Why hire rental property management? Because doing it all yourself is the surest way to make your real estate investment experience a bitter one. You also have more time to find the next deal when there is someone taking care of the details for you. Hire a good property manager, but first ask the following questions.
1. How much is the fee? Fees vary around the country from as low as 4% of gross rents for larger buildings, to as high as 12% for single family homes. Be sure the fee is clearly stated and understood.
2. What other properties do they manage? It is best if they handle rental properties that are similar to yours. It is also helpful to drive by their other properties to see how they are maintained.
3. Who will actually handle your property? It is best if one person handles your building all the time. They should also have some experience. Get their name.
4. What costs extra? Is it extra for showings? Do evictions cost extra (beyond the legal fees)? Any other extras?
5. How is the fee collected and when? Will you be billed, or will it be deducted from your account directly? Monthly? Quarterly?
6. What type of advertising?...