Become a Member: JOIN SFPMA TODAY   LogIn / Register: LOGIN/REGISTER

SFPMA Industry Articles | news, legal updates, events & education! 

Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

Jilsa Management LLC – Changing the way you think about property management one client at a time.

Jilsa Management LLC – Changing the way you think about property management one client at a time.

  • Posted: Sep 29, 2021
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Jilsa Management LLC – Changing the way you think about property management one client at a time.

Jilsa Management LLC

888-863-1811

“Changing the way you think about property management one client at a time.”

Jilsa Management is an experienced and established family – owned enterprise providing HOA/Condominium association management, Multi-family   management, and Grounds maintenance services to our communities in South Florida.

Our approach to property management is different from other companies. We are a family oriented and technology focused company. From enhanced customer service to new technologies that are available, we want to offer the best for our communities.

Every month is a new beginning with Jilsa Management. We want to earn your business and prove our worth. With easy to understand contracts with no cancelation fees. If you are not happy with our service there is nothing to hold you back.

We put a face behind the company. Our property managers are known by the residents that they serve in every community that we manage. Our property managers are always available for conversation and aim to provide the personalized service that every community deserves.

 

SFPMA Members: View and Contact us today! 

 


Jilsa Management takes our personal management approach to new levels. We provide our board members and communities with unprecedented access to our property managers and staff. Our support for our communities is never limited to just Monday to Friday 9-5pm. We are big enough to handle the day to day operations of most mid-sized communities. While our business focus aims to provide the personal touch that our communities and boards have come to appreciate.

 

Tags: ,
We want to help your community thrive! If you are in need of property management services or any of our other services by Seacrest Services

We want to help your community thrive! If you are in need of property management services or any of our other services by Seacrest Services

  • Posted: Jan 14, 2021
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on We want to help your community thrive! If you are in need of property management services or any of our other services by Seacrest Services

We want to help your community thrive! If you are in need of property management services or any of our other services, then give us a call today at 561.697.4990 to learn more.

by Seacrest Services

From full-service property management and professional accounting services to complete landscaping and property maintenance needs, Seacrest Services can tailor a specific plan for your community association or commercial property. We take great pride in the longevity of our client relationships and continued customer satisfaction. We maintain a team of experienced employees with expert knowledge on the industry, ensuring that your property is treated with the highest level of professionalism.

 

SERVICES WE OFFER

We have your property management needs covered – inside and out.

Property Management – All of our property management personnel are state licensed community association managers and undergo Seacrest’s extensive in-house training program. Quality service is of utmost importance and the basic expectation of the Seacrest Management Team.

Maintenance and Janitorial Services – Seacrest Services is proud to offer our customers an experienced and capable management team utilizing the latest building maintenance equipment, cleaning techniques, and commercial janitorial supplies. We aim to meet and exceed all of your standards of cleanliness and enhance your facility’s appearance.

Customer Service – We understand that your residents are the lifeblood of your community, providing quality customer service to each of them is our privilege. Our interactive Live Operator Customer Service Program is tailored to fit the unique needs of each association we oversee. This approach helps to promote a harmonious living environment all while reducing the need for direct Board involvement in day-to-day issues.

Accounting & Financial Services – Since no one accounting system works for everyone, we customize your system to meet the specific requirements of your association. Our state-of-the-art technology gives you the information you need at the touch of a button while our skilled accounting team provides support and assistance.

Landscape Services – With a dedicated team of experienced and knowledgeable landscape professionals, we have the expertise to create and maintain a lush, healthy landscape for your property. Our comprehensive landscape services eliminate the hassle of hiring multiple vendors and ensure you receive the highest quality services from one easy source.

 

Let’s transform your facility!  Request a Bid!

When you submit a request to Seacrest Services, one of our representatives will call you to set up a time to meet. We will then walk your property or the job area with you. A site walkthrough is important because no two properties are the same. A variety of variables, such as square footage, the scope of work, and condition of the property, makes each situation unique. Our representatives will work with you to design a custom-tailored solution to fit your property’s individual needs.

 


Seacrest Services

From full-service property management services and professional accounting services to complete landscaping and property maintenance needs, Seacrest Services can tailor a specific service plan for your commercial property or community association. We take great pride in the longevity of our client relationships and our customers’ continued satisfaction with our quality property management services. We maintain one of the highest levels of experienced employees in our industry, ensuring that your property gets the professionalism and knowledge you deserve.
With offices in West Palm Beach and Pompano Beach, Seacrest is uniquely positioned to handle the needs of South Florida’s community associations, commercial properties and businesses. Since 1975 we have been a leader in community association management including property managementaccountinglandscape servicesmaintenance servicescommercial property services and even construction. To see how Seacrest can lead your community into the future, call us today at 888-828-6464.
Tags: , , , ,
What are the Property Management requirements in Florida

What are the Property Management requirements in Florida

  • Posted: Feb 13, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on What are the Property Management requirements in Florida

As more investors are heading into becoming owners of rental properties the questions arise about requirements. There are questions that you need to know the answers to and SFPMA has you covered.

 

A small investment Today leads to Big returns later! List your property management company

Must a Florida property management company have a real estate broker’s license?

YES. Key components of property management (renting and leasing) are considered a real estate activity under existing Florida real estate licensing laws. A property manager needs broker license if he or she is paid by commission, and is handling rentals and leases for others. No license is required for managing personally owned properties. There is not a “Property Manager” license or certificate. Also, certain rental properties need a license through the Div. of Hotels and Restaurants.

 

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a Florida property manager have a broker’s license?

YES. For example, if a property owner employs someone to manage their property, and that employee is paid a salary, as opposed to being paid a commission or on a transactional basis, a broker’s license is not required.

For more information about these and other Florida property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the Florida Real Estate Commission.

Before hiring a property manager to manage your Florida rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of Florida property managers at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Licensee Search webpage.

 

 

More Property Law: Evictions & Security Deposits

Looking for more property law information? You can find an exhaustive collection of state eviction and security deposit laws on our parent company’s website. Click the below link to be taken to nationalevictions.com find everything you will need for an eviction in your State. Full database, Directories, Find companies, Download Forms both Free and for Sale, and much more…

LEARN ABOUT EVICTION & SECURITY DEPOSIT LAWS >>

 

Must Florida community association managers have a real estate broker’s license?

No. However, a Community Association Manager license is required if someone receives compensation for providing management services for the following types of associations:

  • An association with ten or more units
  • An association with a budget of $100,000 or greater

For more information on the Community Association Manager license, please contact the please contact the Florida Real Estate Commission.

 

*Florida Community Association Manager License Requirements

Florida community association manager licensing requirements include:

  • Age: Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Education: Must complete at least 18 hours of pre-licensure education from an approved provider
  • Trustworthiness: Must be of good moral character; must have a background check and submit fingerprints
  • Exam: Pass the CAM exam.
  • License fee.
  • Application: Complete and submit CAM license application which is available online

CAM Licensing Courses: Start your new Career

For more information about these and other Florida licensing requirements, please contact the Florida Real Estate Commission.

IMPORTANT: This information is intended for informational purposes only and under no circumstances should it be considered legal advice or relied upon without first confirming its contents with your state real estate commission. Laws are updated frequently, and this information may not reflect the current law in your state. To confirm the specific requirements for each state, please contact your state real estate commission.

 


Property Management Forms

As you become a CAM Manager and start your business, You will need the Forms to help you, Leases, Letters to Tenants, Legal Documents and much more……..

Just some of the essential forms to assist you in leasing your premises, complying with legal requirements, and keeping relations with your tenants amicable. Forms include the 1. Landlord Tenant Closing Statement to Reconcile Security Deposit, 2. Residential Rental Lease Application, 3. Residential Rental Lease Agreement, 4. Commercial Building or Space Lease, 5. Security Deposit Agreement and other forms.

 

We offer Subscriptions – Where for a small fee you can download and get access to

EVERY FORM YOU WILL NEED FROM THOUSANDS OF FORMS

SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO OUR FORM PACKAGE

.


Once you are a Property Manager you need to have Clients Find YOU!  List your company on our National Directory. Let the industry find and use you!

Let Clients looking for Management Professionals to Manage their Properties find you!

 

Tags: , , ,
Failure to communicate can lead to a manager’s failure

Failure to communicate can lead to a manager’s failure

  • Posted: Dec 27, 2019
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Failure to communicate can lead to a manager’s failure

Failure to communicate can lead to a manager’s failure

Since I work closely with management professionals, one of the more difficult questions I routinely face from community association leaders is how the community should go about the process of selecting a new community association manager. It causes me great concern when I first hear that a community is thinking of changing managers as most of them I know are conscientious and hard-working individuals who truly give their all for their clients. My first reaction is to ask the board members why they are even considering changing managers. Among the more common answers I hear are:

 

  • Too many residents complain of the manager not getting back to them after an issue is reported
  • Projects aren’t getting done on time
  • This manager is charging us too much for the service provided
  • It just isn’t working out

The follow-up comment I usually get is to “please not tell the manager” that we are looking to replace him. While I understand this sentiment, the secrecy between board and community association manager highlights the much larger problem to me. Quite simply, there has been a failure of communication between all parties involved. Unfortunately, it is often the association manager who becomes the scapegoat for this communication failure and will lose not only a client but also valuable income for years to come. That is why it is in every association manager’s best interest to be proactive in his managed communities’ communication efforts. A well-informed client is a happy client.

Communicating with board members is simple enough. Association managers already attend numerous board meetings, annual meetings and even committee meetings. However, with the exception of those homeowners who attend the annual meeting, most residents are largely unaware of the professional who manages their association. Worse still is that the only communication some residents ever receive from their association manager is a notice of a rules violation or a fine. That is why communication tools such as letters, e-mails, newsletters, community websites and even social media are vital to helping association managers properly communicate with the vast numbers of residents whose communities they manage.

 

Of course, there are numerous other advantages to establishing and maintaining great communications within the communities you manage. Better informed residents tend to be better behaved residents. You can use your communication efforts to build civic pride and create a better sense of community. Perhaps, most importantly, successful communication efforts create loyal clients. Wouldn’t you rather have the board come to you to discuss management shortcomings such as those listed above instead of going out shopping for a new manager behind your back? Of course, you would!

 

Taking the time to produce great communications is not always at the top of a busy manager’s “To Do” list. Understandably, there are numerous distractions and emergent matters to deal with. However, if you neglect a community’s communication needs, don’t be surprised to learn your clients have been secretly looking to replace you. You can avoid that disappointment by making communications a top priority. If you need help telling your story, don’t be afraid to seek out an expert. Communicating with your clients is the best way to assure they will stay loyal to you for years to come.

 

Tags: , ,
How are repairs addressed with Property Managers in my building

How are repairs addressed with Property Managers in my building

  • Posted: Dec 09, 2018
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on How are repairs addressed with Property Managers in my building

How are repairs addressed with Property Managers in my building

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Good maintenance and repairs keep tenants happy and preserve the value of your investment which make them a very important part of land-lording. By hiring a management firm you gain access to both their in-house maintenance staff, as well as their network of licensed, bonded and insured contractors who have already been vetted for good pricing and quality work. This can translate into significant savings compared to going through the yellow pages and hiring a handyman yourself.

*South Florida Property Management Association has our own Vendor & Business Member directories these members directly aid our Management members giving them cost savings for any work needed in the buildings they manage. This savings means savings for the building owners.

 

Increased inspections means happier tenants, It aids in the value of your investment

Preventative maintenance is achieved through putting systems in place that catch and deal with maintenance and repair issues early on, before they grow into larger more costly problems. This requires a written maintenance check program, detailed maintenance documentation and regular maintenance visits. The management firm can also offer you suggestions and feedback on upgrades and modifications, both how they will affect the rent you can charge, as well as their impact on maintenance and insurance.

[/accordion-item] [accordion-item title=”Services that Property Managers provide”]The following is a list of the tasks a Manager commonly perform for owners. You may only need some of these services, and the Management companies you interview may offer more or less than what is listed here.

Evaluate the property and determine an accurate rental rate

  • Perform detailed documentation of the interior and exterior including photos
  • Offer recommendations on repairs and cosmetic improvements that maximize monthly rent while providing good ROI.
  • Gather data on rental rates in the area and work with owners to determine the optimal rental rate. Rent research will vary, but should include looking at the recently rented comparables according to size and type.
  • Discuss with owners the pros and cons of different policies such as accepting pets, allowing smoking etc.

 

Market the property for rent

  • Prepare home for rent
    • Clean home and optimize interior appeal
    • Manicure landscaping to increase curb appeal
  • Create ads tailored to the property and advertising medium. Some of the mediums commonly used are:
    • Paid and free rental listing websites
    • Print publications
    • Signs
    • MLS
    • Fliers
  • Work with other realtors and leasing agents to find a tenant
  • Provide a 24-hour hot-line where prospective tenants can listen to detailed information about the property
  • Field calls from prospects for questions and viewings
  • Meet prospective tenants for showings throughout the week and weekend.
  • Provide prospective tenants with rental applications that are legally compliant with fair housing laws
  • Collection applications with application fee
  • Perform a background check to verify identity, income, credit history, rental history, etc.
  • Grade tenant according to pre-defined tenant criteria
  • Inform tenants who were turned down
  • Draw up leasing agreement
  • Confirm move in date with tenant
  • Review lease guidelines with tenant regarding things like rental payment terms and required property maintenance
  • Ensure all agreements have been properly executed
  • Perform detailed move in inspection with tenant and have tenants sign a report verifying the condition of the property prior to move-in.
  • Collect first months rent and security deposit
  • Receiving rent
  • Hunting down late payments
  • Sending out pay or quit notices
  • Enforcing late fees
  • Filing relevant paperwork to initiate and complete an unlawful detainer action
  • Representing owner in court
  • Coordinating with law enforcement to remove tenant and tenants possessions from unit
  • Advise in the event of a legal dispute or litigation
  • Refer owner to a qualified attorney when necessary
  • Understand and abide by the latest local, state and federal legislation that apply to renting and maintaining rental properties.
  • Perform periodic inspections (Inside and outside) on a predefined schedule looking for repair needs, safety hazards, code violations, lease violations, etc.
  • Send owner periodic reports on the condition of the property
  • Provide accounting property management services
  • Make payments on behalf of owner (Mortgage, insurance, HOA dues, etc.)
  • Detailed documentation of expenses via invoices and receipts
  • Maintain all historical records (paid invoices, leases, inspection reports, warranties, etc.)
  • Provide annual reporting, structured for tax purposes as well as required tax documents including a 1099 form
  • Advise owner on relevant tax deductions related to their rental property
  • Provide easy to read monthly cash-flow statements which offer a detailed breakdown of income and itemized expenses
  • Provide and oversee an in-house maintenance crew
  • Establish a preventative maintenance policy to identify and deal with repair needs
  • Provide an network of licensed, bonded and fully insured contractors who have been vetted for good pricing and good work that is up to code.
  • Assign jobs to different parties (in-house employees, handyman and professional contractors) based on who will do the best job for the best price.
  • Maintain outdoor areas
    • Leaf and snow removal
    • Landscaping
    • Removing trash and debris
  • Maintain and monitor a 24 hour emergency repair hot-line
  • Larger renovation or rehab projects
    • Provide recommendations on how the project can maximize rental income.
    • Prepare preliminary cost estimates
    • Get multiple independent bids for the work
    • Act as general contractor overseeing the work
  • Inspect unit and fill out a report on the property’s condition when the client moves out
  • Provide tenant with a copy as well as estimated damages
  • Return the balance of the security deposit to the tenant
  • Forward any portion of the owner’s portion of the tenant deposit to the owner or hold in owner reserves for repairs.
  • Clean unit and perform and needed repairs or upgrades
  • Re-key the locks
  • Put the property back on the market for rent

 

 

How does the community association manager track incoming resident maintenance requests and the subsequent work orders?

A software solution should be in place here. You want to find a manager with a system that does not allow maintenance requests to fall through the cracks and require multiple tenant requests before the work is done. Ideally, tenants should be able to submit maintenance requests online. ( Add the Page of all PM, Landlord Software )

 

How are after hours maintenance requests and emergencies handled and who handles them?

Make sure its someone qualified to handle the problem. The last thing you want is an answering machine or someone saying you will have to wait till Monday to get your or your tenants issue resolved.

 

What system do they have in place to practice preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is the mechanism a manager uses to maintain the value of your property and avoid letting small issues become larger more expensive problems down the road. This involves things like a predefined maintenance and inspection schedule as well as promptly addressing known issues. This of course assumes owners are willing to make the necessary repairs when they come up. Slum lords may balk, but successful real estate investors know that when you’re in for the long haul you have to engage in sustainable practices that maximize property values, not short-term practices that delay (and multiply) costs.

 

Do they have their own maintenance crew?

If the answer is yes, are they covered by workers compensation and are they licensed, bonded and insured? Additionally are they available 24/7/365 for emergencies?  As a member of SFPMA we have a full listing of vendors & business members on our directories for them to choose from.

 

What contractors do they work with?

Do the contractors carry workers compensation and are they licensed, bonded and insured? Does the management company oversee the contractors’ work for quality, code compliance and cost effectiveness? Some owners like to take the extra step of researching the primary vendors that will be used to make sure there are no red flags. All SFPMA members are checked making sure they have the proper licenses and insurance a requirement for membership.

 

What rules do they have in place regarding contractors entering occupied properties?

Make sure they have an established policy here. Anytime contractors and maintenance personnel are entering occupied units there is potential for trouble if the situation is not handled carefully.

 

Do they provide itemized statements with receipts for the work performed?

This adds accountability and transparency to the billing process. You don’t want to work with a management company that is unwilling to provide solid documentation of where your money is going.

 

Do they let tenants perform repairs?

Tenants perform inferior quality work, and their lack of insurance coverage, liability or workers compensation could leave you liable in the event of an accident or injury. Why take the risk of having them accidentally fall off a roof or ladder, electrocute themselves, or flood your home? If they don’t allow tenant repairs, make sure this is written into the rental agreement. If you are comfortable allowing them, at least have the tenant sign a waiver and agree that the repairs must be approved by the manager.

 

Do they allow tenants to hire their own handyman?

This is also inviting trouble, and the rental agreement should prohibit this. In some cases written into a single family home lease some repairs are included in the rental agreement, Find out if there are any agreement such as this. Check to make sure this is not considered a liability hazard although providing these services eliminates the issue of tenant neglect and can improve tenant satisfaction which helps with retention.

 

What is involved in their process for preparing a property to be re-rented after a tenant has vacated? How long does this process take?

The property should get the usual cleaning, paint job, re-keying, etc. but this is also a good time to consider strategic improvements that will maximize your rental revenue. You want to find a property manager that will proactively offer this kind of feedback on an as needed basis. Obviously the quicker the turnaround time, the better.

Tags: , , ,
“We give investors and clients the information to make an informed decision about which property management company to use”

“We give investors and clients the information to make an informed decision about which property management company to use”

  • Posted: Feb 19, 2018
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on “We give investors and clients the information to make an informed decision about which property management company to use”

“We give investors and clients the information to make an informed decision about which property management company to use”

  • They learn about how hiring a professional management company helps them.
  • They find out what fees are associated with management.
  • They read and learn about maintenance issues and repairs for their property.
  • Other information including what questions to ask potential management companies. We know that with real estate comes non paying tenants, evictions fees, collecting rents, vacant units, inspections, contracts and leases, payment matters from tenants and your monthly money.

Addressing these questions with owners and board members helps them to understand what a manager does, and how important it is to take the time to find the right company that will care for the properties like they would.

 

LOOKING FOR A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY OR A CAM MANAGER TO MANAGE YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY, CONDO, OR HOA.

 

learn what to look for in a Property Management company, the benefits, the services they provide, how they collect fees, how repairs are addressed, laws & licensing.

Read and learn what our members can do to help you with the management of your buildings. Managing properties can become quickly overwhelming, even for experienced investors. There is always something going on that requires attention and it takes very little time for things to get out of hand. Hiring a Property Manager can provide an opportunity to regain control and restore stability to both your properties and possibly life in general.

We understand the importance having income real estate to you and your family. We are here to help you with the selection process for hiring the right company for the management of your buildings. Your Property Manager will make critical decisions on your behalf making it extremely important that you do your homework during the hiring process.

Ultimately, your decision to hire or not hire a property management company should hinge on whether or not it is a good fit with your lifestyle, and makes sense financially.  Individual investors will have to assess the opportunity cost of both options based on their unique circumstances.

Tags: , ,
Commercial vs Residential Property Management: What the Difference is?

Commercial vs Residential Property Management: What the Difference is?

  • Posted: Jul 12, 2017
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Commercial vs Residential Property Management: What the Difference is?

by Author Donatas Kazakauskas 

There are many differences between commercial and residential property management.

Usually, new property managers start with residential buildings, because of its simplicity. But if one wants to jump into commercial property management, there are many things to learn. In this blog, I will cover the key points.

sfpma1. Tenant expenses. In addition to the base rental fee, commercial building tenants need to pay some or all of the expenses related to real-estate ownership. These expenses (can be called “three nets” or NNN) consist of property taxes, insurance and maintenance fees. There are several types of commercial leases, such as:

a. Triple net – requires the tenant to pay the net amount for all three types of costs (real estate taxes, building insurance and common area maintenance (CAM) fees).

b. Modified net – a compromise between gross lease and triple net. The property manager and tenant usually agree to split the maintenance expenses, but the tenant pays for the real estate taxes and insurance.

c. Gross lease – In this case, the landlord collects the fixed rental fees and pays for all the expenses out of them. These contracts usually have many clauses that may increase the rental fee to cover increased taxes or insurance for the landlord.

d. Percentage lease – mostly used in shopping centres and retail malls. It typically requires a lessee to pay the base rent and on top of that amount, pay a percentage of their sales volume.

These leases are much more complex compared to residential leases. In cases where you collect a fixed amount for CAM fees every month, you need to do an annual recalculation based on what you have received vs actual expenses. Residential rental rates are typically a fixed amount per month or other price period plus the utilities payed based on consumption. Does your software allow you to deal with all calculation situations and easily calculate the correct amounts for the tenants? Soft4RealEstate does.

2. On-Site manager and maintenance. In large office centres or shopping malls, it is necessary to have on-site managers who can deal with tenant requests or take care of other issues. In some countries or US states, this is even defined by law. To track all the requests and work orders, you need to have a system that is easy to use for both the manager and tenant. It should be easy for the manager to track all ongoing tasks, view the work schedule, and change statuses. On the tenant’s side, it should be clear when and what will be done, and when any work can be expected to be finished. While renting apartments, you can have maintenance vendors and tenants usually deal directly with them without property manager interruption.

3. Responsibilities. This point is an advantage for commercial properties. Tenants of commercial buildings have a greater amount of responsibilities than residential tenants. With residential tenants, you’re agreeing to a habitable residence, and the laws weigh most heavily on the tenant when it comes to evictions, habitability, etc. Commercial properties are for business use, and the scope of landlord responsibilities is lower. What is more, most commercial buildings are only used during the daytime, so you won’t receive midnight calls for fixing a toilet, leaking pipes or complaints about loud music from neighbours.

4. Leases. It is easier to rent residential property. Moreover, the rental agreements are usually shorter in length and easily renewable, while commercial leases are more complicated. They are much longer, might have difficult extension options, rent is reviewed annually and prices are commonly increased by the CPI or some other fixed index. Commercial lease agreements are harder to break because of many termination clauses.

Even though the processes seem similar: you have tenants, you have contracts, and you have units to lease, maintain and manage, so commercial property management and residential property management are not the same. You need to take all the things mentioned above into consideration in order ensure the best results for every situation. Not every residential property manager can manage commercial properties without any preparation. Once you start doing commercial property management, make sure that you not only have the necessary knowledge, but also the tools, such as software, to make it work. Sometimes Excel seems good enough to do the work, but the day may come when you need to say goodbye to it. When?

 

 

Tags:
Tasks property managers commonly perform for owners

Tasks property managers commonly perform for owners

  • Posted: Jul 09, 2017
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Tasks property managers commonly perform for owners

Evaluate the property and determine an accurate rental rate

  • Perform detailed documentation of the interior and exterior including photos
  • Offer recommendations on repairs and cosmetic improvements that maximize monthly rent while providing good ROI.
  • Gather data on rental rates in the area and work with owners to determine the optimal rental rate. Rent research will vary, but should include looking at the recently rented comparables according to size and type.
  • Discuss with owners the pros and cons of different policies such as accepting pets, allowing smoking etc.
  • Install a lock box

Market the property for rent

  • Prepare home for rent
    •  Clean home and optimize interior appeal
  • Create ads tailored to the property and advertising medium. Some of the mediums commonly used are:
    • Paid and free rental listing websites
    • Print publications
    • Signs
    • MLS
    • Fliers
  • Work with other realtors and leasing agents to find a tenant
  • Provide a 24-hour hot-line where prospective tenants can listen to detailed information about the property
  • Field calls from prospects for questions and viewings
  • Meet prospective tenants for showings throughout the week and weekend.
  • Provide prospective tenants with rental applications that are legally compliant with fair housing laws
  • Collection applications with application fee

Tenant Screening and Selection

  • Perform a background check to verify identity, income, credit history, rental history, etc.
  • Grade tenant according to pre-defined tenant criteria
  • Inform tenants who were turned down

Tenant Move In

  • Draw up leasing agreement
  • Confirm move in date with tenant
  • Review lease guidelines with tenant regarding things like rental payment terms and required property maintenance
  • Ensure all agreements have been properly executed
  • Perform detailed move in inspection with tenant and have tenants sign a report verifying the condition of the property prior to move-in.
  • Collect first months rent and security deposit

Rent collection

  • Receiving rent
  • Hunting down late payments
  • Sending out pay or quit notices
  • Enforcing late fees

Evictions (A Great website for Eviction Information is: www.NationalEvictions.com )

  • Filing relevant paperwork to initiate and complete an unlawful detainer action
  • Representing owner in court
  • Coordinating with law enforcement to remove tenant and tenants possessions from unit

Legal

  • Advise in the event of a legal dispute or litigation
  • Refer owner to a qualified attorney when necessary
  • Understand and abide by the latest local, state and federal legislation that apply to renting and maintaining rental properties.

Inspections

  • Perform periodic inspections (Inside and outside) on a predefined schedule looking for repair needs, safety hazards, code violations, lease violations, etc.
  • Send owner periodic reports on the condition of the property

Financial

  • Provide accounting property management services
  • Make payments on behalf of owner (Mortgage, insurance, HOA dues, etc.)
  • Detailed documentation of expenses via invoices and receipts
  • Maintain all historical records (paid invoices, leases, inspection reports, warranties, etc.)
  • Provide annual reporting, structured for tax purposes as well as required tax documents including a 1099 form
  • Advise owner on relevant tax deductions related to their rental property
  • Provide easy to read monthly cash-flow statements which offer a detailed breakdown of income and itemized expenses

Maintenance, Repairs, and Remodeling

View the Associations MEMBERS DIRECTORY: Find top companies that work with the Management Industry.

  • Provide and oversee an in-house maintenance crew
  • Establish a preventative maintenance policy to identify and deal with repair needs
  • Provide an network of licensed, bonded and fully insured contractors who have been vetted for good pricing and good work that is up to code.
  • Assign jobs to different parties (in-house employees, handyman and professional contractors) based on who will do the best job for the best price.
  • Maintain outdoor areas
    • Leaf and snow removal
    • Landscaping
    • Removing trash and debris
  • Maintain and monitor a 24 hour emergency repair hot-line
  • Larger renovation or rehab projects
    • Provide recommendations on how the project can maximize rental income.
    • Prepare preliminary cost estimates
    • Get multiple independent bids for the work
    • Act as general contractor overseeing the work

Tenant Move Out

  • Inspect unit and fill out a report on the property’s condition when the client moves out
  • Provide tenant with a copy as well as estimated damages
  • Return the balance of the security deposit to the tenant
  • Forward any portion of the owner’s portion of the tenant deposit to the owner or hold in owner reserves for repairs.
  • Clean unit and perform and needed repairs or upgrades
  • Re-key the locks
  • Put the property back on the market for rent

This isn’t intended to be a comprehensive list of property management services, but it should give you a fair idea of the scope of a property management company’s activities

SFPMA Members work with HOA, Condo, Multi-Family, Single-Family, when you are ready to have your property Managed by a Professional and take the time to enjoy your life.

Find the right Management Company on our Members Directory.

 

Tags: ,