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Monday, August 24, 2009

Important Considerations For The Selection Of A Property Management Company

By Layla Vanderbilt

When a property investor decides to hire a management company to manage their properties, they interview many companies before they decide whom to hire. Among the things they compare are the real estate management fees the company charges. The investor must decide whether they want to pay monthly percentages or flat fees for the management company?s services.

Investors should investigate more than just the monetary values of the monthly fee or percentage they would pay. Often a higher percentage of profits also comes with more services for the money, and the cheaper monthly flat fee may not include some of the extra fees that may be charged. For example, is advertising included in the monthly fee? Does the company charge extra each time they show the apartment to a new client? Are leasing fees included with their management fees or are they on top of the management fees? Do they charge extra if they have to evict a tenant? Do they charge extra when they prepare the units for rent? What is the typical cleaning fee when they clean vacant apartments? An investor should read their contract carefully to see what services the property management company includes in their fees.

Monthly percentage fees are based on the type of property you own, and are generally based on the revenue generated by each property. Large properties are generally charged at two percent, average-sized single family homes at six percent, and larger single family homes may be charged up to ten percent. Property location and condition may also be taken into account when determining the percentage fee. Additional leasing and service fees may also apply.

An investor needs to inquire about the what services are charged over and above the monthly payment. They should determine if evictions are an extra fee. The contract should state how and when the fee is collected. Will the investor be billed or is it deducted from your account? Is payment expected on a monthly or quarterly basis?

A management company performs many services for the investor. The company takes care of the daily activities of renting the property, collecting rents, accounting and monthly statements, hires contractors for services such as cleaning, hires groundskeepers and maintenance workers as well as supervises any work. The investor pays the real estate management fees for peace of mind. When an investor has interviewed several companies and found the fees are close in range with a few exceptions, he should then decide to further investigate each company?s contracts and references. By comparing all the services and getting good referrals, an investor can make an informed choice.

When interviewing a representative for a management company, the fee charged will most likely be your primary concern. However, find out as much information about other aspects of their management style as possible. Ask how the company works with tenants, what their goals are of property maintenance, and their methods for handling problems that may arise with the property. Determine if this company will be proactive in informing you of how things are going at your property, and if they will be detail-oriented with all paperwork involved in the leasing of the property.

A good property management company helps the investor rent property faster and provides preventative maintenance to reduce major repairs and expenses. Investors need to recognize all of the services and the quality of the services that each potential management company provides so as to choose the company that will maximize the investment. The lowest monthly fee is not the only consideration for the investor in the selection of the best management company for the property. - 23218

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