Phoenix Property Management - Phoenix Rental Ad Scams

Unfortunately “Rental Scams” are very popular in the Phoenix rental market. There are several scams such as non-existent properties advertised online as well as vacant properties that have been broken into and the scammer has changed the locks. The most common that we see in the Phoenix rental market is where someone takes a rental property advertisement and changes the contact and other information in the ad so that you contact that person rather than the property manager who is really advertising and renting the home out.  This scam happens all of the time on craigslist making craigslist one of the worse places to looking for a rental home.

If you are the person looking for the rental, here are the red flags you should look for:

1. Price - if the rental price is well below all other properties in the area and/or well below market than you know right away that the ad is probably fake.  

2. The Lister only accepts cash - almost no property management companies except cash.

3. The Lister can't meet to show you the property and/or doesn't have a local office location

4. The Lister asks for money up front before meeting to show you the property and/or before signing a lease

5. There is no application process in place

To protect yourself against these scams be sure to visit the website of the property management company to find the listing there as you can be sure the information will be accurate there.  

If you do unfortunately get scammed be sure to contact law enforcement and file a report. You should also contact the owner of the source where the fraudulent advertisement was posted. Additionally, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). More information can be found by clicking on the link below:

Federal Trade Commission

And for all of your Phoenix Real Estate& Phoenix Property Management needs be sure to contact RPMWV Phx www.rpmwvphx.com 623-748-7800

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Phoenix Property Management - Evictions

Evictions are never pleasant. The reasons for eviction vary dependent on the individual or situation. With “no-cause” evictions being targeted by cities and states as being unlawful and unfair, and ultimately being removed as options to landlords this leaves only for cause eviction proceedings. So, which of the following are cause for an eviction?

1.Noise Complaints

2.E-Cigarette Use

3.Medical Marijuana Use

4.Landscape Damage

5.Unpaid Rent

6.Unauthorized Pet

7.Any of the Above

The answer which may be surprising is #7 Any of the Above!

Although any of the instances above could end in eviction proceedings, most are considered “curable” under the law.  For example, noise complaints can be rectified by turning down the TV or stereo volume;  an unauthorized pet can be approved to stay with fees paid or removal from the premises; landscape damage can be corrected; etc. Unpaid rent can even be paid with late fees. The only exception  would be lease language that specifically states drug or e-cigarette use on the premises is grounds for immediate termination.  However, this too is open to interpretation by the judge that would hear the case.

When considering an eviction, it is imperative to seek counsel to ensure you have covered your bases and have the proper documentation and back-up to win your case.  Although evictions are never pleasant, we at Real Property Management WV Phoenix strive to guide you through the process with as few head and heartaches as possible.

And for all of your Phoenix Real Estate needs be sure to contact RPMWV Phx www.rpmwvphx.com 623-748-7800

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Appreciation of Phoenix Real Estate During 2016 & Predictions for 2017

May Podcast Available Now!!!

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And for all of your Phoenix Real Estate & Phoenix Property Management needs be sure to contact RPMWV Phx www.rpmwvphx.com 623-748-7800

Top 5 Things to do in Phoenix in the Summer!

Summer is right around the corner which in Phoenix that means temps as high as 120 degrees so we have compiled the list of the top 5 things to do to beat the heat!

1. Go to a D'Backs game!  What a great way to spend 3-4 hours in lots of cool AC while being entertained AND eating some great junk food.

2. Visit a spa! Phoenix is known for having some of the best spa's in the country.  What's great about the spa is you can spend the day enjoying all of the amenities such as pool, amazing food, locker room with great smelling lotions & soaps AND in between enjoying a relaxing massage or facial.

3. Visiting a city outside of Phoenix such as Sedona, Flagstaff or Prescott where temps can be down as low as the '70's in the summer so its a great way to escape the heat.

4. Hang out at a water park!  Phoenix is a mecca of water parks so you can find them in almost every city and it's a great place to spend the day with your family.

5. Spend the day floating on the salt river....just be sure to go early before it gets really crowded but it's a great way to float your worries away.


And for all of your Phoenix Real Estate needs be sure to contact RPMWV Phx www.rpmwvphx.com 623-748-7800

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To Buy a Phoenix Rental Property with a Pool or to Not To Buy......

That is definitely an important question in the Phoenix rental market when summer temperatures often reach over 110 degrees!  Although there are several factors to consider in this posting we will take a look at the maintenance.  If your Phoenix rental property has a pool then the first thing you need to consider is who will be responsible for the weekly pool maintenance.  We always recommend that our property owners take on that cost to ensure that the pool is properly maintained.  There are two main reasons for this; first if the pool isn't well maintained the repairs can get extremely costly.  Second if you leave the pool services to the tenant they most likely will try to take care of the pool on their own rather than paying a pool service which again can lead to very costly repairs ultimately for the home owner.  The good news is that you can usually make up the cost for the monthly pool services with the rent.  On average in the Phoenix rental market, a house with a pool will garner approximately $100.00 more than a home without a pool and on average pool services in the Valley run between $80 - $100 so typically the two items are a wash.

Unfortunately, as the home owner you do need to budget for some typical pool expenses that occur outside of the routine weekly services.  Three such examples are:

Draining and refilling the pool to refresh the water. The usual indication for this is increased chemical requirements and aggressive algae buildup. When all your natural minerals in the water are depleted, it's time to change out the water.  Here in Phoenix, we have one of the worst water sources in the country with very high levels of calcium that damage the pool, pool equipment, and the various faucets and plumbing equipment both inside and outside your home.  The typical cost to drain and refill a pool is roughly $300-$500 and fortunately only needs to be done on average every 5-7 years.   

Changing out the pool filters and baskets Depending on your system, this will cost anywhere from $400-$1000 and happens every 4 to 8 years depending on the outside factors as described above. 

Cleaning the filters Depending on your pool equipment system, you may need to clean out the pool filters approximately every 6 months.  On average the cost is between $85 - $120 per clean out.

There are certainly perks to having a Phoenix rental with a pool.  During the spring/summer and fall months your rental property will be in high demand as all Phoenix residents look to escape the heat.  Additionally, when you are ready to sell your Phoenix home, your home value will certainly be higher with than without a pool.  In conclusion, when looking for your Phoenix rental home purchase be sure to way both the costs and benefits to determine which property is right for you.

RPMWV Phx has been offering full service Phoenix Real Estate & Phoenix Property Management services for over 20 years so let our experience assist you with your Phoenix rental needs.  623-748-78001 www.rpmwvphx.com

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