Do most property manager visit properties regularly?

Question

Do property managers usually visit properties with tenants in place just to check the home? If so, how often do they usually do this?

Thank you.

Cole Shope · Answer

Depends on the property type (SFR, Multi, Apt). Typically they will talk in the beginning of your relationship as if they will be keeping a keen eye on the property buy in reality its not going to happen. I have heard of Property Managers charging an extra fee to do "visits" more often. Probably not worth it to pay for something like that.

Andrew Syrios · Answer

Apartments; yes. Houses; not very often.

Chris London · Answer

Ben, I visit my properties at move-in/out and approx two-three additional times in a 1 year period. If there is an issue during an inspection I re-inspect. Of course, during Covid19 all inspections are on hold. However, I am currently inspecting all yards as I continue to have spring clean up, gutters cleaned and houses pressure washed as needed. Always interview multiple PM companies before you hire and ask about inspections and ask for a report or summary after each inspection. Also, look at online reviews. Not all PM companies and PMs are as bad as some people above have experienced. Hope this helps.

Chinmay J. · Answer

Yep. You got that right.. They say a lot.. They promise a lot. Rarely deliver. Lot of experienced Real Estate Professionals told me they got out of PM business because it just wasn't profitable to do it the right way.

Managing the PM was more difficult for me than managing the tenants. I would have made lot of money if I were local to Richmond, but unfortunately I am 130 miles away.

Sam Shueh · Answer

Should expect every 6 months initially.   Many say they do more than they do.

Chinmay J. · Answer

I think you hit the nail on the head with that statement.  If the property is in C area, you have to visit. Both of my duplexes were in low income C+ area. I think regular visits from the PM would have been a good idea and smart business. I would have bought more in that area instead of selling them off.

Leonard Caron · Answer

I don't do inspections for the sake of inspections. Since i only own 5 units, when i pick up rent (which is usually 4/5 face-to-face) i ask if there are any complaints,concerns or questions. If there are, i address them. If not, i move on.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

Your PM should inspect the property at least annually, but don't assume it is being done. Mine did not and it cost me a big bundle and of course the PM got canned. We self manage now and inspect 2ce annually the first year tenant and annually after that.

Stephen Glover · Answer

@Ben M. Annual walk through inspections in most cases, plus move in/move out inspections.  They will see the property more if there are repairs needed, or if you have a good PM, they should visit if the home is quieter than expected or if there's any reason to believe an inspection should be done sooner.  I've seen PM's promote quarterly inspections during the sales process but have yet to see any PM's live up to that promotion- it's just not feasible unless each individual inspection is paid for separately.

During COVID19 inspections on occupied units have mostly stopped unless an emergency, along with non-emergent maintenance.

Chinmay J. · Answer

My experience with hiring PM has been terrible. I used to own 2 duplexes in Richmond, VA. Hired a well know PM. They did a horrible job. When I sold the duplex the tenant had left lot of trash in the yard, which never was reported to me. It got reported to me when my realtor went to take pictures for listing. Ended up delaying listing by a week, and had to get Junk Removal service to come out and haul it away.

Another example.. On the other duplex the water was leaking on the outside. The leak was never reported by anyone - the tenant nor the PM. I ended up paying $600 in water for that month.

So no... most PMs don't go to properties, and if they do go will probably charge you for it. PMs nickel and dime you on everything.  From what I understand, its a very low margin business.

Do most property manager visit properties regularly?

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