REI INK

Energy Savings for Your Single-Family Rentals

Achieve Savings Through Regular Inspections & Proactive Maintenance By Jason Myers Conserving energy is not just good for the environment anymore. It is also good for your bottom line. Being smarter about energy use yields home energy savings and enhances the value of your rental properties. It is one of the easiest win-win scenarios possible today. Most investors like the idea of saving energy, but they assume the process will be too time-consuming or expensive to set up. Fortunately, there are numerous simple things you can do to cut energy costs that will not break the bank up front. Here are nine ideas to help you cut energy costs on your single-family rental (SFR) properties: 1. Do a Home Energy Audit The best way to cut energy costs is to first determine your baseline. An energy audit can provide this information. You can work with a certified auditor to evaluate your properties and identify and prioritize potential improvements or you can opt for a DIY energy assessment. Typical recommendations after an energy audit include adding insulation in your roof or walls; improved heating, cooling and hot water equipment; and installing new ventilation, LEDs and smart thermostats. 2. Install LED Lighting If you have not already made the switch to LED lighting, it is an easy way to enhance your energy savings. A single ENERGY STAR-certified LED light bulb requires approximately 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can save you around $55 over the life of the bulb. Even better, LED bulb life is about 15 to 25 times longer than an incandescent so you will be buying fewer bulbs overall. 3. Save with Air Sealing One of the most efficient (and often simple) ways to lower your heating and cooling costs is by sealing air leaks using weatherstripping and caulk. First have an energy assessor test your home for air tightness to determine if and where leaks are occurring. They will likely conduct a blower door test, which can identify leak locations and help determine if any areas of your property need additional insulation. 4. Energy-Efficient Appliances Your best bet for achieving home energy savings via appliances is to upgrade the current appliances to products with an ENERGY STAR label when they break down or age out. This goes for everything from microwaves and dishwashers to hot water heaters, stoves, washers, dryers and refrigerators. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you could save hundreds of dollars annually by replacing a 10-year-old refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR model, and an ENERGY STAR hot water heater could save you up to $3,500 in energy costs over its lifetime. Have your property services partner inspect and audit the current appliances across your portfolio to create a database of information including the current ENERGY STAR rating, make/model and serial number, a life-of-product estimate, and recommendations for newer energy-efficient options when the time comes. 5. HVAC Preventive Maintenance Heating and air conditioning account for nearly half of residential electricity consumption, so keeping your HVAC system in top condition is smart for both conserving energy and prolonging its life. Preventive maintenance checks can help with both. During a typical check, HVAC air filters are replaced, and condensate lines are “blown out” to help prevent back-up, keep the system operating efficiently and reduce larger repair expenses down the road. Schedule regular checkups like these for preventive maintenance at least twice a year with your property services partner, and put them in charge of filter changes as well. This proactive combo can help prevent damage to your system and avoid costly emergency repairs as well as deliver home energy savings. 6. Smart Meters The ability to monitor energy usage in nearly real time is not a futuristic notion; it is already here, thanks to smart meters. Installing these gauges can allow your properties to communicate with their respective utility providers, improving reliability through faster responses to outages. You can also enhance efficiency in your systems by getting a better handle on residential usage and how to make changes to lower costs. 7. Window Upgrades Windows can be responsible for as much as 30% of a home’s energy use, so upgrading them can be a priority that pays off in the long run. If it is time for your windows to be replaced, this is a perfect opportunity to move to more energy-efficient models. If your windows are still in good condition, you can make strides in energy efficiency through smaller upgrades like eliminating air leaks, caulking and weatherstripping, applying solar window films and replacing window coverings with more energy-efficient options. 8. Insulation Improvements Are your SFR properties well insulated? This one measure can help reduce energy use, make the interior of your homes more comfortable for tenants (and thus reduce temperature complaints) and deliver home energy savings of up to 10%. Before making improvements, have a professional check for air leaks as well as assess the insulation levels in your walls, attic, basement and crawlspace to help determine a property’s needs and priorities. No matter how your rental agreements are structured, making improvements with the goal of home energy savings in mind can have long-term benefits for both you and your tenants. Energy costs go down (a draw for many renters), and you can lengthen the life of your HVAC system. A few simple changes really can add up to savings over time. 9. Find the Right Partner A good property services partner can help you determine the most strategic green upgrades for your properties as well as execute many of them while also performing preventive maintenance that ensures you get the most out of your SFR investments. Learn more at mcs360.com

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Property Management and the Buy-and-Hold Investment Strategy

Enhancing the Profitability and Longevity of Rental Investments By Jennifer Stoops Investing in real estate has long been recognized as one of the most lucrative and stable ways to build wealth. Among the various strategies employed by investors, “buying and holding” stands out as a time-tested approach to maximize returns and achieve financial freedom. Buying and holding real estate involves purchasing a property with the intention of owning it for an extended period. Unlike other investment strategies like flipping properties, this approach focuses on long-term wealth accumulation and cash flow generation. The idea is to buy a property at a favorable price, hold onto it for an extended period (usually years or decades), and let the property appreciate in value over time. There are many benefits of the buy-and-hold real estate investing strategy: Appreciation Real estate properties tend to appreciate in value over the long term. By holding onto a property for years, investors can benefit from substantial appreciation, which contributes significantly to their overall wealth. Passive income Buying and holding real estate allows investors to generate a passive income stream through rental payments. Rental income can cover mortgage expenses and other property-related costs, creating a steady cash flow. Tax advantages Real estate investors enjoy several tax benefits, including various tax deductions and depreciation. These tax incentives can lower the overall tax burden and increase the profitability of the investment. Hedge against inflation Real estate investments act as a hedge against inflation since property values and rental incomes often rise with inflation. As the cost-of-living increases, rental rates can be adjusted, protecting investors from the erosion of purchasing power. The Property Management Part The benefits of investing in and owning long term rental properties are significant, but it is not all rainbows and unicorns. Once you own a rental property, there is the matter of managing the property. This is a critically important piece of the buy-and-hold strategy and yet is often overlooked and undervalued in how it can affect the return on your investment (ROI). Often, the significance of managing the asset is not recognized until a problem occurs, which is often very costly. Typically, we use professionals in our lives who specialize in various fields that bring knowledge, expertise, value and protection to us. In the world of buy-and-hold real estate, a professional property manager may be your best investment for the continued increase in the return on your investment. With all the issues surrounding our economic climate, including squatter issues, eviction moratoriums and housing affordability, professional property managers are equipped to handle these issues. Why Use a Property Manager Effective property management is paramount to the success of the buy-and-hold strategy. Properly managing real estate assets ensures that investors can maximize returns, minimize expenses, and maintain the value of their investments. Engaging professional property management services can relieve investors of the day-to-day responsibilities of running rental properties. Property managers handle tasks such as tenant screening, rent collection, property maintenance, and compliance with local laws. Professional property managers are like an insurance policy as they bring an intimate knowledge of the local real estate market to the investor. This expertise allows them to accurately determine optimal rental rates, ensuring that the property generates maximum income without deterring potential tenants with overly high rates. Additionally, property managers are well-versed in the local property laws and regulations, helping investors avoid legal pitfalls that could result in costly fines or lawsuits. Owning and managing rental properties requires a significant time investment, from advertising vacancies and screening tenants to handling maintenance requests and emergencies. By hiring a property manager, investors free up their time to focus on other aspects of their lives or business. Property managers also act as a buffer, shielding investors from the day-to-day stresses and issues that can arise with tenants and maintenance. One of the most critical tasks in property management is tenant screening and placement. A professional property manager conducts thorough background checks, credit assessments, and rental history evaluations to ensure that only reliable and responsible tenants are chosen. This diligent screening process reduces the likelihood of rent payment issues and property damage, safeguarding the investor’s income and property value. Consistent rent collection is essential for maintaining stable cash flow. Property managers implement efficient rent collection systems, making it easy for tenants to pay and ensuring that the investor receives their income promptly. Moreover, in case of any rent-related issues, property managers handle late payments and enforce lease agreements, reducing the burden on the investor. Property maintenance is an ongoing necessity that can consume a significant amount of time and resources. A property manager maintains a network of trusted contractors and service providers, ensuring that any repairs or maintenance needs are addressed promptly and at reasonable costs. This proactive approach helps preserve the property’s value and keeps tenants satisfied. Having a vacant property is one of the leading causes of stress for an investor. Vacancies can be costly for investors, as they lead to income gaps. Property managers employ effective marketing strategies to minimize vacancy periods by creating compelling property listings and utilizing various advertising channels. They also have access to a pool of prospective tenants. Do you know the laws for the state, municipality or HOA where your rental property is located? There are state laws, municipality laws, HOA covenants and restrictions, city and town ordinances, code enforcement, all information you need to know regarding your property to keep from inadvertently doing something wrong. Navigating the legal landscape of rental property management can be complex. Property managers are well-versed in tenant-landlord laws and regulations, ensuring that all interactions and agreements are compliant. In case of disputes or conflicts with tenants, property managers have the experience to handle negotiations and resolutions, protecting the investor from potential legal entanglements. In the world of real estate investment, time and knowledge are invaluable assets. Hiring a professional property manager is undoubtedly a prudent choice, giving investors access to expertise, efficiency, and peace of mind. From expert market insights to

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What Every Real Estate Investor Should Know About Insurance Claims

The Do’s, the Don’ts, and the Double-Checks By Shawn Woedl Experiencing a loss at one of your properties can be overwhelming, and dealing with insurance claims can be a complex process. By familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of insurance claims before a loss occurs, you can proactively protect your business while minimizing potential setbacks. This general outline of do’s and don’ts can save you time, money, and potential headaches. Do  »         Thoroughly review your insurance policy // Before an incident occurs, take time to carefully review your insurance policy. While it may not be the most exciting read, this is your guide to what is covered and what is excluded. If you’re unsure about something, ask your insurance agent, and get everything in writing.  »         Promptly report ALL claims // Delays in reporting incidents could lead to prolonged processing or even a denial of your claim. As soon as a claim-worthy incident occurs, contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process.  »         Document incidents // Take photos, videos and write detailed descriptions of what happened. Doing so will substantiate your claim and help the insurance carrier understand the extent of the damage. Don’t  »         Withhold relevant information // Failure to disclose relevant information about an incident can lead to claim denial. Provide accurate and complete details.  »         Exaggerate or provide false information // Fabricating or exaggerating details about an incident can lead to serious consequences. Insurance carriers investigate every claim and giving false information could result in denial or even legal action.  »         Make unnecessary claims // Minor incidents that you can afford to pay for out of pocket may not warrant a claim. Making frequent or unnecessary claims can lead to higher premiums.  »         Neglect necessary maintenance // After an incident has occurred, it is still important to maintain the property. Failure to do so could worsen the damage and may impact the outcome of your claim. The Balancing Act of Filing Claims Simply turning in claims should not directly affect your rates if they are not paid out. However, a pattern of filing unnecessary claims can affect your relationship with your insurance carrier. A string of loss frequency, even with no payout, makes carriers begin to wonder when the big loss (that they will have to pay) is going to hit. Maintaining a balanced claims history will help foster a positive and long-term relationship with your carrier. If one of your properties incurs damage that is not the result of a covered peril or not going to cost more than your deductible to repair, you’re better off paying for repairs out of pocket. What will affect your rates are frequent controllable loss claims. Controllable losses are incidents that could have been avoided or mitigated through proper precautions. In this respect, frequency is just as bad as severity. Insurance companies believe that if an investor manages their properties and businesses the right way, controllable losses are typically avoidable. Do your due diligence to prevent controllable property losses, such as:  »         Cooking and heating fires  »         Water damage from burst pipes  »         Theft  »         Tenant damage  »         Tree damage With that said, always inform your carrier of liability incidents, even if you’re unsure that a claim will be filed. If a claim does get filed, your carrier is in a better positionto help defend you because you made them aware of the incident when it occurred. Never try to negotiate a settlement for a liability incident on your own. Never Give an Insurance Company a Reason to Deny a Claim Ensuring that the information on your policy is accurate and up to date is extremely important. The last thing you want is to suffer a loss, file a claim, and be informed that coverage will not be afforded to you because of a clerical error. Below are a few key considerations that have a huge impact on the outcome of your insurance claims. Named Insured It is common for investors to utilize different business names, but if you’re not careful, this practice can leave you without coverage after a loss. Consider this: My insurance policy for an apartment complex is registered under my legal name, Shawn Woedl. My tenants pay rent to the business entity with which I bought the property, SW, LLC. If one of my tenants slips on the stairs and breaks their leg, they’re going to sue SW, LLC because that’s where they pay their rent. The issue is, if my LLC is not listed as “named insured” on my insurance policy, and a claim is filed, coverage may not be available. This is also a common issue when investors change their entity name but forget to update it on their insurance policy. The first named insured on the insurance policy must always be the entity that owns the property, whether that’s you or your business. Occupancy Status Reporting changes in occupancy status is the best way to ensure you always have the proper coverage. If your property is listed as “occupied” but is actually vacant, and a loss occurs, your insurance carrier may deny any claims. Insurable Interest Insurable interest is a legal concept stating you must have financial or other interest in the damaged property to be eligible for reimbursement. This basically means an entity that does not have interest in a property cannot insure said property. Let’s say you’ve inherited your aunt’s cabin in the Smoky Mountains. As soon as the deed is signed, your aunt’s homeowners policy no longer applies because she has no insurable interest. It is your responsibility to obtain insurance for the inherited cabin to be covered. Avoiding Claim Delays To avoid any discrepancies that may hinder the claims process, double-check that the following is listed correctly on your policy:  »         Property address  »         Mailing address  »         Listed mortgagee  »         The bank account for the “pay to” entity  »         Occupancy status Additionally, having a comprehensive understanding of the differences between Basic, Broad, and Special Form coverage

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Q&A with Alison Tulio, President, Incenter Tax Solutions

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A Conversation on How Property Taxes Influence Investment Property Acquisitions & Management Whether you are buying, selling, building or managing a real estate investment portfolio, property taxes are an important consideration. They can be a bell-weather for changing market values, an advantageous selling point for sellers and their real estate agents and, of course, they impact the net operating income (NOI), cap rate and financing math. If a property is over-assessed, a property tax appeal can also deliver an unexpected payday. Property managers may use the savings to make property improvements or add amenities that will attract tenants willing to pay higher monthly rents. We sat down with Alison Tulio, Esq., President of Incenter Tax Solutions, to get her thoughts on property taxes and their influence on the decision-making process regarding real estate acquisitions. Ms. Tulio has more than 15 years’ experience in this area, and she has previously represented and advised real estate investment companies on acquisitions, sales, financing and leasing matters. What are the high-level property tax trends in today’s real estate market? Real estate is always in a state of flux and, therefore, property taxes are as well. The housing market is constantly reacting to interest rate changes, higher or lower occupancy rates, inventory shortages or surpluses and expanding or softening purchase cycles. Property taxes follow these same cycles. In markets that have experienced significant real estate appreciation over a short period of time, properties may be under-assessed. In other words, local property taxes may rise even as home prices stabilize or cool. On the other hand, the U.S. needs to add more than 4 million rental properties by 2035 to meet growing demand. If property values in a desirable rental geography such as Austin, Texas, flatten out, taxes should eventually decline while rents continue to creep up — improving property NOI. It is hard to predict from one county to the next which is why monitoring your property taxes is so important. In addition, assessments as well as market values change year to year. If you are not having your taxes reviewed every year, it could result in a missed opportunity for savings. Meanwhile, if you invest in commercial office properties, you may still be struggling with high vacancy rates caused by the pandemic. Your property values should be coming down along with your property taxes. We have been conducting a pretty steady flow of property tax appeals for commercial property investors and managers for this reason. The savings are typically used to spruce up properties or make upgrades to systems or amenities like common kitchens or bathrooms. Why do the property tax math up front? Across much of the country, real estate prices are ‘normalizing’ and interest rates are peaking. However, both remain comparatively high and will be for the foreseeable future. Investors need to be aggressive about managing their borrowing costs and cashflow. Even a slight uptick in property taxes can upset the most judiciously prepared financials. Conversely, a reduction can change property ROI for the better while delivering some liquidity for reinvestment. If you are applying for financing, property taxes are taken into account as part of the property’s carrying costs and capitalization rate. Therefore, lowering property taxes will lower the projected debt-to-income ratio for financing calculations including borrowing limits and interest rates. Factoring in future property tax adjustments based on local market values and trends should inform 5-10 year ROI projections on rental properties. Especially in areas where there is a cap on property tax increases. These work as a hedge through markets of strong appreciation. The property values may go up significantly, but the property tax cap protects against tax spikes that negate property income projections. Two percent of assessed value is the U.S. average taxrate for multi-family rental properties. How do property taxes influence real estate purchase decisions? At the very least, local property tax rates indicate if a town or city is ‘business- or industry-friendly.’  For residential real estate investors, tax rates reveal how towns and cities compare on quality-of-life priorities including local investment in schools, public services and amenities such as libraries and parks. This is especially important to investors in SFR and multi-families. Obviously, local property taxes also reflect resident wealth levels — a key consideration in any real estate investment strategy. Real estate pundits currently predict a 10% decline, a correction really, in property prices as the market normalizes. Checking a city or town’s recent property tax adjustments history may help investors better project near-term property cap rates. In geographies where housing prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic, property taxes that lag behind higher assessment values are likely to go up. This knowledge may help determine if an investor should buy, sell or hold a property. More tactically, real estate agents may use the prospect of lower property taxes in locales that are over-assessed or beginning to see pricing declines to entice investors. Some go so far as to request a property tax review prior to listing. If the reviewer determines an appeal would likely be successful, the real estate agent can use this as a positive selling point. Reviews are free so the agent has nothing to lose if an appeal is not recommended. How do property tax appeals work? The property tax appeal process varies throughout the United States. Each taxing authority has a deadline for filing the appeal. Property owners can conduct the appeal themselves, but it can be daunting. They need to make sure they are using the correct data and or formulas, gather the appropriate documentation, hire an appraiser if required and attend the appeal hearing — all of which is time-consuming. A professional property tax appeal firm will first tell you whether or not your appeal has a strong chance of being successful. If yes, they will then take care of all the documentation and preparation for the appeal, including the appraisal. If advisable, they will also hire an attorney specializing in tax appeals to attend the hearing. There

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Q&A with Erik Barlow and Avery Rucker of FundSource Financial

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A Conversation About the Economy, Lending and the Real Estate Industry Erik Barlow is the President of FundSource Financial LLC, which he formed in 2014 along with Avery Rucker, the Vice President of the firm. With a combined 35 years of experience in real estate and business finance, they understand the challenges and time constraints real estate investors face on a daily basis. REI INK sat down with Erik and Avery to get their thoughts on the current state of the economy and the real estate investment and lending industries. Erik and Avery, can you give a quick overview of your professional journeys? Barlow // My career started in financial planning in 1999. In 2004, I started looking at the mortgage business and fell in love with it. I started with traditional residential mortgages then switched to the commercial side. Consequently, I started a commercial lending business which is where I first met Avery. The business then transitioned to working with private investors providing financing for both residential investment and commercial properties. This all led to me forming FundSource Financial in 2014. Rucker // My path was a little different. After graduating college in 1998, I became an investment banker, but I didn’t like it because I had no work life-balance. So, I transitioned to trading, and got involved in real estate. At that time, the trading world was changing so I focused more on real estate and became an account rep for a private lender. That’s how I met Erik. How about your company, FundSource Financial? Barlow // We formed it in 2014 and we now lend in 37 states. Our focus is on the “everyday” real estate investor with one to four units that need money for rehab projects or just to buy properties that are in good condition. We also focus on commercial investors that acquire multifamily, mixed-use, warehouse, self-storage, retail, office, restaurants/bars, automotive and mobile home parks. Rucker // We’re different from most lenders because we don’t require our borrowers to have experience investing in real estate. We will work with borrowers to finance their first flip as well as work with experienced operators that own hundreds of units. Our sole focus is to provide our clients with the optimal financing solution to get their project across the finish line on time. It’s frankly what we’ve built our business on. Expert guidance, and efficient execution. Barlow // To add to that, our goal is to be our clients’ finance partner. We “build up” the new investor by taking a chance on them. For example, we had a 19-year-old client who most lenders typically would not take a chance on for lack of experience, but we did. Today, that young man is very successful; he is 24 and has completed more than 20 deals in the last five years. It is also important to understand that when we structure a deal we are shooting to keep as much money in our client’s pocket as possible. Some lenders require significantly more money down than we do. We have found that the stronger the client’s bank account AFTER closing, the more likely they are to be in position to handle any unforeseen expenses and complete the project. How is the overall economy affecting your business? Rucker // It’s always been important to us to get industry and economic data from the best sources possible. It’s allowed us to make program changes early so that it doesn’t have a negative effect on our borrowers or our business. The only real change we’ve seen is a change in the ratio of our loans. We’re still doing a lot of fix and flip deals but we’re also doing a lot of buy and hold deals. Barlow // Also, our clients are adapting and diversifying as well. Buy-and-hold investors are now entertaining fix-and-flips and vice versa. Our buy-and-hold to fix-and-flip ratio used to be 80/20. Now it is closer to 60/40. The bottom line is we adapt to our clients when they adapt to the market. What are your thoughts on the current economy? Rucker // All I can say is that we are busy all day — everyday. Our borrowers are taking changes in stride and adapting. Capital is flowing. There is more capital available today than ever before. Barlow // At the end of the day people are still buying houses. Investors are very smart people and can figure things out. They realize that if their profits go down that they just need to do more deals to compensate. And that is also where we come in — we advise our investors. Thoughts about 2024? Barlow // As Warren Buffet stated, “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” It is going to be very important who investors take advice from. I believe 2024 will be a great time. More properties will hit the market. Our seasoned investors are chomping at the bit. A good partner is key. We are experienced and we know how to advise. We are not simply transactional; we want to have clients for 50 deals and not just one. Rucker // Additionally, we take a consultative approach with our clients. We listen to their wants and needs and give them honest feedback. We’re always willing to tell a client that their considering a bad deal. We care more about the relationship and making them successful than just closing a deal. Do you have some parting thoughts or advice? Barlow // The one piece of advice that I have for new people looking at real estate investing is that you make your money when you buy a property and not when you sell it. At the outset, you need to structure the deal correctly. And for fix-and-flip investors, it’s important that you put out some affordable housing that people can qualify for; products under the FHA loan limits for their local markets. Rucker // Investors need to understand their financing before they

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Getting Ahead of the Storm

Property Management Pre- and Post-Disaster By Nickalene Badalamenti-Kalas Weather extremes and severe storm events are occurring more frequently across the United States and around the world. These events have not only caused significant damage to properties but also impacted new regions that are not fully prepared to confront them. The increasing occurrence and intensity of natural disasters calls for proactive measures to mitigate potential property damage and expedite recovery efforts. The Need for Predictive Disaster Management The growing frequency and severity of weather-related disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires have wreaked havoc on communities and caused substantial financial losses. According to the NOAA Climate Disaster Report, the total cost of damages due to weather effects in 2022 exceeded $165 billion in the United States alone. There is little or nothing we can do to control these events, but predicting their occurrences and proactively mapping their potential paths are essential steps toward minimizing their impact on real estate assets and the people who occupy them. The CLADE™ Disaster Alert System Five Brothers, a leading field services company and provider of best-in-class asset management solutions, has developed a revolutionary technology called the CLADE Disaster Alert System. By leveraging advanced technology, CLADE enables servicers, investors, and property managers to take proactive measures to protect at-risk properties before a disaster strikes, and streamline the inspection, debris removal, and claims processes post-disaster. It presents a real-time visual presentation of affected areas, enabling a strategic approach to risk management. CLADE Key Features  >         Advanced Geo-Tagged Asset Locations: CLADE employs advanced geospatial technology to accurately pinpoint the location of assets, providing a comprehensive view of the properties within proximity to potential disaster zones.  >         Real-time Disaster Occurrence Notification: CLADE provides real-time alerts to clients whenever a potential disaster event occurs near their assets.  >         Layered Mapping for Disaster Zone Identification: The system utilizes layered mapping to quickly identify disaster zones, providing visual representations of the areas likely to be affected by various natural disasters.  >         Exportable Property Lists for Asset-Specific Analysis: CLADE generates exportable property lists that include an asset-specific analysis, enabling clients to prioritize their response and recovery efforts.  >         Storm Surge Mapping Layer: Recognizing the significance of storm water inundation and flooding accompanying hurricanes to coastal and inland regions, CLADE assists in identifying areas and assets most susceptible to flooding.  >         One-Click Access to Field Service Orders: CLADE offers a one-click access feature, allowing users to promptly place pre- and post-disaster field service orders for necessary property protection and stabilization measures. Implementation and Scalability CLADE is available both as a value-added component of the Five Brothers asset management technology suite, FiveOnline, and as a standalone application. Users can easily upload their portfolios using the intuitive CLADE interface. CLADE is scalable to accommodate portfolios of any size for default, REO, REI vacant and/or occupied properties. Pre- and Post-Disaster Field Services When at-risk properties have been identified, stakeholders can quickly engage Five Brothers’ nationwide network of field service professionals to prepare properties for the coming weather event. When the storm has passed, field service personnel are dispatched to conduct exterior and/or interior inspections with geo-tagged photos and complete documentation. Based on the report findings, bids are submitted for board removal, utility reconnection, debris removal and relocation, and tarp-over services to prevent further damage. The clear benefit CLADE brings to these services is reaction time. It provides a critical interval in which to prepare assets to minimize damage pre-disaster, and to order boots on the ground to quickly assess property conditions and accelerate the claims and remediation processes post-disaster. It represents a transformative asset management solution to the growing challenges posed by weather extremes and severe storm events. See the CLADE technology introductory video and explore Five Brothers asset management solutions at fivebrms.com.

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