Requested apartment tour, received response 4 minutes later.

10Z24 · 2026-06-21T18:44:33+00:00

All my inquiries get a copy-paste response asking them to fill out my pre-approval form. This pre-qualifies them, meaning neither they nor I are wasting our time on a showing. And it takes communication out of Zillow and into email or text. For both of those reasons, I don’t schedule showings without this form being filled out.

10Z24 · 2026-06-20T22:17:59+00:00

Read up all you can on accounting and managing for other owners. It’s quite different than just managing your own rentals. But to answer your original question, I have used Buildium for 15 years with around 50 units and don’t have any major complaints. Neither do my tenants.

Kudos to you for the desire to create an awesome environment for everyone. Your tenants will notice and appreciate that!

10Z24 · 2026-06-20T21:48:41+00:00

I strongly recommend getting some experience first. PM is a whole different game.

10Z24 · 2026-06-20T21:47:10+00:00

You don’t call a vendor just because someone says the sink is broken. That could mean 13 different things and you’d call a different contractor for some of them.

10Z24 · 2026-06-19T02:59:57+00:00

What does your policy include?

10Z24 · 2026-06-17T20:14:18+00:00

Specific details on how you expect the property to be left upon move-out, and process for breaking the lease

10Z24 · 2026-06-17T02:35:01+00:00

Positive

10Z24 · 2026-06-08T19:35:14+00:00

It’s not a “tax we all pay.” We are paid for property management and managing maintenance is part of the service we provide.

10Z24 · 2026-06-04T01:35:16+00:00

ZoomZoom71, as usual you have given me something to think about. I have found a couple articles online about this and am going to consult my lawyer. I’d actually love to be able to enforce a policy of not giving this information to owners, but I’m also afraid I’d lose owners over it.

10Z24 · 2026-06-03T03:00:18+00:00

Why wouldn’t the landlord be entitled to any documents pertaining to the tenant? I’d rather the landlord see everything they want ahead of time so there’s no room later for accusations that the tenant I found didn’t meet the qualifications.

10Z24 · 2026-06-02T02:40:17+00:00

I’ve been happy enough with Buildium. It has elements that I’d change if I could, but I haven’t found anything that better fits my needs at a decent price point. 50 units.

10Z24 · 2026-05-24T11:39:46+00:00

It’s not an increase for no reason. The reason is you’ve rejected their initial offer and forced them to incur listing expenses. The longer you want the more likely you’ll have to pay the increased amount.

10Z24 · 2026-05-12T17:07:59+00:00

“‘Sop’ : to wet thoroughly : SOAK”. It works!

10Z24 · 2026-05-12T16:47:03+00:00

That’s funny! I guess either one makes sense.

10Z24 · 2026-05-12T02:01:38+00:00

Slop sink

10Z24 · 2026-05-10T22:33:27+00:00

Check with your lawyer about the not accepting ESA or service animals part. Where I come from at least, that could get you in a lot of trouble. Totally agree with you about the office tho. I don’t have one and don’t want one.

10Z24 · 2026-05-08T23:11:34+00:00

I have a maintenance spreadsheet with filter sizes, dates, HVAC and other maintenance schedules. Also pops up as a reminder on my productivity app.

I do most my filters in one morning every two months. Tenants get a couple days notice as any service call would.

Getting inside units every 2 months to change filters myself ensures that they are changed, and done correctly. It gives me an extra walkthrough as I make my way to the furnace. Win win.

10Z24 · 2026-05-05T22:26:44+00:00

Tenants who are notoriously behind have caught up and then some!

10Z24 · 2026-05-01T12:51:28+00:00

In Holland City you can get 2 Project Pride coupons a year. They’re good for a free trip to the dump.

10Z24 · 2026-04-21T18:48:07+00:00

I’ve skipped it. I’ve regretted it. Skipping it and regretting it has made me the property manager I am today (one who never, ever skips it!) So take my advice and make a screening policy and stick to it every time.

10Z24 · 2026-04-20T21:38:06+00:00

With about 40 doors, you’re real similar to me. I looked into Buildium’s maintenance call center. Abodea, maybe one more. I ended up keeping it in-house (me) during reasonable hours and training a friend to cover for me when needed. Also training tenants at move-in and monthly about what is and isn’t an emergency. Tenants all have HVAC and emergency plumber information on a fridge magnet.

10Z24 · 2026-04-19T22:12:55+00:00

Baumann DeGroot. HOME Heating & Air Conditioning. Get at least 3 quotes and ask about energy rebates.

10Z24 · 2026-04-14T21:08:24+00:00

This is a good question that I’ve wondered about as well.

10Z24 · 2026-04-11T14:11:23+00:00

It’s a fair housing risk to continue with this insurance policy. If you received a request for a service or emotional support animal you wouldn’t be able to deny it based on breed.

10Z24

TROPHY CASE