What Is “ Normal Wear & Tear” Anyway?
“What exactly is considered Normal Wear & Tear?” Owners — and residents too, for that matter — ask this question all the time. Residents would usually prefer that absolutely nothing be charged against their security deposit. Owners would often prefer that every penny spent preparing the property to re-lease be paid from the ex-resident’s deposit. The correct answer is usually somewhere in between. Okay, don’t hit me… It just depends. ⏳ Length of Residency Matters How long did they live there? Did they take good care of the home? Those thing…
Continue Reading...Should I Do a Month-To-Month Lease?
At McCourt Property Management, we generally do not recommend month-to-month leasing as a standard practice. When we do allow temporary month-to-month arrangements, it is usually because we believe the timing or flexibility will ultimately benefit the owner strategically — whether by positioning the property for a stronger spring leasing season, accommodating an upcoming sale or renovation, or helping avoid a vacancy during a slower market period. In other words, month-to-month leasing is not something we approach casually. We try to use it tho…
Continue Reading...The 2026 Midland Rental Market: High Inventory, Oil Trends, and Investor Strategy
Greetings From McCourt Property Management, I want to give you a comprehensive update on current market conditions; what we are seeing, why it is happening, and what could cause it to change. If you are short on time, feel free to just check the highlights. Where We Are Today At present, February 24, 2026, there are 153 homes available for lease in our market. Last year at this time, there were only 76. Rental inventory has essentially doubled, which naturally creates more competition and longer marketing times. Home sales have also slowed. Alt…
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The Impact of Local Market Trends on Rental Pricing
Key Takeaways Local Trends Drive Rental Pricing: Economic conditions, supply and demand, and neighborhood features all play a major role in determining rental rates. Market Awareness Supports Better Decisions: Understanding shifts in demand and development helps landlords time pricing changes, investments, and sales effectively. Proactive Strategies Protect Profitability: Adapting to trends through upgrades, lease timing, and flexible terms can help maintain occupancy and maximize returns. Location is one of the most important factors influen…
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Tenant Estoppel Certificate
Key Takeaways Tenant Estoppel Certificates Confirm Lease Details: These documents verify essential lease information providing clarity for landlords, buyers, and lenders. They Reduce Transactional Risk: By confirming the current status of leases, estoppel certificates help prevent misrepresentation, support accurate property valuation, and protect all parties in sales, refinancing, or financing. Professional Support Simplifies the Process: Working with experts like McCourt Real Estate ensures landlords can efficiently collect and manage estopp…
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