How NOT to Buy a Haunted House, Croskey Real Estate’s Guide to Spooky-Free Homes As Halloween approaches, the last thing you want is to accidentally buy a haunted house! We’ve all heard the ghost stories, creepy whispers at midnight, flickering lights, and cold drafts that seem to follow you. If you’re not in the…
5 Tips for First-Time Real Estate Investors: Why Choose Croskey Real Estate Are you thinking about stepping into the exciting world of real estate investing? It’s a thrilling venture that can offer substantial financial rewards. However, success requires preparation and the right guidance. Here are 5 essential tips for first-time investors, with reasons why Croskey…
Homeownership Made Easier: Busting Credit Myths for Your Dream Home Homeownership is a dream for many, but credit misconceptions can often be a roadblock. At Croskey Real Estate, we believe everyone deserves the chance to own a home. Let’s clear up some common credit myths to help you achieve your homeownership goals. Understanding Your Credit…
As we step into the new year, housing providers are gearing up for the approaching tax season, a time that often brings a mix of complexities and uncertainties. At Croskey Real Estate, we understand the pivotal role seamless property management plays in ensuring a smooth tax season for housing providers. Our team of experts…
Are you at a crossroads, unsure whether to sell your rental property or entrust it to the hands of a property management company like us? As the Halloween season approaches, don’t let the fear of making the wrong choice haunt you. We’re here to shed light on the path that leads to your ultimate destination!…
Are you self-managing your rental properties? While it might seem cost-effective initially, several hidden expenses and risks can quickly add up, making self-management a less attractive option over time. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the potential pitfalls of self-management and explore why partnering with Croskey Real Estate is a wise financial…
Are you a property owner torn between self-managing your investments or working with a property management company? Making this decision is crucial for the success of your real estate portfolio. At Croskey Real Estate, we empathize with property owners’ challenges, and we’re here to guide you through the advantages of choosing professional property management….
When you sell an investment property, you may have to pay capital gains taxes on the profit from the sale. However, there are a number of ways to defer capital gains taxes, with or without a 1031 exchange. 1031 Exchange: A 1031 exchange is a tax-deferred exchange of investment properties. This means that you can…
Insurance companies are increasingly pulling out of California for new fire insurance policies, citing the state’s high risk of wildfires. This could significantly impact the local economy, as homeowners and businesses will have to find alternative ways to protect themselves from financial loss. What does this mean for the local economy? The loss of insurance…
A Housing Choice Voucher tenancy runs on deadlines. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburg sets the payment standard, inspects the unit, and approves the Request for Tenancy before any rent moves. Miss a step and the unit sits empty. Croskey Real Estate manages voucher and market-rate rentals in Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and…
A combination 1031 exchange is a type of 1031 exchange that allows you to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of two or more properties. This is done by exchanging the properties for one or more replacement properties that are of equal or greater value. What are the Benefits of a Combination 1031 Exchange? There are several benefits to using a combination 1031 exchange. These include: Tax deferral: As mentioned…
A complex spendthrift trust may be worth considering if you’re looking for a way to pass on assets to future generations while minimizing tax consequences. This trust can help you defer capital gains taxes for multiple generations and provide significant asset protection. In this blog, we’ll explore the steps involved in creating a complex spendthrift…
Spring is finally here, and it’s time to give your rental unit a deep clean! Spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to refresh your living space, eliminate clutter, and remove any accumulated dust or dirt over the winter months. Here are some tips to help you get started: Declutter: The first step in spring cleaning…
Buying a home is a major life milestone, but it’s also one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. A home purchase can impact your finances for many years, so creating a financial plan before purchasing is essential. *It helps you determine what you Can Afford. Determining what you can afford is…
As a tenant, renting a property may seem the most accessible and convenient option. However, with the current state of the real estate market, there are several compelling reasons why tenants should consider purchasing their own homes. Here are six reasons why buying a home in this real estate market may be a smart move:…
If you own a rental property, you know that managing it can be challenging at times. From finding and screening tenants to maintaining the property and dealing with unexpected repairs, being a housing provider requires significant time and effort. But even with all the hard work you put into your rental property, it may generate…
California is known for having some of the strictest tenant protection laws in the country, and the California Tenant Protection Act (AB-1482) is no exception. This law, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, limits the amount landlords can raise rents and imposes restrictions on when housing providers can evict tenants for specific reasons….
Real estate investment can be a great way to build wealth and secure your financial future. However, investing in real estate can also be complex and challenging, especially for those new to the game. That’s why having an experienced realtor by your side is so important. In this post, we’ll explore why you should never…
When your Pittsburg home is listed for sale, you’ll be getting showingrequests, either from your listing agent or from a showing servicethat your agent has employed. What should you do if a potential buyer knocks on your door, wantingto see the house without an appointment? You may be sorely tempted to let them in, but don’t….
If you got forbearance on your home mortgage loan you may be in good shape, or you may be stuck between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.” If your home loan is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you can breathe easily. You won’t have to repay those missed payments until you…
Features to showcase when selling a Pittsburg home in 2020 Since the COVID-19 pandemic caused so many families to essentially not leave their homes for weeks on end, many people’s housing priorities have changed. Features that weren’t important last year may be very important now. In previous years, the most important features might have included:…
You know that before you present an offer on a house today, you need proof that you either have the funds or a mortgage loan pre-approval. In fact, in today’s “COVID world,” you may need to present such proof before even touring a Pittsburg home for sale. Do keep in mind that your mortgage loan…
One of our tenants was frying some food when it all went wrong and started a kitchen fire. The building owner hired our company to manage his apartment building. Local firefighters arrived very quickly, dousing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to the rest of the building. Thankfully, we have experience dealing with this…
Some homeowners who are refinancing to take advantage of today’s super low interest rates have gotten a pleasant surprise, an appraisal waiver. What is that? It’s the opportunity to refinance without going through the inconvenience or expense of a traditional appraisal. In its place, banks are using sophisticated computer programs to determine the market…
When you’re getting ready to purchase a Pittsburg, CA home, the first step(unless you have plenty of cash) is to become pre-approved for amortgage loan. Pre-approval gives you the confidence to make an offer, knowing thatyes, you can afford that house. It also gives the home sellerconfidence that yes, you can close the transaction. Some…
A 2018 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors askedhome buyers about their primary concerns in purchasing a home. While most talked about the difficulty of finding the home they lovedat the price they could afford, another concern stood out as #2. Thiswas especially true for Millennials. That concern: Not knowing and understanding the…
When your house is on the market, the first thing both internet browsers and visitors see is the exterior. Visitors will get an overall impression from the curb. They’ll notice the lawn, the flowers, the shrubbery, the trees, and how allof them are maintained. They’ll also get a first impression of thehouse itself. And…
If you’re still renting your Pittsburg, CA home, it might be time to give buying some serious thought. Renting is the correct plan for you if: You plan to relocate within the next year or two.You want to be free to move if the mood strikes you.You really don’t want to be responsible for maintenance…
Homeowners across the country are adding to their incomes by renting a guest house or a room or two in their own homes to travelers. Some charge several hundred dollars per night for a fully-equipped guest house. That could go a long way toward paying off a mortgage, and even paying it off early. Before…
A couple of weeks ago I warned you that fewer mortgage loans were being granted this year, because credit score and down payment requirements have changed. Borrowers now need higher credit scores and more down payment. However, those aren’t the only issues facing would-be home buyers, or those who are seeking a refinance on…
When Grandma, or any other family member, wants to provide the funds for the down payment on your new Pittsburg, CA home, you’re a fortunate individual. However, you and Grandma have rules to follow. These rules come from two sources: Your mortgage lender and the Internal Revenue Service. First, your lender: The rules…
If you’ve just started looking, you’re probably concentrating onthe home you want: the size, the number of rooms, the yard, andperhaps the layout of the kitchen or the size of the closets. In other words, you’re looking at the house and lot themselves, andnot what’s around them. Before you focus on the house, however, there…
Home buyers who have been patiently waiting for the lock-down situation to end for the past few months are now coming into the market, ready to find new homes. They understand that due to the pandemic they must take precautionary measures and follow the rules when touring homes, but they’re willing to do so. In…
Are you covered? Did you know that homeowners’ insurance only covers the dwelling and not your personal property? If you haven’t already done so, reach out to a local insurance agent to discuss the importance of renters’ insurance. Got Maintenance? Your lease should cover what maintenance services are the owners responsibly and what are yours…
While this month promises to be a wild ride concerning the Coronavirus, the state of the stock market, and social distancing, it’s good to step back and focus on some positive things. For instance, April is National Humor Month, and April 14 is International Moment of Laughter Day. The object of the day is to…
As you probably know, when you list your home, your agent will write a narrative about it to accompany the photos and statistical information in the Multiple Listing Service. This narrative accompanies the listing to dozens of Internet real estate portals where it can be found by prospective home buyers. You can help your agent…
Choosing the right agent to help you purchase a home is just as important as choosing the right agent to help you sell a home. When you’re serious about buying a Pittsburg CA home, interview buyer agents just as you would interview listing agents. You’re looking for someone specific, someone who is knowledgeable about…
Unless you’re moving to a new home within your current Pittsburg CA neighborhood, this transition can be both exciting and terrifying for your school-age children. In addition to leaving a home they just might love, they’re leaving their friends, their playgrounds, their school, their favorite neighbors, family members who lived nearby, everything they’re familiar…
For years, real estate agents and home stagers have advised clients to hide the pet beds, the food bowls, the toys, the litter box, etc. They wanted to erase all signs that a pet lived in the house. Of course they also wanted the pets out of the house for photo shoots and showings. Getting…
Twenty-five or thirty years ago, all real estate agents worked for theseller. The listing agent was in direct contact with the seller and performedmuch the same duties that listing agents perform today. However, theagents who brought buyers to view the house also worked for theseller. They were sub-agents, and the only duty they had toward…
Today, many agents are recommending a pre-listing home inspection, for a few good reasons. A pre-listing inspection: * Gives buyers an added level of confidence over and above the seller’s property condition report * Alerts sellers to problems that can or should be addressed prior to listing * Allows sellers to have repairs made less…
Whether you’re getting ready to buy or sell a home in Pittsburg, the agent you choose will play a significant role in both your success and your peace of mind during the transaction. One of the most common complaints real estate clients have about agents regards communication. * Their agents don’t return calls, emails, or…
Some Pittsburg homeowners who need or want to sell are holding off because they feel it is simply too risky at the moment. Some buyers are also waiting. But is it really too risky? Unless you’re at high risk, probably not, not as long as everyone takes proper precautions. In many states the current…
Right now buyers and sellers alike are frustrated. Real estate is moving slowly due to the restrictions imposed by social distancing. What that means is that while some homes will be sold now, when the current health threat has passed, we should see buyers flooding into the market. Instead of waiting until that happens, take…
When your income is halted or even delayed, paying all your bills on time can be impossible. Unemployment benefits help, but they never come close to your regular earnings. If you have a home mortgage and find yourself in a position of having to decide which bills to pay, the first thing you should do…
Before you make those important “Want, would like, and won’t accept” lists for your Pittsburg real estate agent, take some time to consider the home you’re living in right now. Think about everything, beginning with the neighborhood and the yard or building amenities. Most homes or places have a few features we love. They also…
Today we are sharing an educational piece on how to find the best tenants. There are more than four tips we can give you, but these four are simple and often overlooked recommendations because many housing providers don’t have the time or the resources to follow them. The largest mistake housing providers make is not…
https://youtu.be/TyV5tFg-xSw A lot of people ask what property managers do in exchange for the management fees we collect from owners. Today, our blog is going to explain what you get for your money when you hire a professional. Pricing and Vacancy First, property managers screen and place tenants in properties. We also cover all the advertising…
Our topic today is how to protect your rental home from tenant damage. Before we talk about tips and tricks, we want to give you one piece of advice that will really mitigate tenant damage: make sure you put a quality tenant inside your property. Tenant Screening Do your due diligence when you have an…
Today we’re talking about how to determine a fair price for your rental property. One disclaimer: renting to just anyone is not a good idea. Even if someone promises you more than what you were going to rent it for, or they want to pre-pay their rent 12 months in advance, you still want to…
Today we are talking about something we all hate to deal with, and that’s evictions. Our blog will provide an introduction to the topic. We aren’t attorneys, so I’m not giving you any legal advice, but we are sharing some tips on how to deal with tenants who need to be evicted. When a tenant…
5 Tips for Handling Needy Tenants Renting out property is a great way to earn income, but dealing with tenants can come with its fair share of challenges. One of the most annoying challenges of being a housing provider is handling needy tenants, those renters who are in constant contact with you regarding repairs,…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xjnyDMdDXg&feature=youtu.be There are a lot of homes for sale out there in Contra Costa County that are million dollar listings and if you take a look at them, you’ll see outstanding videos and pictures and websites. They make these houses look absolutely amazing. The rooms look huge, and the pictures are bright and colorful. The…
Tenant Screening If you have watched our other videos, you know that not properly screening tenants is one of the biggest mistakes housing providers make. Complete your due diligence and run a detailed credit and background check. More importantly, make sure you use the same process for every single applicant. If you don’t do that,…
On November 8, 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64 by a margin of 56-44 percent. With the passage of this binding referendum, possession of up to 28.5 grams (slightly more than one ounce) of marijuana became legal for those at least 21 years old. Also, those of sufficient age are permitted to cultivate as many…
You may be the lucky person doing Pittsburgh residential real estate investing who never has to manage a needy tenant. However, regardless of the care with which you screen tenants, the greater probability is that you’ll run into a needy tenant from time to time. These advanced planning tips will help you manage those tenants….
Investing in rental real estate is a great way to generate income, but you must also make sure that you rent your property for the right price. Setting an appropriate rental price is important for both you and your prospective tenants: this way, it will ensure your investment is profitable and that you bring in…
One of the greatest challenges, and risks, of being a housing provider is dealing with problem tenants. No matter how tight your tenant screening process is, you can still end up with renters who aren’t able to pay rent or who are different than you initially expected. Sometimes, difficult tenants become so problematic…
Buying or selling a property is one of the most significant decisions you can make in your lifetime. That’s why finding the right real estate agent who can help you navigate the complex process and achieve your goals is essential. But what makes the best real estate agent? Here are some qualities to look for:…
Before you make those important “Want, would like, and won’t accept” lists for your Pittsburg real estate agent, take some time to consider the home you’re living in right now. Think about everything, beginning with the neighborhood and the yard or building amenities. Most homes or places have a few features we love. They also…
Home buyers in Pittsburg sometimes look at the cost of a home inspection as an unnecessary expense because, after all, the house will be appraised. Yes, it will, but an appraisal is not an inspection. An appraisal only reflects the appraiser’s opinion of the value of the house as compared to other homes in Pittsburg…
Before you begin your home search in Pittsburg, CA, consider your long-range plans. The first question to ask yourself is “How long do I plan to live in this house?” Your answer will hinge on other questions. For instance: Do I expect to be transferred to another city as I move up a corporate ladder?…
The Fair Isaac Corporation has announced that by the end of 2020 their new credit scoring method will be available for use by lenders. Reports are that about 40 million Americans will see their credit scores rise by 20 points or more, while another 40 million will see their scores drop by 20 points or…
Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Pittsburg, California Home When preparing to put a Pittsburg, California, home on the market, sellers should consider the condition of their home. Stepping back to look at the property as a potential buyer will help you recognize the items in your home that need attention in order to get…
If so, there’s a reason why. Your first impulse might be to blame your (city) real estate agent. While you could be correct, he or she might NOT be at fault. There are other reasons why a house doesn’t sell. It could be that the market is flooded with homes at the moment, although that’s…
Now that home prices have risen in most cities across the nation, homeowners are once again gaining equity, and that equity is like cash in a savings account. In fact, if prices continue to rise, it’s better than cash in a savings account, because it is appreciating at a far higher rate. It’s also…
Some might tell you that because your Pittsburg home will be newly constructed, you don’t need an inspection. But you do. The truth is, not every newly constructed house is well constructed. Some have corner-cutting defects while others have honest mistakes that can cause trouble later. A case in point is the story of an inspector…
Your yard’s appearance changes with the seasons. It can be breathtakingly beautiful in one season and simply ho-hum in another. But, if you need to move you can’t wait until the grass is green and all teh flowers are in bloom to go on the market. What you CAN do, however, is make it…
First, what is an open listing? This is an agreement by which a seller agrees to pay a set commission percentage to any broker who brings him or her an acceptable offer on the property offered for sale. It does not bind the seller to any one broker or agent, and generally does not…
How exciting that you made the decision to move to another state. Your future home is picked out, and your finances are aligned with your relocation plan. The next step is figuring out, “How do I move my stuff?” An easy answer would be to just hire movers (which can be costly), but there are…
In preparation for moving out of state there is important paper to be completed. You will want to have documents in order to prove residency in your new state. Some utility companies require your closing statement/ rental agreement (for your new home) to set up utilities in your name. There is certain documentation you will…
Mortgage interest rates have dropped to new lows, averaging 3.45% the first week of June. That’s wonderful news, but only for those who can qualify. Depending upon which reports you read, mortgage loan availability is somewhere between 16% and 25% less now than it was just a few months ago. Lenders are raising their…