If you are the owner of an apartment building you might be considering whether or not it is worth it to have a property management company step in to manage the day-to-day functions of your apartment building. Here are some of the important factors that might influence this decision and help make it easier to determine if it is the right path for you:
Experience
If this is the first apartment building you have invested in it would be to your benefit to learn from the expertise of a property management company. Even if only in the beginning, they can help get you started. This company will assist you with navigating the common pitfalls and unforeseen problems which might arise in running the daily operations. They handle the paperwork and guide you in the process of running a multiple unit building.
If you are well-versed in managing a property with multiple units it might not be as necessary to hire a property management company. Although you might have experience in this area, it is wise to consider investing in a property management team in the short-term as they can help you establish a routine with your new property, as well as a clear direction for the future.
Time versus Size
Depending on the size of your apartment building and the amount of time you have to dedicate to this task, a property management company could very well be what you need to be successful. Consider that issues with units or tenants often arise with little to no warning at all hours. The larger your building the less you are able to do on your own. Factor in the other commitments in your life: other investment properties or jobs, family, friends, hobbies, emergencies. Be realistic with your assessment of the amount of time you have to put into completing these tasks.
If you have a smaller building that you are focused on running yourself you might want to skip the property management company. Again, this is particularly true if you have experience running a building with multiple units. It can be a daunting task, so really take the time to weigh whether you are ready to take on all the responsibility.
However, if this is one of many investments and you are already on a tight schedule as it is, bringing a property management company on board will probably be your best bet. Otherwise you will likely find yourself with too many fires to put out. The result will be many unhappy tenants. In this day and age of online reviews, it is imperative to do your best to create happy tenants.
Age and Condition
Another important consideration is the age of the property, as well as its current condition. For newer buildings there is rarely much maintenance involved. Many of the appliances are still under warranty and other repairs are often minor and infrequent.
However, even with a newer building its condition is an important component to consider. A poorly maintained yet fairly new building can become just as costly as an older apartment. In either of these instances a property management company will be your best bet. As any apartment building owner will tell, maintaining the frequent needs of an older building can be a full-time job in itself.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
In the end it is ultimately a decision of how hands on you wish to be with your investment property. It is crucial that you take all of these factors into consideration before deciding if a property management company is right for you. If you need additional information or would like a free market analysis of your building please contact Regioncy Real Estate by clicking here.
About Regioncy Real Estate
Based in Southern California, Regioncy Real Estate is a full service commercial real estate services firm serving investors, landlords and tenants nationwide. Regioncy focuses on multi family, office, retail, industrial and residential developments. Core capabilities of Regioncy include real estate management, analysis, representation, acquisition and disposition.
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