Property Inspect Blog

Your Safety Checklist

As a landlord or property manager, you’ve got to ensure your tenants’ safety at all times. When you’re doing your typical inspection, use the following safety checklist to make sure everyone living in your property stays safe. Gas and electrical systems Once a year, check all flues, pipes and appliances that use gas. Malfunctions that […]

March 6, 2017

Legionnaires’ Disease: Take the Proper Precautions

As reported by the Buffalo News, Legionnaires’ disease is making a comeback (http://buffalonews.com/2016/10/26/second-legionnaires-death-reported-niagara-county/). This deadly illness has been linked to two deaths so far in Niagara County, New York, and it may be linked to a neighborhood hospital’s cooling tower. A severe form of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease is usually contracted when someone inhales Legionella pneumophila, […]

March 3, 2017

4 Things to Know Before Your Rental Remodel

Whether you’re remodeling your rental property unit to increase its value or because it’s outdated and needs repair, planning ahead is a must. Without research, forethought and the right approach, you can end up over budget and unsatisfied by the time you’re done. Don’t put decisions off When you’re in the midst of a home […]

March 1, 2017

Keep an Eye out for Fire Hazards in Your Properties

A fire in your property will cost you financially and may have tragic consequences for your residents and tenants. While fires can sometimes happen because of circumstances no one can foresee, there are some common causes that are easily avoided. When you’re doing your regular property inspections, here is what to be on the lookout […]

February 27, 2017

The 360 degree Tenant Inspection Checklist

Tenant inspections are a vital part of any solid plan to keep a property in good condition. Bad tenants can do an incredible amount of damage over time, and even good tenants might fail to report conditions in your units that could lead to big repair bills if they are not immediately addressed. If you […]

October 26, 2016

The Landlord’s Quick 4 Inspection List

As a landlord, you may not always have the time or access to conduct a thorough inspection of your rental units. While you shouldn’t cut corners in this area, you can save yourself some time during peak busy periods by honing in on the four main inspection areas in which you are most likely to […]

October 24, 2016

Are You Carrying Out Digital Inspections Yet?

Despite the increasing popularity of software, apps and other electronic ways of doing things, some people are still carrying out property inspections on paper. While paper was the time-honored approach, it actually has significant drawbacks when compared to the digital inspection method. Keep reading to discover just how doing inspections on paper could cost you. […]

October 22, 2016

CO Detectors – The Dos and Don’ts

All fuel-burning appliances in your property produce carbon monoxide (CO), including gas furnaces. Normally, the gas is carried out of your home, but sometimes things go wrong and you can end up with a dangerous leak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, CO leaks can lead to poisoning that causes flu-like symptoms […]

October 20, 2016

Crucial Inspections for All Real Estate Investors

Just like novice home buyers do not always understand the importance of pre-purchase home inspections, many novice investors think they can get by without move-in inspections, periodic inspections, drive-by inspections, and move-out inspections of their rental properties. It only takes getting burned one time by a renter who leaves the property in a mess or […]

October 18, 2016

Keeping Your Brick Beautiful

Brick is a timeless look. It’s also durable and can even increase the resale value of a property. With normal weather conditions and the right maintenance, bricks can last for decades. It’s not hard to keep your brick looking its very best unless you’ve failed to give it proper attention. Brick is vulnerable to moisture […]

October 16, 2016

Move-in and Move-out Inspections are both important

Real estate investors and property managers must conduct periodic inspections of their properties. Surprisingly, many property owners do not take this step. Failing to conduct each of the four basic types of property inspections will certainly result in unexpected costs and a loss of revenue. It can also leave property owners vulnerable to legal damages. […]

October 14, 2016

The Pre-Listing Inspection – Know What You’ve Got Before You Sell

Everyone knows you’ve got to inspect a property when you’re a buyer. After all, no one wants to be the new owner of a money pit. What about the seller? The Pre-listing Inspection is becoming more and more common, and they’re not a bad idea. It’s all too easy to glance around your property and […]

October 12, 2016

3 Pre-Purchase Inspection Missteps to Avoid

Finding and locking the perfect property at the right price is a great feeling. The seller has taken your offer, and the next all-important step is the pre-purchase inspection. Like having a mechanic look under the hood of that new car you want before you buy, the buyer’s inspection is the time you get to […]

October 10, 2016

4 Vital Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

Smoke alarms save lives in your properties. The National Fire Protection Association says that having properly installed and working smoke alarms cut the chances of death for those inside a property when a fire breaks out in half. To make sure you’re getting the most out of these life-saving devices, check out the following four […]

October 8, 2016

4 Common Legal Mistakes Landlords Make

As a landlord, you’re bound by state, local and even federal laws. Not following those rules could land you in a heap of trouble, so check out the following four common legal mistakes landlords sometimes make. Disregarding your tenant’s right to privacy Tenants have a right to privacy, so you can’t enter the rental unit […]

October 6, 2016

Tenant Essentials – Two Things To Tell Tenants Today

There are certain commonplace things you probably think you’ll never have to tell your tenant, but you’d be surprised at the gaps in some people’s knowledge or foresight. Check out the following two things you need to tell your tenants today if you haven’t already done so. Keep Heat On During Freezing Weather It can […]

October 4, 2016

Should You Upgrade To Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters have been getting a lot of attention lately. Whether you’re a landlord trying to save some money or a property manager looking to increase efficiency, you’ve probably heard of them. These units are being heavily promoted as energy-saving appliances; the average tankless heater uses less gas than a traditional water heater with […]

October 2, 2016

Master The Art Of Renting Real Estate With These Four Tips

As a current or prospective landlord, you probably think you’ve got everything figured out. The truth is that rental real estate can throw you some curve balls, and the best way to stay ahead of the pitcher is by arming yourself with some knowledge. Check out the following four tips to help get yourself on […]

September 30, 2016

The 3 Most Common Inspection Mistakes

No one is perfect, whether they are experienced professionals or seasoned novices. While messing up once in a while is completely understandable, it’s the fallout from a mistake that gets most people, and this is certainly true when it comes to property inspections. Errors during a property inspection can end up costing you untold hours […]

September 28, 2016

App Update v4.5 Release Notes

Announcing the latest update to our Mobile and Tablet App for iOS and Android. v4.5 is now live on the App Store and Google Play, if automatic updates are turned off visit the Updates tab on your device to download manually. What’s New: ‘Pending Signatures’ now appear in-app and can be re-signed Confirmation now shown once a […]

The Property Manager’s Guide to Keeping Good Tenants

As a residential or commercial property manager, your success is partly measured by your ability in keeping good tenants in the real estate you’re managing. Even if you do all your routine inspections like clockwork and have all your ducks in a row, your employer isn’t going to be completely satisfied with your performance if […]

September 26, 2016

The Landlord’s Indispensable Fall Maintenance Checklist

Good maintenance keeps your tenants happy in your rental homes. It also might just make the difference between things running smoothly at your rentals and expensive repairs or replacements. When you’re out doing your rental inspections or just touching base with tenants, make sure all the relevant items are checked off of your fall maintenance […]

September 24, 2016

Legionella Risk Assessment: What You Need to Know

Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, a serious condition that has symptoms similar to pneumonia and has the potential to be fatal. While dangerous, it cannot be passed from one person to another. Instead, it is caught when a person breathes in water droplets that are contaminated with the bacteria. Seniors and people with compromised […]

September 22, 2016

Buyer Options after a Home Inspection

The home inspector provides an objective opinion about a property, regardless of what has been agreed to in the contract. When buyers hire an inspector, they are hoping the report will show there are not any major problems, but that is not always the case. Buyers need to know their options. Many novice buyers think […]

September 19, 2016