Author: Hometown Development

If you own a rental property, chances are you’ve dealt with at least one problem tenant. The good news is that one bad tenant is manageable and you can probably resolve the issue with ease. The bad news is that one bad tenant can quickly escalate to two, three, or even four bad tenants — and that’s when things start getting overwhelming. 

If it seems like you’re constantly dealing with problem tenants, you might be wondering what you can do. Below are some common types of problem tenants paired with recommendations on what you can do about them. 

5 Types of Problem Tenants

The first step to successfully managing problem tenants is to know what a problem tenant is. When you choose to manage a property, you should be proactive in understanding certain indicators to look out for, and certain types of behaviors that are red flags. 

To illustrate this point, here are a few fictional problem tenant personas to watch out for.

1. Missed Payment Mike

As you could likely guess, the most common type of problem tenant is one who misses or partially pays a rent payment. While you may be able to grant Mike some flexibility and patience with payment deadlines once or twice, it can’t be an ongoing issue. Otherwise, you’re left without the money you need to own and manage the property successfully. 

2. Subletting Susie

Subletting isn’t always a problem, but it can be in certain circumstances like: 

• If you, as the property manager, don’t allow it — and that’s written in your contract. 
• If your tenant doesn’t fill out the property subletting paperwork. 
• If your tenant invited unauthorized roommates and guests for long-term stays.

3. Property Damage Pam

From holes in the wall, to disarmed smoke detectors, to carpets full of cat urine, some rental property managers truly have seen it all. Property damage can include broken items, negligence in cleaning, and unapproved improvements or DIY projects. Unauthorized upgrades or damages can result in you having to pay more or having to pester your tenants to fix the issue themselves.

4. Law Breaker Lenny

If your tenants are breaking laws, or if you fear for you and other tenants’ safety, you should first call the police. Any practices that are legally restricted in your area should be reported as soon as you are aware of them. This includes anything from illegal drug usage and sales to illegal possession of weapons.

5. Complainer Carly

Your tenants have a right to complain about pertinent issues with the property, or if something isn’t working properly. However, there is a line that needs to be drawn. Your tenants shouldn’t be constantly bothering you with complaints about tedious things like the color of paint on the wall or a small scratch on their door. 

How to Deal with Problem Tenants

Managing a rental property is a difficult task in and of itself. It can quickly become a full-time job with all of the duties you’re responsible for. When you add dealing with bad tenants to the list, it can be too much. 

Here are some ideas on how to deal with problem tenants and nip problematic behaviors in the bud — relieving you of some of the stress. 

Revamp Your Contract

If you haven’t done so already, take a second look at your contracts and lease agreements. They should be specific about what the expectations are if a tenant chooses to live at your property, as well as what the consequences will be if they fail to meet them. That way, you always have something concrete to fall back on in the case of an unfortunate situation. 

Your best bet with nailing down a solid contract and lease agreement is to work with a legal professional. Find a lawyer who is experienced in real estate — specifically in rental properties — and have them revise your contract so all of your bases are covered. 

Do Background Checks

You should always screen your tenants before allowing them to live at your property. Their financial and criminal history can tell you a lot about what kind of tenant they may be, and if you’re willing to work with them or not. 

It’s important to conduct background checks through a trusted resource. This way, you can ensure the information is accurate and you can avoid evaluating applicants with any unfair or biased criteria. 

Conduct Tenant Interviews

Aside from a background check, you can choose to take it a step further and conduct an interview with each tenant interested in living at your property. Schedule a 30-minute meeting, meet with them face-to-face, and ask them a list of questions related to their life on your property. 

Similarly, it’s important here to get legal assistance while creating a screening questionnaire. This way, you’ll ensure you and your team aren’t prejudiced in making your decision. 

Perform Routine Inspections

If you’ve had problems with any of the tenant problems listed above, you may want to start performing routine inspections in each of the units you manage. You can then keep closer tabs on what’s happening at your property and identify problems early on. 

Your inspection list could include looking at things like: damage, unauthorized guests, unauthorized pets, and any illegal activity. It’ll also help you keep better track of what maintenance items need to be done. 

Serve Eviction Notices According to State Laws

Eviction is often the last resort option. However, in some cases, it’s necessary. If your tenant has given you justifiable reason for eviction, make sure you document all arguments for eviction and put together all the necessary paperwork beforehand. Follow the eviction process according to state laws, otherwise you could end up being sued for wrongful eviction. 

What to Do When You’re Out Of Options

If you’ve worked through each of the options above and are still having troubles, or if you’re not willing to try the options in the first place, you might be looking for a different way out of property management. Your best bet? Sell. 

Selling your rental property can place the troubles into somebody else’s hands. And, yes, you can sell your rental property while tenants are living there, as long as you notify your tenants of a change in property management. 

While it may be hard to part with a rental property you worked so hard to manage, it also might be the best choice for you. You can remove a lot of the stress it brought and look forward to your next adventure. 

Sell Your Rental Property to Hometown Development

Sometimes the stress of problem tenants just isn’t worth dealing with anymore. If you’re ready to move on from managing your rental property, you can get it off your hands quickly by selling it to our team at Hometown Development. No realtors, repairs, or hassle — just a market-value cash offer in your pocket and an easy step to your next adventure. 

For more information on our hassle-free selling process, give us a call at (616) 379-3099 or contact us online.

Considering a career in the trades? Construction might just be the right path for you! Here’s a look at what working in construction is like, what requirements you may (or may not) need to meet, and what current opportunities are out there.

Why Construction? 7 Benefits

A career in construction can be rewarding in many different ways. Though it’s not the right field for everyone, it does offer a path to a profitable and promising career for many. 

Here are seven reasons why working in construction can be a great choice for the right person (you, maybe!).

1. It’s Easy to Get Started.

Not keen on college? No problem! You can start working in construction without any degree or work experience. 

Many construction companies will hire workers straight out of high school or with no formal education at all. You may start work as an apprentice or general laborer, then continue to learn the trade over the course of a few years before moving onto a role that requires more responsibility and experience. 

Bottom line: as long as you’re a hard worker and you’re willing to learn, most construction companies would be happy to add you to their team.

2. You Can Earn a (More Than) Liveable Wage.

In the construction industry, your pay will greatly vary depending on where you live, what trade you’re in, how many experiences you have, etc. But regardless of these factors, a career in construction can offer you a liveable, often very lucrative, wage. 

Aside from regular wages, most construction companies pay workers hourly, so there’s plenty of opportunity to cash in on overtime compensation. Also, you’ll reap the financial benefits of not paying for college or other secondary education if this is the path you choose early on.

3. There’s Great Job Security.

There is, and pretty much always has been, a shortage of skilled workers in all of the trades. From small-town residential contractors to commercial construction conglomerates, everybody needs workers. If you become one of them, it’s likely that you’ll be guaranteed a job for a long time. 

4. You’ll Stay Active.

Let’s face the facts: sitting at a desk all day, every day, isn’t most people’s dream. Not only does it make days dull, but it also poorly affects your health. Our bodies are designed to move — whether that be walking, running, stretching, lifting, or more. 

A job in construction will get you up and moving every day. This gives you more of a chance at being fit and healthy. While some trades are more physically demanding than others, you’ll never have trouble finding one that keeps you active. 

5. You’ll Never Get Bored.

A career in construction can offer you something new and exciting every day. Every project is different, and no two days are alike. There’s no need to worry about things getting monotonous. 

Whether you’re starting a new project, solving a new problem, learning new skills, or operating a new piece of machinery, the job is sure to give you something new to look forward to at all times.

6. You Can Work in a Team.

Construction work is teamwork. You’ll meet all sorts of new people with similar skills and interests as you — and you’ll all work together to accomplish and build something awesome. While you certainly don’t need to be an extroverted “people person,” you’ll never have to worry about your workdays being lonely and uneventful.

7. The Work Is Meaningful.

There’s something about good, honest work that is so meaningful. By working in construction, you’ll always be working on something that will solve a human need; something that people will use and enjoy every day. 

Whether you’re on a team that builds the homes we live in, the places we work in, the restaurants we gather in, or the roads we drive on, you’ll always feel a sense of pride, accomplishment, and intrinsic satisfaction from your work.

Common Construction Job Requirements

So what does it take to work in construction? Well, here are some of the most common requirements to get started. Keep in mind that these can vary based on company, trade, role, and more. 

• High school diploma (preferred, but not required)
• Similar work experience (preferred, but not required)
• Knowledge of basic engineering and construction principles (preferred, but not required)
• Willingness to learn
• Willingness to obtain relevant licensure to work with hazardous materials and machinery
• Willingness to be a team player
• Ability to analyze and solve work problems
• Ability to life construction materials and work in a construction environment

Working in Construction at Hometown Development

At Hometown Development, we offer unique job opportunities for those interested in working in construction. Below are a few benefits that make us stand out from other construction companies and employers. 

We Offer Ample Opportunities for Growth.

You don’t need any education or experience to join our team of construction professionals. We’ll provide you with the training you need to get started, then you’ll get hands-on experience every day as you work on a variety of projects. 

Throughout your time working with us, you’ll have tons of growth opportunities. If you’d like to define your own career path, continue to develop your skills, and do what you love every day, we’ll make that possible.

You Can Give Back to the Community You Love.

Our team is passionate about the West Michigan neighborhoods we work in. We see every project we take on as a chance to revitalize a unique home and increase the value of a neighborhood. 

At the same time, we’re often helping a homeowner move away from a troublesome home and onto a living situation that better fits their needs. All around, working with us is a unique and rewarding experience — we promise!

You’ll Be a Part of Incredible Transformations.

We flip houses, and we’re really good at it. Not to toot our own horn too much, but we’ve completed incredible transformations in hundreds of West Michigan homes. You can head to our Projects or Facebook page to see some of the before-and-after photos — they’re incredible!

By joining our team, you’d have your own part in helping these transformations come to life. You can put your own style and hard work into a gorgeous home with lots of charm.

You’ll Work with a Small but Mighty & Close-Knit Team.

Currently, our team consists of around 20 people. We’re pretty small, but that doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish a lot. We work hard, but we’re also fun, high-energy, highly motivated individuals who share similar passions about real estate, remodeling, and West Michigan. We enjoy working together to solve problems, and celebrating together in the success of every project.

If you’re looking for a job in construction, we’re looking for you! At Hometown Development, we’re always searching for the right people to fill our open carpenter positions. Check them out on our Careers page, and feel free to contact us with any questions about the application process.

In a crazy job market, you might be presented with the opportunity for job relocation. While it can be exciting to live somewhere new, it can also be a stressful process getting all of your things in order and preparing for the move. If you own a house, figuring out what to do with it is probably one of your top priorities. 

Here are some ideas on what you can do with your house during a job relocation. 

4 Options for Relocating When You Own a House

Ready to make your new move but nervous about how you’ll handle your home? One of these four strategies might be a good option for you. 

1. Get Relocation Assistance From Your Employer

If you’re relocating for a job, your employer may offer assistance. This could be in the form of a stipend, reimbursement, or even planning help. Often, relocation assistance looks like some combination of these things: 

• Travel costs for home-finding trips
• Moving costs (like U-Haul rentals, movers, etc.)
• Temporary housing costs
• Closing costs and real estate commissions

However, it’s important to note that most employers only offer a portion of the costs listed above. Full coverage is rare. While you might be able to rely on an assistance package for some costs, you should expect some out-of-pocket expenses as well.

2. Hire a Real Estate Agent

For many home sales, hiring a real estate agent is a good idea. They’ll help you settle on the right price point for your home, stage it so it entices prospective buyers, and market it to make sure you’re attracting buyers in the first place. They can be super helpful and worth the fees associated with hiring them. 

However, there are particular cases (and relocation is one of them!) where hiring a real estate agent might not be the best option. If you’re relocating, you likely want to sell your home quickly. That way, you can avoid paying two mortgage payments at once, and you’re not stuck worrying about an additional property. The issue with real estate agents is that they take time to get everything perfect with your home — from pricing and listing to staging and open houses — and you just might not have the time for that.

3. Rent Your Home Out

Some homeowners prefer not to sell their existing home, but rather turn it into a rental property. This is a great way to make extra income and hold onto a home that you may love. 

If you’re interested in this option, just keep one thing in mind: being a landlord isn’t always easy, especially when you’re far away from the property. Managing a property and tenants can quickly turn into a second full-time job.

4. Sell Your House Fast for Cash

The most convenient option for relocating when you own a house is to sell the house fast for cash. There are a ton of real estate investment companies out there — and yes, most of them are completely legit — that’d love to buy your property from you. At Hometown Development, we’re one of them.

While we may be biased toward this option, we can truthfully say that we’ve worked with a number of homeowners in your exact situation, and they’ve been thrilled with the process (check out our reviews and testimonials!). We provide a hassle-free selling process that’s quick, clear, fair, and honest. It’s done in just these four steps:

1. You contact us. We’ll ask you a few questions about you and your home to get an understanding of why you’re looking to sell and how we can best help you.
2. We do a walkthrough. For 20-30 minutes, we walk around your house to get a better understanding of its condition.
3. We make an offer. It’s free, non-obligatory, and all in cash. 
4. We close. If you accept our offer, we close — when and where you want.

By working with us, you walk away with cash on hand, ready for your next adventure. 

Relocate With Less Stress. Sell Your Home to Hometown Development.

Moving away and need to sell your house fast? We’ll take it! After we come out and look at your home, we’ll provide you with a fair cash offer based on its condition and the condition of the real estate market — all within just 24 hours. In many cases, we can close within just five days, too. 

Contact our team online to learn more about our process, and how we can help you move seamlessly onto your next home.

You sure can! It’s not a particularly popular choice, but depending on your needs and situation, it may be the best choice. Here are some things to consider while making your choice. 

Should You Sell Your Home Without a Realtor?

It’s not always the right decision to sell your home without a realtor — but it’s also not always the right decision to sell your home with a realtor. So how do you know which is right for you? 

Here are a few reasons that homeowners typically choose to sell their home without a realtor:

• They want to sell their home quickly
• They want to save on some costs of selling their home
• They’re a “do-it-yourself” kind of person

Pros & Cons of Selling Without a Realtor

Now, let’s discuss some pros and cons of selling your home without a realtor. 

Pros

• Save on real estate commission fees
• Sell your home faster
• Possibly avoid showings and home inspections
• Have control of the selling process (if you enjoy that!)

Cons

• May get a lower sale price than what a realtor could do for you
• Have control of the selling process (if that overwhelms you)

How to Sell Your Home Without a Realtor: 3 Options

If you think selling your home without a realtor might be the right choice for you, your next step is to figure out how to do just that — and you have options. 

1. Hire a Real Estate Attorney to Facilitate the Sale

You may want to avoid working with a realtor but wish for some type of real estate professional to be involved in the sale. This is especially true if you’re selling to someone you know but haven’t fully vetted. A real estate attorney can help you complete all the necessary legal documents and contracts to ensure a smooth closing process. 

2. Handle the Sale Completely by Yourself via For Sale by Owner (FSBO)

If you’d rather handle the sale all by yourself, you can choose to go the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route. This will help you cut realtor commission costs and keep control of the entire process — but that’s a lot of work, so just be aware of what you’re committing to. 

You may have to complete tasks like taking photos, pricing your home, creating your listing, advertising that listing, staging your home, hosting open houses, completing paperwork…you get the gist. 

3. Sell to an All-Cash Buyer

If you want a quick, hassle-free sale, you should consider selling your home to an all-cash buyer. Cash buyers are people or businesses (most often real estate investment companies) that will purchase your home as-is. There’s no need to repair or clean anything, and there’s minimal paperwork involved. Sometimes these sales close in as little as five days. 

It’s one of the easiest, fastest ways to sell your home — and that’s why we’re proud to offer it at Hometown Development. 

Avoid the Realtor & Sell Your Home Hassle-Free to Hometown Development

Interested in selling your home without a realtor? We can help. At Hometown Development, we make the home-selling process easy by providing you with a fair cash offer within just 24 hours of our inspection — no tidying or staging required! Contact us to learn more about what we do, how we do it, and why we do it.

Rental properties can be great investments. But, in some circumstances, they can also be more trouble than they’re worth. 

If you have a rental property that you’ve been on the fence about, you may be wondering when it’s best to sell it and start fresh. Here are some telltale signs to look out for.

6 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your Rental Property

How do you know when it’s time to sell your rental property and move on to your next adventure? Here are six clues. 

1. You Have Problem Tenants

It can be difficult to find good tenants, even if you live in a great area with lots of demand for rentals. You can conduct background checks and conduct interviews, but there will almost always be problem tenants that sneak through the cracks. 

They won’t pay their rent on time, they’ll cause damage, and/or they won’t follow the rules outlined in your contract — and you’re the one that has to handle those issues. 

If you’ve just had one or two problem tenants, and you were able to resolve the issues with ease, you might not be concerned about tossing in the towel and selling your rental property quite yet. 

But if you’ve had multiple problems and you just don’t want to deal with the stress anymore, it may be time to pass those troubles to someone else. 

2. You’re Tired of Managing Landlord Duties

Managing a rental property isn’t as easy as it sounds. Depending on how many units you own, it can turn into a full-time job or more. You’re responsible for collecting rent payments each month, sending reminders to anyone who’s late, and handling repairs to the property. Not to mention, many rental property managers get calls late at night or on the weekends that they need to respond to. 

For some, this work is doable — even enjoyable. But if you’re dreading every phone call and groaning every time someone’s washing machine won’t work, you might need to take a step back and decide if this is still the job you want.

3. You’re Starting to Lose Money

Many rental property managers think that the value of their property will appreciate over time. While this is true in most cases, it’s assumptive to say this for all properties. 

If your rental property is decreasing in value (due to damage, inability to upgrade and upkeep, high property taxes, etc.), you’re losing income. You may want to sell your rental property before its value drops even further, or you’ll be stuck selling it later at an even lower price. 

4. You Can’t Afford the Maintenance

If the cost of repairs is above what you can manage, it’s time to sell your rental property. Unless there’s a strong reason for you to take on a bit of debt for the upkeep, it’s not worth it. 

Maintenance should also be something you’re proactive about. Consider both expected and unexpected costs that you’ll pay. You shouldn’t wait for the air conditioning to bust before you sell because then the value of your property will be lower. 

5. You Found a Better Investment Opportunity

You might not quite be ready to be done with investments, but your current rental property isn’t quite cutting it. Perhaps you’ve found a new rental property you’d like to manage, or maybe you’ve found something completely new you’d like to invest in. 

Unless you have the time, money, and energy to take on multiple investment opportunities, you may need to move on from your existing one. And in that case, it’s time to sell. 

6. You’re Ready to Move Onto Something New

Maybe you want out of the rental property and investment game for whatever reason — major life events, retirement, a slower pace of life, etc. Whatever your situation is, you’re ready to move onto something new. Then you have a no-brainer: it’s time to sell your rental property. 

When You’re Ready: How to Sell Your Rental Property

If you can relate to any of the signs listed above, you’re ready to sell your rental property. But then you must follow through on figuring out the best way to do that. 

If you need help, check out some of our other blogs on rental property management and selling: 

• Why Sell Your Rental Property to a Real Estate Investor
• How to Sell a Rental Property With or Without Tenants
• What They Don’t Tell You About Investing in Rental Property

Is It Time to Sell Your Rental Property? Contact Us!

Feeling like you should have sold your rental property, like yesterday? Contact our team at Hometown Development. We’ll provide you with a fair cash offer for it, so you can have it off your hands in as little as five days. No gimmicks and no games — guaranteed.

Mold is a serious problem that unfortunately affects many Michigan homes. If you’ve spotted mold in your own home, you’re probably concerned about what your next steps should be. You can’t live with mold because it’s detrimental to your health, but it’s not an easy problem to fix.

To put it simply, you have two options: get rid of the mold or get rid of your house. Read on to figure out which is the best choice for you. 

Option 1: Get Rid of the Mold in Your House

Mold is a nasty thing to deal with. It’s extremely pervasive and can have serious health effects if not taken care of quickly. But the good news is that it is possible to get rid of mold, as long as you’re willing to put some time and effort into the project. 

How to Get Rid of the Mold in Your House

The answer to this question depends on where exactly the mold is located in your home and how much of it there is. 

If the mold in your home is located on just one or a few surfaces in your home, you might be able to control it on your own with some simple home improvement solutions. Try one of these options out — just make sure you protect yourself with an N-95 respirator mask, goggles, and gloves beforehand. 

• Undiluted white vinegar
• Bleach solution (one cup bleach & one gallon water)
• Ammonia solution (50% ammonia, 50% water)

If the mold in your home is more pervasive and located in multiple areas, it’s probably best to hire a professional mold remediation team. They’ll be able to remove the large-scale mold growth from your home effectively, so it can’t easily grow back in the future. This may include removing things like drywall panels and tile to clean deep beneath the surface level.

How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?

Professional mold remediation costs the average homeowner between $1,000-$5,000. However, whole-home remediation projects can quickly work their way up to the $15,000 range. It all depends on the mold type, extent, and location within the home. 

But to put it simply, mold remediation isn’t a cheap undertaking. 

How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?

Most mold remediation projects take between 1-5 days, but this can vary depending on the amount of mold and where it’s growing. In fact, some mold remediation projects have taken as long as two weeks to complete. 

During this time, it’s usually recommended that you vacate your home. This means you’ll have to find alternative living arrangements for this period. If you have to pay for these living arrangements, it can also add to the overall cost of the project. 

Option 2: Sell Your House With Mold

If you’re unable to get rid of the mold in your house — either because you can’t afford it or just simply don’t want to deal with it — you may feel more inclined to sell your house and move on. 

Can You Sell a House With Mold?

Yes, you can sell a house with mold. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that it’s illegal to do so, but it’s not. As long as you disclose the mold issue to any prospective buyers, you can absolutely sell your house. Many have done it! 

How to Sell a House With Mold

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’d like to sell your house with mold. Firstly, you must disclose what you know about the mold to prospective buyers. Failing to do so can result in a huge safety issue and is illegal. 

Secondly, you should adjust your home’s listing price to reflect your home’s condition. A mold-infested house should not sell for the same price as a house with no mold. You’ll forfeit a bit of money here, but you’ll save on repair costs and be able to move out quickly. 

Your best bet to selling a house with mold for a fair price is selling to an all-cash buyer who purchases homes in as-is condition. You won’t be required to make any repairs, and they usually have a streamlined buying process that allows you to move on to better living arrangements must faster than you’d be able to with a traditional home sale.

Sell Your House with Mold to Hometown Development

Want to say “goodbye” to the mold in your home for good without all the hassle? Sell your home in as-is condition to Hometown Development! We’ll deal with the dirty work so you can move on and start fresh in a home you’re more comfortable in. Give us a call or contact us online for a free, no-obligation cash offer.

Could becoming a remodeling contractor be your next career move? Find out what the job entails and what it takes to get there below.

What Is a Remodeling Contractor?

A remodeling contractor is a specialized construction professional who property owners hire to remodel, restore, or renovate their homes and multi-family complexes. They’re a bit more specialized than general contractors, as they focus on updating existing homes rather than building new ones. Whether you want to transform your unfinished basement into a cozy guest suite or knock down some walls and completely change your floor plan, they’re the ones to call. 

Remodeling contractors are also commonly referred to as home improvement contractors, home repair contractors, remodeling carpenters, and — the trendier, more recent term — house flippers.

Is a Remodeling Contractor Job a Good Fit for You?

Remodeling contractor jobs can be highly rewarding. If you like working with your hands, learning new skills, and turning visions into reality, it may be a good fit for you. Below are a few common remodeling contractor requirements and skills. See if you meet the qualifications!

Common Remodeling Contractor Job Requirements

For most entry-level remodeling contractor positions, the requirements are pretty standard. Here are a few that you’ll likely come across:

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to read blueprints and plans
• Basic math skills
• Willingness to learn new things and work with other contractors
• Ability to lift construction materials and work in a construction environment

Other Skills & Traits That Are Nice to Have

• Experience in some or all aspects of residential remodeling (preferred)
• Experience with hand tools and heavy equipment (preferred)
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Passion for real estate and construction
• Willingness to travel

How to Become a Remodeling Contractor in West Michigan

So, let’s say you meet most or all of the remodeling contractor job requirements. Now how do you actually become one? Here are five steps to becoming a remodeling contractor in West Michigan. 

1. Get Educated

In most cases, a high school diploma or GED equivalent is the only educational requirement for an entry-level remodeling contractor position. This is a great route for individuals who want to start their career instead of committing to however many more years of schooling. 

If you’d like to stand out a bit more and get more specialized training, you may choose to continue your education through one of the following options: 

• Earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Attending vocational school (trade school) to get technical skills like carpentry, masonry, electrical, and plumbing
• Complete an apprenticeship program with a skilled, experienced remodeling contractor

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Most remodeling contractors must acquire some hands-on experience before being considered for a project. You can get this experience by attending trade school, completing an apprenticeship, or even playing the role of handyman in your own home.

However, there are also some remodeling companies that will hire individuals without any experience to be remodeling contractors. As long as you’re eager to learn, they’ll take you and train you on everything you need to know. 

3. Obtain Your Contractor License

To work as an independent remodeling contractor, you must get licensed by your state. These are the general steps to acquiring a contractor license in Michigan:

• Apply for your license with the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) department. The application costs about $200. 
• Pass the Michigan Contractor’s Licensing exam. 
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Depending on the type of remodeling work you’re doing, you may need to prove that you have contractor’s insurance.

Keep in mind that these requirements only apply if you’re hoping to become an independent remodeling contractor or start your own business. If your goal is to get hired at a remodeling company, your company will be responsible for obtaining the license.

4. Create or Find Your Company

As far as contracted remodeling goes, you have two options for work: start your own business and be an independent contractor or be hired at a remodeling company. There are pros and cons to each option, so there’s not a right or wrong answer — it just depends on your specific wants, needs, and capabilities. 

For instance, if you have many years of remodeling experience and prefer to work on your own, you’d probably be best off with an independent contractor gig. But if you don’t have as much experience and want to work with like-minded individuals that will help you learn and grow, it’s probably in your best interest to get hired at an established remodeling company.

5. Continuously Grow and Improve Your Skills

That’s it — after completing those steps, you will have officially become a remodeling contractor. But your work isn’t done there. 

A job in the remodeling industry requires continuous learning and growth. You’ll always learn new skills and techniques, and you’ll always want to keep up to date on the latest trends in home design. In our opinion, this is part of what makes the job so fun!

Join Our Remodeling Contractor Team at Hometown Development

Think becoming a remodeling contractor is a good option for you? Check out our open job opportunities at Hometown Development! We’re always looking for hardworking individuals to join our team, and we offer great benefits like: competitive salaries, retirement plans, health insurance, fuel stipends, and opportunities for professional development. Apply today!

Is your house getting old or in need of repair? You’re probably wondering if you should put the time, effort, and money into renovating it or if you should just sell it and move. Let us help you evaluate those two options, so you can make the best choice based on your unique circumstances.

5 Things to Consider Before Choosing to Renovate or Move

When your home needs updating, choosing between renovating or moving can be difficult. Here are the top five things to consider before making that decision. 

1. Cost

Completing home renovations and moving are both things that cost money. The cost of renovations can vary depending on the scope of work that needs to be done and what your wishes for the new design entail. With moving, you obviously make money by selling your current home, but you’ll have to pay for whatever your next accommodations are.

Think about your current mortgage situation, how much money you have in savings, how much you are or aren’t willing to spend, and what you are and aren’t willing to spend it on. 

2. Connection to Your Home

Are you emotionally tied to your home? Is your family? To what extent? 

These are all questions to ask yourself and reflect on. It can be difficult to move out of the home your child took their first steps in. If you aren’t quite ready to take on that stress during the selling process, maybe renovating is best. If you are ready to move on, then a new home might be the option for you. 

3. Location

Many homeowners love the location of their home, but not the actual home itself. If that sounds like you, you may be more inclined to tackle some renovation projects. If you’re not a huge fan of either, you might be ready to pack your bags and find a new home somewhere else. 

4. Real Estate Market

Real estate markets fluctuate — locally, nationally, and even globally. Do some research on the current market conditions near your home to decide if renovating or moving will help you get the most bang for your buck. 

5. Timing & Life Circumstance

In many cases, moving isn’t the best choice given the life events you and your family are currently facing. In other cases, moving is the only choice. 

Take a second to think about your current life circumstances and maybe even what those might look like in a year or two. Consider things like proximity to work, school districts, mortgage and property tax costs, etc., and how those relate to the choice between renovating or moving. 

Pros & Cons of Renovating Your Current Home

Renovating your home can be a rewarding experience to embark on, but it can also be a stressful one for you and everyone else that lives with you. For a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of renovating, check out the bullet points below. 

Renovating Pros

• You don’t have to part with the place your family has made memories in for years. 
• You don’t have to move out of a location you love. 
• You can choose which designs, finishes, and decor you’d like to implement. 
• You can increase the value of your home.
• You’ll likely feel a huge sense of accomplishment once your projects are completed. 

Renovating Cons

• You’ll spend a lot of time, energy, and money during the renovation process. 
• You may run into large structural problems that result in hidden costs and delays. 
• You risk losing money on your investment instead of increasing value. 
• You may need to find a temporary alternate living arrangement during construction. 
• You’ll have to manage the planning, scheduling, and documentation. 

Pros & Cons of Selling Your Home and Moving into a New One

Many homeowners dread selling their home and moving into a new one. Others find it to be the best (or only) option given their life circumstances — whether that be outgrowing the current home, relocating for a job, going through a divorce, etc. Here’s a better idea of what the advantages and disadvantages of moving include. 

Moving Pros

• You don’t need to worry about all the repairs and updates your current home requires. 
• You can start fresh with a better home and new investment. 
• You can gain a new perspective in a different part of your community, state, or country. 
• You can get out of a stressful life situation (divorce, foreclosure, tax delinquency, etc.) — especially if you sell your home quickly for cash. 
• You can find a home that’s inherently better suited to your family’s needs.

Moving Cons

• You’ll have to look for and purchase a new home or find an alternate living arrangement. 
• You’ll have to pay for selling and moving costs like movers, inspections, and real estate fees.
• You might have to give up a location you love. 
• You won’t get to choose all of your new home’s designs and furnishings. 
• You may have to disconnect from some of the memories made in your current home. 

Want to Sell Your Home For Cash and Move Fast? Contact Us

If moving is the right choice for you and your family, and you’re looking to get out of your home quickly, we can help. At Hometown Development, we buy homes quickly for cash, even if they’re not quite move-in ready. 

We’ll visit your home, then provide you with an all-cash offer at a fair value — all within just a few days! Feel free to reach out no matter your life situation or the condition of your home. Give us a call at (616) 379-3099 or request a free, no-obligation cash offer here.