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Monday, August 24, 2009

Deciding On Property Management Fees

By Layla Vanderbilt

One of the most important decisions facing property owners owning a large amount of property is the selection of a property management company. Ideally, you should obtain bids for the management of your properties from several companies. This will allow you to compare each company's rates and services. Generally two payment options are available to choose from: paying a monthly flat fee, or paying a monthly percentage fee.

The lowest management fee may not always be the best choice. Higher fees usually translate into more services. Also, management companies with lower fees may have extra charges for necessary services like as advertising. Investors need to know if the management company charges a fee for showing property to a potential client. Some management companies also charge leasing fees in addition to their management fee. Investors need to read contracts closely to know exactly what is included in the real estate management fee.

A property management company charges a real estate management fee based on the percentaage of income collected with a monthly base fee. A fee will vary according to the type and size of the property; for example, a fee for a single family home could be a flat rate while a large property might cost 6 percent of its value. Larger properties usually command a lower percentage rate (i.e., 2 percent) than a single family home that may be quoted up to10 percent. One negotiates fees on a per property basis and one considers many factors including condition, location and size of the property, etc. Management companies consider leasing to be an auxiliary service; it and other auxiliary service fees are separate and in addition to the management fee. The contract also needs to explain how and when the fee is collected. Do they bill the investor or do they deduct it from his account? Do they bill on a monthly or quarterly basis?

Since the property management fee is based on services provided, investors should be aware of all included services. A regularly needed service is that of preparing the property for rent. investors need to be aware of any fee that the management company charges for the cleaning of vacant properties. Another service that is less regularly needed is the eviction service, and many management companies charge additional fees for evictions. This charge may be billed or deducted from the investors account on either a monthly or quarterly basis.

Besides the renting of property and collecting of rents, the management company performs many other services. Accounting services including preparation of monthly statements, the hiring of contractors for cleaning services, groundskeeping, and maintenance, and the supervision of these crews are some of the services provided by the property management company. The proper execution of these services by the management company provides peace of mind for the property investor. After determining the services provided and fees charged, the investor should investigate potential management companies' references. The management company that provides the needed services for the fee within the investor's budget and that has the best references is most likely to be the best company for the investor to choose to manage the property.

Interviewing the management company to determine the real estate management fee they charge is only the first step to hiring a reliable company. Many things outside the monthly fee determine the final cost an investor sill pay the management company. How well the company communicates with the investor and tenants, how they handle problems, their attention to detail in the leasing process and their ability to maintain the property in good condition all determine an investor?s final costs on each property.

Certainly there are other factors for you to consider outside of the fee that will be charged. For example, reliable and quick handling of maintenance issues to prevent major expenses. A property management company should be able to rent out your property faster than you alone due to the fact that they are working in the business every day. - 23200

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