First & Main Property Management Inc

from Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine May 2022 Issue

by Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine

Empress M M as in Margaret

Zeller Building

Jessica and Damian

OOwning rental property, whether it’s a single-family home or a large commercial property, can be a great long-term investment. Real estate provides an owner with immediate income and asset appreciation that has consistently increased over time; especially here in the Wine Country. But, it can also be a real headache. Aspects of owning investment property can sometimes be problematic for an owner who isn’t a full time property manager. “A lot of people may not understand how much time goes into maintaining an investment property or how essential it is to keep up to date on the latest Landlord-Tenant laws.” says Jessica Buurma, who, with business partner Damian Bennett owns the newly opened First & Main Property Management in Napa. The two share a wealth of knowledge and have years of experience in managing residential and commercial properties.

Buurma and Bennett take the fiduciary responsibility that comes with their role in property management seriously. “We’re here to protect an investment, grow it, and make sure that the owner & tenant are both treated fairly,” said Bennett. “A property manager does more than just find a qualified tenant and sign a lease. They keep the owner informed of local market trends and vacancy rates, both of which will impact a property’s overall performance,” she added.

Besides Landlord/Tenant matters, it is also First & Main Property Management’s responsibility to oversee the physical asset. “We continually evaluate the properties we manage, evaluating maintenance issues and looking for opportunities to upgrade properties in order to maximize the owner’s investment,” said Bennett. For example, they recently helped one of their new owners completely remodel a small apartment property, and are now re-leasing the property for them. “The transformation was amazing, and the returns will no doubt reflect their capital investment.” said Buurma.

Buurma grew up in Napa, and

began her property management career nearly twelve years ago. Over the years she’s built a large portfolio of commercial and residential properties and created great relationships with many local vendors.

Bennett spent nearly two decades working as an executive for tech giants like Hewlett Packard and Apple. After leaving the tech industry and moving to Napa he started managing his own vacation rental. Bennett took a job doing accounting and administrative work for a property management company, implementing ways to automate and streamline their operation.

When told that the company they worked for would be sold to a San Francisco based company, Jessica and Damian saw it as the perfect time to start First & Main Property Management. “Property management is very hands-on. If a problem arises we need to act on it right away; which is why a local presence is so important,” Buurma said. Already, they have been able to improve the Property Management experience for both tenants and owners.

Bennett shares Buurma’s commitment to the Napa Community. “Landlords and tenants need to have confidence that we will respond to property issues regardless of the time of day or day of the week,” said Buurma. Neither Buurma nor Bennett has a nine-to-five mentality. “This isn’t that kind of job and clients expect more. We need to – and want to be available for our clients

Before After at all times”. Bennett nodded in agreement, adding, “We want people to know that we’re responsive. We’re in this business because we take customer service seriously.”

First and Main Property Management is a full service commercial & residential property management company - with an extensive portfolio of clients that include some of the most iconic buildings in Napa. To see how they can help you with your property management needs, call them at 707-207-8100 or visit their website, firstandmainpm.com or stop in at 1030 Seminary Street, Suite B.

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