Surf & Vine Realty provides bespoke property management services in Petaluma, Penngrove, Cotati, and Sonoma. Seth has extensive experience managing property including with one of the largest management companies in the Bay Area. His past experience running his home inspection and construction project management business comes quite in handy here too.
The management at Surf & Vine Realty is intentionally restricted, focused on a much more personal service for both owners and tenants of just a few dozen properties. Because the best business is repeat business, we focus on keeping people so happy they never want to move! It’s so much less expensive for landlords, and so much more pleasant for tenants.
To help provide this level of service we of course have detailed systems, practices, and technology stacks in place for every step of the process. From advertising and tenant placement, to lease renewals, maintenance, emergencies, and move out; we have it all covered. Reach out to have a conversation and we are sure we can show you where the value lies in placing your property with us.
Things we do
- Make ready and beautification for market
- Professional advertising
- Tenant background and financial checks
- Lease negotiations on signing and renewal
- Regular inspections: Before move-in, at least twice annually, and before and after move-out
- In-house and third party maintenance and repairs, as well as larger project management
- Smooth move outs and re-leasing
- Many more…
The reason we restrict management to Petaluma, Penngrove, Cotati, and Sonoma is because our sister company, Surf & Vine Vacation Homes, provides short term vacation rental and second home management, so we keep everything close to home for complete service availability. There are great synergies between these two types of management, and we bring the same full-service attitude required for world class Sonoma Vacation Homes to our long term management services.
Make ready Any home for rent is a product, and the place to start is always careful preparation to make it as attractive as possible to prospective clients (your tenants). With years of experience in both sales and rentals, we know what people want and are willing to pay for. With years of home inspection experience as well, we will make sure the fundamentals for a safe and smooth functioning house are taken care of as well. A solid make-ready is essential to everything that follows. It leads to faster lease signing, longer tenants stays, and fewer headaches down the road.
Marketing Once we have a ready-to-lease unit, we move quickly and efficiently to market your property. This stage is more art than science, and we are very successful at finding high quality tenants in record time. Our experience marketing vacation rentals and properties for sale contributes to our high quality offering in this area.
Tenant verification We use industry standard background and financial checks, and follow up with our own verification to reduce the risk of fraudulent or otherwise incapable tenants who are trying to rent more house than they can afford. We have been fortunate to have had great tenants over the years, and do everything we can to continue that trend in perpetuity.
Leasing We have excellent lease agreements that are continually revised to take into account legal changes and changes in tenant behaviors. When market conditions allow, we will negotiate better lease terms with tenants to maximize your property's value.
InspectionsObviously with Seth's home inspection background the basics of inspections are taken care of. We inspect all homes at least twice a year. Owner's who would like more frequent inspections, for example quarterly, can order them on a once-off or recurring basis. If you would like a full inspection to evaluate for more major renovations, we are happy to help.
Marketing We focus on efficient, long lasting repairs. We avoid wishful band-aids and excessive spending, to take a reasonable middle rod that provides the most value to owners and tenants alike. It is often most expedient to use in-house labor for small jobs since verification of the problem and repair can happen at the same time. Otherwise we have a large selection of contractors to choose from - and we are happy to add your favorites to the list. For major renovations, Seth can work as construction consultant and project manager. We have successfully consulted and managed for large complex jobs for clients over the years.
Move outs and turnovers We work with tenants to make their move out as smooth as possible, which allows us to immediately step in and get the property ready for re-listing. The goal is always minimum down time and maximum market value.
... and more Property management is a people and situation-based business. We will proactively work to solve problems before they develop, and pivot to handle whatever comes up, since there is always something new to do well every day.