Any suggestions on how I can add an exterior camera?

[Cynthia Stith]

Hello!

I am reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions/insights on how I can add an exterior camera to remotely view my out of state rental property.  I'm not looking to do anything that would show the interior or view inside the property - I'm more concerned with the outside - i.e. making sure the landscaper actually came or that the snow removal actually happened, and to get an ideal of how many people might actually be living in the property.

I just checked on my out of state unit and was a bit surprised to see the landscaping was only happening monthly (although I'm paying for 2xmonth service) and that the 3 roommates actually had a total of 8 people living in the home.

Since the tenants are on a month to month lease, I just served 30 day notice to terminate the lease - so I plan on cleaning/remodeling the home once they are gone and I'm wanting to make sure I don't have the same issues with the next tenant.

BTW - Before anyone says the solution is better screening - I get it! I did not screen the original tenants because I decided to use a licensed realtor to do property managing for me.  I wish I would have known that the only screening he was doing was whether or not the tenants had money to move in so he could collect his commission.  So, I will be doing my own screening - but want to make sure I can also keep an "eye" on what's happening.

Any advice?

[Nathan Gesner]

@Cynthia Stith a camera will not resolve your issues. I agree with Thomas that you need a GOOD property manager. I understand you tried one and they did a bad job. I don't mean to insult you, but that's your fault. 

Far too many investors think all property managers are the same so they go with the first one in the phone book or the one with the lowest rates. When things go bad, they blame the property manager and lump all of us into the same pile of "do-nothing, over-charging thieves" instead of taking responsibility for their own choices.

Choosing a property manager is a lot like choosing tenants. If you don't screen them, you run the risk of some serious problems. Here are some quick tips for finding a good manager:

Learn the difference between a good PM and a bad one. Try to interview at least three different companies / managers and then make an educated decision. Remember: the PM with the highest fees may be the one that makes you the most money.

1. Review their management agreement. Ensure there are no hidden fees! The agreement should spell out their responsibilities, set limits for maintenance, discuss how and when they will communicate, etc. If it's only two pages long, it's probably not a good management agreement.

2. Calculate the total cost for a year. Some will charge a percentage of rent and nothing else. Some charge a percentage each month but also a start-up fee, a leasing fee or lease renewal fee each year, administrative fees, maintenance fees, etc. Every fee should be fully disclosed!

3. Have them explain processes like marketing, screening applications, late rent, evictions, lease violations, etc. They should have clear guidance in their documents and their office policies should be in writing. If the manager tells you, "We always file 3-day Pay or Quit Notices on the 10th" then they should have an office policy that verifies that. Smaller mom-and-pop shops won't have written policies but they also don't have a ton of employees so it may be OK.

4. Review their lease agreement and addendums.

5. Ask to speak with some of their current owners and tenants.

6. Google them and see what kind of reviews they have.

Go to www.narpm.org and search their directory.

This is not an all-inclusive list but I hope it helps you get started.