 Sierra Vista Realty Property Management
Property Owner FAQ's
Q: Why should I hire you as my Property Management company?
A: You should hire me only if you think I am the best match for your property management needs. Frankly, I am not a perfect fit for every property owner and it would be arrogant and wrong for me to simply proclaim "I am the best, hire me!". I may be the best property manager for some owners and properties but not for others. That is why this FAQ page exists so that you can learn about me and the guiding principles I will employ in the management of your property.
Turning over your rental property to the care of an unknown property manager can be an emotional and frightening experience. You want to be able to trust your property manager so that you won't be worrying about your home. The more research and information you gather, the better you will feel about your final decision. Of course, I'd love the chance to earn your trust and manage your property, so please read on.
Q: I heard that the cost of property management is a tax write-off. Is this true?
A: Yes, your property management fees can be written off as an expense on your taxes. This effectively lowers the actual amount you are paying. (Please verify this information with your accountant, however, since we are not accounting experts)
Q: How much do you charge to rent my property?
A: $100 – Initial Setup Fee. This is a one-time fee which is due when the Property Management Agreement is signed. $500 – Reserve Account Balance. This must be maintained at all times for the normal payment of minor expenses on behalf of the Owner. At no time will approve any expenses above $200 without Owner’s prior knowledge and consent. Management Fee - 10% charge of monthly rent paid. Marketing fee – ZERO! May companies charge for marketing and advertising the property. Leasing Fee - ZERO! Many companies charge fees to rent the property. We only get paid if you get paid. Period.
Q: How much will my property rent for?
A: We can recommend a rental amount through a comparable market analysis and by inspecting the property. Please contact me for your free rent market analysis.
Q: What will you do to rent my house?
A: I give it maximum exposure while it is for rent.
FOR RENT SIGNS - Posted at the property with our website and phone number clearly displayed. Prospective renters can find out very easily - even at 7PM on a Saturday - the price and size of your property and when it will be ready for move-in.
MLS - Your rental property data is entered in the Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service giving access to the most Realtors and Renters.
INTERNET LISTINGS - Our available unit and homes for rent are posted online complete with photos, maps and property details for the convenience of those searching for a new home. The are also listed on numerous national websites such as Realtor.com, Trulia.com, and our own website at www.BradSnyder.com.
WORD OF MOUTH / REFERRALS - Current and past tenants, friends of our tenants, referrals from other agents that we network with.
CORRECT PRICING - Even the best and nicest homes will not lease quickly if overpriced. We make sure your rental home is priced according to current market conditions.
THOROUGH PREPARATION - Even the best located and well priced rental homes will not lease quickly in our current market if the rental home is not in top showing condition. Homes for rent absolutely must show well and have an attractive "curb appeal" or they may sit empty for extended periods. Part of my job as property manager is to make sure your rental home is presented in a clean and attractive condition so that it will attract a good tenant.
Q: What does the Initial Setup Fee include?
- Market evaluation
- Property Inspection
- Property Evaluation and report
- Digital Photos from property evaluation
- Initial setup for Owner including all info regarding homeowner association & home warranty
- Marketing and Advertising for prospective tenants
- Running Credit checks on all prospective tenants
- Coordinating and signing lease and are necessary paperwork for new tenants
- Collecting deposits and rents
- Arranging move-in for tenants
Q: What is my obligation as the property Owner?
A: Meet all obligations to maintain services for tenants’ full use of property per Arizona Revised Statutes and Landlord Tenant Act. Maintain an emergency reserve of $500.00 which will be replenished monthly from collected rents. Understand tenant refundable deposits are tenant’s property except in cases of renter default or damage caused by renter holding Sierra Vista Realty harmless of consequences resulting in tenant action including defaults, damage or liability.
Q: Does Sierra Vista Realty pay my mortgage?
A: No, we do not make payments for mortgages, homeowners association, taxes, or insurance on behalf of the client. All payments associated with the property are the responsibility of the Owner.
Q: Who do my tenants call when there is an emergency?
A: Tenants will be instructed to contact Sierra Vista Realty for any reasons that they would normally call a landlord.
Q: Who will schedule repairs if need at my property?
A: If any repairs are needed we will immediately send someone to the property in order to inspect the issue. Unless there is an after hours emergency, we will not authorize repairs greater than $200 without your prior approval. If it is an emergency and you are not able to be reached, we will make the best decision in order to mediate the problem.
Q: How does Sierra Vista Realty screen their tenants?
A: It is our goal to obtain the highest qualified tenants. We conduct a background check including credit, criminal, employment and rental history. Sierra Vista Realty abides by the Fair Housing Act and does not discriminate against any applicant or tenant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, handicap or family status.
Q: What type of Lease does Sierra Vista Realty use?
A: Sierra Vista Realty uses the Arizona Association of REALTORS forms. We strive to secure a minimum of one-year lease unless otherwise specified or approved by the Owner. At lease signing we will go over the entire lease with the tenant and answer any questions they might have. We are also the only Sierra Vista property management company that does tenant education using a Tenant Handbook. This is an addendum the lease.
Q: What type of deposit does Sierra Vista Realty require from the tenants?
A: We require one month deposit and first month rent prior to move-in. This payment is accepted only in the form of a cashiers check or money order. Each payment thereafter can be a personal check. Dishonored checks will be charged a fee and from there on, only certified payments will be accepted.
Q: Should I allow pets?
A: Most families do have pets. It is easier to rent a property if you do allow for pets. If it makes you more comfortable, you can set guidelines for the pets (i.e. under 20 lbs or dogs only, etc.). If you do allow pets, it is normal to require a refundable pet deposit of $250. We do ask for pet references from the potential lessee.
Q: Do you do inspections once the tenant moves into the property?
A: We do annual interior inspections and more often when warranted. In addition, we do regular drive-by exterior inspections.
Q: Can I do my own repairs?
A: Most owners prefer that Sierra Vista Realty handle all repairs. Because we work with several vendors on a regular basis, we are able to negotiate the best possible price in most situations. In addition, the quality of the work better assured.
Q: Why do you feel that you could do the best job managing our rental properties?
A: With many years experience in the industry, we are uniquely qualified to attract and qualify tenants, identify “little problems" before they become big problems and handle them in an effective and efficient manner. We believe that a good relationship with the tenant is vital and will benefit you, the owner, in many ways.
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