A Simple Reason to Oppose Initiative 933.
Washington State Initiative 933 on the November, 2006 ballot is really an attempt by the development community to create something called "developers rights". Developers rights mean that individual property owners rights and community property rights disappear. That is because these developer rights would eliminate zoning and growth management regulations that protect individual property owners in a community.
The problem with I-933 is that while it supposibly says government must compensate you for any "damage" a regulation does to you, it says nothing about your being compensated for any damage your neighbor may do to you. By removing zoning and growth management protections. your neighbor can set up a motorcycle track, or a junk auto yard or a pig farm next door and you can't stop them.
If I-933 passes you lose your protections and can actually see your property values go down. When your neighbor has the right to do whatever they want with their land it means you won't be able to stop inappropriate development unless you pay them to not do it. Community and neighborhood values no longer count. The value of your land can decrease, especially when there is no longer any community certainty as to the future uses of land in the community.
Do you have the money to pay to stop a a WalMart or a junkyard or a gambling casino from being built next to you? Neither does our government. I-933 is legislation by developer interests to legalize extorsion. What happens is that local governments have to give in and let them do whatever they want. They can't afford to compensate for all alleged development.
As the Skagit Valley Herald noted in a recent editorial, I-933 is part of a national effort by libertarians like New York developer Howard Rich who pumped some $400,000 into the signature drive to put I-933 on this November's ballot. Howard Rich don't live or vote in Washington State.
I-933 is written to actually go back 10 years to determine its starting point for regulations and zoning. That in itself is a major flaw in the initiative. You're not even voting for things as they are now.
And it also means that all future zoning changes and changes to growth management laws will open up government to lawsuits over "potential development"loses. There will no longer be any challenges to inappropriate development because any attempt to stop or change a project will be taken to court asking for "damages" or the unlimited "right to build."
All because some rich East Coast Libertarians joined with the Washington State Farm Bureau - which represents corporate farmers - to argue that developers rights should trump individual and community rights.
Read more about the I-933 campaign by going to the Noon933 campaign website.
The problem with I-933 is that while it supposibly says government must compensate you for any "damage" a regulation does to you, it says nothing about your being compensated for any damage your neighbor may do to you. By removing zoning and growth management protections. your neighbor can set up a motorcycle track, or a junk auto yard or a pig farm next door and you can't stop them.
If I-933 passes you lose your protections and can actually see your property values go down. When your neighbor has the right to do whatever they want with their land it means you won't be able to stop inappropriate development unless you pay them to not do it. Community and neighborhood values no longer count. The value of your land can decrease, especially when there is no longer any community certainty as to the future uses of land in the community.
Do you have the money to pay to stop a a WalMart or a junkyard or a gambling casino from being built next to you? Neither does our government. I-933 is legislation by developer interests to legalize extorsion. What happens is that local governments have to give in and let them do whatever they want. They can't afford to compensate for all alleged development.
As the Skagit Valley Herald noted in a recent editorial, I-933 is part of a national effort by libertarians like New York developer Howard Rich who pumped some $400,000 into the signature drive to put I-933 on this November's ballot. Howard Rich don't live or vote in Washington State.
I-933 is written to actually go back 10 years to determine its starting point for regulations and zoning. That in itself is a major flaw in the initiative. You're not even voting for things as they are now.
And it also means that all future zoning changes and changes to growth management laws will open up government to lawsuits over "potential development"loses. There will no longer be any challenges to inappropriate development because any attempt to stop or change a project will be taken to court asking for "damages" or the unlimited "right to build."
All because some rich East Coast Libertarians joined with the Washington State Farm Bureau - which represents corporate farmers - to argue that developers rights should trump individual and community rights.
Read more about the I-933 campaign by going to the Noon933 campaign website.
Posted by Steve Zemke at 12:44 PM | Permanent Link
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Tips for Being a Successful Landlord
In today’s apartment rental market there are several things that are “must do’s” for becoming a successful landlord. The reason you’re playing the real estate rental game is to have the check in your mailbox on the first of the month, right? Here are a few tips that can help you to achieve this with as little aggravation and frustration possible.
First and foremost is finding the right tenant to rent your apartment, house or other rental. This is the most important ingredient in the recipe. Checking the prospective tenant’s credit history to make sure they are paying their bills is one of the best ways you can screen. A tenant that pays their bills on time most likely will send you their rent on time. Establish a clear system on collecting rent, handling complaints from the tenant and how you will contact them if you need to gain access to the apartment.
Secondly, get all the important terms of the tenancy in writing. You have the option to have a basic rental agreement or draw up a formal lease. Whichever you decide, the important thing is to document the terms that you and the tenant agreed to. Clarify who is paying the utilities, the rental price and any other agreements made between you and your tenant.
It’s a good idea to stay on top of the repair and maintenance needs of your property. When you are notified of something that is broken or not working, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damages. You may also lawfully enable the tenant to withhold rent, sue for injuries caused by defective conditions or move out without notice.
On a similar topic make sure you are carrying enough property and liability insurance to cover yourself in any situation. A well designed insurance program can protect your rental property from losses caused by everything from fire and storms to burglary, vandalism, and personal injury lawsuits.
I hope that this has been helpful to you. Just remember, as long as you follow these simple tips you will be on your way to a happy and fulfilling landlord future. Best of luck!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Eric Goldstein, associated with www.AllSpacses.com which Conveniently Connects All People with All Spaces in All Places, has been dedicated to the real estate rental market for over 8 years. He has assisted over 25,000 landlords with their renting needs. Any questions about renting apartments, houses or other rentals feel free to visit www.AllSpaces.com or email him at Eric@AllSpaces.com.
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