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In United States
Registered Feb 06, 2010
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kpinna's most recent comments:
- On 31 Aug 2012
in
Where would you invest in Northern California today with the highest return?,
kpinna said:
For El Sobrante, Pinole, or Hercules, the BART system doesn't really work out because there are generally NO PARKING SPACES left by the time we get there. El Cerrito has the safest BART station, but you have to walk 15 to 20 minutes after finding a parking spot in a zone without restricted parking. So most of us undoubtedly drive to the city and put up with 1.5 hours driving a 30-mile (for me) commute.
This area, with all its hills and views, is astonishingly beautiful. The hills of Hercules and Pinole seem to be a well-kept secret. The houses and lots are huge compared to El Cerrito and Albany, there are beautiful parks, people keep up their properties better than other East Bay towns, and the neighborhoods are quiet. El Sobrante seems a bit drab in comparison and has funky neighborhoods, stores, and people.
By the way, I don't think people would pay more than $2000 rent when mortgages are so much cheaper. I'm paying $1600 for a 4-bedroom house but got a good deal as a single female writer who does all the maintenance and minor fixes. The renters next door have paid $1800 for years, and I see homes advertised for $1700 to $2200. - On 30 Aug 2012
in
Where would you invest in Northern California today with the highest return?,
kpinna said:
Hercules is cheap right now but BART is not nearby and the drive to SF is often a nightmare. It seems safe, friendly, and well taken care of. City finances are a mess, but I'm not sure if homeowners will take a hit or not.
As an example of current pricing, my neighbor wants to sell his 4-BR 2-Bath house (1770 sq ft) on a 7200 sq. ft lot in the hills for $350 or so.
The area is quite diverse: half Asian/Filipino/Mexican/African American, about a quarter Caucasian. I'm a Caucasian female and usually feel quite safe here. - On 8 Aug 2012
in
Being A Landlord in a Depression,
kpinna said:
How to be a good landlord who keeps your place well maintained:
1. When a tenant tells you about a problem, don't tell them they're mistaken and the item is supposed to work that way. (My landlady said "you're not supposed to put vegetable matter in the disposal.")
2. When a tenant asks to get something fixed, don't argue about scheduling the repair when the tenant can be present in the house. (My unemployed landlady could never find a time that would work for the two of us.)
3. Don't use workmen off the streets to save money. They might not be honest people with good jobs and might burglarize later. (Happened to my mother.)
4. When you ask tenants they are responsible for the yard, provide the proper equipment. Don't expect the tenant to go out and buy a lawnmower, pruning equipment, and new hoses themselves. (My landlady provided me with a broken mower and nothing else.)
5. Provide a place that's well-maintained and clean and we will assume that you care about the place. (If we point out black spots on the carpet when we move in, don't say "what spots"? If we tell you that there are holes in the screens, replace them.)
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