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Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS, South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker! (Fathom Realty Washington LLC)

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Rainmaker
1,052,196
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

A REPUTABLE, EFFICIENT PM company. There's a distinction there. Bad property management will leak dollars out of your investment so fast. You gotta really do your homework, and don't sign a management agreement you can't easily get out of in the event that the property manager is neglecting your property. Also, don't buy properties out of town or out of your area that you can't travel to periodically. Nobody will care more about your investments than you do.

Sep 27, 2019 07:14 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Absolutely.  Yes, I do. 

I recently learned that my client hired a contractor to install a new AC in a rental property in another state.  Come to find out several years later, the contractor did not install a new AC - an older used unit was installed. 

Finding a reliable and trustworthy property management company is a challenge as well. 

 

Sep 27, 2019 07:15 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

I do but some prefer to handle it themselves.

Sep 27, 2019 07:14 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Just about always. I can't tell you how many times I've sold an investment property for an owner that had been trashed and needed tens of thousands of dollars to bring it up to sellable standard. I have only one client who manages his own properties... but he lives just 5-10 minutes from all of them and is very diligent and persnicketty about contractors he uses.

Sep 27, 2019 07:08 AM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I recommend that most people either learn what it takes or stay away from rentals.

Sep 27, 2019 07:42 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Paul,

Ron and I have a designated "peace of mind" account.  We don't think we can do it all ourselves...A

Sep 27, 2019 07:19 AM
Rainer
195,422
Karen Climer
Demetree School of Real Estate - Orlando, FL
Teaching people to pass the real estate exam

I think it's always best to explain to clients what the pros/cons are of using a property management company and what the pros/cons are of managing it themselves.  Then let them make the best decision for them with that information.

Sep 27, 2019 08:27 AM
Ambassador
5,048,883
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Yes, definitely...a reputable, trustworthy one!

Sep 27, 2019 08:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,381
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Never managed my own units. Spent years as an asset manager for thousands of apartments and learned valuable lessons. Don't do it yourself applies to 99% of investors.

Sep 27, 2019 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,549
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Always Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS . I also encourage them to spell out what they expect from a PM company. I know I was very disappointed the first time I hire a PM company so I give the client tips on what to ask so they avoid the disappointment I experienced.

Sep 27, 2019 07:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

yes, it is too much for me. There are agents in my office that provide the service.

Sep 27, 2019 07:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

This is a matter of affordability wherein if the properties can support the added expense I might. I see fees between 10% and 18% for many management companies and honestly I don't believe any substantiate that cost. Investing in your own market keeps travel time to a minimum plus I like to regularly see what my tenants are up to at my investments.

Sep 27, 2019 09:30 AM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Absolutely.  It is a big investment and a good PM company will help the new owner protect his interests.

Sep 27, 2019 09:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

yes...everyone who has investment properties should use a well-versed management company....

Sep 27, 2019 08:55 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I recommend clients should always hire a property management company.

Their second question is, "Do you do property management?"

Followed by, "Can you refer me?"

But, I also know a PM company is married to a real estate brokerage.

Sep 27, 2019 08:49 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,407
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Yes. Our company has a property management department.

Sep 27, 2019 08:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

That is all I sell and yes Ido, even out like no term rentals. We handle VRBO through the site ourselves

Sep 27, 2019 08:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,153
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Absolutely makes sense for a small fee to have this coverage....

Sep 27, 2019 07:22 AM
Ambassador
3,587,835
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Paul we only do a couple of rentals and zero PM.  Some clients are highly capable of managing their properties. Others simply are not or don't have enough time or location is not good for them.

Sep 27, 2019 10:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Options - alternatives - discussion - communication 

Each is good.  

Sep 27, 2019 10:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I have pesonally found quite the opposite with my rentals.  With the exception of renting and making sure the monthly check arrives, they are very hassle free.  But it all depends on the tenants you have in there and what the landlord is willing/capable of doing.  I offer property managment services if they need it.

Sep 27, 2019 08:21 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I always ask them their threshold for pain as a Property Management Company takes between 7 - 8% of the rent and is only the middle man.  Dealing directly with a tenant could be tough for many landlords so it might be worth the cost to them.  There is a write off for the fees.  I personally take care of my own rental properties after having the Property Management Company do the leasing.  I like them to do the paperwork just in case there is a legal issue.  I am a Realtor and the courts may look towards protecting an unlicensed party more.

Sep 27, 2019 03:16 PM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

If you find it's too much of a burden then a PM would be helpful. Only you can determine if a PM is worth it. If I had only a few local rentals I would just do it myself; with more than that it's understood that you will need help. 

Sep 27, 2019 03:14 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

There are few good property management companies in our town, unfortunately.  Many of our investors do manage the properties themselves.

Sep 27, 2019 02:41 PM
Rainer
182,915
Harjeet Bhatti
FITH THIRD BANK - Chicago, IL
Home Mortgage Consultant 25 States

Yes, specially for out of state investors. 

Sep 27, 2019 02:21 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,033
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I do not do property management and would refer it out.

 

Sep 27, 2019 01:40 PM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Yes, I do.  

Sep 27, 2019 12:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,090,637
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

I always recommend they use a good PM company and most do since we have a lot of out of state owners/investors. There is always an occasional out of state owner who wants to self manage from a distance with disastrous results then they end up calling me to ask me to do the PM.

Sep 27, 2019 11:24 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Absolutely and it isn't me.

Sep 28, 2019 05:36 AM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

While I do manage my own, I HIGHLY recommend to my investors that they hire a local property manager. Many of my investors are from out-of-state so, it makes no sense to try to manage maintenance, etc. from 1,500 miles away!

Heck, it really doesn't make sense if you're living in the same city but, I have enough vendor contacts, I don't mind managing my own.

Sep 27, 2019 11:44 PM
Rainmaker
55,355
Krystin Mitchell, CPA CFE
KLSM CPA Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX
Strategic Accounting & Tax Solutions

Using a property management company is definetly the easier option. You absoulutly have to do your homework and choose a good company, or it'll be a decision you regret.

Sep 27, 2019 06:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Most of the owners I know do not want pay 10% to manging company

Sep 27, 2019 06:10 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Absolutely, and have a good one to recommend too.

Oct 09, 2019 02:35 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Good idea.

Sep 29, 2019 12:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

When I owned a rental, I managed it. It was simple. I have great tenants. I made sure that the property was in good condition for them.

For my clients, I recommend the property management company in our brokerage. I have confidence in them.

Sep 29, 2019 08:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Yes we do. The company suggested is owned and managed by a Real Estate Attorney, so enforcement actions are prompt and swift.

Sep 28, 2019 09:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Must be local.

Sep 28, 2019 08:26 AM