Determining Property Management Fees For Your Property

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.

Each contract for a property management company should be thoroughly reviewed to better understand all fees involved in the monthly payment. Some companies incorporate fees for certain services in addition to the standard monthly fee. For example, an advertising fee may be assessed, or there may be a charge each time a property is shown to a potential client. Carefully consider and compare all services and charges before making your final decision, a company with a higher monthly fee and no additional charges could be a better deal than a company with a low monthly fee and several additional charges.

Monthly percentage fees are based on the type of property you own, and are generally based on the revenue generated by each property. Large properties are generally charged at two percent, average-sized single family homes at six percent, and larger single family homes may be charged up to ten percent. Property location and condition may also be taken into account when determining the percentage fee. Additional leasing and service fees may also apply.

Another important consideration in choosing a property management company is payment. Some companies deduct their fee directly from the income your property generates, while others send a monthly or quarterly bill. Other fees a company may charge are for cleaning and preparing rental properties, or eviction fees. Be sure to take the time to discover and consider all fees charged by the property management company.

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.

A good property management company helps the investor rent property faster and provides preventative maintenance to reduce major repairs and expenses. Investors need to recognize all of the services and the quality of the services that each potential management company provides so as to choose the company that will maximize the investment. The lowest monthly fee is not the only consideration for the investor in the selection of the best management company for the property. - 23199

About the Author:

Layla Vanderbilt is the webmaster for a leading property management software review website which connects people with the leading property management tools.