Property Management Services

Below is a listing and description of the property management services we offer.

Attracting Qualified Tenants

We use a broad range of advertising media, including signs, flyers, broker referrals, and tenant referrals. In addition, tenants are attracted through the Multiple Listing Service, and the Internet. Approximately half of our properties are rented through a time-developed network of agent referrals.

Tenant Screening

One of the most valuable services performed is the checking of a tenants' background. Credit, employment, criminal, financial status, current and past landlords, and employers are all verified. We use a third party company that specializes in this area because we want reliable and qualified tenants just as much as you do. We pride ourselves on the quality of tenants we are able to secure.

Property Inspections

To protect the owner's investment, we afford the maximum protection to your property. Frequent drive-bys are made to observe that property exteriors are well maintained on the outside, and periodic internal inspections, as authorized by the tenants lease agreement, are made by our property management representatives. When inconsistencies are noted, tenants are notified to take necessary corrective action. Written reports are made for each property, plus each tenant completes a move-in report to insure a proper record of the property's condition.

Scheduling Maintenance & Repairs

To keep owner maintenance costs to a minimum we use licensed, qualified, reasonably priced personnel who get the job done properly. We deal with this daily so we know what repairs should cost and how long they will take to complete. Property maintenance is carefully monitored. This allows us to insure first class service, at competitive rates. Making sure it's done right the first time.

Setting Rental Rates

Rent rates are negotiated to the highest possible level depending on market conditions, quality of the tenant, length of the lease, type of property, and the time of year. Setting proper rental rates and maintaining a strong marketing effort has allowed us to exceed a 98% occupancy rate.

Providing Legal Documents & Advice

Leases and other documents used adhere to the Texas Landlord-Tenant Act and clearly explain landlord rights and tenant responsibilities. Although complete background checks are made, occasionally tenant problems arise. Tucker Co. retains its own attorney who provides legal advice and services at a reasonable fee.

Collection of Rents & Deposits

Rents are sent to the property owner monthly unless an expense prevents mailing all funds. Tenants who have not paid their rent by the 5th of the month are sent a late notice. Although evictions are rare, Tucker Co. will normally arrange the removal of a tenant from the property within 30 days should the rent not be paid in a timely manner.

Accounting Services

Property owner checks and computer generated statements are distributed on the 10th of each month. An annual end-of-year accounting is provided to each property owner for tax reporting. Property owners should check with their accountant to verify the tax advantages when owning rental property. Copies of all work orders and receipts are provided with your statements and additional copies are held in our files. We can deposit your check directly to your bank account if desired.

Providing Reasonable Fees

Tucker Co. offers full management services for 6% to 12% of monies collected from tenants payable monthly. Since our job is keeping your property occupied, there will be no management fee if your property is vacant. Most management companies fall in this same fee range depending on the type of property managed, market conditions, and area. However, the difference in property management firms is often the quality of services. At Tucker Co. our goal is to provide outstanding service so that any fees paid by the property owner are normally saved by avoiding longer vacancy times, excessive repair costs, and tenants who have not been checked out completely. Contrary to some management companies, no start up fee, REALTOR referral fee, releasing commission, flat fee when the property is vacant, or a fee to arrange maintenance exists. If the property owner decides to sell their property no commission is charged if the property owner uses another REALTOR.

Conducting a Free Rental Analysis

A Rental Analysis helps determine what the property will rent for on a long or short-term basis. The analysis normally consists of visiting the property and evaluating the property and its neighborhood. Recommendations are provided regarding repairs, appearance, marketing ideas and a rent range. A free Rental Analysis can be arranged by contacting Richard Prater by emailing richard.prater@era.com, or by calling our office at (210) 658-6211. Property owners are under no obligation to begin management services after a Rental Analysis is provided.

Starting Property Management Services

A Rental Analysis is not always necessary to begin management, however, it can often answer many questions. Normally everything that is needed to begin managing an owner's property can be accomplished in an hour at the property site. After a rental analysis and/or discussion is completed, management can begin immediately once a management or listing agreement is signed. If the owner lives out of town or cannot meet at the property, we will arrange to take care of all paperwork through the mail, fax, or by email.