At Metro, we do things a little differently to other general real estate agencies. You see, unlike most real estate agencies - we are focus solely on perfecting the process of leasing and managing investment properties.
We believe that one of the most important parts of sucessful property management is securing the best possible tenant for your property in the quickest time possible for the highest achievable rent. Metro has a specific team of leasing specialists who focus directly on leasing your property. It's all they do, and they are very good at it!
Our Property Managers are solely responsible for the day-to-day management of your investment property. It's our aim as your property manager, to make your life easy! They are your main point of contact and as well as that of your tenant. Therefore you only need to speak to the one person to receive up to date information on your property. Metro's property manager's are experienced and well trained professionals. They regularly attend many different types of training to ensure their skills are always at their finest.
The accounts department handles all the paperwork and bill paying associated with each investment property. The team is responsible for the disbursement of all rental income, including depositing rent into your account, paying invoices, preparing monthly and annual financial statements. They are also responsible for the payment of any regular accounts you may elect us to pay including building and landlord protection insurance, body corporate fees and council rates.
Some frequently asked questions about managing your property.
Where do you get your tenants from?
We attract our tenants from a variety of sources which means that it is not necessary to have our offices near your investment property:
1. The vast majority of our enquiries come from internet advertising. We offer our Owners FREE internet advertising on major web sites .
2. Our database of prospective tenants from open for inspections, existing tenants currently vacating and general tenant enquiries.
3. Our wide network of conjunctional agents who give us constant referrals.
4. All major relocation agencies who require "up market" accommodation for their corporate clients.
How do you qualify prospective tenants?
We adopt a strict screening process which aims to obtain the best possible tenant for your property. Our detailed application form enables us to establish both current and previous tenancy along with employment history. We also complete a National Tenancy Database check (NTD), a service only available to agents. This can protect you from poorly qualified tenants. Once all this information has been obtained, we will contact you to discuss the application on its merits, and the final choice of the tenant is your decision.
Is a director/owner of the agency involved in the day to day management of the property management department?
Most agencies have a sales department and a rental department. Generally the business owner has a sales background, and not a rental background and they look after the sales department leaving the management of their rental department to a property manager. This is because the sales department has a higher turnover and high income. The rental department has a lower income, is more intensive and difficult to manage.
At Metro, our Director - Leah Calnan is hands on in the day-to-day operation of the business. With 15 years property management experience, who better to be actively involved in the operation of a property management company.
What geographic area does the property management service cover?
As our slogan says " Metro manages properties - here, there & everywhere!" There is no longer a need for a local corner shop or strip shopping centres with the traditional window display as many real estate agents previously did it. We now have specialised property management companies that no longer use that method of marketing. With the internet, electronic banking and email communication - gone are the days where tenants pop into the office to pay their rent. We always welcome personal visits by our owners and tenants as it's great to have a chat in person from time to time.
Does the Leasing Specialist hand out keys or do they attend property inspections with prospective tenants?
Metro Property Management will NEVER hand out the keys to your investment property. A representative from our team will always accompany appointments with prospective tenants. If your current agent hands out the keys and lets prospective tenants inspect the property on their own - then our advice is move to another agency. Too many things can go wrong with this approach and the security of your property is compromised. Inspecting your property with a prospective tenant means that the agent has a better opportunity promote the property as well a chance to get to know the tenant a little better.
Do you provide regular statements?
By furnishing you with a fully itemized monthly statement and a comprehensive statement and pack at the end of each financial year, your property manager can save you time and trouble keeping track of your accounts. A good property management company will have the facility to email your monthly statements to you as well.
How many properties does the Property Manager look after?
Some busy agencies have 250+ properties per property manager. In general this is far too many to give your property individual attention. At some specialised property management companies their property manager looks after between 150-200 properties. While these companies may charge a little more for their property management services, owners will find this extra expense translates to a trouble free investment that often produces a higher return and greater piece of mind.
Does the agency have a dedicated rental department and how many staff will be looking after your property?
Many agencies see property management as a "poor sister" to the more glamorous sales department and some even leave the management of client's assets to the front desk staff and receptionists. This is not the case with Metro. Property Management is all we do - therefore we do it right!! With 10 full time property managers, along with the back up of an administration team of 3 further (ex) property managers - our office will always be staffed by a number of property managers available to assist you.
In total we have over 140 years property management experience - now, that's a lot of experience!
