Blog | McCourt Property Management

How to Minimize Vacancy Rates in Your Rental Properties

Vacancies are a normal part of managing rental properties. It’s perfectly reasonable for a unit to sit vacant between tenants, especially while preparing it for the next lease. This downtime allows landlords to clean, repair, and upgrade the space. However, if a vacancy stretches too long, it can negatively impact your finances and the long-term value of your investment. At McCourt Real Estate & Property Management, we know that a vacant property still incurs costs, such as cleaning, maintenance, marketing, and utility bills, without gene…

Rental Readiness Checklist

Is your property ready to be leased? At McCourt Property Management, we only lease properties that meet professional safety, cleanliness, and function standards. Before we can market your home or place a resident, the following items must be complete: 1. General Condition Home is clean, odor-free, and move-in ready All walls, ceilings, and baseboards are free of damage Interior paint is clean and professional (no touch-up blotches or mismatched areas) Floors are in good condition (no stained carpet, cracked tile, or uneven transitions) All win…

What to Know Before Leasing Your Home

At McCourt Property Management, we love helping homeowners turn their properties into successful, well-managed rentals. When it's done right, leasing can be a great way to build long-term wealth. But here’s the truth: not everyone is ready to be a landlord. If you're considering renting out your home—whether it's a former residence, an inherited property, or a long-term investment—there are a few important things to understand before we list it. Renting a Home Isn’t Passive Income. It’s Managed Income. Leasing your home isn't like setting up an…

Should I Allow Tenants to Paint My Rental Property?

Key Takeaways Allowing tenants to paint can increase satisfaction and long-term retention but comes with risks like damage or poor-quality work. Landlords can reduce potential issues by requiring professional painters, setting color guidelines, and having tenants repaint upon move-out. A clear landlord-tenant painting agreement helps balance tenant personalization with property protection. As a landlord, you’ll have to make certain difficult decisions when renting out property. Among these is whether or not to allow tenants to paint your ren…

Tax Season Tips for Landlords

Key Takeaways Maximize Deductions Through Tracking and Categorization: Save on taxes by carefully tracking all deductible expenses. It's essential to distinguish between repairs and improvements to avoid IRS issues and maximize tax benefits. Depreciation is a Powerful Tool: Depreciation allows landlords to reduce taxable income annually based on the property’s value, even if its market price increases. Professional Help is Key: Hiring a tax professional and partnering with a property management company can make tax season much less stressful.…