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The Up First Blog

Blog Post How to Self-Manage Your Rental Property

How to Self-Manage Your Rental Property

By Kevin Epp Friday, November 1, 2024
I will say this time and again, renting homes is not rocket science. It is a disciplined approach to systems, the law, and your communication with the tenants. I have already wrote about some of the common mistakes DIY landlords make, so after reading this, check that out too.Bef...
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Blog Post What Do Property Managers Actually Do?

What Do Property Managers Actually Do?

By Kevin Epp Wednesday, October 16, 2024
If you read nothing past this sentence, property managers can be summed up into four words: Make problems go away. Everything on the other end of a phone call is a problem. In fact, we have never had an owner call us just to congratulate rent coming in on time and maintenance bei...
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Blog Post How To Interview a Property Manager (11 Pieces of Advice)

How To Interview a Property Manager (11 Pieces of Advice)

By Kevin Epp Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Hint: not all property management companies are built the same, and it’s not just about Google Reviews. Property management can be described as a "consumer's preference" industry.  What do I mean by that? Some industries you're just comparing prices a...
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Blog Post My Home Won't Rent! (8 Strategies)

My Home Won't Rent! (8 Strategies)

By Kevin Epp Friday, October 11, 2024
So, you’ve listed your home for rent, put up the “For Rent” sign, and even staged it like a Pinterest ad. Yet, weeks have gone by, and you’re still staring at that empty living room, wondering if it might be more fun to turn it into a yoga studio or a shri...
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Blog Post 14 Common Mistakes DIY Landlords Make (And How to Avoid Them)

14 Common Mistakes DIY Landlords Make (And How to Avoid Them)

By Kevin Epp Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Managing your own rental property is not rocket science.  In fact, if you’re going to stay in the same town as your property and are okay with taking calls at odd hours, we could show you how to do it yourself. Managing your own rental property is about mitigating risk...
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Blog Post 10 Places You Can Get Free Packing Materials

10 Places You Can Get Free Packing Materials

By Kevin Epp Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Moving can be a real pain in the neck, especially when it comes to finding packing supplies that won’t break the bank (or your back). Luckily, there are plenty of places to snag free boxes and packing materials. Huzzah! Up First Management’s got you. Here’s a li...
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Blog Post 10 Ways To Make Your Move Easier

10 Ways To Make Your Move Easier

By Kevin Epp Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Moving can feel like a combination of a circus act and a bad reality show—full of chaos, mishaps, and questionable decisions. But fear not! With a bit of planning (and maybe some caffeine), you can transform your move from a three-ring circus into a well-orchestrated ballet...
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Blog Post How to Analyze Your Rental Investment

How to Analyze Your Rental Investment

By Kevin Epp Wednesday, October 9, 2024
You’re getting ready to rent your home, or maybe you’re looking at other homes to invest in. Prior to doing this, it is crucial to understand the financials of your property to see if it’s the right call. Below, you will find a couple ways to analyze your prope...
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Blog Post 19-Step Property Owner Pre-Rental Checklist

19-Step Property Owner Pre-Rental Checklist

By Kevin Epp Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Congrats! You signed your Property Management Agreement with your property manager. You’re scheduling your movers to come pick up your home goods and move you to your next residence. Huzzah! But now what? Is there anything you should be doing to prepare the rental in the m...
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Blog Post I Can't Sell My Home, Now What? Accidental Landlords and What to Know.

I Can't Sell My Home, Now What? Accidental Landlords and What to Know.

By Kevin Epp Wednesday, October 9, 2024
In today’s market in the Pacific Northwest, high home prices and relatively high interest rates have made home affordability exceptionally difficult. For homeowners who are trying to sell their residences, this has equated to longer times on market and more negotiating wit...
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