Disclaimer:  I own a large company by industry standards.  (1000+ houses from three offices)

Some smaller property management companies will tell you that smaller is better.  I personally believe that each company size has it's advantages and this argument should not be part of the discussion.  Service is the issue, not how many people work there.

That said, most smaller operators would love to have more clients.  That is just human nature.  If the company stays small forever they may be very picky as to who they will work for.  That may be a good thing unless you are one of people they don't want. That small company owner may be so stuck in their ways that they are not growing and changing with the market, which could be a bad thing.  They may not be motivated to grow and improve or they just may not be very good at the business.  

Smaller operators do have challenges.  What happens when the sole proprietor gets sick, goes on vacation, gets sued (and is distracted with depositions and court appearances), gets injured, etc.  A small company with less than 200 units may be a husband and wife team.  Now the effective management of your property may depend on what happened last night.  Larger companies have departments with some cross training so that the busines of the day goes on even if someone inevitably calls in sick.  

Larger companies have their challenges too.  A less experienced manager may be working on your property. But, that person does not work alone and has the benefit of plenty of help.  The property manager may have a larger portfolio.  But, they don't have to to accounting, rent postings, maintenance intake calls, etc.  

The bottom line is getting what you want out of the company.  Do they know how to do the work at hand?  Do they seem motivated to do it?  Do they get it done at a reasonable price?  Are they known in the marketplace (do they show up in the search engines?  Do they communicate with you? Do you like the people you are working with?

HomePointe Property management in Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove and more.

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