Buying Alameda County Short Sale Investment Properties to Rent

Buying short-sale properties could be a great way to get into property investment, but there are a few risks that come along with these types of purchases. Learn more about what to look out for!

TLDR: Find out about hidden costs before purchasing an investment short sale home. Get a home inspection. Do your own investigation about the neighborhood and land. Prepare for delays while closing.

Read the full article here:
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27687468/list/5-risks-in-buying-a-short-…

signature

Rental demand heats up in Berkeley, CA

As with many areas in the United States, rental demand continues to climb in Berkeley, CA. The latest data from the Federal Reserve suggests that now is a great time to be a property owner since during the last three months of 2015 property owner’s rental income added up to about 4.3 percent of the U.S. national income. Meanwhile, key takeaways from the “Emerging Trends in Real Estate” report published by the Urban Land Institute and pwc has us looking forward to successful investments for properly managed rental assets.

Continue reading

Security Deposit Laws in California

In California, a security deposit for an unfurnished, residential rental unit cannot exceed 2 times the monthly rent. (Note that if a unit is furnished, the deposit can be increased to 3 times the rent). All deposit money must be refundable. California law does not allow a landlord to charge a non-refundable deposit. Even if the landlord calls it a nonrefundable “key deposit” or a “cleaning deposit” and includes the provision in the lease, it is still refundable. Because non-refundable deposits are illegal in California, such clauses are not valid and will not be upheld by a Court.

Continue reading