time do you have to spend? Set your investment goals and your limits before you get started, because your time is even more valuable than your money. And that’s where we come in again. Low on time? We are here to help you build, grow, and manage your portfolio. Step 5: Build your team. Find your inner circle of mentors and experts that have already been down that road and have made the mistakes. Our team of investors with over 40 years of experience is here to empower you and to challenge you! We’ve been down that road, and we want you to succeed! BONUS Tip: Be patient. If you are reading this, you probably already know that real estate investing is a long-term play. It takes time and effort to make it to the big returns, so don’t fall for those shiny objects that seem to be a sure-fire way to get rich quick. Our team of investors and managers stands ready to help you succeed. Have questions about investing in real estate? Or want to come in for a free consultation? Call our team of experienced real estate experts and property managers today! Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter .

The national housing market is at an all-time low. Currently, only one out of every 10 markets are seeing inventory growth. According to a Realtor.com forecast, 2020 could be the most challenging year for buyers, not because of what they can afford but because of what they can find. In the Greater Chattanooga area, there are only around 2,000 single family homes for sale. With 70,000+ homes on the property tax rolls in Hamilton County, it is clear inventory is low, causing investors to make quick and competitive offers on houses. According to the Wall Street Journal, deep-pocketed cash buys from investors have doubled since the 2008 housing crash. Savvy investors are buying more than 20% of homes today and pose a challenge for first-time home buyers, including families looking for starter homes. Here are the five things you need to know to make a well-informed decision and beat the competition to grow your investment portfolio: Mortgage Taxes Insurance Projected Rent ROI Knowing these details about your potential purchase will help you evaluate whether the deal makes sense. Beyond just the raw numbers, though, we recommend two other benchmarks to see how the property stacks up against other similar investments: Cash Flow: What you will clear on a monthly basis after paying mortgage and expenses and setting aside an escrow payment for property taxes and insurance Return on Investment: Projected over three years and five years At Generation Property Management, we have created a scorecard that our real estate agents use with investors to help you identify these benchmarks and evaluate the strength of a deal based on investment potential. As you evaluate different deals, our scorecard can guide your decision making. To sign up for our Hotsheet email alerts or to learn more about our scorecard, contact Brooke and Chase Payne at 423-702-0417. Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

We all know that property manager. The one who ignores your calls while increasing your fees. The one whose favorite two words are “next” and “week.” The one who turns a small repair into a nightmare of overrides and hidden fees. You know the guy. We also know you didn’t get into real estate to be a landlord. You dream about strong returns and steady rents, but you need a partner who adds value and manages your asset like their own. More than just a guy with a truck... you need a property management team. Still haven’t convinced you? Here are five reasons you should use a property management company: We take responsibility. This means less stress and more freedom for you. A good property management company will be able to provide responsive service to tenants. This is a big one. You do not want to put your life on hold for every tenant need. We know investors want passive income to grow their wealth, to make money in their sleep, not to be woken up at 2:00 a.m. to respond to an emergency maintenance call for a tenant who has water pouring from the ceiling. Stuff happens. Using a property management company reduces your stress and increases your quality of life. We understand the market. A good property management company already has a network of service providers, potential tenants, and industry professionals from lenders to agents so that you don’t have to start from scratch. In addition, they should carry a knowledge of the market and landlord laws and maintain existing processes for screening tenants. A strong property management company provides a solid foundation for you to build your empire upon. We negotiate the leases and contracts. Reading, understanding, and negotiating contracts while navigating the differences between earnest and trust money, security deposits, and lease fees. And don’t forget the fine print. All those hours of paperwork are not fun. Leave that legal mumbo jumbo up to us. There is no manual for this, and we do it so you don’t have to. We deal with all the “legal stuff.” We know. It can be a hassle. Tenant/landlord laws. Property laws. Eviction and bad tenants. Oh my! A property management company already has the knowledge to deal with situations that arise and has a process for screening tenants to avoid problems in the future. Trust us, you don’t want to get stuck in that mess. We have the resources. A good property management company maintains existing processes for everything mentioned above, as well as the following: Rent collection Tenant screening and analytics Loss mitigation for vacant properties Tenant satisfaction Record management Control of substantial ROI Professional communication Property maintenance/repair and protection of assets Management of service contractors Advisement on future property investment Maximizing revenue and minimizing costs Keeping tenants loyal, creating sustained rental income, maintaining competitive prices. The industry is constantly changing, and every day a property is vacant means money out of your bank account. Too many investors get in over their heads with no way out. We don’t want that to be you! Have questions about investing in real estate? Or want to come in for a free consultation? Call our team of experienced real estate experts and property managers today. Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter .

When it comes to home buying, you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Experienced buyers will often tell you that a home inspection is a great way to move forward with confidence before you seal the deal. Still, investors ask us all the time, “Should I get a home inspection?” It’s a valid question. According to a survey conducted by the Porch , a home repair and maintenance company, that asked home buyers questions about their experience in home buying and home inspections, home inspections have proven to be useful for a number of reasons: 86% of buyers who used a home inspection said that their inspector identified at least one problem that should be addressed; 82% inspectors found at least one issue with the roof, electrical system, windows, plumbing, and/or water heater; and, 46% of buyers reported that they “used home inspection reports to negotiate a lower price on their home.” There can be major issues when purchasing a new property. And that’s exactly what one of our investors avoided with a home inspection. The client chose to have a home inspection at our recommendation and instead of just taking a quick look at the electrical box, the inspector tested it. Ultimately, because of the home inspector’s professionalism, he was able to resolve the situation and identify a major issue for the homeowner and potential buyer. Crisis evaded. While the untrained eye may not always have the tools or knowledge to spot problems, an inspector does. The cost of the inspection was $450. The outcome? The house was discounted from $150,000 to $140,000. We have a great partner in Chattanooga Home Inspectors . They have a thorough and proven process, clear reporting, and are real estate investors themselves. That said, there ARE times we do not recommend an inspection. This is when requesting an inspection may not be in your favor. This occurs when there are multiple offers. In this case, requesting an inspection may cause your bid to be viewed as less competitive. In addition, if you are going to do extensive renovations (i.e. full gut from plumbing to H-vac to roof), it may not be needed. Also, you will most likely not need an inspection if the seller has already disclosed known issues. Finally, if you are well-versed and know what to look for, you may not have a need for an inspection. Just beware. It is easy to be overconfident before something goes wrong. Takeaway: A home inspection removes risk for the buyer and can help you find more value in the house by REDUCING THE SELLING PRICE. Have questions about investing in real estate? Or want advice on whether you should get a home inspection? Call our team of experience real estate experts today. Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter .

Ever wondered how to build generational wealth through real estate investments? One of our favorite strategies is to search for distressed assets. And that’s where our team at Generation Homes comes in. Not only do our property managers excel at keeping tenants happy and properties filled at the highest market rent possible, they are also experienced real estate agents who have a knack for identifying deals for investors. Here are three distressed asset strategies we employ for our clients. Under Market Rent: Our team recently identified a distressed quadraplex for an investor. It had been under poor management, two units were empty, and there was structural damage to the exterior. With two empty units and low rents on the remaining units, the net operating income (NOI) was artificially low for the area. Our team projected a $20,000 in capital expenditure (CapEx) could increase rents from $650 on average per unit to $850 per unit. Within 60 days, our team helped increase the total rent roll from $2,050 per month to $3,100 per month. Outdated Appearance: We continue to work with young, first-time real estate investors. A newlywed couple just recently purchased a distressed asset that they plan to transform and live in for a couple years. Down the road, they plan to move into a new home but keep their current property as an investment. We stand ready to help them at every turn: advising on their next purchase, finding tenants for their current home, and building a lasting relationship to help them continue to grow their investment portfolio. “It has been an experience brushing our teeth in the shower faucet in a bathroom that has no sink or washing dishes outside because the kitchen sink has yet to be fixed,” the wife told us, “but we have come a long way since then; now that the dust has settled, we are ready to fix up our next property!” And that’s the thing. You don’t have to be a middle-aged or a millionaire to buy your first property. Truthfully, cosmetic neglect is a goldmine for real estate investors – especially for the young investor with the time and patience to make those updates. Seeing past cosmetic neglect unlocks a home’s greatest financial potential. By finding these distressed assets with an outdated appearance and putting a little time and sweat equity into it, anyone can become an investor. Motivated Seller: “It took years to find a savvy real estate team that could help me find motivated sellers,” one investor told us. “They were so focused on commissions that they couldn’t see through an investor’s eyes.” Every seasoned investor knows that great real estate teams can help find buyers who are in a 1031 exchange, needing to move quickly, have storm-damaged homes, are beneficiaries of inherited properties, homeowners under threat of foreclosures, banks under possession of foreclosures, expecting families looking to move, and people who are transferring jobs or have lost a job. Finding a motivated seller is key to nailing that quality buy. Our team at Generation Property Management and Generation Homes is dedicated to helping you put a distressed asset to good use. Contact us today to discuss your property and real estate investment goals. Brooke Payne Real Estate Asset Manager 423-702-0418 Follow Generation Property Management on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter. Here's a before/after of a distressed asset we recently helped a local investor make market ready.