Here Now, the Country's Strangest Rental Laws (and 'Suits)

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Background photo: Ralf Kleemann/Shutterstock

It's no shock to anyone that things can get a little bit, uh, messy when one person lives in, but doesn't actually own, a residence that belongs to someone else. Hell, one landlord in Washington State forced a prospective tenant to take a "recycling quiz," designed to prove one's ability to "properly recycle," lest the future lessee pay an additional $40 a month. Good times. Anyway, from lawsuits over urban tilapia farms (below) to what happens if there's a mention of the Golden Gate Bridge in the brokerbabble, here's a look at a recent crop of totally wackadoo rental laws, lawsuits, or, better yet, both:

1) NYC:

In May, an ingenious soul was busted for running a tilapia farm in his 14th-floor Bronx apartment and was sued by his landlord to, like, leave. His neighbors complained about his lack of "good perception of boundaries" and the fact that he made a racket dragging aquariums through the hallway at 3 a.m. Yet the fisherman wasn't just doing this for his own personal enjoyment; in fact, his nonprofit, the Society of Aquaponic Values and Education, "encourages urbanites to grow tilapia and other denizens of the deep in their cramped city apartments." As for how this, err, most fishy situation was resolved, Curbed reached out to the tenant and is awaiting an update.

2) Toms River, N.J.:

In April, a Jersey couple sued their landlord for the rent they've paid, as well as the security deposit, on a house they believed was haunted. Josue Chinchilla and Michele Callan witnessed "paranormal activity": lights that switch on and off by themselves, footsteps in the kitchen, and a mysterious force tugging at bedsheets during the night. The property owner, in turn, filed a countersuit "over his fears that the publicity and accusations [...] may prevent anyone from wanting to live in the house." The media flurry only intensified when the parties decided to air their grievances on the legal TV show The People's Court. After surveying the "spooky evidence," Judge Marilyn Milian ruled that the family must pay the three months in lost rent and let the landlord keep the security deposit. And probably only because it makes for good TV, Milian also ordered the landlord to spend one night in the house.

3) San Francisco:

The home of Dwell magazine is an awfully eccentric place, full of a stable of bizarre lease laws landlords probably wish would be kept quiet. For example, security deposits are supposed to gain interest over time, greatly benefiting those who stay put for a while (as many in San Francisco do), and if an apartment or home is advertised with a "View of the bay!" or "View of the skyline!" tenants are entitled to have their rent reduced if new construction comes in and blocks said "View!"

4) NYC:

It's no surprise that the country's most populous metropolis has more than a few wacky rental laws. Last summer, for example, the city began enforcing a law that made it illegal to rent out one's apartment for less than a month, thereby cracking down on holiday-related Craigslist posts, Airbnb and similar short-term sites, and so on. Then there's the 1982 Loft Law, which required landlords to bring commercial space being used as homes up to code and obtain a residential certificate of occupancy for these spaces. This summer, one landlord's failure to do so actually allowed one (very lucky) tenant to live in a Brooklyn loft for nine years without paying a dime of her $600-a-month rent. Meanwhile, Hurricane Sandy has brought out a whole host of nitpicky leasing laws—dust off that monocle and check 'em out.

5) Salem, Mass.:

Here's a bizarre tidbit from the Massachusetts city steeped in religious history: married couples may not sleep naked in a rented room. The law dates back hundreds of years and while it's unlikely that it's still enforced, today it's hotels and vacation rentals that are affected—not exactly booming industries in Salem.

6) Rumford, Maine:

In this tiny town of less than 6,000, it's illegal to bite your landlord, apparently. Even if the situation calls for it?

Date Issued: November 2012 By  Sarah Firshein Taken from: http://curbed.com/archives/2012/11/13/here-now-the-countrys-strangest-rental-laws-and-suits.php

Wood That's Tough as Nails

What natural building material is highly durable, resists flames and doesnt float? Its ipe wood,a material that upscale builders and interior designers are increasingly incorporating into their plans.But density comes at a price.

By Alyssa Abkowit

Emile Dubuisson-Ipe is one of the densest hardwoods available.

What is it? Also called Brazilian walnut, ipe (pronounced ee-pay) wood is typically found in South America and some parts of Central America. It is one of the densest hardwoods available, three times harder than cedar. Ipe has the same fire rating as concrete and steel, meaning it resists flames much longer than softer woods, and is so dense that it doesn't float in water.

Uhuru Design-Ipe wood often is used outdoors as decking and siding

How is it used? Because of its durability, ipe wood often is used outdoors as decking and siding. Inside, it's typically seen in flooring or cabinetry. For indoor use, the wood has to be kiln-dried to remove moisture, which keeps it from warping or cracking, says Scott Zubrow, architectural specialist at General Woodcraft in New London, Conn.

Getty Images-Ipe wood lasts a minimum of 25 years, although many architects say it can last up to half a century if maintained properly.

Pros: Like redwood, it has a natural oil that keeps bugs out; it's resistant to mildew and decay, making it ideal for coastal construction. Ipe wood lasts a minimum of 25 years, although many architects say it can last up to half a century if maintained properly.

Cons Holes must be predrilled for screws. Its high oil and tannin content makes it difficult for paint to adhere. The hardness makes it unsuitable for intricate woodworking. It's also difficult to ensure the hardwood comes through legitimate channels. Earlier this year, ipe wood accounted for more than 90% of the wood seized in a major sting by Brazilian authorities. When shopping for ipe wood, look for certification from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council, which tracks sustainable forestry.

Getty Images-Red Ipe Trees in bloom

Price:
At $3.50 to $4 per linear foot, ipe typically costs about 30% more than a knotty cedar or pine. A 400-square-foot ipe deck would cost about $500, not including other materials or labor.

Getty Images- Coney Island boardwalk

History: Parts of the iconic Coney Island boardwalk are made of ipe wood.

A version of this article appeared October 26, 2012, on page M12 in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: Wood That's Tough as Nails

Meet Our Team

Under the direction of Jim Windmiller, our team of top real estate agents combine their expertise of the Eastern Idaho real estate market with Keller Williams’ proven strategies for buying and selling real estate.  Keller Williams is a results-driven company and leader in the industry with a referral/repeat business that makes up 60% of our overall production. That means our success is based on your satisfaction. 


Our team holds the following designations:

• Broker
• Associate Broker
• SFR (Short Sale Foreclosure Resource)
• E-Pro (Using Technology to Effective Market Real Estate)
• ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative)
• GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute)
• PMN (Performance Management Network - Womens Council of Realtors Business Management Course)
• AHWD (At Home with Diversity)

Having these designations means we have taken extensive training courses to handle almost any situation in the real estate industry.

For more information on the services we can provide visit About Us at The Windmiller Group website.

Jim Windmiller

Tori Rainey

Tess Rhoads

Evan Cook 

Have Your Doubts Cleared and Design Your Home Celebrity-style!

Five Questions With Celebrity Design Firm Berchtold Harris

By: Deidre Woollard

Having a designer to create your dream vision of home style is just one more thing to envy celebrities for. Behind every great photospread in a shelter magazine is a talented team that turns vision into reality. Unfortunately we don’t all have moviemaking money or homes with jaw-dropping ocean views but we can tap the wisdom of a hot L.A. design team for a moment or two.


Berchtold Harris, a team headed by principals Julie Berchtold and Samantha Harris offer a full range of design services, taking care of every detail of design and construction. They are one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets, as Berchtold Harris are the only females who combine their expertise in the areas of design with architecture and engineering. Harris, a former antique store owner and house flipper, uses skills honed by years of study to meld form and function. Berchtold began her career building companies from the ground up in both the biotech and technology industries but got the design bug when she started remodeling her own homes. Her natural talent eventually led to work designing five properties for her good friend movie star Charlize Theron. We asked these talented women a few key questions on how to conceptualize a remodel like a star even if you don’t have a movie star budget:

1. If you only have enough budget for remodeling one room of the house where should you focus your energy?
The kitchen. If done right, it is the thread that ties families and friends together. Everyone congregates in the kitchen and it is where most people drink, eat and toast together.


2. How do you get your celebrity clients to fully articulate their vision and how can homeowners “interview themselves” to find out what is most important to them in a remodel?
They should first figure out a budget, then have us look at their property and start with what room is most important to them. Generally, it’s the kitchen/ dining then their master bedroom and bathroom and closet and next the living room/ family room and then to the den. Most of our celebrity clients just rely on us to do what we do best and that is to create a home with as many ‘wow’ features as possible.

A good rule of thumb for people to ask themselves is what room makes them happy or peaceful and what room do guests usually migrate towards if there is a party gathering. There is a common awareness that habits of people usually follow a ‘path of least resistance’ pattern in a house and therefore, those are the rooms that should be the main focus of a home remodel. Build upon the energy that naturally exists in a home or in aroom.

3. If your personal style is a bit at odds with the style of your home (for example: you live in a Victorian but adore clean lined modern style) what are some simple ways to make things work without changing your home’s character?

It is not a problem to incorporate modern with old; it’s just a question of having someone or Berchtold Harris come in and figure out the way to do it properly. We often feel that it is more exciting for the owner to have styles intersect one another to bring depth and layers to a home environment. We are always playing with blends of personal preferences. It invigorates the mind and awakens the senses when style doesn’t follow a traditional process. For example, when modern meets the warmth of reclaimed wood from an old barn. It is much more interesting and enticing to the eye when a design and style fall outside the standard box
.
4. Do you use any apps or online software to help you in your process? Are there any apps you would recommend to homeowners as they go through the remodeling process?
The only APP that anyone should use is their heart and our design skills.


5. Many of the celebs you work with have homes with great views. If you don’t have the luxury of a fantastic vista what ways can you still make your home feel open and light-filled?
Using water is a wonderful way to open a space and make it feel alive. Because water is reflective, it helps create an illusion of breadth of space. We also love to create large outdoor beds and living areas where groups of people can feel connected rather than individual lounge chairs. To add dimension, we love to place drapes outside to bring your eye to the farthest part of a property.

Off to See the Wizard

IFYAC brings Emerald City to the Colonial

 (Taken from www.idahofallsmagazine.com)

The Wizard of Oz, the greatest family musical of all time is touching down in Idaho Falls. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy, and of course, Toto, the little dog, too, as the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre presents their 13th annual fall production.

This timeless classic will be presented at the Colonial Theater November 9, 10, 12, and 13, with a special matinee on November 10. Audiences of all ages will be captivated as the Colonial Theater is transformed into the magical Emerald City.  Featuring songs from the Oscar-winning movie score The Wizard of Oz showcases all of your favorites including  Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road, If I Only Had a Heart, and We’re Off to See the Wizard. 

This year’s cast features over 100 local performers, ages ranging from 6 to 62, and a twenty piece live orchestra.  Becca Herrin will be featured as Dorothy, and will be joined by community favorites Matt Babcock as Scarecrow, Byron Heath as the Tin Man, Chris Brunt as the Cowardly Lion, Carla Campbell as the Wicked Witch, and Jerry Heath as the Wizard. And of course, the journey down the yellow brick road wouldn’t be complete without munchkins, singing trees, citizens of Oz, flying monkeys, and yes, those magic ruby slippers.

For 13 years now the Idaho Falls Arts Centre has been providing quality productions for the community. Director Sandi Herrin is excited to bring her vision of The Wizard of Oz to the stage and promises all of your traditional favorite scenes, with a few innovative surprises thrown in to thrill young and old alike. Her passion for The Wizard of Oz as a production for all ages will be evident in the magic she brings to the stage. Each year IFYAC brings professional live theater experiences to the youth of our community while giving them an opportunity to mentor with experienced actors and staff.

Tickets go on sale September 10 and can be purchased by calling The Idaho Falls Arts Council at 522-0471 ext. 100.  Online purchases are available at idahofallsarts.org.  All seats are reserved. Prices are $12 for evening performances and $10 for the Saturday matinee. Pre-sale vouchers can be purchased in advance from cast members, IFYAC Board members, and at the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre booth at various community events through early fall. Production information is also available at www.ifyac.org or by calling 403-5166.

IFYAC will continue its’ tradition of the annual theme basket raffle and cameo performance giveaway. Five lucky winners will have a special on stage appearance in the Emerald City. Each winner will be escorted to the performance by limousine and receive a custom makeover from Jacana parties, specializing in imaginative and mesmerizing creative face art work. Raffle tickets will be available at the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre booth at various community events through early fall, and can also be purchased from cast and IFYAC board members.

So follow the yellow brick road, over the rainbow and into the Colonial Theater Nov. 9, 10, 12 and 13. We’re off to see The Wizard of Oz the most magical adventure of them all.

Real Estate Taco

By Marc Davison

Babies. Pets. Parents. Memories.

These are the meat, rice, beans and cheese of almost every real estate commercial I've seen.

Fixtures on the real estate advertising steam tray.

Just toss in some stock imagery, switch the combinations, smother them in cheesy copy sauce and serve it up to America.

Like a meal from Taco Bell, it goes right through those who consume it.

Plop.

Fresh ingredients

The beauty of real Mexican food is its simplicity. Stop inside the cafes of Mercado San Juan de Dios in Guadalajara and you're guaranteed a fresh and unforgettable meal. More Rick Bayless and less "Yo quiero ..."

I'd give anything to have that experience watching a real estate ad.

We'll need fresh ingredients to make that happen. Not the canned stuff. Not the sentimental salsa of memories and dreams.

No, that belongs in the basura.

I'm thinking the fresh stuff should carry real estate's true flavor: that of a helping hand through a complicated process. One that helps people sell, buy, rent and finance places to live.

No lard

What if a real estate company created an ad without the lard it has cooked with all these years? No babies. No parents reading books. No poetic waxing over the meaning of a home. No passive-aggressive swipe at renters.

Something like this:

A TREE-LINED NEIGHBORHOOD. DAY.

A canopy of radiant yellows, reds and greens. Rays of sunlight stretch across the pavement below.

A cyclist pedals through the sunbeams. The tires crunch over fallen leaves.

We see the neighborhood from the cyclist's perspective, but do not see her. This is a mature neighborhood. Arts and Crafts-style homes. One-car garages. Manicured lawns. Driveways. A hopscotch is drawn in one. A basketball hoop is attached to a garage over another.

We see several yard signs. One home has sold. Two are for sale. One has a "For Rent" sign in the window.

 

VOICE-OVER

WOMAN: In 1965, you could go to the movies with a dollar and come home with change. Inboxes were made of metal, fixtures on office desks filled with paper files.

Phones were made of two parts, connected by a long cord. If you wanted to listen to music through it, you'd have to be asked to be placed on hold.

A home in this neighborhood cost $14,000.

Our cyclist looks down, adjusting the iPad that sits in the basket of her bike. She looks up and to her right to a board drawn in multicolored chalk. To the left we see the early signs of a garage sale.

Then, when these homes were new, our agents didn't perform magic. We didn't shape our clients' memories, or deliver their dreams.

We helped them buy and sell homes. Whoever they were. Whatever they needed. We did right by them.

While the world has since become flatter, busier and lit up by technology, some things, the most important ones at least, have never changed for us.

Whether you're buying, selling, renting or just looking around, we're here. Just like we were then. Ready to help you cross the thresholds of your life.

Our cyclist pulls into the driveway of a home with a "For Sale" sign in front. She grabs the iPad from the basket and lays her bike down on the ground next to the sign.

We are still seeing this from her perspective; her face remains out of view. We are focused on her hands.

Her hands pull a messenger bag around to her front, opens the flap, drops in the iPad and pulls out a stack of fliers.

One hand opens the empty flier box attached to the "For Sale" sign, the other inserts a fresh batch of property fliers, then closes the flap.

The hands then reach downward to pull up weeds that have shot up through the flowerbed in which the sign is placed.

The weeds are placed in the bag.