All Forum Posts by: Catherine German

Thank you. Yes - I have been in the business for a long time. Both of my parents were rental property owners and landlords since I was a small child. My mom was a Realtor and Property Manager and owned her own property management company in Stockton, California.

Hi from Tacoma.

I can give you referrals for gutter cleaning, window washing, pressure washing, roof cleaning, roof replacement, painting. Handymen are a little hard to find (the good ones). You can try http://www.wehoneydo.com/ for general services. If you want to check Craigslist you can do that. It can be hit and miss as far as reliability.

I would consider about hiring a professional property manager to manage your properties. It is easier from a stress and accounting standpoint.

Hi Paul, I'm in S. Tacoma and I work in Puyallup. I work as a residential property manager. This is a great market ! So happy for you that you can jump in right now. Let me know if you need any help or advice on landlording.

If you haven't sold it I have some suggestions. I live right here in Tacoma myself. Catherine

Hello, my name is Catherine Barnes. I have worked in the property management field for 17 years. I have managed single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, condos and apartments for property owners since beginning my career in 1990. Before moving to Washington, I was employed as the Community Manager of a 197 Unit Apartment Community in Carmichael, California. I am also a landlord myself ! I still learn something new every day working in this business. Tacoma/Puyallup area is such a great market right now. Prices are affordable and rentals are hard to come by. It's a landlords paradise. I am currently working as a Residential Property Manager at Vista Property Management in Puyallup, Washington.

I vote for Vacant. You can make sure you screen the tenants and that all lease documents are current & in place. You will also have your move in photos and inspection which many times you don't get when you purchase occupied units. This makes doing the disposition of security deposit rather difficult at move out.

My advice is to check your local laws. Do you have a rental property association in your area? Make sure that you are complying with Fair Housing Laws - Federal, State and Local.

It's a good idea to send a letter or an email after the new tenant has moved in to confirm the after hours emergency phone number and your maintenance request policy. I like to do all communications in writing vs. verbally. You can also email the move in condition report and move in photos at this time. I would not advise a visit to the rental home without a proper written notice per local laws or advise giving a gift to a tenant under any circumstances.