Unclogging a sink may appear to be easy to many however for the select few, we all might just need a bit of direction.

The items you will need are:

• A bucket
• Rubber Gloves
• Pliers or a Pipe Wrench

Whatever cause the sink to clog will soon be found out. Whether you are like many of our homes, it’s hair, gunk or even items that people allow to go down the sink.

To begin place the bucket under the curved part of the pipe, also known as the “P trap”. Making sure that you are wearing your gloves, grip the round metal part of the trap (also known as the slip nuts). Turn to loosen. If they seem hard to loosen, then it’s time for your pliers.

Then, once it is loose, grab your bucket and place under the p trap for any spills. Then, it’s time to clean it out by hand. Kinda sick huh? That is why we say to use the gloves.

After cleaning it all out reattach it all and tighten it up. Suggestion is – don’t use the pliers to tighten the pipe. You can tighten it too much and crack the pipe.

So, there you have it. The simplest way to tell you how to unclog a sink.

If you get a clogged sink, try this first before you put in a work order with your Tomball Property Management. It can’t hurt. BUT, remember if you damage the pipe or the sink or something floods – it’s on you – the tenant. BUT, if you are able to clean it out on your own, there won’t be any time out of your day waiting on Maintenance or having to be at your property.

Why not give it a shot?

As a Cypress TX Property Management company, Real Property Management Houston is pleased to have such wonderful properties as this one.

Welcome home to this stunning 3 bed/2.5 bath in Canyon Lakes West that is ready for move in with fresh paint and carpet! You will love the relaxing on the covered front porch! This gem opens up the main living area that boasts beautiful wood laminate floors with a powder room next to the stairs for guests! Through the living area you with find a large kitchen with an island, updated fixtures, 42” cabinets, and the fridge stays! The kitchen opens up to the breakfast area and spacious den. Upstairs you will find a large game room and oversized Master retreat with HUGE closet, dual sinks + Separate tub & shower! You will find your nice sized second and third rooms with plenty of natural lighting and closet space. The bedrooms are separated by the second full bath with a tub/shower combo! The washer and dryer stay! Enjoy the shade under the covered patio, play or entertainment in the large fully fenced backyard! Cy-Fair ISD Schools!! Great Neighborhood w/Parks, Trails, Pools, Splash pad + more! Hurry this one won’t last!

We were delighted to be chosen as one of the Top 3 Property Management Companies in the Houston area.

Three Best Rated helps consumers to find the best businesses in any city without any effort along with their complete information. They display all information you need to make the best choice. We are just thrilled that we have been chosen and will continue to work hard to keep this position.

Hurricane Harvey and Houston Property Taxes

It is now possible to pay your 2017 and 2018 property taxes in four installments, instead of one lump sum, if you were hit by Hurricane Harvey, according to Click2Houston News. Find out the details of Hurricane Harvey and Houston Property Taxes below.

Considering the devastating effect of the storm, this comes as great news to those affected. It is important to help those dealing with the aftermath of the storm and recover and rebuild. And according to Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick, this policy will not only lower appraisals and property taxes but it will spread out what is owed several months and eliminate penalties and interest.

This disaster re-appraisal means that those with damaged homes and business would not be assessed for property taxes on the value of their property before Hurricane Harvey hit. Also eligible for this option are single-family homes, Houston residential properties with no more than four units and small businesses.

In order to make pay your property taxes in installments, you must take the following measures:

• By January 31, you must pay 25 percent of your property tax bill and inform your local taxing unit you intend to pay the balance in installments.
• The second 25 percent payment is due on March 31.
• The third 25 percent payment is due on May 31.
• The final 25 percent payment is due on July 31.

Make sure that you understand and know the details about the updates regarding Hurricane Harvey and Houston Property Taxes. It is your right to take advantage of these new updates if you live in the Houston area.

303 Hawthorne St, Houston, TX 77005

Westmoreland Historic District Home Rental

You cannot pass this one up. This Westmoreland Historic District Home Rental is everything you would want. This 1920 Arts & Crafts home has a huge front porch for your rocking chairs,lovely hardwoods throughout, new everything, without sacrificing the character stainless steel and granite kitchen. This Houston home rental is located between Midtown and Montrose in Westmoreland historic district with access to all the best Houston has to offer. City living with historic appeal, plus all the modern conveniences-You’ve just found perfection.

If interested call Real Property Management Houston today at 713/830-1888. See additional photo’s at www.HoustonRPM.com

Katy Property Management Upgrades to Consider

If you’re looking to upgrade your Katy property to get it ready for new tenants or to curb its appeal, consider these best Katy property management tips.

Make the front yard appealing

Trim those overgrown grass, shrubs, and weeds or hire a professional to help give the outside of your home a clean, beautiful look.  Plant some flowers and Replace that flimsy small knob on your main entry door with an elegant handle-and-lock set to signal to the potential buyer that this is a solid home. Make your steel front door more appealing by painting or faux finishing it.

Apply a fresh new paint

Because the home has been lived, the possibility of walls getting stained or paint coming off corners is imminent. Repaint your walls to a neutral color to give it a fresh new look and feel.

Add new appliances

To spruce up your home and increase its value, consider replacing your appliances with new, modern ones. Replace those boring recessed lights in your living and dining room with eye-catching chandelier. Also, make inexpensive ceiling fixtures by purchasing replacement fan blades to make ceiling fan light and desirable

Replace old flooring

Ensure that your carpet or linoleum looks cleaner and in good shape. If possible, consider hiring professional carpet cleaning service for thorough cleaning and care. Cover the carpet with inexpensive, but neat rugs if the carpet is showing serious wear. A new floor makes your new tenants feel like they’re in a brand new home.

Conduct mechanical fixes

Fix blinds in windows by either taking out the blinds or putting new ones. Also, install neat curtains to boost the functionality of your home. Hire an electrician to do the electrical services such as checking wrap or loose wires, faulty outlets and malfunctioning circuits. You should also get a plumber to check for a fix water leaks, bath systems, and the kitchen sink.

If you own a home in the area and are thinking of using it as a investment, think of those Katy Property Management Upgrades to Consider. It will certainly add value to your home if you are considering selling and if you are thinking of renting it out, it might just bring in some extra income by adding those touches.

If you are looking for a Katy property management company, consider using Real Property Management Houston, call 713/830-1888 and talk to one of our Katy Property Management specialist.

If you own a home and are thinking of using it as a rental home there are certain Rental Home Killers that can distract future tenants which in turn can mean that your home is for rent longer than what you might can afford. At Real Property Management Houston, our motto is – Every day that your home is vacant is money out of your pocket.

If future tenants are distracted and cannot see or vision themselves in your property they potentially will walk away. Making your home attractive to people looking for a rental is a must and that could include some good staging of the home. Below are some good Rental Home Killers that you might want to think about.

Clutter Clean Out

The goal of showing a rental home is to show that the home has great potential for the person viewing it. Although you might have grandma’s quilt on the wall and it means alot – the potential resident might not think it’s as special as you do. Remove items that are personal and keep furniture that can assist in making the home look comfortable and attractive. 

Neutral Colors

Make sure that the wall color in the home is neutral and not bold bright colors. If you are not going to allow the tenant to change the colors on the walls, chances are they are going to walk away from the purple or pink wall colors and mark your home off the list. We cannot emphasize enough that the home needs to be viewed as workable and with potential for the future renters.

Keep it Tidy

It is pretty common sense that no one is going to see the potential in your rental home if they are concerned with the cleanliness of the property. Make sure to have the floors clean and walls wiped down. If you are providing the refrigerator make sure that it is clean. Wipe down shelves in pantry areas and bathroom and kitchen drawers. Clean up any bugs and cobwebs and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go ahead and have a pest control service and cleaning service come out and service it once.

The biggest rental home killers are a dirty and cluttered home. Think of ways that your Houston Rental Home can be the most attractive to people and make those much needed fixes. You may spend some money but in the long run you will bring more traffic to your home making it rent faster.

If you are in need of a Houston Property Management Company to avoid many of these hassles, call Real Property Management Houston today at 713-830-1888.

What Are Your Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities?

Texas law stipulates specific maintenance responsibilities of landlord and tenants so that in case something breaks in the units, both parties know their obligations. In this post, we look at maintenance responsibilities in Texas rentals for tenants. So, exactly what are your tenant maintenance responsibilities?

Landlords are required to specify in the lease the specific responsibilities and expectation of tenants regarding the property.  Tenants need to read and understand the lease agreement fully before they occupy the rental unit.

Generally, it’s landlord’s responsibility to make repairs or remedy a specific condition notified by a tenant to the landlord, if the tenant is current on their rent. This duty of repair does not apply if the conditions are caused by the tenant or a member of the tenant’s family.

A general statement of Lease Agreement stipulates that “Tenant shall not destroy, deface, damage, impair or remove any part of the Premises or surrounding property, nor permit any person under Tenant’s direction or control to do so.”

Specific tenant responsibilities to be included in the Lease Agreement include:

• Comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of all municipal, county and state codes, statutes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Be responsible for cleaning and routine maintenance
• Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and in good condition.
• Notify landlord immediately of any defects, maintenance issues, or dangerous conditions of which tenant becomes aware.
• Dispose promptly of all rubbish, garbage, and other waste
• Properly use and operate any electrical, gas and plumbing fixtures, and keep them safe as clean and sanitary as their conditions permit.

Many problems between tenants and landlords occur because the lease agreement has been breached or either party is unaware of his/her rights under the law. As a result, the maintenance responsibility section of the lease agreement is critical to avoid these problems while protecting both the landlord and the tenant.

As mentioned in our Room by Room Light Bulb Guide blog previously, there are many options for you as a consumer for your rooms in your home. This blog we will discuss light bulbs that have special “feels”, and some Light Bulb safety recommendations.

Here are some Light Bulbs that give you a special feel to your home. These Light Bulbs have that special talent that others don’t.

Sleep Better Bulb – The GE C Sleep Smart Bulb might be a bit more expensive than a regular bulb however there are many perks in having this bulb. This particular bulb can be controlled with your smartphone. For nighttime, it can provide you with a warmth and calmness for sleep that doesn’t interfere with the production of Melatonin. If you are unfamiliar with Melatonin, this natural sleep hormone assists in good sleep and productive sleep patterns. This Sleep Better Bulb costs about $20 dollars and can be found at any of your local home improvement stores. Of course there are other bulbs available out there to assist in your sleeping so choose the one that fits your particular budget and needs.

The No Bug Bulb – If you have a covered patio that you like to enjoy in the evenings, you know all about those flying bugs all around the light. These critters are drawn to the light and fly around dipping and hitting things – at times they can swoop at you not creating a nice and enjoyable time on your patio. This particular No Bug Bulb is a yellow color and the coating makes it hard for most flying insects to see.

The Party Bulb – If you use your home to entertain and or have many family gatherings in your home this bulb is a great alternative to a normal bland white bulb. Again, you can use your smartphone to change the hues of the bulb and even can sync to your music. This bulb is pricey no doubt however, your home will definitely be the talk of your friends.

Do you ever have a great lamp but it doesn’t put off as much light as you would like? Do you really have to follow those instructions that are taped to the cord of the lamp??? Answer is YES and you should!! The manufacturer of the lamp knows how much heat the fixture can stand without damage to the socket and wiring. PLUS, it could be a fire hazard if you exceed the recommended wattage.

Lighting of course is a big deal in your home or even your office. We all have to buy light bulbs but choosing the right one for each room is important to make your days easier.  If you are interested in a Room by Room Light Bulb Guide, you can read read our previous blog Room by Room Light Bulb Guide Part I.

Houston: Water Heater Maintenance – Clean Your Air Filter

Water heater maintenance is fairly straightforward, and many property owners in Houston know how to do the basics, such as flushing the tank twice per year, checking the anode rod, and other aspects. However, many property owners either do not know about or forget about the air filter, which is often a black mesh ring circling the bottom of your water heater. This air filter helps keep dust and other grime from getting into your heater’s heating system. However, dust will build up on this filter, and this reduces the air flow to your heater, creating a less efficient heater since your heater requires air to ‘breathe’. You should clean the filter each time you flush your tank. Cleaning your filter only takes a few minutes and requires no special tools. Follow these steps:

Turn Off Gas/Pilot Light

You do not want any dust flowing up into your heater while you are cleaning, so shut off the gas flow first.

Remove Filter

The filter is kept in place with a simple catching mechanism. Find the catch mechanism, undo, and remove from your heater’s bottom.

Clean

To clean your filter, you can use compressed air to blow away the excess dust. If you don’t have an air compressor, then lay out your filter on the ground, and then spray with water until the dust is removed.

Dry

If you use water to clean your filter, then hang your filter to dry, or wipe down with a cloth.

Put Filter Back in Place

Once your filter is dry, replace underneath your water filter by stretching around the bottom, and then using the grasp mechanism to secure. Check on all sides to ensure that your filter is sitting properly and without any gaps to allow dust through.