Need a new property manager for Allentown area

[Nina Morton]

Hello, I have two properties in the area: one triplex in Allentown and one door in Bethlehem. looking for a new property manager starting January 1, 2024. 

[David Ribardo]

Hi Nina! What kind of a property management company are you looking for? 

Overall, there are a variety of options here that can fit just about any investing style. I run the Allentown office of Neo Management Group. I've built around the way I want my own personal rental properties managed. I have personally had good experiences with KPMM and Empire, which are large companies with consistent performance. Whenever one of their management clients sells a property, it's always been an easy addition to our portfolio. There are plenty of others, ranging from huge portfolios with digital systems to one person, yellow notepad based operations.

Some things to think about: 

How involved do you want to be? If you want to be active in managing your properties, a smaller, more flexible company will probably be adaptable to your requests. A bigger company may not be as willing to customize systems based on your preferences.

Do they have in-house maintenance? This can be great, in terms of responsive service and not competing against other sources of business. It can also lead to higher overall costs due to a lack of competition.

How are they structured financially? Most of the companies around Allentown are between 7-10% for management fees, and a one-month rent tenant placement fee. The odds and ends are important here and add up to a huge difference. Do they charge you for evictions? For management of full renovations? If they collect late fees, do they go to the company, to you, or get split? 

I encourage you to interview several property managers. That will let you move ahead confidently, knowing you have the one who is the best fit for you!