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Careless Smoking by Tenants Causes Fire
2007-02-12 22:53:00
It's rare that an unfortunate event such as a fire consumes a property.On January 5, 2007 around 4am, it happened to us.Working in the property management business for over 20 years, this is the first fire we've had to deal with.The local tv stations were on the scene and reported the fire very early in the morning. We figured that the first phone call we should make is to the owner of the property before they saw it on the news and wondered why we hadn't yet called them.Our other top priority was to find the 2 Tenants that were living in the property and make sure that they were okay.As we sifted thru the bystanders in awe of the burning building, we sorted out the details of how this happened. The fire had obviously started in the garage and we have now figured out it was because one of the young college students living in the property had a party where everyone was smoking in the garage. Someone's cigarette started the garage on fire. The fire consumed the entire garage and m...
More About: Smoking , Fire

Vote for the Boss' Kid!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
This is Paul & Brooke's 13-year old son, Alex...he does his own podcast for (417) Dwellings and in this episode, he encourages you to go to www.podcastalley.com and vote for the (417) Dwellings podcast series.Looks and acts just like his Dad, doesn't he?!? :)Click on the picture to download Alex's podcast!Until next time...
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On Vacation!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
I am so sorry for the delay in podcasts and blog posts, I have been cruising the Carribean and enjoying some time off with my family.Click on my fun little umbrella drink to see my podcast on how you can make investing in real estate work send you on a vacation! :)
More About: Cat , Vacation

Pet Friendly Rental Properties
2007-02-07 05:32:02
As a Landlord, have you ever rented to a Tenant that had pets and only later you discovered that it was a disaster, because the pets tore up your beloved investment rental property? Let me guess, you're to the point now that you no longer rent to Tenants with pets because you don't want to have to deal with their messy pets.As a Landlord myself, I have been down this road many times and I have also learned from the experience. Click on the picture with the kitty and see my video podcast that I did on this subject. Isn't the kitty cute?!? :) I have learned that you must set a standard as there are pros and cons to allowing pets in your rental properties.The first standard is that I go ahead and allow pets with conditions. I will only authorize pets that are domestic animals such as dogs or cats. There is a restriction on the type of dog as I do not allow any kind of vicious type dog like pit bulls or rottweilers. I also do not allow any kind of farm animals like horses or cows, ci...
More About: Rental , Friend , Friendly , Rent , Properties

Falling In Love with Real Estate
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Okay, I know it's been awhile since I have blogged. You know how it goes...life happens and things get crazy. Thanks for keeping up with me, though. :)Check out my podcast about "falling in love with real estate". You may "LOVE" a property, but use your head when planning on purchasing it...meaning...don't go with your heart. Do the research and learn what the property's value is, not what you think it's worth because you just "LOVE" the property. Blog me with your questions...I'm happy to help.Until next time...
More About: Love , Estate , Real Estate , With , Alli

Can I Take It With Me??
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Fixtures - do they stay or go? Did you know that when you sell your home, anything that is attached to the house itself must stay with the property. That means...anything that is attached, screwed in, taped down, glued to or some way wired into the house, then it stays with the property.Now I know this gets a little technical, but when a seller goes to move out of a property that you are buying, wouldn't you expect that the curtain rods, light fixtures, mirrors and kitchen cabinets would be there when you went to move in?? Of course you would! However, if you moved in and the kitchen cabinets weren't there, then it would need to refer to the listing and sales contracts. If the kitchen cabinets, for example, were not "reserved" in the contracts, then they must stay with the home since they are attached (screwed into) the walls of the home. An example of something "reserved" in a contract would be something like curtains and curtain rods. As the seller, you must specify in the contr...
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What do you mean "it broke"?
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Let's face it, a home consists of thousands upon thousands of parts and pieces and any of of those could fail at any time. So is it worth the money to purchase a home warranty?Buyers often contemplate if a home warranty is a good move or just a sales pitch. I really do understand. I hate everytime I go to buy something at the store and I am asked if I want a warranty with this or that. I recently rented a video for $1 and they then asked me if I wanted a warranty on it for .25 more. You have got to be kidding me! But with a home it is something you might consider.Home warranties come in different packages and sizes. Make sure you read the policy carefully to understand what it does and does not cover, but for the most part they cover all of the mechanical items in the home. Most do not cover roof or structure, but for an additional fee, they can cover a well and possibly septic system. For about $400 to $500 it really is a good value.Remember, this is coming from a guy who hates ex...
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POOLS!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Pools, good thing or not?This video podcast, in my opinion, wasn't filmed very well. (No offense to my video producer!). It was filmed at a pool that was not full yet and it really needed to be cleaned up. But it got my point across about pools. I'm curious to know what you think, did you watch the video?The biggest piece of advice I can give about pools to anyone who is considering selling your home is this: Don't put in a pool just to get your home sold faster. Yes, 'tis the season for pools and everyone loves the idea of a pool, but no buyers wants to pay you the same amount of money that you put into installing the pool. Now, if you're going to stay in the home for awhile and you want a pool, then great! Put in the pool and invite me over for a summer time pool party! :) If you and your family will enjoy the pool, then put one in. I don't want to discourage you from having a pool, I only want you to be prepared for the fact that you probably won't get out of it what you p...
More About: Pool , Pools

Hot Tubs - should they stay or should they go?
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Should hot tubs stay or go with your property??OK, maybe I should be embarrased, but this is me in a Hot Tub and I love it! This entire podcast was taped from the hot tub! :) Click on the picture to see the video.I tell my clients, that if you have a hot tub and you are selling your house you should not leave it with the property...take it with you. There are several reasons why you should take it with you when you sell your home. One reason is: hey, you enjoyed it while you were living in your old home, you'll enjoy it in your new home! If you don't have a place for it in your new home, then look at it this way: you'll get more for it by selling it in the paper or to a friend than you would if you included it in the sale of your home. Secondly, if the buyers of your new home really want the hot tub, then they will write it up in the contract and request that it stays with the home. You can either sell it with your home, or sell it outside of the contract, afterall it is ...
More About: They , Should , Stay

New Listing! Exquisite 4BR in Ozark, MO!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Paul Dizmang listed a new property last week at $299,900. It's beautiful and it's in Ozark, the address is 2108 N. 9th Street. Built in 2002, and inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, this beautiful home features many quality upgrades like a floor to ceiling curved glass block that graces the entry way of this home. I've added some pictures here and you can go to www.getpaul.com if you want more information.
More About: Site , List , Listing , Sting

Now Taking Applications!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Thanks to "Latisha" who left a comment on Podcast Alley for me requesting information on how to process an application for rent. Finding a Tenant for your investment property should be handled with great care. You do not want a ?blind-date? experience with your Tenant. This means that you need to know as much as you possibly can about a potential Tenant before you even show them the property.That?s right?before you show them the property.When a prospective Tenant calls, you need to have your questions ready. I suggest having an actual written down script so that you do not forget to ask all of the questions.Question #1: Always ask for a first name, last name, and phone number of the person calling. Never agree to show a home without this information.Question #2+: Ask all of the ?W? questions---who, what, where, when & why?2a) Who?will be living in the property?(Is it you, a spouse, the kids?)2b) What?kind of pets do you have?2c) Where?do you work? (Do they have a stable job?)2d) Whe...
More About: Applications , Cat , King , Application , Taking

That's Hot! Dizmang Associates Real Estate has lau...
2007-02-07 05:32:02
That's Hot!Dizmang Associates Real Estate has launched their new web site! Don't miss it! Go to www.getpaul.com because it's hot & sizzlin'!
More About: Real Estate , Hat , Soci , State

HANG IN THERE
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Almost everyone in Southwest Missouri was effected by the recent ice storm and most are tired of even talking about it. Obviously some were hit harder than others and there are still people trying to recover from the damage, financial hardship, and displacement suffered. The emergency management agencies, police and fire departments, utility companies, road crews, volunteers and neighbors have performed exceptionally and are to be commended for their efforts.Without prolonging this subject any further, I just want to say HANG IN THERE and don't lose heart. We will have the scars on the landscape for a long time but we will all recover sooner or later. If you know a neighbor who needs help, give that neighbor a hand. Maybe you can remove the debris in your lawn and help one or two other households with theirs.If you live in the Sprinfield area and still need assistance of some kind, here are a few of the numbers you might want:The American Red Cross Disaster Services (417) 832-9500 ...
More About: Here , There , Hang

Sticking Together Like Ice
2007-02-07 05:32:02
A really bad ice storm hit Springfield late Friday night January 12 and we survived (barely) 3 waves of the storm. The roads are fine, just a little wet, but the ice that has accumulated on the trees has caused huge problems. Downed trees and power lines has put this city at a standstill. At one point almost 90% of Springfield was completely without power and/or heat. And there are still over 65,000 residents that are still out of power and are going on Day 5 of no power now.As a property management firm, we not only had our own homes and families to worry about, but we also had approximately 140 other rental homes to take care of. We're not out of the woods yet, but we banded together as a team and we went out in the storms and cut down tree limbs out of power lines and checked on our Tenants. Afterall, that's what our Owners pay us for, right?2007 has certainly started off with a bang for us. First with the major house fire on the 5th of January, and now this major ice problem o...
More About: Together , King , Stick , Like , Tick

Careless Smoking by Tenants Causes Fire
2007-02-07 05:32:02
It's rare that an unfortunate event such as a fire consumes a property.On January 5, 2007 around 4am, it happened to us.Working in the property management business for over 20 years, this is the first fire we've had to deal with.The local tv stations were on the scene and reported the fire very early in the morning. We figured that the first phone call we should make is to the owner of the property before they saw it on the news and wondered why we hadn't yet called them.Our other top priority was to find the 2 Tenants that were living in the property and make sure that they were okay.As we sifted thru the bystanders in awe of the burning building, we sorted out the details of how this happened. The fire had obviously started in the garage and we have now figured out it was because the young college students living in the property had a party where everyone was smoking in the garage. Someone's cigarette started the garage on fire. The sad part in all of this was that the 2 colle...
More About: Care , Smoking , Fire , King , Causes

A MUCH BETTER VALUE WITHOUT SPENDING ONE EXTRA DIME
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Most people, other than surgical specialists, would have a hard time performing a liver transplant. Most of us, with the exception of trained & experienced CPA's, would be at a loss in auditing the accounting books of a major business. Very few brave souls, save the elite of all basketball players, could keep pace with NBA players for an entire season. Relatively speaking, just a very tiny percent of the population could actually perform any of these tasks. Only those with some natural attributes, training, determination, and perserverance make it to the big stage of surgery, financial analysis of mega-companies, and even the National Basketball Association.It is true that a considerable percentage of the population could attempt one or more of the skillful activities mentioned, but that is not the topic on which I want to write. Believe it or not, I am trying to make a point about the unknown value of a Realtor when you buy a house, condo, commercial property, or whatever. I think...
More About: With , Spending , Ending , Better , Much

Opening the "Hiring-A-Sub-Contractor" Can of Worms
2007-02-07 05:32:02
The best way to prevent yourself from getting taken by a sub-contractor is to plan ahead and get it all in writing ahead of time. I'm not talking about just getting the bid of what the sub is going to charge you, but the date that they will complete the project by, and also get all of their personal info so that you can reach them. You'll also need that information to file your taxes at the end of the year...but let's stick to one can of worms at a time! :)See the video podcast here!We had a bad sub-contractor experience this last weekend. We had a Tenant scheduled to move in to one of our properties on December 1st and a couple days prior to her moving in, we realized that the carpet in the property needed to be changed. So we hired a sub-contractor to do the job. And yeah, it's embarassing to admit...but we got took. He didn't finish the job, and we had to put the very unhappy Tenant (who came from out of state with a big truck and lots of family to help unload it in their ne...
More About: Open , Worms , Worm , Opening , Contract

Setting Ground Rules for Hiring Sub-Contractors, Part 2
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Since my last blog post, I've given a lot of thought to the hiring a sub-contractor. I know, I know...like I said in the first post on this subject...I've opened the can of worms. :)Click here to see Part 2 Video Podcast!I've thought about all of the ground rules that it takes in just getting started with hiring a sub-contractor to assist you in some of the maintenance of your rental properties. And I have found that things are much easier for my company if you have all of your forms in place. First you want to start with a "General Information" Form. Get a form filled out by the sub-contractor that has them fill out their name, address, phone number and tax ID or social security number. At the end of the year, you will have to file a 1099 IRS tax form which will require a tax ID or social security number of the sub-contractor. It's good to know what this 1099 IRS form is and be prepared for it by getting the information before you write the first paycheck to the sub so that you...
More About: Ground , Actors , Contract , Ring , Rules

National Association of REALTORS Annual Convention
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Paul, Jessica and Jay attended the Nation al Association of REALTORS annual convention in New Orleans that was held November 9-13, 2006. Almost 20,000 REALTORS from around the world attended this conference and expo. There were so many things going...the General Session had the guest speakers of the former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. It was standing room only, so we didn't get as many pics (or videos) as we had wanted. But the session was still very good. We visited the tradeshow floor and took many pictures of the different exhibitors and such. If you want to find out more about the trip and the things that were seen, e-mail us at: 417Dwellings@gmail.com. Let's just 2007 is going to be an awesome year!
More About: Realtors , Soci , Realtor

The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Are we really that wonderful, and if so what makes us so wonderful? This may sound like we?re a little full of ourselves and that certainly isn?t my intention, but are we, as a company, really as wonderful as people claim we are?Paul had a prospective tenant call on Friday and tell him that she was interested in renting one of our properties. She already had seen the property and wanted to turn in her rental application to us on Saturday, but we are closed on Saturday. She did not want to leave her application in the mailbox over the weekend, due to the sensitive personal information required to complete our application, of which we don?t blame her. So Paul told her to call me when she was ready to leave her application in the box and we would go up to the office and pick it up so that it wasn?t left in the box over the weekend.So on Saturday afternoon, I hadn?t heard from her but I had to go into the office. She hadn?t left her application in the box yet, so I got my work done and ...
More About: Great , Read , Bread , Test , Thing

Hide & Seek!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Ever feel like you?re playing Hide -N-Seek with your real estate agent??My buyer?s agent, Jay Reasor, wrote the following and did his own video podcast on finding the right real estate agent. Check it out and let me know what you think. --Paul Dizmang height="271" codebase='http://www.apple.com/qtactivex/ qtplugin.cab'> controller="true" loop="false" pluginspage='http://www.apple.com/quickti me/download/'> Today I?m going to help you find the right Buyer?s Agent by looking into 3 specific areas:First?we?ll discuss the internet with all of the traffic & congestion and it?s impact on your search for the right agent.From there I want to explain how to navigate your way through the internet traffic in the most efficient way.Finally, I?ll give you some fundamental steps in choosing an agent and then arriving at your destination safely and sanely.Wading through the b...

Blogging Tomato Comments
2007-02-07 05:32:02
I read many blogs every day, especially ones related to the real estate industry.(Click here to see my video on this!)Yeah?I know what you?re thinking?duh Paul?you?re a REALTOR, of course you read about your industry. Now chances are, there are a lot of you out there that subscribe to my podcast that are REALTORS yourself, so I feel the need to point out one particular blog that I have really enjoyed reading.The Real Estate Tomato. Wow, great information. I encourage all of you REALTORS out there to check it out. But how this relates to everyone else out there that doesn?t care for blogs that cater specifically to REALTORS, is that their latest post questioning if ?Big Brother? is dead involves everyone?REALTORS, Buyers, Sellers, Owners, Tenants and Investors and it involves you too.In the world of blogging & wikipedia entries, everyone works together to bring their videos, their pictures from their camera phones, and their own comments on blog posts to form a real and true pict...
More About: Blogging , Men , Blog , Comments , Comment

Comparing Apples to Apples
2007-02-07 05:32:02
It's amazing how often we see this logo and don't even think twice about it. Now do you know the difference between a REALTOR and a Real Estate Agent?Let's compare apples to apples...REALTOR to Real Estate Agent...first of all REALTORS are associated with the National Association of REALTORS. This is a good thing because all REALTORS have to abide by a strict code of ethics. Therefore, you want a REALTOR to represent you in your real estate transaction because you know that they are held accountable to this code of ethics which includes how they should represent you, as their client.So I'm sure you're thinking, how do I choose a REALTOR? Just because they are associated with the National Association of REALTORS, does that mean that they are a good REALTOR? No it does not necessarily mean that they will be a good agent for your real estate transaction. There are 9 Magical questions that you should ask when you are interviewing agents to assist you. Always ask these questions, wh...
More About: Apple , Comp , Ring , Apples , Compa

NEW LISTING! 3865 W. Ridgeway in Springfield, MO!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Paul Dizmang has done it again, listed another property. 3865 W. Ridge way in Spring field, MO is a beautiful home with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 2 car garage, fenced backyard and many upgrades. You can always get more info by going to Paul's web site at www.getpaul.com.
More About: List , Ring , Listing

NEW LISTING! 4BR, 2BA newer home in Nixa, MO
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Paul Dizmang and Dizmang Associates has listed a newer home in Nixa, Missouri just south of Springfield. This beautiful 4 bedroom home is a rare find in this price range. List ed at $124,900, this home features a brick front, 2 car garage, 10' ceilings in the living room and a spacious kitchen/dining area. Click on the link to see more or go to www.getpaul.com for more information.
More About: Home , Listing , Sting , Gathering

Real Estate Curve Ball
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Video Taped on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 for Game 3 of Baseball World SeriesThis podcast has absolutely nothing to do with real estate or property management but all about the baseball world series. This is a very unbiased, neutral (go Cards!) video about how Paul is headed off to the world series with his good buddy. 10-4 Good Buddy on the tickets, nice work and truly appreciated! :)
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Curve , State , Real

HANG IN THERE
2007-02-07 00:58:00
Almost everyone in Southwest Missouri was effected by the recent ice storm and most are tired of even talking about it. Obviously some were hit harder than others and there are still people trying to recover from the damage, financial hardship, and displacement suffered. The emergency management agencies, police and fire departments, utility companies, road crews, volunteers and neighbors have performed exceptionally and are to be commended for their efforts.Without prolonging this subject any further, I just want to say HANG IN THERE and don't lose heart. We will have the scars on the landscape for a long time but we will all recover sooner or later. If you know a neighbor who needs help, give that neighbor a hand. Maybe you can remove the debris in your lawn and help one or two other households with theirs.If you live in the Sprinfield area and still need assistance of some kind, here are a few of the numbers you might want:The American Red Cross Disaster Services (417) 832-9500 ...
More About: Hang

Sticking Together Like Ice
2007-01-17 04:08:00
A really bad ice storm hit Springfield late Friday night January 12 and we survived (barely) 3 waves of the storm. The roads are fine, just a little wet, but the ice that has accumulated on the trees has caused huge problems. Downed trees and power lines has put this city at a standstill. At one point almost 90% of Springfield was completely without power and/or heat. And there are still over 65,000 residents that are still out of power and are going on Day 5 of no power now.As a property management firm, we not only had our own homes and families to worry about, but we also had approximately 140 other rental homes to take care of. We're not out of the woods yet, but we banded together as a team and we went out in the storms and cut down tree limbs out of power lines and checked on our Tenants. Afterall, that's what our Owners pay us for, right?2007 has certainly started off with a bang for us. First with the major house fire on the 5th of January, and now this major ice problem o...

A MUCH BETTER VALUE WITHOUT SPENDING ONE EXTRA DIME
2006-12-13 22:07:00
Most people, other than surgical specialists, would have a hard time performing a liver transplant. Most of us, with the exception of trained & experienced CPA's, would be at a loss in auditing the accounting books of a major business. Very few brave souls, save the elite of all basketball players, could keep pace with NBA players for an entire season. Relatively speaking, just a very tiny percent of the population could actually perform any of these tasks. Only those with some natural attributes, training, determination, and perserverance make it to the big stage of surgery, financial analysis of mega-companies, and even the National Basketball Association.It is true that a considerable percentage of the population could attempt one or more of the skillful activities mentioned, but that is not the topic on which I want to write. Believe it or not, I am trying to make a point about the unknown value of a Realtor when you buy a house, condo, commercial property, or whatever. I think...
More About: Spending , Extra

Opening the "Hiring-A-Sub-Contractor" Can of Worms
2006-12-09 15:14:00
The best way to prevent yourself from getting taken by a sub-contractor is to plan ahead and get it all in writing ahead of time. I'm not talking about just getting the bid of what the sub is going to charge you, but the date that they will complete the project by, and also get all of their personal info so that you can reach them. You'll also need that information to file your taxes at the end of the year...but let's stick to one can of worms at a time! :)See the video podcast here!We had a bad sub-contractor experience this last weekend. We had a Tenant scheduled to move in to one of our properties on December 1st and a couple days prior to her moving in, we realized that the carpet in the property needed to be changed. So we hired a sub-contractor to do the job. And yeah, it's embarassing to admit...but we got took. He didn't finish the job, and we had to put the very unhappy Tenant (who came from out of state with a big truck and lots of family to help unload it in their ne...
More About: Worms , Opening , Hiring