Entries by Sam Thompson

Leasing Your Property – a Step-by-Step Guide

So you’ve got your rental property in tip-top shape and it’s ready to be rented.  The carpets have been shampooed, all the systems (HVAC, plumbing, gutters, etc.) have been inspected, the landscaping is meticulous and you’ve had a cleaning crew scour everything top to bottom, the works.  Now what? 1.  Take high-quality pictures of the […]

In With the Old AND the New in Louisville KY

The real estate market in the Midwest one of the most stable in the country, so when a city starts to grow in size, popularity, or otherwise, it’s a great idea to invest in property and watch your money grow! Louisville, KY is currently growing in leaps and bounds, making it a great place for […]

School Tax Levy’s and How YOU Can Raise Property Values

Recently voters were at the polls again to submit their two-cents on who should be at which appointed political position and what school tax levies will pass/fail. Of the issues currently at hand (and in my opinion one of the most important to consider), is the one involving a child’s education. A co-worker and I […]

How to Kill Weeds Naturally

It’s that time again, grass cutting season.  In Cincinnati, you never know if you’ll be cutting the grass every 3 days or every 10.  One thing is certain though:  regardless of the rain, weeds have a way of surviving the most temperamental precipitation.  If you are curious about how to kill weeds naturally, here are […]

Keeping Utility Costs Low

When considering a property to rent, a major item of consideration should not be just the rent itself, but the average utility costs that will total into your monthly budget.  Here are a few items of consideration to keep utility costs low. Energy Savings Install a programmable thermostat.  They can help you save 10-15% on […]

New FICO Score 9 Will Replace Existing FICO Score

Much like Larry Page likes to change Google’s algorithm, credit reporting agencies (CRA) like to revamp their scoring model, just to keep us on our toes.  This summer, the widely used FICO score will be completely redesigned as a new scoring model knows as the FICO Score 9.  The consumer lending industry relies heavily on […]

Going Green is Easier Than You Think

Do you want to be part of the green revolution but don’t know quite where to begin?  When going green, I suggest taking baby steps to adjust your carbon footprint.  Yes, pun totally intended.  Going green can be easier than you think.  Here are just a few ideas: Energy-Save energy by programming your thermostat, unplugging […]

Do I Need Landlord Insurance?

Perhaps you never intended to be a landlord but it all happened almost accidentally.  You carry homeowners insurance but now you’ve decided to rent your property out for a year or so.  Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I need landlord insurance?”  The answer is yes.  Once your home is considered an income property, your […]

Should I rent or sell? Here is how to decide.

Life is full of changes-divorce, bankruptcy, job transfer, death in the family or any host of issues that can force you to start packing up boxes and hiring movers when you were more keen on making some home improvements, redecorating or planting a garden.  So now you’re faced with the conundrum of listing your home […]