There is a movement in the roofing industry toward what is referred to as “single ply” roofing for flat roofs.

This energy efficient roofing is like a big (usually white) rubber roof. It lasts longer than hot tar roofing and is much superior across the board. This product has been around since the sixties or so and has been upgraded and changed and re-invented. It now is a standard in the industry and becoming more popular as people get introduced to it.

by John Nuzzolese

I always say that “95% of your tenant problems can be eliminated in the screening process.” If you’re like me, you probably find it difficult to relax when you have vacancies. So getting it rented is the main idea, right? Well, from now on, lets say “getting it rented to a properly qualified tenant is the main idea.”

By David Gale

Just as residents in Southern California start adjusting to life with lawn-watering restrictions, there are signs California’s drought may be coming to an end next winter.

Climate scientists say conditions are ripe for the formation of an El Nino over the Pacific Ocean, an intermittent weather condition that brings wet winters to the southern United States.

That means there is a good chance Southern California will get above-normal rainfall next year.

MBA Survey Shows Continued Slowdown of Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Lending in First Quarter 2009

Commercial and multifamily mortgage loan originations continued to drop in the first quarter of 2009, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Quarterly Survey of Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Bankers Originations.  First quarter originations were 70 percent lower than during the same period last year and 26 percent lower than during the fourth quarter of 2008.  The year-over-year decrease was seen across all investor groups and most property types.

By Stephen B. Fainsbert, Esq.

The case of Garcia v. Roberts, decided by the Appellate Court in May 2009 involves a situation where a husband and wife, who could not read English, were taken advantage of by a “business associate” in the acquisition of a parcel of real estate (the “Property”).  The facts were that Johnny Garcia (“Johnny”) and his wife Omega Garcia (“Omega”) had for a number of years rented property in Sanger, California (the “Property”) from the Sasashima Family Trust (the “Trust”).  In 2001, Johnny entered into an agreement to purchase the Property from the Trust for $140,000 pursuant to which agreement Johnny made a $7,500 down payment and was given two years to pay the balance of $132,500.

OBLIGATIONS TO TENANTS – SECTION 8 SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION

QUESTION:  The city where my apartment complex is located has approached me about purchasing the property for a large retail development.  At this time I’m not sure I’ll sell, but would like to know what obligation I have to my tenants if I decide to sell.  Are there any rules I should know about?

by Donald Lapa

It would be nice if every pool water problem could be prevented. But even the most diligent adherence to routine maintenance programs can’t eliminate every algae bloom, stain or odor.  So we have products and procedures to kill algae, clear water and help keep water chemistry balanced.  In-store testing stations, poolside trouble shooting methods and problem-solving products all play important roles in ongoing battle against water menaces.

Before any problem can be treated, the water chemistry must be checked.  It is, therefore, imperative that the testing of the water is placed in the hands of an experienced person who could diagnose, solve and hopefully prevent pool water problems.

We have prepared a guide to 8 of the most common obstacles to pool-owner happiness.

By Carm Gullo

In light of the negative news reported by the press, tv, and political leaders, you might ask yourself “How is my business faring? “ How has the business environment affected my revenues?  Will the business climate further affect my revenues?”

It is essential to track sales, revenues and expenses for any business (and managing apartments buildings is a business).  This is what we at CFG Investments, Inc. do in examining the rental properties we manage.  We have tracked performance on a daily and monthly basis for many years. CFG Investments manages over 200 properties throughout Orange County, and this gives us a fairly large data base in our statistical analysis.

NAPSI

As seasons change, the inevitable change in temperature may trigger a need for repairs or perhaps replacement of many heating and cooling systems. Choosing the right contractor to repair or replace your home comfort system is an important decision. Homeowners can make an informed decision by considering the following tips for choosing a qualified contractor:

1.    Search for contractors who employ NATE-certified technicians or belong to professional trade organizations. Technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE) are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry by passing specialized certification exams. To locate a contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians, use the contractor locator at www.hvacradvice.com.

(NAPS)—You wouldn’t think of running your air conditioning or heat with your windows open, but that’s essentially what you’re doing if you neglect to replace your windows when they need it.

The good news is that new windows can make your home greener by providing energy efficiency, healthier by preventing water intrusion and mold, and safer if you consider impact-resistant products. Plus, a retrofit project provides one of the highest rates of return—up to 90 percent, according to some surveys.