Shawn Collins-Senior Property Manager Serving Natomas,Sacramento,Elk Grove's Blog

Sacramento rental market - 1st Quarter 2012

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:34:35 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown.

We had a strong 1st quarter with rental activity which could be considered better than average. As we approach April things have slowed down concerning both new rental supply and demand. This is not entirely unusual and we should see improvement towards the later part of April if history repeats itself.

With the sales market improving in our area we may start to see less inventory and improved rental values by summer.

CALNARPM Convention May 26-29th 2012

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:27:52 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud NARPM Sacramento Chapter Director 2012

The CALNARPM 2012 California Conference

Don't miss our keynote speakers for the CALNARPM 2012 California Conference!

Bill Cole, Advanced Business Solutions, Inc.,is an internationally recognized expert in building and leading effective business organizations will be our keynote speaker Wednesday, March 28th.

Tom Bannon, CEO of the California Apartment Association, is our keynote speaker Thursday, March 29th.

Dan Sandri, Chief Auditor with the Department of Real Estate, will be talking about hot topic issues such as mandatory renters insurance Thursday, March 29th.

Click here to download the Conference Brochure.

Please note: The brochure is a large file and may take a few minutes to download.

Easy Ways to Register

Mail - Send your form with payment to : CALNARPM

305 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Fax - Send your signed form with payment to

415-661-5902.

CALNARPM Member Discount

Take advantage of the CALNARPM Member pricing - pay your 2012 annual dues and register at this favored rate!

Office Discount

When 5 or more CALNARPM or NARPM members from one office register for the entire convention, there is a 10% discount on the registration fee for the entire conference registrations. Registration forms and payment must be received at the same time.

Join us for the CALNARPM 2012 California Conference,

Golden State, Golden Opportunities,

March 26, 2012 through March 29, 2012 at the Napa Valley Marriott, Napa, CA.

NARPM Vendor Fair Coming in May 16th 2012

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:19:35 -0700

Proud Sacramento Chapter Director 2012

JOIN the Fun and Network with other local businesses

2012 Vendor FAIR and luncheon is May 16, 2012 between 11-2pm:

Sacramento Association of Realtors

2003 Howe Avenue

Sacramento CA

Special Guest Speakier - Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist Ruthie Bolton

10:30am Exibits Open

12:00pm Buffet Lunch

12:20pm Program & Raffles

1:20pm Grand Prize Drawing - IPAD 3

City of Sacramento - Rental Housing Inspection Property

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:57:11 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud NARPM Sacramento Chapter Director 2012

The City of Sacramento Rental Housing Inspection Program for all rental homes located in the city limits at a fee is $140 billed equally in payments of $28 over 5 years.

Approximately 3 weeks prior to an inspection the property owner will receive written notice and an inspection checklist to prepare. If violations exist the owner is given 30 days to correct the issues. If repairs exceed 30 days annual reinspection wil be scheduled at an additional $150 fee.

If no violations exist owners may be approved for self certification.

Either the property owner or their designated representative with full authority to act on the owners behalf must be present. Either the owner or the agent must be located within 35miles from the property.

For more information and details contact a Professional Property Management Company or City of Sacramento Code Enforcemet Office 916-808-7368

Sacramento County - Rental Housing Inspection Programs

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:40:02 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud NARPM Sacramento Chapter Director 2012

Per rental housing inspection program letter to owners March 2010

Inspection of rental property located in the unincorporated Sacramento County area.

Beginning January 2010 all residential rental units must undergo inspections to ensure they meet existing housing standards. Rental owners can choose to have a county inspector conduct the inspections, perform self inspections or identify another qualified individual to conduct the inspection such a myself.

Rental owners must identify who will perform the inspections on the registration form provided. Individuals who perfom inspections on behalf of a rental owner must receive traingin from a county approved provider prior to conducting inspections.

Inspection forms must be completed and provide copies for the tenants.

Failure to register your rental proeprty with the County's Rental Housing Inspection Program may result in enforcement action to include one or more of the following 1) admin penalties 2 ) civil fines and/or 3) criminal citiation

For more information speak to a professional property manager or visit Sac County Code Enforecement www.code-enforcement.saccounty.net or call 916-876-9020

HOW TO AVOID PROPERTY MANAGER BURNOUT

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:18:19 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud NARPM Sacramento Chapter Director 2012

Stress can be a drain on both your personal and professional lives. That is why, for our first class of 2012, Sac NARPM is offering a class on how to avoid Property Manager Burnout!

Topics will include motivation, stress relief techniques, and life management skills. Speaking at this class will be Tracy Saville, Co-CEO at T2 Performance Solutions, Inc. Melinda Penny, Owner of Healthy Balance 3. And Apryl Alcaraz, Marriage Family Therapist at Life Practice Counseling Group.

February 15, 2012 9am-1pm Bank of Sacramento

Bank of Sacramento

1750 Howe Avenue, Ste#295
Sacramento, CA 95825

Price is $25 for Members and $35 for Non-Members

Deferred maintenance....Missed routine inspections...

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:31:34 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud NARPM Sacramento Chapter Board Member

The followingn pictures are just a couple of good reasons to always inspect your rental home at least once a year. Help preserve your clients investments by giving them good advice. Refer to a Professional Property Manager for assistance.

NARPM Sac Chapter - Education Classes - Dealing with Stress

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:11:12 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud NARPM Sacramento Chapter Board Member

February 15th 2012

Class:

Dealing with Stress
Topics: Our first official NARPM education class of 2012 will feature topics of motivation, stress relief techniques, and life management skills.
Instructor / speaker: To be announced
Class hours: 9am to 12pm
Location: Bank of Sacramento, 1750 Howe Avenue, ste#295

Sacramento NARPM Sacramento Chapter - Next Event

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:08:52 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud NARPM Sacramento Chapter Board Member

Our First 2012 Luncheon

As always, our first Luncheon of the year will feature the voting on, and swearing in, of your Sacramento NARPM 2012 Board Members and Directors. This year we have former National President Ted White doing the honors of swearing in and presenting the new board. Also, we will be going over the coming events that you, as Members and Affiliates, can look forward to for 2012

Join us at the Sacramento Association of Realtors Building

2003 Howe Avenue Sacramento CA 95825

January 17, 2012 11:30am

When was the last time you read a rental/lease agreement?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:16:17 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud board member of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers

Many people view a rental agreement as simply a tool to contractually obligate a tenant to pay rent and adhere to the the owners stipulations. But what about the owners obligations in accordance with the rental/lease agreement?

In these times, at least in California, a lease agreement constitutes many things including many legal obligations the owner has when the agreement is executed.

When was the last time you seriously read a rental agreement or even checked to make sure you really understood all the language and its meaning as it applies to you, your client and the tenant?

Are you in compliance with all the current disclosure regulations?

It is recommended to review all your agreements routinely and refer to a Real Estate attorney as often as needed to maintain current and complaint agreements.

Our company routinely reviews the terms and updates our agreements as needed through out the year. New cases are heard every day, new regulations come into effect every year so a consistent effort is needed.

Last Change Sacto NARPM members for Required Ethics class

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:47:08 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud board member of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers

>>This is the annual class on Ethics that can satisfy your National mandated requirement.

Speaking will be Ray Scarabosio of Jackson Group Property Management and past President of NARPM National

NARPM® Policy for membership as stated below

Mandatory NARPM Code of Ethics Training became effective January 1, 2008 (later amended to 2009), through December 31, 2011, and for successive four (4) year periods thereafter. Each Professional Member of the NARPM® shall be required to complete ethics training of not less than two hours on the NARPM® Code of Ethics. This course completion shall become a condition of membership that must be completed during every four year cycle, subject to the ethics course being online. Any courses that are taken in the year 2008 can be used to satisfy the first four year requirement. This can be satisfied by taking the ethics on-line course.

Sacramento Chapter NARPM next great event

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:59:28 -0800

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud board member of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers

Our annual member appreciation Christmas Party is coming. Free for members to attend, there will be plenty of holiday cheer to share with fellow NARPM members and affiliates aplenty. There will be entertainment by Apollo Productions, a dance floor, a cash bar, Raffle prizes along with a 2012 dues refund for both one Property Manager and one Affiliate.

Jumbo prawns, herb crusted prime rib, smoked chicken pasta, varietal green salad, these are just a small portioning of what you can expect from the menu. Our dessert display will also have a wide array of cakes, pies, and pastries to delight. Also, do to the mix-up of dates, the Red Lion Hotel is offering rooms for 75 dollars to anyone that wishes it.

If you wish to help be a Drink Sponsor please contact Stephannie Matsis by phone at 916-213-5982, Fax at 916-226-6010, or you can mail in your sponsorship to NARPM @ P.O. Box 292951 Sacramento, CA 95829

Sacramento NARPM - Upcoming events

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:39:50 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud board member of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers

Members, affiliates and visitors are welcome to attend:

November Luncheon and closing for 2011 - Guest speakers topic will be legisative issues on the rise - November 15th 2011 Held at the Sacramento Association of Realtors Building 11:30-1pm. Great food and raffle prizes.

Annual NARPM Member Appreciation Party - December 3, 2011 held at the Red Lion Inn - DJ, Great Food, Bar, Raffles and more.

For more information on membership and or event information please visit www.SacNarpm.com

Sacramento NARPM Class offered - Required Ethics

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:34:20 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud board member of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers

Come join Sacramento NARPM chapter education class scheduled for December 15 2011 @ Sacramento Bank - Sponsored by Rental Homes Plus.

Class topic - Ethics - Class is confirmed and will count towards credit for required Ethics course for all NARPM members due by 12/31/2011 for membership to stay in good standing

Visit www.SacNarpm.com for more information and to register

Sacramento Rental Market Picking Up Pace

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:23:21 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Proud board member of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers

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Over the last two months I have seen a definate increase in inventory throughout the various areas of Sacramento. It seem we have a push of closings and short sales are moving along very nicely.

What to watch out for.... We are moving into the winter months and the demand will weaken until end of January if history repeats itself. This means smart marketing efforts and leasing strategies are crucial.

Be Proactive or your property will sit on the market week after week. Rental values are already starting to dip a little from the new wave so be smart when listing and advise your clients well.

Dallas Tx was great - NARPM Annual Convention and Trade Show

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:16:39 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

As a proud member and active committee chair for our local chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, I attended the recent convention October 18-21 2011.

I have never attended anything quite like it and have to say I met alot of great people, learned about new technology heading our way and attended some great classes.

The ecomonic forecast was especially interesting as the speaker was knowledgeable and had a great presence on stage. Nothing boring here.

Can't wait 2012 convention will be in Washington DC. I am sure it will be a trip to remember.

How do you inspect a home before your tenant moves in?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:06:11 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

2010/11 NARPM - Sacramento Chptr. Legislative Chair

I think most will agree there are several ways to go about performing an inspection of a rental property prior to move in. The key element is to be thorough. We have a detailed checklist we complete in order to document and follow up on items as needed.

1. I like to begin on the outside starting from the street. Look at the roof all the way down to the foundation. I look for hazards, potental roof repairs, exterior damage such as dry rot or cracking and is the foundation level.

2. The yard should be walked as well to avoid potential hazards such as holes, piping, etc that could injure your tenant or visitor.

3. Check all points of entry to ensure the doors are able to be secured, lighting is operable etc.

4. I inspect the interior room by room on a ceiling to floor basis. I am looking at the wall conditions, flooring, windows, doors, and everything in between. Checking for safety issues, cleanliness and functionality are key.

5. Kitchen and bathrooms should be checked to ensure areas are sealed from water intrusion issues, appliance checks, and plumbing is all operational.

You should also be sure to have the smoke & CO detectors checked between tenancies as well as making sure you have new filters in place.

No matter the circumstances of your move in or how limited you are on time, be sure your inspection is complete and detailed photos are taken corner to corner to further document the conditions. I use my move in photos often and may refer to them several times during the tenancy.

Pre Move Out Inspections - It's the Law

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:40:46 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown 2010/11 NARPM - Sacramento Chptr. Legislative Chair Not only is it the law in California to offer a pre-move out inspections for tenant occupied property, it can also save you allot of time and money. At times or should I say with certain residents, I sincerely dreaded the final walk through process. I would have to point out all the unsatisfactory areas and bring the bad news about the costs to correct the conditions. Final move out inspections did not make any sense. The tenant has to turn over their keys so there is no time to make corrections. All you could count on is an argument over the original condition and everyone leaves in a bad mood. Not the best way to end your business relationship. Well not anymore. With the pre-move out inspection taking place a week or two prior to move out, we can eliminate most of the potential for dispute. Upon walking the property we supply a written detail along with the tenants’ rights and responsibilities so there are no misunderstandings and the expectations are clear. Being that pre move out inspections must be offered in order to have any option of charging the tenant’s security deposit for damages, it is important to know how and when to proceed. You should acquaint yourself with the civil codes for proper procedure or simply rely on a trained professional. I find more residents are interested in the inspection process especially when we explain that the purpose is to save them money. It’s a win win situation. Our clients are happy when the property is returned in excellent condition which reduces the vacancy exposure and the tenant leaves feeling satisfied with the outcome which avoids the need for a time consuming dispute.

NARPM - Annual Golf Tourney Tomorrow

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:51:28 -0700

Sign Up to Play in the - 2011 NARPM Annual Golf Tournament
Celebration of Vintage Golf Friday, September 30
Cherry Island Golf Course, 2360 Elverta Road, Elverta

* Great Raffle Prizes !
* Longest Drive Contest !
* Closest to the Pin !
* Putting Contest !
* Best Vintage Attire Contest !
* Best Sponsor Display !

7:00 am Registration, Driving Range, Golfers’ Breakfast
8:00 am Shotgun Start
1:00 pm Tri-tip & Chicken Luncheon
1:30 pm Awards and Raffle

Rental property owners be aware - recall on pool drain covers

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:01:07 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Eight Manufacturers Recall Pool and In Ground Spa Drain Covers – pose possible entrapment hazard to swimmers.

Approximately 1million sold now must be removed for safety. To find out more details visit the following website www.CPSC.gov

All carpet sold in california will be assessed a fee

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:28:58 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Effective July 1, 2011 – All carpet sold in California will be assessed a $.05 fee. A new law known as the California Stewardship Law is responsible for the new fees. The increase will be in effect through January 1, 2013 and is meant to increase recycling of carpet in California. The fees will be used to manage the disposal and to increase carpet recycling.

In 2008 the state performed a study and found 1.3 million tons of carpet placed in our landfills annually.

New Consumer Protection Act - Are you in compliance?

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:42:49 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Effective July 21, 2011 - New disclosure requirments.

When using credit scores, in whole or in part, to determine credit worthiness in making a decision to lend funds the new disclosure act applies.

If no score from public credit files are used, the existing disclosure requirements still apply as required by teh Fair Credit Report Act.

The National Apartment Association and National Multi Housing Council have additional information available for review.

Habitat For Humanity - Sac NARPM has a build date!!!!!!

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:40:59 -0700

Sacramento chapter of National Association of Property Management is proud to announce our upcoming volunteer build date.

Our volunteer squad will be working with Habitat for Humanity in providing new affordable house for local families.

July 30, 2011 we will be working at 7489 Carella Drive in Sacramento CA from 7:30-3:30pm.

Upon completion of the day our chapter will be presenting a check to Habitate for Humanity as a result of our fund raising efforts this year.

If you are free this Saturday and would like to support a good cause contact Derek

Habitate for Humanity welcomes all forms of donations

How do tenants choose a rental home?

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:13:42 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

People generally prioritize their search for a new rental home in the following order:

Desidred Area, Rental Price, Number of bedrooms/bathrooms, Security Deposit Amount and Amenities

Your homes location plays a large role in attracting new tenants maybe for the schools, convenience, neighborhood etc.

One of the keys to renting your home sooner than later but to a qualified tenant is the price. Some people think the higher the rent the better the tenant but that is simply not true. Pricing your property within market value will increase your chances of finding a qualified tenant sooner and save $$ on the vacancy exposure.

The number of rooms and living space is important. Do not mislead potential tenants by saying a den is a bedroom. Remember f it does not have a closet it is not a bedroom and all additions or add ons must be propertyly permitted in order to list the space in your advert.

Security deposit requested - most feel one months rent is a fair amount to be requested at the time of move in and to help guarantee performance of the rental agreement. Do not ask for a rediculously high security deposit because all your really saying is that your in need of cash or you are probably to attached to the home to rent it out. Most security deposits that exceed a months rent are to cover an additional risk like pets or a lack of credit. Rember California law restricts tenant security deposit amounts to no more than 2x the rental amount and 3x the rental amount if furnished.

We want to highlight your homes unique qualities. Why is your home different from a neightboring home for rent? If I were looking for a rental home, what would catch my attention or be important to me?

Move in Ready!

Tue, 31 May 2011 23:49:15 -0700

Sacramento Property Management, Serving Natomas, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Land Park, Greenhaven/Pocket, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, North Natomas, Downtown and Midtown

Helpful tips to making sure your home is ready for a tenant to move in:

Prior to a new tenant moving in, please ensure the following has been completed: (if your home is new and never occupied, disregard #2 and no carpet cleaning is required)

1) All smoke detectors are in good operating order and new batteries have been installed. Also check all light bulbs, outlets and switches. ** New law also includes installation of carbon monoxide detecters in all single family homes with gas appliances and/or attached garage.

2) Make sure the property is secure. All entry door locks must be re-keyed or changed between tenancies. It is the owners responsibility to provide a secured property.

3) Make sure the heating/air system is in good working order and the filters are new as we will require the tenant to continue replacing them every couple of months.

4) Make sure the yard is freshly mowed, all sprinklers are in good working order and garden areas are free of weeds. We will take photo's of the property and will require it to be returned in the same condition.

5) Please make sure all plumbing and appliances are in good working order. Also confirm all windows are operational and have locking mechanisms as well as screens.

6) Please confirm all areas of the property is clean. Including but not limited to windows and coverings, appliances, cabinets, tub/showers, commode, baseboards, light fixtures, switch plates, doors and frames, flooring - professional steam cleaning required for carpet, walls, garage, entry and patio.