Although most people take electricity and electrical systems in rental properties for granted it is important to understand the basics of these items and operations.  We open our garages with automatic openers, we flip on the light switch, we click the television remote, and we expect our food and drinks to be cold each and every time we open the refrigerator.  All of these things we expect to be functioning each time we ask for it, but what is behind the scenes is important to understand.

The Willows is a neighborhood in transition. One of the older Menlo Park neighborhoods, as can be seen in the charming old bungalows originally built in the 1920s and ’30s, The Willows is seeing a dramatic demographic change. Young families, many of which are Silicon Valley professionals who appreciate the convenient commute distance and great location, are investing in real estate in The Willows. They’re attracted not just by the comparatively short commute, but also by the excellent schools and the more rural feel of this Menlo Park neighborhood.  In the heart of Silicon Valley The Willows offers everything young upwardly mobile professionals desire in primary residences and also long-term investment property.

Ideal for young professionals and new families, North Los Altos real estate has plenty to offer, and not just in the short-term. These properties make great rental homes, especially when you streamline the process with professional property management services. Tucked neatly away from the more urban hustle and bustle of the Palo Alto real estate market, Adobe Creek, North El Monte Avenue, the Foothill Expressway and El Camino Real serve as borders for this highly walkable and very livable neighborhood.  Moreover, this neighborhood is a hop skip and a jump away from Stanford University, and minutes from Silicon Valley technology companies like Facebook, Google, Apple and LinkedIn.

In the words of the hit sitcom theme song, “Green Acres is the place to be!” While the Palo Alto version of Green Acres is far removed from the TV show’s “farm livin’,” living in Green Acres in Palo Alto is just as idyllic.  As a matter of fact, the current neighborhood is on a site that used to house sprawling citrus orchards, so city conveniences truly do meet country charm here in Green Acres.  This neighborhood has all the features that families look for in a full service neighborhood.  It’s walking distance to the amazing public schools, it is bordered and well-defined, and it has shopping and restaurants all within minutes.

Charming, cozy, diverse and, above all else, affordable, houses for sale in Ventura are in high demand. The fact that this quaint community of single family homes, townhomes, apartments, and small independent shops and restaurants is between the CalTrain railroad tracks and El Camino Real means residents accommodate some traffic noise. Over time, the urban sounds simply become part of a fabric of their lives and they and their bank accounts benefit from being open-minded.  Palo Alto remains one of the most sought-after cities in the world due to the allure of Stanford University, the high-tech companies that have formed the foundation of Silicon Valley, the cultural diversity, the year-round temperate climate, and the seemingly endless opportunities for individuals, families, and companies to make their way here – and Ventura Palo Alto is right in the middle.

The name Green Gables conjures up images of lush, mature landscaping, towering trees, and pretty pitched rooflines. When you drive into this community, you’ll be pleased to find the name is not misleading. Green Gables is a picturesque, charming, community-oriented neighborhood in the heart of Palo Alto. It was developed in the 1940s and 1950s by renowned architect Birge Clark and modernist Joseph Eichler. During that time Green Gables was named “Subdivision of the Year” by Architectural Forum magazine and celebrated by House Beautiful magazine as a shining example of contemporary, affordable single-family homes. Clearly, outstanding design has staying power.

The Silicon Valley is a hotbed of enterprising tech firms and hungry young professionals anxious to make their mark in this competitive field. It’s a vibrant and high-energy corner of Northern California, but not necessarily the ideal place to live. Those who appreciate escaping the daily grind and reconnecting with nature will love the more laidback lifestyle in Palo Alto Hills.

Updated and modern kitchens are huge in the eyes of prospective tenants.  Clean and remodeled kitchens rank higher than newer bathrooms and in-house laundry facilities when it relates to overall tenant satisfaction and desire. Tenants desire the clean kitchen where they hoard their food, cook gourmet meals, entertain guests, and every so often eat.

Today’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinets, new light fixtures, and conveniences like dishwashers and garbage disposals are must-haves for many desirable tenants.  A professional property manager can help you decide what is the right path to take when remaking the kitchen.

Palo Alto real estate is highly sought after, but it can also be extremely expensive, making home investment difficult. The good news is, Midtown Palo Alto, bounded by Oregon Expressway, Loma Verde, Alma and Highway 101, is more affordable than many of the other areas in town. When it comes to Palo Alto real estate, it’s the perfect location for a family looking to lease their home or find a home to invest in on a smaller budget with all the benefits of Palo Alto cache, schools, and community. 

Hire the Wrong Contractor and You May End up Paying a Different Price for Your Project Because New or Newly Remodeled Construction is Not Always What You Think it is

While I was practicing law we encountered many situations where clients were in disputes with their contractors during construction of new homes or even during a major remodel or major addition.  We even had many clients who came to us during construction of their homes and wanted to have assurances or safeguards in place to protect their interests.  In each case we accommodated the client and found ways to provide an extra set of eyes on the construction project.  This is a great practice which “high-end” clients seemingly always looked for and did.  Unfortunately, there were many instances where we were only called in after a disaster or major damage had already occurred.  More importantly, the 2^nd or 3^rd contractor in is going to cost you more because they end up re-constructing the previous contractor’s defective work.