Property management Software questions

[Bill P.]

This blog is not so much of the normal type of blog where I give a narrative on a subject. Instead, it is a request for feedback in regards to property management software (PMS)for rental property. Currently, I am using a couple of products that I cobbled together to make my process easier (or at least it is to me!). I am using one provider to process auto-debits for monthly rent, another provider to do backround checks, my accounting software to do the books and reports and the trusted Excel spreadsheet to keep my overall picture.

So my goal is to have a single PMS in place by 2015 that will allow me to have everything in one application. I have done exhaustive research and found 12 viable candidates and have reviewed all of them. I am not listing them here becuase I don't want to skew your feedback. I have run trial properties through 3 of them and I am currently beginning my trial on 2 more this week.

However, while my usage in a trial is important, it can't replace the experience that I am sure some folks may have on their favorite software package. Therefore, I would appreciate some guidance on what you beleive is a great PMS application. Please give the positives and the shortcomings. Include things you wish it had and things you wish you knew before you committed to the package. Talk about their customer support and anything else you wish to include.

Thank you in advance for your help as I value your experience and opinions on this subject.

[Bill P.]

@Marcia Maynard 

I started my Buildium trial on 10/3 and have worked through it completely. I am impressed with the versatility of the system and am impressed by its capabilities. I think there is a couple of shortcomings (true accounting depth) (beginner's cost) (learning curve) but I really like the system. Buildium has been quick to answer my questions and the answers have all been satisfactory. This is a system people could keep long term in their rental business as long as they understand the parameters they must adhere to. With my background, I am a little hesitant to leave my full blown accounting package and other programs that I use but I may do so starting in 2015 with this one. I'll have to think long and hard about it but if I were a new user without any other process; this is the one I would choose. I have a couple more systems that I want to review, most notably Rent Manager, but I can't imagine anything beating Buildium across the board. Hope this helps.