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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.

Each contract for a property management company should be thoroughly reviewed to better understand all fees involved in the monthly payment. Some companies incorporate fees for certain services in addition to the standard monthly fee. For example, an advertising fee may be assessed, or there may be a charge each time a property is shown to a potential client. Carefully consider and compare all services and charges before making your final decision, a company with a higher monthly fee and no additional charges could be a better deal than a company with a low monthly fee and several additional charges.

A property management company charges a real estate management fee based on the percentaage of income collected with a monthly base fee. A fee will vary according to the type and size of the property; for example, a fee for a single family home could be a flat rate while a large property might cost 6 percent of its value. Larger properties usually command a lower percentage rate (i.e., 2 percent) than a single family home that may be quoted up to10 percent. One negotiates fees on a per property basis and one considers many factors including condition, location and size of the property, etc. Management companies consider leasing to be an auxiliary service; it and other auxiliary service fees are separate and in addition to the management fee. The contract also needs to explain how and when the fee is collected. Do they bill the investor or do they deduct it from his account? Do they bill on a monthly or quarterly basis?

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?

Besides the renting of property and collecting of rents, the management company performs many other services. Accounting services including preparation of monthly statements, the hiring of contractors for cleaning services, groundskeeping, and maintenance, and the supervision of these crews are some of the services provided by the property management company. The proper execution of these services by the management company provides peace of mind for the property investor. After determining the services provided and fees charged, the investor should investigate potential management companies' references. The management company that provides the needed services for the fee within the investor's budget and that has the best references is most likely to be the best company for the investor to choose to manage the property.

Interviewing the management company to determine the real estate management fee they charge is only the first step to hiring a reliable company. Many things outside the monthly fee determine the final cost an investor sill pay the management company. How well the company communicates with the investor and tenants, how they handle problems, their attention to detail in the leasing process and their ability to maintain the property in good condition all determine an investor?s final costs on each 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. - 23212

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