by Darcy Barrow | Mar 29, 2018 | Property Maintenance, Property Management Education
For the self-managing or DIY landlord, you never know when you’ll need a hand with your rental. Do you want your rental emergencies handled like a pro? Do you want to avoid costly emergency mistakes?
by Darcy Barrow | Feb 23, 2017 | Property Maintenance, Property Management Education
There are a number of preventative maintenance measures you can take to protect your rental home when you have tenants in place, or even just in general. Lately, we have had severe storms in Marin, causing extreme damage to properties. We haven’t seen weather like this in a while. There are a few things you can do before you rent out your property and throughout the year. We’re sharing some of those tips with you today from the perspective of a professional Marin property management company.
24/7 Maintenance Phone Line:
844-656-0439
Please call this hotline 24/7 with all your maintenance requests, including weekend or after hours non-life threatening property emergencies.
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.
You can also submit an online request anytime in your Resident Portal.
Request a Sample Management Agreement
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Accounting Coordinator
Sharon Alkus the accounting coordinator for Foundation Homes. She graduated from San Jose State Univ. with a business degree and minor in Real Estate. She is a third generation CA native, and a member of the Daughters of American Revolution.
At the beginning of her career, Sharon successfully ran one of the first pioneer programs using the giant IBM “bookkeeping computer”, via data“cards” to run the accounting for five local offices. (Sharon adds, “Back then that was a big thing!”) In the 90’s Sharon was the operations manager and bookkeeper for a west coast company that interfaced with banks to obtain real estate marketing opinions across the United States creating the forms, accounting systems, and utilizing the then new technology of computers, to track the reports.
In 2000, Sharon continued doing accounting, working in the computer/marketing industry and also branched out to do photography, professionally working for a local newspaper. She won cover photo for the California Country Magazine, and various county fair awards.
In 2014, she moved to the Bay Area area, where she began utilizing her strong accounting skills at Foundation Homes. She’s also in charge of much of Foundation’s professional photography!
Sharon lives in Greenbrae with her dog Paris (“my little helper”) and two kitties, and spends as much time with her young grandchildren as possible.
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 104
Client Concierge / Portfolio Associate
Born and raised in Marin, Vanessa graduated from Pepperdine University in Southern California where she double majored in International Management and Marketing. She also had a successful career in pharmaceutical sales and later software sales. Vanessa joins the team at Foundation Homes as our Client Concierge / Portfolio Associate.
“My professional experiences have provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to develop the organizational skills that are required to support the goals of high net worth residential property owners and investors,” she says.
Vanessa is actively involved in the community, holding past positions such as president (and president-elect) of non-profit Southern Marin Mothers Club, and works with Foundation’s team of agents and property managers to provide services to its client base throughout the area. When not working, you’ll find her volunteering at her children’s schools or enjoying game night with her husband and friends.
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 111
Director of Leasing / Luxury Leasing Consultant
Heidi Smith is a Director of Leasing / Luxury Leasing Consultant at Foundation Homes International, striving always to offer the utmost customer service possible while utilizing technology to maximize the client experience. Originally from San Diego, Heidi comes from a real estate industry family background. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from San Francisco State University and obtained a Master’s Degree in Culture, Environment and Sustainability from the University of Oslo in Norway.
After living abroad for nearly a decade, Heidi moved back to the Bay Area in 2010. Heidi is passionate about travel and runs a nonprofit cultural exchange program based in Marin County. In her free time, you’ll find Heidi bodysurfing at one of Marin’s gorgeous beaches or spending time with those she loves.
Languages spoken: Spanish, French, German, Norwegian (including limited Danish/Swedish)
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 109
Email: hs@foundationhom.wpengine.com
CA BRE #01885922
Director of Leasing / Luxury Leasing Consultant
Shawn Walker is a Director of Leasing / Luxury Leasing Consultant and comes to Foundation Homes with a history of luxury property management, leasing, and consumer relations. He’s managed over 350 units in San Francisco ranging from small single family homes to medium sized apartment buildings and is an expert at leveraging technology to provide an amazing experience for landlords and residents alike.
A Southern California native, Shawn has spent the last decade exploring Marin County. On his days off he can be found on a road trip through wine country, running the trails of Marin, exploring the local dog parks with his German Shepherd, or enjoying trendy local spots like Bar Bocci with his new fiancée.
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 110
Email: sw@foundationhom.wpengine.com
CA BRE #01997086
Director of Leasing / Luxury Leasing & Relocation Consultant
Dee Marotta has done it all: whether it’s live on a houseboat in Sausalito, a home in Tiburon near the bay, or enjoy the California warmth of San Rafael, she knows each town in Marin like the back of her hand. With over a decade of local Marin real estate experience, you’re in good hands when you’re with Dee.
When not working, you’ll find Dee enjoying time hiking through Marin’s backtrails, cooking for her teenage son, or playing with her adopted kitty.
Dee welcomes your inquiry!
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 105
Email: dm@foundationhom.wpengine.com
CA BRE #01194286
Portfolio Manager
Industry veteran Victor Mitrani is the Portfolio Manager at Foundation Homes. Victor, a longtime San Francisco and Bay Area resident – and homeowner himself – has been working in the property management industry in San Francisco and Marin County for over 8 years. With a background on the maintenance side of management, Victor prides himself on prompt and accurate communication.
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 107
Email: vm@foundationhomes.com
CA BRE #02040510
Portfolio Manager
Michael D. Kass is the Portfolio Manager and a Senior Leasing Agent at Foundation Homes in Marin County. He specializes in single family home management and has a wealth of knowledge about all things maintenance-related for higher-end homes throughout Marin County.
Michael, born and raised in Marin, joined the firm in 2010 after a career in sales and marketing with several Marin County companies. CCRM certified, he handles property management and leasing throughout Marin.
A graduate of San Marin High School in Novato and Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Michael has extensive knowledge of Marin County. In his spare time you’ll find Michael hitting the trails on his mountain bike or perusing the local Farmer’s Markets with wife Maggie.
Testimonial
“Michael Kass, our agent, found the perfect tenant for our unusual home in the San Anselmo hills. All through the process he was communicative, thorough, on time and completely professional. He is trustworthy and does what he says he going to do. He knows his market, the intricacies of his business and his clients. I can’t wait to refer him to my friends and acquaintances!”
California Certified Residential Manager (CCRM)
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 103
Email: mk@foundationhom.wpengine.com
CA BRE #01884850
Managing Partner / Owner
Darcy Alkus Barrow is Co-Founder/COO of Marin County California-based Foundation Homes Property Management.
Having started Foundation in the face of a recession over decade ago with her husband, Christopher Barrow, she began the process of building an infrastructure to support the firm’s entrance into a niche of the real estate market: offering performance-built property management for results-driven landlords in the luxury rental home market of Marin County, CA. Christopher concentrates his efforts as the businesses broker and Darcy creates the business development, technology implementation and marketing programs to build Foundation’s presence into an enterprise that has served over $1 billion in homes with a less than 1% eviction rate since 2010. The Barrows also host educational web-based educational sessions for their clients and other real estate professionals.
Because the Barrows are also deeply involved in their community, both have become advocates and supporters of nonprofit organizations. Darcy serves on the board at Marin Foster Care Association supporting foster youth and their caregivers in Marin County, where she serves as chair of the annual spring fundraiser. She also serves on the board as President Elect at local non-profit Southern Marin Mother’s Club (connecting over 900 families in Marin) and will be the incoming 2021-2022 President.
In response to the disruptions in child education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Darcy started a Facebook group helping families and educators match via micro or learning pods. As an advocate for the group, she appeared on Good Morning America, the cover of the local newspaper, was quoted in multiple local and national news stories. She led the group’s growth from “startup” to more than 1000 members in less than 10 days, while advocating for “low cost and no cost” pod inclusion and other educational fundraising efforts for underprivileged children in the county.
She, along with Christopher, started their own non-profit, the LifeBoost Charitable Fund, launching later this year. Among the community activities in which the Barrows participate are the Cleaning4Kids.org (where Christopher serves on the board after his multi-year battle with Stage III cancer), Sparkle Foundation, Taylor Lynn Foundation, Marin Humane Society, Wildcare and Adopt-a-Family, as well as hosting various Foster Child and At-Risk Youth drives throughout the year through the company.
Darcy, a Malibu native who moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 2000’s, enjoys yoga, organic cooking, and is actively involved in her daughter’s education. She lives in Marin County with her husband/business partner, daughter, young son and two dogs.
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 101
APPLICATION PROCESS
We appreciate your interest in our available homes for lease offered by Foundation Homes International. In order to qualify for one of our rental properties, you must submit a rental application. The rental application must be completed by each person age 18 years and older who will occupy the property. Applicants are required to complete the application in its entirety and submit all specified documents.
Leases are granted on a first-approved application basis. Foundation Homes International will process your application and notify you if you qualify to lease the desired property. Allow two business days for the rental application to be processed. If any additional information is needed a representative will contact you.
Christopher BarrowBroker/Owner
Christopher Barrow is co-founder/broker of Foundation Homes Property Management. Having bootstrapped Foundation Homes with his wife, Darcy Alkus-Barrow, they have created a successful and innovative real estate firm in a niche often ignored or feared.
”Traditionally, real estate firms treat rentals as second class citizens. My approach is entirely different. Homeowners in our market are investors (sometimes accidentally so) with multi-million dollar property assets,” he says.
“Our entire business is geared toward successfully matching qualified tenants with the area’s top properties,” he says, ” The decision to hire a management company is a lifestyle choice geared to support our clients long term vision.”
A licensed real estate broker, Christopher has built Foundation into a firm that now manages more than $150 million of long-term, single-family residential rental property, primarily in Marin and select nearby neighborhoods. He oversees leasing, investment property management and relocation services for the company in addition to representing buyers and sellers in local real estate or investment-related and 1031 transactions.
A third generation San Franciscan, Christopher was raised in Marin. In the real estate industry since 2005, he has consistently been a top-performer in his market. He has served as an expert witness in real estate court cases, as a guest speaker for Genentech/Novartis, local real estate brokerages, the National Association of Residential Property Manager (NARPM) and more.
As an avid fitness enthusiast and cancer survivor, Christopher is training for his first Iron Man and is an advocate for holistic cancer support, as well as participant in various cancer organizations and fundraisers. He currently serves on the board of local non-profit Cleaning4Kids.org and was featured as “Mr. March” in the fundraising 2007 Colon Cancer Survivors Calendar. Christopher and Darcy are also an active supporter of Marin Foster Care Association, and live at home with their two young children and two little dogs.
Phone: (415) 507-9600 ext. 106
Email: cb@foundationhom.wpengine.com
CA BRE #01722834
Client Concierge
Darling Garcia is the Client Concierge / Assistant Property Manager for Foundation Homes. Garcia, most recently an assistant at a Mill Valley medical facility, has also previously worked in the asset management business in Phoenix. At Foundation, she works with the team of property managers and provides liaison and coordination between Foundation, clients, vendors and other support services.
“I am confident that my long experience in dealing with clients and vendors,” she said, “will come in handy at Foundation. I understand the need to work quickly to resolve problems while also taking actions that prevent them from occurring.”
Darling currently resides in Marin with her husband and three children.
Phone: (415) 506-9600 ext. 111
Email: DG@FoundationHomes.com