As an investment property owner, choosing the right Property Manager is one of the most fundamental decisions you'll make and can make a difference to both your overall return and the long-term benefits of investing in property. 

You need to be able to rely on a team of professional, ethical, knowledgeable people, who can manage your investment property effectively.

You'd find it hard to find a Property Manager who claims NOT to be all of these things. Let's face it, we are all out there 'plugging' the same thing and trying to get more business.  We can't hold this against them; no matter the industry, every business is trying to increase their portfolio.  What we can hold against them is when they claim to be all these things, and then sadly, they are not.  In this case, the Agency will most likely lose your business, however you, as the property owner, can lose alot more.

When making this decision, consider all of the services the Agency will provide including tenancy screening, payment of accounts, re-letting of the property, maintenance etc.  In addition to these however, it is worth exploring the following:

• Research their website and any affiliated websites.  How are they marketing both their Agency and their rental properties?  Are they utilising online marketing mediums, or are they still stuck on the 'window card and vacancy list' system? (It should be noted that these systems are still effective however should be complementary, rather than the sole marketing option).
• How do they show their property to prospective tenants?  If you have the time to spare, consider 'secret shopping'.  Visit their office, phone or email property enquiries, attend rental open homes (if conducted).
• Do they return emails and phone calls promptly?
• How do they present themselves?  Do they exude organisation and professionalism, or do you get the feeling they could benefit from a little time management training?
• How much information do they obtain on your property at the first point of contact? A good Property Manager would ascertain as much information as possible as it not only gives them an opportunity to build rapport with you quickly, it also enables them to provide a more detailed and relevant proposal on your property.  This is also a good indication on how they will screen your prospective tenants.
• How long has the Agency been established and how long has the Property Manager been with the company?  Bear in mind, longevity does not always mean they're the best option for you, however it can be a good indication of future stability.
• Consider an Agent that will give you the hard facts when necessary.  Whilst it's nice to hear all the wonderful things people say about your property, if there's an issue - you need to know! Your investment property should be treated as an investment, and as such you need to ensure you are provided with all the facts, not just the 'rosey bits'.

At the end of the day, the reason you appoint a Property Manager is to manage your property efficiently, with a focus on maximising your income whilst preserving your property's capital value.