Smart Improvements are anything that will bring value to your rental property and make it more appealing to potential tenants. Not a lot of Grand Rapids property management companies will advocate for high quality products in all rental properties, but it’s something to consider if you want to be unique.
Recently, there was a fire in an investment property, and the house was located in a lower income area. The owner had to replace everything inside, and decided to install quartz countertops. A lot of people said that was crazy, but you can be certain that whoever moves into that house will stay there for a long time. If you can save one turnover, you might save $2,000 or $3,000, depending on how people take care of the house. So you’ll pay for those upgrades and improvements by reducing turnover. This isn’t to say you should put quartz countertops in every house you have in the city, but do it when you have an opportunity. In this case, a lot of students and nurses were moving into the area, so the owner knew that in the next five years, the tenant pool would include the type of clientele who looks for a house that stands out.
When it comes to improvements, a lot of people spend good money on carpet and paint but they ignore the countertops or they ignore the bathtub that needs re-glazing. For $300, you can re-glaze the tub and you’ll have something that looks decent. Replace the linoleum, because if you’re going to try to rent a house with old, broken tile and cracked plaster, you’ll get a tenant who cares about the property as little as you do. Those tenants move almost yearly.
Good property managers know that you cannot overbuild a house or lose money on improvements if you’re going to hold onto it for five or 10 years. You’ll get your money back over that time. When it comes to parts and supplies, don’t buy the cheap stuff. They’ll wear out faster and you won’t be able to find replacement parts in a few years. Be willing to spend a little more now. Make improvements that you would do in your own house. Think about the amenities you’re most comfortable with, and you’ll find the highest quality tenants. They will pay more and they will stay longer.
When you make improvements to your rental property, make sure they’re high quality improvements. If you have any questions about how to do this, contact us at United Properties.
Sergio joined United Properties in 2020. He is a graduate from Pickens Technical College as a Nurse Assistant and as a Small Animal Care Provider in 2010. In the past nine years, Sergio has had various jobs, all focused around customer service.
Eden joined United Properties in 2016. Eden graduated from Davenport University in 2015 with an Associate’s in Business Administration. She’s the Executive Assistant to the Owner of United Properties, with a focus on procedural documentation. She enjoys playing guitar, reading, and doing outdoor activities. Eden is trilingual and able to communicate in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. 
David joined the United Properties team in 2019 as the Director of Client Relations and Business Development. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading all leasing, application underwriting, tenant relations, accounts receivable, process improvement, remote workers, and general office functionality (essentially anything outside of maintenance and service). David comes from a longstanding career at a Fortune 15 company primarily in a sales and customer service leadership role.
Tim VandenToorn serves as Managing Partner of United Properties of West Michigan, working closely with our owners and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company. Tim also started United Realty, which serves as a brokerage for United Properties and assists investors with the acquisition of investment properties.
Matthew joined the United Properties in early 2020. He is a graduate of Lee University with a bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies and also a master’s in Discipleship and Christian Formation. Matthew serves as a project manager over the Rent Ready process. He has 20 years of construction experience and over 10 years of experience in leadership positions. He oversees a team of technicians and schedules outside vendors getting properties back to the United rent-ready standard so that they can be leased again.
Carla joined United Properties in late 2019 as a billing specialist. Carla ensures invoices are received from contractors and bills them out in a timely fashion.
Cristina joined United Properties as the billing assistant in October of 2020. She has experience as a technology professional, an English-Spanish translator, and has worked the past several years as the treasurer of her condominium.
Rick is one of the newest members of our team. He has an extensive background in customer service. He and his wife are raising their 4-year-old son. Rick loves beef jerky so much he makes his own.
Harriet joined United Properties as a billing assistant in February of 2021. She has experience as a bookkeeper and a Property Manager for a Real Estate account. She was a working student during her college days. Harriet loves cleaning because she thinks it is therapeutic. She also loves watching series during her free time, and she’s a fur mom of one dog. Her inspiration to work every day is her family.
Diego has an extensive background in customer service and, most recently in Maintenance and
My name is Paulina Gonzalez. I have been working for the company since early 2021. I studied social work and have 7 years of experience in customer service. I speak English and Spanish. I am very patient, and I like to ask a lot of questions to learn a lot. I enjoy small road trips and cold rainy weather. I have a 3-month-old puppy, and he is my favorite thing in the world.
Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial strategies and public accounting and is studying a masters in Blockchain and Fintech regulation. She has previous experience as a customer service representative. She speaks English and Spanish. She loves taking long walks with her three dogs, hiking and road tripping during the weekends.
Chris Good is new to the United Properties Team since June 2022 as a Business Development Manager. With years of experience in both the construction industry (Master Electrician) and the Real Estate industry (Broker), he will closely work with new and experienced investors to facilitate their real estate goals.
Melba Alvarez
Enrique Vergara (Henry)
Alyssa Lawrence
Mike Cleveland