Renters Vs. Landlords

    In San Antonio, the most common question that I get as a broker for both landlords and renters is what is the process and how do I handle this transition. Renters always seem to be confused about how to apply for a home, what are the qualifications and how to see the home?  Landlords always seem to have trouble in getting started. Don’t know how to find the right renter, price and up-keep of the property. In this article I will talk about both sides and what they need to know when dealing in the home rental market.

   When you are a renter looking for a home the hardest part about getting started is finding an agent that will help you and finding those available homes. Agents in San Antonio know that home rentals do not yield much for them in regards to commission for bringing a renter to the property.  Many see it as a waist of their valuable time to do a transaction that may end up losing money.   In the end, if it is not their listing, they may not call you back. The best way it start by looking at the public sites, such as Trulia or Zillow to see what is listed and calling the list agent directly. Before you start calling you want to make sure you can answer these questions:

• When I need to be moving in by?
• What area of town I need to be in?
• My price range?
• Number of bedroom/bathroom needed?
• Any pets?

    These are the main questions you should know so not only do you find a home that meets your needs, but shows the agent you are talking to that you are serious and worth working with. When calling on the listings from Zillow or Trulia be aware, it is possible that they could have just rented.   Rentals in San Antonio move fairly quickly, especially if they are well kept.   If rented ask the agent if he could search for others available in that area, they have the most up-to-date list and can help shorten the time on your search.

Once you find the home you want to rent you will need to fill out an application. REALTORS have the application and can help you in filling them out. There are additional documents that you will need to provide when submitting an application. You will need to have:

• Application fee – each is a different price but all require the fee to be in a money order or certified check
• Pay-stubs – Make sure to have about 2 months’ work
• Photo ID – Have a copy of your photo ID or driver’s license
• Picture of any pets that you may have

 These are the main documents that you will need to have. In Texas, everyone over 18 years old and living in the home will have to submit an application. The criteria on qualification will differ from between property managers so ask you agent to about the standards for that property.   Remember to be honest, application fees are non-refundable and don’t want to waste it if you think you are going to have an issue.

   Now that we have looked at the point of view of the renter, the other end is the landlord or owner of the home.  Home ownership is one of the biggest investments that one has and it can be scary to rent it out. In dealing with owners who are wanting to list their property for rent, the big issue is finding a tenant who will treat the property right. Stories of how renters do not take care of the home or are always causing problems has been a topic for a long time. Recently I helped a client who previously had a renter who not only didn't pay rent, but also caused a considerable amount of damage to the property. In the end, it was a cost of nearly $3,000 between lost rent and repairs.

 

   When asked if he did an application or background check on tenant he said no. “It was someone that heard about my place and said I wanted to rent quickly” – said the owner.    Also asked, “did you collect security deposit”, he said yes but only $300. We sat down and talked about how the process works when listing with a company to help in finding a renter.  A listing company will advertise and market your property so it reaches everyone who is looking to find a property. In doing so they will save an owner on the time they spend on the phone filtering calls and showing the property.

 

  Hope I was able to provide some valuable information in renting and that whether your a future renter or landlord you will feel prepared for the process.

   

Written by, 

Travis Reed, Associate Broker for River Valley Real Estate

Poppin' Jalapenos by Hannah

I love jalapenos. In salads, on pizza or just pickled with my popcorn, but my go to jalapeno snack is the amazing, too good,  destroy your insides jalapeno popper.  Okay, so that sounds horrible, but they are worth the pain!  These are easy to put together for just you or a large party.  Here's what you'll need:

• As many jalapenos you want---I do about 5-10
• Cream cheese-Just one package (might need less depending on how many jalapenos you have)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bacon-I like thick cut
• Capers-These aren't a must. If you don't like capers don't use them!
• Ground Pepper
• Toothpicks
• A large pan--I use a glass casserole dish (glass just seems easier to clean)

This recipe is so easy you're going to think you skipped a step!

Preheat the oven to 400!

First things first, you have to gut the jalapenos.  Now this is where testing your tolerance comes into play.  I recommend putting gloves on for this.  I didn't the first time I made these and I had a dull, annoying burning in my fingers for a couple hours.  So, protect your skin! Start by making a slit from the stem to the tip of the jalapeno.  I use a measuring spoon to take out the membrane and seeds.  The smaller the spoon used to scrape the insides out helps keep the jalapeno from splitting.  

  Okay, now mix the cheeses, capers and pepper.  I use half the package of cream cheese for 5 jalapenos and the whole package for 10.  Just use what you want.  It all depends on how much you actually like cheese.  For poppers I love lots of cheese!  When I add the cheddar cheese I use a handful, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup. When adding capers the amount depends on how salty you want these to be (remember you're using bacon too). I typically use about 2 tablespoons of capers.  Again, if you don't like capers, substitute with salt instead.  Don't forget pepper, about 1 teaspoon. Easy! Mix it all up.

  On to stuffing the jalapenos.  Put as much or little as you want!  I stuff these things to the rim.  After you've stuffed them to your liking, wrap them with the bacon.  I found it much easier to start from the end with the stem and spiral down to the tip.  For some reason this trick just works better.  Use 2 toothpicks to secure the bacon to the jalapeno. 

  Place your poppers in a non greased pan.  Don't worry about the spacing, they will all cook the same.  "Pop" them in the oven on bake at 400 degrees. You have 45 minutes, do laundry, flip through a magazine, search River Valley Real Estate's site and just wait for the amazing smell of melting cheese and perfect, perfect bacon. 

 Try to let the poppers cool.  And I mean it when I say "try", you probably won't succeed.  The melted cheese oozing out of the jalapeno is just ah-maz-ing!!!

Enjoy!