Article Written By: Kathryn Dawson
Docklands offers genuinely luxurious waterside living in the heart of London. The area caters to the true cosmopolitan, who faces a highly demanding schedule and busy lifestyle. Accommodations range from modest apartments to the more extravagant, for either private or corporate lettings. You ll find that a number of reputable companies provide services should you be in the market to buy, sell, or rent a property in the Docklands area. Property decisions are often made based on either personal experience or referrals we get from friends, associates, or real estate consultants. Marketing plays a tremendous role to create or enhance images we have of the lifestyle associated with certain properties. Media such as newspapers, magazines, billboards help create desire for high-end brands. The management of real estate in the new millennium is both complex and specialized, as all management companies are not created equal. Just as there are different types of properties, (i.e., apartments, retail) there are different types of management companies that specialize in one or more categories. The management of larger apartment complexes requires onsite managers, maintenance personnel, payroll, etc., along with the ability to quickly fill vacancies with the proper tenants.Property management services can vary and are dependent on the client s objectives and needs. The three basic goals for a management company are: • Increase the net operating income (NOI,) through rent increases and/or operating expense reductions. • Increase the value of the property. • Protect the value of the property with insurance, inspections, and maintenance. Most management firms provide services on a third party basis and the written management agreement delineates the services and responsibilities agreed upon. Basic services provided for Docklands property and in most standardized management agreements include the following: Property management tasks• Regular accounting and reporting• Leasing services• Property maintenance and repair• Vendor, equipment, services, and supplies evaluation• Coordination of tax payments• Provisioning of utilities and insurance• Payment to vendors, suppliers, utilities, mortgages, etc.• Property remodeling• Rent rate setting, rent collection, rent analysis• Tenant relations with 24 hour answering service• Supervision of employees assigned to propertyInvestment management tasks• Property acquisition and disposition• Development and rehabilitation feasibility• Financing or refinancing of the property• Property tax appeals if the value is less than assessment• Income tax accounting• Management Plan for the property that includes an analysis on the region, neighborhood, operations, financial status, etc. and recommendations • Consulting, such as repositioning the property or changing of use and obtaining city approvals• Supervision of large capital improvement projectsWhen looking to assess a management company, you might wish to keep a few of these questions in mind for your evaluation of their capabilities. • What is the reputation of the company in the market place and industry? • Length of time in business overall and within the given geography? • What are the affiliations and designations of the firm and property manager, especially relative to the market they are serving?• What is the longevity of the staff and turnover rate? • What are the specializations of the firm, (i.e., small apartment buildings and strip centers, large shopping centers, mobile home parks)? • Does the firm have all appropriate real estate licensing in place? • How technically savvy is the organization relative to computerization, online listings, reporting, customer databases, etc.• What is the strength of the organization from a marketing perspective? Are they well known and well respected in the community?The best way to begin the selection process is to call prospective property management companies and ask if they are interested in managing your property. Most management companies will provide a free written proposal containing a sample management agreement that will describe the services to be provided, spending limits, reports and fees, etc.
This Article Has Been Published on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 and Read 117 Times