As winter fades into spring, it’s time to assess any concerns caused by Michigan’s harsh seasonal shifts and address them before they escalate. During our bi-annual inspections, we carefully evaluate how winter conditions may have affected your property. Our goal is to bring potential issues to your attention early, helping you make informed decisions that prevent costly repairs down the line. Here are some key areas we review and why approving timely maintenance can help protect your investment.
Roof and Gutters
Winter storms, heavy snow, and ice accumulation can take a toll on roofs and gutters. During our inspections, we conduct a ground-level assessment for any missing, loose, or curling shingles that could lead to interior water damage if left unaddressed. Even a small roof issue can allow moisture to seep in, leading to mold growth, insulation damage, and expensive repairs.
We also check for clogged or sagging gutters that might be obstructing proper drainage. If gutters can’t direct water away from the home, it can pool around the foundation, increasing the risk of basement leaks and structural damage. Approving recommended cleaning and repairs now can help protect both the roof and the integrity of the home.
Foundation and Exterior Upkeep
The same freeze-thaw cycle that causes potholes in Michigan roads can wreak havoc on a home’s foundation, leading to new cracks or the expansion of existing ones. While minor cracks may not seem urgent, they can allow moisture to seep in, weakening the structure over time. Addressing these issues early can prevent costly structural repairs and help maintain the long-term stability of your property.
Beyond the foundation, we also take a close look at the home’s exterior, including siding, paint, and trim. Harsh winter conditions can cause paint to peel and siding to develop mildew, both of which can lead to long-term deterioration. Approving power washing, repainting, or minor exterior repairs not only improves curb appeal but also helps prevent damage that could become more costly if left unchecked.
Landscaping
Spring is the ideal time to trim overgrown trees, remove saplings, and cut back bushes before they cause property damage. Branches hanging too close to the home can scrape against siding, clog gutters with leaves, or break off during storms, potentially damaging the roof or windows.
Additionally, unchecked vegetation near the foundation and roof can create hidden entry points for rodents like squirrels and raccoons. Approving routine landscaping maintenance now can prevent these issues before they become larger, more expensive problems.
We’re Here to Help
Our inspections help identify areas of concern, but ultimately, we leave it to you to decide whether to proceed with necessary repairs. Taking a proactive approach by approving suggested maintenance can help protect your investment, reduce future repair costs, and improve tenant satisfaction by preventing unexpected issues.
Approvals can be done easily and within minutes by notifying our team via the Property Meld messaging, which will send your approval directly to the team member who can begin initiating the work. Looking for a quote before you approve the work? Let us know! We’ll gather quotes from our internal team or one of our vetted vendors.
Would you like to upgrade from bi-annual inspections to quarterly inspections for even earlier detection of maintenance concerns? Let us know! We’re happy to accommodate more frequent inspections to help ensure your property stays in top condition year-round. Let us take care of the details, so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is well-maintained.
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.
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.
Cristina joined United Properties as the Accounting and Billing Team Lead 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 joined United Properties in 2020 as a Service Coordinator and then later transitioned to the Collections team, where his customer service shines. Rick has an extensive background in customer service and enjoys being able to resolve issues. He and his wife are raising their two kids and in his free time, Rick enjoys making his own homemade jerky.
Harriet joined United Properties as a Accounting & Billing Specialist 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
Paulina joined United in early 2021 as a Leasing Assistant. She has a background studying social work, with several years of experience in customer service. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and loves to learn. Paulina enjoys small road trips and cold, rainy weather. Her dog is her 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 Conklin
Leo Lacson
Dhyana Aragon
Joksan Gomez
Soroya has been with United Properties since March 2025. Her problem-solving, time management, and communication skills help her shine when working collaboratively with tenants and prospects. She is currently pursuing a degree in Cyber Security at Davenport University. Thanks to her tech-savviness, she excels at navigating and troubleshooting common technology and software issues.
Marlon Joined United Properties in 2025 as a service coordinator. He arrived with solid experience in customer service, property management, and marketing. If you need assistance with either a new or a previous situation, he will be more than glad to help you. Depending on the season, he likes spending time outdoors, going hiking, or simply taking a stroll around town to see what’s new in the city.
Hector began his career in customer service in 2017, gaining valuable experience in client support and communication. In 2021, he transitioned into sales roles, where he developed a strong ability to drive results and build relationships. Since 2023, he has worked in maintenance, IT, and tech support, expanding his skills in troubleshooting, systems support, and hands-on problem-solving. His background combines over eight years of customer-facing roles with a growing expertise in technical support and operations.
Gar Allison joined United Properties as Director of Operations in August 2025. He brings a decade of experience, covering construction project management, supply chain, sales, marketing, and regulatory compliance. Before that, he spent five years as an Engines Sales Representative in Kansas City, MO, shortly after graduating from Davenport University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.