Anyone using Doorstead Property Mgmt?

Question

Has anyone looked into using Doorstead.com for property management in the San Francisco Bay area?

What was your experience with them like?

Vadim Du · Answer

Has anyone had any experience with Doorstead lately?

Michael Landman-Karny · Answer

Title: Disappointing Experience with Doorstead

I made the unfortunate decision to rent out my condo through Doorstead for a year, and the experience was riddled with major mishaps. Here are the key issues I encountered:

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• Pricing Fiasco: Getting my place rented out took an agonizing month due to Doorstead's insistence on pricing my unit at $4,687/month, significantly above the market rate of $3,800/month. Despite my attempts to reason with their representative, who claimed they relied on an "algorithm," the property remained vacant for almost two months. The algorithm continually reduced the price every 4-7 days until it finally reached the market rate on 11/9/2022. This flawed approach led to unnecessary delays and frustration.
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• Costly Upgrades: Doorstead's requirements to bring the property up to their standards cost me a staggering $10,000. I had to address every minor issue, from painting the house to fixing every knob, shutter, scratch, and more. The 3-hour property evaluation scrutinized every detail, demanding the property be in pristine condition.
• Overlooked Damage: During the move-out evaluation, Doorstead failed to identify significant flooring damage in the kitchen. The flooring under the refrigerator had collapsed, with substantial water damage extending to the baseboards and the garage below. This oversight in a supposedly thorough 3-hour evaluation is unacceptable. Clearly, the check-out evaluation did not match the thoroughness of the move-in assessment.

Costly Upgrades: Doorstead's requirements to bring the property up to their standards cost me a staggering $10,000. I had to address every minor issue, from painting the house to fixing every knob, shutter, scratch, and more. The 3-hour property evaluation scrutinized every detail, demanding the property be in pristine condition.

In summary, while the Doorstead concept may seem promising on paper, the execution falls short. The so-called "pricing algorithm" proved to be unreliable, causing unnecessary delays and financial setbacks. For future property rentals, I strongly recommend opting for a local management company instead of relying on a startup internet venture like Doorstead.

Carlos Ptriawan · Answer

All these new tech-PM: doorstead,hemlane,mynd is only good for A class neighborhood with the tenant that's tech-savvy and highly responsible. The PM invested in low-risk rental and neighborhood. They're usually do the self showing and do more virtual project management rather than having large local people presents in the market. So if you only have SFR or condo in A class neighborhood in san mateo for example, they're good.

JP French · Answer

I've used Doorstead for over a year now. They have good communication and are punctual which is most important to me. I'd recommend them

Lawrence Leung · Answer

@Lois S. Another recent company I came across with an appealing business strategy for self managers is Hemlane.

Lawrence Leung · Answer

@Lois S. Have you tried using leasing agents or leasing companies? The only downside risk with these folks/companies is if they are not reputable they don't have skin in the game and are not truly incentivized to find the best and most qualified renter because they don't have to deal with the tenancy afterwards.

Sunita Sharma · Answer

Are you still with Doorstead? What’s your overall experience now?

I am thinking of going with them. I was with Zeus but they just went under in October. Lost rent for 2 months .

Account Closed · Answer

One of the biggest regrets I have with my property is using Doorstead. They low ball the guarantee, sales rep push real hard, and poorly manage my property. Not to mention they didn’t pay me the first 90 days. SMH

Lois S. · Answer

@Lawrence Leung.  I've used traditional PMs.

I normally self-manage a unit that's coming up for rent soon, & was just researching options. Particularly I wish I could just hire someone to find the new tenant - do showings, etc.  The day-to-day management is not a problem for me.

That particular company looks like a good deal for the company, not the owner.  It appears they set a low rent so they can get it rented sooner.

Anyone using Doorstead Property Mgmt?

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