Property Management Brainstorm
184 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsWelcome to Property Management Brainstorm, the ultimate podcast for property managers, PropTech ventures, and real estate investors! Join industry expert Bob Preston as he brings you the latest trends, best practices, and invaluable guidance in the world of property management. Whether you're just starting or thriving in the business, Property Management Brainstorm is your go-to destination for all things property management.
Bob is a nationally known figure in the USA property management industry with over 25 years of experience in building and growing property management companies while advising more than 28 property management locations and 12,000+ doors. He has been awarded three prestigious designations by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM): the RMP® (Residential Management Professional), MPM® (Master Property Manager), and the CRMC (Certified Residential Management Company). He served as President and board of directors of the California State Chapter (CALNARPM) for 2020-2023 and on the NARPM National Board of Directors as the Southwest Regional Vice President (2022).
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Episodes
Five Minute Friday #6 - Best Practices for Renting Your Home
November 29, 2019 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.8 MBThe idea of generating passive income through a rental property sounds pretty terrific. But the reality is, being a landlord is not as passive as you might think. Renting your home is equivalent to running a business, and there are a number of responsibilities that come with it. So, what do you need to consider before becoming a landlord? And what are the best practices for renting your home? On this episode of Five Minute Friday, Bob walks us through the main topics covered in his new eBo...
Episode 26: Lessons Learned in the Leasing Process, Featuring Todd Breen of VirtuallyinCredible
November 28, 2019 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBIt goes without saying that every landlord dreams of a quick and seamless leasing process that results in a happy tenant and ongoing rental income. But what can we do to make the leasing process run more smoothly? How can we reduce the number of days on market and fulfill our owner’s expectations—without taking on tenants who are not a good fit? Todd Breen is the experienced real estate broker, investor and property manager behind VirtuallyinCredible, a company offering video training, mark...
Five Minute Friday #5 - Utilizing Lockboxes
November 22, 2019 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.58 MBLockboxes provide efficiency and convenience, allowing real estate agents and vendors access to a property when we can’t be there. But is it a good idea to utilize lockboxes for property showings? When does it make sense to allow prospective tenants to look at a property on their own? And what can we do to mitigate any security issues associated with using lockboxes for self-showings? On this episode of Five Minute Friday, Bob explains how North County Property Group makes use of lockboxes ...
Five Minute Friday #4 - Responding to Rental Inquiries
November 15, 2019 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.6 MBOnce you start marketing a property available for rent, inquiries come at you from all directions. You’re answering phone calls, responding to texts, and replying to emails—at all hours of the day and night. So, what is the most efficient way to respond to rental inquiries and schedule property showings? Is there a way to automate some parts of the process? On this Five Minute Friday, Bob walks us through North County Property Group’s system for responding to rental inquiries, explaining ho...
Episode 25: Pricing Your Short Term Rental, Featuring Marc Peckler of Beyond Pricing
November 14, 2019 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBIf you own a short term rental property, you want to maximize the return you get from every booking you make. One of the simplest and fastest ways that can be done is through effective pricing practices. On this episode, Bob speaks with Marc Peckler, Senior Account Executive with Beyond Pricing. The Beyond Pricing approach to short term rental pricing is nothing short of amazing. They use dynamic pricing technology to find the proper rate for your rental property every single day of the yea...
Five Minute Friday #3 - Insurance Coverage for a Rental Property
November 08, 2019 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.93 MBIn this Five Minute Friday, Bob discusses the proper insurance coverage that a landlord should have at his rental property before placing a tenant. With Long-term Rentals (typically unfurnished, rented under a 12-month lease) there are two types of insurance policies that should always be required. The first type of insurance is a “rental dwelling” policy: The rental dwelling insurance policy should be a minimum of $1,000,000 public and premises liability insurance. Rental dwelling polic...
Five Minute Friday #2: Property Management Maintenance Facilitation
November 01, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 3.43 MBFive Minute Fridays are bonus "mini-episodes" of Property Management Brainstorm in which Bob covers a pertinent topic of property management or being a landlord, every Friday, in about five minutes or less. In this episode, Bob covers two questions frequently asked by landlords - "how is maintenance handled?" and “are there any mandatory property maintenance items performed regularly”. Bob answers these questions in the context of his own San Diego property management company, North County P...
Episode 24: Tenant Turnover Issues Solved, Featuring James Barrett of Tenant Turner
October 31, 2019 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBAnyone who manages rental properties knows first-hand how much hassle is involved with tenant turnover. From advertising to lease signing, it takes a top-notch team to do it effectively at scale. Bob’s guest today is James Barrett, co-founder of Tenant Turner, a software application that takes the hassle out of tenant turnover in very intuitive ways. Listen to learn about how property inquiries receive an immediate response, how applications can immediately be assessed for potential tenant ...
Five Minute Friday #1: Allowable Security Deposit Deductions
October 25, 2019 20:00 - 4 minutes - 3.43 MBFive Minute Fridays are bonus "mini-episodes" of Property Management Brainstorm in which Bob covers a pertinent topic of property management or being a landlord, every Friday, in about five minutes or less. This is the very first episode of Five Minute Friday. Bob covers the question most frequently asked by landlords when speaking with him about property management - "what charges can be taken from a tenant’s security deposit?" Bob answers this question in the context of the State of Califo...
Episode 23: Property Management Plumbing, Heating, and Air, with John Padilla
October 16, 2019 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBPlumbing, heating, and air. It's a topic that can be confusing for property managers, tenants, and the property owner because of many of the changing California building codes. On this episode, Bob is joined by John Padilla of John Padilla Plumbing, Heating and Air to highlight some common issues faced in the plumbing and mechanical systems of homes. They focus on water heaters, low flow fixtures, and HVAC (heating and air) to discuss new ordinances, codes, and safety requirements in each ...
Episode 22: A Better Way To Handle Rental Property Maintenance, Featuring Ray Hespen of Property Meld
October 03, 2019 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBRental property maintenance is no small issue and is typically a challenging aspect for property owners, property management companies, or tenants. Bob’s guest on this episode wants to help drive the world towards the new and believes that "maintenance shouldn't be so hard". On today’s episode, co‐founder and CEO of Property Meld, Ray Hespen joins Bob for a conversation about the importance of well-managed and effective property maintenance. It is important to understand that the people wh...
Episode 21: Property Management Programs for Real Estate Investors, with Brett Preston
September 19, 2019 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBReal Estate investor property management is a different situation than typical property management. There are many needs investors have that are specialized and require a specialized approach. On this episode, Bob and Brett discuss the ins and outs of investment property management, highlight new services North County Property Group has created especially for property investors, and discuss nuances such as selling an investment property with a "Tenant in Possession" (TIP). Be sure you listen...
Episode 20: Understanding Water Damage and Mold, with Jason Widmer
September 03, 2019 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBWater damage, mold, and the ensuing remediation work required is something no property owner or manager ever wants to have to address. Water is one of the most common sources of damage to properties and can happen due to failing water heaters, broken pipes, roof leaks, and more. On this episode of the podcast, Bob speaks with Jason Widmer, owner of KIC Restoration, here in the San Diego area. On this episode, you’re going to learn how to know if you have a potential water damage issue that ...
Episode 19: The DNA of a Successful Property Management Team
August 22, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBProperty management is a detailed business with many moving parts - but it’s made simpler with the right property management team in place. On this episode, Bob wanted to do something a bit different - by introducing you to the members of his team at North County Property Group. You'll get to know these fabulous team members... Property Management marketing specialist: Ally Kubarych Ally is our Marketing Manager - she manages the company’s marketing and communication activities for digital ...
Episode 19: The DNA of a Successful Property Management Team
August 22, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBProperty management is a detailed business with many moving parts - but it’s made simpler with the right property management team in place. On this episode, Bob wanted to do something a bit different - by introducing you to the members of his team at North County Property Group. You'll get to know these fabulous team members... Property Management marketing specialist: Ally Kubarych Ally is our Marketing Manager - she manages the company’s marketing and communication activities for digital ...
Episode 18: Creating the Vacation Rental Experience, Featuring Gunilla DeSanto of Deluxe Decor by Design
June 27, 2019 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBOn this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, interior designer and home stager, Gunilla DeSanto, shares how to create a luxurious and relaxing vacation rental experience. In today’s rental economy, the demand for vacation rentals has never been higher. Rental owners are often asking how to make their vacation rentals pop or stand out online. In this episode, Gunilla explains how to create a once in a lifetime vacation rental experience for people while still having the comforts of home...
Episode 17: Understanding The Split Roll Measure, Featuring Former California State Senator, Joel Anderson
June 12, 2019 23:00 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBToday’s episode of Property Management Brainstorm helps navigate a new proposed California state tax. If you are not aware of the California Split Roll Measure, you will certainly hear more as 2020 draws closer. Former California state senate member and local San Diego politician, Joel Anderson, is an expert on this topic and joins Bob to provide great insights into the proposed measure on this episode. Be sure to listen. For more information about Joel Anderson, click on this link to the Jo...
Episode 16: Why You Need a Property Management Software, Featuring Adam Feinstein of AppFolio
May 30, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 11.2 MBProperty management has many moving parts. Even if you are an individual landlord renting a property yourself there are many things to manage - from listing and marketing the property to leasing your property, keeping the property maintained, dispatching vendors for repairs, and accounting… On today’s episode, Adam Feinstein of AppFolio joins Bob to talk about AppFolio’s property management software. For more information about AppFolio, click on this link to the AppFolio website. This episod...
Episode 15: Protect Your Investment Property with Rental Income Insurance, Featuring Aaron DiCaprio of Rent Rescue
May 16, 2019 08:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBHave you ever wondered as a property investor and landlord what would happen if your tenant defaulted, or abandoned their lease? It is uncommon, but it does happen. Every landlord bears some degree of risk and exposure to this area. But, there is a way to protect your rental income if something should occur. Aaron DiCaprio, CEO of Rent Rescue, joins Bob on this episode to talk about this scenario. Rent Rescue provides rental income insurance to landlords to void the headaches that come with ...
Episode 14: How California’s Economic Outlook Affects Real Estate Investors, Featuring Jordan Levine of C.A.R.
May 02, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBCalifornia Association of Realtors Deputy Chief Economist, Jordan Levine, joins Bob on this episode of Property Management Brainstorm to talk about the economic outlook for the California real estate market. Jordan’s work for C.A.R. uses data to understand the market throughout the state of California. He not only shares what he has seen so far in 2019 but what the current economic outlook for real estate means for those considering investing in property. If you are interested in real estate...
Episode 13: Making Real Estate Investing More Accessible, Featuring Don Ganguly of HomeUnion
April 18, 2019 08:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBReal estate investors are always on the lookout for investment properties. The standard way of doing this has been to research the area, drive around with a realtor, or looking online. However, Don Ganguly joins Bob on this episode of Property Management Brainstorm to chat about a new way for investors to find these properties and to see if they are the right investment. Don is the founder and president of HomeUnion. HomeUnion makes real estate investing more simple. It provides a way for in...
Episode 12: Make Your Property Management Inspection Easier, Featuring Andy Wallace of zInspector
April 04, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBOn this episode, Andy Wallace joins Bob to talk about an extremely important topic for anyone handling a rental property: the property management inspection. This inspection takes place before a tenant moves into a rental and prior to the tenant vacating a rental. Though the world has gone digital, many of these inspections are still occurring on paper, by hand. With the amount of documentation and photos needed to complete these inspections, you can imagine how hard it could be to keep this...
Episode 12: Make Your Property Management Inspection Easier, Featuring Andy Wallace of zInspector
April 04, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBOn this episode, Andy Wallace joins Bob to talk about an extremely important topic for anyone handling a rental property: the property management inspection. This inspection takes place before a tenant moves into a rental and prior to the tenant vacating a rental. Though the world has gone digital, many of these inspections are still occurring on paper, by hand. With the amount of documentation and photos needed to complete these inspections, you can imagine how hard it could be to keep this...
Episode 11 - When to Re-key and Replace Smoke/Carbon Detectors, Featuring Dathan Kern of Kern Key
March 25, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBIn this episode, Bob welcomes his guest Dathan Kern, the owner and head locksmith of Kern Key in San Diego. Dathan explains the importance of re-keying a rental property at tenant move-out, before a new tenant moves into the property, along with other tips on keeping your home secure. He also explains how and why carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be tested on a regular basis as well as the current State of California code on where they should be installed. As a further discussion po...
Episode 10 - Protecting Rental Properties for Landlord Peace of Mind, Featuring Dave Holt, Co-founder at SureVestor
March 18, 2019 04:00 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBBob discusses a new concept in protecting rental properties to give landlords additional peace of mind from tenant-related risks. This episode features Dave Holt, co-founder at SureVestor, a company which provides this a unique form of insurance when renters are in your home. Dave explains this new insurance product, how it works, and what aspects are covered under the policy. Dave also shares his insights on costs involved in the three things landlords fear most: malicious damage by a tena...
Episode 9 - Maximizing Income on a Vacation Rental, Featuring Matt Hoffman, Head of Short-term Rentals for Kigo
March 08, 2019 05:00 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBBob discusses best practices for managing all of the moving parts of a short-term rental, commonly referred to as vacation rental, with Matt Hoffman, Head of Short-Term Rentals at Kigo, a RealPage Company. The software as a service (Saas) provided by Kigo is specifically designed for managing short-term rentals. Bob and Matt exchange views on the definition of a short-term rental, what distinguishes a short-term rental from a long-term rental, and the ideal characteristics of a property owne...
Episode 8 - Marketing Your Rental Property, Featuring Dave Borden, CEO of PMW
September 17, 2018 04:00 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MBBob discusses best practices for rental property marketing with Dave Borden, CEO at PMW. Dave provides valuable advice and insights on how to promote a vacant rental to attract, respond to, and obtain a lease with a top notch tenant. Dave also offers his recommendations pertaining to which Internet sites are best for posting rental ads, the proper use of social media to promote a rental property, the pitfalls when communicating with prospective tenants, and why it might be best to leave this...
Episode 7 - Managing a Pet Policy, Featuring John Bradford, Pet Lover and Founder of PetScreening.com
May 24, 2018 04:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBBob discusses rental property pet policies and the importance of pet and assistance animal screening with John Bradford, Pet Lover and Founder of PetScreening.com. John explains risk management for pet friendly rental properties and the nuances surrounding ADA and Fair Housing Laws pertaining to assistance animals. PetScreening.com offers a great solution to property management companies, homeowners, and tenants to register and screen pets through their 3rd party platform. To learn more abou...
Episode 6 - Keeping Your Rental Property Well Maintained, Featuring Zorik Gordon, CEO at Serviz
April 30, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBBob discusses the importance of keeping a rental home properly maintained with Zorik Gordon, CEO at Serviz, a company which offers online home services on demand. Keeping a rental property in good working order is one of the most important aspects of maximizing rental income and making tenants comfortable and happy in your home. Have you ever asked yourself the question "Why can't we book and buy local maintenance services online, just like we order and buy products online?" Zorik helps answ...
Episode 5 - The Importance of the Broker Trust Account, Featuring Allison Disarro, Senior Vice President of Property Management Banking at Seacoast Commerce Bank
March 20, 2018 04:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBBob discusses the concept and importance of the Broker Trust Account for property management companies with Allison Disarro, Senior Vice President of Property Management Banking at Seacoast Commerce Bank. Real estate brokers and property management companies receive and hold funds in their everyday course of business from tenants and property owners for rent payments or property improvements. Property managers must accept, control and account for these "trust funds" within compliance under S...
Episode 4 - The Future of Short Term Rentals, Featuring Dwight Worden, Mayor of the City of Del Mar, California
February 08, 2018 05:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MBBob discusses the future of Short Term Rentals (STRs) with Dwight Worden, the Mayor of Del Mar, California. Bob and Dwight cover the new ordinance put in place in Del Mar to regulate rentals, room sharing, and house exchange of less than 30 days in duration. Sometimes referred to as Vacation Rentals, STRs have grown in popularity in many communities and neighborhoods throughout North County San Diego (Cities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad). The growth of the "sh...
Episode 3 - Legal Aspects of Being a Landlord in the State of California, Featuring Ted Smith of Ted Smith Law
January 10, 2018 05:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBBob discusses the importance of understanding California landlord-tenant laws with Ted Smith, the owner and principal at Ted Smith Law in San Diego, CA. Being a landlord or property manager in California requires awareness of specific federal and state laws as well as local ordinances pertaining to renting to tenants. Some of the common legal pitfalls include violating fair housing laws, security deposit charges, how much can be charged for a tenant screening, procedural timing on serving no...
Episode 2 - Obtaining the Correct Insurance Policy for Your Rental Property, Featuring Chris Mahlberg of Farmers Insurance
December 16, 2017 05:00 - 38 minutes - 17.7 MBBob discusses the importance of obtaining the proper insurance on various types of rental properties with Chris Mahlberg, from the Farmers Insurance Office of Kirk Miller in San Diego, CA. Having the correct insurance policy in place for your rental property is a critical aspect of property management, protecting your home from damage, and limiting exposure to tenant liability. When considering the possibility of renting their home, one of the first steps a homeowner should take is speaking ...
Episode 1 - Introduction and Orientation to Property Management Brainstorm
December 10, 2017 05:00 - 10 minutes - 4.77 MBThis first episode introduces the purpose of the Property Management Brainstorm series and also introduces the host, Bob Preston, the president, owner, and real estate broker of North County Property Group. Bob will brainstorm ideas and best practices related to rental homes, either as a long term rental to residential tenants or offering a second home as a vacation rental. Bob will be inviting experts and professionals to discuss topics related to property management so listeners can learn a...