Considering Property Management Services? Hereâs Some Key Data to Help You Decide
When it comes to choosing a Florida property management company, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Are there certain questions you should ask? Does location matter? Are some managers better suited for certain types of properties?
Here are 5 key things you may want to know about how to work with a property manager:
1. Location is critical. âLocation is everything!â said Stauffer. âItâs best to work with a company in the area you want to manage.â
While it may be tempting to locate your business in a low-cost, off-the-beaten path city if you have a small or scrappy team, going with a local agent ensures better coverage and responsiveness once issues arise. For example, if someone tries to break into one of your rental units while your onsite manager is on vacation (unfortunately something that happens more often than we would like!), they'll know who to call and how quickly they can get there. Additionally, managers who live close by are more likely to be able to respond expediently when emergencies arise (whether or not they're related to the property you're managing).
2. You don't deserve to be abused. âThereâs no such thing as a free lunch,â said Staufferâand this is especially true when it comes to property managers. While fees vary from company to company and market to market, it's important that you understand exactly what those charges entail before signing on with any firm (even if they claim not to charge extra: remember, "location is everything!").Â
If there's too much confusion around the monthly fee or other costs associated with your contract, consider asking for an itemised list of services and corresponding rates ahead of time so there aren't any surprises once the work begins. For example, if you live in a city where snow removal mandates are harsh, you'll want to know if the fee covers ploughing all sidewalks in front of your units or just certain ones.
3. The right fit is critical. Size doesn't matter when it comes to choosing a property management company in Floridaâyou should select one that's best suited for your specific needs, regardless of its size. Knowing what types of services the local market offers will go a long way in helping you find an agent equipped to handle your situation effectively and efficiently.Â
"For example," said Stauffer, "we have many clients where Iâm their only connection to everything"âmeaning they need someone who can handle everything from placing tenants (and screening them), collecting rent, handling maintenance requests and coordinating with local authorities.
âWe have other clients, though, who are out of state or out of the country and need someone to handle everything except for collecting rent. I can do that for them, but it's often easier for them to hire a property management company on the ground level in their town who is better equipped to handle day-to-day operations." That way you can ensure that whatever arrangement you make with your manager will cover all basesâand then some.
4. Technology matters... Stauffer believes technology is key when it comes to working with a property management company these days: âIf they aren't using software like TenantCloud or Rentec Direct, which streamlines tenant information, payment processing and even maintenance requests, then they are behind the times.âÂ
And, while paper mail can still be useful when it comes to collecting rent or other financial transactions (and even communicating with your team members), programs like these should definitely be implemented if you're working with a manager who hasn't yet done so. "We process over $100k in rent payments annually," said Stauffer. And, while few people bank by hand nowadays, all of that money has to come from somewhere (often via Stripe) before it's turned into usable cash.
5. But not too much tech! As powerful as technology can beâparticularly when used correctlyâit's important not to put too much faith in it. While services like TenantCloud can help you manage your tenants and property without a hitch, "there's no replacement for a good relationship," said Stauffer. In the end, personal interactions still matter more than anything elseâespecially when it comes time to resolve an issue with your tenants. Using technology isn't necessarily a bad thing (after all, if you've ever moved into or out of a new home, there's nothing like receiving this email:
So people can find their way back), but relying too heavily on it could leave room for miscommunication and other issues down the line.
6. Trust doesn't come easy...and that's okay! Though every manager is vested in their work and has good intentions of doing right by their landlords and tenants, every person is only human. And, as such, there may be some dishonest agents who take advantage of the power they have over you and your property; many don't even realise it's happening (until it's too late). So, how can you keep things on the up and up?Â
"Look for honesty in who you are selecting," said Stauffer, adding that agents should have "no hidden fees or charges" when it comes to their services, as well as an "upfront contract" that protects you both. Agents who are willing to work with you on certain financial arrangements and stipulations, as well as those who are 100% transparent and straightforward with you will help to ensure that you're always on the same pageâwhich is absolutely crucial when it comes to property management.
Conclusion
Whatâs the single best piece of advice you can give to a property owner or property manager? âIn order to have a successful property management company in Florida, you have to put in the proper work at the beginning. You have to research the market, understand what your target demographic is and how youâre going to differentiate yourself from other property management companies.Â
If you donât put in that work at the beginning, you wonât be able to stand out. It is also not enough just to try and sell yourself - you have to be able to deliver on what you promise. You need transparency so that landlords can trust your company.











