By: Dave Dillon, Vice President of Renters Insurance Services for First Advantage SafeRent

By Chris Thorman

If a property owner has a growing number of properties, it’s inevitable that a day will come when they ask, “Should I outsource the day-to-day operations of my business to a property management company?”

Deciding when to outsource and which company to hire is one of the most important business decisions a property owner can make. Choose wisely, and an owner will be rewarded with the peace of mind that comes with responsible property management. Choose incorrectly, and an owner will be working harder after hiring a property management company.

Retail vacancy in the Portland-Vancouver metro will rise slightly this year as above-average unemployment weighs on store sales, according to the 2010 National Retail Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm. Although job growth will resume and fundamentals should bottom in late 2010, the elimination of more than 70,000 positions over the past two years will keep foot traffic low and delay meaningful leasing activity

By Eric Torkelson Managing Partner LaPorte & Associates

A study released recently by Utica College's Center for Identify Management and Information Protection (CIMIP) found that the median actual dollar loss for identity theft victims was $31,356. In 2006 the loss to business was well over 20 billion. The study pointed out that business as well as individuals are targets. It is not just the internet that is used to gain information.

Deputy Secretary Sims Takes Sustainable Communities Listening and
Learning Tour to Denver, Colorado

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Ron Sims, who is nationally recognized for his pioneering sustainable development work in King County, Washington, met with 135 citizens at the Denver HUD Region VIII Office to solicit ideas and feedback on how the Federal government can better partner with localities to create more sustainable communities.

SALT LAKE CITY – The most significant softening of fundamentals has already occurred in Salt Lake City, and operations in pockets of the metro will begin to stabilize later this year, with close-in retail corridors expected to stabilize ahead of the market, according to the 2010 National Retail Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm.

Our children are our most treasured possessions. Of course we would do anything to keep them safe, but we might not be able to see all the dangers that could harm them. There is a possibility of lead based paint hazards if the apartment they live in was built before 1978.

THE GOOD NEWS...
As an apartment owner, you may qualify for Salt Lake County’s Lead Safe Housing program. A grant program that provides FREE SERVICES to make your appartment building safe. A program with NO COST to you or your tenants!!