Investing in WIlkes Barre, PA

[Johnery Laurimore]

Is anyone investing in Wilkes Barre, PA?  Does anyone have a recommendation for a good property manager in Wilkes Barre, PA?

[Michael Smythe]

@Johnery Laurimore

Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.

Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder, etc.

Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.

Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.

In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.

It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.

EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean? What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.? You’d be shocked by how little actual screening many PMC’s do!

This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings. Why do you think purchase contracts are so long and have such small print?

We recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

P.S. If you just hire the cheapest or first PMC you speak with and it turns into a bad experience, please don’t assume ALL PMC’s are bad and start trashing PMC’s in general. Take ownership of your mistake and learn to do the proper due diligence recommended above😊

[Johnery Laurimore]

Thanks Michael!!  This is very good advice and especially coming from a property manager. I will definitely be putting this into practice.

[Ryan Potuck]

Hey @Johnery Laurimore! I heard the below manager does a good job however I haven't used them before, so take that with a grain of salt.
https://parasoleproperties.com/

If you'd like to connect over investing in this area let me know!

[Johnery Laurimore]

Thanks Ryan.  Thanks for providing the reference.  Are you currently invested in Wilkes Barre?  I would love to connect with you about investing in the area.

[Jason Giomboni]

Yes, there are several investors taking interest in Wilkes-Barre, PA, due to its vibrant community and affordable property options. If you're looking for a reliable property manager in the area, I recommend reaching out to Jason Giomboni Team, who have a strong reputation for excellent service. Additionally, Wilkes-Barre Property Management is well-reviewed and known for their professionalism and expertise in the local market.