Our Real Estate Blog
Stay up to date with our blog, tips, advice, and best practices
Our blog serves as a valuable resource for investors, landlords, and those considering owning rental property, offering answers to common questions. With extensive experience in the Berkeley real estate market, California Pacific Realty is here to help you invest in, manage, and sell homes. Whether you’re seeking guidance or fresh ideas, our blog and videos provide valuable insights every step of the way. As leaders in local property management, we are committed to providing advice and information to anyone interested in Berkeley real estate.
How California Pacific Realty Helps Landlords Maximize Their Rental Income
Owning rental property in California, especially in high-demand regions like the Bay Area, offers a strong opportunity for consistent income and long-term investment. However, maximizing your rental income requires more than just owning property – it demands strategy,...
The Ultimate Guide to Renting in the Bay Area: Tips from Local Experts
Renting in the Bay Area can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. With high demand, competitive pricing, and ever-changing rental laws, finding the right home requires careful planning and knowledge. Whether you're a...
Why California is Still a Great Place to Invest in Real Estate in 2025
Why California is Still a Great Place to Invest in Real Estate in 2025
Benefits of Owning: Why Owning is Better Than Renting
Are you curious why owning a home offers more advantages than renting? In recent years, many individuals and families have considered homeownership a viable alternative to renting. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including historically low mortgage...
Renting vs Buying: Which is Better for Your Finances and Lifestyle in 2024?
Will renting do more harm than good for your finances and living preferences? When searching for a place to live, renting vs buying can affect one's financial decisions and lifestyle. While homeownership is often seen as a hallmark of success and stability, renting...
What Does a Property Manager Do?
Tired of handling tenant issues or late-night repair calls? If managing tenants, late payments, or maintenance calls has become overwhelming, a property manager can help. From securing top tenants to ensuring timely rent payments, property managers handle daily...
Seasonal Maintenance: Year-Round Tips for Berkeley Property Upkeep
In Berkeley, California, we enjoy a pretty great climate all year long. We suffer through some cooler days in the winter, but generally we have a sunny, mild climate for most of our months. There are still noticeable seasons, however, and those seasons bring a few...
Attracting Long-Term Tenants: A Guide for Berkeley Landlords
Attracting tenants is an important part of any investment strategy. To maximize what you earn in both the short term and the long term, you need to secure long-term tenants. When you have good residents in place who pay rent on time, help you take care of your...
The Student Market: Tailoring Your Berkeley Rental Properties
In the heart of the Bay Area is the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. How can you make your Berkeley rental properties attractive to these students? We work with students and student housing a lot, thanks to our proximity to the university. Today, we’re...
Should I Sell Or Rent My House?
Deciding whether to sell or rent your home can be a complex choice influenced by various factors. Selling your home can provide a lump sum of cash, allowing for new investments or purchases, while renting can generate a consistent income stream and offer flexibility...
Millennial Homebuyers: What They Want in a Bay Area Property
Good news - millennials have finally decided to buy homes. This generation was notoriously slow to get comfortable with the idea of homeownership, but they’re in the market now, and their priorities are a bit different than other generations. The landscape of...
What Can a Landlord Look at During a Rental Inspection?
Did you know that regular rental property inspections can not only preserve the value of the property but also contribute to a more positive landlord-tenant relationship? A well-maintained rental unit is not just about aesthetics; it's about making sure safety,...
Berkeley’s Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods: Where to Invest Next
Berkeley, California, is about as unique and diverse of a rental market as you will ever find. This part of California has long been celebrated for its thriving cultural scene, avant-garde ethos, and premier educational institutions. The real estate market here has...
Real Estate Investment: Understanding Cap Rates and Cash Flow
If you’re new to the world of real estate investing, you might find some of the terms that you encounter somewhat confusing and even intimidating. However, the more you know, the better your chances of success. You need to know how to analyze your profitability, for...
What Is Property Management Accounting?
Did you know that 80% of property owners who use professional property management services report higher tenant satisfaction and lower vacancy rates? These successful operations are an important component of property management accounting. This specialized branch of...
The Impact of Silicon Valley’s Growth on the Bay Area Housing Market
Silicon Valley is found in the southern part of San Francisco’s Bay Area, and it has a bit of a reputation for being the home for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and tech-savvy leaders. That’s a reputation that it’s worked hard to earn. It’s home to more than 2,000 tech...
Effective Strategies for Real Estate Investment During Economic Fluctuations
Investing in real estate can lead to major financial success, especially when your timing is right. Not every market is the best market for investing, but when you’re strategic about what you’re doing, surrounded by experienced professionals, and willing to make good...
How Does Leasing Property Work?
Did you know that in some cities, over half the population chooses to rent rather than own property? Leasing property offers both flexibility and a pathway to different lifestyle choices. It allows lessees to live in desirable locations without the long-term...
Diversifying Your Real Estate Portfolio: The Benefits of Investing in Bay Area Properties
What does it mean to diversify your real estate portfolio, and why is it so important that you do it? For most investors, it comes down to risk management. When all of your rental properties are in one location or are only one property type, you’re at the mercy of...
Eco-Friendly Upgrades: Boosting Your Berkeley Property’s Value
As sustainability becomes increasingly crucial for tenants and homebuyers in Berkeley and beyond, implementing eco-friendly upgrades is growing extremely valuable for property investment and management. Not only do features like solar panels, energy-efficient...
What is Property Maintenance?
Isn't it wonderful to walk into a residence or commercial building that's clean, presentable, and in absolutely tip-top condition? It's not magic that keeps these places looking their best—it's the often misunderstood practice of property maintenance. Property...
Leveraging Technology for Efficient Property Management in Berkeley
Introduction to Technology in Property Management Technology is transforming industries globally, and real estate is no exception. For Berkeley property managers facing rising costs and tenant expectations, leveraging technology is key to gaining operational...
5 Liability Issues that Should be Addressed Immediately
Being a Berkeley landlord is a rewarding experience as it helps you earn passive income and offers financial stability in the long run. However, it also comes with many responsibilities. As a California landlord, if you fail to meet certain obligations, you could be...
Berkeley Real Estate Market Trends: 2024 Predictions
Berkeley, California makes sense for a number of real estate investors because of its proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. When you own rental property in Berkeley, you’re leveraging the local economy and tenant pool of the city itself, but you’re also...
What Happens if You Pay Rent a Day Late?
Living in rental properties comes with the responsibility of paying rent on time. However, life has its ups and downs, and you might find yourself needing more time to make the payment. Understanding the consequences of these actions is important for your peace of...
How Will the Increased Interest In Single-Family Rentals Affect the Market
Interest rates play a vital role in deciding the cost of borrowing money (loan), but how do higher interest rates affect the rental market? Based on tighter credit standards, corrected housing prices, and a declining surplus of unsold properties, the average mortgage...
How Long Does a Tenant Screening Take?
Finding a trustworthy tenant can be similar to discovering a rare gem. That's why the tenant screening process is one of the foundations of property management. It's because it ensures the individuals living on your property are reliable and trustworthy. As a rental...
Tips For Saving Money During Tenant Turnover
Is tenant turnover still one of your biggest problems? Do you need help saving money during tenant turnover? Then there is a need to look at practical tips to manage your finances during the period. No matter how great a relationship you have with your tenants or how...
Do Property Managers Pay for Repairs?
When a rental property is in need of repair, a common question that rings out in many homeowners' and tenants' minds is, "Do property management companies pay for repairs?". Engagement with property management companies is becoming increasingly common, especially as...
Life Expectancy of Rental Property Items – When Is It Time to Upgrade
Renting out a Berkeley property requires you to be prepared to repair and replace each item throughout the tenancy. Materials are expected to deteriorate over time. Therefore, significant components such as appliances and flooring have a depreciable life and general...
Home Showing Tips To Attract Quality Tenants
A successful tenancy starts with an effective property showing process. Facilitating home showings for prospective tenants allows you to represent yourself as a high-quality landlord and helps you attract quality tenants who treat your home respectfully. Therefore,...
The Best Berkeley Neighborhoods to Own a Rental Property
If you buy a rental property in Berkeley, which neighborhoods deserve to be on your shortlist? The neighborhood is a crucial factor you should consider while owning a rental property in Berkeley. It's because even if you buy a spacious property with all the modern...
Considering Moving to Berkeley? Here is Why You Should!
Are you considering moving to Berkeley? Then it is the best decision you can make to uplift your lifestyle in California. The liberal Californian city of Berkeley is recognized for its prestigious university and is one of the great alternatives to San Francisco. It...
Can You Sell A Tenant-Occupied Property
Many landlords consider selling their tenant-occupied unit at a certain point if they are tired of their rental responsibilities as a Berkeley landlord or want to take advantage of the seller’s market. The question is, can you? The short answer is - yes. You can sell...
A Guide On Managing Your Berkeley Property Remotely
Managing your Berkeley rental property comes with many responsibilities, like finding quality tenants, collecting rent, or providing maintenance services. This can be difficult, especially if you do not live in the immediate neighborhood. Whether the investment is...
Affordable Ways to Get Instant Curb Appeal
Updating your property's curb appeal is an excellent way to customize the exterior of your house and increase its perceived home value. However, a full-blown exterior refurbishing is not the only way to boost the curb appeal of your rental property. Instead, simple...
Tax Advantages of Real Estate Investing
It is a common saying that "a dollar saved is a dollar earned," which perfectly applies to rental property taxes in California. While diversifying your real estate investment is a smart move that can produce a valuable and recurring cash flow, it also comes with tax...
How to Determine If an Oakland Rental Property Is a Good Investment
Oakland is emerging as an extremely attractive rental market for a lot of investors, especially investors who want to own rental property in California without the high price tags found in markets like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Oakland offers a lot of...
Pros and Cons of Being a Pet-Friendly Rental Property
Pets are a pretty emotional topic. People who have them generally love them. They treat their pets like family members. They could not imagine living anywhere without them. That’s why it’s so important to think about pets and the tenants who own them when you’re...
How Proper Paperwork and Rental Agreements Protect You and Your Investment
There are multiple ways that you’ll need to protect your investment property when you’re renting out a home in California. You need to stay on top of preventative maintenance. You need to place well-screened and highly qualified tenants. You also need to...
Move-Out Inspections: 3 Most Important Places to Inspect in Your Rental Property
Move-out inspections are perhaps the most important inspections you conduct while renting out a property. This is where you evaluate the condition of your investment and assess whether everything that needs to be repaired is wear and tear (your responsibility), or...
5 Home-Selling Tips that Can Make or Break Your Sale
Selling a home can be stressful, even if you have a great property and a market that supports the price you want for it. Time is always of the essence. You don’t want to nervously wait for buyers to take an interest in your house. It’s important to know your market,...
5 Tips to Grow Your Real Estate Portfolio
What kind of growth are you trying to achieve with your real estate portfolio? Are you hoping to acquire additional properties, diversify what you own, or leverage the assets you currently have to earn more money from them? Are you putting together a plan that...
Negotiation Tips and Strategies for Purchasing an Investment Property
This is a real estate market that requires strong negotiation skills. If negotiation has never been your strongest talent, it’s time to focus on improving how you close your deals. Maybe you are a strong negotiator with a record of coming out ahead every time you...
Why You Should Hire an Oakland Property Management Company that also Offers Real Estate Services
Are you not sure whether you need a property manager or a real estate agent when you’re buying an investment property? What about when you’re renting it out? Real estate agents and property managers work in the same industry, but their roles and areas of expertise...
Should You Sell or Rent the Investment Property You Inherited?
Inheriting a home can be an emotional experience. Usually, that inheritance comes when a family member or close friend dies, and the property is bequeathed to you. What will you do with that home? Maybe you want to live in the home yourself. If so, your decision is...
Best Tenant Retention Strategies – Oakland Property Management Advice
What efforts are you making to retain your best Oakland tenants? If you’re not doing anything strategic and just hoping for the best, you may be missing a huge opportunity to increase what you earn. Retaining good tenants needs to be part of your investment plan....
Qualities to Look For In an Oakland Property Manager
What qualities make an ideal Oakland property manager? Surely you need someone who is smart and experienced. You need a professional who is detail-oriented, patient, and thorough. You need someone who knows the local rental market. There are a lot of qualities that...
Advertising Your Oakland Rental Property: What to Know
What kind of advertising speaks to you? If you’re like most consumers, you respond to advertising that provides an emotional spark. Something motivates you to look closer at a product or service, even if you’re not ready to make a purchase. Good advertising works...
How to Reduce the Stress of Buying your First Berkeley Investment Property
Buying your first Berkeley investment property can be pretty exciting, especially if you’re planning to grow a successful and profitable investment portfolio. It can be stressful, however. Even experienced real estate investors get anxious when it’s time to find the...
How to Prepare Your Berkeley Rental for a New Tenant
Preparing your Berkeley rental property for a new tenant can take just a few days or more than a month. It depends on the condition your prior tenant left the property in when they vacated.
Apartment Inspections: How Often Can You Inspect an Oakland Rental?
The Tenant Protection Ordinance in Oakland prohibits landlords from substantially and directly interfering with a tenant’s right to quiet use and enjoyment of their apartment. You cannot enter a tenant’s home without proper notice and a lawful purpose.
How Routine Oakland Property Maintenance Minimizes Repair Costs
Prioritizing routine repairs at your Oakland rental property will minimize the emergency repairs you have to make. Preventative and proactive maintenance will always cost less than an emergency response. You’ll pay your vendors less, you’ll reduce the inconvenience imposed on your tenants, and you’ll protect the condition of your investment. Deteriorating rental homes rarely earn top dollar, and they often have high turnover and vacancy rates.
Safety Precautions Oakland Landlords Can Take During the Pandemic
The pandemic is far from over, but optimists all over the country will agree that things are looking up. Vaccines are in distribution, cases in many areas are slowing, and businesses are doing their best to get back to normal.
How to Avoid Long Term Vacancies | Oakland Property Management Tips
Avoiding a long term vacancy in Oakland is important to the financial stability of your entire real estate portfolio. Vacancies are expensive. You don’t have any rent coming in, and you have to spend money out of pocket to pay for things like utilities and...
The Benefits of Owning Multiple Oakland Rental Properties
Real estate investors have a lot of options when they decide to buy a rental property in Oakland. The market has single-family homes in established neighborhoods, new construction multi-family buildings with a lot of units, and everything in between. We always...
Should you Rent or Sell Your Vacant Oakland Home?
If you’re trying to decide whether it’s better to sell or rent your vacant Oakland property, we understand the indecision. A lot of our clients are moving out of state for work or personal reasons, following new passions, or moving from the home they currently live in...
How Does the New Mandatory Section 8 Bill Affect Your Oakland Home?
A number of new laws have gone into effect in 2020, and while the rent control and just cause eviction laws are getting most of the attention, there’s also a Section 8 bill that affects almost every rental property owner in Oakland and throughout California. If you...
Rental Prices – How to Determine Rental Price in Berkeley, CA
The rental value of your Berkeley investment property depends on a few key factors, including the strength of the current rental market, the location and size of your property, and its condition. Some of these things you can control, but most of them you cannot. Be...
Renters Insurance Companies and Policies in the Bay Area
When you’re renting out a home in the Bay area, you want to make sure all of your insurance protections are in place. The coverage you need depends on the properties you own and the assets you’re trying to protect.
Rental Prices – How to Determine Rental Price in the Bay Area
Rental prices in the Bay area and throughout California have been getting a lot of attention recently, particularly because of the new rent control laws that went into effect this year.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Bay Area Property Management Company
Deciding to work with a professional property management company in the Bay area is a great way to earn more and spend less on your investment property. A good management company can ensure your leasing process results in the placement of a great tenant. Then, you won’t have to worry about the day-to-day headaches involved in renting out property, such as collecting rent, responding to maintenance, and enforcing the lease agreement.
How to Get the Best ROI – Bay Area Property Management
Most investors buy and rent out property with the intention of making money. Hopefully, that’s why you’re in the Bay area real estate market.
5 Benefits of Property Management Technology in Oakland, CA
Available technology in the property management industry has really surged ahead in the last few years. At California Pacific Realty, we invest in the best property management software and the most innovative systems in order to manage your rental homes more effectively and efficiently. Technology saves us time and it saves you money.
What Happens If My Oakland Tenant Breaks Their Lease?
When you place a tenant in your rental property, you expect that tenant to pay rent on time, take care of your property, and follow the terms of your lease agreement.
How Technology has Transformed & Improved the Traditional Open House Process in Oakland
Showing your vacant rental property to tenants is an important part of the rental property marketing process, and a critical component to leasing your home. Today, we are taking some time to talk about showings and how you can minimize the risk of losing a prospect. At California Pacific Realty, we’re using an electronic smart box lock system, and we’ve found a lot of success with this program.
Why You Should Be Using zInspector for Your Oakland Rental Inspections
Moving residents in and out of properties is an important but time-consuming process that all landlords and property managers must complete. At California Pacific Realty, we serve the entire Bay area from our Oakland base, and we have been using a valuable program that makes move-in and move-out inspections a lot easier.
Oakland Property Management: Tenant Damages my Rental Property – What Next?
Tenant damage is something that most landlords fear, but there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk and ensure your property remains in good condition before, throughout, and after a tenancy. Tenant-Caused Damage: Who Pays? Before you move a tenant into...
Oakland Rent Control: How it Works & What to Expect
Investors and property owners often ask me what I think about rent control, and where I see the future of rent control going. Today, I have some answers. Rent Control and Bay Area Investment Properties Many property managers and investors complain about rent control...
Tenant Screening: How to Find Good Tenants in Oakland
Knowing how to find tenants is important, because the tenant you place will determine what kind of experience you have as a landlord. A good tenant is someone who pays rent on time, takes care of your property, and follows the terms of your lease. A bad tenant can...
The Rules Regarding a Landlord’s Right of Entry in Oakland
A topic that a lot of property owners have asked me about is the landlord right of entry. You do have the right to enter a tenant-occupied property, but it has to be done in the proper way. Landlord’s Right to Enter Property We recommend that you give your tenants a...
Why Every Oakland Property Manager Should Consider Section 8
You may not want to be a Section 8 landlord, but today we’re talking about why, as a property owner, you may want to consider it. What is Section 8? Section 8 is a housing program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It provides vouchers to...
Oakland Property Management Advice: Should I Buy a Home Warranty?
A lot of property owners ask me: should I buy a home warranty? Today, I’m sharing what I think about home warranties and why they may or may not be cost effective for your rental property. Pros and Cons of Home Warranty: Single Family Homes A home warranty is a great...
How Long Does the Renting Process Take? Oakland Property Management
People often ask us how long it will take to rent out their properties. This is a good question, and the right answer is typically between two and three weeks. Today, we’re telling you a little about our marketing and leasing process. How Long Does the Renting Process...
What Happens During a Rental Property Inspection in Oakland?
Conducting a regular rental property inspection is important to every landlord. As the property owner, you are liable for anything that happens at your property. It’s a good idea to inspect annually to make sure everything is in order. Put together an inspection...
Security Deposits 101: Explained by an Oakland Property Manager
Security deposit deductions are sometimes a source of conflict between tenants and landlords. It’s important that you understand what they are, what you can use them for, and how you are required to return them. What is a Security Deposit? A security deposit is an...
The Best Way to Deal with a Tenant Not Paying Rent in Oakland
When a tenant doesn’t pay rent, you need to take some specific steps to collect the late rent and ensure this does not become a pattern. Today, we’re talking about what to do with a delinquent tenant who doesn’t pay on time or doesn’t pay at all. Tenant Doesn’t Pay...
Why Choose California Pacific Realty – Oakland Property Management
California Pacific Realty was started 10 years ago with a simple motto. We want to do the right thing for the property owners and the tenants we work with. We service residential properties from San Francisco to San Jose, and anything in between. Why choose us to be...
Service Animals – What Owners Can and Cannot do in Oakland
A lot of property owners are apprehensive about allowing pets into their rental property. They worry about the potential damage that pets can do, and as a landlord, you’re permitted to have a no pet policy. However, you need to understand that service animals are...
What is the Property Maintenance Process in Oakland?
Rental property repairs will be required at some point in the investment process, even if your home is in great condition. Today, we’re talking a little bit about our maintenance process and how we provide rental property maintenance services. Oakland Property...