If you own Denver or Aurora residential investment property, then you know how much work it takes to keep up with things.
Leasing paperwork, collecting rent, and dealing with maintenance issues are just a few of the time-consuming tasks, and if you’re like most owners, you may wonder if it might be better to hire someone else to carry some of the load. As an investor, the question that probably comes to mind is “How much do property management companies charge?” There are two different approaches to this, and it’s important to know what you’re getting before signing on with any property management company.
Property management costs vary depending on the market you’re in and how the business is organized. Some companies charge a flat fee each month for management. In several major metropolitan cities, the average seems to be about $80.
Other companies price property management services on a percentage of the rent. On average, companies usually ask for about 10% of the rent collected.
Property Management
covers services such as collecting rent, working with vendors to coordinate maintenance needs, conducting property reviews, and keeping track of financial records. Sometimes there is an additional leasing fee, other times that cost is included in the property management services.
In addition, most property management companies offer additional services. Tenant placement services include thorough checks and investigation to make sure you’re getting a quality, responsible renter and is usually a one-time fee. Some companies charge as little as 50% of the monthly rental amount, all the way up to 2 times the rental amount.
While the fees can be confusing, there are two questions owners must ask. First, is the company you’re considering capable and trustworthy? Second, how does hiring a property manager change the situation?
To find a reliable company, find out if they are a member of NARPM, the National Association of Residential Property Managers. This ensures they are ethical, professional, and at the top of their field, knowing the ins and outs of their local market.
A quality property management company will change the situation for the better. First, they take over much of the responsibility, freeing up your time. Second, as experts in the field, they have knowledge that will save you money in the long run. Maybe they discover your property could go for a higher monthly rent, or they have contacts with local vendors who do better quality work for less. That, in addition to the fact that property management fees are typically tax deductible, means the monthly fees are well worth it in the long run.
In the Denver, Aurora, and Parker Colorado area, Legacy Properties-PM is an experienced property management company that is associated with NARPM. Our management fees are 10% of the monthly rent, as well as a leasing fee of 35% of the first month’s rent. If you wish to take advantage of tenant placement services, they cost 50% of one month’s rent. For more information on our services and fees, please call 720.989.1996 or contact us.
