Property Management & Real Estate Podcast | SJA Property Management

Need Help With Your Seattle Rental Property?Schedule a Free consultation with our expert team here: https://bit.ly/bookhere_sja ------In this episode of the SJA Property Management Podcast, Devin Easterlin sits down with Edwin Duran, Code Compliance Operations Manager with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), to break down Seattle’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance, commonly known as RRIO.If you own or manage rental property in Seattle, this conversation provides a practical look at how the RRIO program works, why it exists, what inspectors look for, and what happens when your property is selected for an inspection.In this episode, we discuss:• What Seattle’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) is• Which Seattle rental properties may be subject to RRIO requirements• How the random RRIO inspection selection process works• How often rental properties may be selected for inspection• What happens after a landlord receives an inspection notice• The difference between using a City of Seattle inspector and a qualified private inspector• What landlords should do before an RRIO inspection• What inspectors actually look for inside a rental property• Common RRIO inspection issues and deficiencies• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements and common problems• GFCI outlets, handrails, guardrails, and other safety items• What happens if your rental does not pass the first inspection• When photos or follow-up inspections may be used to verify corrections• Why passing an RRIO inspection does not necessarily mean a property complies with every other Seattle housing requirement• How property ownership changes can affect RRIO registration• Why proactive maintenance can make the inspection process easier for both landlords and tenants------Upcoming Seattle Rental Property Events from SDCIEdwin also shared two upcoming events for Seattle rental property owners and landlords:Seattle Home FairOctober 24, 2026Learn more:https://seattle.gov/construction-and-inspections/about-us/stay-connected/seattle-home-fairsLandlord WorkshopNovember 18, 202610:30 AM to 1:00 PMSeattle City HallAdditional details for the landlord workshop are expected to be posted approximately three weeks before the event on SDCI’s Public Meetings and Events page:https://www.seattle.gov/construction-and-inspections/about-us/stay-connected/public-meetings-and-eventsYou can also follow the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections for event announcements and additional rental property information:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seattlesdciX: https://twitter.com/seattlesdciInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattlesdci/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seattle-department-of-construction-and-inspectionsSDCI Blog: https://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/------Need Help With Your Seattle Rental Property?At SJA Property Management, we manage rental properties throughout Greater Seattle and regularly help owners stay on top of inspections, maintenance, leasing, documentation, and changing rental requirements.Schedule a Free consultation with our expert team here: https://bit.ly/bookhere_sja Subscribe for more practical conversations about Seattle property management, Washington landlord requirements, rental inspections, leasing, maintenance, and owning rental property in the Greater Seattle area.This episode is for general educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Property-specific requirements and circumstances may vary.#SeattleRRIO #SeattleLandlord #SeattlePropertyManagement #RentalInspection #RRIO #SeattleRentalProperty #PropertyManagement #LandlordTips #SDCI #SJAPropertyManagement

Why did your King County property assessment go up, and does that automatically mean higher property taxes?In this episode of the SJA Property Management Podcast, Devin Easterlin talks with experts from the King County Department of Assessments about how residential property values are determined and what homeowners, landlords, and rental property owners should know about the assessment process.They explain how King County determines assessed value, why it may differ from current market value, how assessments relate to your property tax bill, and what you can do if you believe your property's valuation or information is incorrect.We also discuss property assessment appeals, comparable sales, property characteristics, senior and disabled tax relief programs, exemptions, and deferrals available to qualifying King County property owners.If you own property in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, or elsewhere in King County, save this episode for the next time your property valuation notice arrives.👉 Have questions about your Seattle-area rental property? Schedule a free consultation with SJA Property Management: https://bit.ly/bookhere_sja🔗 Helpful Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeSenior or Disabled Exemptions & Deferrals:https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/assessor/buildings-and-property/property-taxes/tax-relief/senior-or-disabled-exemptionsSenior Exemption Portal:https://senior-exemption.kingcounty.gov/introExemptions & Deferrals Forms:https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/assessor/buildings-and-property/property-value-and-information/formsReview Your Property Characteristics:https://blue.kingcounty.com/Assessor/eRealProperty/default.aspxFile a Property Assessment Appeal:https://kingcounty.gov/en/independents/governance-and-leadership/government-oversight/board-appeals-equalization/appeal-property-taxKing County Property Tax Advisor:https://kingcounty.gov/en/independents/buildings-and-property/property-taxes/property-tax-advisor👍 Like, share, and subscribe for more Seattle real estate, landlord, and property management insights.Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial, or appraisal advice.#KingCountyAssessor #PropertyAssessment #PropertyTaxes #SeattleRealEstate #SeattleLandlord #KingCountyPropertyTax #SJAPodcast

Protect your rental property before a costly insurance mistake catches you off guard. Schedule a FREE consultation with our local property management experts and learn how to reduce risk while maximizing your investment.
 
👉 Book your free consultation today: https://calendly.com/alanna-sjapm/45
👉 Kossman Insurance Agency: https://agents.farmers.com/
 
------
 
Do you actually have the right insurance for your rental property... or do you just think you do?
 
Many landlords assume their insurance policy covers everything until they experience their first major claim. That's when they discover expensive coverage gaps, liability risks, LLC misconceptions, and policy exclusions they never knew existed.
 
In this episode of the SJA Podcast, Devin Easterlin sits down with Colin Kossman, a Farmers Insurance agent with more than 20 years of experience, to discuss the insurance decisions every rental property owner should understand before something goes wrong.
 
Whether you're a first-time landlord or own multiple investment properties, this conversation will help you better understand how to protect both your rental property and your long-term wealth.
 
In this episode, we cover:
 
✔️ The biggest insurance mistakes landlords make
✔️ Rental property insurance vs. homeowner's insurance
✔️ Umbrella insurance and liability protection
✔️ LLCs and what they actually protect (and what they don't)
✔️ Common claim scenarios landlords face
✔️ How lawsuits can impact your investment portfolio
✔️ Risk management strategies for rental property owners
✔️ Why insurance should be part of every landlord's investment strategy
✔️ Questions every landlord should ask their insurance agent
 
At SJA Property Management, we've helped landlords across Seattle and the Greater Puget Sound region protect their investments for more than 17 years. While we aren't insurance agents, we work closely with trusted professionals because protecting your investment isn't just about finding great tenants. It's about reducing risk before problems happen.
 
If you found this episode valuable, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more expert conversations on property management, Washington landlord laws, real estate investing, and rental property ownership.
 
🎙️ About the SJA Podcast
The SJA Podcast helps landlords, real estate investors, and rental property owners make smarter decisions through practical conversations with industry experts covering property management, investing, legal updates, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and more.
 
#LandlordInsurance #RentalProperty #PropertyManagement #RealEstateInvesting #SeattleLandlord #RentalPropertyInsurance #RealEstatePodcast #LandlordTips #PropertyInvestment #SJAPodcast

What if your backyard could generate an additional $2,000 to $3,500 per month in rental income?
 
For a growing number of Washington property owners, that is not a hypothetical. ADUs have become one of the most talked-about real estate opportunities in the state. But between the construction costs, the financing decisions, the permit process, and the rental market realities, the question is not just whether you can build one. It is whether you actually should.
 
In this episode of the SJA Podcast, host and SJA CEO Devin Easterlin sits down with Joshua Harris of Veritas Equity Partners to break down everything Washington property owners need to know before making that decision in 2026.
 
---
🤝 Connect with Joshua Harris - Veritas Equity Partners:
Phone: 253-880-2807
Email: joshua@veritasequitypartners.com
Calendar Link: https://calendly.com/joshua-veritasequitypartners/30min
Website: https://veritasequitypartners.com/
 
Reach out to Joshua directly through Veritas Equity Partners for ADU financing and investment partnership inquiries.
 
CONNECT WITH SJA:
📞 Book your free consultation: https://propertymanagersseattle.com/schedule-a-call-with-sja/
📊 Get your free rental analysis: https://www.sjapropertymanagement.com/free-rental-analysis
 
#ADU #AccessoryDwellingUnit #SeattleRealEstate #SeattleADU #RealEstateInvesting #SeattlePropertyManagement #SJAPropertyManagement #ADU2026 #RentalIncome #PassiveIncome #SeattleLandlord #PropertyInvestment #WashingtonRealEstate #BackyardCottage #RealEstatePodcast

Most real estate investors spend all their energy finding the right deal. The ones who actually build wealth long term understand something most people miss completely: the real return often comes from how you structure it tax-wise.
 
In this episode of the SJA Podcast, host and SJA CEO Devin Easterlin sits down with Trent Trailov of Trail CPA to break down the tax strategies that most real estate investors either don't know about or wait too long to use.
 
Here is what Devin and Trent cover:
- Why a property can be cash-flow positive and still show a paper loss on paper, and why that is actually a powerful thing
- How depreciation works and why most investors are leaving money on the table by not understanding it fully
- What cost segregation is, when it makes sense, and how it can generate $200,000 in first-year deductions on a $1.5M property compared to $54,000 under standard depreciation
- The short-term rental tax strategy most investors have never heard of, and why the 7-day average stay rule changes everything about how losses are classified
- How the 1031 exchange works, the two deadlines you cannot miss, and where most exchanges fail
- The truth about Real Estate Professional status, who actually qualifies, and why most W-2 earners assume they do but don't
- How to think about tax strategy as a system, not a collection of one-off tactics
 
This is not a conversation about loopholes. It is about understanding the rules most investors never fully use, and what it costs when you don't.
SJA Property Management has been managing rental properties across Greater Seattle for 17 years, overseeing more than 1,000 homes and over half a billion dollars in real estate assets.
 
Hit like and subscribe for more investor-focused content built for Seattle area property owners. New episodes drop regularly.
 
📞 Book a free consultation with SJA: https://propertymanagersseattle.com/schedule-a-call-with-sja/
📊 Get your free rental analysis: https://www.sjapropertymanagement.com/free-rental-analysis
 
🤝 Connect with Trent Trailov - Trail CPA:
Website: https://www.trailcpa.com/
Schedule a meeting with Trent: https://calendly.com/trent-cpa/intro-meeting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trail-cpa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Trail-CPA/100080416382868/
 
#RealEstateTax #CostSegregation #1031Exchange #RealEstateInvesting #DepreciationStrategy #ShortTermRental #STRTaxStrategy #RealEstatePodcast #SeattleRealEstate #SJAPropertyManagement #LandlordTips #PassiveIncome #TaxStrategy #RealEstateProfessional #PropertyInvestment #WealthBuilding #TrailCPA #RealEstateInvestor #TaxPlanning #RentalProperty

Most Seattle landlords don't realize they chose the wrong property manager until the damage is already done. In Episode 9 of the SJA Podcast, Devin Easterlin sits down with Alanna Farrington, SJA's Senior Business Development Manager, to walk through the exact questions every property owner should be asking before signing with any property management company, including us.
 
Whether you're self-managing and starting to feel the strain, evaluating your first professional property manager, or switching from a company that isn't delivering, this conversation gives you a clear, honest framework for making the right decision.
 
Here's what Devin and Alanna cover:
- Why self-managing often starts easy and slowly becomes a second full-time job
- The compounding risks of staying out of compliance with Seattle's fast-changing landlord-tenant laws
- What questions to ask any property management company during the interview process
- Red flags to watch for, and green flags that signal a trustworthy partner
- How SJA's onboarding process works and why the first 10 days of vacancy are critical
- What "rent ready" actually means and why property condition directly affects tenant quality
- How to think about the real cost of your time as a self-managing landlord
- Why the right fit matters more than the lowest management fee
 
Whether professional management makes sense for you right now or not, this episode gives you the tools to evaluate your options clearly and make a decision you won't regret.
 
SJA Property Management has been serving Greater Seattle property owners for 16 years, managing over 1,000 homes and more than half a billion dollars in real estate assets across the Puget Sound.
 
If you found this episode helpful, hit like and subscribe for more honest, practical content for Seattle-area landlords and investors. New episodes drop regularly.
 
CONNECT WITH SJA:
Website: https://www.sjapropertymanagement.com
Free Rental Analysis: https://www.sjapropertymanagement.com/free-rental-analysis
 
#SeattlePropertyManagement #SeattleLandlord #PropertyManagement #SeattleRealEstate #LandlordTips #PugetSoundRealEstate #SeattleRental #PropertyManager

Washington State's new rent control law is here and it's changing how landlords need to think about pricing, strategy, and long-term profitability.
 
In this episode of the SJA Podcast, Devin Easterlin, CEO of SJA Property Management, sits down with Derek Bunyard, President of SJA Property Management, to break down everything rental owners need to know about HB1217. From setting the right rent from day one to understanding how the law impacts your exit strategy, this conversation gives you a practical roadmap for staying compliant and protecting your investment.
 
In this episode, we cover:
• What HB1217 actually means for your rental pricing
• Why getting rent right upfront is more critical than ever
• How rent control affects single-family vs. multifamily owners differently
• The hidden risks of underpricing and how it impacts your NOI and resale value
• Why tenant retention is the most powerful tool in a rent-controlled market
• How SJA is keeping owners compliant while maximizing returns
• What to watch for as the law evolves in the Washington State legislature
 
This episode is especially relevant for:
✔ Washington landlords navigating HB1217 for the first time
✔ Owners wondering how rent control affects their long-term investment strategy
✔ Multifamily investors concerned about NOI and resale value
✔ Self-managing landlords who want to stay ahead of the law
✔ Anyone renting property in Seattle or the Eastside
 
Our goal at SJA is simple: help owners stay compliant, reduce risk, protect cash flow, and maximize long-term returns — whether they self-manage or work with a professional team.
 
If you want a second opinion on your pricing strategy or just want to understand how HB1217 impacts your specific situation, we're always happy to help.
 
👉 Have questions about HB1217 or want to talk through your rental strategy? Book a free consultation here: https://bit.ly/bookhere_sja
 
👍 Like this episode
📩 Share it with a fellow landlord
🔔 Subscribe for more Washington landlord insights
 
#HB1217 #RentControl #WashingtonLandlord #PropertyManagement #SeattleRealEstate #RentalPropertyTips #LandlordLife #RealEstateInvesting #LandlordEducation #PropertyManagementPodcast #SJAPropertyManagement #PassiveIncomeRealEstate #RentalCompliance #LandlordTenantLaw #RealEstatePodcast

Self-managing rental properties used to be simpler. In 2026, it’s a very different story.
In this episode of the SJA Podcast, Devin Easterlin, CEO of SJA Property Management, sits down with Duncan Murphy, Director of Operations, to break down the realities of self-managing rentals in Washington State today. From rapidly changing landlord-tenant laws to hidden risks that can wipe out your cash flow, this conversation dives into what it truly takes to self-manage successfully and when professional property management makes more sense.
 
In this episode, we cover:
• Why self-managing is harder now than it was 10 years ago
• The hidden compliance risks most landlords overlook
• How small mistakes can quickly erase your profits
• Reasonable accommodations, ESA requests, and legal pitfalls
• Who self-managing actually works for
• When professional property management protects long-term ROI
• How landlords scale portfolios without burning out
 
This episode is especially relevant for:
✔ Washington landlords navigating new regulations
✔ Owners debating self-management vs professional management
✔ Investors looking to scale without increasing stress
✔ Anyone managing rentals in Seattle or the Eastside
 
Our goal at SJA is simple: help owners stay compliant, reduce risk, protect cash flow, and maximize long-term returns, whether they self-manage or work with a professional team.
 
If you want a second opinion on your situation or want to understand what professional management would take off your plate, we’re always happy to help.
 
👉 Thinking about self-managing or wondering if it’s time to hand things off? Book a free consultation here: https://sjapm.com
 
👍 Like this episode
📩 Share it with a fellow landlord
🔔 Subscribe for more Washington landlord insights
 
#SelfManagingLandlord #PropertyManagement #WashingtonLandlord #SeattleRealEstate #RentalPropertyTips #LandlordLife #RealEstateInvesting #RentalPropertyRisks #LandlordEducation #PropertyManagementPodcast #SJAPropertyManagement #PassiveIncomeRealEstate #RentalCompliance #LandlordTenantLaw #RealEstatePodcast

In this episode of the SJA Podcast, CEO Devin Easterlin and Senior Property Manager Jenny Rosen break down the new 2025 rental regulations affecting Seattle and Washington State landlords. From the 180-day rent increase notice, to Just Cause eviction rules, HB 1217 rent caps, posting requirements, and how new legislation overrides your existing lease… this episode is essential for any rental owner in the Puget Sound area.
 
You’ll learn:
• Why clear communication keeps quality tenants long-term
• The biggest mistake landlords make when serving rent increase notices
• Why the “lease doesn’t matter if the law changes”
• How new rules impact vacancy, renewals, and profitability
• Why long-term retention is the #1 factor in maximizing ROI
• How SJA Property Management protects landlords from compliance risks
 
Whether you manage your own rental or work with a professional, staying ahead of Washington’s evolving housing laws is critical. Devin and Jenny explain everything in simple, practical terms — so you can stay compliant and keep your rental business running smoothly.
 
👉 Need help navigating notices, renewals, compliance, or tenant communication? Visit https://sjapm.com
to learn more.
 
#SJAPodcast #SeattleLandlords #SeattleRentalLaws #WashingtonLandlordTips #PropertyManagementSeattle #SJAPM #LandlordEducation

Most landlords focus on fees, reviews, and services. But the real difference between a good property manager and a great one starts inside the company.
 
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on how SJA’s internal culture directly impacts owner experience, tenant satisfaction, and long-term property performance.
 
✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:
 
• How accountability prevents costly landlord surprises
• Why “care” is a measurable business system, not just a nice word
• How our culture helped us reach 1,000+ doors with 700+ five-star reviews
• Real examples of team decisions that protected owner income
• Why culture-driven companies retain clients longer and communicate better
 
📌 If you're an owner who wants clarity, consistency, and peace of mind — let’s talk.
👉 Schedule a call: sjapm.com
👉 Request a free rental analysis: https://sjapm.com/free-rental-analysis
👉 Subscribe for weekly landlord strategies and Seattle market updates
🔔 New episodes every month
 
Real stories. Proven systems. No fluff.
 
 
#SJAPropertyManagement #SeattleLandlords #PropertyManagementPodcast #AccountabilityInBusiness #RealEstateInvesting

What can landlords learn from managing 1,000+ rental doors across the Seattle area? A lot more than you might think.
 
In this episode, Devin Easterlin, CEO of SJA Property Management, and Derek Bunyard, President of SJA, share the hard-earned lessons from helping hundreds of owners maximize returns, minimize stress, and protect their investments.
 
Make sure to subscribe for weekly insights on property management, Seattle market trends, and landlord strategies you can actually use.
 
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• What hitting the 1,000 door milestone reveals about the rental market
• The biggest lessons landlords should know about tenant screening and maintenance
• How better communication prevents costly mistakes and landlord stress
• The financial insights that actually move the needle for ROI
• Why empathy matters in property management (yes, even in tough situations)
• What’s coming next for landlords in 2025 and beyond
 
👉 Ready to put these lessons into action? Book your FREE consultation today at sjapm.com and see how our team can help you protect your rental property and grow your investment.
 
📲 Subscribe now for more landlord tips, market updates, and real stories from the SJA leadership team.
 
#LandlordTips #SeattlePropertyManagement #RealEstateInvesting #1000Doors #SJAowners