5 Common Mistakes Hiring a Property Management Company in Calgary
When it comes to property management, the right partnership can make or break your investment success. Avoiding common pitfalls when selecting a property management company can save you time, money, and stress. Here are the five most common mistakes property owners and investors in Calgary make—and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Experience with Local Markets
One of the biggest mistakes is hiring a property management company without local market expertise. Calgary’s real estate market has unique challenges, such as fluctuating rental demand and legal requirements specific to Alberta.
What to Look For:
A proven track record managing properties in Calgary.
Expertise in handling diverse property types, including single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit buildings. Here are 5 questions to ask prospective multi-unit property management companies.
Why Berton Properties Stands Out:
With years of experience in Calgary, Berton Properties understands the nuances of the local market and ensures your property is always competitive.
2. Overlooking Transparency in Pricing
Hidden fees and billable hours can eat into your profits. Many property management companies claim to offer affordable services, only to tack on unexpected charges.
What to Ask:
Are fees clearly outlined in the agreement?
Does the company charge fixed rates or hourly fees for additional services?
Are they a full-servie property management company? Are some crucial services excluded from their offering? Here are common property management company fee structures.
How Berton Properties Protects You:
Our fixed-rate pricing ensures complete transparency—no hidden fees, no surprises and no billable hours invoiced.
3. Neglecting Tenant Screening Processes
Your property manager's ability to screen tenants directly impacts your rental income and property maintenance. Poor screening can lead to high turnover and costly repairs.
Key Questions to Ask:
What criteria do you use to select tenants?
How do you verify tenant information, such as credit history and references?
Berton Properties’ Edge:
We go above and beyond with our rigorous tenant screening process to secure reliable renters who treat your property with care. Our comprehensive approach includes detailed credit and background checks, as well as thorough verification of employment and landlord references, ensuring you get the best tenants every time.
4. Failing to Assess Communication Practices
Effective communication between you, your tenants, and the management company is essential. Poor communication can lead to unresolved maintenance issues, tenant dissatisfaction, and missed opportunities to enhance your property’s value.
Red Flags to Watch For:
Slow response times to inquiries.
Lack of regular updates about your property’s status.
Our Approach:
At Berton Properties, we excel in clear, proactive communication, keeping you informed and ensuring tenant satisfaction.
5. Choosing Based on Cost Alone
While affordability is important, choosing the cheapest option often leads to subpar service. Property management is an investment in your property’s long-term success.
What to Consider:
Does the company have the resources to handle maintenance and emergencies effectively?
Do they offer comprehensive services tailored to your needs?
Why Berton Properties is the Best Value:
Our services are competitively priced without compromising quality, offering a high return on investment for Calgary homeowners and multi-unit investors.
Conclusion: Partner with Confidence
Avoiding these common mistakes ensures a smoother property management experience and helps you maximize your investment’s potential. At Berton Properties, we pride ourselves on providing transparent, reliable, and expert services that Calgary property owners and investors can trust. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
