I own one 3 family and 3 single unit properties in Rochester NY. I'm having trouble finding a good property manager. Does anyone know of a one they could recommend? If you cannot recommend one is there one are there any that you would suggest I stay away from?
Investor · Fairport, NY · Member since 2015 · 124 posts · 74 votes
8y
Hey @Omari Morgan, there are a few good property managers in the area, and many not so good. I have used Rich Lana at Lana Property Management and have a great experience. Good luck, hope you find a manager that works for you.
Thanks so much for your help so far. I will look into the folks that were mentioned. Please keep them coming. This is helpful for me but I think it will also be helpful for anyone looking to invest in the Rochester Area.
@Benjamin Burket -> Ill give the Updegraff Group a call today to see if they are a good fit. Thanks again @Account Closed -> That is a good thing to mention. None of my properties are in well "the war zones" but its also not Park Ave. Personally I am looking for management in the 19th Ward and Otis/Lyell area. But on the thread I would love to hear info on best people for different areas from the worst war zones to the higher end residential. Any suggestions are welcome. Like I said earlier It may be helpful for people other than me as well. Thanks so much for your help.
Rental Property Investor · Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2017 · 78 posts · 45 votes
8y
@Matt Harris is very knowledgeable of the Rochester market, landlord/tenant laws, and all things property management related. I recommend that you reach out to him before putting ink on paper with some of the larger companies in the Rochester market.
Thanks so much for your help so far. I will look into the folks that were mentioned. Please keep them coming. This is helpful for me but I think it will also be helpful for anyone looking to invest in the Rochester Area.
@Benjamin Burket -> Ill give the Updegraff Group a call today to see if they are a good fit. Thanks again @Account Closed
Property Manager · Rochester, NY · Member since 2015 · 243 posts · 62 votes
8y
Thanks for the kind mention much appreciated
Originally posted by @Bryant Tumbelekis: @Matt Harris is very knowledgeable of the Rochester market, landlord/tenant laws, and all things property management related. I recommend that you reach out to him before putting ink on paper with some of the larger companies in the Rochester market.
Thanks so much for your help so far. I will look into the folks that were mentioned. Please keep them coming. This is helpful for me but I think it will also be helpful for anyone looking to invest in the Rochester Area.
@Benjamin Burket -> Ill give the Updegraff Group a call today to see if they are a good fit. Thanks again @Account Closed
Good question. It's simple really.
1. Most important someone who keeps their word. If you say you will do something follow through.
2. Excellent And Timely maintenance - when tenants call I would expect that they get a call back to schedule a time for maintenance. Return call well within 24 hours. Issues resolved within a week if it is not an emergency.
3. A fair price for repairs and maintenance
4.Communication of issues including major repairs, rent reduction or increases and evictions.
5. A clear process for general upkeep. It is important to me that my homes are well maintained and not losing value due to poor or negligent repair.
6. Rent collection - collect, take yours, send mine on the agreed upon date
7. Call handling
8. Clear and timely eviction process.
I don't think any of that is overly demanding. Like I said my biggest thing is that people keep their word. When you're calling around to different property managers they all have a great sales pitch. If they simply do what they State in their sales pitch I don't think I would ever have an issue. That is why I'm partnering
Investor · Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2015 · 65 posts · 18 votes
8y
Omari Did you find a manager that you like? I have 2 multis and have been with 2 companies so far and I’ve not been happy with either. Curious to hear if you’ve had a better experience.
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
8y
You can start by going to www.narpm.org and search their directory of managers. These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics. It's no guarantee but it's a good place to start.
1. Ask how many units they manage and how much experience they have. If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications.
2. Review their management agreement. Make sure it explicitly explains the process for termination if you are unhappy with their services, but especially if they violate the terms of your agreement.
3. Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers. It may sound nice to pay a 5% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no add-on fees. Fees should be clearly stated, easy to understand, and justifiable. If you ask the manager to justify a fee and he starts hemming and hawing, move on or require them to remove the fee. Don't be afraid to negotiate!
4. Review their lease agreement and addendums. Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.
5. Don't just read the lease! Ask the manager to explain their process for dealing with maintenance or problem tenants. If they are professional, they can explain this quickly and easily. If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that it is enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.
6. Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants. You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Just remember: most negative reviews are written by problematic tenants. The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.
I hope this basic guide helps. If you have specific questions about property management, I'll be happy to help!
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