Kim Avant-Babb

Read articles by Kim Avant-Babb, a real estate investor, on building and managing a rental portfolio.

Kim Avant-Babb, real estate investor

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Recent Posts By

Kim Avant-Babb
How to Increase NOI on an Inherited Rental Without Renovating

31

August

2026

How to Increase NOI on an Inherited Rental Without Renovating

Raise NOI on an occupied rental without renovating. See where money leaks, two case studies, and when you can make changes.

Investment Strategy
The Best Store Discounts and Pro Programs for Landlords (2026)

6

August

2026

The Best Store Discounts and Pro Programs for Landlords (2026)

The best pro loyalty programs and store discounts for US landlords - save on repairs, materials, paint, and DIY supplies at Home Depot, Lowe’s and more.

Property Maintenance
9 Best Landlord Apps for 2026

29

July

2026

9 Best Landlord Apps for 2026

The best landlord apps for 2026, from all-in-one management to receipt scanning, e-signatures, and mileage tracking. Build your landlord tech stack.

Landlord Studio
Security Deposit Return Letter: Free Template and Deadlines (2026)

13

July

2026

Security Deposit Return Letter: Free Template and Deadlines (2026)

Free security deposit return letter template, itemized deduction rules, and the state deadlines you must meet to avoid penalties when returning a deposit.

Docs & Templates
Non-Renewal Lease Letter: Free Template for Landlords (2026)

13

July

2026

Non-Renewal Lease Letter: Free Template for Landlords (2026)

Free non-renewal lease letter template for landlords, plus notice-period rules and exactly what to include so the tenancy ends cleanly.

Docs & Templates
Lease Termination Letter: Free Template and Guide (2026)

13

July

2026

Lease Termination Letter: Free Template and Guide (2026)

Free lease termination letter template plus a step-by-step guide on what to include, notice periods, and how to send it so it holds up.

Docs & Templates
How to Screen a Tenant Without a Social Security Number

29

June

2026

How to Screen a Tenant Without a Social Security Number

You can still evaluate applicants fairly without a social security number. How to verify identity and income with documents and stay Fair Housing compliant.

Tenant Screening
US Landlord Insights: Seasonal Tenant Trends for 2026

12

June

2026

US Landlord Insights: Seasonal Tenant Trends for 2026

We analyzed 3.5 million landlord and tenant actions on our property management platform over 3.5 years to reveal trends landlords can plan ahead for.

Growth
Section 8 Voucher Waits Hit 5+ Years in Worst-Hit States

10

June

2026

Section 8 Voucher Waits Hit 5+ Years in Worst-Hit States

New analysis of HUD data ranks Section 8 waiting list times by state. Maryland tops 5 years; see how 50 states changed from 2022 to 2025.

Industry News
How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission (2026 Guide)

18

May

2026

How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission (2026 Guide)

Real estate commission is fully negotiable post-NAR settlement. Here’s how real estate investors and sellers cut agent fees and commissions.

Growth
How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smells and Bad Odors in a Rental Property

11

May

2026

How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smells and Bad Odors in a Rental Property

Tenant moved out and left a smell behind? Here’s how landlords can remove cigarette smoke and bad odors before the next tenant tours the property.

Property Maintenance
Are Digital Signatures Legal for Leases and Landlord Docs?

7

May

2026

Are Digital Signatures Legal for Leases and Landlord Docs?

Yes, digital signatures are legally binding on US leases under the ESIGN Act and UETA. Learn the four rules, exceptions, and how to keep them airtight.

E-sign