Anyone use AppFolio? Competitors?

Question

Looking for software to help streamline my property management business. Anyone have experience with AppFolio or others they'd be willing to share?

Tyler Zindars · Answer

Hi Tyler,

I've been using appfolio for about 6 months now. At first I balked at the $200 per month fee, but once I realized the time savings I went with it. I'm very happy with it. Although, it is more expensive, I do think that it has a lot of features that you will find very useful once you get accustomed to the system. I know some people mentioned that it ideal for those with more than 200 units. I have a smaller but growing management business and for me, I would rather start out with a great system and pay a little more than have to relearn a new system down the road because I out grew the features on the more basic software platforms. You will want to weight the pros and cons of each software and determine for yourself where you are headed with your business and the features that you need. There is a learning curve so keep that in mind when shopping for software.  I find that appfolio is constantly updating their software and listening to their users.  One feature I really liked is the application to e-lease option which basically automates the lease and move-in sheet once you get your tenants application based on the forms they fill out. There is a lot of time saving either way.

Brad Larsen · Answer

A gent nailed it above - Buildium is good for start ups and small numbers.  Once you get to where costs are near equal - go to Appfolio.  If cost is not a big deal - go with Appfolio.  My company switched from Propertyware to Appfolio.....very painful.  We like the Appfolio platform and it's very easy to use.  Essentially, they all suck in some capacity.  You just have to choose the one that sucks the least.

Choose the right software one time and stick with it.

Good luck out there!

Martin Miller · Answer

I've tried QB, Quicken Rental Manager, Buildium, Rentec Direct, Appfolio, RentPost and good old Excel.  In the end I liked a lot of the features of Buildium and AF, but settled on Rentec Direct which was fully capable to handle my portfolio.  I couldn't justify paying 4x more for a couple features that I would barely use.  I've also never had any trouble reaching very helpful support at Rentec.

Brad Larsen · Answer

We could never - EVER - reconcile Propertyware with our bank books.  (Quickbooks).

Example:  We would charge a $1.00 convenience fee for online payments for rent.  Propertyware dumps in $127 dollars into your account for this.  Where does this credit???  There are many other examples like this.

I attempted numerous times to seek their highest level of assistance and it all failed.  I must have gone through 3-4 hours of consulting with them, my CPA, and my book keepers.....but none of the talking made their system work any better.  At one point, I recall them telling me this will never reconcile.

We ended up starting an entirely new set of books with a new bank - and new software - Appfolio.

If it was not such a giant pain to switch, I would be with RentManager.  They have a lot of good stuff.  However, the pain and expense to switch does not make us any more money at the end of the day.  Don't fix it if it ain't broken!

Take care out there!

Jeff Porter · Answer

We switched to Appfolio from QB about a year ago, had to hire a book keeper to enter all the transactions and keep it accurate.  The investment for us is returning Appfolio tools that increase efficiency and is saving more than the $200 cost, even with only 100 units.  Our goal was to have everything integrated, which has been accomplished.  Many great management features, you'll love it.

Christian Hansen · Answer

@Tyler Howell,

I use Propertyware and am happy with it, I was close to going with Appfolio but had another PM tell me she had switched to Appfolio from Propertyware and wish she hadn't. I know Applfolio is really pushing sales and Propertyware isn't, as much. They (PW) are a Realpages co. so have a big co. behind them. I think they are probably both very capable.

I saw Yardi has come out with a new product, which I think is designed to be cheaper and not quite as comprehensive. So maybe not ideal for large Assoc. or Commercial., but maybe good for just residential? They have been around the longest.

Good luck!

Christian Hansen

Dana Dunford · Answer

@Tyler Howell - In the large property management software space, here is the list of companies:

• Appfolio -- hands down the best, in my opinion ... I haven't heard of anyone who doesn't like it ... but it will cost you
• Buildium -- great product, but there are add-on costs
• Propertyware
• Entrada
• Yardi -- more commercial but has a residential platform and was big in past decades

I hope that helps!

Peter Mckernan · Answer

Hey @Tyler Howell

I am currently using Buildium.com; however, once I get enough properties that I manage I will switch to AppFolio because I have seen their product/service and think it is very professional and great! They have a lot more features that would be beneficial for your management business, and really makes a greater professional impression for prospective clients.

Anyone use AppFolio? Competitors?

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