BPMA News

Landlords will try different approaches to finding tenants. For Beloit landlords, the use of craigslist as well as the BPMA website are both new and worthy aproaches. I wanted to weigh in on a new tool that I discovered through an article found on page 6 of the WAA magazine, September 2013. It describes recording a brief video of a vacancy, 2 to 3 minutes in duration, and uploading it to YouTube. Then, a link to the video can be placed on craigslist or wherever a landlord places his/her ads. I went ahead and recorded a walk-through of an apartment, without voice and concentrating on areas I thought were highlights of the apartment. Video
Different from past approaches, this approach seemed to attract only the most interested. Several people who filled out applications for tenancy mentioned the video and loved the apartment before ever stepping into it. In other words, they were already motivated to move in and the applications were the most complete and accurate that I've had in a while. YouTube provides statistics such as viewings, a valuable management tool. I had over 150 view the video but 7 actually filled out an application. 3 of these were accepted. 3 out of 7 is pretty good. Hope this helps. -- Manuel, Elder A Christian Temple

March BPMA Meeting

Guest Debbie Fischer with Transform Rock County presented the initiative Clear Gains, a smoke-free initiative. Reading material was handed out. If you are a multi-unit property owner, going smoke-free is trending as a popular alternative for renters. The reading material contained sample smoke-free policies, some legal info, second-hand smoke info, a step-by-step going smoke-free guide, enforcement tips, and quit-line info for smokers. Quit-line for smokers is 1-800-quit-now.
Wisconsin law prohibits smoking in "common areas".... check into it.
More info at Transform Rock County
or 608-757-5440

BPMA member Joe Hansen attended a tenant training class where only 2 tenants from the public showed up!!

We were visited by a new-comer to Beloit, an investor from Milwaukee who took over the Countryside complex. I am happy to see that someone is now working on those buildings.

Notice to BPMA Members. Free Webinar. "Understand​ing the Wisconsin Homestead Credit for Landlords and Property Managers."

2/27/2013 at 10 am

 

To Register CLICK HERE

 

More info Click here for Wisconsin DOR

 

 

Regular Meeting for January

A large group of landlords joined in tonight to hear Sheila DeForest speak a little on issues affecting code ordinances with the city. She will bring up concerns that the city will clarify on its code enforcement. Issues such as ceiling height, need for GFCI in bathrooms not undergoing remodeling, need for storm doors and 2yr stipulations on code orders being changed to 1 yr.

Sheila will determine whether the city will give landlords a discount on their rental permit fees upon successful completion of a landlord training course, one such being offered this year starting in February.

Member Wayne Gustina who also sits on a county board, mentioned that a lead detector will be made available for anyone to check out and use. The detector can seemingly be aimed at a wall and a lead reading can be made. More information will be available in February's meeting when guest Paul Benjamin will be speaking. Paul is a superintendent of planning and development.

A surprise visit was made by Teri Downing, Housing Services Director. A question/answer session followed. She mentioned that code inspectors/enforcers will be issued uniforms with clearly legible words indicating their function as code inspector.

Overall a great meeting tonight!