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	<title>Texas HOA &#8211; HOA ALLIANCE</title>
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	<title>Texas HOA &#8211; HOA ALLIANCE</title>
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		<title>Paying For A Yard: Single-Family Comes At A Price In Houston’s Booming Build-To-Rent Housing Industry</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/paying-for-a-yard-single-family-comes-at-a-price-in-houstons-booming-build-to-rent-housing-industry/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2022 18:33:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=320208</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Written by Elizabeth Colegrove Houston developer Wan Bridge has a simple pitch for prospective residents: Move into one of its tidy, newly built suburban houses and find a backyard for the dog, a garage for the clutter, and never worry about homeownership woes like cutting lawns or changing lightbulbs. It’s the longtime dream of many would-be Houston homeowners in what has been touted as Texas’ easy living, affordable capital. But this dream doesn’t require a hefty down payment. Wan Bridge’s pitch is proving effective with Houston renters. The company started by developing five build-to-rent houses in 2016 and is now set to deliver about 3,000 in 2023, enjoying 95% occupancy of its existing stock. The company, which received a multibillion-dollar capital investment last year, is expanding at lightning speeds, snatching up more land throughout Texas, promising prospective residents all the space and luxuries of homeownership without a down payment or tedious maintenance dues. “When we started this business, we captured this group of people and really provided a good service, a good product. People are lining up to want to tour our homes,” said Wan Bridge CEO Ting Qiao of the rosy future of the single-family build-to-rent industry, still in its infancy, but with miles of open road ahead. “We are lucky to capture this new trend.” Yet where developers are seeing promise — and a lot of return on investment — in the industry, those thinking of build-to-rent-homes as an affordable alternative to buying a home may be in for sticker shock. Houston has spent years marketing itself as a modern, diverse, yet affordable place to buy a home  — especially to large companies that are looking to move their headquarters from states like notoriously pricey California. But rents at Wan Bridge homes can climb as high as $4K a month, and few go for less than $1,500 a month. Houston housing experts say that buying a house is still, in theory, affordable for those families making the national average of $80K a year. But for those hundreds of thousands of Houstonians who make less than that, more real estate built for middle-class or wealthy families means that lower-income families are even more shut out from one of the most traditional ways of accumulating wealth. Julia Orduña, southeast Texas regional director at Texas Housers, an affordable housing nonprofit, believes the build-to-rent industry will make it harder for lower-income tenants to become homebuyers. It’s a problem that could follow families for years into the future. Because homes are an asset and collateral for later wealth accumulation, she said, the inability to buy one is a roadblock to building generational wealth. It’s also a problem she faced looking for housing for herself. “My lease was up in October, and I said, ‘Well, maybe I should look into buying a house.’ Then I looked at the market, and said, ‘Oh, my God,&#8217;” Orduña said. “We are being priced out of the housing market by these competitive developers. … They’re actually cutting off the access to affordable homes to the potential buyers. How will I, as a single person, ever be able to reach that American dream of purchasing when they are purchasing at wholesale and I am trying to purchase at fair market rent? It’s just not accessible.” National housing experts researching the impact of single-family rentals on housing prices have found they exert upward pressure on home prices. In a February report, the National Housing Conference found that single-family rentals purchased by institutional buyers led to about 9% in real house price growth and 28% reduction in homeownership. Build-to-rent developers argue their houses are not targeted to people priced out of homeownership. Houston developers creating build-to-rent developments say they are largely targeting two demographics: young, millennial families who want to try living in a house before they buy, or empty nesters who are used to the space of a home, but aren’t interested in maintenance upkeep. Some new build-to-rent developers, like newcomer Leva Living, say their communities will include amenities found in apartment buildings, like clubhouses, pools and fitness centers. Others, like Wan Bridge, are differentiating themselves by offering large spaces and access to a private yard. The Greater Houston Partnership, Houston’s main chamber of commerce, has touted the city’s low cost of living as a major strength, notably in luring Hewlett Packard Enterprise to relocate its global headquarters to the city in 2020. In addition, Covid-19 has drawn in a number of newcomers, particularly from California, who eye Texas as the land of few restrictions, affordable homes and a friendly environment to do business, according to Clare Losey, an assistant research economist at the Texas Real Estate Research Center who specializes in housing affordability. Investors and developers are “looking at a market like Houston, and they’re saying to themselves, ‘This is a geography with strong population growth, strong job growth, expectations for that to continue, [and] strong preferences for the traditional single-family homeownership model,&#8217;” Losey said. “To them, it looks like a really lucrative deal right now, and in the future. This is going to continue to pay off, and yes, they have to combat those supply side challenges right now, but that just ultimately feeds into the consumer’s rent. They’re passing that on to the consumer, it’s not a big deal to them.” For those looking for a simple investment source amid inflation, Losey said real estate is a go-to option, with high returns. And when it comes to residential real estate, single-family rentals become an attractive option given the high barrier for financing a multifamily project and the occasional community uproar that comes with announcing one. According to January data from RentCafé, there are 14,000 build-to-rent houses under construction in the U.S., and Houston has the nation’s second-highest number of them, with 1,620 single-family home units. Plenty more are on the way. The past several months have seen new companies cropping up to tap into the market, and other, established companies breaking in. Wan Bridge will build a 1,000-unit build-to-rent community in Balmoral with Land Tejas, while Clay Residential will build another 1,000 across five Texas communities. Leva Living announced its first project, a 162-unit rental community in Atascocita, last]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>New name? Here&#8217;s the name recommended to replace Fort Hood</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/new-name-heres-the-name-recommended-to-replace-fort-hood/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2022 13:01:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=319863</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[KVUE Currently, Fort Hood is named after a Confederate general. If approved, the post will be renamed after the first Latino to become a four-star general in the Army. Written By: KVUE &#124; Source:]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>9 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Austin, Texas</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/9-tips-for-first-time-home-buyers-in-austin-texas/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2022 14:23:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=319672</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Green We can’t tell you how many people have come to us saying they’re tired of paying rent. Every month, they felt like they were throwing money away when all along, they could have been investing in their future. Buying a house isn’t a minor decision. Many factors have to be considered, such as which neighborhood you want to live in, and the various types of loans that are available to you. Before you jump into anything, take a look at these nine tips for first-time home buyers in Austin, Texas . **1. Know Your Budget** If you haven’t already created a budget, that’s the place to start. You should have a solid grasp of your financial condition before you try to secure financing for a home. Make a list of all your monthly bills, including rent, utilities, subscriptions, memberships, and regular loan payments, as well as any other outlying financial obligations. Then factor in the amount of your monthly take-home from your job or jobs, depending on how many people are in the household. Is any money left over at the end of the month? Would you include additional payments for your savings, 401k, or other form of retirement plan? **2. Secure Your Savings** The current state of your financial situation will say a lot about whether you’re responsible enough to manage a monthly mortgage. Most homes under a conventional loan require at least a minimum of 20% down. Lenders don’t typically allow you to use their loan for the down payment. They prefer to see that you’ll have the financial substance to ensure you’re a qualified candidate. If putting the down payment on your dream home would leave your savings completely tapped out, it might be worth waiting until you’ve saved a bit more. **3. Decide on a Neighborhood** Austin is a beautiful city with a lot of different neighborhoods to choose from. They also come with their particular range of price points. How much you can realistically afford might be the determining factor regarding which region you shop. Think about your non-negotiables. Do you want to live near the city center to be close to your downtown job? Are you hoping to start a family and would therefore lean in the direction of a more residential character? Maybe you’re a lover of the great outdoors and crave solitude. An area that’s a bit more secluded might be what you’re looking for. Taking the neighborhoods into consideration with their attendant cost will help you narrow down where to start your house hunt. **4. Choose a Home Type** Aside from the region where you’ll settle, you’ll also want to decide what type of home would be best for your future needs. There’s a wide range of homes for sale in Austin, Texas . Multi-family homes, for instance, will allow you the potential to renovate and rent out a portion of your home. That’s a great way to generate passive income. Condos and townhomes have their own perks that usually entail various amenities, such as pools or fitness centers. However, this also means there will probably be some pricey HOA (Homeowners Association) fees. **5. Get Pre-Qualified** If you want a seller to take you seriously, get pre-qualified for a loan. A seller will favor the highest bidder if that party presents evidence of access to the necessary funds for closing. Make sure before you start house hunting or even come close to putting an offer down that you’re backed by pre-qualification from a lender. **6. Figure Out What You Can Afford** Once you’ve calculated your budget and have identified what size of loan you could qualify for, start doing the real math for what you and your family can realistically afford. Just because a lender says you can obtain a $300,000 loan doesn’t mean you want to spend that entire amount on the house. You should be aware of other expenses, such as furnishings, lawn equipment, utilities set-up, car registration if you’re moving from out of state, and potential repairs or renovations that didn’t get negotiated during closing. Usually the buyer is responsible for paying the closing costs, so you’ll want to preserve at least 1% to 2% of the cost of the house for that purpose. Plus, the more unnecessary money you take out, the more you’ll have to pay back over time with the accrued interest. **7. Hire a Real Estate Agent** If you’re a first-time homebuyer , you shouldn’t try to handle the entire process yourself. You might be thinking you could save money if you avoid having to pay a Realtor, but there are several other legal facets an agent can’t help you with. Not to mention they’re apt to catch a lot of things you won’t. Home inspections can be tricky, and having a real estate agent that keeps your interests in mind will ensure the seller doesn’t take advantage of you. Experienced agents have the skills and qualifications to negotiate a fair price, and get you the most bang for your buck. Make sure to hire a professional and licensed real estate agent. **8. Speak with Multiple Lenders** A secured loan starts when you head to the bank. Be forewarned: You shouldn’t sign with the first lender you meet. Get quotes from multiple lenders to get a solid sense of how much you could take out and what their interest rates are. Trust goes only so far when in terms of your perceived ability to pay back the loan, as well. The lender will need to see substantial data, such as your credit score and your last two years of employment. Here’s a tip about speaking with different lenders. Try to visit as many as you can on a single day. If each lender runs a credit report, it won’t hurt your credit score if a series of them are ordered on the same day. **9. Get to Closing** Last, but certainly not least, the moment you’ve been waiting for: It’s time to]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>How To Create A Safety Checklist For Your Rental Property</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/how-to-create-a-safety-checklist-for-your-rental-property-2/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2022 19:29:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Inspection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TX HOA]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=30532</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Landlords and property managers are responsible for maintaining safe, habitable dwelling units for their tenants. Keeping a property safe requires maintaining structures, land, appliances, and tending to problems like mold. Texas state law requires that you provide a safe, habitable home for your tenants that meets the following general requirements: Structural elements are in good repair, secure, and safe. Cemented areas aren’t uneven or broken, presenting a trip and fall hazard. There is a proper sewer or septic connection. Electrical work has been professionally completed and is safe. The HVAC system is working and safe. A proper installation of the water heater, whether it uses a tank or is tankless The property is free from environmental contaminants like exposed asbestos, mold, and lead paint. Pests are kept out of the home. Staircases are in good repair. A safety checklist will help you manage your property Even when you prioritize safety, sometimes elements slip through the cracks. By creating a safety checklist, you’ll have an easier time performing move-in and move-out safety inspections without skipping any important details. With a thorough inspection, you can quickly address issues before they cause harm to your property or your tenants. Here’s a basic checklist for you to use and modify as needed for your properties. 7 Indoor safety elements to check 1. Electrical outlets Checking electrical outlets is easy. Get a GFCI tester and plug it into each outlet to make sure it’s properly wired and grounded. Testers are around $10-$15 at your local hardware store. 2. Fireplace or wood stove Have a professional come in and check your fireplace or wood stove. You’ll want to make sure there are no leaks in the chimney or the door. Fireplaces and wood stoves produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is deadly in large amounts. Leaks in the chimney can cause CO to fill the room and collect at dangerous levels. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, always install a carbon monoxide alarm near the source. It’s also a good idea to suggest that your tenant install an alarm in every bedroom where someone sleeps. You should also have the chimney professionally cleaned before renting the unit. A creosote buildup can cause a fire in the chimney that can spread quickly to the house. 3. Walls and baseboards Check the baseboards to make sure the trim is still present all the way around. Make sure there are no holes in the wall. If you discover a hole that was patched by a tenant, you might want to open it up and check inside. Sometimes tenants stuff the walls with flammable materials when performing DIY repairs. 4. Doors Are the doors hanging correctly? Are the hinges intact? Do all doors open and close properly? Do the locks work? Functioning doors are important. An unsecure door could leave your tenant vulnerable to an intrusion, and a door that won’t open easily could become an evacuation obstacle in a fire. 5. Ceilings Check the ceilings for signs of water damage. If you find any evidence of a leak, address the issue quickly. Leaks that appear small aren’t always small. Address any bare dangling wires or fixtures dangling by their wires. 6. Floors Are the floors sloping or squishy? A sloping floor can be a sign of structural damage. If the floor is soft, you might have water damage underneath the flooring. 7. Smoke detectors Test all the smoke detectors in the home and make sure they’re working properly. If any are missing or broken, replace those units. Eight outdoor safety elements to check 1. Cement patios, sidewalks, etc. Broken cement is a trip hazard. If you have any cement sidewalks or patios on the property, make sure they’re in good repair. 2. Walkways and stairs Check all outdoor stairs for structural integrity and make sure the railings are secure. If your steps are smooth, make them safer by adding grip tape or another anti-slip application. 3. Nearby trees Are there any dead or dying trees nearby that might fall on the property? If so, have them removed immediately. Since dead trees are hard to spot without experience, always get a professional to check for dead trees. 4. Windows Do the windows close securely? Do the locks work properly? Check all windows for functionality and drafts. If they’re drafty, have them sealed. If your windows slide horizontally, consider providing additional window locks for your next tenant. 5. Balconies Check the balcony to ensure it’s safe and in good repair. Check the railings and repair any loose screws or spots where the railing feels loose. 6. The roof Your roof is critical. Have your roof professionally inspected to ensure you don’t have any major problems like worn-out singles. If you have moss on your roof, don’t power wash it or knock it off with a brook. You’ll ruin your shingles if you use force. Instead, sprinkle Moss Off or a similar product and wait for the next rain. It will take longer to go away, but you won’t ruin your shingles. 7. Landscaping Trim all hedges and trees so your tenants can pull into and out of the driveway with full visibility. If anything is blocking the view of the sidewalk or road while on the property, consider removing that tree or shrub. 8. Outdoor lights Outdoor lights are important for your tenants to see at night. Whether you’ve got motion detector lights or a simple porch light, make sure all outdoor lights are functional. Six appliances to check Add these six appliances to your safety checklist: 1. Water heater Whether you’ve got a tankless water heater or a traditional tank, check for pressure, leaks, and functionality. Flush the system to remove sediment, test the safety relief, and set the temp below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Stove If you provide a stove for your tenant, it needs to be fully operational. Replace parts that don’t work or are broken, like burners or flints. 3. Plumbing, including toilets and sinks Check the water]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>How to Create a Safety Checklist for Your Katy, Texas Rental Property</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/how-to-create-a-safety-checklist-for-your-katy-texas-rental-property/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2022 02:32:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Property Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=30517</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Landlords and property managers in Katy, Texas, are responsible for maintaining safe, habitable dwelling units for their tenants. Keeping a property safe requires maintaining structures, land, appliances, and tending to problems like mold. Texas state law requires that you provide a safe, habitable home for your tenants that meets the following general requirements: Structural elements are in good repair, secure, and safe. Cemented areas aren’t uneven or broken, presenting a trip and fall hazard. There is a proper sewer or septic connection. Electrical work has been professionally completed and is safe. The HVAC system is working and safe. A proper installation of the water heater, whether it uses a tank or is tankless The property is free from environmental contaminants like exposed asbestos, mold, and lead paint. Pests are kept out of the home. Staircases are in good repair. A safety checklist will help you manage your property Even when you prioritize safety, sometimes elements slip through the cracks. By creating a safety checklist, you’ll have an easier time performing move-in and move-out safety inspections without skipping any important details. With a thorough inspection, you can quickly address issues before they cause harm to your property or your tenants. Here’s a basic checklist for you to use and modify as needed for your properties. 7 Indoor safety elements to check Electrical outlets Checking electrical outlets is easy. Get a GFCI tester and plug it into each outlet to make sure it’s properly wired and grounded. Testers are around $10-$15 at your local hardware store. Fireplace or wood stove Have a professional come in and check your fireplace or wood stove. You’ll want to make sure there are no leaks in the chimney or the door. Fireplaces and wood stoves produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is deadly in large amounts. Leaks in the chimney can cause CO to fill the room and collect at dangerous levels. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, always install a carbon monoxide alarm near the source. It’s also a good idea to suggest that your tenant install an alarm in every bedroom where someone sleeps. You should also have the chimney professionally cleaned before renting the unit. A creosote buildup can cause a fire in the chimney that can spread quickly to the house. Walls and baseboards Check the baseboards to make sure the trim is still present all the way around. Make sure there are no holes in the wall. If you discover a hole that was patched by a tenant, you might want to open it up and check inside. Sometimes tenants stuff the walls with flammable materials when performing DIY repairs. Doors Are the doors hanging correctly? Are the hinges intact? Do all doors open and close properly? Do the locks work? Functioning doors are important. An unsecure door could leave your tenant vulnerable to an intrusion, and a door that won’t open easily could become an evacuation obstacle in a fire. Ceilings Check the ceilings for signs of water damage . If you find any evidence of a leak, address the issue quickly. Leaks that appear small aren’t always small. Address any bare dangling wires or fixtures dangling by their wires. Floors Are the floors sloping or squishy? A sloping floor can be a sign of structural damage. If the floor is soft, you might have water damage underneath the flooring. Smoke detectors Test all the smoke detectors in the home and make sure they’re working properly. If any are missing or broken, replace those units. Eight outdoor safety elements to check Cement patios, sidewalks, etc. Broken cement is a trip hazard. If you have any cement sidewalks or patios on the property, make sure they’re in good repair. Walkways and stairs Check all outdoor stairs for structural integrity and make sure the railings are secure. If your steps are smooth, make them safer by adding grip tape or another anti-slip application. Nearby trees Are there any dead or dying trees nearby that might fall on the property? If so, have them removed immediately. Since dead trees are hard to spot without experience , always get a professional to check for dead trees. Windows Do the windows close securely? Do the locks work properly? Check all windows for functionality and drafts. If they’re drafty, have them sealed. If your windows slide horizontally, consider providing additional window locks for your next tenant. Balconies Check the balcony to ensure it’s safe and in good repair. Check the railings and repair any loose screws or spots where the railing feels loose. The roof Your roof is critical. Have your roof professionally inspected to ensure you don’t have any major problems like worn-out singles. If you have moss on your roof, don’t power wash it or knock it off with a brook. You’ll ruin your shingles if you use force. Instead, sprinkle Moss Off or a similar product and wait for the next rain. It will take longer to go away, but you won’t ruin your shingles. Landscaping Trim all hedges and trees so your tenants can pull into and out of the driveway with full visibility. If anything is blocking the view of the sidewalk or road while on the property, consider removing that tree or shrub. Outdoor lights Outdoor lights are important for your tenants to see at night. Whether you’ve got motion detector lights or a simple porch light, make sure all outdoor lights are functional. Six appliances to check Add these six appliances to your safety checklist: Water heater Whether you’ve got a tankless water heater or a traditional tank, check for pressure, leaks, and functionality. Flush the system to remove sediment, test the safety relief, and set the temp below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Stove If you provide a stove for your tenant, it needs to be fully operational. Replace parts that don’t work or are broken, like burners or flints. Plumbing, including toilets and sinks Check the water pressure throughout the whole house from every tap. While you’re checking water pressure,]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Is It Better to Flip a Property or Turn It Into a Rental?</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/is-it-better-to-flip-a-property-or-turn-it-into-a-rental/</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoaalliance.org/is-it-better-to-flip-a-property-or-turn-it-into-a-rental/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2021 21:09:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[HOA Learning Library]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeowners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=19714</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Should you flip your property, or is it more profitable to turn it into a rental? What Is House Flipping? In case you aren’t familiar, flipping houses is the practice of buying a property – often one that is in serious need of repair or updating – then fixing it up and reselling it for a profit. For example, let’s say you find a home in a good area with a shoddy exterior and a neglected interior. You spend $100,000 on the property and $60,000 on upgrades making it nicer. Then, you sell it for $170,000, pocketing the $10,000 as profit – and as payment for the work you put in. This is an attractive possibility to real estate investors willing to put in the time and effort it takes to improve a property. It’s also very fast, giving you the potential to collect your profit in a few months. However, there are some downsides to consider as well. The Risks of Flipping Houses There are several risks when it comes to flipping houses. For example: Underestimating costs. When looking for a property to buy, house flippers have to do a lot of math. They have to estimate the future sale price of the home, the purchase price of the home, and most importantly, the cost of renovations. Unfortunately, most inexperienced house flippers end up underestimating renovation costs. They think they can get a repair job done for $5,000 but end up spending $7,500 on materials alone. A couple of missed expenses is all it takes to completely undermine the profitability of the project. Missing key issues. You’ve walked through the home, but are you confident that you’ve seen everything there is to see? Even experienced home inspectors can miss important flaws or issues. If you’re halfway through renovating the home and you discover a leak or an electrical wiring problem, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars of additional work. Struggling to sell. Let’s say you’ve bought a property for a great price, you’ve done the work at an affordable rate, and the property is fixed up and ready to go. At this point, there’s still no guarantee that your property is going to sell. You can list, but you might not get any offers. This could ultimately force you to hold the property for longer than you anticipated, or force you to drop the price. Dealing with no cash flow. Holding the property isn’t always a bad thing, but throughout your renovations and improvements, you’ll have no cash flow to offset your expenses. This can make it difficult to stay afloat while doing the work. What Is Property Renting? Renting a property, by contrast, allows you to keep the property indefinitely. You may make upgrades, repairs, and other improvements to the property to make it more attractive, but your ultimate goal is getting people to occupy the property, rather than selling it. Your tenants will pay you a set amount of rent each month, typically exceeding your monthly expenses. This allows you to make a small profit each month while continuing to hold the property and benefitting from appreciating property prices in the area. The Risks of Property Renting Of course, there are some risks associated with property renting as well: Vacancies. If your property isn’t occupied, you won’t be collecting any income – but you’ll still be responsible for upkeep and expenses. Because of this, extended vacancies can kill your profitability. You can combat this by choosing a property in an attractive area and marketing it heavily to attract new tenants. Low demand/low rent. Rental strategies also suffer when there’s low renter demand; you’ll either be stuck with a vacancy or you’ll be forced to lower your rent. This is often a byproduct of choosing a property in an unattractive area. Problematic tenants. Renting also means trusting tenants to take decent care of your property. Occasionally, you’ll find problematic tenants who destroy or damage your property, or those who are unwilling or unable to pay rent on time. Better tenant screening can help you minimize the possibility of these types of issues. Why Renting a Property Is (Usually) Better Flipping houses can be enormously profitable, but ultimately, renting a property is usually the better option. Here’s why: Consistency. Unless you’re a seasoned pro, house flipping is kind of a gamble. Investing in rental property is a much more consistent strategy. If you want a reliable, predictable way to make money, turning a home into a rental is better than upgrading it and hoping you’ll be able to sell it for a profit. Multiple ways to make money. While renting a property, you can make money in multiple ways. You can increase cash flow by charging rent and offering additional amenities and services (such as coin-operated washers and dryers), but you’ll also stand to make money from property appreciation over time. Passive investing. For the most part, investing in rental property is a passive investment. You’ll have to put in some time to improve and market the property, as well as take care of tenant-related issues (unless you hire a property management company), but the time you spend will still be minimal. Greater control. Converting the home into a rental also gives you more control. You’re not entirely subject to market conditions, and you’ll have more options for the property in the future.]]></description>
		
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		<title>What to Do if Your Texas Tenant is Keeping an Exotic or Dangerous Animal</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/what-to-do-if-your-texas-tenant-is-keeping-an-exotic-or-dangerous-animal/</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoaalliance.org/what-to-do-if-your-texas-tenant-is-keeping-an-exotic-or-dangerous-animal/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2021 21:06:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[HOA Learning Library]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exotic Animals]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=19726</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Landlord-tenant disputes over pets are probably unavoidable. At some point, you’ll have a tenant who gets a dog or a cat without permission or avoids paying the required pet deposit. However, such matters are mild compared to finding out your tenant has a dangerous or exotic animal. Discovering an exotic animal in your tenant’s possession is a worst-case scenario for many landlords because of the legal challenges it may raise. It’s not that uncommon for tenants to own unauthorized exotic pets. The smaller they are, the easier they are to collect and/or hoard. Often, landlords never know about these creatures until they bite someone or the tenant moves and leaves one behind. In 2019, Houston tenants abandoned more than 40 exotics when they moved out, including sugar gliders, a chameleon, a gecko, hedgehogs, and chinchillas. Nine of the animals were found dead. In another situation that year, a tiger was found abandoned in a Houston apartment. Though some exotic animals are legal in Texas with a suitable permit, all exotic animals are illegal in Houston. Dangerous animals, such as dogs, may also be illegal, depending on the circumstances that make the animal a threat. If you’ve recently discovered a tenant has a dangerous or exotic animal, here’s what you can do about it. 1. Verify the situation if you get a report of an exotic animal It’s not every day that people report their neighbor for housing an exotic animal like an alligator or a tiger. If someone has told you a tenant is keeping such a creature in a rental unit, do your best to verify the fact before taking action against your tenant. Depending on your state’s laws, you might be able to schedule a legally permissible inspection, during which you can search for clues of any evidence of an exotic animal. You can also ask your tenant directly if they’re housing an animal and let him or her know you received a report. If you can verify the situation, your next move is to give the tenant an eviction notice. Although you could try to work things out before starting eviction, it’s better to launch the process immediately. You can always halt it if your tenant is willing to get rid of the creature. Unless you can hear or see the animal, or a neighbor provides photographic evidence, you may not be able to verify the situation directly, however. Don’t let the matter go without conducting a thorough investigation. You don’t want to jump the gun and act on a report that could be false. 2. Get all the details if someone reports a dangerous animal If the animal is your tenant’s pet and legally allowed in the unit, make sure you know why someone reported it as dangerous. Did it bite or attack a person or another animal? Does it act aggressively? Have there been any incidents with police? Has animal control been called out to address the issue? Before taking action against the tenant, it’s crucial to gather as much information as you can about the potentially dangerous animal. More information will help you write stronger letters and give you a greater advantage if the situation ends up in court. If the animal has already attacked a human being or another animal, you’ll have an easy time getting the tenant to remove their pet from the premises. 3. Verify the local, state, or federal legalities of the situation It’s essential to know all the local, state, and federal laws that apply to the particular animal your tenant is keeping. As discussed earlier, state laws can differ greatly from local laws. For example, the following exotic animals are legal in the state of Texas: Lemur Bushbaby Kangaroo Sloth Coatimundi Spotted Genet Callitrichids Asian leopard cat Capybara Kinkajou However, these animals are all illegal in the city of Houston. Local ordinances trump state law in this case. Once you know the legal status of your tenant’s animal, you may craft a letter that specifically states why keeping the creature is an issue (aside from the obvious lease violation). This will tell your tenant you’re serious and you know the laws. The threat of legal action should scare them into giving up their illegal pet(s), one would hope. If not, you’ve got a paper trail with specifics that can be used in court. 4. Notify your tenant immediately of the lease violation Once you have sufficient information to possess a fairly clear idea what’s going on, notify your tenant of the violation. There could be multiple violations, so don’t be afraid to name all of the applicable ones, such as: A lease violation under a no-pets agreement A lease violation for having too many animals A lease violation for not getting permission and paying a pet deposit A violation of state law for keeping an animal illegal in the state A violation of federal law for keeping an animal illegal in the nation A violation of local laws for keeping an animal illegal in the city or county Failing to keep a dangerous animal in their control Having a dangerous animal when it’s specified as illegal in the lease You should also inform your tenants about the specific laws they’re breaking, especially if you’re dealing with a dangerous dog that has been off leash and causing problems. Houston has strict leash laws: It is unlawful to allow domestic animals to run free within the city. Technically, the law doesn’t allow anyone to walk their dog without a leash, even if the owner has total control over the dog through voice commands. All dogs must be within the owner’s physical control. Dangerous dogs in Houston must be contained on a property in a secure, locked enclosure at least six feet tall that prevents the general public from entering and prevents the dog from escaping. The enclosure must also be marked to inform people that a dangerous dog is inside. Only city officials can declare a dog officially dangerous,]]></description>
		
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		<title>How to Handle These 4 Strange Ways Houston Tenants Might Damage Your Property</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/how-to-handle-these-4-strange-ways-houston-tenants-might-damage-your-property/</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoaalliance.org/how-to-handle-these-4-strange-ways-houston-tenants-might-damage-your-property/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2021 21:05:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[HOA Learning Library]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas HOA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Houston]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=19724</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Property damage is unavoidable. If you haven’t had to deal with destruction yet, you will at some point in your career. Some tenants simple aren’t able to avoid harming walls, screens, closet doors, and ceilings. Small holes, scuffs, and scratches beyond normal wear and tear are often caused by carelessness. For example, a tenant might not watch the walls as he or she moves furniture in and out of the house, and an edge might scrape the wall. Holes in the drywall often result from tenants roughhousing with their kids or in a mishap when swinging a bat or golf club. It doesn’t really matter why or how a tenant harms your property. Damage is damage, and it can be annoying and costly to address. You should be aware of the potential for tenants to damage your Houston property in the following strange ways. 1. Installing a zipline on the ceiling It sounds bizarre, but some tenants have installed ziplines inside an apartment they didn’t own. Really, who wouldn’t want a personal zipline? It’s a fun way to work off some energy and take a break from working or studying hard. It’s also an effective way to damage the ceiling, even if you install one correctly. Indoor ziplines are popular It’s not uncommon for wealthy people to install indoor ziplines in their apartments and homes. In 2019, Insider.com published an article that featured a $7 million apartment in New York City that contained a huge slide, a rock wall, and a zipline, among other cool playground toys for the homeowners’ kids. That sort of thing is not common for renters, fortunately, because it’s not allowed. Unfortunately, some landlords have inspected vacant units and discovered the damaged remains of a zipline installed in (and removed from) the ceiling. Sometimes, neighbors get tenants evicted after continually reporting strange noises that turn out to be a zipline in use. If you discover a tenant has installed a zipline in your rental unit, don’t hesitate to use their security deposit to fix any damage. One hopes you collected a high enough deposit to cover all of the repairs. 2. Building a secret room under the floor Another strange way tenants might damage your rental is by building a secret room under the floor. This usually happens in bedrooms, but it’s been done in kitchens and living rooms, too. Sometimes it sort of makes sense, even though it’s illegal. Certain tenants feel safer with a place to hide that can’t be readily seen or accessed from within the standard living spaces. However, certain tenants may build such rooms to conduct illegal activities. If you discover a tenant has built a secret room, you may not want to know why. But if you find such a space, you’ll have to deal with the damage to the floor in order to restore your property to its original condition. Worst-case scenario would be that you’ll have to advertise the secret room as a perk. Secret rooms are more common than you think People all over the world find secret rooms and hidden passageways in their homes that they were never told about when they bought the property. Some of these rooms turn out to be creepy, but most are fairly normal. Secret rooms in older buildings might actually be old hiding spaces where entire families would hide during World War II. A New York woman found a secret room that was almost an entire, separate apartment hidden behind her bathroom mirror. She felt a draft and traced it back to the mirror. When she investigated the source of the airflow, the mirror moved and she removed it from the wall to reveal a small passageway. She was brave enough to climb through and film the entire adventure, which she posted to TikTok. We trust your tenants won’t create a hidden room for illegal purposes. But if you happen to encounter this strange situation, you may want to call the police to conduct a formal investigation … just in case. 3. Human waste on the carpet No landlord likes to deal with animal urine in the carpet. Although dog urine is problematic, cat pee is worse: it can continue to smell terrible even after the area has been professionally cleaned. It almost never comes out of carpet padding. However, if you discover urine in the carpet, it may not necessarily be from a cat or dog. Sometimes, tenants leave their own bodily fluids (and excrement) behind when they move out. Elderly people may have accidents on the carpet that can’t be cleaned completely, but that’s typically a small issue. On the other hand, certain tenants have been known to leave their own urine and/or feces on the carpet intentionally before leaving. This usually happens in an eviction scenario, after the tenant has violated the lease, refused to leave, and compelled the landlord to file a lawsuit. One tenant in New Zealand left black trash bags full of human waste in the house for the landlord to find. That tenant was ordered to pay the landlord $4,684.80 in cleaning-related costs. It’s a horrific possibility to contemplate, but if it should happen to you, you’ll likely have to replace the entire carpet and padding. The chances of cleaning a carpet fully after such an event are slim. As with other damage, make sure you pass along to your tenant the full cost to remedy the problem. You may need to attempt a carpet cleaning first, in case your former tenant tries to sue you for the deposit. Once a judge hears what your former tenant did, however, the court is not likely to rule in that person’s favor. 4. A messy hobby or job When a tenant pursues a messy hobby or job on the premises and doesn’t protect the carpet or hardwood floors, you could face a big mess to have to clean up. For example, someone might screen print T-shirts in the living room and spill the paints]]></description>
		
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