Words Are Cheap – Finding A Property Manager Who Will Do What They Say They Will Do

The saying is true: words are cheap. If you are in the market for a property manager, you want one who will do what they say they will do. From the very first time you call to find out about their services, you are interviewing them. It’s not just what they tell you on the phone, but it is everything that they show you about how they do business that you should be considering. This starts from the amount of time it takes to receive the first call back, because chances are you won’t catch them on the phone the first time you call.

But after this first interview, how can you tell who will actually perform as well as they claim to?

I always like to ask them for additional information that requires some action… not just words… but an actual act on their part. This can be a request to see a copy of the lease that they use or the property management agreement that you will need to sign if you are going to hire them. These are clearly documents that you will want to look at anyway, but don’t forget that just getting them to mail, drop off or email you these in a timely manner is a test. If they say they will do it, but a week goes by and nothing, that speaks volumes!

So remember, your property manager (as should be the case with any other professional service that you are hiring) is on interview from your very first point of contact with their company. Sending you additional information that you request isn’t just about evaluating the quality of the lease that they use, it is also about seeing if they will follow through and do what they say they will do.

Until my next post,

James

P.S. Did you know that for a limited time we are offering a free download of our real estate audio course Secret Property Management Tips and Tricks?

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