The Importance of Having Trees on Your Property

Studies have shown that residences with trees in the area can increase home values from 10% to 15% depending on the location. A study in Portland, Oregon showed increased values between $1,688 and $19,958. See the article HERE.

Benefits of trees include (other than the obvious aesthetic enhancements):

• Improve air quality
• Sequester carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide
• Increase oxygen in the air through photosynthesis
•  Reduce storm water runoff and erosion by absorbing water through the root system and deflecting rain as it falls to the ground
• Trees cool the air through transpiration which is the releasing of water vapors through the leaves during hot weather
• Provide shade that cools buildings and saves cooling utility expenses, especially from shade trees planted on the southern and western sides of buildings
• Deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves each fall) provide both heating and cooling attributes because they provide shade in the summer but after they drop their leaves they allow sun light penetration onto buildings in the winter which helps in warming and reducing heating expenses
• Well placed evergreen trees act as wind breaks which also can help reduce heating costs
• Trees can help shade and protect pavements and other hardscapes from the degrading effects of the sun, which can help reduce replacement and maintenance costs
• Trees can block unwanted views
•  Recent studies have shown stress reduction, shorter healing times for people, and improved behavior in children from settings with trees

These are the positives of having trees on property, but it’s also important to maintain them properly in order to maintain their health and beauty. Risk management is also very important, as trees and branches can fail and drop to the ground causing damage to property or people – but these issues can be managed through a proper tree management program of regular tree evaluation, pruning, cabling, fertilization and pest control. A licensed arborist can help make sure the trees on your property and healthy and safe.

Questions? Contact Premier Property Management at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

Source: James Dean, CT Licensed Arborist, White Oak Tree & Landscape

Spring Maintenance Checklist for Condos and HOAs

After a long, brutal winter like the one we’ve had this year, your property may have suffered some damage and may be in need of a few repairs. With a little effort, your property can look its best and be safe for residents and visitors at the same time.

Here are some things our Managers will look for during upcoming property inspections:

Buildings: Broken/sagging gutters and downspouts, loose window frames, deteriorating
wood, concrete or brickwork, missing roof shingles, signs of water damage. Evidence of water collecting around building foundations. Evidence of clogged drains. Broken chimney caps. Siding damage including broken boards and popped nails.

Landscaping: Fallen branches and leaves. Trees and shrubs in need of pruning. Damaged sprinkler systems. Blocked drains.

Parking Lots & Walkways: Cracked or heaved concrete. Potholes. Broken curbing. Excess sand.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a typical checklist of things that your Manager may suggest to help get your property in shape for the coming months:

• Repair exterior siding; patch and paint as necessary.
• Turn on outside water and inspect system for leaks. Check sprinkler systems for broken pipes, missing or broken heads, and clogged valves.
• Repair window and sliding glass door caulking and flashing to help prevent leaks.
• Ensure all exhaust fans are clean and remove lint buildup from the clothes dryer vents.
• Inspect all wood decks and fences for rot, broken boards, raised nails, loose screws, etc.
• Prepare for pool opening: Clean and inspect the pool and poolside area for cracks and tripping hazards. Clean all pool furniture to remove dirt and mildew.
• Do a safety check of any playground equipment.
• Clean the clubhouse/common room.
• Sweep the parking lots, private access roads and sidewalks.
• Pressure wash any areas that have mildew or dirt.

Need a manager that will make sure your property stays in shape? Contact Premier Property Management, LLC today at (877) 208-4570 or online at ppmgmtonline.com

Your New Home is Waiting for You!

At Premier Property Management, we offer more than more than management services. We can also help get you into a fabulous new apartment!

Why risk losing your money to an online scam when you can trust our professionals to help you find the apartment of your dreams at the price you can live with?

Here are some of the properties we currently have available:

Hartford

404 Hillside Avenue – 2 Bedroom (3^rd Floor): Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bath. New paint, new floors/carpet. Washing machine hook-up, no dryer. Street parking only. Tenant pays utilities (Gas & Electric) $800 per month.

East Hartford

133 Prospect Street – 1 Bedroom (2^nd Floor): Living Room, Kitchen, Bath. New paint, Washing machine and dryer in basement. Off Street parking. Heat & hot water included. $800 per month.

133 Prospect Street – 2 Bedroom (2^nd Floor): Living Room, Kitchen, Bath. New paint, Washing machine and dryer in basement. Off Street parking. Heat & hot water included. $900 per month.

New Britain

84 Belden Street – 3 Bedroom (3^rd Floor): Living Room, Kitchen, Bath. New paint, new floors/carpet. No washing machine hook-up, no dryer. Off street parking. Tenant pays utilities (Gas & Electric) $900 per month.

Bristol

403 West Street – 2 Bedroom (1^st Floor): Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bath. New paint. No washing machine hook-up, no dryer. Off street parking. Tenant pays utilities (Oil & Electric) $800 per month.

403 West Street – 2 Bedroom (2^nd Floor): Living Room, Kitchen, Bath. New paint. No washing machine hook-up, no dryer. Off street parking. Tenant pays utilities (Electric Heat) $700 per month.

403 West Street – 1 Bedroom (2^nd Floor): Living Room, Kitchen, Bath. New paint, New Carpet. No washing machine hook-up, no dryer. Off street parking. Tenant pays utilities (Electric Heat) $500 per month.

Give us a call at (877)  741-3317 or visit us online to learn more about leasing with us!

Save on Energy Costs with Home Energy Audits

Premier Property Management Services, LLC is excited to announce that we are partnering with Santa Energy Corporation to offer our Connecticut properties Home Energy Audits.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 50% of the country’s energy consumption is used for home heating and cooling. With that said, it’s no wonder why homeowners are constantly seeking to improve their energy efficiency and cut their monthly utility bills.

One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is through a Home Energy Audit. During a Home Energy Audit, a certified professional will thoroughly inspect your home and conduct a series of tests to determine areas where energy is being wasted. In addition to improving efficiency, an energy audit can also help detect safety hazards in your home such as high levels of carbon monoxide or improper electrical wiring.

Upgrades recommended through Home Energy Audits can help consumers save up to 30% on their monthly energy bills. In addition to the monthly savings, these upgrades can also increase the resale value of your home; plus most of them are eligible for government cash rebates. 

Recently we worked with Santa Energy at one of our properties to see how we could help owners save money on utility bills. The auditors from Santa Energy came in and inspected the buildings. With their help, each unit owner received brand new, energy efficient windows and complete winterization. The project cost was estimated to be upwards of $300k, but the cost to the Association was $0!  

To schedule a Home Energy Audit for your property please contact Premier Property Management Services at (877) 208-4570. You can also visit our website at www.ppmgmtonline.com

To learn more about Home Energy Energy Audits, check out at this infographic provided by the Department of Energy (click HERE to see the graphic larger):