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MARCH 2025 The Garden, the Groundhog, and the Landlord’s Lesson 860.613.6290 WWW.ROBERTCWHITE.COM How One Man’s Battle With a Groundhog Reveals the Secret to Smarter Landlording
A pattern emerges over time and continues to repeat itself. Each day, the man tries something new to keep the groundhog out. He leaves for work. He gets a notice that the motion sensor is activated. He watches the video feed and sees the groundhog triumphantly inside the fence eating his vegetables. Over time, the man actually begins to feel a bond with the groundhog, especially based on all the videos he watches. He even names the groundhog Chunk, since he only eats a chunk or two from each vegetable. Then, one day, the man sees on video that Chunk brings a girlfriend to lunch in the garden, whom he eventually names Nibbles. Soon, they have babies. Now the man is feeding an entire groundhog family of seven. At some point, the man has a revelation. Instead of fighting a battle he keeps losing, why not adapt? The next season, he plants a separate, unfenced garden specifically for Chunk and his family. The result? They largely leave the fenced garden alone, feasting on the vegetables given freely to them. The problem isn’t completely solved, but the man has found a way to work with reality rather than against it. So, what does this have to do with property management? Everything. Many landlords start out thinking they can eliminate every issue — only renting to the “perfect” tenant, creating an ironclad lease, and expecting nothing will ever go wrong. But
I started a vegetable garden last year. While we could get some produce from it, frankly, I was pretty sure it wouldn’t be productive. Unfortunately, I was correct. It is in the best possible area in my backyard, but with really big trees surrounding the house and being on the north side, it just doesn’t get enough sun. But it was fun for me and the kids to pick the produce that did grow. We got several different types of tomatoes and peppers, plus basil and cucumbers. The eggplant didn’t work out and neither did the rhubarb (much to my disappointment), but we even got some (mini) watermelons. I heard a gardening story on “This American Life” recently. I liked it because it reminded me of some of my gardening challenges,
Luke and his green thumb
but also because I saw a landlording message hidden in the larger story.
the reality of rental property ownership is that issues will arise. Tenants will have maintenance requests. A good tenant might pay late once in a while. Unexpected expenses and problems will come up. The most successful landlords are the ones who, like the gardener, recognize they can’t always force their will onto reality. Instead, they adapt. They put the right systems in place, screen well but realistically, and prepare for the challenges that come with owning rental property. As you know, at RCW, we help our clients navigate these challenges so they don’t have to fight a constant battle. Whether it’s handling maintenance requests, enforcing lease terms fairly, or ensuring rent is collected on time, we take the frustration
The man in the story moves to the country and starts a beautiful vegetable garden. He builds a fence, tends to his crops, and admires the order he’s created. Then one day, he notices something disturbing — chunks missing from his vegetables. Frustrated, he assumes rabbits or squirrels are to blame. He sets traps, but they remain empty. The problem persists, and his frustration grows. Finally, he installs a motion-sensor camera. On the very first day, it captures the culprit in action: a plump groundhog staring boldly into the lens while munching away. Determined to stop him, the man tries everything — logs, underground barriers, deterrents — but the groundhog always finds a way in.
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DON’T LET SMALL ISSUES SLIDE Sneaky Home Issues You Should Never Ignore
Your home should be your haven, but even the coziest spaces can harbor silent troublemakers. While some household quirks might seem harmless, ignoring them can lead to bigger, messier, and pricier problems. Let’s uncover six common culprits and learn how to deal with them before they take over. Tiny Intruders and Mysterious Droppings The sight of mouse droppings can stop any homeowner in their tracks. Droppings, ants, and other pests indicate your home has unsealed openings, practically inviting critters in. Inspect spots like exhaust vents, ducts, and garage doors for gaps or signs of chewing. When in doubt, call a professional. Ignoring pests is a recipe for health risks and more unwelcome guests. Mold’s Unwelcome Appearance Mold hangs out in the usual places — bathroom corners or the fridge ( oops, forgot about that yogurt ). However, mold on your living room walls or bedroom ceiling is a major red flag. Unexpected mold could point to a hidden moisture problem, and ignoring it won’t make it disappear. Get a professional to evaluate the situation, stop the spread, and ensure your home stays safe for you and your family. Less-Than-Perfect Shingles Your roof works year-round to protect your home, so don’t let damaged shingles go unnoticed. A single missing shingle might seem trivial, but it can allow moisture to seep in and wreak havoc on the wood beneath. Before you know it, a quick fix
“A bit of vigilance now can prevent major headaches later, keeping your sanctuary safe, beautiful, and ready for all life’s moments.”
turns into a costly nightmare. Take the time to inspect your roof regularly or schedule a professional check-up. Your wallet (and home) will thank you. Gurgling Drains and Unpleasant Surprises If your sink drain starts gurgling like it’s auditioning for a horror movie, or you catch a whiff of something unpleasant, don’t shrug it off. A simple blockage may be the culprit, and a plunger or drain snake could solve the problem. However, persistent issues might mean debris or nesting critters are blocking your vent pipe. When DIY doesn’t cut it, call a plumber to get your pipes back in shape. Risky Stair Railings A shaky stair railing can seem like a minor annoyance until it becomes a major safety hazard. A quick DIY fix might work for short railings, but anything longer — or attached to a balcony — needs a professional’s touch. Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to something you rely on daily. What Lies Beneath Peeling Paint Peeling paint can be more than an aesthetic issue. If the paint flakes in square, scaly patterns, you might have lead-based paint underneath — a big concern, especially with kids in the house. Don’t tackle this alone; bring in a pro to safely remove the old paint and give your walls a safe, fresh look. Your home has a way of hinting when something’s wrong. Listen to those little signals and take action. A bit of vigilance now can prevent major headaches later, keeping your sanctuary safe, beautiful, and ready for all life’s moments.
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Why Does My Water Take So Long to Get Hot?
COMMON REASONS YOUR SHOWER IS COLD
homes, changing the heat to a higher setting only requires manually adjusting the temperature to the desired degree. Also, consider the time it takes for the hot water to reach the tap. You may set the temperature to a specific degree, but it may be a few degrees cooler when it reaches you. The water heater is too far from the shower. Ideally, water heaters are placed centrally in a home, but that isn’t always the case. Basements and laundry closets are common areas for water heaters, and in many instances, they are a good distance away from the kitchen or bathrooms. When this is an issue, it can take some time for the water to heat. The pipes aren’t insulated. Areas like an unfinished basement or crawlspace can be the culprits for slow-
Having hot water is a luxury many enjoy, but it can be frustrating when the water takes too long to heat up. A lag in hot water temperature can be due to many factors, including uninsulated pipes, lower water temperature settings, or something as simple as not realizing the knob isn’t turned all the way. No matter the case, anyone’s patience can grow thin when waiting on hot water, especially when they desperately need the pampering of a relaxing bath or shower. Before frustration sets in and you take a hammer to the tap, here are three common culprits preventing your water from getting hot enough, fast enough! The water heater is set to a lower temperature. Most water heaters have adjustable control settings (except for heaters in rented spaces). However, for most
heating water. As the warm water passes through the pipes, the pipes warm up, but that can take time. Depending on the location of the pipes, you can insulate them, but if it’s not worth the time or effort, it’s best to have a little more patience with your water heater!
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Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
out of property management — so you can focus on enjoying the fruits of your investment. Being a gardener, or a landlord, isn’t always easy. But it can be incredibly rewarding. Our job is to make renting as easy as possible for you.
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 tsp salt • 2 lbs red potatoes, halved • 1 small head of cabbage, cut into eighths
• 1 (4 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet • 3 qts water • 1 onion, quartered • 3 carrots, cut into large chunks
To landlord lessons in the garden,
Directions
P.S. With our own garden, we didn’t have a problem with groundhogs (though we spotted one in the yard a few years ago). Rabbits and birds were the main problems besides the biggest one of all … not enough hours of sunlight getting to the plants each day. P.P.S. The kids loved cutting open the super small, but fully ripened watermelons from our garden. I even had to explain what the black things were inside. (I didn’t realize they only ever had seedless watermelons.) Good lessons for all of us.
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top). 2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes. 5. Place meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. 6. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve.
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INSIDE
1
The Garden, the Groundhog, and the Landlord’s Lesson
2
Ignoring These Home Issues Could Cost You Big
3
Why Does My Water Take So Long to Get Hot?
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
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The Secrets to Perfectly Styled Shelves
TURN YOUR SHELVES INTO A SHOWSTOPPER Shelf Styling Made Easy
Styling your shelves is an opportunity to let your creativity run wild! With a few thoughtful tweaks, your shelves can go from cluttered chaos to chic and cohesive. Embrace the ‘love it or leave it’ rule. If it’s not practical, sentimental, or something you absolutely adore, it doesn’t belong on your shelf. A few well- placed pieces can be far more striking than an overcrowded display. Pick a palette, not a paint splatter. Stick to a cohesive palette to avoid a jumble of clashing colors. Pair whites with soft creams, metallics, and neutrals for a sophisticated look. Add artwork for personality. Lean a piece of art against the back or hang it on the molding for extra flair. It
doesn’t have to be fancy — a framed kid’s drawing can add the character your shelves need to pop. Play with texture and height. Mix in baskets, wooden objects, or textured vases to keep things interesting. Combine varying heights and sizes, but stay true to your palette.
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