portola property Management

Santa Cruz Rental Inspection Ordinance Update

June 15, 2011

The City of Santa Cruz passed the Rental Inspection Ordinance that was to go into effect 60 days from January 1, 2011.  At this point in time the City is still putting the program in place and working out the details of the program.  So, the process will be that owners don’t need to register [...]

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Interest on Security Deposit in Santa Cruz County

June 7, 2011

Interest is due annually on Security Deposits held within Santa Cruz County with the exception of Scotts Valley.   Interest needs to be paid at the end of each calendar year.  Our office pays in January and if under $5.00 we give tenants a rent credit if over $5.00 we send a check.  For 2011 the [...]

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Screen Potential Tenants Carefully

May 25, 2011

Hi folks, Sorry out of commission lately. Thought I would post a quick note about all the calls I am getting from Owners who have rented properties themselves and now tenants aren’t paying rent.  I have picked up quite a few properties lately into my portfolio which have met this very scenario.  My tip for [...]

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Don’t Know Where to Turn – Call 211

January 26, 2011

In this difficult economic time (Santa Cruz County Unemployment is around 10%) many are looking to their community for help.  Santa Cruz and Monterey offer a one stop shopping place to help people looking for services who don’t know where to start.  Call 211.  This is an information number that will direct you to the [...]

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Don’t Rake the Leaves

November 29, 2010

All those leaves that fall on the ground – don’t rake them up.  They provide ground cover and nutrients for the earth and they keep the weeds from coming through.  Or, rake them and put them around the base of your trees or shrubs. Please check out my website at www.PortolaRentals.com if you are interested [...]

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Efficiency Tip Of The Week : Providing Information

August 30, 2010

Answering the same old questions again and again can be a huge drain on time, and frustrating too.  We aren’t parrots! Besides your employees can be better used doing other tasks than answering standard questions all day long.  Here is how we have solved this in our office. 1. Have template emails that you can [...]

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Efficiency Tip Of The Week : Client Contact

August 23, 2010

Client Contact – all business coaches or marketing guru’s have tons of ideas for connecting with clients – Owners, Vendors, Tenants, anyone you consider your client.  What I have learned over the years is to pick one or two things and do them consistently.  I don’t do birthday cards – wouldn’t remember them all.  I [...]

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Efficiency Tip Of The Week : Time Management & Organization

August 16, 2010

Time Management – is huge for many people.  I am often asked how I get done all I do in a day.  Well I really organize my time and I stick to a schedule. This is how I schedule appointments.  Try it out and see if it works for you. Monday – no appointments – [...]

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