Landscaping your property can be a great investment for any home that increases value and curb appeal while optimizing the space outdoors. Before making any purchases, you’ll want to survey the space and see what you have to work with. Assess the climate and be realistic with what is expected from the tenants as far as lawn care goes. You don’t want to spend …

Finding mold in the house, or hearing that your tenants found mold, is always a dreaded moment. Not only is it unsightly and disturbing, but it can pose health risks and damage your real estate property when left untreated. It also can be the sign of bigger issues; always deal with mold right away. Types of Mold Although most kinds of mold are relatively …

During the hopefully pleasant and profitable period of renting your home or investment property, one needs to bear in mind the term “Normal Wear and Tear”. Any home, whether occupied by the owner or tenant (regardless of how meticulous they are in maintaining the property) cannot escape normal wear and tear. Based upon the perspective of most working professionals in the property management industry, …

By Utopia Property Management Do you own Santa Barbara Rentals and are wondering what can be considered normal wear and tear? If so, you’ve come to the right place! The topic of wear and tear is something that most owners struggle with while they own rental properties because some owners may define wear and tear differently than others. Thankfully, defining wear and tear doesn’t …

When purchasing a rental property, there are many factors to consider to ensure you are getting the best returns on your investment. Beyond the obvious costs of the property itself, closing costs, mortgage and insurance, there are many additional fees and costs that can surprise you if you aren’t prepared.    Some important factors to consider and keep in mind as you search for your …

City officials in Oakland have announced plans to ease the pandemic-era ban on evictions, which has faced intense opposition from property owners. The City Council is expected to consider an ordinance to end the tenant protections, during a committee meeting on April 11, 2023, followed by a full council meeting next month. The new proposal would allow landlords to evict tenants who don’t pay …

In the Bay Area, Oakland is one of the last cities to uphold an eviction moratorium since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic — legislation that is now having unforseen consequences in the community. While initially designed to protect renters during an economically unstable time, the moratorium is now having negative effects on mom-and-pop landlords. Many tenants are taking advantage of the policies in …

Are you planning on buying a rental property to add to your portfolio of investment properties? If so, you may be debating if you should purchase a new rental property or an older rental. As a top beach management company, we know how difficult it can be to choose the right rental property, that’s why in this article we will break down the pros and cons …

The rental market hasn’t slowed down as we come into the new year. Nevertheless, economic challenges and seasonal changes have led to a deceleration in some regions, while others have gained popularity among renters. A recent RentCafe study revealed that rental markets in the Northeast climbed the ranks in terms of renters’ preferences, joining Sun Belt metro areas that maintained their strong appeal. The …