9+ Best Home Source Property Management Companies


9+ Best Home Source Property Management Companies

Residential actual property oversight encompasses a spread of companies, from tenant acquisition and lease assortment to property upkeep and authorized compliance. For instance, a devoted workforce may deal with advertising vacant models, screening potential renters, making certain well timed funds, coordinating repairs, and navigating landlord-tenant laws. This complete method goals to maximise returns for property house owners whereas offering tenants with snug and well-maintained houses.

Efficient residential portfolio administration presents quite a few benefits. It alleviates the burden of day-to-day operations for house owners, permitting them to concentrate on broader funding methods. Moreover, skilled administration helps keep property values, reduce vacancies, and mitigate potential authorized disputes. Traditionally, as actual property markets have grown in complexity, the necessity for specialised administration companies has change into more and more evident, resulting in the event of refined methods and practices to deal with the evolving wants of each house owners and residents.

This text will additional discover key facets of residential actual property oversight, delving into particular challenges and alternatives introduced by present market circumstances. Matters coated will embrace methods for tenant retention, optimizing rental revenue, and navigating the evolving regulatory panorama.

1. Tenant Acquisition

Tenant acquisition represents a vital operate inside residential property administration. It immediately impacts occupancy charges, income streams, and the general monetary well being of a property. Efficient acquisition methods require an intensive understanding of the goal demographic, native market circumstances, and aggressive pricing. For instance, a property focusing on younger professionals may emphasize proximity to city facilities and fashionable facilities, whereas a family-oriented property may spotlight close by colleges and spacious layouts. Cautious consideration of those components influences advertising efforts, promoting channels, and in the end, the standard of tenants acquired.

Profitable tenant acquisition processes contain a number of key phases. Advertising and marketing vacant models successfully by way of on-line listings, social media, and conventional promoting strategies attracts potential tenants. Thorough screening procedures, together with background checks and credit score historical past opinions, guarantee dependable and accountable occupants. Environment friendly lease execution minimizes emptiness durations and secures certified tenants promptly. A well-structured acquisition course of reduces turnover charges, contributes to constant money circulation, and minimizes the chance of problematic tenancies. Neglecting this significant operate can result in prolonged vacancies, misplaced income, and elevated administration challenges.

In conclusion, tenant acquisition is just not merely a course of however a strategic factor of profitable property administration. It requires proactive market evaluation, focused advertising campaigns, and rigorous screening procedures. By prioritizing tenant acquisition, property managers can guarantee long-term stability, maximize returns for property house owners, and domesticate a constructive tenant neighborhood. This contributes considerably to the general success of the property administration operation.

2. Lease Agreements

Lease agreements kind the cornerstone of residential property administration, representing a legally binding contract between property house owners/managers and tenants. These agreements outline the phrases and circumstances of occupancy, outlining rights and tasks for each events. A well-drafted lease settlement serves as an important instrument for mitigating potential disputes and making certain clean tenancy all through the lease time period. As an illustration, clearly stipulated clauses relating to lease fee, late charges, property upkeep, and pet insurance policies reduce ambiguity and set up clear expectations from the outset. Conversely, inadequately drafted agreements can result in authorized issues, monetary losses, and strained landlord-tenant relationships. The lease settlement successfully governs the tenancy, impacting each side of the landlord-tenant interplay.

A number of key parts contribute to a complete and efficient lease settlement. These embrace the exact identification of the property and events concerned, the length of the lease time period, the agreed-upon lease quantity and fee schedule, provisions for safety deposits, and clearly outlined procedures for upkeep requests and repairs. Moreover, particular clauses addressing points like subletting, pet possession, and property alterations present further readability and safety for each events. For instance, a clause detailing the method for dealing with upkeep requests, together with response occasions and tasks, can stop misunderstandings and guarantee well timed decision of upkeep points. Equally, clear pointers on permitted modifications to the property shield the proprietor’s funding and stop unauthorized alterations.

In abstract, sturdy lease agreements are indispensable for efficient residential property administration. They supply a framework for a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship, minimizing potential conflicts and defending the pursuits of all events concerned. The readability and comprehensiveness of those agreements immediately affect the success and stability of tenancy, underscoring their significance in skilled property administration practices. Neglecting this vital side can expose each house owners and managers to vital dangers and authorized challenges, reinforcing the necessity for meticulous consideration to element within the drafting and execution of lease agreements.

3. Hire Assortment

Hire assortment constitutes a core operate of residential property administration, immediately impacting monetary efficiency and operational stability. Efficient lease assortment practices guarantee constant money circulation for property house owners, enabling them to satisfy monetary obligations, reinvest in property upkeep, and obtain desired returns. Conversely, inconsistent or inefficient lease assortment can result in monetary instability, jeopardizing property upkeep, and probably impacting the proprietor’s capability to satisfy mortgage funds or different monetary commitments. As an illustration, a property with a excessive share of delinquent tenants can expertise vital money circulation disruptions, affecting the proprietor’s capability to fund essential repairs or upgrades. This could result in a decline in property worth and tenant satisfaction, making a unfavorable suggestions loop.

A number of methods contribute to environment friendly lease assortment. Establishing clear lease fee insurance policies and procedures, together with due dates, accepted fee strategies, and late payment constructions, units clear expectations for tenants. Using on-line fee platforms streamlines the fee course of for tenants and supplies property managers with real-time monitoring of funds. Implementing proactive communication methods, comparable to automated lease reminders and clear communication channels for addressing fee inquiries, minimizes late funds and fosters constructive tenant relationships. For instance, automated e mail reminders despatched just a few days earlier than the due date can considerably cut back the incidence of late funds. Moreover, offering a number of fee choices, comparable to on-line portals, financial institution transfers, or mail-in checks, caters to tenant preferences and facilitates well timed funds.

In conclusion, sturdy lease assortment practices are important for the monetary well being and operational stability of residential properties. Constant and well timed lease assortment allows property house owners to satisfy monetary obligations, keep property worth, and obtain funding objectives. Implementing environment friendly lease assortment methods, coupled with clear communication and tenant-focused approaches, contributes to constructive landlord-tenant relationships and long-term success in property administration. The flexibility to successfully handle lease assortment considerably impacts the general viability and profitability of a property administration operation.

4. Property Upkeep

Property upkeep represents a vital operate inside residential property administration, immediately impacting tenant satisfaction, property worth, and long-term funding returns. Efficient upkeep packages handle each routine maintenance and emergent repairs, making certain the property stays liveable, useful, and aesthetically pleasing. Neglecting property upkeep can result in tenant dissatisfaction, decreased property worth, and potential authorized liabilities. As an illustration, failing to deal with a leaking roof promptly can lead to additional structural harm, mildew progress, and in the end, pricey repairs. Conversely, a proactive upkeep method preserves property worth, minimizes pricey emergency repairs, and fosters constructive tenant relationships. This proactive method underscores the significance of property upkeep as a core element of efficient residential actual property administration.

A number of key parts contribute to a complete property upkeep program. Common inspections establish potential points earlier than they escalate into main issues. Implementing preventative upkeep schedules for important methods, comparable to HVAC models and plumbing, minimizes breakdowns and extends the lifespan of apparatus. Establishing clear communication channels for tenants to report upkeep requests ensures immediate consideration to rising points. For instance, a well-defined on-line portal for submitting upkeep requests facilitates environment friendly communication and permits property managers to trace and handle points successfully. Moreover, sustaining detailed data of all upkeep actions supplies beneficial documentation for insurance coverage functions and facilitates long-term property administration planning. The combination of know-how, comparable to property administration software program, additional streamlines upkeep processes, improves communication, and enhances general effectivity.

In abstract, efficient property upkeep is integral to profitable residential property administration. It preserves property worth, enhances tenant satisfaction, and contributes to the long-term monetary well being of the funding. A proactive and well-structured upkeep program, encompassing routine inspections, preventative upkeep, and environment friendly communication channels, demonstrates a dedication to high quality and professionalism. This dedication not solely advantages property house owners but in addition cultivates a constructive residing atmosphere for tenants, reinforcing the important function of property upkeep inside the broader scope of residential actual property administration.

5. Monetary Reporting

Monetary reporting supplies a vital window into the monetary well being and efficiency of residential properties. Correct and well timed monetary reporting is crucial for knowledgeable decision-making by property house owners and managers. These stories provide insights into income streams, working bills, and general profitability, enabling efficient analysis of funding efficiency and strategic planning for future operations. With out complete monetary reporting, property house owners function with restricted visibility, probably lacking alternatives for optimization or failing to establish rising monetary challenges.

  • Earnings Statements

    Earnings statements present an in depth overview of income and bills over a particular interval, sometimes month-to-month, quarterly, or yearly. These statements observe rental revenue, late charges, different revenue sources, and deduct working bills comparable to upkeep prices, property taxes, and insurance coverage premiums. The ensuing web revenue determine displays the property’s profitability in the course of the reporting interval. Analyzing revenue statements permits house owners to establish developments, assess the affect of operational modifications, and make knowledgeable selections relating to lease changes or expense administration. For instance, a constant improve in upkeep prices may point out the necessity for preventative upkeep packages to mitigate future bills.

  • Money Move Statements

    Money circulation statements observe the motion of money each into and out of the property. These stories element money inflows from lease funds and different revenue sources, in addition to money outflows for working bills, debt service, and capital expenditures. Understanding money circulation is essential for managing liquidity, making certain adequate funds can be found to cowl working prices and debt obligations. As an illustration, a unfavorable money circulation may necessitate changes to rental charges or expense controls to make sure the property’s monetary stability.

  • Steadiness Sheets

    Steadiness sheets present a snapshot of the property’s monetary place at a particular time limit. They define property, together with the property itself and any related tools, liabilities comparable to mortgages and excellent money owed, and proprietor’s fairness. Steadiness sheets provide insights into the property’s general monetary well being and leverage. Analyzing stability sheets permits house owners to evaluate the property’s monetary power and establish potential dangers or alternatives for enchancment. For instance, a excessive debt-to-asset ratio may point out elevated monetary threat.

  • Budgeting and Forecasting

    Budgeting and forecasting play an important function in monetary planning and efficiency analysis. Budgets define projected revenue and bills for a particular interval, offering a benchmark for monetary efficiency. Forecasting tasks future monetary outcomes primarily based on historic information and market developments. These instruments allow property managers to anticipate potential challenges, establish areas for value financial savings, and make proactive changes to optimize monetary efficiency. As an illustration, forecasting anticipated emptiness charges permits for proactive advertising efforts to reduce income loss.

In conclusion, complete monetary reporting is key to efficient residential property administration. These stories present essential insights into monetary efficiency, enabling knowledgeable decision-making, strategic planning, and in the end, the long-term monetary success of the funding. By leveraging the knowledge offered by way of these numerous monetary statements, property house owners and managers can optimize operations, mitigate dangers, and maximize the return on their actual property investments. The insights gleaned from monetary stories kind the premise for data-driven selections that contribute considerably to the general success of a property administration operation.

6. Authorized Compliance

Authorized compliance types a non-negotiable cornerstone of residential property administration. Adherence to relevant federal, state, and native legal guidelines is paramount for shielding each property house owners and tenants. Laws embody numerous facets of the landlord-tenant relationship, together with truthful housing practices, lease agreements, safety deposits, property upkeep, evictions, and disclosures. Non-compliance can lead to vital authorized and monetary repercussions, together with fines, lawsuits, and reputational harm. For instance, failing to adjust to truthful housing legal guidelines by discriminating towards potential tenants primarily based on protected traits can result in pricey authorized battles and harm to the property administration firm’s fame. Equally, neglecting legally mandated property upkeep requirements can lead to tenant lawsuits and potential legal responsibility for accidents. Due to this fact, an intensive understanding of related authorized necessities is crucial for accountable and profitable property administration.

Sensible purposes of authorized compliance inside property administration manifest in numerous methods. Honest housing practices necessitate constant and goal tenant screening procedures, making certain all candidates are handled equitably no matter race, faith, nationwide origin, familial standing, or incapacity. Lease agreements should adhere to authorized requirements, clearly outlining the phrases and circumstances of tenancy whereas respecting tenant rights. Correct dealing with of safety deposits, together with adherence to state-specific laws relating to holding and returning deposits, is essential. Sustaining correct data of all monetary transactions and authorized documentation ensures compliance and facilitates transparency in operations. Moreover, understanding and adhering to legally mandated eviction procedures protects each house owners and tenants in the course of the typically complicated means of terminating a tenancy. For instance, offering correct discover as required by legislation is a vital step in a lawful eviction course of.

In conclusion, authorized compliance is just not merely a procedural side of property administration however a elementary moral and operational crucial. Ignoring authorized necessities exposes property house owners and managers to substantial dangers, probably jeopardizing their investments and reputations. A proactive method to authorized compliance, prioritizing ongoing training and meticulous adherence to relevant legal guidelines, safeguards all stakeholders and contributes to a steady and sustainable property administration operation. This dedication to authorized compliance fosters belief with tenants, strengthens relationships with regulatory our bodies, and in the end contributes to the long-term success and stability of the property administration enterprise. Staying knowledgeable about evolving authorized landscapes and in search of skilled authorized counsel when essential are important practices for mitigating threat and making certain accountable property administration.

7. Emptiness Mitigation

Emptiness mitigation represents an important side of profitable residential property administration. Minimizing emptiness durations immediately impacts income era and the general monetary well being of a property. Prolonged vacancies symbolize misplaced revenue and elevated bills, impacting profitability. Efficient emptiness mitigation methods require a proactive method, addressing each the prevention of vacancies and environment friendly processes for filling vacant models. For instance, proactive measures comparable to fostering constructive tenant relationships and providing aggressive lease renewal phrases can considerably cut back tenant turnover, thereby minimizing emptiness durations. Conversely, neglecting tenant satisfaction can result in elevated turnover and prolonged vacancies, impacting income streams and rising advertising and administrative prices.

A number of components contribute to efficient emptiness mitigation. Sustaining well-maintained properties, addressing tenant considerations promptly, and providing aggressive rental charges appeal to and retain high-quality tenants. Implementing sturdy advertising methods, together with on-line listings, focused promoting campaigns, {and professional} pictures, ensures vacant models attain a broad pool of potential tenants. Streamlined software and screening processes reduce the time required to position new tenants, decreasing emptiness durations and making certain constant money circulation. For instance, using on-line software platforms and conducting thorough background checks effectively expedite the tenant placement course of. Moreover, understanding native market dynamics, together with rental charges, emptiness charges, and demand drivers, informs pricing methods and advertising efforts, maximizing occupancy charges. Analyzing market developments permits property managers to anticipate demand fluctuations and proactively alter advertising and pricing methods to reduce emptiness durations.

In conclusion, emptiness mitigation is crucial for optimizing the monetary efficiency of residential properties. Implementing proactive methods to retain present tenants and environment friendly processes for filling vacancies minimizes misplaced revenue and maximizes income era. A complete method to emptiness mitigation, incorporating tenant relationship administration, focused advertising, and streamlined leasing processes, contributes considerably to the general success of a property administration operation. Addressing potential challenges, comparable to fluctuating market circumstances or elevated competitors, requires adaptability and a data-driven method to optimize emptiness mitigation methods. This concentrate on minimizing emptiness durations immediately contributes to the monetary stability and long-term worth of residential actual property investments.

8. Tenant Relations

Tenant relations symbolize a vital element of profitable residential property administration. Cultivating constructive and productive relationships with tenants immediately impacts tenant retention, property fame, and in the end, the monetary efficiency of the property. Sturdy tenant relations contribute to a steady and harmonious residing atmosphere, minimizing disputes, decreasing turnover charges, and fostering a way of neighborhood. Conversely, strained tenant relations can result in elevated vacancies, unfavorable opinions, and potential authorized challenges. As an illustration, addressing tenant upkeep requests promptly and professionally demonstrates responsiveness and builds belief, whereas neglecting such requests can breed resentment and in the end inspire tenants to hunt various housing. Efficient communication, respectful interactions, and proactive problem-solving are cornerstones of constructive tenant relations.

The sensible significance of prioritizing tenant relations manifests in numerous methods. Blissful tenants usually tend to renew their leases, decreasing emptiness durations and minimizing turnover prices. Optimistic tenant experiences translate into constructive on-line opinions and word-of-mouth referrals, enhancing the property’s fame and attracting potential tenants. Open communication channels and established procedures for addressing tenant considerations facilitate immediate decision of points, minimizing potential conflicts and fostering a way of mutual respect. For instance, establishing a devoted on-line portal for submitting upkeep requests and offering common updates on the standing of these requests demonstrates transparency and responsiveness, fostering constructive tenant perceptions. Moreover, organizing tenant appreciation occasions or implementing tenant suggestions mechanisms demonstrates a dedication to tenant satisfaction and strengthens the landlord-tenant relationship. These proactive measures contribute to a constructive residing atmosphere and foster a way of neighborhood inside the property.

In conclusion, prioritizing tenant relations is just not merely a customer support operate however a strategic funding within the long-term success of residential property administration. Optimistic tenant relations contribute considerably to tenant retention, property fame, and general monetary efficiency. By fostering open communication, addressing tenant considerations proactively, and demonstrating a dedication to tenant satisfaction, property managers can domesticate a thriving tenant neighborhood and maximize the worth of their actual property investments. The flexibility to successfully handle tenant relations is a key differentiator in a aggressive market and an integral part of sustainable property administration practices. Addressing the evolving wants and expectations of tenants requires adaptability and a dedication to steady enchancment in tenant relations methods.

9. Advertising and marketing & Promoting

Advertising and marketing and promoting function essential drivers of success inside residential property administration. Efficient advertising methods immediately affect occupancy charges, attracting certified tenants and minimizing pricey emptiness durations. Strategic promoting campaigns attain goal demographics, producing leads and driving inquiries for accessible properties. The connection between advertising and promoting and property administration is symbiotic; efficient advertising and promoting efforts gasoline occupancy and income era, whereas profitable property administration practices improve a property’s fame and marketability. As an illustration, a well-maintained property with constructive tenant opinions turns into a robust advertising asset, attracting potential tenants and justifying premium rental charges. Conversely, a poorly managed property with unfavorable opinions can deter potential tenants, necessitating elevated advertising spend and probably resulting in prolonged vacancies.

A number of components contribute to profitable advertising and promoting methods in property administration. Understanding the goal demographic, together with their life-style preferences, housing wants, and most well-liked communication channels, informs focused advertising campaigns. Using quite a lot of advertising channels, together with on-line listings, social media platforms, and conventional print promoting, maximizes attain and visibility. Excessive-quality pictures and digital excursions showcase property options, making a compelling on-line presence and attracting potential tenants. Moreover, analyzing market developments, together with rental charges, emptiness charges, and competitor exercise, permits property managers to adapt advertising methods and optimize pricing to maximise occupancy and income. For instance, if market evaluation reveals a excessive demand for pet-friendly residences, highlighting pet-friendly facilities and insurance policies in advertising supplies can appeal to a bigger pool of potential tenants. Equally, providing incentives, comparable to discounted lease or waived software charges, in periods of low demand can stimulate curiosity and speed up leasing exercise.

In conclusion, efficient advertising and promoting are important parts of profitable residential property administration. Strategic advertising campaigns appeal to certified tenants, reduce emptiness durations, and contribute considerably to the monetary efficiency of a property. By understanding goal demographics, using various advertising channels, and adapting methods primarily based on market evaluation, property managers can optimize occupancy charges and maximize returns for property house owners. Challenges comparable to rising competitors and evolving digital advertising landscapes require ongoing adaptation and a data-driven method to advertising and promoting methods. The flexibility to successfully market and promote properties immediately influences a property administration firm’s success and its capability to draw and retain high-quality tenants, contributing to long-term stability and profitability within the aggressive actual property market.

Regularly Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to residential property oversight, offering readability and insights for each property house owners and potential tenants.

Query 1: What companies are sometimes included in skilled residential property administration?

Providers sometimes embody tenant acquisition (advertising, screening, lease execution), lease assortment, property upkeep (routine and emergency repairs), monetary reporting, authorized compliance (truthful housing, lease agreements, evictions), and tenant communication.

Query 2: How does skilled administration profit property house owners?

Advantages embrace decreased workload, maximized rental revenue by way of optimized occupancy and lease assortment, minimized monetary dangers by way of detailed reporting and expense administration, and mitigation of authorized points by way of compliance experience.

Query 3: How are administration charges sometimes structured?

Price constructions differ, however generally embrace a share of collected lease, a flat month-to-month payment, or a mixture thereof. Particular payment constructions are sometimes outlined in administration agreements.

Query 4: What standards must be thought-about when choosing a property supervisor?

Key standards embrace expertise, licensing and certifications, fame and consumer testimonials, administration model and communication practices, and know-how utilization for environment friendly operations.

Query 5: What are the standard tasks of a tenant below a lease settlement?

Tenant tasks sometimes embrace paying lease on time, adhering to property guidelines and laws, reporting upkeep points promptly, and sustaining the property’s cleanliness and situation as outlined within the lease settlement.

Query 6: What authorized protections can be found to tenants within the occasion of disputes with a property supervisor or proprietor?

Tenants are protected by numerous authorized provisions, together with truthful housing legal guidelines, landlord-tenant legal guidelines governing lease agreements and evictions, and native ordinances addressing habitability requirements. Consulting with authorized counsel is advisable in case of disputes.

Understanding these key facets of residential property administration facilitates knowledgeable selections and contributes to constructive landlord-tenant relationships. Thorough analysis and open communication are inspired.

For additional data or particular inquiries, please seek the advice of with a certified property administration skilled.

Suggestions for Efficient Residential Property Oversight

Profitable residential actual property administration requires a proactive and knowledgeable method. The next suggestions present beneficial insights for optimizing operations and reaching desired outcomes.

Tip 1: Prioritize Tenant Screening: Thorough tenant screening is essential for mitigating dangers and making certain accountable occupants. Complete screening processes ought to embrace background checks, credit score historical past opinions, and verification of employment and rental historical past. This rigorous method minimizes the probability of problematic tenancies, decreasing potential monetary losses and authorized disputes.

Tip 2: Implement Preventative Upkeep Applications: Preventative upkeep protects property worth and minimizes pricey emergency repairs. Common inspections and scheduled upkeep for important methods, comparable to HVAC models and plumbing, lengthen the lifespan of apparatus and stop main breakdowns. This proactive method saves cash in the long term and enhances tenant satisfaction.

Tip 3: Leverage Know-how for Environment friendly Operations: Property administration software program streamlines operations, automates duties, and enhances communication. Using know-how for lease assortment, upkeep requests, and monetary reporting improves effectivity, reduces administrative burdens, and supplies beneficial information for knowledgeable decision-making.

Tip 4: Domesticate Optimistic Tenant Relationships: Sturdy tenant relations contribute to tenant retention and constructive property fame. Responding promptly to tenant inquiries, addressing upkeep requests effectively, and fostering open communication construct belief and reduce potential conflicts. Blissful tenants usually tend to renew leases, decreasing emptiness durations and maximizing rental revenue.

Tip 5: Keep Knowledgeable About Authorized and Regulatory Updates: The regulatory panorama governing residential property administration is continually evolving. Staying abreast of modifications in truthful housing legal guidelines, landlord-tenant laws, and native ordinances is essential for sustaining compliance and mitigating authorized dangers. Frequently reviewing authorized updates and in search of skilled counsel when essential ensures adherence to present necessities.

Tip 6: Conduct Common Market Evaluation: Understanding native market dynamics, together with rental charges, emptiness charges, and competitor exercise, informs strategic decision-making. Common market evaluation allows property managers to regulate rental pricing, refine advertising methods, and optimize property efficiency in response to market circumstances.

Tip 7: Doc Every part: Sustaining meticulous data of all monetary transactions, upkeep actions, and tenant communications supplies essential documentation for authorized and operational functions. Complete documentation protects towards potential disputes, facilitates transparency, and helps knowledgeable decision-making.

Implementing these methods contributes considerably to profitable residential actual property administration, optimizing property efficiency and reaching desired funding outcomes.

These sensible suggestions present a basis for efficient residential property oversight. The next conclusion will synthesize key takeaways and provide ultimate suggestions for profitable administration practices.

Conclusion

Residential property oversight necessitates a multifaceted method encompassing authorized compliance, monetary acumen, and efficient tenant relations. Profitable administration hinges on proactive upkeep, strategic advertising, and environment friendly lease assortment. Optimizing these operational parts contributes considerably to property worth appreciation, constant money circulation, and minimized monetary and authorized dangers. This complete method safeguards investments and fosters constructive landlord-tenant relationships, contributing to a steady and thriving rental market.

Because the residential actual property panorama continues to evolve, adapting to market dynamics and embracing revolutionary administration practices turns into more and more essential. Strategic foresight, data-driven decision-making, and a dedication to moral {and professional} conduct stay important for navigating complexities and reaching long-term success in residential property administration. The pursuit of excellence in these areas not solely advantages particular person property house owners but in addition contributes to the general well being and stability of the housing market.