Three family property management in Worcester County (townhouses/condos too!)

Thinking of hiring a management firm for your three family or townhouse/condo? Your first step is to call around and find a management company who will take a smaller building or one unit. Many of them won't.

Next, find out their rates (this might require you to meet with them in person at the property). Be up front with your needs. Are you looking for simple rent collection and lease renewals? Do you want someone else to handle the calls for repairs, complaints? Do you want to get the 2AM phone calls about a burst pipe or are you looking for the management company to cover that? Think about it all and decide what your needs are.

Beyond the rates, you should pay attention to personality and accessibility. Do you get along well with the firm's property managers? It's important to have a good working relationship with the firm. If you don't like them at the start, chances are it won't get better.

Another crucial point is record keeping. An example: a long term tenant suddenly destroys your apartment and abandons it, you'll need her information--social security number, addresses, employers--it will all help find where the ex-tenant has gone and thereby file court papers. Can you find the tenant's rental application from 6 years ago? A good management firm can have you all the paperwork, no matter how long ago it was, within 5 minutes.

Bottom line: work to find a firm that wants to work with you and your property, albeit a small one. You should be given the same respect as a condo association or large apartment building. After all, it's your investment and you have every right to have it managed professionally!