Save time and money doing your own repairs before a new tenant signs a lease. I am not suggesting that you try to do the job of a Plumber or an Electrician. I am however suggesting that you consider doing repairs like caulking a shower or tub, fixing a garbage disposal or installing dimmer light switch.

Sometimes calling a professional for a quote and to perform the work can take a lot more time and money than you may have. Many professionals have a service charge just to tell you the problem. Once the problem is diagnosed, you usually have to schedule another appointment to have the work completed days or weeks later.

Some retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s have recognized that people want to know how to do certain types of projects and repairs on their own. Both retailers offer in-store or online workshops weekly.

Home Depot offers tips on how to install cabinet doors or troubleshoot an electrical problem. Their website offers more than 150 home improvement projects with tips and ideas. There are in-store clinics and online workshops available for projects including: tiling floors and walls, simple ways to manage your lawn and installing laminate flooring.

Lowes allows you to sign up for email newsletters. They also offer step by step tips on projects for installing a ceiling fan and to how to perform simple toilet repair. There are in-store clinics for projects including: how to install hardwood flooring, how to update your bathroom and how to decorate with crown molding.

Before you try to do a repair you should determine if a professional is needed. The next thing you should do is decide if you feel comfortable doing the work yourself.

Recently, I decided to install some dimmer switches on several areas where there are recessed lights. I went to the store and found the switches I wanted. I asked the Salesperson for assistance to make sure I had the necessary tools and parts. Once I got home, I read the instructions on how to install the switches and then proceeded to install them. I ran into problem with the lights that had double switches. Fortunately for me there was a 1-800 number for the manufacturer. I called the number and Representative in the technical support department was able to answer my questions within minutes.

I was also able to use a 1-800 for the manufacturer of my ceiling fans. I had an electrician install three ceiling fans that were the same model. When the electrician installed the ceiling fans he did not set each transmitter on a different frequency signal. Every time I turned on one fan, it would also turn on another fan.

Had I called the electrician to install the dimmer switches or to change the frequency signal I probably would have been charged $75 per hour for about two hours of work. Both jobs took me under 45 minutes to complete.

The following is a list of repairs that are fairly easy to complete on your own. As always, if you have any concerns consult a professional.

* Caulking - bathtubs, showers, window sills, door jambs, stringers on stairs

* Painting - rusted porch railings or mailboxes, touch up paint and front doors

* Plumbing - unclogging a toilet or drain, changing the sink or shower fixtures, resetting or unclogging a garbage disposal

* Yard Work - cutting grass, edging up around sidewalks and driveways, applying new mulch, trimming or cutting bushes and trees

* Installations - microwaves, wall shelves, blinds, tool racks and crown molding

Whether you are handy or not, the next time you have a repair consider doing it yourself. Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also teach you how to complete a repair if necessary when a professional is not available. If you do hire a professional, having completed a project in the past will allow you to have a better understanding of how much time the project may take.

For more information or assistance with setting up a real estate investment team (REIT), mortgage planning options or property management, contact Jennifer Johnson, your trusted real estate investment advisor.

Copyright© 2007 by Jennifer V-E Johnson. Others may not copy this material without written permission of Jennifer V-E Johnson. The views expressed in this RE News are those of the author(s). If you are currently working with a Realtor® this is not intended as a solicitation.

Ms. Johnson has been a licensed Realtor since 2004. She currently holds real estate licenses in Virginia, DC and Maryland. She is a member of Dulles Area Association of Realtors (DAAR). With over 70 active clients, Jennifer specializes in working with Professional Investors, while increasing their net worth and diversifying their real estate portfolios.

She was voted ‘Most Favored Agent’ to work with from the top producing Loan Originators among internet Mortgage Brokers in 2005.