Choosing how to properly interview before hiring a property manager is critical and the questions asked will provide you with numerous answers and abundant information if the right questions are asked. There were more than 317,000 property management jobs in the U.S. in 2016 and this profession has seen over a 4% growth between the years of 2012 and 2017. While taking the time to choose the right candidate and hiring a property manager that is suitable can seem difficult and time consuming it is important nonetheless. Use the questions below to help you get a better understanding of your candidates and choose the best property manager for you.
Number of Units
Asking a lease management company this question may seem prying but there is a method behind the madness. This question lets you get a feel on their actual size. If they manage only a few properties then this could be red flag for a couple of reasons. Either they are inexperienced and just starting out, therefore do you want to trust them with your units, or they have lost customers over time. If that’s the case then it’s important to research or inquire about the loss of customers.
Location of Properties
This is an important question that will help you get an answer to important facts. It will show you the area of their expertise. If they are not experienced with the area that your properties are currently located in then is it safe to put 100% of your trust in them? Another fact it will help you get an answer to is surrounding areas. If they are familiar with not only your area, but surrounding areas as well then this property management company could be one that you can work with and grow with as well.
Types of Properties
You don’t want to go through all of this work only to find that property management services you’ve had your eye on doesn’t deal with your type of property. Different types of rentals will provide different types of services. Someone that deals mostly with single unit rentals will not provide the expertise you need for multi unit rentals.
Potential Clients
Knowing what kind of clients property management firms bring in is vital when hiring a property manager to handle your property. Most use some sort of screening service to screen potential clients and this should be a concern for you. What is the screening process for potential clients? Does it involve an application? Does it involve a background check? Is employment history verified? These things are the things that can determine long term clients versus short term clients.
Office Hours
It only makes sense that when you are hiring a property manager that you want someone there whenever possible. Everyone has a life, and not everyone can be available 24 hours a day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t inquire. Ask about maintenance issues. Who is on call to handle those issues if it is after hours. How are emergency situations handled? Ask about normal office hours. Find out if they are closed on the weekend, and if the need arises is there some way to contact someone. If someone wants to inquire about a unit is there a way to leave a message even when the office is closed? These things are important for current clients as well as potential clients, therefore you want to make sure these issues are addressed.
Consider your questions carefully and remember that you may have additional questions of your own depending on unique circumstances. Write your questions down and read them over and over until the are almost memorized. This helps ensure that you can focus more on their responses rather than remember the questions and keeping your place in any notes you may have taken. Remember simply meeting prospects in person can give you even more information you need even before asking any questions.