Hiring A Property Manager Stay Local and Know The facts

We ask Charles Stallions, a veteran real estate broker, property manager, and investor since 1995, how to weed out and choose a property manager. When selecting the ideal property manager for your rental needs, Stallions says staying local is your best choice for a seamless property management team. As you prepare to embark on this journey, here are the top questions you should consider asking when hiring a property manager, according to Stallions:

Finding a Property Manager

Remember, your property manager, like your lawyer, doctor, accountant, etc., should be essential to your team. A great property manager, you might say, handles your retirement fund, your kid’s college fund, and much more. You want to know how closely this person fits into your strategy, such as risk, temperament, and knowledge of all things real estate-related.

Initial Screening

Initiate contact through a phone call or email to gauge compatibility and efficiency. This initial conversation helps streamline the process and allows for a more focused discussion during subsequent interactions.

Experience and Expertise

Inquire about the property manager’s experience, certifications, and familiarity with local landlord-tenant laws. Ensure they have a solid track record managing properties like yours and possess in-depth market knowledge.

Costs and Fees

Understand the fee structure, including setup fees, monthly charges, and additional expenses. Request a comprehensive list of fees in writing to avoid surprises later on.

Meeting with the Property Manager

Move to an in-person interview if you’re satisfied with the initial communication. Organize your questions into categories to ensure a productive discussion.

Is the Property a Good Fit?

Discuss your property’s unique attributes and any necessary adjustments before listing it. Gain insight into rental potential, target tenant demographics, and potential management challenges.

Advertising and Vacancies

Inquire about the property manager’s strategies for marketing vacancies and minimizing turnover time. Clarify administrative responsibilities during vacancy periods.

Tenant Screening

Learn about the tenant screening process, including credit checks, rental history verification, and criminal background checks. Understand the property manager’s involvement in tenant selection.

Maintenance and Repairs

Evaluate the property manager’s maintenance, repair, and vendor management approach. Discuss protocols for handling tenant maintenance requests and conducting property inspections. Does the PM allow you to hire and handle repairs to save the 20% upcharge that most companies charge?

Financial Management

Gain clarity on rent collection processes, payment timelines, and late fee policies. Ensure transparency regarding income and expense reporting.

The Final Four

Before finalizing your decision, address insurance requirements, references, termination clauses, and conflict resolution procedures.

You can confidently select Charles Stallions as your preferred property manager by asking pertinent questions and thoroughly evaluating your options. With their expertise and commitment to excellence, you can expect a rewarding and hassle-free landlord experience. For further guidance on your landlord journey, explore our free guide below.

Speak To An Agent

We're Here To Help

Charles helped me find an incredible deal on a property by Woodham Middle School. He dealt fairly and professionally during the transaction representing both sides. It was a very smooth transaction.

ak727

I contacted Charles to help find a rental for a relative. Charles knows Pensacola. I closed loans for Charles years ago and he was always professional and reliable. My relative found a place on their own. I will contact Charles again when searching for property.

conhen2013

Although I am not into a new home yet, Charles Stallions has been honest and has followed through. He tells it like it is and doesn’t waste my time. I feel hopeful that with his help I will find the right home

Dean and Betty Bourne

I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you all about the exceptional service and experience my wife and I had when selling our house. I have know Charles for over six years and when it came time to sell my house I naturally went to him for assistance. We met and discussed the value and what work needed to be done to get our best price. That being completed we listed the house. Within one week we had 3 showings (before it hit the MLS). We got 2 offers from those showing and I made approximately $10,000 more than I expected. Charles is a competent, trustworthy realtor, but more importantly he is a native of Pensacola and has an extensive network of other real estate agents, banks and closing agent, and trades people and service providers necessary to complete the sale or purchase of your property. I highly recommend Charles Stallions Real Estate Services for you real estate needs.

Delos E.Boardman

I would like to express my appreciation for the 12 years of managing my rental property there in Pensacola as effectively and efficiently as all of you did. It was always a pleasure to hear from Michelle even when I knew it was about to cost me for a repair for whatever. You always delivered the news of an upcoming expense in the most pleasant way and made me feel better about what I was about to spend. Rianna also helped me sort out those expenses at tax time which made filing them accurately much easier.

Charles, thanks for taking care of business all those years, keeping the property rented, and ultimately getting the place sold. I believe the only single occasion where there was any sort of issue actually was caused by the Post Office delivering a check over three weeks after it was sent.

All things considered I feel my choice to use your services was a very good one.

Thanks again for your professionalism and I wish you the best success in the future.

Rich Henson