property management: What do I need to do to prepare my property to get it rented? - 01/27/12 03:19 AM
By HomePointe
In the current real estate market in the greater Sacramento region, many solvent homeowners are becoming reluctant landlords. These homeowners have to move for a job change or choose to move for other reasons. They have looked at selling, but with the current market being what it is, selling may not be a viable option. Basically, selling may involve giving the property away or it may simply take too long to locate a suitable buyer in that price range.
Converting an owner occupied property into a rental property is straightforward, but it is not the same a selling the … (0 comments)

property management: True or False: Toilets use more water than anything else in a home? - 01/04/12 08:37 AM
The answer is true! Almost 30% of the water is flushed away. Install low-flow toilets or a low flush attachment and save!

For your investment property in the Sacramento, CA area contact RAM Property Services for all you maintenance needs.
916.429.1305
www.rampropertyservices.com
(4 comments)

property management: What do you do when a tenant vacates and leaves personal property behind? - 12/21/11 04:44 AM
If the tenant has vacated and left behind items the landlord must keep the items for 18 days. You must also send notice of abandonment of personal property to the last known address. If resident claims the items you can charge for storage costs. If tenant does not claim items and they are less than $300 you can dispose of them...if valued more than $300 they must be sold in public auction.
 
For more property management information go to our website www.HomePointe.com

Alexandra Machado, CPM |  Broker Associate
 
DRE 01838143
www.HomePointe.com
(4 comments)

property management: practice preventative maintenance - 10/14/11 04:37 AM
 
It is important for your home and rental property to always practice preventative maintenance.
 
Check smoke detectors. Change batteries at least once a year Use licensed, insured contractors...check to be sure  Change HVAC filters regularly (once a month for warranty, at least quarterly) Keep roof gutters clean-twice a year (April and October)  
 
Alexandra Machado, CPM |  Broker Associate
amachado@homepointe.com www.HomePointe.com
www.RAMPropertyServices.com

(2 comments)

property management: Free Property Management Consultations Available - 04/05/11 02:06 PM
Are you an investor or future investor that would like to know more about how to manage property?  Or, maybe you have an existing tenant and have a problem you do not know how to solve.  Maybe you are considering purchasing a rental and would like to know what market rents are, or how to analyze the property as to its suitability as an investment.If you have any need to talk to a property manager HomePointe Property Management will be happy to meet with you.  There is no cost.Our aim is to help local landlords be better landlords which will help … (0 comments)

property management: HomePointe PayS - 02/02/11 09:33 AM

Attention: All  Licensed Agents
HomePointe Property Management Pays Referral Fees
$350 For Property Management Accounts
•   Turn your expired listings into CASH, $350.00 per referral account.
•   We don’t sell real estate – We will refer back to you for the listing.
•   Your nuisance calls are worth CASH, Call or FAX HomePointe!
•   No one pays more, no one manages better.

(COPY THIS FORM FOR FUTURE REFERRALS)
Referred By:
Prospect Information:
Name:
Name:
Company:
Phone(s):
Phone(s):
Circle One:   Owner  or  Tenant
DRE #:
Address/notes:

FAX (916) 429-0389
(PLEASE … (2 comments)

property management: Style My Rental - 11/07/10 08:38 AM
I have started a web series to help style your rental.
check out the video and other information on http://homepointe.wordpress.com/
 
HomePointe Property Management The Place to be
 
 
(0 comments)

property management: Attack of the Bed Bugs - 09/01/10 03:01 AM
Forget Godzilla the problem is much bigger …or is it smaller? New York City has been attacked by tiny, and mostly annoying, bed bugs.  The Bedbug Disclosure Act passed on August 30, 2010 demanding landlords inform tenants of previous bed bug infestations. This will include a one year history. Recent infestations to hit NYC have been reported in The Empire State Building, movie cinemas, and retail stores.
 
Alexandra Machado
www.HomePointe.com
HomePointe Property Management
(3 comments)

property management: The city of New York enacted a new local law - 07/13/10 09:49 AM
The city of New York enacted a local law effective as of July 2, 2010. This is a two part law the first being the disclosure and the second posting a sign.
1. DISCLOSURE
Law applies to owners or agents who request lease application information (tenant screening reports). Application must disclose that any information provided by the applicant may be used to obtain tenant screening reports(if no tenant screening service is used, must disclosed that information provided will not be used to obtain a tenant screening report). Must disclose the name and address of consumer reporting agency used.
If owner/agent rejects … (2 comments)

property management: monthly non-paying process - 06/01/10 07:39 AM
 
Every month I go over my arrears report to track down tenants that have not paid. Rent is due on the 3rd (as per my lease).  On the 4th of the month I draft my 3 day demand notices and deliver them to tenants that are outstanding.  Some tenants will pay immediately, others call and begin their saga, and another portion does not respond.  After 3 days if rent is still not collected eviction process is underway. Every month the process is the same. I am hoping this month the number of non-pays will dwindle. We will see on the … (2 comments)

property management: $ave with the font you are using - 04/07/10 02:06 AM
I am always looking for new ways to save money. Many schools and business including Microsoft Corp. are switching the font when they print. Fonts like Century Gothic and Times New Roman use 30% less ink than Arial. Making this simple switch can lead to roughly one less ink cartridge you buy a year at home and an even greater savings at the office. Whenever possible try not to print at all, if you must print try a font that uses less ink and print using both sides of a page.
Alexandra Machado
www.HomePointe.com
HomePointe Property Management
(4 comments)

property management: Mortgage Default at Record High - 11/19/09 03:53 AM
 
There is an increase in foreclosures from people with good credit and fixed rate mortgages. Due to unemployment we are seeing homeowners making late payments or going into foreclosure.
Most economist say the worst is over for the bad economy while others suspect home prices will continue to fall as more homes go into foreclosure due to unemployment.
 
 
 
Alexandra Machado
www.HomePointe.com
HomePointe Property Management
5896 South Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA     95822
916-429-1205 FAX 916-429-0389
 
(0 comments)

property management: Property Management Marketing - 11/18/09 01:55 AM

All areas of contact with customers should be carefully analyzed.
1.       Website
a.       User friendly
b.      Easy to navigate
c.       Informative (add  Frequently asked questions)
2.       Phone
a.       Polite reception
b.      Voice-mail rings on managers cell phone for fast service
3.       Yard Signs
a.       Visible w/ company logo and website
b.      Number to call and receive home information and leave a message
4.       Email
a.       Create commonly used email signatures for quick detailed responses
b.      Agents have a hand held email device for fast anytime service
5.       Staff
a.       Ready, willing, and able
 
Alexandra Machado
www.HomePointe.com
Property Management
5896 … (0 comments)

property management: NARPM Convention - 11/05/09 01:01 PM
In October I attended the NARPM® : National Association of Residential Property Managers 2009 Convention.  The convention was held in Orlando, FL.  The 2010 convention will be in Seattle, WA.
The NARPM convention is a great way for property managers to learn new ideas and network with fellow managers across the country.
 
 
Alexandra Machado
www.HomePointe.com
Property Management
5896 South Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA     95822
916-429-1205x700 FAX 916-429-0389
(0 comments)

property management: Prevent Evictions with Good Tenants - 06/23/09 09:24 AM
I recently started managing a condo for an owner. The owner placed the unqualified tenant and when rent was not coming in they hired me to manage the property and possibly evict the bad tenant. Once I took over management the tenant paid for two months then went back to their old habits.  The Unlawful Detainer is now underway. Once the property is vacant I will place a qualified tenant.
When owners are placing tenants-it is important to properly qualify your tenants with credit checks, rental references and verifiable income. For help on leasing out your rental property contact HomePointe Property … (2 comments)

property management: Excelling in Hard Times - 06/18/09 03:45 AM
In challenging economic times,many real estate companies are calling the quits or downsizing.
It is the time to take over market share.
Follow the leader in your office. Understand what makes the top salesman successful. Increase your ability to be successful. Do not follow leads for unqualified buyers.Change your process and find out what works. Document your sales performance.    
Alexandra Machado
Associate Broker
Home Pointe Property Management
 5896 South Land Park Drive
 Sacramento, CA     95822
 916-429-1205x700 FAX 916-429-0389
(0 comments)

property management: As Property Managers how can we protect ourselves from owners going into foreclosure? - 03/26/09 09:58 AM
As Property Managers how can we protect ourselves from owners going into foreclosure?
We can add verbiage to our management agreement requesting a recent mortgage statement. Remember when dealing with the tenant's security deposit to get the owner's request in writing.
Above all keep in mind, as agents we do have a fiduciary responsibility to have integrity, be honest, and loyal.
Alexandra Machado
Property Manager
916.429.1205x700
Home Pointe Property Management
www.HomePointe.com
amachado@HomePointe.com
(0 comments)

property management: Foreclosures…end in sight? - 03/23/09 04:53 AM
The problem began with "liar loans", these are loans that people made that could not afford the payments and soon defaulted.  The problem grew when individuals in home loans could afford the loans but walked away because home prices dropped and their loan amount was more than the home was presently worth.  Is the problem over? Probably not an end in sight, the latest engender to foreclosures is the increased unemployment.
 
 
Alexandra Machado
Property Manager
916.429.1205x700
Home Pointe Property Management
www.HomePointe.com
amachado@HomePointe.com
(0 comments)

property management: Features vs Rent Rate - 03/16/09 11:04 AM
In this current market there is not an exact dollar amount added to rentals with updated features.  In 2003 prospective tenants were fighting over properties and home features were critical. Right now tenants are looking for a safe neighborhood, clean home (counter-tops, flooring, appealing exterior), and cost effective. Price is the bottom line and prospective tenants are watching their dollar so keep you rental rate competitive-or it will sit vacant.
I specialize in managing single family homes and houses, duplexes, condominiums, apartments, commercial property, retail strip centers, and offices in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, West Sacramento, and Natomas.
Alexandra Machado
Property Manager
916.429.1205x700
Home … (0 comments)

property management: Decreased rents in Elk Grove/Laguna 95624,95757-58 for First quarter 2009 - 03/11/09 04:03 AM
4th Quarter 2008
 
Over the course of 4th quarter 2008 into 1st Quarter 2009 there are decreases across the board.
1 BR Apartment ranges in the Elk Grove/Laguna area have stayed steady in the mid 800s.
2BR Apartments, 2BR Duplex/Condos, Houses 3, 4, 5 BR have all decreased in rental prices.
 
Alexandra Machado
Property Manager
916.429.1205x700
Home Pointe Property Management
www.HomePointe.com
amachado@HomePointe.com
(0 comments)