FAQ’s about Our Management Services
Property Management Service & Real Estate Sales May Seem Confusing at First
Fortunately, our Certified Team is Here to Lend a Helping Hand!
Are you interested in learning more about our modern property management capabilities? You’re in luck! Simply browse the following FAQ section to gain a greater understanding of our full suite of service options. At Alpha-Omega Properties, we take a client-based approach to the world of real estate, so you will never be left in the dark. In fact, we’ll remain by your side throughout each phase of the sales and management process to ensure your ultimate peace of mind.
Q: Why use a property management company?
A: Everyone who considers renting living space to tenants needs to decide whether they have time for being a landlord and if it is something they truly wish to take on. Thankfully, having a rental property does not mean you have to also be a landlord. One benefit of hiring an outside firm to manage the property is that the tenant-landlord transaction is managed by a third-party intermediary. When the relationship is handled at arms-length, managing it as a business becomes easier. If problems do arise, it is easier to work out differences between the management company and the tenant and it does not need to involve the owner.
Q: I’ve never had any problems with my tenants and I manage my own properties. Why should I pay someone else to do the same work?
A: Often, the property management company is better prepared to provide a high level of service for the tenants because of the resources it can apply to a particular issue. Avoiding problem tenants, retaining quality tenants, understanding and abiding by legal and regulatory requirements as well as keeping the property properly maintained are all key to maximizing the profitability of the owner’s assets. Although owners may be capable of handling their own affairs, it may not be the best use of their time and effort. Property Managers are professionals with the training, experience, and resources to assist owners for a fee that is not only tax deductible, but also very reasonable given the specialization of services provided.
Q: What else can Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. offer to me?
A: Rather than just manage your properties, we will take a proactive, systematic approach and run your properties as a business. Businesses have plans and objectives and together with you, we will determine what those should be and drive our management to reach those goals. In addition, we feel strongly that our owner clients should learn more and become better educated investors. By helping our clients learn about the different possibilities of locating, financing, and owning more rental property, they have unique opportunities to grow their investment portfolio. Having the time to focus on building wealth rather than managing an existing portfolio requires confidence that tenant concerns are being handled expeditiously and that the financial management of the properties can be handled by an outside firm. Using an investor minded property management company is key to this success. We will send monthly financial statements through an encrypted website. You will also receive an end of year statement to use when filing your taxes.
Q: So what are the fees I can expect? What is this going to cost me?
A: Our fee structure is competitive. Reductions in service fees are available for larger numbers of units, however, all clients will receive the same high level of service. The exact fee will be determined once our property manager has had the opportunity to conduct an initial meeting with the property owner and is able to tour the property in question. Remember the opportunity costs of managing a property on your own. The likelihood that a management company will help the owner avoid costly mistakes is high, potentially saving the owner the equivalent of many years’ worth of monthly management fees.
Q: What determines the rent for my property?
A: Ultimately the rental market. We use our marketing skills, analysis, and judgment to optimize rents in accordance with your goals.
Q: How are the security deposits handled?
A: Security deposits are deposited into an Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. Trust Account. They remain in the trust account until the tenant vacates the property. Any security deposit money due the tenant will be refunded within thirty (30) days.
Q: How are tenants selected?
A: We carefully screen each prospective tenant application and verify rental history, employment, and obtain a report that includes credit, evictions and criminal history.
Q: Do I pay for processing the tenants’ applications?
A: No. You pay nothing.
Q: Who pays for maintenance and repairs to my property?
A: The owner pays for maintenance and repairs unless, in rare cases, the tenant has agreed to assume responsibility or the tenant has caused the damage.
Q: Are management fees tax deductible?
A: Generally, yes, as a direct expense item. However, you should confirm this with your tax adviser, as your specific situation may be different.
Q: What is typically involved in preparing a property to be rented?
A: Generally, you should expect to make the property move-in ready for a tenant. Your property will rent quicker and demand a higher rental value if it is in good condition.
Q: What happens when a tenant decides to move out?
A: Before the tenant moves, it’s important to schedule a walkthrough with them to determine what repairs they are responsible for according to the lease. Then, a list of repairs that fall on the owners should be created.
Q: What happens after a tenant moves out?
A: After a tenant moves out, it’s time to get organized and get the property to a move-in-ready condition. Making a checklist of things to do and check is important as well as setting up a schedule or timeline of events.
Q: How do you get your property move-in ready?
A: To get a property move-in ready, you should schedule professional services to make any needed repairs. New supplies will need to be purchased including paint, lightbulbs, and blinds. The yard should be cleaned up and windows should be washed. The air filters for the HVAC system should be replaced and the locks should be re-keyed to protect your tenant’s safety.
Q: What kind of painting services are involved?
A: When getting a property ready for a new tenant, you should repaint it. Fill in any nail holes in the wall and fix any drywall that was damaged before new tenants move in.
Q: Are carpets replaced?
A: This depends on the condition of the carpet. It may state in the lease if the carpet is badly damaged it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay for a new carpet during move-out. However, in most cases, carpets can be professionally cleaned between tenants.
Contact Our Local Real Estate Company to Learn More
If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to contact our real estate company. Whether you’re in need of property management services or interested in leasing your property, we’re here to help. Our property managers can assist you in screening applicants, scheduling property inspections, drawing up a lease agreement, and collecting rent.
While we’re proud to provide top-notch property management services, we also provide innovative residential and commercial real estate solutions. Whether you’re interested in buying or selling your property, our local real estate agents are here to guide you through each step of the process. From posting your listing or browsing residential homes for sale to drawing up the paperwork and finalizing the sale, we handle it all. For years, our real estate company has proudly assisted clients across Bryan, College Station, TX and the surrounding communities.