Posted by camgere on March 29, 2008 at 09:08:35:
In Reply to: Self managing-out-of-state property? posted by RevInv on March 28, 2008 at 10:38:55:
There is a liability issue that if there is a slip and fall due to negligent upkeep a professional property manager could theoretically shield you from liability. Of course they could throw you under the bus my saying they verbally informed you of the problem and were awaiting authorization for repair expenses.
I totally agree that you want property workers, not property managers. Property managers don't actually do any work.
I would think that this would be a pretty good gig for handymen or cleaning people.
Assume that reliability is unknowable up front. You could do the same thing as EBay. Start a computer file or 3 x 5 index card for each worker. Give them small tasks to start. As they have good ratings give them increasing responsibility. Oddly I have noted that many people do a good job once or twice and then start doing whatever they can get away with. The point is to find the honest, hardworking people out there. They do exist. Every single job, update the rating. Offer the usual hourly rate for "interfacing" services. Investigating repair requests. Calling repairmen. Paying repairmen can be a bit tricky. Some want to be paid right away, not bill you. Some will only schedule a repair with the home owner (so they can attach a mechanics lien). You'll note many people call themselves "contractors" not "fixers". It's not like property managers show up in person to pay repairmen. Holding Saturday open houses for vacancies. Some people are talented enough to clean or do maintenance while holding the open house.
Good Luck