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Key Home Maintenance Items Every Colorado Property Owner Should Prioritize

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:24:46 GMT

Owning property in Colorado comes with incredible perks—stunning views, four distinct seasons, and strong rental demand. But our unique climate also brings specific maintenance challenges that property owners can’t afford to ignore. From heavy snowfall and freeze-thaw cycles to intense sun exposure and wildfire risk, proactive maintenance is essential to protecting your investment.

As a Colorado-based property management company, we help owners stay ahead of costly repairs by focusing on the maintenance items that matter most. Here are the key areas every Colorado property owner should be thinking about year-round.

1. Roof and Gutter Maintenance (Especially After Winter)

Colorado weather can be tough on roofs. Snow accumulation, ice dams, hail, and high winds all take their toll.

What to prioritize:

Annual roof inspections, ideally in spring
Checking for missing or damaged shingles after storms
Clearing gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water intrusion
Ensuring proper attic ventilation to reduce moisture buildup

Neglecting roof and gutter maintenance can lead to leaks, mold, and structural damage—issues that are far more expensive than preventative care.

2. Freeze Protection for Plumbing Systems

Freezing temperatures are a reality across much of Colorado, and frozen pipes are one of the most common (and damaging) winter emergencies.

Key preventative steps:

Insulating exposed pipes, especially in crawl spaces and garages
Disconnecting and winterizing outdoor hoses and irrigation lines
Ensuring tenants know how to maintain minimum indoor temperatures
Locating and clearly labeling the main water shutoff valve

A single frozen pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, making winter plumbing prep a top priority.

3. HVAC Servicing for All Four Seasons

Colorado properties rely heavily on both heating and cooling systems throughout the year.

Best practices include:

Furnace servicing before winter begins
Air conditioning inspections before summer
Regular filter changes to improve efficiency and air quality
Checking carbon monoxide detectors and ventilation systems

Routine HVAC maintenance not only extends equipment life but also reduces energy costs and emergency repair calls.

4. Exterior Maintenance and Sun Exposure

Colorado’s high altitude means stronger UV exposure, which can accelerate wear on exterior materials.

Pay close attention to:

Fading or peeling paint and stain
Cracked or warped siding
Deteriorating caulking around windows and doors
Decks and fences exposed to direct sunlight

Maintaining exterior surfaces protects your property from moisture intrusion and preserves curb appeal—especially important for rental homes.

5. Snow Removal and Ice Management Plans

Snow and ice aren’t just inconvenient—they’re liability risks.

Property owners should ensure:

Clear plans for timely snow removal
Safe de-icing practices that won’t damage concrete or landscaping
Roof snow load monitoring during heavy winters
Clear tenant communication about responsibilities

Slip-and-fall claims are one of the most common winter liabilities, and preparation is key to minimizing risk.

6. Foundation and Drainage Awareness

Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles and clay-heavy soils can impact foundations over time.

Maintenance items to watch:

Cracks in foundations or basement walls
Proper grading that directs water away from the home
Functional sump pumps where applicable
Downspouts extending away from the foundation

Early detection of drainage or foundation issues can prevent long-term structural problems.

7. Wildfire and Landscaping Considerations

In many parts of Colorado, wildfire mitigation is an essential part of property maintenance.

Important steps include:

Maintaining defensible space around structures
Removing dead vegetation and debris
Trimming trees away from roofs and siding
Choosing fire-resistant landscaping when possible

These efforts not only protect the property but may also be required for insurance coverage in certain areas.

8. Routine Inspections and Preventive Maintenance

The most successful property owners take a proactive—not reactive—approach.

Regular inspections help identify:

Small issues before they become major repairs
Lease compliance and tenant-caused damage
Safety concerns and code violations
Long-term capital improvement needs

A consistent maintenance schedule is one of the best ways to protect your property’s value and reduce unexpected expenses.

How Professional Property Management Helps

Staying on top of Colorado-specific maintenance can be overwhelming, especially for out-of-state or busy owners. A professional property management company coordinates seasonal maintenance, responds to weather-related issues, and ensures your property remains compliant, safe, and well cared for year-round.

Proactive maintenance isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about protecting your investment, your tenants, and your peace of mind.

If you’d like help managing maintenance for your Colorado property, working with a local property management team can make all the difference.

Why Carpet Cleaning is a Must When Turning Over a Rental Property

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:05:40 GMT

When it's time to turn over a rental property in Colorado, few tasks are as important — and often overlooked — as carpet cleaning. Whether you're managing a small apartment in Denver or a single-family home in Colorado Springs, getting those carpets professionally cleaned before new tenants move in can make a significant difference in your rental’s appeal and long-term maintenance.

How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost in Colorado?

The cost of professional carpet cleaning in Colorado varies depending on the location, type of service, and size of the area, but here’s a general breakdown:

Per Room Pricing: $30–$70 per room
Per Square Foot Pricing: $0.20–$0.40 per sq. ft.
Whole House Flat Rates: For an average 3-bedroom home, expect to pay between $150–$300

Masters Carpet Cleaning

Here are our rates for carpet cleaning. We do this for our homeowners at lease turnover and like to keep our rates competitive and save our homeowners some money.

$200 minimum charge
$.30 per Square Foot
$35 - Set of Stairs
$50 - Pet Enzyme Deodorizer
$50 - Stains (need to get chemicals and train on using iron)
$50 - Scotch Guard

Why Carpet Cleaning Is Essential During Tenant Turnover

First Impressions Matter
Clean, fresh-smelling carpets help make your rental look well-maintained and move-in ready. This sets a positive tone with new tenants and can help justify your rental rate.
Protects Your Investment
Dirt, grime, and pet dander build up over time, especially with heavy foot traffic. Professional cleaning helps extend the life of your carpet, saving you money on premature replacement.
Health and Hygiene
Carpets can trap allergens, bacteria, and dust mites. A thorough cleaning helps create a healthier environment for incoming tenants — especially important for those with allergies or children.
Meets Legal and Lease Obligations
Some cities and counties in Colorado encourage or require landlords to provide a clean and habitable unit at turnover. Carpet cleaning can be considered part of that standard.
Security Deposit Disputes
Tenants often expect that the carpet will be professionally cleaned before they move in. If it isn’t, and the carpet is already stained or smells of pets or smoke, you could face complaints or even disputes over deposits when they move out.

Pro Tips for Landlords and Property Managers

Schedule Ahead: Carpet cleaners often get booked up at the end of the month. Schedule as soon as you have a move-out date.
Use the Same Vendor: Establishing a relationship with a local carpet cleaner can often lead to discounted rates and more reliable service.
Add It to Your Move-Out Checklist: Ensure tenants understand that carpet cleaning may be deducted from their deposit if not done to professional standards.
Document the Condition: Always take before-and-after photos. This protects both you and the tenant in case of disputes.

Carpet cleaning isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a critical step in property turnover that protects your investment, improves tenant satisfaction, and helps maintain a professional standard across your portfolio. For the relatively low cost in Colorado, it delivers strong ROI and peace of mind.

Have questions about prepping your rental property between tenants or need help sourcing carpet cleaning vendors in your Colorado area? Drop a comment or reach out — we’re here to help!

Understanding Denver Landlord Laws: A 2025 Guide for Property Owners

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Mon, 19 May 2025 21:51:07 GMT

Understanding Denver Landlord Laws: A 2025 Guide for Property Owners

Navigating Denver’s landlord-tenant laws is crucial for property owners to ensure compliance and maintain positive relationships with tenants. Recent legislative changes have introduced new responsibilities and protections, making it essential for landlords to stay informed.

�� Residential Rental Property Licensing in Denver

As of May 3, 2021, Denver requires all residential rental properties—whether single-unit, multi-unit, or accessory dwelling units—to obtain a rental license. This initiative aims to uphold minimum housing standards and enhance tenant safety. To obtain a license, landlords must pass an inspection conducted by a third-party company. Renters can verify online if their residence is properly licensed.

��️ Warranty of Habitability: Tenant Protection Updates

Effective May 3, 2024, Senate Bill 24-094 introduced significant changes to Colorado's warranty of habitability laws, enhancing tenant protections.

Remedial Action Timelines : Landlords must initiate repairs within 72 hours for non-emergency issues and within 24 hours for conditions that materially affect health or safety.
Completion Deadlines : Repairs should be completed within 14 days for standard issues and 7 days for emergencies, unless circumstances beyond the landlord’s control prevent timely completion.
Tenant Notice : Landlords are considered to have notice of an issue if there is any written communication indicating the condition exists or may exist.
Comparable Housing : If a unit becomes uninhabitable, landlords must provide a comparable dwelling unit or hotel room for up to 60 days.
Record Keeping : Landlords are required to maintain records of all communications and actions taken regarding habitability issues.

�� Pet Ownership and Rental Policies

Starting January 1, 2024, House Bill 23-1068 introduced new regulations concerning pets in rental properties:

Pet Deposits : Landlords can charge a refundable pet security deposit up to $300 per pet.
Pet Rent : Monthly pet rent is capped at $35 per pet or 1.5% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater.

Insurance Considerations : Insurance companies cannot refuse coverage or increase premiums based solely on a dog's breed, unless the dog is known

⚖️ Eviction Protections and Lease Terminations

House Bill 24-1098, effective in 2024, established stricter regulations for evictions and lease terminations:

Just Cause Requirement : Landlords must provide a valid reason to evict a tenant or refuse to renew a lease, preventing arbitrary lease terminations.
Retaliation Prohibition : Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting uninhabitable conditions.

These protections aim to provide tenants with greater housing stability.

��️ Shared Housing and Occupancy Limits

House Bill 24-1007, effective in 2024, removed restrictions on how many unrelated individuals can live together in a rental property. This change allows more flexibility for shared housing arrangements, helping families and roommates manage housing costs.

�� Lease Agreement Restrictions

Recent legislation has introduced limitations on certain provisions in residential lease agreements:

Prohibited Clauses : Lease agreements cannot include waivers of the right to a jury trial or the right to pursue class-action claims.
Utility Charges : Landlords cannot charge fees for utilities or services that are considered part of the rent.
Fee Markups : Landlords can only mark up third-party service fees by 2% or $10 per month, whichever is less.

�� Resources for Landlords

Denver provides several resources to assist landlords in complying with local regulations:

Residential Rental Property Licensing : Information on obtaining and maintaining a rental license.
Tenant and Landlord Resources : Guides on tenant rights and landlord obligations.
Business Licensing Center : Access to licensing applications and support.

Staying informed about Denver's landlord laws is essential to ensure compliance and foster positive tenant relationships. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, property managers and landlords can contribute to a fair and equitable rental market in Denver. We stay on top of the laws so our homeowners down have to. Let us know if you need property management services!

Why You Should Consider Investing in Real Estate

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Thu, 01 May 2025 22:02:29 GMT

In a world of financial uncertainty and volatile markets, real estate remains one of the most stable and rewarding investment options available. While no investment is without risk, real estate offers a unique blend of predictability, tangible value, and long-term financial growth. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just beginning your financial journey, here’s why real estate should be on your radar.

1. Tangible Asset with Intrinsic Value

Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies, real estate is a physical asset. You can see it, touch it, and leverage it in different ways. A property will always have intrinsic value due to the land it sits on and the structure itself. Even during economic downturns, real estate retains value better than many other assets.

2. Steady Cash Flow Through Rental Income

One of the most attractive features of real estate investment is the potential for consistent cash flow. Rental properties generate monthly income that can help cover your mortgage, property taxes, maintenance, and still leave profit. Over time, as rental rates increase and mortgages are paid down, that cash flow becomes increasingly profitable.

3. Appreciation Over Time

Historically, real estate has appreciated in value. While markets fluctuate, the long-term trend is upward. Strategic investments in growing areas can yield significant returns, especially when paired with property improvements or redevelopment. This appreciation boosts your net worth and can be a key part of building generational wealth.

4. Leverage to Increase Investment Power

Real estate allows investors to use leverage—borrowing money to purchase property. With a relatively small down payment, you can own a much larger asset, which increases your potential return on investment. As your equity in the property grows, you can refinance or reinvest in additional properties.

5. Tax Advantages

Investing in real estate offers various tax benefits. These include deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, operating expenses, depreciation, and even repairs. Many investors also benefit from deferred taxes through 1031 exchanges when selling one property and buying another.

6. Diversification and Stability

Adding real estate to your investment portfolio diversifies your holdings, reducing risk. Real estate often behaves differently than stocks or bonds, providing a buffer during market volatility. This stability makes it an attractive choice for conservative and aggressive investors alike.

7. Inflation Hedge

Real estate acts as a natural hedge against inflation. As the cost of living rises, so do rents and property values. This means your investment keeps pace with, or even outpaces, inflation—protecting your purchasing power over time.

8. Control and Customization

Unlike most investments, real estate offers a high degree of control. You choose the property, the financing, the tenants, and how to manage and improve the asset. This hands-on approach lets you directly impact your investment's performance.

Real estate investing is not a get-rich-quick scheme—but it is a powerful, time-tested strategy for building wealth. With proper planning, research, and financial management, real estate can offer steady income, long-term appreciation, and the peace of mind that comes from owning a tangible, valuable asset. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, plan for retirement, or leave a legacy, real estate deserves a place in your investment portfolio.

Get in touch with our Broker, Eugene, if you're ready to invest! 720.421.2509

Why Now is a Good Time To Invest in Denver Real Estate

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:59:09 GMT

If you're looking for a smart place to put your money in 2025, Denver should be at the top of your list. With a growing economy, strong housing demand, and shifting market dynamics, the Mile High City offers real estate investors a compelling mix of opportunity and stability.

�� Why Denver Is a Prime Investment Destination

1. Thriving Economy and Job Growth

Denver is home to a booming job market fueled by industries like tech, healthcare, aerospace, and renewable energy. Major companies and startups alike are calling the city home, creating a strong employment base that supports long-term housing demand. With unemployment low and wages on the rise, more people are moving to Denver — and they need places to live.

2. Population Growth Driving Demand

Denver continues to attract transplants from across the country looking for a high quality of life, outdoor access, and urban convenience. This influx of new residents creates ongoing demand for both rentals and home purchases, making the city a solid choice for buy-and-hold investors and house flippers alike.

3. Diverse Neighborhoods for Every Investment Strategy

Whether you're eyeing a trendy condo in RiNo, a single-family home in Washington Park, or a multi-unit property in Capitol Hill, Denver has a wide variety of real estate options. This diversity allows investors to tailor their strategies based on risk tolerance and budget.

�� Why 2025 Is a Smart Time to Invest in Denver

1. Rising Inventory Offers New Opportunities

After years of tight inventory, Denver’s housing market is seeing a welcome increase in available homes. This means more choices for investors and potentially less competition — especially for those ready to act quickly and strategically.

2. Price Growth Is Stabilizing

While Denver experienced rapid home price appreciation in recent years, 2025 is seeing more balanced growth. Prices are stabilizing, giving investors a chance to enter the market without overpaying — and potentially ride the next wave of appreciation.

3. Strong Rental Market

With high mortgage rates pricing some would-be homeowners out of the market, Denver’s rental market remains red-hot. Vacancy rates are low, and rental prices are strong, making this a great time to invest in income-producing properties.

�� Tips for Real Estate Investors in Denver

Know the Neighborhoods: Each Denver neighborhood has its own vibe and price point. Get to know local trends to find areas with the best ROI potential.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on zoning changes, public transportation plans, and infrastructure projects that could impact property values.
Think Long-Term: Denver’s fundamentals make it a strong long-term play. Even if short-term appreciation slows, rental income and population growth remain solid bets.

With its dynamic economy, growing population, and favorable real estate conditions, Denver is one of the top U.S. cities to invest in right now . Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to expand your portfolio, 2025 presents a unique window of opportunity in the Mile High City.

Ready to make a move? Give our Broker and Property Manager, Eugene, a call at 720.421.2509.

Spring Maintenance Checklist for Rental Properties

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 20:03:55 GMT

As the days get longer and temperatures start to rise, spring is the perfect time to give your rental properties a much-needed refresh. After a long winter, a thorough inspection and maintenance routine not only keeps your property in top shape but also helps prevent costly repairs down the line. Whether you're a seasoned landlord or managing your first rental, here’s a spring maintenance checklist to help keep your investment—and your tenants—happy. Masters Real Estate does regular property inspections to ensure all of these items are taken care of in order to protect our clients investments.

✅ 1. Inspect the Roof and Gutters

Winter can be harsh on roofing materials. Look for missing shingles, signs of leaks, or storm damage. Don’t forget to clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.

✅ 2. Service the HVAC System

Before temperatures soar, schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up. Change air filters and check for any issues that could affect performance or energy efficiency—this keeps your tenants comfortable and reduces utility complaints.

✅ 3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety first! Spring is a good reminder to test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a small step that can save lives and protect your property.

✅ 4. Check for Pest Issues

Rising temperatures mean increased pest activity. Look for signs of rodents, termites, or ants—especially in basements, attics, and around the foundation. Consider scheduling a pest control service as a preventative measure.

✅ 5. Inspect Windows and Doors

Examine seals, caulking, and weather stripping. Not only can worn-out seals drive up heating and cooling costs, but they also make the property less secure and more susceptible to moisture damage.

✅ 6. Spruce Up Landscaping

Trim overgrown shrubs, remove fallen branches, and refresh mulch beds. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also helps prevent issues like foundation damage from overgrown roots or clogged drains.

✅ 7. Examine Exterior Paint and Siding

Take a walk around the property and look for chipped paint, cracked siding, or areas showing wear. Spring is a great time for touch-ups that keep your property looking well-maintained and attractive to current and prospective tenants.

✅ 8. Check Walkways and Driveways

Inspect for cracks or uneven areas that could become tripping hazards. Repairs now can prevent bigger problems later, especially if water seeps in and freezes again next winter.

✅ 9. Clean Out Dryer Vents

Lint buildup in dryer vents is a major fire hazard. Ensure vents are clean and functioning properly—it’s a quick job that protects both the property and your tenants.

✅ 10. Aerate the Lawns

Lawn aeration is a crucial lawn care practice of creating small holes in the soil to improve air, water, and nutrient penetration. This helps to alleviate soil compaction, promote healthier root growth, and reduce thatch buildup. An ideal time to aerate is in the Spring before you turn on the sprinklers.

Spring maintenance is all about being proactive. By staying ahead of repairs and keeping your rental property in great shape, you protect your investment and create a safe, comfortable environment for your tenants. Keep this checklist handy and make spring your most productive season yet!

Don't have time to manage your rental property? Masters Real Estate can help! Learn more about our services and get a free rental analysis.

5 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Property Manager

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:36:05 GMT

When you're looking for a property manager, it's not always easy to know what to look for. There are 5 key things to consider when choosing someone to manage your investment property. Read on to learn what these are and how to pick the best property manager to save you time, money, and stress while managing your properties!

Find a property manager who brings expertise and experience to your partnership

A good property manager will have experience in the local market and the type of property you are looking to rent out. You want to find someone with experience so that when an issue comes up, you can trust that they will leverage their knowledge and take the best recommended course of action. A good property manager will find you good tenants, quickly deal with issues with tenants when they arise, and help ensure that any repairs needed are done properly so that the property stays in good condition over time. This means fewer unexpected costs down the road!

Choose a property manager who is focused on the local market

In choosing a property manager, it’s important to choose someone who is focused on the local market and understands the trends guiding it. If you are investing in rental properties, then your ultimate goal is to make money by renting out your properties for more than your mortgage and hold the properties for long enough that you get a solid return on your investment. A good property manager will help you identify good investments that will make you money over time so that when it comes time to sell them back at market value or refinance, you’ll have gained equity in those assets.

Partner with a property manager who will free up your time

A good property manager will take tasks off your plate such as screening and placing tenants, collecting rent, transferring utilities, property inspections, handling normal and emergency maintenance issues, accounting, and more. Full-service property management companies like Masters Real Estate provide market analysis, lease negotiation, and marketing services along with routine maintenance tasks. In addition, they can help you prepare your home for sale, buying or selling properties, and even manage both sides of the transaction in the event the owner sells to the tenant.

Look for a property manager who has solid reviews from clients

It's important to check out reviews to see what others are saying about the property manager. Property managers are constantly dealing with issues and juggling the interests of the homeowner and tenants, however we pride ourselves on being able to mediate issues effectively to ensure both parties are happy. Check out the positive reviews for Masters Real Estate .

A good property manager will help you track returns

It's important to have line of sight into your profits for your investment property. Masters Real Estate provides the following:

Investment Property Consulting: Market analysis, renovation advice, 1031 exchanges, and tax deferment strategies
Online Portal: Access to dashboard to view income and documents and approve estimates
Tax Documents: Year-end income and expense reporting, 1099-MISC
Accounting Services: Disbursement of funds for rent and maintenance fees

In the end, it’s important to remember that a property manager is a business partner. And like all good partnerships, it will only work if both parties are on the same page. Your property manager should be willing to listen and adapt as you grow as a business owner. If you're looking for a full-service property management company, please use our contact info below to get in touch with Masters Real Estate.

Winter Is on the Way! Time To Get Your Sprinklers Blown Out and Winterize Your Lawn

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 20:34:54 GMT

As winter approaches, it's time to get prepared for the season. There are three things that are on the top of the to do list, arguably the most important things you need to do is winterize your sprinkler system. If not done properly you will find yourself with a maintenance emergency and an expensive repair bill when freezing temperatures come to Colorado. Another thing to consider is keeping branches away from your home and car during Spring where we receive moisture heavy seasonal snow that can damage anything or cause injury as they fall off. And lastly, if you like your healthy lawn, its aeration/fertilization time.

Get your sprinklers blown out for the season

Winter is the time to get your sprinklers blown out. The winterizing process helps ensure that your irrigation equipment will last longer and will not burst during the coldest months of the year. If water freezes in an un-winterized system, it expands and bursts water lines, sprinkler heads, backflow preventers and the plumbing inside your home causing significant, traumatic and costly damage.

To winterize your sprinkler system:

Turn off the water lines
Blow out all hoses so they are not full of water
Close the solenoids or turn off your system.
Turn off outside faucets (check for leaks).
Make sure your sprinkler system has been unplugged or disengaged.

Remove tree branches that might break off with heavy snow or ice

If you have trees on your property, especially large ones that may need to be removed in the future, it is important to do the following:

Remove dead or diseased branches. These branches can fall and cause damage if they are near power lines or on top of your car.
Remove branches that are too close to the house. This helps protect against wind coming from different directions and knocking down some of these trees onto your home. If there is a large tree that has grown too tall and its branches are overhanging your driveway, this could also cause problems with vehicles driving underneath it or kids playing around it during winter months when snow falls heavily overnight causing heavy snowfalls while temperatures drop quickly during nights when people go outside before sunrise during those cold mornings before going off to work or school!

Get your lawn aerated

Your lawn has had a long year of getting watered, being pressurized and packed down by lawn mowing, now its time to the alleviate the pressure. Aerating is a great thing for the lawn. It pokes holes throughout the lawn allowing for water, air and nutrients to get in deep to the roots. The holes are 2 or 3 inches into the ground, not too deep for your sprinkler lines to get punctured, but deep enough to help with new roots.

After aerating you will want to put down a winter fertilizer, the fertilizer will get deep into the soil allowing for the nutrients to be delivered right to the source. Making sure you have a good fertilizer is also important. There are several good brands out there that you can find at the local home hardware store.

If you need help managing your investment property, please let us know through our contact form or by calling 303-930-5125.

Denver Law Requires Licenses for All Property Managers

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:11:34 GMT

What's the scoop?

Beginning in 2024, all single and multi-family properties within the city and county of Denver will be requiring a license to manage them, even if they are self-managed. This goes for anything that is not considered single family housing. Unfortunately, there will changes in the single family realm as well...Beginning on January 1, 2024, a license will be required for any person to offer, provide, or operate a residential rental property consisting of a single unit. This includes single-family homes, single units within a rowhouse, and single units in an apartment building or condominium. Primary residences offered as short-term rentals (less than thirty days) may be exempted from the City’s separate residential licensing requirement.

All residential property managers must obtain a license from the city

You're probably wondering, what exactly is a property manager? A property manager is someone who manages real estate for a fee. Some common tasks performed by property managers include:

collecting rent payments from tenants
communicating with tenants on repairs and lease violations
handling disputes between tenants and landlords
dealing with maintenance issues and repairs

The new law requires all residential property managers/ home owners to obtain a license from the city. The license will last for 4 years. The new laws will take effect on January 1 2023 (multi-family) followed by January 1 2024 (for Residential) . If you are currently a property manager or a home owner managing your property, be ready for these changes.

The cost of a property manager’s license will be based on the number of units managed

The cost of a property manager’s license will be based on the number of units managed. For example, if you manage one unit in Denver, you must pay $50 per year; if you manage two unit to ten units, you must pay $100 per year; and so on. The fee is paid by either the property owner or property manager.

This may have an impact on rental values in the area

This law could have a significant impact on rental values in the area, as well as home ownership. When individuals are required to obtain a license for property management, there is an increased cost that must be passed on to the tenant.

As one of the most popular parts of Denver, this change could mean that you'll see increases in your monthly rent or home sale price in order to offset the licensing fees and other expenses associated with complying with this new regulation.

Denver laws requiring inspections

Now that we have covered rentals and inspections, let’s go over how this new law will affect the rental market. Inspections have a cost associated with them; most inspections are $300-500. This is going to bring a larger burden to the Owners of these rentals, which in turn may cause rentals to go up in price more than we have seen in the last year.

What is an inspection?

An inspection is a full run down of the whole home/ condo, requiring access by a licensed inspector.

How often are inspections required?

Every four years
Inspections may be required more frequently depending on the type of building, use or occupancy and/or the presence of any identified deficiencies.

What is the purpose of inspections?

Inspections are good for everyone but costly, inspections cover the owner from liability if the tenant destroys something in the property and tries to put it on the owners. They also protect the tenant from bad living situations.

This could be good for consumers

This is a good thing for consumers as it imposes some standards on what you can expect from someone who's licensed.. It will help them protect themselves from bad property managers and make sure they are getting the best service possible. The regulations will also give landlords a better sense of security when it comes to their investments. If they know that the property manager they choose has been through the rigorous changes in past years, they can be more confident in the decision.

We hope that you enjoyed reading about the new law in Colorado. As always, we’ll keep you up to date with any updates on this legislation and other legal developments that affect your business.

Why It's a Great Time to Invest In Denver Real Estate

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:37:28 GMT

The Denver area is booming. There's no doubt about that. There are historic apartment buildings being built in RiNo, new hotels going up in downtown, and Amazon is moving here full-time with a new headquarters. But how is your city keeping up with all the growth? Are there enough jobs to go around? Are there enough places to live? If you're not a real estate agent or an economist, the answer may surprise you: yes! Many people moving to Colorado do so for its recreational lifestyle, which means there are plenty of jobs available for those who have moved here recently. And while many people might complain about the high cost of living (particularly when it comes to housing), there's evidence that people are still flocking here daily - including families looking for affordable schools and neighborhoods where they can raise children without fear of them becoming victims of gang violence or drug dealers on every corner."

The numbers are in, and they show that the Denver area is still booming

Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The city's population has grown by over 100,000 people since 2010, and it's still growing at a rapid pace.

The housing market is seeing unprecedented demand—and prices are rising along with it. Colorado's population is also increasing rapidly; their population grew by more than 50% between 2000 and 2016—the highest percentage growth rate of any state in that period. Colorado’s population has grown by more than 30% since 2000. The state is now home to over 5.5 million people and is expected to grow by another 30% in the next 20 years.

The housing market is seeing unprecedented demand - and prices

The housing market is seeing unprecedented demand and prices. The market is still strong, but there are some signs of a slowdown. The demand is high, but it’s not going to stay that way forever.

The demand for real estate in major cities like New York City and San Francisco has been skyrocketing for years now as more people move back into urban areas to be closer to their jobs—or simply because they prefer city living over suburban life. And while most experts say the trend will continue for at least another decade or so, some economists have begun suggesting that supply-side issues could cause prices to plateau or even decline during this time period (i.e., when people get priced out of their homes).

Complaints about the housing market's affordability are not slowing the real estate industry down

The housing market is not slowing down. While affordability has been a concern for those moving to or staying in the area, this isn't stopping the real estate industry from doing well. We are seeing new homes being built and sold, as well as existing homes being renovated and sold at higher prices.

Young professionals are flocking to the Mile High City

Denver, Colorado is a great place to live, work and play. The city has plenty of amenities for the young professional who wants to tap into Denver’s culture or enjoy outdoor activities. A prime example of this is in the area of real estate. According to Redfin data, Denver saw annual home price increases of almost three times that of the national average over the past two years (9% versus 3%). With such an influx of people moving into the Mile High City and its surrounding suburbs, it’s no wonder that companies are taking notice!

It's not just young professionals - families are moving to Colorado as well

But it's not just young professionals - families are moving to Colorado as well. With a growing population and an influx of young people, Denver has become one of the most vibrant cities in America. The city's revitalization means that families can live within walking distance from schools and parks. This means that parents don't have to spend hours every day in traffic, or rely on public transportation for their children’s commute. It’s also a great place for retirees who want access to outdoor activities, but would like warmer weather than found in many other parts of the country during winter months.

It's no secret why people are flocking here: there are plenty of reasons why living in Colorado is an excellent choice!

Many people moving to Colorado do so for its recreational lifestyle

The state of Colorado is a great place to live for all sorts of reasons.

Colorado is the 4th most active state in the nation. Its residents are constantly hiking, biking and skiing across its mountainous terrain. It has more than 1,000 parks that provide endless opportunities for recreation and exploration. In fact, Colorado has over 300 miles of mountain bike trails alone! The only downside is that this means people will be outside more often than not—which wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for one thing: marketing overload!

As you can see, the Denver-area housing market is booming. There are a lot of factors at play here - from large corporations moving their operations to Colorado to young professionals settling down here for their careers. However, one thing we know for sure is that everyone who moves here has something in common: they want to live in a place that’s beautiful and convenient. That's why there's no better time than now to invest in real estate in Denver!

Has the Market Officially Cooled? With prices coming down and a possible recession looming, what can we expect?

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 18:29:20 GMT

Have we peaked?

Has the Market Officially Cooled?

Let’s go back in time for a moment. It’s February 2022, you are out looking for a house, and find there are four other groups looking at the house your broker selected. You think, that's odd, why are there so many people here? You decide to make an offer at the asking price. Later in the day, you hear back from your broker and the house has 6 other offers. What? Why are there that many? What is the highest asking price? And, you say to yourself, I am not going to pay that much for that house! March comes around quickly, and you've looked at 15 houses. Amazingly you find that every single house you like is going for $100,000 above asking price! You are on the fence, do I spend $120,000 more than I want for this house? Do I waive the inspection all together? How much should the appraisal gap be? Is there any way I can purchase this home?

Well, if you didn't end up buying a property in the last 6 months, there is no wonder why. The last half of a year has seen a dramatic increase in pricing. in the real estate community. We have seen numbers we never dreamed of in this Colorado climate. We have gone from a middle-class community to bordering a luxury market. Some may be happy about this, and others not so happy, but one thing is for sure, we seem to have peaked . Now this doesn't mean you should panic, because there is nothing happening right now, things are just continuing as if normal. We are on the border of a recession, but the market (as far as real estate goes, buying, selling, renting) is business as usual. Homes are still near record highs, and things are looking very, neutral.

Is now the time to buy? Is now the time to sell? Those are good questions. With a lot just sitting on the line it would seem everybody is just wondering when the other shoe will drop and wondering in what direction that will push us in.

So, what to do now? It is still a great time to sell, we are seeing homes sit a little longer than say March, and we are still seeing prices 20% higher than we did 2 years ago. So, is it bad to sit on the market for a little while for that kind of return? Surely not. According to Denver Channel 7, “In June, the median price for a home was $810,415 – a 0.58% increase from a month prior and a 12.31% increase year-over-year."

Unfortunately, we can’t look at national trends because they don’t seem to apply to Colorado. If you find a great deal, take advantage of the opportunity, but don’t be in a hurry, if you don’t have to move immediately, don’t do it out of frustration.

You can always call one of our realtors here at RE/MAX Masters for advice on buying, selling, or creating an investment portfolio in the form of rental properties.

RE/MAX Masters Property Management

Four things homeowners/ landlords look for in tenants

eugene@rentcoloradohomes.com (Masters Real Estate) — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:05:25 GMT

Four things homeowners/landlords look for in tenants

Four things’ homeowners/ landlords look for in tenants:

When trying to find a rental there is a laundry list of things that renters must keep in mind. However, there are four qualities that homeowners look for the most in their tenants. You may be surprised to know that they are much simpler than your credit score.

First, is cleanliness . We aren’t talking about the last-minute cleaning of the house before the “big bad landlord” shows up, we are talking about the overall condition of the property after you have signed a rental agreement. Are there holes in the walls? Are there extra occupants? Is there excessive trash throughout the property? Most, if not all, homeowners care about the properties they are renting out. In fact, most homeowners lived in that very property themselves at one point in time. The Zebra Magazine says that… “in 2015, 74.4% of rental properties were owned by individual investors and not corporations.” Because of this, these properties may hold sentimental value to the homeowner. Therefore, cleanliness is a huge indicator to the homeowner that you are a quality tenant and that you care for their property as if it were your own.

You know what they say, communication is key. The same goes for the rental relationship. It is very important to communicate with the owners of the property you are renting. They have spent a large amount of time and money on their investment, so it is a breath of fresh air to watch someone care for it. Remember to answer calls, be prompt when meetings are scheduled, and make time for them when they make time for you. This relationship doesn’t have to be awkward; the homeowner just wants the peace of mind that you care for their property as much as they do. Consistent communication shows that you are a renter worth keeping.

Being truthful is everything. This quality may be the most important when moving into a home. If you have a pet, or multiple, tell your homeowner upfront to avoid any awkward or unwanted phone calls later down the road. The best rule of thumb to follow is to leave everything out on the table. Being honest upfront will save you and the homeowner a great deal of headaches in the future. I have rented to individuals in the past that presented some red flags, but they told me everything up front and ended up being great tenants. The stories that resonate with homeowners the most almost always have to do with dishonest tenants. Don’t be one of those stories. Just like a relationship with a friend or a spouse, trust is built through honesty .

Lastly, attitude is always reciprocated. Being polite and easy to work with goes a long way. If you are polite chances are your homeowner will be too. When you are renting you are borrowing another individuals property. Having a good attitude towards the homeowner will make both of your lives easier. Don’t make them hate coming by, and more so, don’t give them a reason to dislike you. You don’t have to kiss up to them but make sure to treat them with respect and they will do the same. Attitude is everything. It can help determine what your future rental relationship will be like. Bad attitudes can create bad feelings or hostile and awkward situations between you and your homeowner.

Being both a renter and a landlord, I have seen good rental relationships turn bad and homeowners at a loss due to bad tenants. Always remember that a good reciprocal relationship relies on both parties working together, not against each other. Most times, a bad rental relationship arises because of lack of respect for the home, miscommunication, lies and deceit, or bad attitudes. Keep these four qualities in mind the next time you’re in the market to rent.

RE/MAX Masters Property Management

Rents Are On the Climb. How to deal with our changing real estate market.

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:05:33 GMT

What Does This Mean for Homeowners and Renters?

Rents Are On the Climb

by Michael Nash REMAX Masters Property Management

The last couple of years have been a whirlwind when it comes to prices in the Denver Metro area, we have seen interest rates at historic lows, prices on homes at historic highs and rents on the climb. What does this mean for homeowners ? Should you be on the lookout for investment properties? Working towards higher rents in your current investment, or putting more money into your vacant rental? All signs point to a resounding YES! Market trends expected this wave of price hike after price hike to cease after rising interest rates started hitting the Colorado economy, but just the opposite has happened. According to the Denver Business Journal, “In the first quarter of 2022, Highlands Ranch saw its typical home value grow by 9.9% to a typical home value of $777,744, according to Zillow. “

So, what does this mean? Its time to grow your portfolio! Rates are stagnating and prices are as well, but what isn’t... rental rates. According to 9 News, “Rent in Denver is up an average of 15% over last year. With rental rates jumping higher than the rate of inflation, renters are being stretched thin and priced out.” This means more cash flow and a higher potential for more profit. With fantastic loan options available, now may be the time to secure your investment property.

Is a rental property the right option for you? A lot of people are scared to get into the rental market due to the time and effort that it takes. But with many companies in the Denver Metro area offering assistance in all areas, the process is fairly seamless and painless. Companies like REMAX Masters Property Management partnered with REMAX Masters Millennium make this possible. They realizing they need to offer more to clients, as in, helping locate rental properties and being the purchasing brokerage as well as the property management company keeping the transaction very stress free.

RE/MAX Masters Property Management

3 Reasons Why You NEED to Buy That Investment Property NOW!

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:38:23 GMT

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1. The Market is a GREAT Opportunity for Investors!

The Denver market is and has been prepared for you to buy a new investment property. The mortgage rates are super low right now, making it easier than ever to buy a property, hire us to manage it, and obtain that landlord status!

2. Millennials Just Aren’t Buying!

Recent studies have showing that millennials have no plans to buy a home in the near future, or even at all. Most Millennial and Generation Z’ers are living paycheck to paycheck, paying rent, and are not planning to buy a home in general. It’s difficult for them and seems to them that renting is much easier and less time consuming than buying a house would be. Why not give them an easier place to live, and make a profit?

3. Hiring the Right Property Manager Makes It Effortless for a second source of income!

Here at Masters’ Property Management, we take care of everything, from finding tenants, to maintenance, to moving out and getting it ready for the next tenants. With us here taking care of everything, you are paid rent through us and don’t have to do any of the stressful work that comes with being a landlord. It’s the perfect plan!

With how the market is, now is the time to buy your investment properties! We are able to help you find the right ones, manage them, and lease them, so give us a call and we’ll start the process today! No more waiting for the right time, it’s now!

Why Should a Renter Have Insurance

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 20:18:09 GMT

Why Does my Landlord Care if I Have Renter’s Insurance?

If you’ve been a renter for more than a couple years, you’re probably aware that most landlord and property management companies require you to carry renter’s insurance. You’ve probably asked yourself, why does it matter to my landlord? In most cases your landlord is only requiring you to carry one type of insurance and that’s personal liability insurance. Personal liability insurance is built into almost every renters insurance policy. Therefore, it’s easier for a landlord to simply ask that you get a renter’s insurance policy. Mandating that you carry personal liability coverage is a way for the landlord to protect themselves financially from certain losses. You, the tenant, should be the named insured on a renter’s insurance policy. It’s not uncommon that your landlord or property manager asks to be named as an additional insured or an additional interest.

Let’s say your dog bites and injures a neighbor. The neighbor might file suit against you, for being the dog’s caretaker. They may also sue the homeowner and property management company for allowing you to keep a ‘dangerous’ dog. If the landlord and property management company are both additional insureds on the policy, it provides them with coverage as well.

Renters insurance is a great value and provides additional coverages to you, then just liability. The typical renter’s policy includes three major coverages. The first one being liability, the other two are personal property and loss of use.

Personal Property is the coverage that most people think of, when they think of renter’s insurance. This is coverage for your stuff. Personal property covers your clothing, furniture, tvs, home décor and just about everything else in your home, with some exceptions. Most policies have a minimum requirement for personal property of around $5,000, however, the average person owns over $20,000 in personal property. If there was a fire in your home, how financially devastated would you be? Would you be able to repurchase all your things? Renter’s insurance provides coverage for your things in the event of a loss such as theft, vandalism, fire, wind, and other losses.

Loss of Use is the third coverage that makes up a typical renter’s policy. Loss of use pays for your additional living expenses in the event of a covered claim. Imagine waking up to a burning building! If you have a renter’s policy with loss of use, you could check into a hotel and have somewhere to live until you find replacement housing and it will likely be paid for (up to your policy limits).

Renter’s insurance provides several great coverages and is one of the least expensive insurance policies you’ll ever purchase. In fact, oftentimes, the cost of renter’s insurance is less than the discount you receive on your auto insurance, when you bundle with the same company. This means renters insurance may cost you nothing additional a month than what you currently pay for car insurance! The team at Premier Mountain Insurance are happy to help you with your renter’s insurance, as well as auto insurance and life insurance.

Call or text today! 303-452-6662 . You can also purchase coverage directly from this link!

Coverage is dependent on policy language and claim scenario. Talk to your agent or claims adjuster for specific information regarding your claim.

7 Things to Keep in Mind During Renovation

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 18:29:41 GMT

How To Plan the Perfect Remodel

1. What do you want to change?

Look at websites to get inspiration for the redesign. Write down exactly what you like, and why, and look at your local home store for prices! Once you know what it is exactly what you like and what you don’t like, map it out. Make a list, prioritizing what it is that you want to change and everything else that you’d like to do. Keep it in sight, and refer to the list throughout your renovation project to help stay on track!

2. What are your resources?

Your resources, for your project, should include your time, budget, and energy. Decide between an update, and an overhaul, make sure that you consider the amount of time, money and energy it’ll take to finish the project.

3. What’s your budget?

How much can you spend? Figure that part out, and then subject 30% from this number and set it aside just in case something else pops up, damages occur, or anything like that.

4. What’s it look like?

Sketch it out! Do a rough sketch, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but sketch out the layout, including fixtures, cabinets, appliances, sinks, or storage options. Include everything you’d like to incorporate into the renovation, and you’ll use that as a blueprint!

5. What are the measurements?

This might sound weird, but if you are taking measurements, take them twice, and then have someone else take them twice. Compare them, and make sure they’re the same or very, very similar. That way you won’t have any mistakes and you won’t have to worry about what you’re doing, because you know 100% that they’re correct!

6. What’s the bottom of the floor look like?

It should look brand new, and that’s because you’re going to replace it. It allows you to start fresh, and get rid of any damage, water or wear and tear damage, that commonly occurs.

7. Where is everything?

Organize everything in the room that you’re renovating in another room, so that you will be able to find it. Whether it’s spices, or body wash, or toys, make sure they’re easy to find and where you put them make sense!

Why would you want to do any of this?

Because it brings more value to your home! Which is great, and you get to enjoy the upgraded features (or upgraded rent)! It makes your space more functional, to address the changing needs of the rental market or your family, and also gives opportunity for more storage options!

Fun Things to Do in Denver This Holiday Season

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:33:26 GMT

Holiday season has officially arrived and with it tons of fun things and activities to do, this magical time of the year brings family, friends and loved ones closer together. There are so many events happening during the Holidays in the Denver metro area that we’ve put together a small list of things to do.

3 Reasons Buying a House Is Easier Than You Think!

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 01:26:20 GMT

1. You DON’T need that 20% down that you always thought you had to have.

You can buy a house with 0% down with the right programs, grants, and lenders. Key bank, as part of their community service, offers this to first time home buyers. With other loans, you can put down as little as 3%. Of course, the more you can bring to the table at closing, the better your offer will look, and your rates will be lower, too. But we all know in this day and age it’s really, really hard to get 20% saved up with all the daily expenses and rent that we face here in Denver. The 20% is attainable, but not necessary to buy a house.

2. Your credit DOESN’T have to be perfect!

You can get mortgage loans with any credit score. 620 gets you a pretty good rate, 720 gets you even better. It never hurts to work on your credit, so never stop doing that, but know that you don’t have to have the best credit ever. Average credit is accepted, even though it may not get you as good of a rate from lenders as that 720 or 800 would, it still doesn’t keep you from buying a home! In our office, we have people here that are willing to help, and we have amazing connections, so please don’t be afraid to reach out to us if you want to start the process!

3. There are First Time Home Buyer programs that ACTUALLY work!

You can and should shop around for the best fitting home buyer program. There are multiple options, ones that offer grants to the first-time home buyer that don’t require you to pay them back! Some programs have stipulations on the types of properties you’re able to purchase and how long you’ll have to live there, but with all the different options, this is another great road to go down. We have information about these programs too, so again, don’t be afraid to reach out.

Buying a house has become an ‘unattainable’ dream for plenty of millennials and later generations, but that’s due to a lack of education about how to actually buy a house. It’s not as hard as you’d think, it’s all about getting in there, seeing what you qualify for, and biting the bullet to do it. Call us today for advice and guidance!

New Tenant- Landlord Laws

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 07:00:00 GMT

Our newly appointed governor, Jared Polis, has been busy passing a lot of bills this year. These include house bills that address property management, tenancy, and eviction laws that landlords must follow. With the passing of these laws, we as your property management company have been paying close attention, making sure we read up on the new laws and now we wanted to share them with you!

This first bill is 1106, which benefits tenants and protects from outrageous application fees – luckily, ours has always been $30.00 per application, so we’re not affected by this new law, however, it will now limit other landlords for how much they can charge.

With the second bill introduced, house bill 1118 – which requires landlords to give a 10-day notice, instead of the three-day noticed that was required prior to this. This protects landlords from tenants and starts the eviction process should it need to happen, whether from unpaid rent or breaking the terms of the lease. This gives tenants more time to pay and allows for less room for error on the property manager’s side.

Finally, the third bill is 1170. This bill gives renters the ability to withhold rental payments in the event that the landlord fails to respond to a reported problem within a specified timeframe. This only applies if the landlord is breaching the warrant of habitability.

All of these bills protect the landlord and the tenant. Let us know if you ever have any questions!

Spring Clean Like a Boss

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 07:00:00 GMT

Everyone’s Favorite Topic – Renter’s Insurance

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Why do I need it?

Part of being a property manager is obtaining renters insurance and home owners insurance. Our company also requires us to be added as additional insured parties, allowing us to make claims on your behalf if the need arises, or get any information about a renter’s claim that could happen. In order for us to require any of this from you, we’d like to give you some information about the benefits of having renter’s insurance, so that you know what the easiest, and smartest option for you is.

Renter’s insurance is defined as an insurance policy that primarily covers the contents of a lease dwelling. A dwelling is usually defined as a single-family home, condo, townhouse, mobile home, modular home, apartment or any building, or part of a building, with separate sleeping quarters, kitchen, and bathroom. There are also renter’s insurance policies for houseboats, RV’s, and campers. There are three main parts to renter’s insurance:

Introducing Masters Property Maintenance

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 08:00:00 GMT

What Happens During an Eviction?

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 08:00:00 GMT

10 Tips for a Safe Fall and Winter

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Well, Denver, summer is slowly coming to a close and in Denver that means the weather is finally cooling down, the sun is giving us a much-needed break! Once the Denver ‘monsoon’ season is over, is normally when our leaves change, and fall officially starts. We wanted to take a second and go over what you need to be doing annually (or having us do) to make sure to keep your home in tip-top shape throughout the autumn season and prepare it for the coming winter! We’re just 15 weeks away from snow, people. It’s time to get started!

Denver, it’s been real. From the hail and the floods, to the over 100 degree days, we’ve almost made it through – only 18 weeks until the official start of winter, on December 21st, so in reality, we’ve got about 10-12 weeks left!

How to Survive a Difficult Tenant

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 07:00:00 GMT

We here at Masters Property Management pride ourselves on the making of finding ideal, great tenants a priority to protect your properties, but in the property management world, finding a less than ideal tenant is no more common than seeing an airplane when you’re driving towards DIA. Unfortunately, this could mean that you are dealing with a constant state of late rent or delinquencies, frivolous lawsuits, even a path of destruction and a tenant leaving in the middle of the night, never to be seen, or paid by, again. Although these issues are not common for us, as our screening process is very thorough and we look after your greatest asset 24/7, if you chose to go with another property manager, you may deal with these issues. Here are some tips to get you through it – or you can hire us to do so, for you.

1. Attitude

Tenants that have an attitude but take fantastic care of your property and pay rent on time are never an issue – it’s when they don’t pay rent or take good care of your property that they then become a problem. In this situation, they might even threaten to sue over frivolous situations. This is easily solved by knowing your lease agreement inside and out, and the laws that go along with that, on both sides of the table. Eugene O’Brien has the wealth of this knowledge, so rest easy knowing that we’ve got this side covered. Keeping your cool also goes a long way when it comes to tenants like this!

2. Rent

The number one most important thing to all of us is ensuring that rent gets paid. Whether we are an owner, a tenant, or a property manager, this and taking care of the property are the number one most important items on anyone’s list. If rent is late, or doesn’t get paid, we will post a 3 day notice to pay or quit, which warns of eviction in the case that rent doesn’t get paid, or the home isn’t being taken care of according to the lease. This will either encourage the tenant to straighten up their act – or make them more apprehensive. Having a property manager managing your investment property often makes tenants more accepting in situation like this, and if that’s not the case, we have the legal resources to make sure that we get what is owed from the tenant.

3. Abandonment

It really does happen, unfortunately. Bad tenants can be dishonest to the point of picking up everything and leaving in the middle of the night, sticking you with their damage and baggage, both literally and figuratively. In this case, you would need to contact law enforcement, and have the resources to take them to eviction court or send them to collections, all of which we can do right here for you. This can normally be prevented through our strenuous background checking process – another great reason to have us managing your property.

4. Damage

We require our tenants to have renter’s insurance, of at least 100,000 in liability. This covers the property from any damage that can be insured, and it helps protect the renter – which in turn protects the home owner. As your management company, we are able to deal with the insurance companies on your behalf!

If these tips sound like they take a lot of knowledge, resources, effort, and time, trust us, they do. And we are here and happy to help with all of them! Thank you so much for choosing our company to manage your investments, and trusting us to do the perfect job.

Reason You Need Us to Be Your Property Manager #354879

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Squatters. They’re everywhere, and they even have their own legal rights. If a squatter manages to go unnoticed for 30 days, and pays taxes, in a certain number of years, they could own your home. Because this is legally protected, it’s becoming more and more of a problem now that the rental and housing market in Denver is so competitive. The trouble here? It’s legally protected- and even legally allowed. If you aren’t trespassing on the property, didn’t obviously break in (which would include damaging the property) and you make it obvious that you have occupied an abandoned property, you are essentially a tenant, and therefore have what’s called, “Squatters Rights”. This means, as the landlord, you would not be allowed to randomly change the locks, or turn off the water, or even the electricity, or the squatter could possibly sue you, and win the lawsuit. You definitely need someone who knows these laws inside out and can prevent this from happening from the start, versus trying to resolve an issue like this on your own. If you end up with a squatter on your property, you need to post a 3-day notice, file it in court, file for an eviction, make sure that you haven’t missed any little detail, have contacted the police – a whole long list of things to protect yourself from any form of lawsuit from the person that has attempted to take possession of your property right from under you. In the state of Colorado, if a squatter manages to live in a property for over 7 years, they can take the title of your home from you, in a process called adverse possession. This means that they will own the house, rightfully and legally, even though they never paid a mortgage, even though they didn’t take out a homeowner’s loan – and it’s not fair, but it’s happening, more and more in Denver. With a good property management company, like ours, you would never have to deal with a squatter in the first place – and we would take care of anything that could possibly happen. If you would rather take care of it yourself, and hire your own lawyer, that could work out, but it could also mean that if a squatter is occupying your home, they could have easy access to that ‘adverse possession’ law we spoke about. It’s your choice – protect your investments fully, be able to use them as additional income, (or even sole income) or risk your investments in lieu of letting us do the work for you with all the resources we have available to us.

Quick Timeline of Colorado History

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT

The history of Colorado is quite interesting. We love working in Colorful Colorado and helping real estate investors manage their properties and maximize returns. Read on to learn all about the colorful history that encompasses the Centennial State!

Our State Motto: Nil Sine Numine, latin for Nothing Without Providence.

Our State Tree: Colorado Blue Spruce

Our State Flower: The Blue Columbine

Timeline of the History of Colorado

1861: The Colorado Territory was created in 1861, after gold was found in the South Platte near today’s Cherry Creek three years earlier, creating an end to the stagnation and isolation that was Denver.

1864: The Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes in Colorado were massacred at Sand Creek, commanded by Colonel John Chivington. In the future, a memorial will be built for the 700 people killed.

1871: The first streetcar line was built from Auraria to Five Points, furthering the push for Colorado to become a state in

1876: Colorado officially becomes the 38th United State of America

1890: Population booming, it reached 106,713 in Denver, propelled by railroad and mining industries and opportunities. Arapahoe County formed, and the silver industry crashed, causing a depression in the city of Denver

1821: The City of Stapleton was erected by Ben Stapleton, an infamous Ku Klux Klan leader who was elected to govern over the state of Colorado.

1831: Winter Park Ski Resort and Red Rocks Natural Amphitheater open, with Confluence Park following closely behind

1900’s : Teddy Roosevelt names 75% of Colorado forests and mountains national parks

1918: The Broadmoor Resort opens

1921: The City of Stapleton was erected by Ben Stapleton, an infamous Ku Klux Klan leader who was elected to govern over the state of Colorado

1930: The Stapleton Airport opens, and the population of Denver reaches over 1,000,000

1942: The US Government selects Colorado Springs for a major Air Force Base – The Granada Relocation Internment camp opens

1945: World War ll Ends

1952: The Denver-Boulder Turnpike Opens

1955: 306 cadets are sworn in as the first class at Lowry Airforce Base

1959: Coors introduces the aluminum beer can

1963: Dr. Thomas Starzl performs the world’s first liver transplant at the University of Colorado Hospital

1977: The olympic training center in Colorado Springs opens

1979: Pope John Paul ll grants the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver the title Basilica Minor

1982: The 16th Street Mall opens in the center of Downtown Denver

1989: The FBI and the EPA raid the department of Energy Rocky Flats Plant near Arvada

1991: Wellington Webb assumes office as the first African American Mayor of the city and county of Denver

1993: World Youth Day

1995: The Colorado Rockies win the first game ever played in Coors Field, The Colorado Avalanche defeat the Detroit Red Wings, and the Denver International Airport is officially opened

1996: The Colorado Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup, bringing the first championship title to Colorado

1997: The animated show, South Park, based on the Colorado town, first airs

1999: The massacre at Columbine high school occurs, killing 13 people and injuring 24 others

2001: The Avalanche win their second Stanley cup. 9/11 occurs

2005: The blue bear is placed outside of the Colorado Convention Center

2006: NORAD Moves to Peterson Air force base

2007: Anschutz medical campus opens

2008: Luis Jimenez Jr.’s infamous Blucifer statue is placed on the grounds of DIA, welcoming all with its glowing red eyes and history of killing it’s artist

2011: Missy Franklin of Centennial brings home four gold medals for swimming in the Olympics

2012: James Holmes open fires on a Century 16 move theater, killing 12 people and wounding 70 others

2014: Same Sex marriage is made legal in the state of Colorado

2015: President Barack Obama issues a proclamation creating Browns Canyon National Monument

2016: The Denver Broncos win the 50th Super Bowl against the Carolina Panthers

2017: Masters Real Estate in Greenwood Village opens for business in property Management. An eleven year old girl of lone tree invents a device that can detect lead in water faster than any other existing technique

2018: The attack submarine USS Colorado is commissioned at the Naval Submarine Base New London

As you can see, the history of Colorado is one that encourages growth across the country. What a beautiful state to live in!

Interested in investing in real estate? Masters Real Estate can help you maximize your returns on your rental properties. Learn more here.

Top 13 Tips for Environmentally Friendly Spring Cleaning!

Thu, 24 May 2018 07:00:00 GMT

A lot of Coloradans pride ourselves on being ‘natural’ and organic, so we here at Masters Property Management decided to do a little research on some natural alternatives to the most chemical smelling spring cleaning tasks – here are the best 13 tips that we could find.

1. Couch Cleaning!

Cleaning a Microfiber couch can be tricky. If you use a scrub brush and some rubbing alcohol, those stains will come right out. With some elbow grease, you’ll have a couch as good as new!

2. Coffee Tables

Got water rings on some wooden coffee tables? Fear no more! When guests are over, you don’t have to worry about strategically covering them. If you use a blow dryer on a high setting, at a 180-degree angle, it will blow them away in 20 minutes or less. Make sure to use a little bit of olive oil afterwards to moisturize the wood to prevent any cracking!

3. Oven cleaner, but without the oven cleaner

This is personally my most dreaded task. I always seem to end up with oven cleaner on my arms, and a dry patch that I can never quite get rid of until the day before I clean my oven again. Of course, that’s how life works – but with this life hack, we’ve got you – and your arms- covered. With a lot of baking soda, lemon juice, water and dawn dish soap – you and your elbow grease can get your oven looking amazing without the harmful chemicals and risk of oven cleaning poison. A lot of ‘organic’ oven cleaning recipes call for white vinegar and baking soda, but the lemon’s acidity replaces the vinegar and cuts out any risk of a chemical reaction! It does take a lot more effort, and a cold oven, but it’s well worth it to the environmentally conscious tenant.

4. Naturally Polish your Stainless Steel!

Stainless Steel for the past ten years has been all the rage for kitchen appliances. Polishing this can be a somewhat tedious task – but if you use a combination of cream of tartar and a little bit of water to form a paste – scrub it and let it rest for about 15 minutes, it’ll be brand new. No more rust, burns, and it won’t scratch the surface with a light scrubbing! A trick to this, if the appliance isn’t flammable, is to use pledge after you polish. It’ll make everything very shiny – but slippery for a little while if not wiped down properly. Use this trick if you’re moving out or showing your home and it’ll shine as brightly as that newly polished stainless steel!

5. Hard-water and Limescale cleaning!

Everyone Knows the power of vinegar when it comes to cleaning. Grandma really does know best when it comes to this! If your shower head has limescale on it – fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and tie it on to the shower head over night. It’ll be gone by morning! This also works with any faucet or sprayer you have in your home.

6. Stove Top Polishing

Want that reflection on your glass stove top? Fill a bowl with hot water and a few little drops of dish soap. Dip a rag in it, and squeeze the rag out so that it’s soggy, but not dripping. Spread baking soda generously across the stove top – and lay the rag fully down on top for about 15 minutes, allowing the baking soda to steam from the heat of the rag. In swirling motions, pick the rag up and gently scrub the glass stove top – and there you go! As shiny as a new mirror.

If you have a gas cooktop, white vinegar and an old toothbrush will clean virtually anything off of it safely.

7. Easily Clean your microwave – with just one wipe!

My mother always taught me to clean with a drop of dish soap in a glass dish filled halfway with water and boil it in the microwave. This recipe works off of that idea and works even better! Fill a glass bowl up halfway with water and slice half a lemon into thin slices. Put those into the water and add a splash of vinegar – microwave for four minutes (Or until it boils) and then use a damp cloth to wipe away all that stuck on grease and food. It smells and looks great with very little effort and chemicals!

8. Shower Cleaner

That fiberglass bottom of your shower never seems to truly get clean or stay clean. A combination of baking soda and lemon juice will clean it, and get it looking brand new again! For your shower walls and doors, you can fill a dishwashing wand with dish soap and vinegar to just swipe and be done. If you have one, hang it on a suction cup so it’ll last longer and won’t take up valuable shower space.

9. No more grease!

Fill a spray bottle with 2-parts rubbing alcohol, and 1-part water. Spray this everywhere that cooking grease splashes while you’re frying or cooking, and it will dissolve before your eyes!

10. Dusting won’t take all morning anymore!

To dust off pillows and lampshades, you can swipe a lint roller quickly over them and you’re done. For blinds, you can use an old sock and a couple drops of vinegar to leave them shiny and clean! Dusting computer and TV screens becomes a seconds only task with a coffee filter, and for paintings that you don’t want to damage with any chemicals – stay with me, here – use half a bagel. It’ll pick up all that dust and any other nasty things that rest on any paintings, and it won’t risk any damage at all!

11. Clean Carpet Stains

With this tip, we all need to be careful not to damage carpet or make a stain worse. If you’re unsure about what the stain is, or the material your carpet is made out of, don’t try this one at home, and leave it to our professionals to clean, otherwise you run the risk of losing part of your security deposit.

Now, with that warning in mind – you can get tough food, drink, and pet stains out with a spray bottle of water and white vinegar, a protective towel, and an iron. Spray the vinegar and water mixture onto the stain, let it rest for 10 minutes, and then steam the carpet using your iron. Immediately lay the towel over the stain, and lay the iron over the towel, being careful not to leave the iron in one spot for too long to avoid burning. Remove the iron and the towel, and you’re done! Again, be careful with this one!

12. Clean your Cabinets and Baseboards

Use a dish cleaner filled with dish soap to clean your cabinets and baseboards! This method is sworn by, by a lot of people on the internet. It works so well at getting dirty and grime off easily, just use a wet rag to wipe the soap residue away.

13. Cleaning Slime

Use this cleaning slime to get into the nooks, cracks, and crannies you can’t easily get into, that you don’t want to push anything else into. Like a computer keyboard, for example! This cleaning slime is made up of borax, water, and glue, and you can add food coloring if you want!

The recipe is:

1 tsp of Borax

4-5 oz bottle of Elmer’s glue

1.5 cups of water

And about 8 drops of food coloring!

Heat the water up in the microwave, add the glue, then add the food coloring if desired, and then the teaspoon of borax, and mix until it turns into the consistency that you want! You may need to add a couple more drops of water, depending on your need for the cleaning slime. Place the cleaning slime on the surface that needs cleaned, wait a few minutes – and then peel it away to see how much gunk it’s picked up! Repeat the process until your surface is completely clean.

There you go! Our top 13 tips for environmentally conscious, chemically free cleaning! Let us know how everything works out for you!

Top 3 Tips for Owning and Maintaining Your Investment Property

Tue, 22 May 2018 07:00:00 GMT

1. Consider purchasing a home warranty. Companies like Fidelity will provide a home warranty, that covers anything from everyday wear and tear, to kitchen appliances, and HVAC systems. A lot of homeowners can be nervous to rent out their investment property, because of the risk of any damage to it or anything in the home. This covers that and will put your mind at ease.

2. Choose a property manager you can trust, like us! If you trust and can have a good relationship with your property manager, renting out your investment property becomes a breeze. With open communication, you can and should be able to get the most out of your renting experience and being able to trust that your investment and assets are in good hands is the best way to possibly get any peace of mind!

3. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Trust that your tenants will paint the walls a good color (with permission, and if you don’t like it, it can change back) and that they’ll take good care of it. The good part is, this isn’t too much a jump, purely because we as your property management company personally vet each application, making sure that the best possible tenant is allowed to rent your unit.

Spring Lawn Maintenance

Thu, 10 May 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Welcome to spring in Denver, Colorado!

This spring, have the best lawn on the block with these 5 pro-tips from your property management! Remember, any major changes to the landscape need to be approved by us – but these tips can and should be done each spring to maintain the beautiful quality of your lawn!

1. Controlling Weeds

The best time to spray to prevent weeds is in the spring! If you’re able to spray on a dewy morning – or the morning after it rains, because we are in Colorado – the earlier you can do it, the better. The dew/rain absorbing in to the soil will take the weed chemicals with it, making it easier to control any weeds that pop in this summer.

2. Seeding and Planting

If you plan on laying down any grass seeds this spring – make sure you don’t do it within a week of spraying to prevent weeds. The weed killing spray will also kill off your grass seed! Try to space them at least two weeks apart, and unless you’re planning on watering your grass seed every three hours – try to do it as early as you can, before the hot season in Colorado starts!

3. Trim your Bushes and Perennials

Now – this doesn’t mean destroy them. It just means to trim off any dead or sick branches from your bushes, and maybe make sure that their shape and size is aesthetically pleasing! If your property has any Colorado wild rose bushes, make sure to trim off any buds that are budding too soon, or your plant might not bloom in-season. This is the biggest part of making sure that you would win the unspoken best lawn contest!

4. Aerate, Aerate, Aerate

Always aerate your lawn in early to mid- summer – which, in Colorado, is going to be in the next couple of weeks. You don’t need permission from us to do this, but if you’re going to do it yourself, make sure that you don’t over-aerate your lawn, as that will over-oxygenate the grass and it will destroy the lush green grass.

5. Watering Your Lawn

If you have a sprinkler system that needs to be turned on, we as your property management will take care of it. Otherwise, the lawn will need to be watered once a week during late spring, early summer, and at the end of the summer too. In the mid-summer, when temperatures reach their peak at 107 degrees, it’s recommended to do so twice a week. Never water your lawn in the middle of the day – either before 5 am, or after 6 pm. With this being said – Colorado has 66% of its normal moisture this year – which puts us at higher fire danger and drought conditions. Follow drought rules, and you – and your lawn – will make it through the summer.

With these tips, and a little bit of elbow grease, you’re sure to have the best lawn on your block! Happy Spring!

Decorating Your Rental Home!

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Decorating as a tenant has it limits, but if you follow your lease, and these guidelines, it can be as fun and easy as decorating any other home!

Five Points Jazz Festival

Sun, 29 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Let me make them for you; you will be heading to the Five Points Jazz Festival. Not only is the culture here as brilliant as that famous Colorado sunshine, the music outshines everything else. With vendors, food, and drinks, this music festival makes you want to get up and dance! With the extensive history that this town has to offer – with it being the “Harlem of the West”back in the day, this Jazz festival really celebrates the roots of downtown Denver and the surrounding areas.

This year, the festival will kick off at 11 with a Jazz band straight from New Orleans, the Dinosaurchestra. Following that, the Five Points Jazz Festival Tribute Award will be presented to Norman Harris lll, and later in the day, Lu Vason. With performances from Montebello high school drumline at different stages throughout the day, even a screening of “Lady Day: The Many Faces of Billie Holiday” – a film that features rare TV and movie clips, commentary by musicians, singers and friends that knew her well at the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library. With all of this taking place throughout the entire neighborhood, it’d be hard not to find something for everyone! Performances also include ‘Yo mama’ an all-female quartet, back by popular demand ‘The Hendersons’, and Jakarta, and many other amazing artists. In past years, sightings of Charles Burrell, the first African American musician to perform onstage with Denver Symphony Orchestra, making him known as the “Jackie Robinson of Classical Music” have been known to happen.

Through all of this taking place, make sure to take the time to pass by the historical Rossonian Hotel and get taken back to the old days. With all of the rapid development going on in Denver – it’s nice to take a step back and enter history, leaving all your present-day stress and worries behind, even just for a day.

Our Top 5 Local Restaurants

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT

1. Adelitas Cocina y Cantina

Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina brings traditional Mexican fare, tequila cocktails to your Platte Park neighborhood. They are a dual family owned, and operated company. They have made a collaborative effort to bring you a relaxing, comfortable, safe and enjoyable atmosphere, along with traditional Mexican food from the state of Michoacán, Mexico. They offer brunch, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, as well as a late-night menu to satisfy your late-night cravings. They are a family-oriented restaurant but after 9:00 pm, they dim the lights and provide you with a warm, relaxing environment.

Why Us?

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 07:00:00 GMT

The Best part of Property Management

We all know trying to find good tenants, responsible people, and trustworthy property managers is impossible these days. Without the training, resources, and morals, there’s no way you can be a great property manager! That’s what sets us apart here at Masters Property Management apart. We strive for excellent communication, transparency, and trust. Our homeowners know that they can call us at any time, day or night, and we will be there, and be knowledgeable about what is going on. Not only are we available to fit your needs 24/7, we care about our properties and our homeowners. We understand that day-to-day life is busy and stressful enough, which is why we are here to make sure that your property is well maintained and being taken care of.

A separate aspect of being taken care of through property management, is having access to the best of the best when it comes to resources for your property. With our relationships in our office, we have access to lawyers, lenders, and everything else that you would expect through Re/MAX Masters Millennium. Being a branch at Re/MAX offers a variety of resources that you just can’t find anywhere else. Not only was our office named the best of the best in the nation, we are now the top performing office internationally as well. And you absolutely cannot find that kind of superiority anywhere else in the world. Here at Masters Property Management, we have a circle of all of those resources, as well as maintenance companies, which makes it possible for us to handle any emergency at a moment’s notice.

Additionally, we know that in your busy day to day life, you have stress. It’s unavoidable in today’s society. Whether the stress is work, a personal matter, health – we understand. That’s why we are here and happy to help, happy to come to work and make sure that everything is being taken care of, the exact way that our homeowners would expect us to have it taken care of. With our new policy on insurance, not only are we are named in all of the homeowners’ policies, we are also named in our renter’s insurance policies, making it possible to file claims on the homeowner’s behalf, and the tenants. This allows us to quickly solve any event that may occur.

With all of this put together, could you really, consciously, choose a different property management company to trust with your highest investment, your home?

How to Attract the Tenants You Want

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:00:00 GMT

How can I get the “perfect” tenant?

We all know that rent is the number one prospective tenants look for. Getting the money that you want at the market price can be difficult, and then you have to worry about tenants and how well they are taking care of your home, and so on. While getting your money to you is important to us, finding a good, respectable, responsible tenant is also incredibly important to all involved. A good way to find a respectful person like this, is to have the rent set at market value. Market value is a good way to find tenants that are serious about your property, that will take good care of it, and have communication with both you and our team.

Through market value, you figure out what others are willing to pay around your home – for property value, location, and transportation opportunities. All depending on the comparable properties in your area. Once you have a set rent, you can focus on pictures, which we do for you, and of course, the advertising. The advertising that our team provides for your property has a setup, that if your property is not receiving what we consider ‘enough’ attention, we will boost it on our hundreds of websites, at our expense. This will attract all sorts of people, and through it being set at market value, with professional level pictures, we are able to attract the exact type of tenant that you would like. Another good way to attract the perfect tenant, is to make sure that your home is in perfect condition. That means, manicured lawns, professionally cleaned carpets and counter tops, and a decision on whether or not you want to allow pets in your home.

All of these options can also raise or lower your market value, which determines how much a tenant would be willing to pay to rent your home. The nicer a property looks, the nicer a tenant will be, and the better the rent check will look.