Hemlane Feedback for Remote investor

[David Spangenthal]

BP Community,

About to close on my first out-of-state investment property (SFH). The property has an existing long-term tenant and is cash-flowing. I've been in a trial with Hemlane, specifically the "Complete" package since I have yet to build up a network of service professionals in the area. Existing tenants claim that they are generally happy with the property and don't have any complaints or repairs that they've requested and they've just renewed their lease 2 months ago.

What I like about Hemlane
- Cost: Even at the most expensive package offering for full repair coordination and access to a network of service pros, its still cheaper than the property management companies I've spoken with. (Separate issue, I've been unable to find one that I'm happy with)
- I know there are other cheaper/free property management applications and services, but the repair coordination and not needing to be on call is a huge plus for me.
- Experience - So far is just awesome. UI is great, customer service has been great

I've seen some postings on here for Hemlane. Generally positive, but few and far between. I'd love to know if anyone has been using them, specifically the "Complete" package and would be willing to share your experience.

Thanks in advance!

[Cassi Justiz]

I've worked with a few out of state investor clients that use Hemlane for their PM software/services. They've been overall happy with it, but you are going to be more involved in the process than you would be with a full service PM on board. That could be a pro or a con depending on your personal feelings about being involved in your property management. 

I would say it's worth a shot, especially if you already have tenants in place and are happy with the services so far. I'd be a little more hesitant to start them out with a big rehab project or make-ready, but for day to day stuff it seems to be pretty smooth.

[Drew Sygit]

Would caution the type of properties one uses Hemlane for.

Class A and B properties are fairly easy. 

Class C and below on the otherhand, take a lot more time and local knowledge.

[Brandon Sturgill]

@David Spangenthal They have an interesting business model for sure...and if it works for you and you are comfortable with it, then go for it. Come back and let us all know how your first year with them went ;) 

[David Spangenthal]

@Brandon Sturgill Will do. There have been a few posts like this over the past couple of years ending with "Please let us know how it goes after a while" but no follow up. I hope to not continue that trend ;)

Thanks @Cassi Justiz and @Drew Sygit for the feedback. I think I'm comfortable with this overall given the long-term tenants with a great history of paying on time. Eventually, the plan is to build a network of local professionals but I dont have that yet.

[Rebecca P.]

I've been using Hemlane for years. I've been with them through a lot of changes but it keeps getting better and better. The only thing I would change is adding to their showing feature an automated lockbox. We are local but turn on the maintenance feature when we go out of town, or just need a break. 

[Sagar S.]

Started using hemlane for a property I acquired recently. Had an agent assigned for showings and getting it rent-ready. So far its pretty good.

[So Da]

@Rebecca P. & @Sagar S. Would either or both of you be willing to share a little more about your experiences?  Who gets billed for maintenance work, tenant or property owner? How can you manage that billing? What is the procedure if you are not happy with the work done or the quote they find for you? Can you find your own maintenance techs to do the work if you don't like any of the quotes Hemlane provides? 

For showings, do you have to do all the coordination on showings outside of initial contact with the agent?  Are there showing or placement fees? Did the leasing agent place the tenant, if so what were the fees? 

Sorry for the question dump but I'm would like to know more before pulling the trigger on Hemlane.

[Sagar S.]

>>Who gets billed for maintenance work, tenant or property owner?

Property Owner

>>How can you manage that billing?

You can add your bank info to hemlane and once you get invoiced hemlane pays from that account. There is even more options on hemlane about them providing some sort of payment card. Not on top of my head, but is listed on hemlane website.

>>Can you find your own maintenance techs to do the work if you don't like any of the quotes Hemlane provides? 

Yes, you can provide your own tech. In fact you can provide your own folks prior to any maintenance issue. You can sort the techs in order of your preference and hemlane will contact them. You don't need to choose any of Hemlane's options.

>>For showings, do you have to do all the coordination on showings outside of initial contact with the agent?

No, hemlane provided agent will do it. You can also bring your own agent if you prefer. But you don't need to showing by yourself. The leasing fee depends on the agent but normally its around 70% of the 1st month rent. This is not set by hemlane but by the agent. Hemlane just helps you find an agent if you don't have one for leasing and showings.

[James Stevens]

Quote from @Sagar S.:

>>Who gets billed for maintenance work, tenant or property owner?

Property Owner

>>How can you manage that billing?

You can add your bank info to hemlane and once you get invoiced hemlane pays from that account. There is even more options on hemlane about them providing some sort of payment card. Not on top of my head, but is listed on hemlane website.

>>Can you find your own maintenance techs to do the work if you don't like any of the quotes Hemlane provides? 

Yes, you can provide your own tech. In fact you can provide your own folks prior to any maintenance issue. You can sort the techs in order of your preference and hemlane will contact them. You don't need to choose any of Hemlane's options.

>>For showings, do you have to do all the coordination on showings outside of initial contact with the agent?

No, hemlane provided agent will do it. You can also bring your own agent if you prefer. But you don't need to showing by yourself. The leasing fee depends on the agent but normally its around 70% of the 1st month rent. This is not set by hemlane but by the agent. Hemlane just helps you find an agent if you don't have one for leasing and showings.

 Hi Late to the game here. How is Hemlane working our for most here after a year? The 2 biggest fees with a PM company is the % of 1st month rent they take and then of course the 10% average monthly of the rental they pocket. So by using hemlane it looks like you still pay the 50 to 100% of 1st month rental fee to leasing agent to show but then don't have to pay the monthly 10% as you do this part through Hemlane. Does that sound about right? Thanks

[Kimberly H.]

Quote from @Rebecca P.:

I've been using Hemlane for years. I've been with them through a lot of changes but it keeps getting better and better. The only thing I would change is adding to their showing feature an automated lockbox. We are local but turn on the maintenance feature when we go out of town, or just need a break. 

 When you turn on the maintenance feature, do they bill for a whole month for that feature? Or prorated to just the days that it is on?

[Shriraj Shah]

@David Spangenthal / @Sagar S. - How has your experience been with Hemlane?  Are you still using it?  Which package of Hemlane are you using? Complete / Essentials?  

[Gash Nookala]

Quote from @Sagar S.:

Started using hemlane for a property I acquired recently. Had an agent assigned for showings and getting it rent-ready. So far its pretty good.

 @Sagar and Others: it has been 3 years. Do you have any recommendation now on Hemlane?

[Gash Nookala]

Quote from @Shriraj Shah:

@David Spangenthal / @Sagar S. - How has your experience been with Hemlane?  Are you still using it?  Which package of Hemlane are you using? Complete / Essentials?  

 Ah just wanted to know the same :)