Property Management in King County, WA

July 31, 2017 2:21 PM

I own a rental property in King County, WA which is managed by a professional property manager. I would like to find another company to manage this property. How do I find a decent company? Also, what do most property management companies offer in terms of communication and turnaround for repairs?

I found the company I use randomly and just kept with them because they're okay when I don't have repairs or anything going on at the property but whenever there are repairs, a tenant moves out, etc. I have to ask for updates or I won't hear anything for weeks or months. I seem to always message my property manage right before they were about to message me with an update or they were just about to take some action I needed them to take. I've been made to feel that I'm being too pushy, wanting to know when work will be done, what I'll need to pay, and when I need to pay it.

So, if you have an investment property, what sort of communication do you get on the topic of repairs, cost, and timelines?
If you have an investment property in (South) King County, WA (or know the industry here rather well), do you have a property management company you'd recommend?

posted by toomanycurls to Work & Money (4 answers total)

I have a property manager who charges 5%, and I don't hear from her for weeks or months sometimes... but when there's a problem, she immediately lets me know by text, sends me pics of the problem (if applicable), has her (very reasonably-priced) workpeople assess the cost and gives me a couple of choices for dealing with it, a cheap fix and a more long-term fix (again, if applicable). Then she sends everything (bills, invoices) in the mail. I've never, ever had to ask for an update on anything. I'd definitely expect more than your company is giving you.
posted by Huck500 at 3:35 PM on July 31, 2017

My property manager charges 10%, and I'm quite happy with her. She's part of a group that's affiliated with Windermere Real Estate. I basically found her via Yelp. She communicates by text and email, and is very responsive. She's authorized to make repairs etc. up to $300, but anything more than that she has to have me approve. She does still tell me about the under-$300 stuff, too, though. She's very friendly and easy to work with.

Sounds like you need to do some shopping around. PM me if you want the name of my property manager (also in King County).
posted by TochterAusElysium at 3:41 PM on July 31, 2017

I used Windermere to manage my property on the east side. They were great, at both finding tenants and keeping the place up, sending me monthly statements, etc. I'd highly recommend. Here's the specific people I used.
posted by jeffamaphone at 4:17 PM on July 31, 2017

You can look for a company that is credentialed, or that has property managers who are credentialed, from an industry association like IREM or NAA.

Full disclosure: I work for IREM. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
posted by misskaz at 4:19 PM on July 31, 2017