real estate

Rental Agreements

To protect both you and your renters, owners should use a , straightforward rental agreement that is ultimately signed by both owner and renter. Every owner should have at least 3 rental agreements. One, for short term renters, people staying only a night or two. One, for long term renters such as families renting for a week or longer. And another for seasonal rentals. Which would include anyone renting for longer that a two months. Include this info:

• 1. Agreed upon dates, including arrival and departure times.
• 2. Never surprise your renters with hidden charges! Total price, showing your rate plus any additional items such as cleaning fees, taxes, non-refundable deposits, fees
  for additional persons, etc.
• 3. Fully describe your cancellation policy.
• 4. Specify reservation and security deposits.
• 5. List extra policies for children, pets, smoking, etc.
• 6. Let the potential renter know if maintenance workers may come in for routine tasks while they occupy the property.

Remember to charge your seasonal tenant for utilities. I find the best way to handle utilities during a seasonal rental is to have the renter’s put as many of them in their name possible. Also don’t overlook the cost of firewood. Supplying the renter with the local firewood delivery companies number is also a great way to go. But make sure your renter know what you will be supplying and what they need to take care of.

real estate

July Laurel Highlands Newsletter from Abe and Wags

Hidden Valley Home owners saw an increase in association dues across the board. These new fees are still under the association fees for comparable Seven Springs associations. Property owners here need to be watching the Seven Springs market closely. We believe you’ll see that as the prices continue to come down at Seven Springs the prices at Hidden Valley will also need to adjust.

Transfers for Hidden Valley are substantially off with Jan through June 30 only seeing 18 sales compared to 56 for the same time last year. Average sales prices here have declined too.

Watch for a new venue that previewed over the fourth of July. Hidden Valley has enlisted Double K Stables to provide guided trail rides and horsemanship camps on resort property. Their stables are only minutes away from the resort and there they offer boarding (60 stalls), ample pastures, Kids Kamps, riding lessons, and more! Should be a great addition!