When budgeting for property owners, what is the recommended approach for income and expenses?

When budgeting for property owners, the recommended approach is to be conservative on income and liberal on expenses because this strategy helps ensure that the property owners can maintain financial stability even if actual income comes in lower than expected or if expenses are higher than projected.

By being conservative on income, property managers set realistic expectations, acknowledging that fluctuations in market conditions, tenant occupancy rates, or rental prices can impact incoming revenue. This precaution helps avoid overpromising returns to owners, thereby mitigating the risk of financial shortfalls.

On the expense side, being liberal allows for a buffer in the budget to accommodate unforeseen costs, such as emergency repairs or increases in property taxes, maintenance expenses, or utilities. This approach ensures that property owners are not caught off guard by unexpected financial demands, thereby promoting better cash flow management.

Ultimately, this conservative budgeting practice fosters trust and healthier financial planning, leading to informed decision-making for property owners and minimizing the likelihood of budget shortfalls.