All of us at Real Property Management Miami want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy holiday season!
With this being gift giving season we feel it is a good time to give you our take on what kind of gifts you should be getting for your tenants. Of course this is the normal time of year to be giving gifts but really any time of year is a great opportunity and possibly other times of year can actually have a greater impact because they will not be expecting it.
Now we know what you might be thinking…why would I get my tenants a gift? The fluffy answer is that we should all be giving each other gifts in the spirit of the season and to celebrate the wonder that is mankind…but the REAL answer is that it is a smart financial decision in a number of ways.
Your tenants are not only living in your property but they are also taking care of it in many ways. They are the first line of defense in the identification of minor repairs that could become major money pits. They are directly affecting the value of your property by the way the conduct themselves and decorate/maintain their home. And most importantly they are helping pay for the expenses of the property by paying you rent.
So by giving a small but nice gift you can solidify their support of you and your property and if you are very smart about it (by reading this blog) you can actually help them help you.
So without further adieu here are our recommendations for great gifts to give your tenants…
A Home Depot Gift Card
Everybody that lives in a home (or even a condo for that matter) has contributes to the Home Depot coffers several times a year. There is always something that is needed whether it is light bulbs, a/c filters, show curtain liners or even potted plants. We would recommend a $100 gift card because lets fact it, you really can’t get out of the Depot for less that $100. This is a not so subtle hint that you appreciate them taking care of their home – your investment.
Deep Cleaning or 1 Month of Maid Service
Everybody wants to have a clean house, but many working people in our hectic society do not have the time to keep their home looking spotless. Hiring a professional cleaning company to cleanse the home not only protects your investment but it gives your tenant a break and increases their pride of ownership.
BEST BET – Closed Circuit Security Camera System
This is by far our favorite idea because the price of these has come down dramatically in recent years to the point where you can get a good system for just a little more than $100. But the price is not the main reason we love this. The main reason is that having video cameras at a property is a major deterrent to theft and vandalism to your property and other properties in your neighborhood. You have definitely seen the videos on Channey 7 News of stupid criminals who are caught on tape and then very often apprehended as a result of the video system. The crooks have seen them too. And they would rather hit the other house that doesn’t have the cameras. Additionally, giving this gift sends the message to your tenants that you care about their safety and well being and nothing fosters loyalty more than a sense of mutual concern for one another’s safety. Your best bet to protect your investment is to get one with the biggest cameras possible. If they have a red “record” light that is even better because stupid thieves are more likely to see them.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
