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and the votes are in

8/19/2020

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WINTER MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS

2/4/2020

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​Unless you live in a tropical locale, there is no avoiding the fact that you will have to take the necessary steps to prepare your rental property for when the temperature drops below freezing. After all, bitter cold and falling snow often show no mercy and have the potential to inflict a lot of damage to your property. Need a little help getting started? Well, then, have a look at our list of the top things every property owner needs to do to get their rental properties ready for the treacherously cold winter season.

Have a plan for snow removal
You should have your sidewalk clear of snow and ice as it can result in tenant injuries from slips, trips, and falls. The rental lease should state who is responsible for snow or ice removal as per city ordinances and local laws – you or your tenant. In case your tenant is responsible for the snow removal, you must make sure that they are updated on the proper techniques as well as local laws regarding snow shoveling, ice melt applications, and snow disposal. To ensure adequate and quick snow removal, on the
other hand, you are better off hiring a professional snow plowing agency.

Make sure outdoor lighting is adequate at night​
Outdoor lighting not only beautifully illuminates your property but also provides safety and security. Installing outdoor safety lights is an excellent way to make sure that your tenants stay safe and don't fall or trip on ice during the harsh winter nights. Being able to see is something so fundamental to safety, especially at the dark and bleak winters, that it’s surprising anyone would choose not to care about installing high visibility LED lighting at their property.

Check heating systems​
Inevitably, heating systems never fail when being lightly utilized in the warmer months. They tend to break down when the coldest of temperatures hit. This causes an emergency for not only tenant livability but even spreads to the potential for freezing
pipes and subsequent flooding. To aggravate the problem, most heating contractors are at their busiest when those cold snaps hit. This creates enormous scheduling issues to get systems repairs in a timely fashion. Get routine heating system maintenance checks scheduled proactively in the fall and avoid the stressful instance of a heat failure at the height of angry winters!

Wipe windows to prevent mold buildup
Window condensation can get so annoying – it blocks the outside view, drips on the sill, and creates a wet mess. But did you know that if left unchecked, it can also turn into mold and mildew? So, you (and tenants) must keep windows clean at all times – even a
simple wipe whenever you see condensation building up can help.

Closing thoughts​
Winterizing your rental property is all about planning and being prepared. By being proactive, landlords can reduce the risk of unhappy tenants, costly repairs, and being negligent. Need a helping hand when it comes to preparing your property for the winter season? You can trust the team at Frontier West to handle winter checklists to prepare your property for the freezing cold weather.
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​Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.
For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at 
www.frontierwestmontana.com
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A New Era: Emotional Support Animals

8/7/2019

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Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are creating a new challenge for property owners. Earlier this year, the number of ESAs surged across the United States.  While support animals can be a true benefit to those with mental disorders "giving companionship, stability, and structure to those who need it most," this concept is being abused by many who use this term loosely to keep their pets close. 

As a property manager, ESAs can be a gray area and a difficult new landscape to navigate. This article discusses what to pay attention to so you don't get into hot water with a tenant.

You'll learn:
  • How Service Animals are defined by the ADA
  • How the Fair Housing Act comes into play
  • What a legitimate Emotional Support Letter looks like
  • How to  identify a scammed certificate

​Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.

For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at 
www.frontierwestmontana.com
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Finding the right fit

6/12/2019

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Not all property management companies are created equal, and there are a lot of companies to choose from. How do you know which one is the right fit? Each boasts different strengths and skill sets, but there are a few key considerations when selecting a partner to manage your investment.  As a local company, we prioritize our relationship with owners, tenants, and the community to  consistently be both professional and personal, while securing peace of mind for all parties.

A recent article describes three key qualities to look for in a property management company that we are proud to align with:

Transparency
Without trust, the business relationship just won't work. "It's [...] important to ask to speak with current and former clients to get a better understanding of the transparency of the organization."  Take the time to get to know your property manager in person before taking the leap.

Maintenance Capabilities
Maintenance can be one of the biggest expense that a property owner will encounter -  "it's also the biggest potential pitfall if mismanaged." Finding a property manager with a solid understanding of the construction industry and and one who can support general maintenance needs in short order can save time and money. 

Limited Scope 
Be weary of side businesses.  When looking for a good fit, find a property manager who is all in. "Real estate agents, brokers, and even contractors will often attempt to add a property management practice to their core business model.  [...] If  If a company is not exclusively focused on managing rental property, then they likely will not be the best option for you to hire."


For access to the full article, click here. 
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Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.
For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at 
www.frontierwestmontana.com
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it doesn't have to be this hard

5/2/2019

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It's 2019! The good news?  Technology has allowed us to improve efficiencies, making the consumer experience much easier for many industries. The bad news? The rental industry is still catching up.  For renters, frustrations like waiting on hold to hear back from an owner, waiting in the office to meet with a property manager, mailing paperwork, and dropping off checks at various locations should be a thing of the past.  Owners experience similar struggles with an outdated system such as manual processes for background checks, paper leases, and depositing checks.

Whether you're an owner looking to provide a seamless experience for your renters, or a renter hoping to step into the future of the rental industry, be on the look out for these three key components that will make your experience more efficient:
  1. Self-service online leasing
  2. Resident and owner online portal
  3. Online monthly rent payment platforms

There are a variety of web-based platforms that can be used. To learn more, click here.

Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.
For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at
www.frontierwestmontana.com
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Make your best bet: Tenant selection

3/21/2019

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Perhaps one of the most important things that property management companies do is manage the tenant acquisition and selection process.  Each company has their own vetting process, and while no screening process is fool-proof, the time you take up front is well worth the effort to avoid a poor tenant selection.  If you use a property manager, we've got you covered.  If not, take a look through this article for some great tips on how to:
  • Abide by Fair Housing laws
  • Choose a tenant with good credit
  • Perform a criminal background check
  • Select an applicant with clean rental history
  • Trust your instincts
Tenant screening and acquisition is no time to gamble.  Though the process may seem meticulous, it will have been time well spent for both you and your tenant.

Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.
For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at www.frontierwestmontana.com
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Sweet, sweet summertime

2/6/2019

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Summer 2019 Vacation Rentals in the Flathead Valley are filling up fast!  Check out these listings below and be sure and share with those who are looking to vacation to Northwest Montana.  Both spots come with docks or boat slips to get on the lake! Call for availability today.
  • Shorz Edge on Flathead Lake
  • Hanging Rock on Flathead River

Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.

For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at www.frontierwestmontana.com
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they're everywhere: checking for dust mites

1/15/2019

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Dust mites account for 70% of all respiratory allergies, much more common in fact, than food allergies - especially for children. Dust mite allergies have become a full-blown health problem that no one is talking about.  This can be an even bigger issue for those moving into rental dwellings.

It wasn't until I started digging into this issue a little deeper that I realized such a simple, easy, and effective test for dust mites existed!  Check out this video on the Ventia Test and run the 10-minute test on any suspect areas to move you and your family toward a healthier indoor living environment.  It pays to test.

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Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.
For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at
www.frontierwestmontana.com
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new regulation hits the flathead: permitting reaches short term vacation rentals

12/17/2018

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Have you received on of these!? Or one like it from Flathead County or another municipality regarding permitting of your short term rental property that you may have listed on sites like VRBO and Airbnb?  You may have heard about recent legislation or ordinances regarding short term or vacation rentals but have not researched how to navigate the sometimes cumbersome permitting processes.  We can help! Take a look at the following article or give us a call with any questions you may have or help that you need with the process.

Regulation. Regulation. Regulation... Regardless of your political views, it can be frustrating when the government imposes new legislation and rules that result in the requirement to permit something that previously required none. It typically feels like government over-reach and the usual public grumblings boil up.
 
However, the fundamental shift that the VRBO market is going through is a change from a residential issue to a commercial one, and that changes everything.  Residential leasing (for more than 30 days) is done under "as-is" or no warranty ideology just like buying a used car.  Private landlords are not required to bring a dwelling up to new building and safety codes beyond those that the dwelling was constructed under.  Management Companies are licensed by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation and have a higher standard of building code and life-safety compliance, but those rules are far from those of a Marriott.

When the word "commercial" comes into play, we all know that public safety becomes a large factor. Short term / vacation rentals are in fact businesses similar to bed and breakfast establishments or even motels.  The public renting short term rentals is now making assumptions on safety and quality and they must be protected from themselves sometimes.
 
Where I am going with all of this is to help owners understand that this kind of regulation and permitting is a good thing!  The customers of these products demand a high standard of safety and sanitation.  The rules, though new and untested, are a good idea!  They protect the environment, the neighbors, and ultimately the safety of a tenant with regard to egress, fire, police response, trips, falls, and general health.
 
The permitting process can be long and costly, but you are not alone.  Feel free to reach out to Frontier West Property Management with any questions or help needed, and remember that the rules are there for good reason and protect both the customer and the landowner.

Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.
For more information, call 406.249.3257 or visit our website at
www.frontierwestmontana.com
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To insure or not to insure? That is the question.

11/22/2018

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You're away from your rental for the weekend and get a call from your downstairs neighbor, "there is water coming from our ceiling and dripping into our living room. I think we can hear water running in your apartment." 

Life happens - it's that simple. As a renter, what are you responsible for? What is your owner responsible for? What would renters insurance cover if you were found to be the reason for damage to another renter's space? What would be excluded?  Renters need to be savvy in today's market. This article describes all you need to know (and what you're too embarrassed to ask) about renters insurance. 

More questions? Give us a call. We help renters navigate all sorts of renter challenges and let you know where you may be exposed to risk you aren't aware of.



Frontier West Properties is a fully-licensed and insured property management company serving the Flathead Valley. We are proud to support the commercial, residential, HOA, and property maintenance needs of our customers in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers, and Lakeside.

For more information, call 406.249.3257 or see our website at
www.frontierwestmontana.com
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