Questions to Ask Potential Property Management Companies

When looking for a property management companies in Cincinnati, property owners should be prepared with a set of questions to ask the company in order to know what to expect once forming a working relationship.

What qualifications do you have in the property management field?

How long a company has been in business can tell you a lot about their past experience managing properties.  An experienced property management company will be able to provide property owners with testimonials, qualified staff members,  and marketing and advertising resources. 

What services do you offer to your property owners?

The top role of a property management company is to market, lease, and manage your property.  Make sure you know the list of services a potential management company can offer you in order to meet your end goal.  Some full property management services can include rent collections, taxes, insurance, maintenance calls, marketing and advertising, scheduling of property showings, background checks, and more.  If you have a specific service you would like included, make sure and inquire about it, do not assume it it will be included in your agreement.

How many properties does your company currently manage?

The amount of properties currently under management by the company will give you a better idea of it’s size and ability to add on properties efficiently.  If a company has too few properties under their management control then it may be a sign of the lost of clients because of poor management services; too many properties and your property may not get the amount of attention you think it needs.

What are the fees associated with your property management in Cincinnati?

Different companies have different fees for their property management services.  A company may have different tiers with different services offered at different price points or they may have an overall fee or percentage.  Make sure you also know any miscellaneous fees you may incur.

What are the property management contract terms?

Be aware of the terms associated with any signed contract with a potential property management company.  As a property owner, do not get stuck in a signed contract with no feasible “out.”

Do you offer property maintenance?

One of the most important items to a renter is maintenance.  Renters want the peace of mind of hassle free maintenance when it comes to a property they are renting.  A good property management team will include a maintenance staff to handle all maintenance calls, schedule the work, coordinate subcontractors, purchase all materials needed to properly maintain the property and provide detailed reports on completed work to the property owner.

How do you market your properties?

As a property owner, one of the biggest advantages to hiring a property management company is to take advantage of their marketing and advertising efforts.  Find out the strategy and tools available to advertise your vacant unit or property.

There is a lot to consider when hiring a property management company.  Some services are more important than others to individual property owners, so be prepared when interviewing companies with what you desire to know.   To learn more about Cincy Rent’s property management, leasing, and advertising services for Cincinnati apartments and homes, click here.