How to Choose the Right Property Management Agency
- Powell Property Office
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Choosing the right property management company to look after your investment property is a crucial decision, especially in Cork, where there are so many agencies to choose from. If your agency is not on the ball, it can quickly result in loss of income for you – whether that’s through unpaid rent, costly repairs, or overall depreciation of your asset.
To make sure your property is fully protected, here are some things you should consider:
What is Included in Their Service?
Standard property management services typically cover lease drafting, rent collection, and tenant screening. However, what additional services does the agency you are considering provide? Some agencies may charge extra for property inspections, maintenance calls, re-letting after tenants leave, emergency call-outs, rent reviews, and other vital property management tasks. It is crucial to understand what is covered by your fees and what an agency considers 'extra' to avoid unexpected charges. At Powell Property, our flat-fee includes every aspect of daily property management: lease drafting; rent collection and follow-up; tenant amendments; rent reviews; periodic property inspections; a 24/7 emergency line; maintenance calls and contractor management; RTB registration; tenant management and mediation; regulatory compliance; tenant screening and property re-letting; rental advertising; financial reporting; and RTB dispute management. You can rest assured that we manage every aspect of your property, ensuring your investment is well protected. Moreover, we can act as more than just your lettings agent – we are also asset management specialists. This means we can assist with questions about your property portfolio, acquiring property, or optimizing your existing property. Click here for more information about our asset management services.
Licensure and Additional Professional Organisation Membership
It's undeniable that property management is complex, with constantly evolving laws and RTB regulations. Therefore, it's essential to ensure the agency managing your investment is properly trained and licensed.
Although the owner or managing director of an agency might possess a full agent's license, it doesn't necessarily mean all their agents do. Some may have junior agents who are still completing their agent's course and are not yet fully licensed or experienced.
Conversely, some agencies exceed standard licensure by joining organizations like the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), the European Association of Real Estate Professions (CEPI), or the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). These organizations not only uphold the highest professional and ethical standards for their members but also ensure they receive additional education and training to remain at the forefront of their field.
All agents at Powell Property are fully licensed through the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) and are highly experienced in the Cork property market. You can be assured they are well-prepared to manage your property.
Furthermore, we are members of IPAV and CEPI, guaranteeing our agents receive the latest training and uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.
Company Structure
Cork boasts a wide range of property management agencies, from small, single-agent local firms to large, national companies. It's crucial to evaluate these agencies carefully when deciding which one to choose, as each has its advantages and disadvantages. Small agencies offer extensive knowledge and expertise in the local property market due to their familiarity with the area. However, their limited staff can be a downside—if the person managing your property is unavailable, there might not be anyone else who knows your property well enough to help, especially in a one-person operation.
Conversely, large national agencies generally don't face this issue, but they have their own drawbacks. Initially, you might interact with a senior agent, but once you join, your property might be assigned to a junior agent, or you may even be shuffled around. Additionally, building a personal connection with larger agencies can be challenging, which is crucial for ensuring your property is well-managed.
At Powell Property, we strike the perfect balance. As a family-owned business in Cork, we offer local knowledge and market experience, while our growth over the years ensures your property is well cared for. We have several departments with specialized experts managing every aspect of your property's needs, including accounts, maintenance, and administration. So, if a staff member is unavailable, we have contingency plans in place. Click here to learn more about our departments on our 'About Us' page.
Referrals, Reviews, and Testimonials
Like with any business, you can learn a lot about a property management agent by reading reviews from their current or past clients. Hearing from other property owners and landlords who have worked with the estate agents you are considering will give you an idea of their level of service, communication, and effectiveness. When it comes to investment properties, mistakes can be costly, so finding a reliable agent is crucial.
The good news is, you don’t have to look any further for a trusted property services agency than Powell Property. We have been in business for 20 years, and during that time have expanded primarily through the strength of our referrals and word-of-mouth from clients. If you would like to read some of our testimonials, please click here.
There are many more considerations you should take when deciding which property services agency is the right choice for you. We hope this made the process a little easier for you, though. If you have any questions, or if you would like a free consultation, give us a call at 021 427 9729 or email at info@powellproperty.ie and mention this article. Or click the button to submit an enquiry through our site!
