Rachel Presser

Contributing Writer

Rachel Presser is an experienced writer teaching homeowners how to navigate HOAs, home insurance, and local laws when taking on home improvement projects. She holds both a bachelors and master's in accounting and can explain the income tax impacts of homeowner transactions. Her work can be found in other publications like Home Stratosphere and LA Digs.

Personal website
Portrait of Rachel Presser
Portrait of Rachel Presser

About

An experienced reptile and amphibian keeper who's dealt with the challenges of small living spaces in New York City, Rachel went from barely being able to hammer a nail to virtually becoming a general contractor upon taking on the stewardship of large reptiles. 

In writing about home living and design for Home Stratosphere and architecture and housing policy for LA Digs, Rachel brings her DIY skills to guide others on their journey to improving their handyman skills so they can personalize their home. Prior to writing, Rachel earned two accounting degrees and Enrolled Agent licensure which she held until 2020. The years Rachel spent as a tax accountant gave her a sharp eye for detail and the legal skills necessary for determining whether home improvement projects can create tax problems for homeowners. She also took these skills to decoding legal frameworks for homeowner issues, breaking down homeowners’ insurance policies, HOA agreements, and local ordinances when making changes to a home.

Quick facts

Location
Los Angeles, CA
Education
B.S. Accounting, Lehman College (2005) M.S. Accounting, Hunter College (2012)
Expertise
DIY, home financial planning

Highlights

  • Published work can be found in Home Stratosphere and LA Digs

  • Former tax professional and experienced tax law writer of 10+ years

  • Skilled at navigating homeowners’ insurance policies, HOA agreements, and local ordinances

Published work

Certifications

Enrolled Agent, Internal Revenue Service (2011-2020)

Articles
If you don't have central air or live in a smaller home, what are your cooling options? Learn about the pros and cons of mini-split vs. window unit ACs.
How do you know which vent is return air versus supply air? Learn how to tell your HVAC vents apart with our easy guide.
Spike vs. plug aerator: which is better and what should you buy? Learn which one is right for you and your lawn with this comparison.
If your well water has stopped working, there are several reasons why. Here are five common dry-tap causes and how to troubleshoot a solution.
Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself? This is called short cycling. It's not only annoying, but it’s also costly. See what you can do about it.
What type of flooring is best for your home? Let's get into the differences between bamboo flooring versus laminate and learn about the pros and cons of both.
Wet, dirty clothes got you down? We'll show you why your washing machine is not agitating and what you can do.
Should you dethatch or aerate first? Dethatching before you aerate makes lawn care much faster and easier. Learn when you need to dethatch or aerate your lawn.