All Forum Posts by: Jenifer Levini

Ut oh! I know this seems kind of funny. And people want to dismiss this as slacker tenants looking for a way out of paying rent. Unfortunately, there is case law across the United States that puts ghosts in the same category as mold. This means that if you are told a property is haunted, it is something you have to disclose to future buyers, under buyer protection laws, in states that have these laws.

If you assume that most buyers wont want to buy a property, once the seller has disclosed that its haunted, you'll see this could substantially lower the value. Now, its very important that you listen to these tenants, and then do your own investigation with someone you believe is credible.

In the mean time, I'd think seriously about letting them out of their lease so they dont tell everyone in the neighborhood, which could make this rumor haunt you & your property, forever.

Looks like we have 70-100 people attending. Please be sure to support our host Bruno's restaurant.

see you tonight

Hi @Gayle Eisner

You can probably figure out how much money each one will make by looking at rents on Craigslist. For example, the rent of a granny in your neighborhood versus the increased rent on a 3rd bedroom, after you subtract the amount for the construction costs.

As other people have pointed out, having a second unit gives you more options, too. For example, if you moved into one unit, you'd still have rental income from the other.

Santa Cruz County is supposed to announce their plans to make it easier to permit & build ADUs in March. We'll see how accurate that projection is...

Hi @Dmitry Kisselev, Here are my thoughts...have you considered that once you convert SJ into a business all the expenses of that place are tax deductible, and you also get depreciation? These can shelter other income. Additionally, if youre managing that "rental business" from your home in Monterey, part of that home is a tax deduction as an office expense. Before youre convinced that its all negative, you should talk to your tax advisor. 

The reason people get rich with property  isnt just the rental income. Its using the property costs/loses to shelter other income to avoid paying taxes. Just look at our distinguished President, as an example of someone who used real estate to get rich and avoid paying taxes. (Yes, I know he inherited it.)

Hi @Mike Reynolds, I am not sure if they have a date or location for 2018. You can find out by searching "Tiny Home Jamboree" and get on their mailing list.

Please RSVP at our meetup group website: 
https://www.meetup.com/Santa-Cruz-Real-Estate-Inve...

We need to give a head count to the restaurant.

Everyone is welcome to come hear about and see pictures from the Tiny Home Jamboree in Arlington, TX.

Also, everyone will get a chance to talk about what they are doing or looking for in terms of tiny homes and tiny home living. We'll look for synergies, and how we can help each other make this a reality.

Please feel free bring photos to share, and other information that we can all use to support this process.

Bruno's is located in the back corner of a strip mall, near the movie theater. Please arrive at 6:30 and support our host, Bruno's, by ordering food and beverages from the bar. There is a large and varied menu and very reasonable prices. Then head upstairs to our meeting room. The presentation will start at 7. @Jenifer Levini will show pictures from the Tiny Home Jamboree in Arlington Texas, and answer questions about the 3rd Generation Tiny Homes.

People typically come from: Santa Cruz, Felton, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Brookdale, Bonny Doon, Lompico, Scotts Valley, Live Oak, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Watsonville, Freedom, Corallitos, Pajaro, Seaside, Castroville, Moss Landing, Salinas, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Marina, Aromas, Monterey, Carmel, Los Gatos, Campbell, Saratoga, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Clara,  Campbell, Davenport, & Half Moon Bay.

Hi Sarah,

I  practice real estate law in Santa Rosa. There is a company that specializes in evictions that is much cheaper than hiring an attorney. They do it for a flat fee of a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately, I cant remember their names. Try googling "evictions santa rosa, ca" or " evictions sonoma county."  You'll find them, if you search around. Get that tenant out ASAP before she does extensive property damage.

Jen

Hi, yes, I have been working on tiny houses for 2 years in California. It's been very frustrating because the zoning laws in this state are draconian. Basically, mobile homes developed bad reputations in the 1970 when they became synonymous with trailer park slums (they used to catch on fire a lot due to poor workmanship, too). At that time counties started zoning against building more parks. Today we are living with the zoning decisions made in the 70's which could not  have anticipated the evolution of these products into tiny homes.

In other states, with fewer zoning laws, tiny homes are much easier to bring into the housing mix choices. I dont know about the laws in MA.

Is that the info you wanted?

Hi @Account Closed was saying about the "best fit."

This is a timely posting because I'm going to need a new CPA next year. It's on my mind too.

Good luck!

-Jen