Greater Washington DC Metropolitan Area Blog

Should You Renovate Your Rental Property Before Finding a Tenant?

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, September 28, 2026

You bought an investment property—or perhaps you already own a home that you're planning to rent.Now you're standing in the middle of the property looking at the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, and appliances and wondering:"How much should I renovate befor...

Renting Your First Home? 10 Things to Know Before You Sign a Lease

By Peta-Gay Lewis Friday, September 25, 2026

Renting your first home is an exciting milestone.Whether you're moving out on your own, relocating for work, moving to a new city, or transitioning from living with family or roommates, signing your first lease is a major financial commitment.Before you sign, it's importa...

How to Increase Rental Property Income Without Simply Raising the Rent

By Peta-Gay Lewis Wednesday, September 23, 2026

When rental property owners want to increase their income, the first idea that often comes to mind is raising the rent.Sometimes a rent increase makes sense. But it isn't the only way to improve a property's financial performance.In fact, increasing the rental rate too ag...

What Should a Landlord Do When a Tenant Stops Paying Rent?

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, September 21, 2026

Few situations are more stressful for a rental property owner than seeing a rent payment come and go without receiving the money.When a tenant doesn't pay rent on time, the owner's first reaction may be to call, text, or demand immediate payment. But handling the situatio...

How Much Does a Property Manager Cost? A Guide for Rental Property Owners

By Peta-Gay Lewis Friday, September 18, 2026

If you own a rental property, you've probably asked yourself an important question:How much does a property manager cost—and is professional management worth the expense?The answer isn't as simple as looking for the lowest percentage.Property management fees can var...

Thinking About Renting Out Your Home? What Homeowners Should Know Before Becoming a Landlord

By Peta-Gay Lewis Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Life changes can create unexpected real estate opportunities.Maybe you're moving to another state and aren't ready to sell your current home. Perhaps you've inherited a property. Maybe you've purchased a new home and are wondering whether your existing property co...

When Is It Time to Buy Your Next Rental Property?

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, September 14, 2026

Building a successful real estate portfolio isn't simply about buying as many properties as possible. Smart investors know that timing, cash flow, financial readiness, and long-term strategy all matter.For rental property owners, one of the most exciting milestones is re...

How to Set the Right Rental Price for Your Investment Property

By Peta-Gay Lewis Friday, September 11, 2026

Setting the right rental price is one of the most important decisions a rental property owner can make. Price your property too high, and you may struggle to attract qualified tenants. Price it too low, and you could leave hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in pote...

What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Rental Property

By Peta-Gay Lewis Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Finding the right rental home can be exciting, but the application process can also feel overwhelming—especially when you aren't sure what property managers are looking for or what information you'll need to provide.Being prepared before you apply can make the proce...

From One Rental to a Real Estate Portfolio: How to Scale Your Investment Strategy

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, September 7, 2026

Owning your first rental property is a major accomplishment. But for many real estate investors, the first property is just the beginning.Building a successful rental portfolio doesn't necessarily mean buying as many properties as possible. It means developing a thoughtful in...