Tips For Renters

Renting a property doesn’t absolve you from responsibilities per your rental contract. Learn some great tips to have a successful tenancy.

Party Homes – What To Do?

June 23, 2010

In the June 9, 2010 Santa Cruz Sentinel Newspaper, www.santacruzsentinel.com page B3, there is an article by Shanna McCord about the crack down on party homes in Santa Cruz.  The City Council passed an emergency ordinance not allowing repeat offending property owners from making renovations to their properties that would increase the number of bedrooms [...]

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The Pain of Stains

May 26, 2010

I keep things that are of interest to my business and this posting is from the Santa Cruz Sentinel July 17, 2008.  I thought I would share with you some of the tips and tricks for stain removal. Grease – use cornstarch, cornmeal and talcum powder to soak up Dried blood, juice, felt-tip pen or [...]

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Georgiana Bruce Kirby – Senior Seminar – How to be a good tenant

April 30, 2010

As part of the senior seminar series I was asked to speak to the students about how to get their first apartment, what owners and property managers look for in a tenant. The class was on April 22nd, from 1-2:15 at the school.  About 40-50 students were in the class and all were attentive except [...]

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Property Management from A-Z: X

April 12, 2010

Xerox and  X-check Xerox – copy documents, keep copies of all communication whether on your computer or printed and put into the file.  The main point here to document, document and document.  Have a filing system for your documents so you can find what you are looking for later.  Copies can always be sent to [...]

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Property Management from A-Z: Q

March 17, 2010

Question & Qualifying Applicant Question – You as Owner always want to question and get more info not just from tenant when they call with maintenance emergency – ask lots of questions to understand situation but question your insurance agent annually to make sure your investment is property insured.  Be pro-active in staying on top [...]

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Property Management from A-Z: P

March 15, 2010

Patience, Preventative Maintenance, Pets, Policies & Procedures, Photos, Profit Patience – Always outline in detail what you want done with the property and in the lease.  When tenants ask what seems to be stupid questions be patient and happy that they are asking you first..educate your tenant. Preventative Maintenance – Do annual checks for batteries [...]

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Property Management from A-Z: N

March 10, 2010

Notices:  3 day, 30 day, 60 day, 90 day, 24 hour People often get confused over a variety of notices and when to use.  I will outline the ones mentioned above. 3-Day to Pay Rent or Quit This notice is used if you haven’t received the rent by the due date.  You post a 3 [...]

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Property Management from A-Z: L

February 26, 2010

Law, Lease & Listen Law – bottomline follow it.  There are lots of books out there and professional associations here are some links: California Apt Assoc. Become a member.  This is a great organization.  They regularly have classes on legal matters, Fair Housing Law, Leases and Addendums to download etc. www.caanet.org Institute for Real Estate [...]

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