Since 2020, when Nickel City Property Management began, we’ve worked with many, many owners — and not all of them have been a good fit. Today’s blog is the first in a series about some of the red flags we’ve seen emerge. These aren’t just pet peeves for our team: They are habits that can degrade professional relationships and, ultimately, hurt your bottom line. Consider this series a guide on how to (and how not to) get the full benefits of hiring a property management company.
The first topic I’ll tackle is, by far, the most common issue we run into with owners. Too often, owners want to compare contractor prices — without considering the many benefits of using a property manager’s trusted network of contractors.
Not all contractors are created equal
It’s tempting to chase the lowest bid, but most cost comparisons are like comparing apples to oranges. A contractor might be able to offer a marginally lower price — but that doesn’t account for quality. Poor workmanship or corner-cutting repairs frequently lead to call-backs, frustrated tenants, and more repairs. That can translate into lost rent, higher costs, and damage to your reputation as a landlord.
Google reviews and searches, too, can only tell you so much about the quality of a contractor. Using a contractor who isn’t properly insured and licensed can expose an owner to unnecessary liability.
There’s also reliability to consider: When a unit is vacant or a tenant reports a problem, speed matters. A high-quality and trustworthy contractor responds quickly, keeps jobs on schedule, and communicates clearly, minimizing downtime and keeping tenants satisfied.
We’ve already done the work — and our owners benefit from it
When you hire Nickel City Property Management, you’re not just getting someone to collect rent and handle tenant calls — and you’re certainly not getting someone to request and compare contractor quotes. You’re gaining access to a trusted network of carefully vetted contractors.
Every plumber, electrician, and handyman in our network is fully qualified and covered, and each one knows our processes and expectations. We know that they can get repairs done right the first time — saving owners money in the long run.
Just like you rely on us to manage your property, we rely on contractors we know and trust. The result is a smoother, safer, and more cost-effective experience for owners.
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