Articles from Christy Murdock

Author

A nationally-recognized freelance writer for entrepreneurship, real estate, and affiliated industries, focused on helping brands grow through premium content, thoughtful marketing strategies, coaching and consultation that is truly game-changing.

Agent

Rent vs Buy: the Pros and Cons

If you are working with renters who are doing some long-term financial planning, they might want to look at the difference between a home rental and home purchase. There are benefits and drawbacks of each strategy, and much depends on their lifestyle and financial fitness. Check out our rent vs. buy comparison and determine whether they’re ready to purchase a home or whether they need to continue renting for a little bit longer.

Christy Murdock

Author

Landlord

8 Rent Payment Options for Tenants

As a landlord or rental agent, you need to ensure that the rent is not only paid but paid on time. How can you ensure on-time payments while offering value-added options for your tenants? Here you’ll find eight different collection solutions so that you can facilitate prompt rent payments and communicate your tenants’ options for how to pay rent.

Christy Murdock

Author

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Agent

How long does it take for a TransUnion credit report to update?

When you’re implementing a screening report as part of your tenant approval process, you want to make sure that the information you gather is as up to date and accurate as possible. When you’re pulling information from a TransUnion credit report, it’s a good idea to know how long it takes for the report to update so that you can make better decisions based on relevant information.

Christy Murdock

Author

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Agent

What is the Best Site to Get a Free Credit Report?

Whether you’re pulling a credit report for your own use or have a potential tenant who wants a better understanding of their financial record, everyone is entitled to a free annual credit report. There are many services that offer access to these important financial records. Find out which is the best site for a free credit report and how to obtain the information you need.

Christy Murdock

Author

Landlord

What Should Be Included in a Lease Agreement?

There are many details that need to be included in a lease agreement in order to offset disagreements or discrepancies during the lease term. Find out what should be included in a lease agreement as well as what details are specific to the California standard lease agreement. In addition, you’ll find out what to do if there are changes or additions that come up after everyone has signed on the dotted line.

Christy Murdock

Author

Agent

What to Do If an Eviction Shows up on a SmartMove Report but Not Court Records

As part of your screening process, you’ll need a sense of your applicant’s rental background, including any evictions on their record. But what do you do if the eviction is not showing up on court records? We’ll guide you through the evaluation process for your applicant’s rental background check, tell you more about the eviction process, and help you decide whether their past challenges constitute a deal-breaking barrier to approval.

Christy Murdock

Author

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Agent

How to Create an Electronic Signature

Gone are the days when you had to run all over town to collect signatures and initials for a rental application or lease agreement. Technology provides a user-friendly solution in the form of e-signing or electronic signatures. Here you’ll learn how to create an electronic signature and what types of rules apply to this useful tech upgrade.

Christy Murdock

Author

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Landlord

Renters insurance in California vs. other states

Real estate and insurance laws can vary from state to state. That can have a significant impact on investors who own properties in multiple states, real estate professionals who are licensed in neighboring states, and renters who are relocating from one state to another. Here you’ll find information on renters insurance in California and learn more about the rules and regulations specific to The Golden State.

Christy Murdock

Author

Landlord

The best landlord insurance and the best renters insurance

Landlords have a vested interest in ensuring that the property they own is protected and that they themselves have sufficient coverage for loss and liability. Similarly, renters should be mindful of coverage for loss or damage to their personal property as well as their own personal liability in the event of an accident. Finding the best landlord insurance and the best renters insurance, then, ensures that each stakeholder is properly protected and enjoys greater peace of mind.

Christy Murdock

Author