Noble PMG

Rental Properties In The Winter Months

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:20:00 GMT

The winter months can spmetimes be the toughest months in terms of finding a renter for your rental property. What causes this? Typically there are a few factors that go into what drives the demand.
One major factor is the school year, many families don’t like to move during the school year and having to enroll their children in a new school mid-year. This also applies to college students, many students secure their rental properties months in advance and leases usually run from August to August making the winter month’s off limits for searching.
A Second major factor is that many companies looking to relocate employees will do this during the spring and summer months when there are more properties available, business picks up and the weather is better.
A third factor is the weather! In the winter the last thing many renters think about is moving in the frigid cold and dealing with the threat of snow. The winter holidays are also a major factor when it comes to moving. Most people do not want to be packing or unpacking their belongings when they have shopping to get done, decorations to put up and cards to send out. There is already a lot of stress during the Holidays no need to add more!

What do most renters do in the winter? Typically leases have a clause that when a lease ends it will go onto a month to month lease until there is 30 day notice. A lot of renters take this option and wait until June, July or August when there are more options and better weather for moving. This is ideal for property owners as well since there are many more renters searching in the spring and summer making it easier to secure a tenant.

If your rental comes up vacant during the winter months there are a few different things to consider:
– Are you asking a fair price for the time of year and in comparison to other properties in your area?
– Consider the length of a lease that you want: do you want to have the same vacancy issue at this time next year?

Sometimes the best option is to ask a very discounted price for a short term lease until the spring when securing a tenant will be easiest.

Have any further questions or concerns? Please feel free to give us a call

Happy Holidays!

10 Things an owner should take into consideration when determining a rental amount for their home

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 21:42:54 GMT

What goes into determining the rental price of a home or condo in Colorado?

1.    Location Matters In Certain Circumstances : The rent you can ask can change dramatically based on walking/biking proximity to restaurants, entertainment, bars, shopping, parks and schools. Being within a few minutes driving distance typically will not warrant asking a higher rent. Also be aware that typically being within walking/biking distance to a Target or an Applebee's will not persuade a tenant to pay more rent. Tenants are willing to pay more to be closer to downtown, town centers and large parks with a lot of activity going on. If you’re not sure about it, think if you’d be willing to pay more each month on your mortgage for the location.

2.   Don’t price your rental price based on square footage : Unlike selling homes where there are average price per square foot, pricing rentals doesn’t work the same way. If you have a 2,000Sqft home and were to price your home at $1 per square foot and ask $2,000/Month and your neighbor has a 3,000 Sq Ft home and is asking $3,000/Month chances are only the lesser priced home will rent. More square footage is always nice, but to a renter it comes down to the usability of that square feet. If there is 500 sq ft in the basement unfinished, the renter can’t use that space, but a buyer could potentially finish that space and use it. What’s more important is the number of bedrooms and bathrooms when determining a rental amount.

3.   The time of year is very important : There is a pretty drastic difference between renting your home in the winter and renting your home in the summer. On average May-August are the best months to have your home on the rental market. During these months you have the most renters searching for a new place and you can typically price higher. In the winter months, a lot of tenants will decide to stay put to avoid moving during the holidays, in the cold or in snowy weather. If your home is coming on the market in the winter months be prepared for fewer renters to choose from and expect a lower rental rate. Many renters purposefully choose the off peak months to get a deal.

4.   Take your emotions out of it : If you’ve lived in the home you’re trying to rent, you probably have a personal connection to it. You view your home completely differently than a renter will and you will value things that a tenant probably will not. Just because you personally laid the tile in the master bathroom, doesn’t mean a perspective renter is going to like it. The type of Granite you used in the kitchen, the type of windows you have and the cost of the carpeting in the bedroom will have no effect on a renter when they’re making their decision on their next home.

5.   The Parking Situation : One of the most important things a renter looks for in a property is parking. A garage or a carport are the first things that come to mind for renters in Colorado, especially when considering the winter months. Having a garage or covered parking will not add much, if any, value to your property in terms of rent. It may make it enticing over other properties, but charging extra for it is not a viable option. Just because apartment communities can charge for parking doesn’t mean you are able to.

6.   Utilities : There are many ways to handle utilities when it comes to a rental property. If it is a single family home, usually a renter is responsible for putting all of the utilities in their name and paying them each month. In an attached dwelling with an HOA, typically the HOA dues will cover some utilities such as trash and water.. Owners should always pay the HOA dues and not ask the tenant to pay them. If the HOA does include some of the common utilities it is usually easiest for the owner to pay them. This way you don’t need to spend each month back billing utilities and you can save yourself the headache. You can reflect these included utilities in your rental amount, but keep in mind that when advertising a lot of renters will only see the higher amount and may cross it off their list not realizing the utilities are included. For short term/fully furnished leases it is usually wise to include all utilities in the rental amount and make sure the rent reflects it. Also clearly state it in the title.

7.   What Warrants A Higher Rent? : Every renter is different and places value in different aspects of a home. The two most important rooms tenants look at when considering a place and if it is worth the rental amount are Kitchens and Bathrooms. Updated kitchens have a huge effect on the rental price. Tenants love Granite/Stone/Tile Counter-Tops, Stainless Steel Appliances and updated cabinetry and lots of it. When looking at bathrooms, tenants look for clean, bright and updated bathrooms with tile floors. Pouring money into custom paint colors and light fixtures wont translate to a higher rental amount but could entice a tenant to choose your place over another property reducing your vacancy.

8.   The Pet Problem : For good reason an owner probably doesn’t want pets in their investment property. They can scratch floors, destroy carpets, leave odors and hair behind, kill lawns and potentially make the home harder to rent or sell in the future. What an owner should keep in mind, is that a lot of renters have pets and saying no to them outright can have a huge effect on the amount of renters looking at your home. Apartment communities typically charge a pet rent of between $25-$50 extra a month. This is an uncommon practice for privately owned rentals and can scare away renters. Your best bet is to ask for a larger deposit to cover any potential damages. Tenants are usually willing to pay a larger deposit and expect it. It is good to note that many pet owners are very conscientious and take better care of the property so don’t automatically rule out a pet.

9.   No two homes are the same : Just because your next door neighbor got $1,500/ Month in rent, doesn’t mean that you automatically will as well. Unless the home is a new build, it is going to different than your neighbors. Maybe you re-did the kitchen, moved some walls, finished the basement, remodeled the bathrooms or have more/less bedrooms. It is definitely a good idea to look around online and ask your neighbors about rental rates in the neighborhood because they will certainly give you a good range to work in. But never price your home the same as your neighbors just because they’re next door. That is why you have experts like 8z Rentals to help give you an expert opinion to get your property leased.

10.   Know who you’re competing against : Unless you’re in a gated neighborhood or in a small town far from the next town, you’re going to have a lot of competition. Renters have the ability to be flexible and you’re not competing against just your neighborhood when renting your home, you’re competing against surrounding neighborhoods and towns. It could be $500 cheaper a month to live 10 minutes away a town over and a lot of times, a tenant will choose to save that money. Keep a close eye on homes in the neighborhood, if your neighbor has a similar home and decides to price $200 less than your home, chances are their home will rent first. Be ready to adjust based on the market at any given time, new homes come on the market everyday.

Some owners don’t take into consideration all of the factors that determine the value and desirability of their investment property. It is a constantly changing and evolving market and if you’re not on top of it, it could end up costing you financially. 8z Rentals keeps an eye on the market every single day and is more than happy to help you with estimating what your home could be worth on the rental market. Find a local 8z Rentals leasing agent near you .

Ways to Make Your Place Halloween Friendly!

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:30:00 GMT

Halloween Tips for Building Neighborhood Connections

Remember that no matter where you live it can be your community. Halloween is a great time to get to know your neighbors! Are you going to go out or stick around to give out candy? Will you host a halloween party? Bring pumpkins around to the neighbors? Whatever your Halloween tradition might be, remember that it is a great time to create community!

Just a few simple things can make a big difference in how connected you feel to your neighborhood. Kids love trick or treating! And people are generally in a festive mood. Here are a few ideas of what you can do to build neighborhood connections at Halloween:

Enjoy a fun & safe Halloween!

Top Tips for Home Renters to Recoup a Security Deposit

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 05:14:00 GMT

Let’s face it: moving is not our favorite thing in the world. Preparation, though, is key. If the landlord walks through after you moved out and he/she doesn’t have to hire a cleaning service, you have just saved him/her money and time and you will most likely get your full security deposit back (baring any damage beyond wear and tear of course)!

1. Use Some Elbow Grease

Scrub fridge and stove. This means replacing the foil lining under the stove’s burners, and scrubbing the corners…like the shelving in the fridge, etc.

2. Clear the Soap Scum

Thoroughly scrub soap scum and dust from bathtub and corners of the bathroom. Wipes with cleaner in them work great for this- they dislodge the scum to make scrubbing easier.

3. Use Your Green Thumb

If your home is a single-family house, make sure to weed and water in the weeks before turnover. Again, if the landlord has to pay to revive the lawn, you will have that chunk removed from your security deposit.

4. Take Out the Trash

Don’t miss your final trash day, and make sure any trash or pet waste is cleared out of the yard.

5. Spick and Span Kitchen

Show the kitchen cabinets some TLC: wipe down the insides of the doors, and put fresh contact paper down on the shelves.

6. No Loose Screws

Tighten hinges and screws on doors and cabinets that have begun to fit poorly, if necessary to replace hardware malfunctioning because of wear and tear, it will cost you less to do it yourself, if you can.

7. See Clearly

Sponge both sides of windows and screens of dust and cobwebs. Make them look like they did when you moved in.

8. Break Out the Feather Duster

Dust the mini-blinds. If they have been wrecked by kids or dogs, replace them. A new set will cost you less than if the landlord has to pay labor and parts costs to a handyman.

9. Clean Up the Ashes

If there is a fireplace, clear out ashes and cinders (being careful not to get them on carpeting – which can cause staining)

10. Let There Be Light

Replace missing and burned out light bulbs. Make sure they match the others. Not sure? Bring the light bulb with you to the hardware store.

11. Keep No Souvenirs

Be sure to return not only the keys to the property, but also any parking permits, pool keys, garage door openers or key fobs which can be expensive to replace for the next tenant

12. Don’t Leave Your Fingerprints

Wipe down light switches, door handles, and high traffic areas that get covered with sticky handprints.

Tips to Landlords & Tenants: Residential Rentals in the Fall

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:51:00 GMT

My answer to owners is of course “No!” Rentals happen all year long, but yes you will need to be more flexible and consider dropping your rental rate from the peak season rates. You will also need to consider being more negotiable with terms other than price, such as pets, utilities, occupancy limits, and lease duration. The summer months are naturally on the top of the bell curve for prices since that is when the maximum activity occurs. Econ 101 kicks in when the demand drops. Owners need to adjust their prices down to account for the reduced demand. In general, owners can expect about 10% -15% less in the slower months versus the peak months.

On the surface the answer to the owner’s question may seem pretty obvious, but as I dig deeper into the psychology of their question it occurs why they are in a panic. Most owners are caught up in the sales concept, which has big consequences for minor fluctuations in price. Unlike selling your property which is usually a life changing event, and worth some forward planning to maximize the sale price. Rentals have far smaller consequences. Selling a property with a 10% price fluctuation translates into tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most sellers who wait until the fall really have their work cut out to obtain top dollar. Luckily with rentals the total stakes are far lower, a 10% fluctuation in rent is a much smaller loss. The good news is that the reduced number of residents is also offset by the reduced amount of inventory. This helps level the playing field once again for owners. Properties in nice condition that outshine their competition are many times able to rent for close to peak rates. The bad news is that if your property needs work and doesn’t show well, you will most likely have to get it fixed up to compete with the limited prospects or reduce your rents far enough to lure someone to your property.

All of this is good news to savvy residents who are lucky enough to have the flexibility to lease during the slower season. Avoiding the peak rental season is a fantastic way to secure great housing at reduced prices. Residents can avoid the frantic rush of having to sign a lease quickly if they like the property, and they are more likely to find a negotiable landlord. Retirees and single professionals fit perfectly into this category. Most retirees and single professionals are not concerned with school districts and have more flexibility with unique living situations. In addition, most retirees are not concerned with proximity to commuting arteries. As a matter of fact they probably want to avoid these areas since they are more expensive and more crowded. Renting is a growing trend among retirees who are seeking to live near friends and family for a portion of the year, to avoiding the headaches of maintenance and yard work, and following the nice weather. If you are going to be renting for a few years and have the flexibility it makes perfect sense to avoid the rush and wait for the slower season to find a gem.

New Tenants: The Maintenance Request Process

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 21:30:00 GMT

Greetings new and returning 8z tenants! As you are getting situated in your new rental property, you may notice areas of your property that need to be fixed or repaired. Or at some point during your lease you may have something like an appliance, light fixture, plumbing that isn't working as it used to. Whether you are a new 8z Rentals tenant, or just haven't had to submit a maintenance request, you’re probably wondering how to do that.

Is this an Emergency?

In the case of a life-threatening emergency, such as a fire, please call 911 FIRST, then contact the 8z Rentals office via the emergency line. We ask that you report any emergency maintenance issues to us by calling the Boulder office at 303-563-4104, and press ‘2’ when the recording begins to be forwarded to our emergency line. Even if we are out of the office during a holiday, weekend, or after hours, the Emergency Line is manned to respond.

Non life-threatening emergencies include the following issues:
• No heat.
• Major plumbing problems (i.e. broken pipes, hot water heater malfunctions, sewer backup, etc.)
• Electrical shortage or failure.
• Smell of natural gas in homes with gas fireplace or other appliances. Call the fire department of your utility provider before calling our emergency line. Make sure the safety shut-off valve, usually located next to or behind the appliance, is shut off. The Xcel energy phone number is 1-800-895-4999.

How to Submit an Online Maintenance Request

Fortunately not all maintenance requests are emergencies, but rather inconveniences that need repair. In just a few steps you can easily submit your request to us online through your tenant portal. Simply create or login to your portal account on 8zRentals.com , and you will see a section labeled “maintenance requests”. All you need to do is click on this section and give us a brief description of the issue that you are requesting a repair for. Click submit to officially send us your request. It’s as simple as that!

What’s Next?

We receive notification of your maintenance request as soon as it is submitted to us online. Following this notification, we set up one of our trusted vendors to contact you or your roommates regarding scheduling the repair. After directly scheduling with you or your roommates, our vendor will come by to repair your property.

How Long Does the Process Take?

You can usually expect the whole maintenance process to take 1-4 days to be completed. This is mostly dependent on how busy our vendors are at the time of your request. For instance, during tenant move-in and move-out weeks, our vendors tend to be very busy, which means it will take a little longer for them to get to every maintenance request. In contrast, during less busy seasons such as the fall, our vendors tend to be able to answer maintenance requests much more rapidly. All in all, our vendors and our own business give our full effort to make sure your repairs get taken care of as soon as they possibly can be.

Landscaping Can Add Curb Appeal and Increase Rental Values

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 16:53:00 GMT

Add instant curb appeal with annual flowers . A few strategically placed plants in the ground or in planter boxes can make a big difference. Annual plants are always showy options and look good, but they have to be watered regularly.

Add long-term appeal with a perennial garden . Perennials are another option for making your landscaping stand out and adding curb appeal. The best thing about perennials is that once they are established they come back year after year. The return on investment with best with perennials. Look around to see if your local water municipality offers any incentives for water wise perennials. In Boulder the Conservation Center offers a Garden-in-a-Box options where you get discounted rates on professionally designed garden beds and the flowers that go with them. More details on the Garden-in-a-Box program here.

Need a landscaping professional to help with curb appeal at your property? We are happy to provide you with a referral to a quality professional. Contact 8z Rentals.

A Wrap Up on the 2014 Rental Market

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 20:02:00 GMT

As home ownership in the U.S. sinks to a 19 year low of 64.4% more attention is being focused on the rental housing stock. Vacancy has dipped to 4.7% tipping the scales in the landlords favor. An evenly balanced market is considered to have a vacancy rate of 5%. The lower supply increased rental rates. Nationally the $420 billion dollars paid in rent in 2013 increased to $441 Billion in 2014 a 4.9% increase. Rent growth for 2015 is expected to increase again with strong job growth, inflation, and the entrance of the millennial generation into the work force seeking independent housing.

Denver is ranked 5th on the National Apartment Index (NAI) which measures metropolitan areas with the lowest vacancy, strong job growth, strong rent and demographic trends. New York and San Francisco hold the top two places on the NAI. Nearly every industry in Denver is expecting strong job growth, which will continue to strengthen our economy and maintain developers’ optimism.

Average rents in the Denver area increased by 12%. The total rents increased from $4.5 billion paid in 2013 to $4.9 Billion in 2014. This 12% increase means tenants shelled out $474 million more dollars in 2014. How do these numbers impact the single tenant? The average tenant is paying $86 more per month equating to $1,032 more per year in rent. Experts are forecasting rents to increase again in 2015 by as much as 8% which is expected to bring the average rent up from $1,168 in 2014 to approximately $1,260 for 2015.

Vacancy in Denver dropped from 5.2% in 2013 below that balanced market number of 5% to 4.7% in 2014. The delivery of several new apartment complexes in the Denver area for 2015 is expected to raise vacancy rates slightly as the market absorbs the new inventory. The quality of the new inventory will continue to raise the average rent despite the anticipated increase in vacancy.

Developers, attracted by the employment forecast in Denver, have delivered 7,588 units in 2014 and expect to deliver even more units in 2015. The large institutional purchasers have many investment opportunities for downtown Class A properties.

What does this mean for the average investor? If you have failed to raise your rents in the last two years you are at least 20% behind market rents. This is where hiring an expert in the industry like 8z Rentals can keep your investment performing at its peak. Many times we are able to increase rents enough to cover the costs of management. That frees you up for more valuable things in life like time with the family or finding more deals!

Call us anytime we are here to help!

Improvements to our 2015 Residential Lease Agreement

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 05:45:00 GMT

Fall and winter may be a slower rental market, but we’re keeping busy at 8z Rentals. We recently gathered our entire team, to discuss and update our entire lease agreement for our 2015 lease documents. Here are the improvements that we added, that we think owners, such as yourself will appreciate. Updated the formatting of […]

Summer is Coming to a Close at 8z Rentals

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:16:00 GMT

Summer is finally coming to an end in Colorado. It has been a wonderful and busy season for 8z Rentals, as we leased a plethora of properties, renewed multiple leases, and moved out all of our tenants with leases ending during this period. The busiest rental period of the year is coming to a close, but as always, we continue to lease and manage rental properties.

Are you a Colorado property owner who still needs to lease your property for 2014? While the rush for rental housing may slow as summer ends, working with a property management company like 8z Rentals can significantly increase the demand for your rental property. 8z Rentals lists, markets, and shows your property for you. We respectfully follow property owners’ orders and use our professional experience to successfully lease properties to the best of our ability. Let us give your property the extra boost it needs; call 8z Rentals today to learn more!

Preparing Our Managed Properties For Tenant Move-Ins

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 17:53:00 GMT

8z Rentals usually leaves a week between tenant move-out dates and new tenant move-in dates for our managed properties. This is done to ensure that our managed properties get the necessary amount of cleaning and maintenance before our new tenants move into them. While some maintenance issues may be unknown to our company prior to […]

Looking for Information on Your New Property?

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:19:00 GMT

Many of our new tenants have plenty of questions regarding their newly leased rental properties. 8z Rentals would like to remind our tenants that the welcome packets left in their new properties contain an abundance of information about each of their properties. We strongly recommend that all of our tenants read over everything included in […]

Quality Customer Service with 8z Rentals

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 09:30:00 GMT

Does it ever feel like your property management company is blowing off your calls? Here at 8z Rentals we understand the importance of our tenants and owners, so we always do our best to answer our clients’ calls and emails. Even if we miss a call during the day, we strive to get back to our tenants and owners by the end of the same business day. We are here to keep our tenants and owners satisfied, and we know that you want to stay in touch with us. Give us a call today to let us serve you in rental property management.

8z Rentals

(303) 563-4104

8z Rentals Has The Best Maintenance Around

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:33:00 GMT

8z Rentals does rental maintenance right. While other property management companies attempt to make profits by marking up maintenance costs, we stay 100% transparent with maintenance costs and do not mark up, so there is no profit motive for us to schedule unnecessary maintenance. In addition to our transparency in maintenance costs, we strive to find insured, high quality maintenance companies with reasonable pricing for all of our rental properties in Colorado. With 8z Rentals, you don’t have to worry about dealing with low quality maintenance workers or paying too much for an easy fix. As a business, we have done our research, received bids and references, and partnered with some of the most trustworthy maintenance companies in all of Colorado. If you are an owner or tenant and feel that you have been ripped off by your property management’s maintenance endeavors, try 8z Rentals next time for a more quality and trustworthy rental maintenance approach.

8z Rentals:

(303) 563-4104

8zrentals.com

August Leasing and Turnovers Around The Corner

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 19:40:00 GMT

Happy July—the summer is flying by over here at 8z Rentals! Quite a few leases are either beginning or ending in August, which is now only a month away. It’s a busy time for anyone who lives in or owns a Rental Property; residents are getting set for their move-in and move-out dates, and owners all over Boulder are busy trying to finalize leases with new tenants and secure vendors to handle their turnover tasks. If you are an owner who has not yet leased your property, or a prospective tenant still looking for a place, give 8z a call and see how can help make your upcoming transitions much easier!

Owners: Let 8z Rentals Help Manage Your Property

If you are a Colorado property ownerand have not yet leased your property for the upcoming year, it could be time to get some extra help from 8z Rentals in order to ensure that your property does not sit vacant. 8z offers the optionof ongoing management for your property so that you don’t have to worry about dealing with scheduling repairs, collecting rent, late-night emergency phonecalls, or coordinating and documenting move-ins and move-outs.Give us a call today for more information and our staff can fill you in on the details of managing your property through 8z! Main Office: (303) 563-4104.

Prospective Tenants: Leasing Through 8z Rentals

Prospective tenants, if you are still looking for a rental property in Colorado, check out 8zRentals.com for all of our rental availabilities or give us a call at the number above. 8z Rentals has quality properties still available for 2014, and you could be leasing one of them soon!

One Rental Source To Rule Them All

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 16:31:00 GMT

Many rental companies in Colorado tend to only offer properties in specific areas of the state rather than offering rental properties across the whole state of Colorado. If a prospective rental customer is not sure where they want to live in Colorado, it can be difficult to find a single property management company that offers different rental properties in different locations of the state. Luckily, 8z Rentals is here to help. 8z Rentals offers rental properties in various areas of Colorado . Some of our prime rental locations in Colorado include Fort Collins, Denver, and Boulder. If you are not sure where you want to live in Colorado, 8z Rentals makes it easy to explore all of your different options at once.

Visit 8zrentals.com today to browse all of our currently available properties, or give us a call at (303) 563-4104 to get set up with one of our professional leasing agents. Don’t waste your time contacting different property management companies for different property locations in Colorado. Contact 8z Rentals to get all of your options at once. Let 8z Rentals serve you today!

8z Rentals

4041 Hanover Avenue #101

Boulder, CO 80305

8z Settles Your Requests in a Fair and Timely Manner!

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 02:35:00 GMT

8z Rentals in Colorado likes to stay on top of its tenants’ and owners’ requests. We do our best to settle matters between tenants and owners in a fair and rational way. If a tenant submits a property maintenance request to 8z, we quickly settle the request by either scheduling a repair or negotiating the request further with the owner of the rental property (without any unnecessary delay involved!). Tenants have the ease of the secure online portal where tenants can make maintenance requests with just a few clicks of the computer. Similarly, if an owner believes that his or her tenant is making an unnecessary or irrational maintenance request, 8z swiftly contacts the owner and attempts to reach a more satisfactory solution to the original request.

Whether you are a tenant or an owner, 8z makes renting and owning property easy by running a fair, fast, and rational negotiation process for owner and tenant requests. As a property management company we are here to make sure everything runs smoothly between our tenants and owners. We don’t wait around to solve our owner and tenant conflicts. At 8z Rentals, we stay on top of it all.

Does it Feel Like Your Rental Company is ‘Nickel and Diming’ You?

Thu, 19 Jun 2014 03:43:00 GMT

The word is out: Many tenants leasing properties in Colorado are not too satisfied with their current rental property management companies. Does it feel like your rental company is trying to get some extra money out of your pocket? Tenants of our competitors are complaining about being charged too much for maintenance repairs, and having unfair amounts of money taken from their security deposits when their leases end.

Here at 8z Rentals, we don’t nickel and dime you like our competitors. 8z Rentals serves tenants in a fair and ethical manner. A happy tenant is more likely to renew their lease, and take care of their rental property. It’s a win-win for tenants and landlords to treat tenants with respect. We make our money by offering great rental properties at great prices, not by cheating our tenants like other rental companies. If you feel like your current rental company is treating you unfairly, try leasing with 8z Rentals the next time around. 8z offers a whole different experience than most rental companies in Colorado because we are on the tenant’s side. Check out 8zrentals.com for our latest rental listings available across all of Colorado , or contact us today by calling (303) 563-4104. Try the 8z way; we treat our tenants right.

8z Rentals

4041 Hanover Avenue #101

Boulder, CO 80305

Online Scams in Rental Property Leasing

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 18:22:00 GMT

Recently there have been several cases involving fake landlords and fake leasing agents attempting to scam customers interested in leasing properties in the Colorado area. In one of these cases, a fake leasing agent stood outside of one of 8z Rental’s properties and greeted two interested customers. The two customers reportedly found this “leasing agent” through Craigslist, and were skeptical of him from the start. Luckily, these interested customers sensed that something was not right with the leasing agent and reported the issue straight to 8z Rentals. While Craigslist and other similar sites can often be trusted for finding available rental properties, the best way to avoid getting scammed is to go through a more direct and professional property-leasing source.

How to Avoid Scammers: The 8z way

By finding a rental property or leasing agent through a more direct and professional source like 8z Rentals, one can avoid potential scammers in the rental business. As a professional property rental company, 8z Rentals carries authentic information for customers on our website and at our offices. At 8zrentals.com, customers interested in renting properties can view all of the company’s available properties and can also access all of 8z’s leasing agent contact information. There is no chance of getting scammed when one searches for a great property directly through an experienced, professional, and informative rental company like 8z Rentals because the company offers direct, authentic sources of information on all of our properties and agents.

If Nothing Else, Check Your Sources!

Still convinced that the best way to find a rental property is through Craigslist or a similar site? Then check your sources! Even 8z Rentals posts properties on Craigslist because the site offers the great opportunity to advertise the company’s properties to the masses. However, if an interested customer cannot match rental information posted on Craigslist with information posted on a rental company’s site, then the Craigslist post could be a potential scam. The good news is that 8z’s website makes it easy to verify our posts on Craigslist because our website stays up-to-date with information about our properties and agents. Additionally, 8z Rentals leasing agents and staff are always available by phone to speak with customers about our properties and connect interested customers with our professional leasing agents.

Report and Remove Scammers!

If one does happen to come across a rental scam on Craigslist or a similar site, it is best to report this scam to the website. This way the website can ban the user at fault and eliminate future scamming from this user. In reality, most Craigslist posts are not scams, but getting scammers reported and removed is the next step towards a safer Craigslist environment.

Protecting Our Business and Customers

8z Rentals is always on the lookout for potential scammers, and we do our best to protect ourselves and our customers against them. While scammers represent a very small threat to our company, we are still doing everything we can to completely eliminate them as a threat. There have been no more than one or two scams total involving someone pretending to be an 8z Rentals agent leasing an 8z property, and these scams did not get far at all. Rental scams have not been specifically common for 8z, but have been more common in the rental industry as a whole. We shall continue to protect our business and our customers against scammers, and hope that other rental companies will do the same.

by Justin Schultz, at 8z Rentals

Justin@8zrentals.com (303) 563-4104

How Will New Construction Affect Rent & Vacancies in 2014?

Fri, 16 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Lots of new construction is on the horizon for Colorado’s Front Range. So the question is, “how will this new construction going impact the rental market?” Vacancy rates have increased slightly as a result of the additional inventory. Landlords who have been remodeling older buildings, are adding these units to the rental inventory, and thereby increasing the vacancy rates. As a result of the newer nicer product the average rental rates have increased which is good news for investors.

A healthy balanced vacancy rate is considered to be about 5%. This rate keeps owners and tenants in check, and gives owners the ability to maintain the housing stock with repairs, while not having to give large concessions for signing up new residents. When the vacancy rate drops too low, the rental rates tend to spike, hurting residents ability to secure adequate housing at reasonable prices. Inversely, when there are higher vacancy rates, like those we have experienced over the past 7 years, landlords had a hard time maintaining their housing stock and were forced to provide large signing concessions, and struggled to balance basic upkeep with diminishing quality of available tenants. This downward spiral is very difficult for many apartment owners to balance, as landlords become strapped with diminished cash-flow.

Statewide we are hovering with vacancy rates just over the 5% mark, at 5.4% in the last quarter of 2013. This is up a little bit from the vacancy rate of 5.2% in the fourth quarter of 2012. The increased vacancy overall seems to be a good sign since it is a reflection of the new and updated apartments being made available for residents. Some newer amenities being offered to residents are free cyber café’s with in house barista’s, free wireless, cool new dog parks with fun features and even dog washing stations aka Pet Spas, larger storage lockers for all of your Colorado toys, laundry facilities with text messaging when your load is done, larger package lockers with text notification of your code to access your package. Of course all of this comes at an increased cost. The average rent has hit a record fourth quarter high of $992 for the state, this is up from $944 in the fourth quarter of 2012.

A Local Look at Rents & Vacancies Across Colorado

Fort Collins/Loveland

Fort Collins/ Loveland outpaced Metro Denver for Average rent. Fort Collins/ Loveland was $995 in the fourth quarter compared to Denver at $992. The vacancy rate dropped to a new ten year low of 2.1% making for an extremely tight market for residents.

Greeley

Greeley had a record $64 increase in the average rent to $756 in the fourth quarter and an increased vacancy rate with a 2 year high of 6.3% but these statistics were invariably affected by the addition of 90 new units to such a small submarket. Overall Greeley is very strong and the absorption of these units should increase the average rent overall while updating the housing stock.

Boulder/Broomfield

Vacancy rates dropped again this year to 3.4% for the fourth quarter of 2013 down from 3.7% in the fourth quarter of 2012. The vacancy rate for the area surrounding CU in Boulder dropped from 2% in the third quarter of 2013 to 0% in the last quarter of 2013. The average rents in Boulder/ Broomfield steadily rose from $1,104 in the last quarter of 2012 to $1,198 in the last quarter of 2013.

Denver Metro

Vacancy rates in Denver have risen to a two year high of 5.2% for the 4 ^th quarter of 2013 up from 4.9% in the fourth quarter of 2012. This is a strong reflection of the large number of new apartments being added to the inventory as well as remodeled units being held vacant during the construction process. The average rent continued to grow despite the increased vacancy which is the best indicator that the market can absorb the new inventory. The average rents rose from $986 in the fourth quarter of 2012 to $1,041 in the 4 ^th quarter of 2013.

Overview of the vacancy rates and average rents by Area/ County for the 4 th Quarter 2013:

Area/ County Vacancy Rate Average Rent

Fort Collins/ Loveland 2.1% $995

Greeley 6.3% $756

Adams 5.3% $948

Boulder/Broomfield 3.4% $1,198

Denver 6.1% $1,064

Arapahoe 5.2% $995

Douglas 5.0% $1,236

Jefferson 4.6% $994

Homeowners Stand To Gain In This Tight Rental Market!

Tue, 13 May 2014 18:31:00 GMT

How can Denver & Boulder area residents and homeowners make a few bucks, and help with the low vacancy rates?

1. Got A Carriage Houses or Extra Space? Some old Denver homes have a separate carriage house. Convenient for storage, yes. But, why not clean it out, renovate, and create some passive income with that space?

2. Become a Snowbird. Many retirees love Colorado summers but would rather stay clear during the cold snowy winters. Retirees can enjoy a little extra income from leasing their home during the months they are away. Their house doesn’t look empty, and the sidewalks stay shoveled after snowstorms.

3. Take a Sabbatical. Many of our landlords are leasing out their primary residence for the first time. Whether they’re taking a sabbatical from work, or taking on a work project out of state for a few months or a few years, renting their home provides extra income to cover expenses, and to keep the home for their return to town.

Never been a landlord before? That’s okay. As property management experts, we discuss homeowners’ needs to market the vacancy, and manage the property, to save you time and stress of having rental property.

8z Rentals Is Getting Rave Reviews on Yelp!

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:37:00 GMT

8z Rentals is on Yelp! Check out our latest Yelp Review !

“As a selling realtor in this market, it is important to me that I send my clients to a rental management company that will treat them with the same commitment to quality service. 8Z Rentals does just that, they understand the rental market better than anyone and treat both tenants and property owners with the utmost respect. I recommend them to all my clients with rental needs.”

-Steve, Boulder Realtor

8z Rentals’ State of the Art Technology Supports Owners!

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:47:00 GMT

Here at 8z Rentals we have invested heavily in software so that we may provide you with accurate, effective, and secure systems for the best service. As an owner you know that tenant relations and property maintenance are very important to a successful rental process and 8z Rental’s quick response times are essential to the profitability of your rental properties.

Here are some ways 8z Rentals’ technology supports our owners & their tenants:

8z Rentals provides a faster response time for better service

We can securely access information about any of our properties at any time, and from anywhere. Sensitive data is securely housed in a state of the art data center, and backed up regularly and automatically.

Paperless Monthly statements are delivered directly by email, saving time and the environment

Our monthly statements are easy to read and provide owners with a quick snapshot of property details during the past month. You can even access and view your statements from your mobile device.

We address property maintenance issues faster

8z Rentals uses electronic work orders (submitted online), and we communicate directly with vendors so maintenance issues are resolved quickly.

You will be paid faster and more securely

8z Rentals uses electronic work orders and we communicate directly with vendors so maintenance issues are solved quickly.

8z Rentals uses the leading rental websites to market your property

We can quickly and professionally market your properties on all of the leading rental websites to provide your property with maximun exposure both locally and nationally. We use Craigslist for local advertisement, CoHomefinder is the most attended real estate website in the State of Colorado and nationally we advertise on all of the top sites including Zillow, Hotpads, Trulia, and Oodle.

Home Owners: Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance To Protect Yourself and Your Tenants

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:18:00 GMT

Was your property impacted by the floods of September 2013? Regardless of whether you were impacted or not home owners should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy to protect your investment. This video produced by Boulder County, Colorado outlines why home owners should consider insurance to cover flood events. It is informative and worth viewing!

Are you insured for flooding? Are you planning to purchase insurance? Flood Smart is a great place to start to understand floods, flood insurance and answer your flood related questions. Flood Smart is the website of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Click here to get to FloodSmart.gov and learn more.

8z Rentals Offers Complete Management Services!

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:33:00 GMT

Maximize the return on your rental investment & get your weekends back! Let 8z Rentals handle all the details on your rental. 8z Rentals offers both Leasing and/or Management services for your property. Our management services include 8z taking care of most issues with your rental while leasing-only services offers clients the ability to fill your vacancies. 8z Rentals can handle whatever portions of your rental property management you need!

Our Management fee includes the following services

Management Services – % of monthly rent (call for quote):

Maintenance Services – We do not “Mark Up” maintenance costs. Our vendors are completely independent and we do not profit from performing repairs to your property. We provide receipts of the maintenance fees so you can be assured 8z Rentals is not up charging you for repairs. We are happy to use your vendor of choice if preferred. Additional Management Options – We also provide owners with additional services billed at $75 per hour.

At 8z Rentals we offer owners a great value for an excellent service! Give us a call to discuss how we can help you maximize the value on your rentals and get your weekends back. We look forward to speaking with you! Call us at 888.613.8832 or email us .

Let 8z Rentals Make It Easy to Find a Tentant for Your Property

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:08:00 GMT

Our Leasing fee includes the following services:

OTHER SERVICES: available by 8z Rentals which are not included in our Leasing activities. Some of these additional services may be included in management or billed hourly. Please contact us about additional services.

Click here for more information about our Management Services

Rising Rents – What’s a Renter To Do?

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 18:09:00 GMT

Image Courtesy of winnond / freedigitalphotos.net

Forrest Noble, President of 8z Rentals said “rent costs are definitely on the rise for the consumer in Colorado’s well populated front range region. Not only have vacancy rates remained low since 2006, many tenants who would be qualified home-buyers remain in the rental market.” Noble explains that many home buyers are choosing not to purchase, due to conditions like tough loan qualifications, high interest rates, and job mobility.

Located in the front range communities of Colorado, the property managers at 8z Rentals, have seen rental costs on the rise throughout the six counties that they serve. These counties vary from primarily suburban like Jefferson, Arapahoe and Broomfield counties, to the more urban Denver county, to the historically high rent Boulder county. And stats from Colorado’s Division of Housing back up Noble’s team’s observations. On February 10 ^th 2014, Ryan McMaken, from the Colorado Division of Housing, reported that, “during the fourth quarter of 2013, the average rent in metro Denver rose to $1,041, increasing 6.4%, or $63, from 2012’s fourth-quarter average rent of $978” ( Source ).

If rising rent costs are affecting a tenant’s budget, Noble and his team recommend tenants adjust their search parameters.

-Explore other areas. While rent prices are on the rise across the board, some neighborhoods or cities typically have lower rent. Compromising for a longer commute may also allow you to get more square footage, or a newer property at the same or lower price. Moving further may mean a longer commute, but it if you’re okay with that, it could also save you money.

-Re-evaluate your housing needs. If your rent has gone up on the two bedroom condo, or the single-family home you’re leasing, you may want to re-evaluate the amount of space you need. If you don’t utilize all the space in the property you’re renting, downsizing could save you money on your rent.

-Ask if a longer term lease is available. If you’re pretty certain you’re going to be sticking around an area for the foreseeable future, ask the property manager or landlord if a longer term lease might be available for a lower rate. As leasing expenses or periods of vacancy affect a landlord’s bottom line, it may be advantageous to them, and you.

-Try negotiating some of the utilities into the lease, such as water or trash, or even gas and electric. Try offering to do the yard work or snow removal in turn for your landlord to pay a utility bill. Be flexible and see what the landlord may be willing to compromise with you on.

Looking for a place to rent? We have rental listings throughout the Denver metro area , from Highlands Ranch through Longmont.

Don’t Get Locked Out of Your Space Again! Good Ideas for Where to Hide Your Keys

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 20:16:00 GMT

Have you ever been locked out of your house? Forgot the key? Need to let a friend in when you are not home? The key under a rock is not really the safest method! If you hide a key for this purpose consider these options to keep yourself safe.

It’s so tempting to just throw those keys under the mat or a rock, but keep yourself and your home safe with these tricks.

Colorado Job Growth Lowers Housing Availability – How Homeowners Can Help

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 18:04:00 GMT

A recent 9News.com story covered the tight Denver area rental market .

New jobs throughout Colorado are bringing in lots of new residents from out of state. And along with a new job, new residents must also find a place to live. Even after years of low vacancy rates, as the Colorado economy continues to grow, so does the demand for housing.

How can Denver area residents and homeowners make a few bucks, and help with the low vacancy rates?

– Carriage House: Some old Denver homes have a separate carriage house. Convenient for storage, yes. But, why not clean it out, renovate, and create some passive income with that space?

– Snowbirds: Many retirees love Colorado summers but would rather stay clear during the cold snowy winters. Retirees can enjoy a little extra income for a leasing their home during the months they are away. Their house doesn’t look empty, and the sidewalks stay shoveled after snowstorms.

– Sabbatical: Many of our landlords are leasing out their primary residence for the first time. Whether they’re taking a sabbatical from work, or taking on a work project out of state for a few months or a few years, renting their home provides extra income to cover expenses, and to keep the home for their return to town.

Boulder and Broomfield Counties Have Seen a Decline in Apartment Vacancy Rates

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:15:00 GMT

Boulder: The city of Boulder, excluding the area around the University of Colorado, had a 3.8 percent vacancy rate in the fourth quarter. In the university area, Boulder’s rate dropped from 2.0 percent in the third quarter to 0.0 percent in the fourth.

Broomfield: Hundreds of new apartments are coming online in Broomfield. The city’s Q4 rate was 3.6 percent, up slightly over the third quarter but way down from the 6.2 percent rate it saw for the same period a year ago.

Longmont: Longmont’s rate inched up slightly from 2.7 percent at the end of 2012 to 3.3 percent for the most recent quarter.

Denver Metro: The Denver metro area’s rate hit 5.2 percent, its highest rate since hitting 5.4 percent for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Rental Rates: Rental rates in the metro area, however, kept rising. And Boulder and Broomfield counties were no exception. The average rent locally climbed to $1,198.13 per month, up from $1,194.19 in the third quarter and $1,103.61 a year ago.

Apartment vacancy rates are dropping making finding the perfect apartment, condo or house more difficult. If you are looking for a rental, 8z Rentals is ready to help you find your new space!

Read the full article here .

Unwanted Critters? Learn to keep them out!

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:12:00 GMT

Every year we struggle with mice. The weather gets cold. The mice want in. Mice can do damage to your house, they spread disease, and they are a nuisance. Usually a trap or two will handle things, but it is always good to try prevention as the first measure. Pest control is an issue for both landlords and tenants.

On a personal level we once had mice entering through the garage into the house through a gas line. They would then run across the exposed gas line in the basement until they came to an interior wall where they would often fall off and die. The house began to stink. In the end we had to tear out drywall to find the decaying carcasses of these mice. It was disgusting!

Here are some ideas from Brightnest about how to keep the critters out of your house:

Know the warning signs. Before you can get rid of mice, you need to be able to identify them. Mice are small, generally no more than 5-6 inches in length, and usually a uniform color (black and brown are most common). However, mice are nocturnal and generally hide during the day, so they may be present even if you don’t see them scurrying around. Other warning signs include holes in walls and food containers, small spherical droppings in places like your pantry and scurrying sounds behind your walls.

Block their entry. Mice can’t invade your house if they can’t get inside. They also generally don’t climb higher than two feet off the ground, so check your house’s foundation and look for any holes or cracks that a mouse could use as an entrance. Places where pipes or electrical wiring enter your house are common problems. Seal these areas with metal or cement as soon as possible. If your foundation has a large number of cracks or holes, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look. For more details, read: Inspect Your Foundation .

Protect your food. The two main reasons mice move into a house are shelter and food. If you can remove their access to food, you can often remove the mice. Keep your food in sealed steel or glass containers, or in your refrigerator. Clean up any food crumbs or spills as quickly as possible and keep your trash in a well-sealed container. Tip: Also remember to protect any pet food you have, since mice will eat that as well!

Remove nests and shelters. Mice can nest in any confined space that has clutter. This can include basements , attics , storage rooms or messy bedrooms. Keep these areas tidy, and remove any nests you may find, which will be about the size of a grapefruit and made of things like string and bits of paper.

Eradicate the mice. There are a number of ways to kill mice. Poisons are one option; however, whatever poisons you use will generally also be toxic to kids and pets, so they should be used with caution. Traps can be effective, but can also injure pets or children, and they leave a nasty mouse-corpse to clean up. Two popular non-toxic repellants are mothballs dipped in peppermint oil, or mint leaves. Place the mint or mothballs in areas where you suspect mice are nesting or entering your house, and the smell will drive the mice away! You can also plant mint around the foundations of your house to prevent future infestations from occurring.

Keep those pests out right away because they will keep coming in once they have established a path. Prevention, prevention, prevention! I love the idea of planting mint around the foundation of the house! Low maintenance, non-toxic, and can be used in the kitchen. Remember that mint can get out of control and take over your landscaping.

https://brightnest.com/todos/pest-control-mice

Pets and Rentals–What You Need To Know

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:05:00 GMT

Boulder is a community full of pets! But for pet owners it can sometimes feel daunting to find a rental space with a pet in tow. It certainly limits your options, but it does not count you out of the rental market. Of course we love our dogs and our cats, but when it comes to renting what do you need to know about having your four-legged friend[s] join you in your leased space?

Pet Agreements & What You Need To Know: When you are planning to lease an apartment with one or more pets, make certain that part of your lease agreement is a pet agreement or pet addendum. The pet agreement should stipulate what the regulations are regarding pet size, type and breed, the amount of the pet deposit, what it covers and whether or not it’s refundable. If you don’t agree with it, or don’t understand it, further clarification is required before you finalize your rental agreement. Remember your rental agreement is legally binding!

Pet Agreement – Common Inclusions

Make Sure You Ask First: If you want to get a pet during your rental tenure you need to make sure and contact your landlord or rental agency before you bring a pet home. You will need to make sure you sign an additional pet agreement or have a clause added to your lease.

The most important thing to ensure the return of your deposit and that you don’t break the legal elements of your lease is to ensure you understand what you are signing. Ask questions if you do not understand. If you are interested in getting a pet, ask your landlord or rental agency ahead of time.

Based on an article by apartments.com .

Snow and Ice Removal: What You Need To Know!

Sat, 28 Dec 2013 16:02:00 GMT

We live in Colorado and we know it snows in the winter. But sometimes it is easy to forget that we are responsible to remove the snow. But don’t forget this town has lots of bikers and pedestrians who use people power to get them around even in the snow, sleet and ice. It is important to know if snow removal is a tenant’s responsibility of that of the owner. If you do not know, ask! Either way, being prompt about snow and ice removal is a courteous thing to do as well as the law!

Here is what you need to know: When the snow falls or the ice builds up don’t forget you have 24 hours from when the snow stops to get the sidewalks shoveled.

Here is some important resources during the winter in Boulder:

Request a Snow Plow or Report Sidewalk Snow and Ice : http://www.inquireboulder.com and submit a “snow plow request”

IceBusters : If you are a senior or physically disabled person [or just know someone in your neighborhood who is] you can request assistance through the Boulder County CareConnect IceBuster program. For details or to volunteer go to http://www.careconnectbc.org or call 303.443.1933, ext. 413.

Other Important Snow & Ice Information:

City of Boulder Street Maintenance: 303.413.7162

Snow Dispatch: 303.413.7109

Streets & Bikeways Maintenance Hotline: 303.413.7177

Sidewalk Snow/Ice Complaints: 303.441.3333

Colorado Department of Transportation: 303.442.4382

Eco-friendly house cleaning. Save money. Save the environment. Get a clean house!

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:58:00 GMT

Eco-friendly house cleaning. Save money. Save the environment. Get a clean house! You really cannot go wrong with this one! Thanks to BrightNest.com for this great infographic.

Stay Safe This Winter: It Is Time To Check Your Smoke Detectors

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 20:34:00 GMT

A smoke detector’s job is straight forward – it warns you when there is a threat of fire. Using an ionization chamber, it senses subtle changes in the electronic current of your air and alerts you of life-threatening situations. Here is your job – make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. This simple task could save your life. Seriously!

Start Here:

1. Take an inventory. How many smoke detectors do you have? It usually depends on the type and age of your home. They can be anywhere, so do a good search! Also, some systems are connected – meaning when one goes off they all do. But, in case not, be sure to test each one separately. Even if the smoke detectors are interconnected, you should still test each one to make sure when one goes off, it triggers the others.

2. Test them. Find the “test” or “reset” button on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you are having trouble finding it, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Press the button (Note: you may need a paper clip). If it goes off, your detector is working. The test usually runs about 30 seconds. If your detector does not work, try putting in new batteries. Repeat the test. If it still does not work it is time to replace it!

If they don’t work properly it is time to get them replaced. Taking time to perform this simple check can save your life. If you have not done it in a few months it’s time to do it right away!

Increased Xcel Energy Rebates For Flood Victims!

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 03:49:00 GMT

EnergySmart just announced new rebates for Xcel customers impacted by the Boulder Floods!

If your property was approved for FEMA assistance then you may qualify for additional Xcel rebates on some of the items you had to replace. Ask yourself this: Are you an Xcel customer who has been affected by the September flood? Were you approved for FEMA assistance? If so, you may be eligible for special flood relief rebates that Xcel Energy has just started offering for energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, air conditioners, and evaporative coolers. That could mean a serious savings for you!

Here are some criteria & benefits of these rebates:

ENERGYSMART CAN HELP: If you have an EnergySmart Advisor connect with them for more information. If you would like to become a part of the EnergySmart program call 303-544-1000 or visit EnergySmartYES.com .

City of Boulder Offers Additional SmartRegs Rebates to Assist Owners In Repairing Flood Damaged Rental Units

Thu, 07 Nov 2013 16:31:00 GMT

Great news! The city of Boulder has made a pool of $25,000 to $30,000 in new SmartRegs rebates available to assist property owners with repairs to flood-damaged rental units. The rebates are available through Dec. 31 or while funds last, so it is worth jumping on this opportunity right away!

The Boulder County Business Report reported that “These rebates represent additional assistance for property owners impacted by the flood,” said Elizabeth Vasatka, business sustainability coordinator for the city. “Consideration of energy efficiency and building best practices is most relevant and valuable during the rebuilding and replacement processes, and we want to support landlords in investing in equipment that will enhance property value and help them reach SmartRegs compliance.”

It is important to note that a requirement is that your property is involved with the SmartRegs program. The additional rebates apply to equipment replacement or upgrades and the work must be done by contractors partnering with Energy Smart.

For more information contact your EnergySmart Advisor or go to www.bouldercolorado.gov/plan-develop/smartregs or www.energysmartyes.com

7 Ways to Save Your Damage Deposit – Tips for Renters

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 20:16:00 GMT

If you ever lost part of your deposit, when moving out of an apartment or rental home, you probably decided that you’ll never allow that to happen again. This trusty list was made by landlords and property managers at 8z Rentals , that will help you remember everything necessary to keep your damage deposit!

1 – Twelve Months of Disrepair Can’t be Cleaned in 24 Hours

Plan to move your stuff out 24-48 hours before returning your keys to be able to do a complete and thorough cleaning.

2 – Reduce Smoke Damage Even if Smoking is Allowed

Even if your landlord allowed smoking in the rental property, if you’re a heavy smoker, it will take more to clean that property to be ready to rent. Smoke damage may require repainting, or an Ionizer to clean out the smoke smell from carpets and drapes. If the smell still can’t be cleaned out, the carpet may have to be replaced.

3 – Transfer Your Utilities

Make sure to move utilities you’re responsible for to your name when you move in, and take it out of your name immediately when you move out. You likely can’t get reimbursed if you continue paying for the cable, Internet, water, heating or electricity bills for the next tenants.

4 – Reduce Carpet Wear and Tear

If your carpet was in good shape when you moved in to the property, there should not be visible wear and tear after just one year. If it looks a little tattered, it will need a good clean prior to returning your keys. An ordinary vacuum cleaner won’t clean as well as a truck mounted vacuum. If you have a property manager, ask them for a recommendation of who to use, and make an appointment for them to come before your final walkthrough.

5 – Prevent Damage to Walls

Purchase adhesive hooks to hang pictures and decorations so that you will not damage or put holes in. DIY wall repairs can be difficult due to matching the paint color and the wall’s texture.

6 – Don’t Save the Repairs for Move Out

It is important to clean and make small repairs and replacements throughout your lease term. This will save you money after you move out (your landlord won’t have to call a handyman and pay labor and parts, or a cleaning service to pay hourly.) Even if you can’t make the repair yourself, having the replacement for the damaged or missing part there for the handyman, will save you money more of your deposit.

7 – Don’t Skip the Move In Walk-Through Inspection

Make sure to do a thorough walk-through inspection when you first move in, documenting any existing damage with photos, and sending them to your landlord ASAP, to make sure you don’t get stuck with the damage when moving out.

Have a tip as a renter or landlord? Please share them in the comments below!

Time to Winterize!

Wed, 09 Oct 2013 19:41:00 GMT

First the rains came. Then the floods. Now it is time to turn our attention to getting ready for winter to visit us in Colorado. We have already had our first freeze, but it was just a gentle reminder to get going on preparing our homes for the months to come. Is your home ready?

Below we have listed five important areas to winterize to ensuring your safety and warmth all winter long!

1. Prevent Plumbing From Freezing: Outdoor plumbing is at risk of freezing if not properly drained and insulated.

2. Service Seasonal Equipment: If you have equipment you only use seasonally then it is time to get it ready for storage or to be used.

3. Insulate: Adding insulation is one of the best thing you can do to your home to increase your comfort and decrease your energy bills. But there are other things you can do too.

4. Check All Detectors: These can save your life!

5. Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and then water can move, freeze, and seep into the house.

If you have any additional ideas you would like to share with 8z Rentals readers please comment here! We would love to hear from you!

4 Things to Look for During Your First Walk Through – Tips for Renters

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 21:46:00 GMT

Want to be sure you get back your deposit after your lease? We compiled a list of the best tips for tenants, from landlords themselves, of what to look for during your first walk through to make sure you’re not stuck with damages you didn’t cause, or liable for hazards!

1 – Look for Anything Hazardous

Keep your eye out for trip hazards, missing handrails, rotting decking etc. Ask landlord to fix these issues prior to moving in or immediately afterwards – this moves the liability from you to the landlord if you or a guest were to be injured at your rental property and you asked the landlord to fix it but they did not.

2 – Take Photos of Existing Damage

Email your landlord or property manager within the first week with photos of existing damage. Be sure to save the sent email in case if you need to refer back to it when moving out or any disputes over your deposit.

3 – Who Pays the Utility Bills?

Make sure to find out who is responsible for paying water, sewer, or trash bills before moving in – these aren’t always mentioned in the lease, and can lead to confusion and extra fees if not addressed right away.

4 – Where Should I Park?

Be sure to clarify what storage spots or parking spots you are allowed to use, and any parking permits required to avoid being towed, especially if you live in a complex with common areas or a common parking garage.

Tips for Condo Insurance & Minimizing Gaps in Coverage

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 16:20:00 GMT

After Boulder and the front range had significant insurance claims from the recent floods, we thought this article, shared originally by 8zmortgage.com , was very insightful. If you are a condo owner, whether it be for your primary residence or as income property we recommend you to read this, and ask your insurance agent, or Garrett White, the Nationwide agent who wrote the original article how a unit owner’s policy minimize any gaps in insurance coverage for your property.

As our property market recovers and the metro Denver Area market rebounds, we have seen a paradigm shift in new purchases from homes to Condominiums with a 9.73% sales increase year over year, placing Denver in the top 10 condo markets in the United States. Nationally these sales surpassed 600,000 with a median price of $171,000. With this growth requirements for insurance have changed for new mortgages on these condos. The requirement now is to not only list the condo association’s master policy as an insured interest, but also a “unit owner’s” policy, HO6 (“walls-in as we will be telling our mutual clients), to show them as an interest as well.

What does this mean for the buyer?

On top of higher HOA fee’s for the “master policy”, which is provided by the association and covers the common areas and external physical structure (roof, basement, elevators, boiler and common areas/walkways) for both liability and physical damage, the HO6 policy will cover all items internally from the drywall in (additions, alterations, and personal possessions). Prior to closing it is imperative to get a copy of the master policy declarations to understand the scope of coverage it provides for the potential buyer, and work with an insurance professional to determine the adequate protection for the unit itself minimizing gaps in coverage. Most common master policies only cover from the studs out.

Another great feature inside an HO6 policy is Loss Assessment coverage. This coverage is built in to cover HOA assessments from common losses to the entire unit or updates to the premise where all owners would be assessed. This is an excellent feature to protect against large assessments like a new roof. As an example, Nationwide offers up to $50,000 in loss assessment coverage with a $1000 deductible. As well, if the condo being purchased is an investment, lenders will typically also require a minimum of 6 month’s of rent-loss insurance, which covers lost rent due to an insurable event.

All condos and clients are different and their HO6 needs need to be evaluated individually.

-Garrett White
WHITEG2@nationwide.com

Share Your Colorado Flood Photos – Photo Contest

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 20:15:00 GMT

Two weeks ago we watched as the hometown of our company, Boulder Colorado, was inundated with flood waters. Since then we worked with residents, both renters and property owners, who needed to find housing, and scheduling service calls arranging for contractors to fix rental properties under our management that were damaged. We personally met with so many people affected by the floods in Boulder County alone.

While we were helping our 8z Rentals clients, both residents and property owners, we saw the destruction first hand and heard many personal stories. So we had the idea to switch up the October Facebook contest to give those most affected by the floods the chance to win the gift card drawing.

Did you take photos of flood damage on your property – to send to your insurance agent or for friends out of the area? Please submit your original photography along with your Colorado flood story for the caption. Then vote for the photos submitted to help us find the 1 ^st place and 2 ^nd place photo, to award the $100 Target gift card and $75 Target gift card winners.

While it certainly won’t replace everything that was lost for the two winners, we hope it will help turning their house back into their home.

If you would like to do more to help those who are still cleaning up from this natural disaster, we recommend for you to go to BoulderFloodRelief.org. Boulder stands strong!

Flooding at 9th and Balsam in Boulder

Official Rules for 8z Rentals: Share Your Colorado Flood Photos – Photo Contest

1. Here’s how to enter: (1) Go to the 8z Rentals Facebook page http://facebook.com/8zRentals between October 1st, 2013 and October 18th, 2013, 11:59pm MDT. Click on the app “Share Your Flood Photo Contest.” No purchase is necessary to enter or win; a purchase will not increase our chances of winning.

2. Winner selection: One Grand Prize, and One Runner Up will be awarded for receiving the most votes within the voting portion of the app. If there is a tie in votes for Grand Prize, tied entries will be pulled out of a hat. Entry/entries in hat for ties for Grand Prize that were not pulled from the hat will be Runner Up or put in a hat for Runner Up.

3. Prizes and Approximate Retail Value: One (1) Grand Prize winner receiving the most votes will receive $100 Target gift card. One (1) Runner Up winner receiving the second most votes will receive a $75 Target gift card.

The prize is non-transferable and non-assignable, with no cash redemptions. There will be no substitutions for the Prizes except by Sponsor who reserves the right to substitute a prize (or portion thereof) of comparable or greater value at its sole discretion. Any taxes on the prize and any expenses not specified relating to the acceptance and use of a prize shall be the sole responsibility of the winner.

4. General Rules: Open only to legal residents of the State of Colorado who are 13 years of age or older as of October 1st, 2013. Employees, officers and directors of 8z Rentals, and their affiliates, advertising and promotional agencies and their immediate families (spouse, siblings, parents and children and their spouses) and members of their immediate households are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted by law, rule or regulation.

Not responsible for interrupted or unavailable network, server or other connections, mis communications, failed telephone, computer hardware, software and other technical failures of any kind.

Sponsors reserve the right to cancel or modify the online portion of Sweepstakes if fraud, misconduct or technical failures destroy the integrity of the Sweepstakes; or if a computer virus, bug, or other technical problem corrupts the administration, security, or proper administration of the Sweepstakes as determined by the Sponsors/judging agency/administrator, in their sole discretion.

By entering, participants (agree (a) to these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor and the judging agency, which shall be final in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes; (b) to release and hold harmless 8z Rentals and their respective affiliated companies and directors, officers and employees from any and all claims, liability or damages arising out of their participation and the acceptance and use of a prize; (c) that under no circumstances will participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and participant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental, consequential or any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses; and (d) that all causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form class action. This Sweepstakes is governed by laws of the State of Colorado with venue in Boulder, CO for the resolution of all claims and disputes. Sponsor and judging agency are not responsible for printing or typographical errors in any Sweepstakes-related materials; for stolen, lost, late, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, illegible, or for transactions, entries or communications that are processed late or incorrectly or lost due to computer or electronic malfunction or human error.

5. Notification of Winner: Winners will be notified by email on or about the next business day.

6. Waiver of Liability / Publicity Release: By acceptance of Prize, each Winner grants to 8z Rentals the right to publicize such Winner’s name, city and state/province of residence and/or likeness in any medium now or hereafter devised worldwide without limitation and without additional compensation or consideration, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law.

7. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. By submitting your photo in this contest, you release Facebook from any liability for the contest.

8. Sponsors: 8z Rentals

CONSUMER DISCLOSURE: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. No entrants have yet won. Entries, of original photos of the Share Your Colorado Flood Photo Contest ends October 18, 2013 11:59PM MDT. Approximate Retail Value of entire sweepstakes: $175.00.

See Official Rules above for complete prize restrictions. Sponsored by 8z Rentals, 4041 Hanover Ave., Suite 102, Boulder, CO 80305.

Xcel Offers Energy Efficiency Rebates!

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 19:20:00 GMT

Xcel is offering great energy efficiency rebates that you can apply for now! These can add up to a lot of cash for property owners. The best part is that many of these rebates are not obscure. They are offered on items you may be upgrading anyways and/or repairs you may need to make now or in the near future.

Here is a sample of the Xcel rebates:

There are so many different rebates offered, so take a look at Xcel’s website. For the full list of rebates available from Xcel click here .

Don’t forget to check out your local City and County websites to see if they are offering rebates! Often you can double dip and make your home repair or upgrade much more affordable.

Get To Know Boulder Area Neighborhoods

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Like any community, Boulder has distinct neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are important to both renters and landlords. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant it is important to understand some of the important characteristics of each neighborhood.

Some important things to consider about any neighborhood:

1. What are the boundaries of the neighborhood? Is this area close to where people live, work, and/or shop? Landlords : Your property location will attract tenants or not. Location is important to people. Is the property close to public transit, schools, and/or shopping? Tenants : Do you want to live where you work/go to school, shop, eat?

2. What schools are in the area? How do they rate? Landlords : Schools are important to parents, so if your rental may attract families, keep this in mind. Tenants : If you are a family with school age children you will want to consider what schools your rental allows your kids to attend. To find out how schools in the neighborhood rate, visit Great Schools .

3. How easy is it to get around the neighborhood? Landlords: More and more people are interested in alternative transportation. How easy is it to walk or bike from your property? Is the property close to a bus line? Tenants: Can you park in the neighborhood? Do you have easy access to alternative transportation [e.g., walking, biking, bus]?

Here is an overview of Boulder neighborhoods from 8z Real Estate.

Looking for a Rental? Here are some tips to make sure you are safe and secure!

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 19:40:00 GMT

Looking for a rental? We highly recommend you protect yourself by looking at rentals that are listed with professionals in the field. We also know that is not always possible. Here are some tips on how to make sure you are safe, secure, and ensure the most successful rental process.

Safety First: If you are viewing a home not listed with a professional, have someone else join you. If someone cannot join you then make sure and l et someone know where you are going and c onsider having them call you to check in. Avoid Scams: Be wary of owners who can only be reached by email, sometimes this can be a scam. Confirm Authority To Rent: Always confirm ownership or owner’s representative of the property prior to paying a deposit. Never Wire Fund: Do not wire funds via Western Union, your funds can never be recovered in the event of fraud. Make Sure Your Rental is Licensed: Many homeowners are not aware of many of the local licensing requirements and may actually put, you the tenant, at risk. Ensure that the owner is in compliance with local, state, and federal housing laws including holding a legal license if required by local ordinances. Inquire Rental is Current with All Payments: Inquire to make sure the owner is current on all Mortgage, HOA and other payments. Otherwise you as the tenant can be in for a big headache if your home goes into foreclosure. Ensure Safety Precautions Are In Place: Make sure the owner has operable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as required by law. Also they need to be in compliance with Federal EPA disclosures for Lead Based Paint, if applicable. Beware of Craigslist Scams: Beware of the sophisticated Craigslist scams that are continuously morphing and more elaborate every year. Again, be very wary of someone who you can’t speak with in person. Does Your Rental Require Interest Paid on the Deposit? Some local municipalities require interest to be paid on your deposit, such as the City of Boulder , make sure you are covered in your lease. The City of Boulder provides an excellent example of a Landlord/Tenant Handbook . Do Not Be Afraid To Ask For Legal Help: Please read your lease and hire an attorney if you have any questions. The lease outlines your rights for the place you will be calling home for the next year or more. If you have any questions about finding the right rental, ensuring your safety, and/or making certain your rental is legitimate, feel free to contact 8z Rentals. We love answering your questions. We are here to support you in your rental search! Email us: contact@8zrentals.com Call us: 888.613.8832 Find out more about 8z Rentals !

Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating Your Rental

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Just because you are renting doesn’t mean you cannot have a beautiful space! There are some things you should consider doing and other things you should make sure you do not do. Striking the right balance is key to making your rental, your home.

Decorating Do’s:

1. Landlord Approval: Always get your landlord’s approval in writing before making any lasting changes to the property.

2. Keep It Simple: More is less most of the time! Try not to clutter the home. Triage your belongings to make sure you keep things simple and clean.

3. Accessorize: Add beautiful items that tie your furniture together. Try buying some throw pillows or purchase new curtains that work well with your furniture and other items.

Decorating Don’t:

1. Do anything that changes your rental without getting written approval from your landlord.

2. Be afraid to make it your own! You can put your personal spin on the rental without changing anything that is permanent.

3. Clutter your space. A clean, de-cluttered space feels more spacious and inviting.

Decorating Ideas:

Want some good decorating ideas? Make sure to check out Pinterest and HGTV’s decorating site . There are so many great ideas for the DIY types and others.

Are You Moving? Here Is A Moving Checklist To Help Things Go Smoothly

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 19:43:00 GMT

At 8z Rentals we love to help people find the perfect home or apartment. We also know that moving can be an exciting time, but it can also be very stressful. If you are moving to a new house or apartment you will want to think through that move very clearly. Here are some ideas to help you ensure your moving day goes as seamlessly as possible.

Moving can be tough work! Getting organized can help! Best of luck on your move from the team at 8z Rentals!

Rebates for Home Improvements: How to find and get them

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:53:00 GMT

Some examples of the categories of rebates available:

To find a complete list of projects that qualify for rebates click here .

To get the rebates, you need to identify the type of repair/improvement you want to make. Next identify if there is a rebate and identify an approved contractor that can do the job. There are lists of approved contractors for each repair/improvement area. If you want to do more than a single improvement it may be worth deciding if you can qualify for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® . Home Performance with Energy Star is a designation you can get if you do at least three approved projects and possibly leads to additional rebates.

Here are a list of rebate resources for locations around Colorado, even if you are not an Xcel Energy customer.

These rebates can add up to some serious cash! Have you gotten rebates for work on your property? How did it work out?

Celebrating Independence Day In Colorado!

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 18:24:00 GMT

As we know, summer is in full swing. We have been enjoying the long ( hot ) days here in Colorado, and now the 4 ^th of July is rapidly approaching. What are your plans? If you are stuck, here are some great options!

Denver

#1) Denver’s Civic Center Celebration (July 3 ^rd 8pm) –This wonderful event features live music from the Colorado Symphony as well as a light show and fireworks display! The show will begin at 8pm at Denver’s Civic Center Park (Colfax & Broadway) and seating on the lawn is on a first come first serve basis. Attendee’s are encouraged to bring picnic goodies, though food is also available for sale. For more information, check out: http://www.civiccenterconservancy.org/event-independence-eve_66.html

#2) Elitch Gardens’ Independence Day Celebration (10am-9pm) Are you a roller-coaster and adventure junkie? Do you want to combine that with your Independence Day celebration? Elitch Gardens makes that an easy combination! Along with all of their usual water park and roller coaster rides all day, they are putting on a huge fireworks display around 8pm. More details at: http://elitchgardens.com/events/independence-day-celebration/

#3) Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 5-7) Want a dose of culture this fourth of July weekend? The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a fantastic free outdoor art fair! This festival began in 1991 and features visual, culinary, and performing arts. Over 350,000 visitors attend each year! All the information you could ever want is featured here on their main website: https://www.cherryarts.org/home

Boulder

#1) “ The Res” – Beat the heat on the 4 ^th of July at the Boulder Reservoir! Put on your swimsuit and enjoy time on the beach and in the water. Gates open at 6am. Activities feature a live DJ, a beer garden, a 5k run and a volleyball tournament. Admission is $15. Come check it out! Additional information here: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14647&Itemid=3695

#2) Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast 2013 (July 4 ^th gates open at 8pm) Unlike last year, when they were cancelled due to a fire ban, the fireworks are on this year! This year’s fireworks show is put on by Wright Kingdom, CU, and the City of Boulder. The show will feature the Monarch School Marching Band, The Open Space & Mountain Park Rangers, Mad Hops, and more. For more information: http://boulder4thofjuly.wordpress.com/

Other Colorado Towns/Cities

Not a Boulder or Denver resident? Not to fret! Huffington Post has a very extensive, and beautifully exhibited, photo list of the fireworks shows that are available throughout the state.

If you are worried about fire bans, there is also a list of cancelled fireworks shows.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/colorado-fireworks-shows-_n_3512687.html

Small Bedroom Space? Here Are Some Ideas To Help You Make The Most Of What You’ve Got.

Sat, 29 Jun 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Begin with your bed. For comfort, purchase a queen- or king-sized bed, and be sure you have at least 2” on three sides to make it up. Unless it’s a platform style, consider raising it up 7” or so to gain room for storage bins or baskets underneath as college kids do, says New York designer Libby Langdon. Instead of positioning your bed against the wall closest to the door when you enter the room, Langdon suggests arranging your headboard against the opposite wall, so you view the entire bed right away, which will make your room look larger.

Optimize storage. Rather than squeezing a chair and matching ottoman into your limited space, Langdon recommends a bench or ottomans for sitting, which often open up to include storage. Because a small bedroom may not have room for a chest, many designers recommend hiring a professional closet organizer to maximize this space, no matter how small. Designer and author Marianne Cusato suggests getting as much “stuff” out of your bedroom and into the closet as possible to make the space look bigger.

Choose practical tables. When looking for bedside tables, go for a matching pair that fit the scale of your bed and room. Choose a flat surface on top for books, a water glass and lamp.

Add colors and patterns. Whether you use paint or wallpaper, a soft palette is best on walls for a tranquil mood that inspires good sleep. Los Angeles designer Erica Islas of EMI Interior Design likes to use wallpaper to keep the eye moving all around the space. You might paint one wall a rich color or use a darker tone near the ceiling to make the room seem a bit bigger, says designer Barbara Elliot of Decorating Den Interiors .

To find the original article on HGTV.com click here .

Tips For Decorating Your New Rental Space!

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 18:09:00 GMT

Summer is a very popular time to move into new rental apartments, houses, townhomes, or condominiums. I’ve compiled some great tips from three leading blogs to help guide the decorating process, all while ensuring you get your security deposit back in full!

Unlike your permanent dream-home, your rental will only be where you live for one (or a few years.) It’s always best to decorate accordingly: think temporary!

Walls : have great curtains you want to hang? Hang that rod on two command hooks! Do the walls look drab? Instead of painting them, buy and put up a temporary decal! The pattern brightens up the room, and you can remove it with no mess when you move out.

Furniture and accessories : Worried about hanging things up on the walls? Lean them against instead! Large artwork or a mirror would look great on your mantle- if you lean it against the top, there is no need for permanent damage (say hello to the full refund of your security deposit!)

Get Creative ( http://www.frontdoor.com/houses/dos-and-donts-of-decorating-a-rental )

The bloggers at Frontdoor.com encourage you to get creative with your décor and mixing and matching. They say that whatever you do (any changes, that is), get the landlord’s written permission first! Great advice!

That being said, the blogger (TheRentalGirl) encourages a mixture of fancy and cheap. This can be implemented in lighting, curtains, rugs etc. Wondering where to find cool vintage items? Estate sales, garage sales, or flea markets often have some gems that no one else has!

Another great non-permanent way to brighten up a room? Get plants! They not only help clean the air, but flowers and plants look and smell great and bring an airiness to any room.

Stay tidy ( http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/10/10-tips-for-decorating-small-rented-spaces.html )

Some rentals, as we know, are not the biggest spaces. Elise and Emma, bloggers on A Beautiful Mess, post some wonderful tips to make the most of that cozy (small) rental space!

If your walls are full and your carpet is a bit drab, invest in a small contrasting rug to keep interest in the center of your room. It will keep it from looking sparse, and add color or a pattern too!

Need some extra color and can’t paint the walls? Paint your furniture! It gives a fun pop of color. Don’t be afraid to be bold! (their example was a bright salmon colored desk), you can always re-paint in a few months.

For seating options: go lightweight! That way you can rearrange when guests come, and move items easily.

Feeling too claustrophobic in your small space? Use mirrors to break up the monotonous walls, and to add depth and perceived space.

Now that you are fully equipped with these tips and ideas, happy decorating!

Live Music is Everywhere! Check Out Your Free Summer Music Options

Fri, 21 Jun 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Noon Tunes

This is a fun line up of free live music for the lunch crowd happening every Friday throughout the summer. Head down to Pearl Street for live daytime music. Get a bite to eat at the food carts or restaurants that line the Pearl Street Mall and enjoy the afternoon. Fridays, Noon to 1:30pm. More information on this event and to see the line up click here .

Bands on the Bricks

Twenty Ninth Street Live

Saturday nights throughout the summer the Twenty Ninth Street Mall in Boulder transforms into a musical mecca. They bring in a fun line up of free live music that will beg you to come out to share the streets with family and friends over and over. Saturdays, 7 to 10pm. More information on this event and to see the line up click here .

Boulder Parks & Recreation Summer Concert Series

Live music can be found in the parks on Monday nights throughout Boulder. Find your neighborhood park and plan a night out with friends, family and neighbors. Mondays, 7 to 8pm. More information on this event and to see the line up click here .

The Louisville Town Faire

Friday nights throughout the summer Louisville brings rocking live music to town. The musical line up is a part of the Louisville Town Faire, so head down, pick up some delicious food, and plan to stay for a free live show. Fridays, 6:30 to 9pm. More information on this event and to see the line up click here .

Being Water Wise to Save $

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:03:00 GMT

The summer is heating up! We live in a beautiful, but arid land and we all find our water bills skyrocketing in the summers. It is not the indoor environment that needs more water, but all things growing outdoors. There are a few things you can do as the summer heats up and the water bills increase:

Here are some great ideas for how to conserve water in your outdoor landscape.

Water Conservation Tips
If you are ready to save some water and some money you may be interested in a FREE sprinkler inspection. The Center for ReSource Conservation is offering these comprehensive inspections to ensure your system is functioning efficiently and you are saving resources. This is a great first step!

Slow the Flow: Colorado Sprinkler Inspection Program

You can schedule a FREE sprinkler inspection to ensure your system is working optimally. This is a great opportunity to ensure proper functioning and maximum water conservation. They will test and set your system, you have to have it up and running! To schedule an inspection click here .

Do you have any water conservation steps you use to save resources and money? We would love to hear your tips!

How Do You Stay Cool This Summer? Make A Splash!

Thu, 30 May 2013 02:27:00 GMT

The dog days of summer are here! Boulder is a great place to be in the summer, but it gets hot! Want to cool off? Here are some suggestions of where to head and what to do:

Enjoy the City of Boulder’s Outdoor Pools and the Boulder Reservoir!

Pay a daily rate [$6.25/adult and $3.75/child] or get a Splash Pass which covers the entire summer at all outdoor water locations. For more information on the City of Boulder’s swimming options click here .

Take a Splash in Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek runs through town and it offers endless opportunities to enjoy the cold, refreshing waters rolling down from the mountains above us.

What is your favorite way to cool off in Boulder?

Boulder is a Biking Town: Get to know your town on a road ride

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:24:00 GMT

Boulder Area Road Bike Highlights:

Best Difficult Boulder Ride

Best Easy Boulder Ride

Boulder’s Best Climbs

Search for Bike Rides Here: Want to find a ride in Boulder of beyond? You can easily search for rides around the country, map them, & get the beta at the website Ride with GPS . It makes finding the perfect ride simple! Here is an example from the Boulder to Estes Park ride which I mapped:

Get out and discover some new rides whenever you have the time. Simply head to Ride with GPS and you can find new rides, map ones you already know, or just get really techie with all the fun mapping options they offer. Enjoy your next bike ride!

Springtime in Boulder!

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:58:00 GMT

Spring has arrived in Boulder (if we choose to ignore the errant snowstorms last week)! Looking forward, we are in an amazing place to enjoy the outdoors, some good food, and being around other people. While there are countless options of things to do when the sun is shining and the air is nice and warm, I have chosen my three favorite springtime Boulder activities to share.

Hiking

Boulder is unique in that it’s a small bustling city nestled right up against the Foothills, lending itself very easily to hiking trails that are not hard to get to. Some, like Mt. Sanitas and Chautauqua, begin right in the city itself! If you are looking to expand to further places, this handy trail map has an overview of all the trails as well as (if you scroll down) additional lists of trails depending on your preferences: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2794&Itemid=1036

This also is a great expansive list of hikes by area: http://www.protrails.com/area/boulder-denver-golden-fort-collins-lyons

My personal favorite (easy) hikes are:

**Hogback Lollipop Loop Trail (just north of where Broadway meets Foothills Highway)** This trail, though open to the elements, is north enough out of Boulder to be less crowded. It is a loop horizontally along the foothills with a beautiful expansive eastern facing view throughout. It meets up with the Foothills trail if you want to head South towards Wonderland Lake also.

**Anne U White Trail (West of Broadway, off of Lee Hill Road)** This quiet serene walk follows alongside the Four Mile Canyon Creek and is nice and shady in the summer. Because there isn’t much elevation gain, this is perfect for a peaceful walk with your dog or a good hike for out-of-town guests who are visiting the area and getting used to the altitude.

Boulder Farmers Market

What better to complement outdoor activity than with delicious food? Boulder’s Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday starting in April (and beginning in May, a Wednesday evening option is added) on 13 ^th Street between Canyon and Arapahoe. The street is shut down and local vendors (think fresh meats, cheeses, produce, pasta, etc) hawk their wares. Local restaurants get in on the game too, so if you are more in the mood for something that is already made, you can nibble on a pizza from Laudisio’s mobile Pizza Oven.

To get more information, visit their website! http://www.boulderfarmers.org

Bolder Boulder (May 27, 2013)

The most fun 10k in the country! Join 50,000 other runners on a run through Boulder. You’ll encounter live music, slip and slides, and people handing out beer as you run. There are many waves, so you can be as serious as you want—did you qualify for a fast running time last year? Or do you want to walk it and just enjoy the beautiful day? There are options to do both. Register today to push yourself and have a great time!

More information: http://www.bolderboulder.com/

These are some of MY ideas for spring. How about yours?

8z Rentals Will Fill Your Vacancy Or You Owe Us Nothing!

Wed, 01 May 2013 03:53:00 GMT

If you find a tenant first, we will tear up our agreement. You only pay if we are able to fill your vacancy with a quality tenant. What’s included in our marketing? Our reach is far. We provide you with a free yard sign, website listing, upgraded interactive Craigslist posting, we also upload your listing to 15 top ranked rental websites. We can provide all necessary rental paperwork including leases, disclosures, tenant screening, lockbox, flyers, e flyers, QR reader codes, qualified staff to screen and interact with clients, we meet with clients at property providing security to the owner.

8z Rentals also provides complete property management.

Interested? Fill out a Rental Referral Form and email it to contact@8zRentals.com [you are also welcome to print it out and fax it back to us at 303-889-5216. If you have any questions and want to speak with a person give us a call at 888-613-8832.

Happy Earth Day! Outdoor Water Conservation is Easier Than You Think.

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:37:00 GMT

There are many ways for home owners to conserve water & other resources outdoors:

For more information on how to conserve water outdoors visit the Center for Resource Conservation here . Check out their detailed article on improving different areas of your outdoor landscaping here .

8Z’s Featured Properties!

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:15:00 GMT

Even though 8z Rentals is a newer company (founded in 2012), we are quickly becoming synonymous with luxury and high-end rentals. Today we are going to show you a few of our featured rentals we are especially proud of!

#1) Valkyrie Drive

This beautiful 5 bedroom (and 4.5 bathroom) home is located in North Boulder. Its one-acre lot is surrounded by one thousand acres of open space. The Boulder Reservoir is only a short walk away, but a quick drive can take residents to the heart of downtown Boulder.

FACTS:

3,557 Square Feet

Located Northeast of Boulder

$5,500/month Rental Price

Cool Interior Features: Spectacular 26ft tall fireplace and vaulted ceiling in the family room, stainless cooktop, double ovens, custom cabinetry, backyard view in dining room, hardwood floors throughout

Cool Exterior Features: 1 acre lot surrounded by 1,000 acres of open space, Large front porch, outdoor Jacuzzi, breathtaking views

See it on our website: https://flrentals.appfolio.com/listings/listings/77ea8249-bc11-4b01-ba23-7b7d7f80dc8c

#2) Alpine Ave

This Eco-Luxury home is the pinnacle of smart engineering, attention to detail, and unobstructed views. For example, each floor features its own private West-facing deck with full mountain views! Where is it? In North-Central Boulder, walkable to Pearl street!

FACTS:

4,679 Square Feet

Located in Widners North neighborhood

$8,500/month Rental Price

Cool Interior Features: Open floor-plan, lots of space, bamboo floors, wireless remote blinds, built-in espresso maker, wine cellar, quartz counter-tops, rain shower

Cool Exterior Features: private outdoor deck on each floor facing Flatiron Mountains, Rooftop deck with 360 degree views, solar panels, gray water system

See it on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGdglCJdVyY

See it on our website: https://flrentals.appfolio.com/listings/listings/9fa1c8ae-a990-4e06-88da-0c6659aa7484#pictures

#3. Iris Ave

This beautiful and unique Newlands home is surrounded by a fenced front and back yard, in a great location, and has wonderful mountain views. It has never been a rental before and you could be its first renters!

FACTS:

2,823 Square Feet

Located in Newlands neighborhood

$3,500/month Rental Price

Cool Interior Features: Huge master suite with room for an in-home office and huge windows with mountain views, hardwood floors, granite counter-tops, vaulted ceilings.

Cool Exterior Features: Large fenced front and back yards, stone patio for dining or entertaining, attached garage,

See it on our website: https://flrentals.appfolio.com/listings/listings/3faf5c0b-a1a6-48f2-b732-82a96ac5a0fd

Living In A Tight Space: Check Out These Ways to Increase the Functionality of Any Space!

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:47:00 GMT

If you answered yes to any of the above, then we want to offer you some inspiration. Take a look at this 420 sq ft apartment that can accommodate 2 guests, has 8 rooms, can host 12 for a dinner party, and includes everything you really need. This is a lofty goal, and takes some specialized furniture, but it can serve as inspiration to live with less.

Or check out this video by the big box icon, IKEA, which helps you find more space in any room.

If you are ready to increase functionality in your small space, here are 5 easy and fundamental things to think about to ensure your space works for you from www.styleathome.com

1. Remember: A tiny room doesn’t have to hold only tiny furniture.
Sometimes with a small space, people avoid large furniture thinking it will dominate the room. Not true. A large sectional can often be better than a small sofa and chair.

2. Combine like objects and purge
Don’t purchase any organizing supplies until you know precisely what needs to be stored.

3. Use mirrors and glass to create reflections and bounce light around
Making a small space seem grand depends on maximizing light. You can do that with a glass coffee table, rather than a wood or opaque one. You can do it by tucking mirrors into corners, and by hanging art in glass frames, which create reflections.

4. Ensure that window coverings don’t cut off light when they’re open
Hang curtains so that when they’re open, the entire pane is clear; open curtains should fall beside the window and not obscure any of it. Don’t hang curtains inside the window frame. Consider hanging curtains from the ceiling, rather than from the top of the window, which will add height (and some drama) to the space.

5. Think vertically
Whether you’re hanging art or shelves , or placing furniture, don’t let vertical space go to waste. Using it is practical, providing a display space for art, for example, and it also draws the eye up, making a space feel more expansive than it actually is.

Spring Weather Means Getting Rid of the Clutter!

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:49:00 GMT

If you are ready to de-clutter, here are some ideas of how to clear through the clutter and get rid of the things you no longer need:

De-cluttering Step One

1. Try easy things first . Recycle junk mail, magazines/newpapers, expired foods, broken items, old schedules, coupons etc.

2. Start small and build momentum. The dining table, the mantel, a kitchen drawer is a good place to begin. Trick yourself into doing a small area and once you finish it, you’ll have more energy to tackle the larger ones.

3. Complete one area at a time. Do not go back and forth between different areas. You end up scattering your energy and won’t see results anywhere.

4. Hit your closet. Get rid of all the clothing you have not worn in a year . The items that are too small or too big. The ones someone gave you, but just never fit right. The ones with holes, etc..

5. Triage. If you find yourself getting stuck consider making 3 piles to keep you moving: 1. Keep, 2. Give, 3. Donate. This helps you not be too stuck.

6. Clean up after each session. Take the garbage to the dump. Place donation bags, dry-cleaning and objects to be repaired in your trunk to drop off. Tidy the area where you worked so you can see your progress.

De-cluttering Step Two

Now that you have de-cluttered your space, where do you take these items? Here are some options:

1. Take your stuff to the thrift shop. Humane Society of Boulder Valley Thrift and Gift is a good choice, but you can find thrift shops run by nonprofits in any city.

2. Sell some of your items. If your de-cluttering has manifested some choice items you can always sell them on Craigslist or for clothing you can try Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet .

3. Recycle. Make sure and put paper, cardboard, cans, metals, etc. in your recycling bin.

4. Toss. Nothing should be left in the house after you de-clutter, so inevitably a few items will end up in the trash. Get them all the way out there!

Now it is time to get to that clutter! Do you have any tips for de-cluttering your space?

Thinking of Making Some Upgrades to Your Property? Maximize your return on investment with these top 10 projects

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:51:00 GMT

The consensus seems to be that replacement gets a better return on investment when possible and acting within the suggested upgrades. In a resale market the use of durable, low-maintenance materials in replacement products appeals to home buyers who increasingly are looking to reduce both the operational cost and maintenance cost in their homes. So if you are thinking long-term, consider durability and easy of care when you embark on a remodel project. Of course this will help reduce maintenance at your rental property and therefore the same consideration for low maintenance products holds true for landlords.

Today’s Top 10 Update/Remodel Projects

These are projects that upgrade the home and are done within the container of the existing structure. They are focused on updating worn out spaces, not making the home a masterpiece. Replacement adds immediate curb appeal which is important in a rental market as well as a sales market. The upgrades listed below are ranked in order of return on investment.

*Based on the MSN article, “ 10 remodeling projects that pay back the most ” and the article: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2011/costvsvalue/article/trends.aspx

Question for our readers: What remodel/replacement projects have you done? Have they paid off in the end? How do you determine which items will give you the highest ROI?

We Have a Great Happy Hour Scene in Boulder!

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:06:00 GMT

There may be snow on the ground, but the sun is shining brighter and the days are longer. This is the time of year when we come out of our winter hibernation and we start itching to get out. If this is happening to you, read on for some great happy hour resources around town.

Maybe you want to find a place to get a drink and some apps with friends? Or you are looking for a good deal? Maybe you want to try out a bunch of different restaurants in Boulder because after all it has been voted to be the Foodiest Town after all by the culinary magazine, Bon Appetit . But where do you go? What are the great deals out there? Happy hours can satisfy a lot of needs. Here are a few places to look to find your perfect happy hour:

Downtown Boulder Happy Hours : A comprehensive list of Downtown Boulder happy hours by Downtown Boulder Inc.

Happy Hours All Around Boulder : An exhaustive list of happy hours listed by area of boulder, times, etc. It is searchable, so makes finding the right happy hour easy. This is a great resource to have on hand to look up happy hours happening any time.

What are your favorite happy hours in town?

An Afternoon in Cherry Creek

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:04:00 GMT

8z is proud to announce that we have opened a brand new rentals office in Denver! To be specific, we have chosen Cherry Creek. This beautiful, affluent, peaceful neighborhood is located just south of downtown Denver and is bordered by Cherry Creek to the South, East Sixth Avenue on the North, University Boulevard to the West, and Colorado Boulevard to the East. Cherry Creek is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon! We invite you to join us on a virtual itinerary for an afternoon in the neighborhood.

First Stop: 8z Rentals Cherry Creek Office (55 Madison St #790, Denver, CO 80206)

First thing is first: you want to find a place to rent so you can stay in beautiful Denver, Colorado! Upon entering our newest office (opened January 1 ^st 2013), you will meet with Anita Guide, Denver leasing agent. She will go through your options and set up showings with you for all of the places that suit your needs! Our listings include properties we manage, as well as partnerships with other realty firms or private owners.

Next Up, Happy Hour! Kona Grill (3000 East 1st Avenue, Denver CO) http://www.konagrill.com/restaurants/denver-co.aspx

A quick walk from our office lies one of the best Happy Hours in Denver (as touted by CBS Denver! http://denver.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-places-to-go-for-happy-hour/ ) Not only is the location great- close to the mall and close to 8z- but the variety of food is staggering. You can munch on Asian-inspired appetizers like avocado egg rolls or sushi rolls, and Italian staples like calamari and flatbreads, all while sipping a delicious cocktail (or two.) These appetizers start at $3 from 3-7pm and are a great deal for a filling snack. If the weather is nice (like it’s supposed to be this coming weekend), you can even sit outside on the patio near the fire-pit. Definitely a great place to relax and spend some time during the afternoon.

To round off the evening: Live Theater! Cherry Creek Theater Company (Shaver-Ramsey Carpet Gallery:2414 East Third Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206)http://www.cherrycreektheater.org/

A short walk north will take you to the performing space of the Cherry Creek Theater Company. This non-profit corporation was started in 2010 to bring theater and live arts to the people of Cherry Creek. Currently they are performing John Patrick Shanley’s 2004 play “Doubt: A Parable.” This engaging story about truth, doubt, betrayal and loyalty, set in a fictional Bronx church in the sixties will leave you with lots to talk about afterwards!

When Is The Right Time To Raise The Rent?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:45:00 GMT

The general rule is that is if you have a good tenant then do not raise the rent. If they pay you on time and keep the house in decent condition then think twice before raising the rent. The biggest issue is this: Return On Investment [ROI]. If you raise the rent and the tenant moves out you then incur expenses to re-list the property such as make repairs so it can be shown and advertising the property. The cost of a transition can be large, but as a landlord my biggest concern is always losing a month’s rent.

An example:

A. Keeping your tenant at the same rent

If you currently rent your property for $1,200/month then your income is $14,400/year. If you like the tenant and they are easy to work with, pay rent on time, etc. then they may be worth keeping.

B. Raising the rent and losing your current tenant

If you raise the rent by $100 to $1,300/month you may lose your tenant. If you lose a month’s rent in the transition period, your annual income is $14,300. Not a huge difference from example A, but then you are dealing with a new tenant and not increasing your bottom line. Ultimately your ROI is down.

Maybe there is a way to create a win-win. Could the tenant take on additional responsibilities that are costing you now? Maybe they can mow the lawn, make some small repairs, etc… Many tenants are willing to do extra to ensure their rent does not increase. Either way, make sure you put all communications in writing including an increase in rent and give at least 30 days notice or more if you can. This will ultimately depend on how your lease is written and the laws in your area.

For details on how to handle landlord-tenant issues in the City of Boulder you can refer to the City of Boulder’s Landlord-Tenant Handbook .

How Bikeable Is Your Neighborhood? Find Out With Bike Score.

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:08:00 GMT

The same folks who brought us the Walk Score, which tells you just how walkable any given property is, have now brought us the Bike Score. If you are in the market for a rental, and you like to bike, then Bike Score is a great way to see how truly bikeable your prospective neighborhood will be.

Bike Score takes into account many factors when determining the bike-ability of a location: bike infrastructure, topography, and the number of cyclists on the streets. In a state that loves bikes Bike Score offers many opportunities to learn just a bit more about your location.

Not all cities are included at this point on Bike Score, but Boulder made it in. As you may have guessed it scored high with an 86 out of 100 giving it a listing of Very Bikeable. Hopefully we will see this service expand into other smaller cities and the larger ones too.

To learn more about Bike Score click on the link. To get detailed information on Boulder’s bikeability click here . To learn about the parent company, Walk Score, click here .

SmartRegs: How They Impact Property Owners

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:44:00 GMT

SmartRegs, adopted by the City of Boulder 9/21/2010, are here to stay and they impact all property owners. The new rules require that all rental properties in the City must pass a SmartRegs Inspection before the end of 2018. If your rental property does not pass an inspection before the end of 2018, you will not be able to receive or renew a rental license at the start of 2019 and beyond. Meeting SmartRegs requirements are mandatory so property owners take note, it may be time to take action!

FAQ’s from the SmartRegs website :

Am I obligated to make upgrades to the rental after the inspection?

If your rental does not pass the inspection, then upgrades will be required so that the rental passes a follow-up inspection. The free EnergySmart Advisor is provided to assist you with upgrade decisions and contractor selection once you are ready to pursue the recommended upgrades.

Do I have to make all of the upgrades if the rental does not pass an inspection?

Not necessarily. Enough upgrades have to be made so that you reach 100 points during the next inspection. For example, if the rental scores 80 initially, then you must complete enough upgrades to receive 20 more points. A free EnergySmart Advisor can assist you with figuring out which upgrades to make so its as cost-effective as possible.

The SmartRegs Inspectors, partnering with EnergySmart, have agreed to charge $120 per rental inspection. An EnergySmart Advisor is provided free of cost.

In the City of Boulder, compliance with SmartRegs is mandatory by 2019. This puts some pressure on property owners to implement energy saving measures. SmartRegs will reduce our energy impact, but this does not come without cost. There are some rebates available through the City of Boulder and City of Longmont for energy efficiency upgrades. For more information click here . You can also call the SmartRegs office for more detailed information at 303-441-1880.

Hop, Skip, Jump, and More: It’s Our Community Transit Network and It Will Get You There

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:30:00 GMT

The HOP:

The HOP route connects the following major stops:

The SKIP:

The SKIP travels north and south on Broadway, connecting these major stops:

The JUMP:

The JUMP travels east and west on Arapahoe Avenue, connecting these major stops:

The BOUND:

The BOUND Route travels north and south on 30th Street, connecting these major stops:

The DASH:

The DASH travels east and west along South Boulder Road, connecting these major stops:

The STAMPEDE:

The STAMPEDE Route travels around the University of Colorado campus, connecting these major stops:

The BOLT:

The BOLT travels along the Diagonal Highway between Boulder and Longmont, connecting these major stops:

Boulder’s community transit network connects us all and makes living in Boulder, Longmont, and/or Lafayette much more convenient! You can get general information on fees and schedules here .

How To Spot A Scam

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:25:00 GMT

As Scams Have Become More Common Place In The Rental World, 8z Rentals Has Some Advice On How To Spot And Avoid Them.

1. If It Seems Too Good To Be True, Then It Probably Is!

Rental Prices In Boulder Don’t Fluxuate A Great Deal Even In The Slower Seasons. So While You Think That Maybe $1,000/ Month Is A Deal For A 4 Bedroom In The Winter, It Is EXTREMELY Uncommon. Check Out Other 4 Bedroom Homes/Apartments In The Town You’re Looking In And Compare, If Nothing Comes Close To That Price Then It May Not Be Real.

2. International Owners

A Recent Trend In Rental Scams Is For Owners Of Properties To Be Out Of The Country. Typically If An Owner Is Not In The Country They Will Hire A Friend Or A Company (Like Us!) To Rent Their House. If They Provide A Phone Number That Is International, Ask Them To Give You A Call. (Most People Internationally Have An International Phone Plan).

3. Showing Do’s & Dont’s
If An Owner Says To Stop By The House Because They Can’t Meet You There, DON’T DO IT!!! You Will Terrify The Tenants, There Could Be Hazards At The Property (Angry Dogs) And You Don’t Know Who Lives There, It’s Just Not Safe.

Only Go To A Showing If You Are Going To Meet Someone There, Know Their Name & Have A Contact Phone Number To Reach Them Directly. If There Is A Sign Out Front For A Company, Check Out Their Website To See If It Is In Fact For Rent & If You Have The Right Price. It’s Better To Be Safe.

3. Personal Information

Never Give Anyone Personal Information Through E-mail. If You Get An E-Mail With A List Of Questions, Don’t Answer Them. Call Them Directly Or Ask Them To Call You And Say You Will Provide It Over The Phone. Never Give Out Your Personal Information Until After You Have Met An Actual Person At The Property & Walked Through The Property.

4. Security Deposits

You Would’t Put A Down Payment On A Car Without Test Driving It Would You? Then Don’t Write A Security Deposit Check Without Walking Through A Home. If You Are Out Of State And Want To Secure It, Have A Friend You Trust Walk Through The Property To Check It Out Or Call 8z Rentals And We Can Check It Out For You.

5. Sob Stories

There Are A Few Avenues Scammers Will Take And All Are Aimed To Make You Feel Like You Have To Rent Their Home To Help Them. If An Owner Tells You They’re On Sabatical Or Volunteering Over Seas, Chances Are They Are Not. If They Were, Why Would They Tell You First? Owner’s Don’t Put Their Personal Situations In Rental Ads It’s Irrelevant To The Property And They’re Trying To Market Their Home, Not Sympathy.

6. For Owner’s

Never Place The Exact Address Of Your Home On The Ad. Scammers Take The Address, Copy Your Photos & Make A Duplicate Ad At A Lower Price. Put The Closest Cross Streets To Your Home Online And Watermark Your Photos If Possible To Prevent Them From Being Stolen.

Another Precaution Is To Put Your Address On A Google Alert So If Your Home Address Shows Up Anywhere You Will Be Notified Immediately And Can Stop A Scam In Its Place.

Pre-Leasing In Boulder Is Heating Up!

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:25:00 GMT

Are you considering looking for a rental for next year? You are not the only one! It may be time to take a look around for an opportunity to pre-lease. Most rentals in Boulder are on the school schedule, so they rent from August 1 through July 31. But don’t wait until this June to start thinking about securing the perfect rental. There will be properties available closer to August, but there are also opportunities right now to lock in your perfect rental.

There are many reasons to start looking now since this concept of pre-leasing is big in Boulder. If you are going to be out of town until closer to the fall, you have specific needs [like having a dog or cat] that might mean it takes longer to find the right rental, if you just want to take your time to find the right location. Pre-leasing is just another option available to you as you look for a rental in the tight Boulder rental market.

How do I find a rental for the fall when it’s still the winter you might be asking?

8z Rentals is always available to help you find housing. If you are looking to lease now or for the future contact us 8z Rentals or visit our website at 8zrentals.com .

Metro Denver Vacancy Rate Hits 12 Year Low! Rents On The Rise.

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:02:00 GMT

Based on a report by Inside Real Estate News, rents clearly rose as property owners responded to falling vacancy rates across the metro area. The average rents by counties were:

There is a basic supply and demand scenario playing out in metro Denver. Vacancy is lower and rents are on the rise. For landlords this is great news! It will be interesting to see how 2013 plays out.

Affordable & Convenient Northglenn Living

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 20:25:00 GMT

8z Rentals Is Excited To Announce We Have Begun Working With Webster Lake Apartment Homes In Beautiful Northglenn, Colorado!

Nestled On 9 Beautiful Acres Webster Lake Apartments Has 194 One And Two Bedroom Apartments In 17 Buildings And Is Close To Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, Parks, A Marvelous Lake And Right Near I-25 For A Quick Drive To Downtown Denver.

Webster Lake Apartments Have Extra Storage Available, Playgrounds, Central Air Conditioning, Garages, Laundry Room, Swimming Pool, Courtyards, Picnic Area, Spacious Floor Plans, Private Entry, Private Balconies, Ceiling Fans & Much More.

This Is Where Convenience, Affordability And Recreation Blends Together To Create A Comfortable Lifestyle. Enjoy The Convenience Of Having A Lake In Your Own Backyard And Take Advantage Of All That E.B. Reins Park Has To Offer. Enjoy Fishing, Nature Watching, Going For A Run, Taking A Walk Or Just Relaxing Waterside In This Incredible Neighborhood. Within Walking Distance Of Northglenn Recreation Center And Fine Restaurants Abound.

Saving Energy Means Saving Money: Simple and inexpensive ways to save some cash!

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:00:00 GMT

1. Install a programmable thermostat.
The average household spends approximately 50% of their energy bill on heating. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive and are ideal for people who are away

from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

2. Turn off lights when they are not in use.

By turning lights off when not in use you can save approximately 10% to 20% of your total household energybill.

3. Switch to compact florescent bulbs.

These devices that have become ubiquitous in our lives use a lot of energy on a regular basis. Use them when you need them and then unplug them or turn them off at a switch. One way to make this process easier is to plug all those devices into a power strip which can be turned on or off with the turn of a switch. Save approximately $270 a year by simply unplugging your stuff while you’re not using it, or buying some inexpensive power strips that stop the flow of electricity when a device is turned off.

5. Change your heater’s air filter.

At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter slows down air flow and makes the system work harder to keep you warm–wasting energy and costing you more money to run.

Install inexpensive winterization strips where possible around doors and windows. Or place a rolled up towel under drafty doors or windows to stop air from flowing freely into your house.

Are you sold on saving energy and money? The six ideas listed above are all simple ones and can be done by owners or renters. After making these simple changes you stand to make a big dent in your monthly expenses.

What have you done to make your home more energy efficient and save money?

Living In Luxury In Downtown Denver

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:52:00 GMT

8z is proud to announce its new partnership with 300 East Seventeenth in Denver! These incredible luxury lofts right in the heart of downtown Denver offer the best in comfort and convenience.

At 300 East Seventeenth you can come home to the ideal urban retreat that reflects your individuality and particular style. In the heart of downtown Denver, and a short walk from the 16th Street Mall, 300 East Seventeenth offers richly appointed residences that deliver all the comfort and conveniences you desire. Choose from a wide range of models for a home that complements you. Work hard, play harder at 300 East! You’re just a heartbeat away from all that inspires an eclectic nightlife, endless cultural activities, shopping and amazing restaurants.

With 8z’s Cherry Creek office making our grand opening on January 1st, 2013 we couldn’t be happier to have this incredible partner.

Give us a call and find out what 300 East Seventeenth has to offer this holiday season

Check out the rest of our Denver listings at http://www.8zrentals.com

Give Us A Call At: (303) 563-4104

What & Where is Gunbarrel, Colorado?

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:50:00 GMT

We get a lot of questions about Gunbarrel here at 8z, mostly from out of state residents looking to move here. Gunbarrel is located just a few minutes Northeast of Boulder, Colorado off of Foothills Parkway, Imagine it as its own neighborhood within the city. Why is Gunbarrel important? There are many major corporations with offices in Gunbarrel including IBM, Covidien & Celestial Seasonings just to name a few. In the last census Gunbarrel had roughly 9,200 residents and about 4,000 households. Within Gunbarrel there are two larger apartment communities, Meadow Creek Apartments & Habitat Apartments which are a large percentage of all of the rental properties available in the area.

Why should you know about Gunbarrel?

Within the next few years should all of the proposed developments proceed Gunbarrel will be getting a bit of a facelift. If you drive on Foothills Parkway heading North you can see one of the new projects already under construction. The Hampton Inn has begun it’s newest hotel right off of Foothills Parkway and behind it will be two pad sites for development as well.

Even more exciting is the proposed Gunbarrel Center at 6685 Gunpark Drive. This large scale developement will breathe new life into Gunbarrel providing new shopping, dining, commercial space and residential space for the area. You can read more details and view renderings at gunbarrelcenter.org.

Another proposed development is Alexan At Gunbarrel Flats which would be a brand new apartment community bringing more rental options to an area that typically has few. Keep an eye out for these, if they’re anything like other Alexan properties across the state they’re sure to impress.

What is the Rental Market Currently Like in Gunbarrel?

Like most of the rental market in Boulder, prices are usually determined by demand amongst a lot of other factors. Since many residents want to be closer to downtown Boulder, Gunbarrel is quite often overlooked. In reality Gunbarrel has just about everything you could need in it along with easy access to major transportation and close to Niwot, CO and Longmont, CO. Rental Prices in Gunbarrel are most often lower than in more central areas of Boulder and you can get more square footage quite often.

How Will Development Effect Gunbarrel Rentals?

Hopefully these developments will not have a major impact on rentals in Gunbarrel besides offering more choices. However, these new developments could make Gunbarrel a much more desirable area driving the rental market and raising prices.

Only Time Will Tell The Future Of Gunbarrel, But We’re Seeing And Hoping For Good Things!

Oh The Joy Of Corporate/Furnished Housing

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT

When you hear the term, “Corporate Housing” a lot of different thoughts and questions probably run through your mind. Here’s some answers to the big questions we hear every day:

Can I only rent this if my company pays for it? Certainly not. For many “corporate rentals” it can just mean that the property comes with furniture. Corporate Rentals or “furnished” rentals are a great way to move to a new place without having to buy furniture or worry about utilities. If you’re looking to stay somewhere only a month or a few weeks even this could be the best option for you!

Will it be expensive? This is a tricky question. When looking at the price listed you may gasp in some cases. However, you should keep in mind that typically all furniture is included along with linens, housewares, cleaning supplies and sometimes even bathroom products! Also remember that usually all utilities are typically included (Sewer, Water, Gas, Trash, Recycling, Internet, Cable, Electricity, Parking, Amenities, Landscaping, Snow Removal, etc.). Corporate Housing can in many cases be cheaper than a hotel and you can feel like a real person living in a real home.

How short is too short? The length of your stay will depend on the location of the property. In many areas there are laws about the length of a lease unless it is licensed as a hotel. In some places there are no requirements. Check with the owner first to see if there is a restriction (usually 30 days minimum if any). Sometimes you can find a great home that will even rent by the night giving you a great experience in the countryside, city, or somewhere in between.

What do I need to bring? Yourself! The great thing about furnished/corporate rentals is you just need to bring a suitcase of clothes and you’re all moved in! No need to pack large boxes or plan for months in advance.

How do you find corporate/furnished housing? Well start by giving us a call and we’ll help you out!

Downtown Living

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:29:00 GMT

There are a lot of benefits to living in a downtown metropolitan area especially here in Colorado. What are the most important questions to ask when looking for a property downtown? We’ll break down some of the big ones so you don’t have an unpleasant surprise after you move-in:

-Is There Parking? Having a car and living in an urban area can sometimes be a nightmare. Make sure you ask where it is located, how many spots are available, will it cost extra and where can my guests park. Many times higher end properties will have underground parking available. Making sure that the parking is secure is important as well as learning how easy it is to get in and out of the garage. Check to see how many transponders you will be provided with. You may have two spots but only one transponder which can be an issue. In terms of guest parking sometimes there is none! Checking to see parking costs and time limitations around you can be a valuable asset so your guests aren’t hit with large parking fines.

Where is The Nearest Grocery Store? This question isn’t usually your first concern, but it can be very important. Yes, you may be surrounded by shopping, restaurants and entertainment but when you want to cook dinner it can become a much bigger task then planned. If you live and work downtown you may not have a car which means that you’re either walking, biking, or taking public transportation to the grocery store. If it is far away lugging groceries may become a pain and having groceries delivered is another expense so make sure you check out the neighborhood and see what is closest to you and the fastest way to get there and back.

How Will Living Downtown Effect My Utilities? In many downtown locations utilities actually tend to be lower! HOA’s will cover a lot of your utilities (Water, Sewer, Trash) and sometimes even electric or gas. Make sure you find out who the utilities provider is before you move-in and even give them a call for an estimate on utilities. Living in a large residential building actually can save energy by having a centralized heating and cooling system which uses less energy and in many cases your neighbors apartment/loft can help keep your apartment warm in the winter meaning you don’t have to touch your thermostat as much!

Where Are The Parks? If you have a dog, living downtown can sometimes be a hassle! Learning where the parks are nearby as well as dog parks can save you some time when you’re walking your best friend. If you don’t have a furry friend, maybe you just want to take a stroll or read outside. Take some time to walk around the neighborhood in every direction before moving in to get a feel of what is around and how busy it is, who knows maybe you’ll find a nice pocket park no one knows about!

How Much Rent Is Too Much? When you’re looking to rent a property, sometimes everything can seem like too much money. Living downtown or close to downtown will in most cases cost more than everything else you find. Some things to keep in mind are that if you like going to dinner, drinks, shows, movies, etc. living downtown can save you a great deal of time and money. No longer will you need to drive to downtown, search for parking wasting gas and then usually pay for parking. As mentioned previously, utilities can be lower for many apartments meaning you’ll save some money there too. Another factor to consider is that you don’t have a lawn to water & mow, leaves to rake or snow to shovel! This can save you a lot of extra money that can be better spent elsewhere. So if the rent seems high, keep in mind all of the other expenses you aren’t paying.

DIY vs Professional Property Management

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:29:00 GMT

AllPropertyManagement.com

Vacancy Rates Near CU Have Students Searching…

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:12:00 GMT

Classes may not be starting for another seventeen days at CU Boulder, but students who may just be returning to Boulder without a place picked out may be finding themselves in a pickle.

Demand is usually high for apartments and homes within a short walking distance or bike ride to campus. This usually includes University Hill, Martin Acres, Goss, Grove and Aurora neighborhoods. Yet this fall there are fewer properties available to rent across Boulder County, which has a 3.6% vacancy rate in a report by the Apartment Association of Metro Denver and the Colorado Division of Housing. Immediately around campus, it has been reported by the Boulder newspaper, The Daily Camera and the Colorado Division of Housing that the vacancy rate around CU is 0% .

Some students needing a place to lease may look further away from campus or other communities within a short bus ride or drive away such as Superior or Lafayette.

A few good rules of thumb to consider when looking to rent as a CU student is to know where you’re living for fall semester by spring break. High demand properties near campus are usually snatched up fast, even when the vacancy rates are not this low.

At these times it’s also important to plan where you will be returning to after studying abroad for a semester. Many students who return in the fall to look for a place to live couldn’t search for a rental because they were studying abroad earlier that year for spring semester. Nobody wants to pay for a semester’s rent when they are not going to be staying there. Some students will arrange roommates and living situations where a room is traded between a friend going abroad spring semester with another friend returning from abroad for spring semester. Just be sure to check with your landlord that it will be ok for someone to take over your portion of the lease.

If you are still looking for a place to lease, here are a few properties that are available you may want to take a look at:
1200 College Ave , #104, Boulder, CO 80302 End-unit 3 bedroom, 1.5 baths at the College Townhomes complex.

864 18th St , Boulder, CO 80302 , A nice 2 bedroom 1 bath home is right across from the CU Music Building and just steps away from the CU Book Store.

You may apply or contact us from the listing page.

If you are looking for a property and it is not listed on our website, please feel free to contact us at 1.888.613.8832 – we may still be able to find you the property you’re looking for .

Year-Over-Year Rent Increases In Denver Metro Area

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:27:00 GMT

Feel like you had a better deal on your lease last year? That may very well be the case if you live and rent in the Denver metro area. Colorado real estate blogger, John Rebchook recently reported news of a high demand rental market in the Denver metro area on his blog Inside Real Estate News .

He reported with data collected by the Apartment Association of Metro Denver and the Colorado Division of Housing.

The average rent increased in all county areas, with Denver county and the Boulder/Broomfield area showing year-over-year increases of 75 dollars and 87 dollars respectively.

Average rents by counties were:

Adams, $906.
Arapahoe, $956.
Boulder/Broomfield, $1,091.
Denver, $1,005.
Douglas, $1,131.
Jefferson, $919.

Vacancy rates by county were:

Adams, 4.9 percent.
Arapahoe, 5.5 percent.
Boulder/Broomfield, 3.6 percent.
Denver, 4.8 percent.
Douglas, 3.9 percent
Jefferson, 4.0 percent.

These trends in the rental market continue what has been seen over the past several years. Many people who had to foreclose or short sale on their home are limited to the rental market for years. Many recent college graduates along with those who are not confident in their jobs also choose to rent rather than buy. Plans and building is underway for new apartment developments around the Denver metro area but even after completion they are not expected to make a significant addition to the rental market to meet the demand to decrease prices.

If you are a homeowner or investor and are looking to lease out your home, please contact 8z Rentals. We would be glad to answer your questions about leasing your property in this market, and our marketing and management services to make your job easier.

http://8zrentals.com/company/contact
Toll Free: (888) 613-8832
Email: Contact@8zRentals.com

Managing a Move-In Sensibly

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:24:00 GMT

You’ve lined up a new tenant for your rental property. Now what? Just as with managing a move out , it always seems like more work than you think it should be to go from finding the person who say “I want it!” to handing over the keys. Let’s walk through some steps for a smooth transition.

Second, determine if the information you have gathered meets your criteria for a renter. For example, what if there was a bankruptcy 5 years ago but the last 2 landlords report the rent was paid on time every month? Tough call or no brainer? Everyone has their comfort zone – find yours and be sure to apply the same standards to all applicants.

Then, once you are satisfied (as much as you can be) that the rent will be paid on time and the tenants will take care of the place, it’s time to finalize the details and pull the lease together. If you don’t have a lease, many samples can be found online. Be sure to check state or local guidelines/laws to see if there’s anything you are required to include or exclude. If you’re still not sure, consult a lawyer.

A couple of suggestions to include (but not limited to):

Now that your tenant is settled into the rental property, it’s time to file everything in a safe place, labeled properly so you can find it easily when you get that call that they’re moving out.

By following these or similar steps, you can help minimize the current and future hassles of being a landlord. Sound overwhelming? 8z Rentals can manage your property and tenant transitions. Ready to get started? Give us a call today! 888-613-8832

Managing a Move-Out Wisely

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:10:00 GMT

You’re tenant has given notice that they are leaving at the end of the lease. Now what? It always seems like more work than you think it should be to turn over the property. Let’s walk through some steps for an easy and harmonious transition.

If you’re not already aware, check the particulars of paying out interest earned on the deposit, what you can deduct and when you have to returned the final amount to the departing tenant. Check state and local laws in your area for details.

Second, schedule a time to walk through the property after the tenant has moved everything out (remember to collect all of the keys!) Nothing like a strategically placed box to hide a hole in the wall or major stain in the carpet! Using the Inventory and Condition Checklist from the move-in, document any damage with notes and photos or video, whether you think you might charge the tenant or not.

After you’ve done the walk through from the perspective of returning the security deposit to the tenant, do a second walk through from an owner’s perspective.

Now that you’ve completed your checklists and evaluated your rental property, it’s time to get to work! Schedule yourself or your contractors to do any necessary painting or cleaning and get that next tenant moved in.

What’s Your ROI?

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:28:00 GMT

A lot of people invest in rentals not quite knowing how to figure their actual return on investment (ROI). Buy a property and rent it for more than the mortgage, right? Well, that’s part of the equation but there are a few other factors as well.

First, how do you figure how much rent your property will bring? Always keep in mind that the rental rate is set by current market conditions and not by how much your mortgage payment is. A quick look at Craigslist can tell you the current market rate of comparable properties but it’s only a snapshot of what’s going on today. A good rule of thumb is to check quarterly so you can keep in touch with the ups and downs of rentals in the neighborhood. You can usually get a better rate if you turn over tenants in the summer but that’s not always the case. Sometimes spring or fall can actually bring a higher rent.

A periodic check of comparable rental rates in your area can also help you determine if and how much you may be able to raise rents each year. Being able to raise the rent every year is wonderful but if the property sits empty for even a month, it can take months to recoup the lost income.

For example, if you are advertising your rental at $1800/month, that will bring you $21,600 for the 12 month period typical of a lease. However, if the property is overpriced and sits empty for a month, your gain for the same 12 month period is $19,800. If you had dropped the price to $1700/month you would be at $20,400 for the year, or $800 ahead. That would pay for a really nice weekend getaway!

Second, don’t forget to factor in those hidden costs of running a rental, like the cost of your time. Communicating with tenants, depositing rent checks, contracting for repairs and seasonal maintenance. It adds up to quite a bit of time! A good property manager more than makes up for their fees by fielding all of the questions and scheduling associated with your rental.

Check out everything 8z Rentals can do for you. Ready to get started? Give us a call.

Help! I Need a Place to Live!

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:17:00 GMT

You’ve trolled CraigsList, looked for flyers in coffee shops and now you’ve exhausted your friends on Facebook with the tales of looking for a new place to live. It’s hard to find the right place, isn’t it?

The rental market is tighter than ever with Boulder/Denver vacancy rates hovering around 4%. That’s really low and it’s pushing up rent prices! It means that you’re not the only one looking for a house or apartment to rent and you may be tempted to jump on the next one you see after losing out on a few. Don’t do it unless it’s perfect! Really. There’s a better way.

Looking for a place to rent doesn’t have to be stressful. 8z Rentals has the tools and staff to do the looking for you. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from screening homes for the characteristics you are looking for (location, location, location!) to ensuring you understand the lease. We make sure owner is in compliance with housing laws and the mortgage is paid up to date. What a horror that would be if the home went into foreclosure!

The best part if you rent one of the properties we manage? Our state of the art system that allows you to pay rent online and request maintenance 24/7. You can even schedule payments so you’ll never forget to write that check again.

Ready to get started? Give us a call today!

Help! I Need a Tenant!

Thu, 31 May 2012 09:11:00 GMT

You would think that with the low vacancy rates in the Boulder/Denver area (4%) it would be easy to find a tenant to fill your house or apartment. But how do you know the person in front of you will respect you and the property, pay on time and let you know when the little (and big) things need attention? And are you prepared if they’re not?

Those are tough issues to consider. 8z Rentals can help take some of the uncertainty out of the equation. We offer assistance in finding a quality resident for your property and we will manage the property 100%.

If you’re still wondering if you should act as your own Property Manager or you’re looking for a firm to represent you, here are a few things to consider:

-Do you keep up on the legalities of owning a rental property?

-Do you have list of quality vendors at your fingertips for repairs large and small?

-Do you have expert knowledge of the local rental market and experience dealing with all kinds of property and resident issues?

You’ll find that and more at 8z Rentals when we manage your property . State of the art technology combined with our experienced staff bring you online tools so you can keep track of exactly what is happening with your property. We deliver monthly statements right to your email, deliver funds directly to your bank account and store all of the information securely. We periodically assess the residence, inside and out, and spot trouble spots before they grow, from leaky faucets to leaky roofs.

Just looking for a quality tenant? Leave that to us. Marketing, signage, showings, credit and reference checks, leases – we do it all so you don’t have to.

Ready to get started? Give us a call today! 888-613-8832

Welcome to the 8z Rentals Blog!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:40:00 GMT

Welcome to 8z Rentals blog!

8z Rentals is a brand new Property Management Company with it’s corporate office based out of Boulder Colorado. We are happy to serve the entire state of Colorado. Here is what we can do for home owners looking to rent their homes.

Here Is What We Offer:

Professional and Customer Service Based Property Management Team with More than 25 Years of experience

Continued Education for Property Managers and Office Staff to Ensure That Team Is Up To Date on All Current Laws and Rental Policies

Competitive Fee Structure

Comprehensive Marketing Strategy to Fill Vacancies

Tenant Screenings Including Criminal, Background, Income and Employment

Collection and Retention of Security Deposits

Timely Owner Rent Disbursements

Direct Deposits for Owners & Online Payment Portal

Owner Access to Financials, Maintenance and Reporting Online Anytime, Anywhere!

Audited Monthly and Yearly Financials

Owner 1099 Preparation

Routine Internal and External Property Inspections

Licensed and Insured Make Ready Team

24/7 On-Call Maintenance and Emergency Services

Eviction, Possession and Collection Services

If you are looking for a Professional Management Team to handle everything for you, call 8z Rentals.

Toll Free 888.613.8832

www.8zRentals.com

Contact@8zRentals.co m