Purchasing an Investment Property? Get it Rental Ready!

There are a number of questions that you need to ask yourself when you are deciding whether or not you should rent out your property. Short term? Long term? How do you feel about being a landlord, maybe for the first time? A little bit of pre-planning and preparation will get you and your rental property in the shape you need to enter the rental landscape.

It's All In The Setup!

Long term or short term, there are some definite tasks at hand that need to be taken care of in order to ensure the safety and happiness of your renters:

  • Entry: is your system for entering the home, either by traditional key or remotely via the many available apps all set up and operating smoothly?
  • Are your washer and dryer, dishwasher, fridge and all appliances down to the toaster in optimum working condition? Think like your tenant. When you rent a vrbo or Airbnb on vacation, you want everything to work.
  • Cleanliness is key, and a major factor in short term rentals, in determining repeat business and recommendations.

    If you plan to set up your rental as short term, take these steps to ensure maximum satisfaction for your tenants:
  • Pictures  - they say a thousand words and will go a long way in affecting your vacancy rate.
  • An inventory of what is on hand in your home. Provide an entire list on your site so that renters don't have to wonder.
  • Nearby recreational amenities and your favourite spots to eat and shop!

Determining Your Rate:

You will first need to understand how much rent to charge to make sure you are covering your costs — mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities. You will also want to ensure you have a fund set aside for maintenance and general upkeep to keep your rental in top condition. Will you be hiring someone to take care of cleaning services or tackling this on your own? You will need to determine that rate and ensure it is also covered. Be real with your time. It might seem like an area to save money but do you have time to clean your rental every time someone goes in and out?

A simple way to ensure your rates are competitive are to check online on other rental sites. For a longterm rental situation, Craigslist and Kijiji will work, or Airbnb for short term rentals. You may also consider a property management company, but keep in mind that there is a cost involved for this convenience.

Caution: ensure that you have all of the necessary insurance in line for both short and long term rental situations. You may also want to consult with a lawyer to understand your legal liability.

 

Being a Landlord:

There are key personality traits of a really great and successful landlord, be it one who is managing short or long term rentals. Good communication skills, efficiency with time, reliability, being resposible, acting with honesty and integrity, being well-organized with keen attention to detail. Keep in mind that a good landlord will have good tenants. The care and attention that you put into your renters will be reflected in the quality of tenants you will have, as well as the care that will be shown for your home by your tenants. Acting with the above qualities will go along way to ensuring a successful landlord-tenant relationship for you both.

Short Term vs. Long Term Renting:

Which is best for you?

Short-Term Rental: GO FOR IT!

  • Live in a tourist hot spot? Your nightly income will be much more lucrative!
  • Feel like taking your own getaway? Block off time to use your property for your own vacation!
  • Potentially less wear and tear on your rental property

Short-Term Rental: BE AWARE:

  • You will need to re-furnish and clean on a frequent, regular schedule
  • Competition from short term rentals in your area
  • More to manage, more often

Long-Term Rental: ABSOLUTELY!

  • Regular pay and monthly income - reliable tenants with less turnover
  • More monthly bills are paid by your tenant
  • Furnished long term rentals are much less typical

Long-Term Rental: HMM MAYBE NOT:

  • Less control over the property - long term tenants can potentially be harder on the wear and tear of a home and access to the home to view any damage may be difficult to obtain.
  • Lag time in between tenants - finding the right tenant is difficult and when a great one moves on, it will take time to replace them - are you financially ready for the downtime?
  • The eviction process can be difficult and it is important to understand both your own and your tenants' rights.

You may have to experiment with both scenarios to understand which one is best for you. However, keep your eye on the prize - maximizing your return on investment is the name of the game!

 
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Downsizing? 7 Simple Steps for a Simple Process!

There are countless reasons why we may come to a time in our lives when it will just make sense to downsize from the homes that we raised our families in, to a more financially and physically manageable space. Whether it is from acreage to a condo, to a townhouse to a condo, there are many variations on what your new happy space can look like. The task can definitely seem daunting, but there are steps that you can take that will have you breathing a sigh of relief rather than of discontentment. Here are just a few simple ways that will get you heading in this new and exciting direction!

Steps to take to make downsizing much simpler:

1. Why Delay? Get started right away!

Being rushed = being stressed. As soon as you make the decision to make the move, and even before you contact your local real estate agent, it is a good idea to start the process of purging items that don't bring you joy right away. Also, give your family the time to decide if there are pieces of furniture they would like to incorporate into their homes. Take it slow so that you can avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed.


2. Start Small.

If you have raised 3 kids under your roof, you are bound to have what feels like a million sets of sheets, and an unnecessarily high amount of towels. Will you need all of this in your new space or can your new linen closet get away with being only 1/3 the size of your current one?
Speaking of linen closets - this is a perfect place to start. Start in the rooms where there are items that you will have the least amount of emotional attachment to, or rooms that have large items that require selling, and that you won't want to be moving on your own such as the garage.

3. No garage? No office? No problem


Revel in the fact that you might not need your lawnmower any longer - perhaps you have purchased a condo and strata will now take care of outside maintenance. Sell that lawnmower, tools and everything else that you used to need to keep the outside of your home looking perfectly groomed. 

Essentially you are looking to sell, gift, or donate any items that occupy rooms that you do not have in your new space. If you no longer have an office, where will you put office supplies? Think about the space that you now have not the spaces that you had.

4. One isn't the loneliest number.

3 flippers? 5 saucepans? 6 cookie sheets?  It's time for the clutter to take a hike.  Beautiful dishes and serving platters might be better off finding a happy home at a home that entertains often. Really take the time to consider what you will truly need in your day to day life in your new space.

5. Only make 'Yes' or 'No' piles — no Maybe's.

Be objective and absolute in your resolve to downsize your belongings. Do I use this daily? KEEP. Weekly? KEEP Monthly, or occasionally? BYE-BYE! Black and white is the only way to think in this case. If you start to think maybe, you will end up with a pile of goods that you will never use, and will be occupying valuable space in your bright new home. 

6. Don’t be afraid to sell things yourself.


From Poshmark to Craigslist, Ebay, Kijiji, as well as numerous Facebook groups to traditional yard sales and consignment shops, selling your valuables has never been easier. Be sure to weight out your time cost compared to how much money you are making by selling these items. Donations go along way with those that are in need!If you have a number of antiques or valuable items, it is a good idea to get in touch with a company that is familiar with auctioning these types of items. These pieces, after all, have been an investment over the years.

7. Enjoy the walk down memory lane!

You've held onto so much for so long. Every stuffed animal, elementary school drawing, and take me home from the hospital outfit holds so many memories. Enjoy the memories. This is why you held onto these items all of these years — to spark joy and memories of the best times in life!These items represent a life well-lived, and families well raised. You may no longer need to hold onto all of them, but take a moment, even take some pictures and take the time to remember great days your family spent together making these precious times.

The next step? Enjoy the knowledge that you are taking your next step with a clear mind and many less moving boxes than before you started the downsizing process!

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You'll be seeing alot of us.

We’re looking forward to it.

Ranj

Ranj Takhar
Realtor
ranj@ranjtakhar.com (Email)

Born in Abbotsford and having spent most of my childhood here, my roots are firmly planted in this community. My wife and I are the proud parents of three young kids who we’ve chosen to raise in Abbotsford as well. We’re also avid property investors. My passion for real estate is only exceeded by my love of my family.


Professional excellence drives my every decision. Starting out in real estate, I mentored under industry leaders to learn best practices. After nearly a decade in the business, I hired one of the top coaches in North America to work with me every week to ensure I excel even further. And I’m applying all my knowledge and client dedication toward building one of the best real estate businesses in the Fraser Valley, founded on my high standards of service.


Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned investor, you deserve the highest level of service. My team and I will ensure you get it. No matter your problem, if it’s real estate related, I’ve been there and can solve it.

Chrissy

Chrissy Nicholson
Administrative assistant
chrissy@ranjtakhar.com (Email)

It brings me so much joy when I can have a direct impact on helping create a positive experience for others. Before joining the fast paced and exciting real estate world as an administrative assistant, I worked for many years in hospitality. My role in both positions have given me the opportunity to be there for our clients and ensure their comfort and peace of mind. Having grown up in Abbotsford and now raising my own family here, I have such a strong sense of pride for where I live. I am an active volunteer in the community as well which gives me the feeling of connection and a way to give back for all I am grateful for. My husband and I, with our two sons, live in a wonderful neighborhood with lots of family and friends close by, whom we love spending time with. If we are not at the rink for hockey, or the ball field for baseball with our kids, you’ll likely find us on our back deck having a glass of wine by the fire - join us!

Brian

Brian Deol
Realtor
deolbrian@gmail.com (Email)

Integrity, honesty and determination are philosophies that I strive for in all aspects of my life. I have been an Abbotsford resident and community member for the past 30 years with no plans of living anywhere else! I have a background in Human Resources management and corporate sales management for a top 10 corporation in Canada which allows me to empathize, understand the needs of my clients and guide them in the right direction. When I’m not buying or selling homes for my clients, you can find me enjoying walks on my family farm with my dog Rupert, enjoying ice cream with my nieces, and visiting any and all farmers markets in the Fraser Valley! At the heart of my business is my unrelenting loyalty, transparency and dedication to my clients!

Curtis

Curtis Paulson
Realtor

Growing up in Fraser Valley, I strive to provide real estate services with a passion built on seeing the success in others. I am well connected with the people and the communities leaning on my background in Professional Communications. With detailed knowledge of the surrounding areas it allows me to provide a tailored service to your specific needs making me your area expert. I set a high standard for the level of service I provide, and am driven to go over and above all expectations. Whether you are looking at selling your home, buying an investment property or buying your dream home, I am ready to work hard for you. Let’s have a conversation today!

Tammy

Tammy Whiteley
Administrative Assistant

My husband, two children and I chose to call Abbotsford home when we relocated here in 2016. Since moving to BC, we have gained a stronger passion for the outdoors enjoying hiking, nature and spending a day at the lake (my personal favourite ).


My children have grown up in Abbotsford with an active role in the sports community. My daughter recently retired from competitive gymnastics while my son continues to play both hockey and football.


I am excited to be sharing my personal knowledge and passion for the real estate business with the Takhar Team. Having moved six times with my family, I have learned that each move is different and brings a new adventure. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with you to help make your move a pleasant experience.

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