All Forum Posts by: Kellie McRae

Just read this thread http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/1443/blog_posts/10467 and thought I'd come over and share it. Perhaps it will help you when you start screening management companies.

Annelise, I say to make sure to go through a thorough interview process. The same way you would thoroughly screen a tenant, you should screen potential property managers. It's unfortunate that like used car sales people, some managers have made the profession stink. I tripped on the property management side of business when I became an accidental landlord a little more than 3 years ago & found that I liked it better than appraising (which I'd been doing for 6 yrs at that point) & better than the thought of being a "regular Realtor". I have been fortunate that my neighbors noticed how well my tenants took care of my home and asked me to manage their home & I've grown little by little from there. I am happy to say I've been managing properties for 3 years, I've never had to evict anyone and I provide references from both landlords & tenants. You have good and bad in everything & it's unfortunate. I agree with Bryan that some people would rather be shady and make money that way which is why it's best to really check them out. I prefer knowing that each month I'm going to get that $40 (after you get so many properties, it adds up) and the referral which works best for me & my family over the long run than the fly by night application fee and the possibility that the landlord is going to cancel your services. Good luck either way :D