Sharlene Mulchandani

Mississippi Landlord Laws Mississippi is widely considered a landlord-friendly state. With no statewide rent control, few regulations on application or late fees, and flexible notice requirements for evictions, the state offers a simple legal environment for property owners and landlords. That being said, landlords in Mississippi are still required to comply with numerous landlord-tenant laws […]

What are the Most Landlord Friendly States in 2025? Real estate investors are managing successful rental businesses across the U.S. But there’s no doubt that some landlord friendly states make better long-term investments than others. The best investors don’t only know how to invest, but where to do so. The success of a rental property […]

Maine Landlord Laws Compared to many states, Maine is considered moderately tenant-friendly, with several laws in place to protect renters. From required disclosures to restrictions on late fees and security deposits, Maine landlord laws are transparent and maintain habitability. However, landlords can still operate profitable rental businesses in the state, as long as they stay […]

Alaska Landlord Laws In general, Alaska is a moderately landlord-friendly state. There are no rent control laws and landlords have flexibility in setting rental terms. However, the enforcement of several statutes under Alaska landlord tenant laws is designed to protect tenants. For landlords, this means balancing their property rights with strict compliance responsibilities. Landlords in […]

Kansas Landlord Laws In general, Kansas is a landlord-friendly state. With no statewide rent control, minimal restrictions on late fees, and relatively straightforward eviction procedures, Kansas offers property owners a favorable environment for managing rental housing. That said, landlords in Kansas must still comply with a range of federal, state, and local laws that govern […]

Vermont Landlord Laws Vermont is generally considered a tenant-friendly state, with strict rules around evictions, habitability, and tenant protections. The state limits how and when rent can be raised, how much notice is required before entry, and what deductions can be made from security deposits. For landlords, this means careful compliance with Vermont landlord laws […]

New Hampshire Landlord Laws New Hampshire is considered a landlord-friendly state. While it has many tenant protections, such as limits on security deposits and required notice periods for rent increases, New Hampshire does not impose statewide rent control or excessive regulations on rental lease terms, giving landlords flexibility to manage their properties effectively. That being […]

What is a Certificate of Occupancy & Inspection? Any new homebuyer wants to know that their new property is safe to live in. This safety is often ensured before the purchase of the home through a permit called a certificate of occupancy, or CO. But what is a CO inspection? Why is it important? How […]

Why Using PayPal Or Venmo For Rent Collection Might Not Be A Great Idea The Rise of Mobile-Payment Apps Mobile technology has changed the way people exchange goods and services every single day, especially among younger generations. As eCommerce has grown, so have mobile wallets, reducing the need for cash or paper checks. Applications like […]

Eviction in Colorado—a state whose name derives from the term for “colored red” in Spanish—follows a similar procedure to the rest of the United States. The process is sanctioned by a set of federal, state, and local laws, all of which aim to protect both tenants and landlords from unfair treatment. Operating within those regulations […]

How You Can Benefit From Property Management Software In 2025. In today’s fast-paced rental market, being efficient and organized is the key to running a successful rental operation. Property management software (PMS) has become a must-have for landlords who want to streamline operations, manage their tenants, and maintain organized finances. But with so many property […]

Move-in and move-out inspections are a critical part of property management, but they can often feel like a hassle. Printed forms and e-mails can get lost. Sometimes you need to meet up for signatures. Handwriting isn’t always legible. That’s why we created Damage Report – a simple, effective feature designed to make these inspections easier […]

As a landlord, you have an abundance of responsibilities you have to juggle on a day-to-day basis. An important and often overlooked responsibility is property maintenance and upkeep.   It’s important to understand that proper maintenance is more than fixing a leaky faucet—it is investing in the overall value of your property. Here at Innago, […]

The Properties page just got a makeover!  We’re happy to announce that we’ve updated the Innago Properties page, transforming it from a list to a true property information hub. Now, instead of drilling down into individual properties for their details, you’ll be able to surface the most relevant insights up front on your Properties dashboard.  […]

Avoid Making These Illegal Mistakes  If you’re a landlord or property manager, it’s likely that one of your worst nightmares is finding yourself sued by a tenant—it’s time-consuming, costly, and can cause harm to your rental business. Sometimes, the situation may be a simple misunderstanding, but when an issue can’t be resolved and legal action […]

Rent Increase Letter Guide As a landlord, one of the more uncomfortable responsibilities you’ll oversee is informing tenants about increases in monthly rental payment. This news is generally upsetting for tenants, especially those on a tight budget or who are already struggling with rent or security deposit costs as they are, so it’s vital to […]

A Landlord’s Guide To Bad Tenants Every landlord has experienced or heard stories of terrible tenants and the problems they’ve caused for property owners. Tales of tenants who are involved in illegal activities, who refuse to leave your rental units, or who damage a rental property may send a shiver down your spine. But what […]

Where Should You Invest In Condos? Buying homes has become more expensive at every turn. Over the course of 2024, the median price for a home has crept up to over $400,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. As a real estate investor, you may be sweating at the number of zeroes on your […]

Buying your first house is a huge milestone. If you’re currently searching for your dream home, it’s fair to guess that you’ve taken the time to prepare for some of the obvious costs of buying one, like mortgage payments for the price of the home itself and the down payment that goes along with it.   […]

Should You Hire A Real Estate Agent? If you’re a first-time buyer, you’ve likely already accessed the wealth of information about home buying that can be found online. With so many resources and articles at your fingertips, you can consume endless content about how to reach your real estate goals. And in the age of […]

Using TikTok and Instagram To Market Your Rental Business Social media has taken our society by storm in recent years, with the biggest, trendiest platforms boasting billions of users (not millions — billions). Take, for instance, TikTok and Instagram, two major forms of social media that appeal to younger audiences, which have 1.8 and 2 […]

How Can Property Management Software Help Organize Condo and HOA Communities?  Just like how landlords must stay organized when collecting rent, managing maintenance requests, and screening tenants, community associations like condominiums and homeowner’s associations (HOAs) have tasks to keep track of, too. HOAs are responsible for charging fees and dues, managing the upkeep of apartments […]

Title Companies and Title Insurance   Real estate title companies play a massive role in protecting the interests of real estate investors.  These entities work to manage ownership records, provide title insurance, and ensure a smooth closing process.  Title insurance in particular has a critical function: To shield you from potential financial losses linked to […]

Seller’s Disclosure and Net Sheets When you’re selling your home, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in documents. The process can be difficult to navigate simply due to the sheer number of requirements and legal hoops you must jump through.  However, understanding a seller disclosure document and your seller net sheet is a great […]

The Right of First Refusal Clause  When entering into a real estate transaction, new investors often encounter terms and legal jargon they’re unfamiliar with. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of these terms so you feel more secure and confident in your contract.  One such term is the “Right of First Refusal,” […]

A Guide To Probate Sales And Quitclaim Deeds Property ownership comes with a complex set of guidelines and regulations you must abide by. When it comes time to transfer your ownership to someone else, it’s another headache entirely.   Two common forms of property ownership transfer are probate sales and quitclaim deeds. What’s the difference? What […]

A Guide To PITI, Private Mortgage Insurance, and Rate Lock Mortgage payments are usually the most strenuous investment expense homeowners incur each month. When you enter these agreements, it’s important to understand the terms you will surely come across during this journey.   Below are some common terms regarding mortgages, and you’ll run into most if […]

A Guide To The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Truth in Lending Act   A requirement for confidently navigating your real estate transactions and mortgage loans is understanding relevant real estate laws and regulations.  Both the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) are crucial for safeguarding your […]

Home Sales Under Contract   If you’re interested in real estate or buying your first home, you’ve most likely seen or used the term ‘under contract.’ Under contract is one of the many statuses a home buyer will undergo when their buyer’s offer is accepted, but what exactly does that entail?  When you’re under contract […]

The Federal Costs Of Funds Index (COFI) What is the Federal Cost of Funds Index (COFI), and what impact does it have on real estate investors?  In this article, we’ll discuss how the COFI, derived from Treasury bill and note rates, affects borrowing costs and impacts real estate investors.  What is the Federal Cost of […]

A Guide To Co-Applicants Have you ever heard the term ‘co-applicant’ when applying for a loan?  Investing in a home often requires significant capital and strong credit. If your credit report isn’t up to par, it can be difficult to secure the loan you need to move forward with your real estate goals. But listing […]

Understanding Mortgages For Your First Home  Buying your first home is as much of a challenging endeavor as it is a celebratory moment.  There is much to consider, from choosing a lender to seeking pre-approval to how you’ll budget for your monthly payments to avoid mortgage delinquency. The home buying process is crucial, and getting […]

What To Know Before Starting Your Home Buying Journey Financing your first (or subsequent) property is a complex process.  Understanding the key components of mortgage home loan applications, preapproval, and commitment letters is essential for your home buying journey.  From showcasing your financial readiness with a loan commitment letter to navigating the loan process with […]

Loss Mitigation Few homeowners sign a mortgage loan agreement expecting to struggle with repayments down the line. However, this happens more commonly than you would think.  When a homeowner encounters financial hardship and falls behind on their mortgage payments, the goal for both the homeowner and the mortgage lender is to get the borrower back […]

Workforce Housing  What is workforce housing, and why is it necessary?   America’s young professionals, public employees, and other middle-class workers have started to be referred to as the “missing middle” in the housing market. The “missing middle” represents the gap between market-rate properties and low-income housing where there is a shortage of affordable housing options. […]

USDA and VA Loans Government-backed housing loans like USDA and VA loans are popular ways that may families buy their first homes. Their favorable interest rates and no down-payment requirement can help kickstart the homeownership journey for qualified applicants across the U.S.  USDA loans are for low-to-moderate income U.S. households located in rural areas. This […]

iBuyers In Real Estate We know that technology is changing the world, but how is it changing the world of real estate? iBuyers are one of the many ways technology has infiltrated the real estate investment space.   Interacting with iBuyers can be game changing due to their speedy transactions and unparalleled convenience. However, iBuyers come […]

A Guide To Home Warranties If you’re buying or selling a home, you may have heard about home warranties. These handy plans can provide peace of mind by covering major appliances and systems in your home.  But how do they really work, and are they worth it? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and […]

Home Sale Contingencies  Navigating property ownership transfers can be complex, with possible pitfalls littered throughout the process. For this reason, it’s important to build “fail safes” into your purchase agreements to facilitate the smoothest ownership transfer.  A home sale contingency is one such fail safe every purchase contract should include.  From navigating sale and settlement […]

Second Mortgage Loans If you’re thinking about tapping into your home’s equity for financial needs, a second mortgage might be on your radar. Second mortgages allow you to borrow against your property’s equity while maintaining your current home loan, freeing up funds to use for home improvement projects or other needs.  This article will walk […]

A Homeowner’s Guide To Homeowner’s Insurance  If you’re a new homeowner, you may be wondering how to navigate the space of homeowner’s insurance (HOI). With so many options for policies and coverages, this can seem like a daunting task. But it’s important to know your plan options, the factors that affect your premiums, the average […]

What To Know About A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) Reverse mortgages present an opportunity for senior homeowners to tap into the home equity they’ve built in their properties over the years. They allow borrowers with substantial equity to withdraw a lump sum payment from their homes which can then be used to fund one’s retirement […]

Land Lease Agreements  In a typical homebuying scenario, the buyer purchases both the home and the land that the home sits on. Many purchasers consider the land and the house to be intrinsically linked—however, in some circumstances, buyers only purchase the house and pay rent on the land that the home is on. This type […]

Functional Obsolescence in Real Estate Can you recognize a property with “good bones”? If so, then you’re likely familiar with the term functional obsolescence.  Functional obsolescence refers to fundamental problems within a home that decrease its value and may make it a less worthwhile investment. Homes with inherent issues that decrease their marketability are considered […]

FHA Loans  FHA loans are a common way that many low- and middle-income families buy their first homes.  From credit scores to mortgage insurance, the type of loan you ultimately choose will shape your homeownership journey. FHA loans are one more option to consider, and understanding how they work can empower you to confidently engage […]

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play a central role in mortgage lending in the U.S.   These government-sponsored enterprises have been the foundation of the U.S. housing market for decades, securitizing individual mortgage loans into bonds, providing capital to lenders, and encouraging credit extension to generations of prospective homeowners.  In this […]

What To Know About Fair Market Value If you want to grasp the true worth of your home and how it impacts your financial choices, understanding and obtaining an accurate fair market value is crucial. This article will walk you through the essential details every homeowner should know about fair market value, including how to […]

Escrow and Per Diem The real estate financing process can be full of pitfalls for new investors.  One concept that new investors and homeowners are generally unprepared for is escrow. During escrow real estate transactions, funds are stored in escrow, secured by a neutral third party.  In this article, we’ll help you understand how escrow […]

A Guide To Closing     Buying a home or investment property can be an emotional and confusing process, as can navigating the complexities of the buyer/seller relationship. Understanding the crucial steps involved in closing on a home is key to a successful transaction.  From mutual acceptance of the offer to the moment you finally have […]

A Guide To Closing Costs Amongst all the other costs of buying a new property, closing costs may seem inconsequential. However, to underestimate closing costs would be a mistake.   These fees are a significant percentage of your loan amount, and they cover everything from insurance to inspections and lender fees.  This article will guide you […]

Equity in Real Estate Investments    What is real estate equity? If you’re delving into real estate, understanding equity is crucial. This article breaks down the core concepts, helping you calculate home equity, grasp influencing factors, and leverage it strategically.  By mastering the role of home equity in property ownership and learning how to leverage it […]

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act   If you’re a landlord, understanding fair lending laws like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) impacts your success in funding your real estate endeavors. Often referred to as the Equal Credit Act (1974), this federal law ensures fair lending by prohibiting credit discrimination based on anything other than the applicant’s […]

Encroachment  Boundary disputes are common among neighboring property owners. Disputes that involve unlawful intrusion or unauthorized structures extending into your land or crossing the property lines are known as encroachment.  Encroachment can be intentional or unintentional. It is often confused with easements, which occur when a homeowner agrees to let a neighbor access a part […]

Eminent Domain  Did you know that the federal government can acquire private property for public use? The history of eminent domain goes back to the Bill of Rights and the 5th Amendment, which outlines the government’s ability to do just that.   So, what is eminent domain? In this article, we’ll explore this concept and the […]

Definition And Types Of Easements Easements grant specific access rights to parts of a property.  Many homeowners and real estate investors will encounter a property easement at some point during their homeownership, either to use, purchase, or sell one.  Easements do, however, have significant impacts on property rights and sales. It’s important to understand them […]

What Does Earnest Money Mean When Closing on a House?  What does earnest money mean? As a buyer looking for optimal real estate transactions, it’s critical to do everything you can to ensure your offer on your next property stands out. Earnest money bolsters your home offer, showcasing your commitment to purchasing a property. This […]

Real Estate Transaction Representation Options  Real estate transactions can be complex, which is why buyers and sellers are usually represented by knowledgeable agents.  However, there are several different roles that agents can play in the transaction. For instance, a home listed for sale by the owner gives buyers the option to purchase the property directly […]

Promissory Notes And Deeds Of Reconveyance  Financing is one of the largest hurdles real estate investors face when buying properties.   When it comes to securing a mortgage, lenders are clear about when and what will be due . Your monthly payments may change if your loan is adjustable, but your obligation to pay them will […]

Your DTI Ratio Your debt-to-income ratio can affect your ability to secure a mortgage for your dream home. Understanding this critical financial metric can make or break your loan approval.  In this article, we’ll dive into the significance of debt-to-income ratios in real estate and why it matters to lenders. Lowering your DTI ratio through […]

Should You Invest In Condos?  Condos can be a gateway to first-time home ownership, passive income through rental investing, or a vacation home in a great location. However, condos also sell for nearly $55,000 less than single-family homes on average and can pose significantly more barriers in the form of HOA fees and restrictions.  With […]

Importance Of A Certificate Of Occupancy For Landlords Investors who deal with new construction, renovations, or house flips are likely to encounter certificates of occupancy many times during their investing careers. What is a certificate of occupancy?   In this article, we’ll provide insights into why this document is vital for property safety, building code compliance, […]

A Borrower’s Guide To Buydown Mortgages  Real estate buyers have a variety of options when it comes to financing. Between fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, bridge, balloon, assumable, and other types of loans, it may be overwhelming to decide which kind of mortgage best suits your needs.  Buydown mortgages are yet another option. With incentives for both buyers […]

A Guide To Comparative Market Analysis In Real Estate Whether you’re interested in buying or selling an investment property, it is often difficult to know exactly how much a property is worth.   That’s where Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) comes into play. Using similar properties that have been sold recently in an area, called comparatives or […]

What Is The Right Property Type For You? Are you thinking about diving into real estate investments and exploring various property options? From charming brownstones to convenient condominiums, versatile duplexes, and profitable triplexes, the real estate market offers a wide array of opportunities.  Each property type has its own perks and drawbacks, catering to different […]

What To Know Before Securing A Bridge Loan Looking to navigate the world of real estate bridge loans? Learning the ins and outs of these versatile financial tools can give you an edge in competitive markets.  In this article, you’ll discover how bridge loans can help you bridge the gap between buying and selling properties, […]

A Guide To Blanket Mortgages Blanket mortgages offer a streamlined solution for acquiring and developing multiple properties under a single loan.  They are an ideal way for developers and serious investors to limit paperwork, simplify real estate transactions, and consolidate the financial infrastructure of their portfolios. However, they also come with substantial risks, which you […]

A Real Estate Bill Of Sale If you’re buying or selling real estate, understanding the importance of the real estate bill of sale is crucial.  A bill of sale provides legal protection, proves ownership transfer, clarifies sale terms, prevents disputes, and ensures compliance with regulations.   In this article, we’ll define what a bill of sale […]

What is a balloon mortgage loan? If you’re considering a balloon mortgage, you’ll want to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Lower initial interest rates and the flexibility offered by short-term ownership might catch your eye, but be prepared for that looming balloon payment. By understanding the pros and cons of balloon mortgages in addition to […]

What Is A Backup Offer? Real estate backup offers are home purchase contracts that will allow a second person to purchase a home if the first, already existing offer falls through.  Making a backup offer can give you a competitive edge in a hot market and open doors for real estate deals that initially seem […]

Investing In Real Estate In 2024 Real estate investing is a rewarding endeavor for many. Its benefits are manyfold: Owning real estate contributes to diversifying your portfolio, building a robust retirement fund, creating passive income, and ultimately achieving financial freedom.  Fortunately, there are many ways to invest in real estate. If you don’t want to […]

A Guide To Assumable Mortgages Looking to buy a home or new investment property? One option is to choose homes for sale with assumable mortgages.   In this article, you’ll learn the ins and outs of this unique option in the housing market, including how assumable mortgages work, their benefits, drawbacks, and how you can qualify. […]

A Guide To The As Is Condition If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you’ve likely heard of the ‘as is’ condition. What is as is in real estate? This term signifies that the property is being sold in its present state, with no guarantees for repairs or improvements. Understanding the implications of this […]

Real estate investors know to expect the unexpected when it comes to preparing for housing market fluctuations. External factors like new laws, technology, or industry changes can impact your property’s worth and appraised value.  Economic obsolescence refers to the loss of value due to external factors like those listed above. As a real estate investor, […]

Appraisals and Appraisal Contingencies Are you buying or selling a home? Knowing about appraisals and appraisal contingencies can save you from costly surprises.  In this article, we’ll explain the importance of appraisals in real estate and how they determine property value.  You’ll also learn about property appraisal contingencies and the benefits of including them in […]

A Guide To The Amortization Process Are you considering financing a new rental property? If so, understanding amortization is crucial.   In this article, we will explore three key aspects of amortization in real estate. We’ll cover the impact of monthly payments on your loan after a down payment, how amortization affects your equity, and the […]

Real Estate Abstract Of Title Buying and selling real property is the main way landlords build and strengthen their portfolios. But to do so, investors must first understand key steps and documents involved in the process, such as viewing an abstract of title.  This article will guide you through the definition, purpose, and components of […]

A Look Into The Rental Market In 2024 With the new year comes new questions for real estate investors. What will the next twelve months hold for the rental housing market?  Renters are eagerly anticipating relief from soaring rents, as affordability challenges reach new heights. Investors, on the other hand, are hopeful for a dip […]

Real Estate Markets In 2024 Location has been heralded as the most important factor in any real estate investment. Every real estate investor wants to know the best markets to invest in real estate in the upcoming year.  While opportunities can arise in any market, gaining insight into cities that are most likely to generate […]

Managing Tenant Harassment Dealing with tenant harassment as a landlord can be a complex and challenging situation, requiring a careful understanding of the issue and appropriate actions to resolve it.  In this guide, we will explore different forms of tenants harassing landlords, discuss inappropriate methods to address it, and provide you with the proper strategies […]

A Guide To Mortgage Notes What does it mean to invest in debt?  Mortgage notes are an often-overlooked method of real estate investing, as they are anchored in debt rather than equity. Mortgages notes are secured by real estate collateral but avoid the uncertainty traditionally associated with real estate, such as vacancies and property damage.   […]

A Guide To NOI While every investor doubtlessly has their own way of analyzing a deal, calculating and considering metrics is always a component. Net operating income, or NOI, is one of those metrics. It’s the quickest way to understand whether a particular property makes sense for your rental business or if you’re better off […]

Gross Rent Multiplier And ROI As a property owner, part of your job consists of analyzing deals based on concrete metrics.   One of these metrics is the gross rent multiplier, or GRM. GRM is important because it allows property owners to estimate their overall return on investment for a property, which is a major factor […]

How To Invest In A Distressed Home If you’re active in recent discourse surrounding real estate and the housing market, you might know that foreclosures are currently on the rise in the U.S.   ATTOM, a leading provider of property data nationwide, reported that foreclosure filings were up 115% last year compared to 2021. This trend […]

Determining Property Management Cost All real estate investors must contend with the problem of property management, regardless of how involved with their properties they want to be.  You must either hire help from a property management company or employee, or you’ll have to manage your properties yourself. There are costs associated with both options, whether […]

A Guide To Cash-On-Cash Return In real estate spaces, you’ll often hear the names of quite a few metrics thrown around. There’s ROI, NOI, IRR, GRM, LTV, cap rate, CoC, and many others.  These metrics are an important way to evaluate the performance of a current or future property. But if you’re not a fan […]

Renting your property to a stranger is risky. Even with the best tenant screening methods, you could end up with a renter who damages or even destroys something you worked so hard to buy, as could their pet or guests. That’s why a security deposit is a move-in priority. But landlords often forget, it’s a […]

Some shortcuts simply aren’t worth the risk. Taking your applicants’ word for their monthly income is one of them.  Renters can list any income they want on their application, and failing to verify that income can drastically increase your risk of future payment problems.  At Innago, we know how much accurate information matters to our […]

What Is The BRRRR Method in Real Estate? The BRRRR method has received a lot of attention in the past few years. It’s been popularized by sites like BiggerPockets, and it is frequently mentioned in discourse surrounding smart investing strategies for building a strong real estate portfolio in any real estate market. But what actually […]

Calculate ROI For Your Properties There’s a lot to keep in mind when purchasing your first investment property.   To be successful, you need to be constantly aware of the various factors affecting your revenue, expenses, and overall profitability. One critical metric to know is return on investment, or ROI.   In this article, we’ll discuss ROI […]

Property Inspection Checklist By Season Whether it’s fall, winter, spring, or summer, a landlord’s obligation to maintain their properties never expires.   This makes property inspections an essential component of every landlord’s day-to-day and year-to-year responsibilities.  Having a rental property inspection checklist for your inspections can make them simpler, faster, and more systematic. Checklist inspections help […]

What Do You Need to Know When Leasing Your First Property?  Are you a burgeoning real estate investor? Ready to put that property you inherited to work? Or are you simply considering renting your house out for the first time?  As a new landlord, there are lots of new skills to learn and systems to […]

Property Flipping Checklist As a house flipper, you’re an innovator and creative thinker. You know that investing in creative real estate strategies can lead to greater returns, and you aren’t afraid to take on a little risk to get you there.  However, even the best investors need tools and resources to organize the process. In […]

A Guide To Landlord Reference Letters As a landlord, it’s only a matter of time before one of your tenants moves out. And when they do, they might contact you to ask for a landlord reference letter. What is this, and how do you write one?  A landlord reference letter is a short statement verifying […]

How To Evaluate A Real Estate Investment Property Americans are increasingly interested in real estate investing and building wealth for their families and futures. But if you’re in this camp, you know that it’s harder than it looks.  Before you can purchase an investment property, you need to know what to look for. You need […]

A Guide To Creative Investing In a traditional real estate deal, a buyer finds a property on the MLS or through a wholesaler, takes out a loan from a bank to fund the acquisition, and rents it out while waiting for it to appreciate before selling.  More and more people are interested in getting started […]

Should You Do A 1031 Exchange? You may have heard the term ‘1031 Exchange’ before in the realm of real estate. 1031 exchanges are a tool you can use as a real estate investor to achieve a variety of goals related to your rental business or investment property portfolio.  In this article, we’ll first review […]

A Guide To Real Estate Investing When it comes to the rental business, there is nothing more important than understanding the nuts and bolts of real estate investing.   Your business will only be as successful as the foundation you build it on.  For example, there are many factors to consider and understand when deciding on […]

Effective landlord-tenant communication is a vital part of rental property management. It helps you build trusting relationships, set clear expectations, and even increase renewals and tenant retention. In fact, 60% of tenants reported that their most desired software feature was digital communication according to Buildium’s 2021 Industry Report.   At Innago, we know the powerful […]

In today’s age, we can track just about anything. You can track the exact location of your Amazon package, UberEats order, or groceries in their delivery truck and even know how many stops away it is. The ability to see the status of online transactions provides transparency and assures us that everything is running smoothly. […]

Innago Partners With Zillow For Listing Syndication At Innago, our landlords are always looking for ways to fill units faster and more efficiently. You rely on rental advertising to market your properties, reduce tenant turnover time, and limit the costs associated with vacancies. Listing syndication software is one of the best ways to accomplish these […]

Everything You Need To Know About The QOZ Extension Act If you’ve read our article on Qualified Opportunity Zones, you know all about the benefits of investing in this program for landlords and communities at large. The original Qualified Opportunity Zone Act of 2017 sought to increase investment in economically distressed neighborhoods by setting up […]

Innago Partners With RentalSource For Listing Syndication If filling units is a priority in your rental business, so is listing them efficiently. At Innago, we understand that you rely on superior rental advertising to get the word about your properties out there.  That’s why we’re happy to announce that we’ve added RentalSource to our listing […]

Nebraska Landlord Laws Nebraska generally has a balanced approach between landlord and tenant legal rights. While the state does not enforce rent control or strict limits on late fees, landlords still must follow the established legal requirements when it comes to leases, deposits, and evictions. With affordable housing markets and a relatively stable legal environment, […]

Pennsylvania Landlord Laws Pennsylvania provides an equal balance of landlord and tenant rights, but tends to tilt as a tenant-friendly state compared to other places. There is no rent control statewide, but Pennsylvania has very specific laws concerning formal lease agreements, security deposits and evictions, especially in larger cities such as Philadelphia where additional local […]

How Can You Further Secure Your Innago Account? Protecting sensitive data is more critical than ever for U.S. business owners, including landlords.  Last August, Statista reported that over 53 million individuals were affected by data breaches in the U.S. in the first half of 2022 alone. Companies such as Yahoo, Twitter, and Samsung were all […]

Innago Has Partnered With Zumper As A Listing Syndication Partner As a landlord or property manager, you’re in the business of filling units. The success of your business hinges on reducing tenant turnover time and getting units occupied.   We at Innago understand how important it is for you to quickly find new tenants, and the […]

Tenants Can Now Build Better Credit With Innago’s Tenant Credit Reporting Feature For the past three years, the average credit score needed to rent an apartment increased one point each year. The average credit score of renters in the U.S. was 638 in 2020 according to a study conducted by RentCafe. In the same study, […]

Using Social Media To Market Your Rentals So, you’re at the point where you know you need a meaningful social media presence.   Maybe you haven’t used social media before.   Maybe you’ve only used it a little bit.  Maybe you’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and every other platform under the sun, and you […]

How to Be Firm but Fair with Overdue Rent Payments  Your tenant has just come to you about a late rent payment he made last month. He’s wondering if you’d be willing to waive the fee, despite the agreement on the lease. It seems like an honest, isolated mistake.   Should you make an exception and waive the fee? Generally speaking — no, you should not.  While a single overdue rent payment may not seem like a huge deal, it is important to remember that it is a breach […]

How Did COVID-19 Impact Rental Housing Portfolios? To understand the impact of COVID-19 on rental real estate, we surveyed 440 landlords and 1300 tenants who use our system. In addition, we have access to a wealth of internal data from tens of thousands of users. We looked at what sectors the pandemic affected the most and some ways landlords adapted their portfolios.  The Big Picture  According to our survey, 14.1% of […]

The Steps You Can Take If Your Tenants Don’t Place Utilities in Their Names Transferring Utilities  When it comes to rental utilities, choosing what to cover and what to have your tenants pay is based on several factors ranging from the type of property you are managing (single, detached house? Multi-unit apartment complex?) to the age of your […]

Ways To Market Your Rentals Online All landlords should be marketing their rental properties online. This is simple. What’s more complex, however, is choosing the best method of online marketing for your rental business.  The three primary types of online rental marketing are listing sites, social sites, and your company’s website. With each approach, there are three […]

How To Use Audience Targeting To Fill Vacancies? Audience targeting is a marketing strategy in which a marketing team pinpoints segments of their customer base to advertise a given product or service to. They choose to market to the segment whose demographics most value the features their product offers. This strategy is not specific to […]

Ways To Market Your Rentals Offline Traditionally, landlords marketed their rental properties with exclusively offline materials and strategies. Before the internet, landlords were limited to local, small-scale resources, making it difficult to reach large pools of renters. They relied on newspapers, yard signs, local organizations, referrals, and other offline marketing approaches to get the word […]

Staging Your Rental Properties Staging rental properties is a combination of cleaning and strategic decorating that encourages renters to develop a strong first impression of the property. It shows the rental in its best light so that renters are more appreciative of the positive aspects of the property, rather than focusing on some of its less […]

Performing A Perfect Rental Property Showing A rental showing is a landlord’s first chance to meet interested renters in person. During showings, you’re able to walk prospective renters through the unit, hit all their sell points, and answer any questions renters might have. Few renters want to sign a lease without physically seeing the property, […]

The Best Online Rent Collection Methods Explained Most aspects of our lives are moving digital. The rental housing market is no exception. The benefits of online rent payments are numerous, and include advantages such as recurring payments, automatic records, fewer late payments, enforceable late fees, and better use of time and money.  It should be evident that you […]

What You Need To Know About Rent Collection Rent collection is fundamental to the operation of all rental businesses. Landlords and property managers can’t afford to have inefficient or costly collection processes. As the internet has infiltrated all aspects of our lives, we’ve seen that online payments are the best option for rent collection.  We […]

What You Need To Know About Credit Card Chargebacks Online rent collection has become crucial to the success of a real estate business. The benefits of online rent payments are extensive. Just some of the most notable include reduced delinquencies, recurring and automated payments, flexible payment options, and automated bookkeeping. These alone should illustrate the importance of collecting rent […]

What Are The Benefits Of Online Rent Payments? Rent payments are the fundamental source of income for most real estate businesses. In order to maintain a healthy cash flow, landlords must consistently collect rent payments on time and for the correct amounts. When tenants fail to meet the terms for rent as outlined in their leases, you […]

What Are The Legal Issues Regarding Autopay For Rent Collection? If you are just getting into property management or you are looking to go digital with your business’s processes, then undoubtedly, you’ve explored options, and you may be wondering if autopay is the way to go. Whether autopay for rent collection is right for your business depends on where you manage properties, how you like […]

Everything You Need To Know About Online Rent Payment Fraud Getting scammed by a fraudster is, at best, infuriating, and at worst, terrifying. Let’s be honest: If you get scammed in the course of doing business, the consequences could be devastating. Unfortunately, while rent payment fraud can be scary stuff, it’s a part of the […]

How Does ACH Work As A Rent Payment Method? The world is becoming paperless. People prefer digital payments to cash and checks. One of the biggest players in this movement is the Automated Clearing House, or ACH. You’ve likely heard of ACH payments but perhaps under the guise of eChecks. These terms are synonymous and […]

The Myths Of Online Rent Payments It’s no secret that people prefer to shop online. If the massive growth of online stores like Amazon is not evidence enough, let’s look at a few stats. In 2018, an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide purchased goods online. In that same year, global e-retail sales amounted to $2.8 […]

We’ve Come a Long Way with Mobile Technology In 2007, Apple released its first iPhone. Unlike other smartphones, Apple’s was made for everyone for everyday use, and unlike predecessors, the iPhone had touch technology. A lot has happened in the 13 years since that first iPhone hit the market and infiltrated American life, and now, […]

Online Rent Collection Explained It’s no secret that we’re moving toward a paperless world. From television and social media to shopping and ordering takeout, we are all relying on the internet more than ever. A study by TSYS of 1,000 Americans found that 75% of people would rather pay by card than with paper bills […]

Things Your Real Estate Agent Would Ask You If They Were Purchasing Your Property The following article was written by Brad Winters, a commercial insurance specialist of Winters Financial Network. Insurance agents have a lot of crazy questions, and agents that insure rental properties are no exception. Ever wonder what it all means? As a […]

What Legal Items Should You Tick Off When Buying A Rental Property? There are countless articles, books, and conferences instructing budding landlords on how they can get started in real estate and grow a substantial and formidable portfolio of income earning properties. For the most part, this is a good thing – property investors have […]

Setting Up Rent Payments Through Your Bank – Pros & Cons Collecting rent payments online for the first time is one of the most liberating and convenient things a landlord can do. Inevitably, most landlords start their search with a platform with which they have a great deal of familiarity – their bank. In addition […]

How To Enhance Online Payment Transparency For Landlords? Online payments offer landlords many benefits. For one thing, they make day-to-day and month-to-month bookkeeping easier for landlords. For another, they make it easier for landlords to grow their business and manage more properties and tenants. Online payments make the collection process simpler and more efficient, saving […]

What Landlords Need To Know Opportunity Zones Note: You can read about recently proposed changes and to this program in our article on 2023 opportunity zone updates. The Demand for Urban Residential Property Is High Good news for landlords: the demand for urban residential property is and has remained high for quite some time. Studies […]

Calculating Prorated Rent Most landlords prefer to set a rental due date on the first of the month. Sometimes, however, this does not align with the tenant’s move-in date. If tenants were to move in or out 10 days after the start of the month, charging a full month’s rent for those 20 or so […]

What Are The Risks Of Accepting Cash For Rent? It Might Be Time to Switch to a Digital Payment Method Accepting cash for rent sounds great, and it makes sense that a cash method would tempt many landlords. After all, cash is convenient — you don’t have to worry about checks bouncing, and you don’t […]

How To Revamp Your Commercial Properties Major changes in the way people shop, work, and interact have left the commercial real estate market on edge. In retail, the continuous growth of e-commerce has had a devastating effect on once prominent brick-and-mortar businesses. Traditional office buildings are struggling to keep up with shifts in workplace dynamics […]

What Are The Differences Between Residential and Commercial Real Estate Investing? Real estate has always been a popular choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolio. While successful real estate i­nvesting can provide substantial rewards, the barriers to entering the market and steep learning curve can feel daunting when compared to financial securities like stocks […]

Do School Districts Affect Property Value? The question of how much a school district affects property value is murky and has been subject to much rigorous debate. But that a high-performing school district will attract renters and buyers alike is no question at all. Although landlords know that the majority of their clientele are younger […]

How To Use Free Press To Market Your Rentals In the age of social media, it’s more important than ever to let no good press go to waste. Luckily, there are a multitude of platforms to help you get tenants through your door. Whether it’s a good review of a local restaurant or a feature […]

How To Market A Historic Property Although recent real estate trends have focused on investing in and gentrifying urban communities across the country, that doesn’t mean there’s less demand for historic properties. In fact, as urban areas undergo revivals, certain properties and buildings may become highly sought after for the very features for which they […]

How To Use Micro-Targeting To Fill Vacancies With the world of advertising seemingly getting turned on its head every month, marketing your properties can be a maddening task, and property managers are reacting in different ways to stay ahead of the game. One phrase that is likely to become a staple in landlord jargon is […]

4 Helpful Tips To Stage Your Rentals While some might think that the added process of staging rentals is only important for selling homes or renting big complexes, large or small, a tenant’s first impression is something you can never get back. It’s hit or miss, and when you’re looking to have someone sign on […]

What To Do With A Tenant’s Furniture That Was Left Behind Tenants are prone to leaving things behind during a move out. More often than not, it’ll be little more than trash and used cleaning supplies, but what should you do when there’s furniture left behind? If you have new tenants moving in, clearing out […]

When Do Landlords Need To Downsize Their Portfolios? Managing a portfolio can take a great deal of effort. On average, you should shoot for at least one manager per 150-200 units to operate efficiently. If your unit per manager ratio is getting too high, then maybe it’s time to downsize. Landlords downsize for many reasons: […]

Why Is Networking An Essential Skill For Landlords? When trying to advance your career or make your next move, the importance of networking cannot be overstated. There is a reason people pay to go to networking events, after all. Property management is no different. Getting to know landlords in your area can not only help […]

What You Should And Should Not Do At A House Showing It’s no secret that the internet age has fundamentally changed the real estate market. According to a joint study by Apartments.com and Google, 72 percent of renters start their apartment search online. But even as real estate goes increasingly digital, it’s important to remember […]

Why Commercial Properties Should Upgrade To Online Rent Payments Property managers have been accepting paper checks for their commercial properties for years, but is that the optimal payment method for B2B transactions? We (and most businesses) think not. In the past twenty years, more and more small businesses – particularly those that often occupy commercial […]

How To Use Late Fees Effectively Every landlord has encountered tenants who don’t make paying rent on time a priority. Usually, a late fee will be implemented to act as a threat, not an actual debt. Since it’s a threat, the tenant often won’t pay the late fee. And once they’ve managed to avoid the […]

What Is Backcasting In Real Estate Terms? You may be unfamiliar with the term backcasting, but if you’ve been in the real estate industry for even just a month, you’re bound to have heard about real estate cycles. Cycles are evident in every form of real estate – commercial and residential, big and small. Nearly […]

4 Ways To Make Your Rental Advertising More Effective Believe it or not, the first ever paid advertisement in the US was for an estate in Long Island that was posted in the Boston News Letter way back in 1704 (keep that in the memory bank for office trivia night!). Now I’m sure you’re aware, […]

Should You Invest In Brokers And Leasing Agents?   You’re a landlord with several vacant units and a decision to make: How do I fill them? You have a few options. You could place an ad online, contact your current tenants and see if they have any friends looking for a place, or… hire a […]

What Is The Real Cost Of Accepting Rent Via Check? By now, you’re likely familiar with the term ACH. If you aren’t, an ACH payment is an electronic alternative to a paper check that is used to make payments and transfer funds online. They are so similar, in fact, that many alternatively call ACH payments […]

Switch To Online Rent Payments And Enjoy The Ease Of Modern Renting Large apartment complexes have been offering online rent payment portals for years.  For small to mid-sized landlords on the other hand, giving tenants the ability to pay rent online has been a luxury feature – too expensive for most and not yet demanded […]

How To Effectively Communicate With Your Tenants While the methods and means may change, communication remains a critical component of any relationship. Landlord-tenant relationships are no different. Your tenants may sign their lease with the best of intentions, but too often they begin shirking responsibilities: rent starts to come in late, late fees aren’t being […]

How To Use The 1% Rule When Expanding Your Real Estate Portfolio Portfolio expansion is always an exciting time for a landlord or property manager.  New projects, new dollars, and new challenges can be a compelling and tempting proposition.  But it’s crucial to keep perspective in mind: is this a smart investment of my time, […]

Tips To Improve Your Rental Website As digital searches increase and consumers become decidedly more connected to the Internet, finding ways to improve your rental website is more important than ever. The Housing Search Often Begins Online “For Rent” yard signs and external marketing are still great ways to get your inventory noticed and your […]

Why You Should Start Accepting Rent With Credit Cards eCommerce is a well-established industry in 2023.  Merchants and consumers love the convenience of online shopping, and that convenience shouldn’t stop at retail.  Here’s five reasons you, a landlord, should think about offering online credit card payments too. 1. Convenience for your tenants A rental payment […]