If I had a buck for every time I heard that line from a vendor whom I hired to make a repair at one of my properties that I manage I would be a very wealthy man. This week alone I got it from the plumber, painter, and sprinkler repairman.
When I hire someone to make a repair I do my utmost to get the best possible deal for my client. That, I consider, is part of my job. But these guys just throw numbers out there thinking that I won't care because the owner or landlord is absentee. What they don't understand is that these people are counting on me to get them the best work done for a reasonable price. If they are to find out that I take any price thrown at me without regard to their savings I'll be out of a job eventually.
Most property managers do just that, however. They even go so far as to not even tell the owner in advance. Then the owner gets a fat bill and has no choice but to pay. This has happened to me when I was not a realtor and those that did it to me did not last long. People know when they are getting the shaft and when you are looking out for them. As a property manager I take great pride in knowing that I am doing the best I can to secure reasonable pricing and sound workmanship. My reputation is at stake here. And that is what is wrong with vendors in the US today, taking advantage of out of town landlords because whoever is managing the property doesn't much care about their money. I am insulted when they say these things and this week I hit the trifecta. Remember this, if you're not out for your client's best interest, you won't last long in this business.
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