Finding a decent apartment while you are settling down in your new environment can be a real headache, so here is a list that might help you with that process.

• You really need to take the time to understand the lease if there is one; don’t let them rush you into signing so fast, ask if you can review it first, take it home, and if need be take it to a lawyer. However, it is important that you sign and initial in front of the leasing agent once you decide on an apartment.
• On the subject of leasing agents, if you encounter an unpleasant one, make note of a red flag because they represent the company and that’s not acceptable behavior in any business setting. You should be treated with respect at all times and they need to listen to any questions or concerns you may have.
• Always inquire about a walk through. RED FLAG: When they tell you they do the walk through. That’s when you walk away before you sign. What their standards are and yours may be on the opposite ends of the earth.
• If you do decide to let them do the walk through and you are not happy, contact the property manager immediately and try to rectify the problem or problems, try not to get too emotional but do stay strong on your concerns.
• A lot of apartments are becoming more lenient on allowing animals and so therefore you will encounter animal smells in the common hallways. This is disturbing, and a simple solution would be to have animal free buildings for those tenants who prefer not to encounter the mess. The same should go for smokers. This is another red flag.
• Do your homework on apartment complexes; visit their website, Google feedback right into the search engine. You will always find negative feedback and as well some positive. Only you can weigh what is really important when you read this information. » Read more: Renter Beware

Earlier this week I was talking to one of our investors and realized they missed an important step to our Rent to Own formula. We’ve acquired a ton of information over the last few years by following the footprints of other successful investors. Things we’ve learned and do with our eyes closed is not always clear to the beginning investor.

Below are our top 10 things to do when investing in Real Estate.

1. Deposit all your Rent Cheques. One of the strategies we use to help free up our time is to have our tenant’s give us post dated cheques for the year and hand them into the Banks. For a small fee they will automatically deposit these cheques into your account without you having to remember each and every month.

2. Visit Your Property. When investing in Rent to Own properties the maintenance is usually kept to a minimal since your tenants are responsible for minor repairs. Your tenants move in knowing they’re going to own the home in a few years and are willing to maintain your home. With that being said, it’s still important as an investor to visit your property from time to time since you still own the home.

3. Set Expectations Up Front. Set the ground rules up early and be very clear with your delivery. It’s important that they know when rent needs to be paid and if it’s not, you will officially notify them by proceeding with the eviction process. It’s important to follow this process as things can spiral out of control very fast.

4. Send Yearly Statements. At the end of the year for all of our Rent to Own properties we send year statements of all the credits they earned for paying on time. If you have tenants that have had late payments and they see what they lost out on, it helps to re-enforce the importance of paying on time.

5. Insurance. There are many insurance plans for your property. Make sure that you get the right plan and enough insurance to cover your home by talking to your Insurance agent to get the right package for you. A well designed insurance package can protect you from losses caused from fire, storms, vandalism, and personal injury and discrimination lawsuit.

6. Give Them a Gift. I’m big on this one! For each of our tenants, we give them anywhere from $50 to $100 at Christmas. Now I know this may sound like a lot but, how much of your mortgage did they pay down this year for you? After you take this into consideration, you’ll see it’s not much at all. Now if you’re not big on Christmas give them a call on their birthday, it goes a long way. » Read more: Things To Do For Rental Properties