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The American Dream is within Your Reach

Financial Wounds Heal with Planning, Discipline, Determination

"Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life's problems. Without discipline we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems, with total discipline we can solve all problems."

-- M. Scott Peck, M.D., The Road Less Traveled

If you're like the majority of would-be homeowners today grappling with financial difficulties, take heart. The American Dream of owning a home is within your reach.

No matter how bad your financial situation is today, there are steps you can take to improve your ability to buy a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2009 Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey, down payment and closing costs are among the greatest obstacles to buying a home. Home prices are down and while it's a buyers' market, the current economic climate is tough right now. People are concerned about job security. High prices are taking huge bites out of tight budgets.

Fight the frustration with the best weapons of all, planning, discipline and determination.

In his book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck, M.D. said, "Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life's problems. Without discipline we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems, with total discipline we can solve all problems."

The desire to own a home is only the first step. It's a good step, but it's one that requires careful consideration. How badly to you want to own a home? To what lengths will you go to achieve your dream? It's okay to brainstorm - dream even - about the home you will one day own. Dreaming is never enough. Action is required. There's no better time than right now to get started.

1. Write it down.

Get your dreams out of your head and onto a piece of paper. Ask yourself some tough questions and write down the answers. Here are some examples of questions you might ask. If you have a partner, include that partner in the conversation:

            Why do I want to buy a home?

            When can I realistically expect to be able to buy a home?

            When will I buy a home?

            What kind of a home will I buy?

            Where will my new home be located?

            What are the most important considerations in searching for my home?

            How much should I expect to pay for a home?

            How much money will I need to make a down payment on my home?

            How much should I expect to pay for closing costs?

            How long will I remain in my first home?

2. Examine obstacles.

This step requires total honesty. What is keeping you from achieving your dream? Systematically examine every obstacle. Evaluate reasons for the existence of each obstacle and identify multiple solutions.

3. Set goals.

Start from the end. Imagine where you will be in one year, two years or five years. Draw a road map if you have to and label the path you will take to get to where you want to be. Be sure to include the hurdles you will have to jump over and hoops you will have to jump through. There will be mountains to climb and rivers to cross. Now that you have identified the obstacles, you can deliberately eliminate them one at a time.

Some obstacles on your list might be:

Some possible solutions on your list might be:

Overspending

Track spending for two weeks to see where money leaks occur in your budget. Create a strict budget. Separate wants from needs. Find ways to cut back such as packing a home lunch instead of eating out, carpooling to save gas, renting movies to watch at home instead of going to a theater.

High debt-to-income ratio

Make a list of creditors. List them in order based on the amount you owe each. Concentrate on paying off the smallest bills first. When one bill is paid, take the monthly amount of money you spent on that bill and apply it to the next. Make a commitment to avoid taking on any additional unnecessary debt.

Poor credit score

Now that you're accepting responsibility for your finances you can begin to improve your credit score today. Get a copy of your credit report. Federal law entitles you to one free credit report in a 12-month period from each major credit reporting agency. You can easily obtain your free report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Dispute any errors. You can also call the three major nationwide consumer credit reporting companies for your free report:

Do whatever you have to do to get in good standing with your creditors. Call them, negotiate with them, keep the promises you make to them. Show a sincere effort to rebuild your credit and you will find debtors are willing to help you achieve your goals. Pay your bills on time.

Lack of savings

Pay your bills, but pay yourself first. The loss of a job, illness, emergency repairs, travel and other unplanned expenses will throw your carefully-planned budget into chaos if you're not prepared. Identify a certain percentage of your income - start small if you have to - and put it away in an emergency fund. Eventually your emergency fund will grow and you will start a new savings account for your down payment!

Not enough income

If your expenses are higher than your income and you have shaved as many frills as possible from your spending, it may be time to take on a second job. Also, consider selling personal items you no longer need and are willing to part with in order to live your dream of owning a home. Look for higher-paying promotion opportunities at work.

4. Design your plan.

Your plan will include specific dates, goals and road markers on your map to success. Create a timeline and monitor it carefully. Review your plan each night before you go to bed. Identify milestones and celebrate when you reach those milestones. These can include paying off a bill, acquiring a certain amount of savings, reaching a goal income level and more.

5. Visualize yourself in your new home.

Can you see it? Can you feel the warmth of your new home around you? Can you actually imagine yourself living the American dream? Do it often. Close your eyes and feel the satisfaction of achieving your goal - a goal that once seemed impossible. Talk openly about the day you will move into your new house. Stay positive, focused and committed.

REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards Seek Entries, Winners Receive $10,000

The following is a news alert from the National Association of Realtors®

The National Association of Realtors® is now accepting applications for the 11th annual REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Awards. The awards recognize Realtors® for their commitment to volunteer service.

The five winners will be announced in November in REALTOR® Magazine. Each winner will be recognized at the 2010 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in New Orleans and receive travel expenses to the conference, national media exposure for his or her community cause, and a $10,000 grant for the charity. In addition to the winners, five honorable mentions will each receive a $2,500 grant.

"We all know that Realtors® build communities," said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz. "The Good Neighbor Awards gives us the opportunity to honor the very best of our Realtor® volunteers who make an incredible commitment of their time and energy to help those in need."

Last year's winners contributed a combined total of nearly 8,000 hours to their causes and drew a standing ovation from more than 7,000 Realtors® and guests during the annual conference's general session in San Diego. The 2009 winners were Greg Adamson, Prudential Utah Real Estate, American Fork, Utah, Heart 2 Home Foundation; Cindy Johnson, Dona Christensen Realty, Woodbury, Minn., The Arc of Minnesota; Helen Marotto, EXIT Homeplace Realty, Hampstead, N.C., Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem Assn.; Regina Ragon, Prudential Realty Center, Flintstone, Ga., Latin American Community Development; and Samuel Thomas Jr., Imani Realty & Assocs., Willingboro, N.J., QUEST Community Outreach.

"REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards recognize the important role Realtors® play as volunteers in their communities," said REALTOR® Magazine Editorial Director Pamela Geurds Kabati. "We hope highlighting their stories inspires more Realtors® to give their time to important community organizations."

Previous Good Neighbor Award winners say their charities have benefited from the grant money and the increased public exposure. "The Good Neighbor Awards has increased the exposure of The Sport of Giving from our local community to a national audience," said 2008 Good Neighbor Award Winner Sheila Stevens, Prudential Georgia Realty, Suwanee, Ga., founder of The Sport of Giving. "The inquiries that are flowing in to host events in other parts of the country have allowed us to launch new events and help more people. Our mission has become a reality thanks to the Good Neighbor Awards."

REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards is sponsored by Lowe's. In addition to the grant money, each winner will receive a $2,000 Lowe's gift card and each honorable mention will receive a $1,000 Lowe's gift card.

Good Neighbor Awards entries must be received by Friday, May 21, 2010. For more details and a nomination form, call 800/874-6500, visit www.REALTOR.org/gna, or see the March issue of REALTOR® Magazine.

Lowe's (www.lowes.com) has worked with customers to maintain and improve their homes since 1946. Lowe's is proud to support the Good Neighbor Awards. Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, SkillsUSA/SkillsCanada, and The Nature Conservancy, in addition to numerous nonprofit organizations and programs that help communities in North America. In 2009, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support community and education projects in North America. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's, a Realtor® Benefits Partner, brings Realtors® exclusive benefits to help build relationships with their customers, generate referrals and expand their client base. The benefits program is featured on www.LowesRealtorBenefits.com.

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

A Home Inspection Could Save More than It Costs

A home inspection today could save you thousands of dollars tomorrow. It's true. No matter how sound your new home may seem, stuff happens. Some problems are just unforeseeable, especially to the untrained eye.

Avoid nasty surprises that crop up after your loan is closed by hiring a professional, licensed and certified home inspector to thoroughly examine your new home before you sign on the dotted line.

Many mortgage lenders today actually require a home inspection before releasing loan proceeds. Often an inspector will identify small problems with the potential to become big problems. Mortgage lenders who require home inspections want to make sure their collateral holds its value and you, the buyer, should require it too.

Home Inspection an Investment in Your Investment

Professional home inspectors can vary significantly in price. The old adage, "You get what you pay for," applies to home inspections too. Many home inspectors charge a flat fee. Others charge by the square footage of living space. Some charge a percentage of the home price. Home inspectors may even charge by the hour - generally around $100 per hour.

If you're already strapped to come up with a down payment and closing costs, the price can seem like a lot. On the other hand, compare it to the cost of a new heating and cooling system that could go on the blink within weeks after you purchase, or some other catastrophic undetected required repair and you'll begin to realize what a bargain a home inspection really is.

When hiring a home inspector, ask about specific costs up front. Ask for a published list of items that will be included in the inspection. Ask to review a contract before you agree to hire a professional. And, never be afraid to ask for references. A quality home inspector will be delighted to provide you with references that tout his or her great work.

Your home inspection should include, at minimum, the following:

A thorough home inspection report will help you rest easy knowing the home you are purchasing is up to par. Or, based on a home inspection you will be able to anticipate the cost of repairs needed to bring the home up to your and your lender's standards.

Go Green and Increase the Value of Your Home with Xeriscaping

Water is a precious commodity. So is time. Many of today's home shoppersBeautiful yard are looking for homes with landscaping that is attractive, easy to maintain and ecologically friendly. Xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that can help you achieve all of these results with careful planning.

Whether you are landscaping a new home, improving a home for sale or protecting your property investment, landscaping is an important element to consider.

Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that:

You can achieve a beautiful xeriscape in any yard. Create xeriscaping all at once, or slowly incorporate the conservative method of landscaping over time.

Carefully study the yard you want to xeriscape. Create a plan. Determine which features of your yard are best suited for drought-resistant plants, shade-loving plants, sun-loving plants, turf, decorative rocks and other non-living yard decorations.

Next, set goals. Work on the xeriscape one area at a time. Identify your main goals for each area. Do you want to eliminate high water consumption landscaping features by replacing it with low-maintenance plants? Do you want to attract butterflies or other forms of beautiful wildlife that will add to your yard's appeal? Do you want to highlight existing features such as rocks, trees, and natural terraces? Create a plan for each area of the yard.

Focus on soil development. Good soil will provide more nutrients to your drought resistant plants. Soil that drains quickly, yet stores water is ideal. Strategically add organic material to soil and aerate it often. Many local extension offices and agriculture departments of colleges and universities offer soil testing. Soil testing will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your soil and help you determine what to add with the most positive impact.

Determine which plants are best suited to your yard's natural environment. Once you have determined which plants to use in your xeriscaping, group them together based on the amount of water, soil type, and level of maintenance each plant requires. Plants with high water needs should not be mixed with plants that require little water. Plants that like shade should not be mixed with plants that require full sun.

A carefully-developed watering system can save water, time and ultimately money. Even if you develop one area at a time, plan your entire watering system so you can build upon the irrigation system as you work on each area.

Dress plants with plenty of mulch to help them retain water. Mulch can include leaves, wood chips, tree bark, pine needles and even gravel. A mixture of these can be ideal. In addition to helping the plant retain water, mulch will help regulate temperature, reduce weeds and prevent erosion.

In areas where you do use turf, identify drought-resistant species that grow well in your location.

Most importantly, maintain your xeriscaping regularly to preserve its aesthetic and environmentally friendly appeal!

How Does Your Garden Grow? Start Seedlings Indoors

There's nothing like a lush garden to improve your home's curb appeal. An established flower garden or vegetable garden can actually add value to your home and property. For many regions, now is the time to begin planning your garden strategy.

In cooler climates it's a good idea to start some vegetables and flowers indoors. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.      Don't start your plants indoors too soon. If you are new to the area, research the traditional date range for the last spring frost and plan accordingly.

2.      Eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplants, leeks, head lettuce, and onions are just a few of the vegetables that will benefit from an early start indoors.

3.      Flowers slow to mature can also be planted indoors in order to make the green thumb next door green with garden envy. Some of these include impatiens, petunias, snapdragons, and fibrous begonias.

4.      Be careful not to start plants with sensitive roots indoors. Vegetables such as peas, beans, corn, and sweetpeas like to settle in to their summer homes and not be disturbed. You can stunt the growth of these by replanting them after they have already taken root.

5.      Reuse containers each year, but keep your indoor planting containers clean. Commercial flats can be used over and over and they usually come with trays to catch runaway water.

6.      Try a mixture of vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss for seed starting. It's easy to overwater indoor starts and rot their roots. Make sure your seedlings have plenty of air circulation, a warm (but not hot) environment (70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is just about right), and plenty of strong light.

7.      Don't overcrowd seeds. Encourage them to grow freely by giving them plenty of room.

8.      Don't let containers and plant medium dry out completely, but don't over water them either.

9.      Label and date containers. You could forget what you planted, and when you planted it!

10.  Gradually toughen plants so they can survive drying winds and changing temperatures. Brush your hand gently across them daily. As they get older, consider using a fan do simulate wind for a few hours every day.

If you're looking for a home with a beautiful garden spot, contact us today! We're your area real estate specialists.


Housing Market on a Roll – Pending Sales Continue to Climb

SoldTentative home shoppers are jumping off the fence and into homeownership as prices linger low, reduced interest rates persist and the sun begins to set on the federal government's $8,000 historic tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

On Aug. 4, 2009 the National Association of Realtors® reported an increase in pending home sales for the fifth consecutive month, "the first time in six years for such a streak."

The Pending Home Sales Index is an indicator based on contracts signed in June 2009. According to NAR, a sale is listed as "pending" when a contract is signed but the transaction is not closed. Most sales finalize within a month or two.

The index uses contract activity in 2001 (the first year that was examined for this specific data) as a baseline. "An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001." That year was the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales.

Contracts signed in June 2009 were up 3.6 percent and settled at an index of 94.6 (remember that 2001 is the baseline - "the good old days"). That's great news because May's reading came in at 91.3. When compared to June 2008, the June 2009 index reading is even more impressive. June 2008 was indexed at 88.7 (grueling). June 2009 numbers show a 6.7 percent improvement over last year.

It's true that a slight increase here and there can be a fluke, but it is the first time since July 2003 that we've seen an increase for five months straight. Cautious optimism is in order here.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun attributes the gain to several market factors including:

 "Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and large selection are encouraging buyers who've been on the sidelines.  Activity has been consistently much stronger for lower priced homes," Yun said.  "Because it may take as long as two months to close on a home after signing a contract, first-time buyers must act fairly soon to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit because they must close on the sale by November 30."

Here's a breakdown of index statistics provided by the NAR by area:

Every glimmer of light in what has been a very dark market is cause for celebration!



Americans on the Move: Relocation Information is at Your Fingertips

On the moveAmericans are on the move. Recent housing market fluctuations and economic conditions have prompted many Americans to relocate. Some relocate to find employment or meet job requirements. Others are (sadly) losing homes to foreclosure and looking for a new start. Some are finding affordable housing as a result of the slow housing market in new locations. Believe it or not, there are some who simply seek new and better surroundings.

People choose different locations for different reasons at different stages of their lives.

Whether you're moving to a new community by chance or by choice, the transition can require a long period of stressful adjustment. There are ways to minimize the stress and prepare you and your family for life in a new neighborhood.

Tap Into Technology

If you have decided to move to a specific location (such as in the case of a job transfer), it's a good idea to become familiar with your new surroundings before you make any decisions about housing or local location.

The Internet is a wonderful, wonderful tool that can take you places without ever having to leave your home. Take full advantage of the tools the Internet offers. Start by contacting a real estate agent who can act as a "virtual guide" and, later, a location guide.

A real estate agent can be your best friend in this situation. Real estate agents are generally very well connected and can provide you with quality community information in an instant. Peruse your agent's website for local information and links that will help you evaluate:

Your real estate agent can provide you with external local website links that will help you provide in-depth information.

Nearly every incorporated city and some unincorporated communities feature websites with helpful information. Simply access your favorite search engine and type in the name of the city. You may get more accurate results by using quotation marks around the name of the city (especially if the city name includes more than one word), for example, "Salt Lake City, Utah" or "Salt Lake City, UT". Be sure to use the name of the state in your search. Look for official websites with a ".gov" or ".org" extension. You can also type in questions such as, "In what county is Salt Lake City located?"

Local chambers of commerce are almost always willing to send relocation packets with selected information including visitor guides and local resources. Often their websites feature links that allow you to request a relocation packet online. Some charge a minimal fee.

If you are still deciding where you want to live, there are many public and private enterprise websites that compare communities and offer demographic information on multiple communities.

U.S. Census Bureau - www.census.gov

The U.S. Census Bureau is a great source of information. Be forewarned that smaller communities may only feature information based on the most recent complete census conducted in 2000. There are many different data sets available through the U.S. Census Bureau including:

The Decennial Census taken every 10 years to collect information about the people and housing of the United States.

You will also find:

CNNMoney.com (Money Magazine) - money.cnn.com

Each year Money Magazine conducts a study of America's small towns and compares them to other small towns throughout the country. The information provided by this source is more subjective than hard statistics provided by the U.S. government, but its also more user-friendly and in some cases more in-depth. The information is somewhat limited depending on the towns studied in a given year. Money Magazine Places a high value on strong economy, education, low crime, affordable housing, etc.

Wikipedia - wikipedia.org

Wikipedia is a multilingual, Web-based, free-content encyclopedia. You will find information on many states, counties, cities and towns, and counties on Wikipedia. Remember Wikipedia is written collaboratively by volunteers from all over the world. Anyone with access to the internet can make changes to its articles. On this site you will find information about demographic (usually based on the most recent decennial census), history, geography, climate and more.

Sperling's Best Places - www.bestplaces.net/

Sperling's Best Places is another good private site that compares community features and gives readers an inside look at the best features of many communities. Here you'll find information about the cost of living, crime, education, the economy, population, climate and more.

Where to Retire -- wheretoretire.com

If you're ready to retire and are looking for a new location, Where to Retire can help you analyze different areas armed with information. Where to Retire strives to be America's foremost authority on retirement relocation.

Relocating to a new area is a monumental event! Choose the right location and know the location before you actually make your move.

Cold Reality about Ice Removal

Many states in America are grappling with blizzards and freezing temperatures right now. If you're not in one of those locations, consider your self lucky! If you are, staying safe and warm is probably your primary focus.

Icy walkways and driveways can be dangerous. In some cases, not even a shovel or snow-blower can protect you from that thin, dark, barely visible layer of ice that bonds to surfaces and doesn't thaw until spring.

It can be tempting to buy chemicals at the local hardware store to remove stubborn frozen leftovers. They are very effective. But before you do buy, know what you're shopping for and understand the potential residual effects to your yard,concrete paths, and to the environment in general.

Remove Deep Snow

It is not cost effective to melt deep snow with chemicals. It can also be dangerous to the surrounding environment. Before attempting to remove ice that has bonded to your walkways and driveways remove as much of the snow as you can with a shovel, snow blower, or plow.

Although ice may appear to be frozen on top of pavement, ice actually bonds to porous surfaces. In order to properly remove the ice, it's important to actually break that bond. Some chemical products are designed to do just that. Others are designed to prevent bonds from forming at all. 

Choosing Between a De-icer and an Anti-icer

All chemicals for icy winter conditions are not created equal. There are two basic groups:

1. De-icers

2. Anti-icers

De-icers are generally spread over snow or ice. Remove as much as possible before using these chemical's intended to get into the pavement's surface and break the icy bond. De-icers can actually make the snow removal process easier and less work with a much cleaner result.

Anti-icers should be applied before it snows. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way. These chemicals are designed to prevent snow and ice from bonding to paved surfaces. Many manufacturers combine the two products.

Rock Salt, 'to Use or Not to Use'

Rock salt is pretty cost effective. It's inexpensive and easy to spread. However, as harmless and natural as rock salt might seem, it has some pretty nasty side effects.

Rock salt is known to:

Potential risks researched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent manufacturers looking for environmentally-friendly alternatives. The key to using any chemical is to follow the manufacturer's instructions closely and avoid overuse.

Carefully read the label of any chemical product before you buy it. Better yet, consider strategies that will help you avoid the use of chemicals at all.

 Make Technology a Part of the Plan

There are many strategies used today to combat ice. If you are building a home in a location known for harsh weather, consider incorporating some of these strategies. If you are remodeling, or rebuilding decks, sidewalks and driveways, now is a good time to consider your alternatives. You don't have to completely rebuild to simplify the process, there are alternatives you can add on with very little time or expense.

Research the use of:

Let there be Light: Spacious, Roomy Homes Sell Better

There's no question about it, we Americans like our space. We like to breath, move, bask in the light and haShopping for a homeve plenty of room to store our very own junk - uh, treasures.

Many home shoppers look for all of these features in a home. Sometimes the search for space and light is conscious. Other times it's completely unconscious. As a home seller, you have the ability to make a bigger, better impression on your potential buyers regardless of the actual size of your home. Here are some tips to help you use the space you have wisely for a positive impression on home buyers.

Natural light

Take advantage of every possible ray of natural light available. Open curtains and blinds. Clean windows and skylights inside and out. Try to schedule showings for the time of day when natural light shows off your home's features best. Remove dark, heavy curtains and replace them with simple window toppers or white (even light-colored) sheers.

The power of electricity

Make sure all bulbs are working. Opt for soft lights where you want to create a soft ambiance. Use brighter lights where you want to create a powerful sense of energy. Up the wattage. Replace low-watt bulbs with higher watt bulbs in large areas. Use lamps in dark corners to make them seem wider and brighter. Turn them on when you are about to show your home. Remove light covers and clean them thoroughly.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Whose house is the biggest of all? Yours could certainly seem like it with tasteful mirrors strategically placed throughout your home. The reflection on you will be sweet when home shoppers delight in the spacious, airy feeling they get from a big, beautiful mirror in the right location.

Remove excess furniture

There's no need to live without a couch, but certainly do eliminate excess furniture from a home you're trying to sell. If you just have to hang on to it, rent a storage unit or store excess pieces at the home of a friend or family.

De-Junk

Clear of shelves, all visible surfaces and even those surfaces tucked away. Home shoppers like to peek inside closets and cupboards. Make sure yours are well-organized. Remove anything you don't have to have and keep small areas particularly clean.

Clean out the garage

You've been waiting for the right motivation. Now it's time to clean out the garage. Many home shoppers (particularly men) base their decisions on work spaces such as the garage (sometimes it's the laundry room or kitchen). If you rely on storage space in the garage, invest in some simple storage shelves to make things tidy and neat. A spacious garage is a great selling point.

Leave during a showing

Extra bodies take up extra space. Allow home shoppers to imagine themselves in your home without you present. It's not just the physical space you occupy, but the energy a home seller can consume unconsciously in their own home. It's difficult to watch others access your treasured surroundings. It's best to leave through the showing and allow shoppers to browse.

Manage Carpet Expenses in Your Investment Rentals

Experienced property managers know maintaining and replacing dirty, worn or damaged carpeting is a major expense. There are many variables that can impact carpeting in a rental unit ranging from tenant traffic to the existence to pets to the quality of carpet you install in the first place.

While you may not have control over all factors that impact carpeting in rental units, there are many ways to extend the life of carpeting and save money when it comes to repairing and replacing it.

1.      Establish clear rules for tenants who occupy your rental homes. Pets can be hard on carpeting. If you plan to preserve existing carpeting by eliminating pets from the equation, spell it out in your rental agreement and clarify whether or not you allow pets verbally with occupants. If you do plan to allow pets, plan to replace carpet more often and build a carpeting allowance into your maintenance budget. Consider requiring a non-refundable carpet cleaning fee upon move-in to be used when the tenant moves out. People who want to house their pets too are often willing to pay an increased deposit for the privilege. Make it clear that carpet damage due to pets will be recovered from the deposit.

2.      Install carpeting that is durable and will withstand normal wear and tear. If you do allow pets, install less expensive carpet that can be easily replaced. It is often easier to replace carpeting than it is to clean it. Accidents and spills happen. Carpet gets worn and torn regardless of the grade you use. Rental units are notorious for frequent tenants moving in and out. When furniture is moved across the floor, floor coverings can be damaged. When you buy carpet, determine the life expectancy of the carpet and budget accordingly. There are many factors to consider when you factor the life expectancy including the types of tenants to whom you plan to rent. Including:

a.       The average age of your tenants (more mature people tend to be less rough on carpets)

b.      The number of children who will be living in the home

c.       The climate where the home is located (excess moisture can damage carpets naturally)

d.      Landscaping immediately around the home (have you installed concrete, lawn or other elements that will minimize the tracking of mud and dirt onto carpets?)

e.       The average length of stay (when tenants live in a home for an extended period of time, they are more likely to take better care of the carpet-if tenants stay for more than five years, it makes sense to invest in a higher grade of carpeting.)

  1. Nylon carpeting is extremely durable and it doesn't shed! Ask for a clear explanation of the types of materials from which carpet is made when shopping for carpet. Explain the intended use of the carpet to a qualified vendor and seek help in choosing durable and affordable flooring.
  2. Maintain carpets regularly. If you have several rental properties, schedule regular maintenance and inspections.
  3. Make sure windows and doors are properly sealed. Check all drains, faucets, toilets, tubs and showers for leaks. Invest in a high-quality shower curtain to prevent water from splashing on floors.
  4. Install carpeting in rooms for warmth, acoustics, comfort and aesthetics, but use a more durable type of flooring such as tile or linoleum in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. where you can expect spills and splashes.
  5. Use high-quality padding to minimize wear and tear on carpeting. If pets are not present in the rental home, padding can often be reused.
  6. When it's time to replace carpeting, tear out the old carpeting and padding yourself to save money. Never allow new carpeting to be laid over a dirty floor. Remove all dust, dirt and debris as even the smallest of granules of dirt can cause extra wear on your carpet from the inside out!
  7. Buy carpet that is treated with a stain guard. If you are not installing new carpet, have a professional clean existing carpeting and apply a commercial stain guard. Select neutral colors of carpeting less likely to show dirt and stains.
  8. Hire professionals to clean carpets. Professional carpet cleaners understand different types of flooring and the chemicals that can and cannot be used.