Secure Investments Rental and Property Management Update

April 5, 2012 Newsletter

Happy Easter!

I hope you have fun plans for your upcoming Easter Weekend. If you live here in Beautiful Florida like I do you will be enjoying some really beautiful weather so get outside and enjoy it!

I hate to admit that I neglected sending out a Newsletter last month. I know there is no good excuse for it but I�traveled�quite a bit last month taking classes to finish up the requirements needed to obtain my Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation through The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). The CPM designation is the highest designation available in the property management industry and I am absolutely thrilled to have completed the requirements. Of course I still have to wait for the official test score for the 42 page management plan I submitted but I felt the plan was very good and am sure I will receive a passing grade on it. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I should know in about 45 days.

I took my last class in New Jersey two weeks ago. Mother nature must have known this Florida gal isn�t fond of cold weather so I was treated to 70 degree weather and was able to watch the trees and flowers bud and blossom while there. It was a real treat � especially after spending 9 hours a day in class and several hours of homework each night. Needless to say I�didn’t�see much of New Jersey except the Hotel and the class room. Which is why I then treated myself to a trip to Bimini Bahamas� to visit some friends and relax for a few days!! The pictures below are some of the beautiful views I was able to take in.

Bimini is a beautiful Island unspoiled by touristy attractions. It�s a place to experience nature and peaceful relaxation. If you have any interest in visiting Bimini and even swimming with wild dolphins while you�re there let me know� I can hook you up!

The rental activity is really heating up. Last month 86 Gainesville FL rental properties were closed in the MLS.

I would like to give a big �Thank You� for the referrals and support I continue to receive. I value the trust you show in me when you refer your clients and I will give them the best service and care available.

This is a great time of year to refer your clients whose homes are not selling for what they want and need some mortgage relief. �There is currently a big demand for rental homes from $1200 to $2000 per month. I will happily give your client a free rental evaluation and let them know how I� can help them.

Please keep in mind I pay a 20% referral fee for Owners and Tenants. When you refer an owner or tenant I will keep you informed on the rent up and lease end status so that you can keep in touch with your client and know when it is time for them to make another decision in buying or selling. I am experienced in managing single family homes and condos as well as Multi-family and commercial properties in Gainesville and the surrounding smaller towns.

I attended the Women�s Council of Realtors �Appy Hour� last month and below are some of the top App�s that your fellow Realtors find helpful.

Hoot suite � To manage your social media

Sketches- draw picture or make notes on the picture

Shop savvy- price items and find cheaper

Clippish pro- Emoticon for texting with pictures

Grocery gadget- make grocery lists and check off list

Yelp- local attractions, restaurants etc.

Slydia-l leave message straight to voice mail

1password- safely store your passwords

Magic plan- measure, draw and publish interactive floor plans

Text hog- for expenses tracking

Fandango- buy movie tickets and see what’s playing

Sound hound- identifies music that is playing buy through iTunes sing into it

Gainesville sun app � read the daily paper from your app

Wruf am- listen to gators when you don�t have access to radio or tv

I garage sale- finds local garage sales and u can put in what you�re looking for. It searches Craig’s list

Jawbone makes a jam box you can buy at best buy and is a Wifi speaker

Gas buddy- finds cheap gas

Coupon Sherpa- find coupons to use by bar code

Cartabi- like drop box, make folders and invite people to it. Exchange documents

Below are links to articles I found interesting and you may too!

Trulia rolls out iPhone app for rentals.

http://www.inman.com/news/2012/04/4/trulia-rolls-out-iphone-app-rentals

New service streamlines apartment, condo and home rental searches.

http://www.inman.com/news/2012/03/16/new-service-streamlines-apartment-searches

Top 6 business apps: a real estate broker’s faves.

http://www.inman.com/news/2012/03/9/top-6-business-apps-a-real-estate-brokers-faves

Tax break for owners occupying a rental has changed

http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/stephen-fishman/tax-break-owners-occupying-a-rental-has-changed

Don’t assume landlord’s insurance covers all damage

http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/janetportman/dont-assume-landlords-insurance-covers-all-damage

Fix leaky faucet in 8 easy steps

http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/billkevinburnett/fix-leaky-faucet-in-8-easy-steps

Bank of America Announces Rental Program

Federal Laws Property Managers Must Be Aware Of � Part I

Federal Laws Property Managers Must Be Aware Of � Part II

4 Key Things Property Managers Need to Know (But Might Not!)

Managing Your Online Reputation (Webinar Recap)

Trends for Managed Property and Rental Housing