Lake County is on its way to recovery from the devastating effects of the recent fires; however, there is still a long way to go. There are still dozens of families who are displaced and are looking for housing. According to information posted on www.lakecountyrecovers.com a website that the official coordinator for resources for Valley, Rocky and Jerusalem fire recovery, Fifty-four families are staying at Konocti Harbor Resort, families are living in tents at the Hidden Valley Lake campground.
Through social media and other sources, I have heard that families are staying at Blue Lakes, Twin Pine Casino. Many are staying with friends and family while others are temporarily living out of the county until they can return once they find housing.
There is a dire need for housing for these families as well as all the workers who are coming in to rebuild. These include truck drivers, contractors, electricians, plumbers, engineers as well as laborers. As winter sets in and the holidays approach it is even tougher for those who have children who need a clean and dry home to live. These folks are actively seeking rentals and many are finding that the pickings are slim.
Annie Folgelstrom from Country Air Property Management said, “New applications are continuing to come in; however, we have more applicants than available properties.”
When asked for how much homes are renting, Folgelstrom said, “It depends on if they are furnished or unfurnished. Unfurnished homes are renting for about a dollar per square foot, more if they have washers and dryers and all the appliances. Furnished homes are going for a little more but the deposits are much higher. For example, a 1,500-square-foot house is renting for $1,500 but if its furnished it rents for around $1,800.” Folgelstrom qualifies this by saying, “It all depends on the location, if it’s located in Lakeport or on the lake rents will be higher.”
If anyone owns a home in Lake County that could possibly be available as a rental for the next couple of years I encourage that they seriously consider it. They would be fulfilling a great need for the displaced victims as well as workers who are here to rebuild Lake County. This appeal is going out to those who may be hesitant to letting their vacation or second homes be rented to a stranger. Over the years I hear the general hesitancy has been because of a fear that the tenant will not respect the property as much as the owner. There is an element of truth to that, but this is what a substantial security deposit is designed to mitigate. For this reason, it is highly recommended that homeowners enlist a reputable property management company to represent their best interests. Contact the Lake County Association of Realtors at (707) 263-9300 for a current list of property managers.
Ray Perry is a Realtor working for CPS Country Air Properties and can be reached at (707) 277-8000.
