David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com We all want to live more comfortably, especially as rent prices continue to increase. Here are a few suggestions for renters: Make a list of needs vs. wants and choose a neighborhood and property based on needs first.  Allow yourself a stable financial foundation to work from with the knowledge that creature comforts come in many forms and can be added to your life as your budget allows. Look for levers.  If your neighborhood and property allow you easy access to public transportation, then you know you’ll have a key cost-saving measure available if you need it. Similarly, if your property has an on-site gym or your desired apartment has ample storage space, you know you won’t need to budget for those expenses. The balance of amenities that you’re able to establish will allow you choices about how to spend your money, beyond rent. Do your homework.  Research what’s on the market before and during your search, ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Renting a house or apartment is a great alternative or interim solution to buying. Maybe you’re saving up for a more permanent home or you’re just moving into your first place away from your parents. Whatever the case, the rules of renting can sometimes get in the way of you feeling “at home.” In most rentals, painting, putting up wallpaper, installing floors and adding anything “permanent” is not allowed. Plus, you don’t want to spend time and money renovating something that you don’t own. There are, however, many temporary options that can keep you from sacrificing comfort and style. 1. Peel & Stick Tiles  If the kitchen in your rental is a bit outdated, or you just can’t stand the existing backsplash, these tiles are a great temporary option. You can find them in almost any shape, size and design. Simply remove the film from the adhesive side of the tiles and place onto the wall. When you are ready to move out, apply he...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Meghan Belnap As a landlord, you have certain responsibilities. One of the most important is to provide for your tenants' safety. Not only do you have certain legal obligations, but safe tenants are more likely to be long-term paying tenants. In the pursuit of safety, you may want to upgrade your properties with the following four items: External Security Cameras While installing internal security cameras can be invasive and problematic, installing external cameras is a great way to keep your tenants safe. Give your tenants access to the feed so they can see what's going on outside their rental unit and identify problems without having to open doors. These cameras are also great for collecting evidence if your property is robbed or if someone tries to get into the building. Security Doors Security doors are a simple way to keep intruders out of a property, but they're still very effective. Heavier and harder ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By James Royal (TNS)—If you've been watching reruns of HGTV's "Income Property" and wondering if it's time to buy a rental property and become a landlord, you're not alone. Between our slow-growth economy, historically low interest rates and the mood of millennials to rent instead of own, income property has been on an uptick since the Great Recession. In fact, real estate is now Americans' favorite long-term investment, according to a recent Bankrate study. The popularity of real estate is at its highest point since Bankrate started the survey seven years ago. Should you take the plunge on a rental property? Experts offer a qualified yes, provided you do your homework first. Here are 10 things to consider before diving into income property. 1. It's not as easy as it looks. Forget the TV sitcom stereotypes of clueless landlords. To make the most of income property requires an accountant...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Brentnie Daggett Replacing the flooring in a property is not only a huge investment, but also a choice that needs to have endurance under pressure. Selecting the right flooring for a rental property is much different than choosing flooring for your home—your rental property will be occupied by tenants who may not be as responsible as you when it comes to caring for the floors. Determining the right floors for your rental property should be a careful balance between durability, affordability and aesthetics. Many rental property owners debate between choosing real hardwood floors and vinyl floors, and there are pros and cons to each choice. Hardwood floors are made of solid wood planks or strips, while vinyl plank flooring comes in thin, flexible strips that resemble traditional hardwood. Here are some important factors to consider before you decide on one or the other: Consideration No. 1: Installation One of the first things ...