Owner Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your common questions

• How will 1st Choice market my home?

  • By utilizing the local Realtor Multiple Listing Service and extensive internet advertising.
  • Advertising typically begins about 30 days before the home is vacant.
  • We use current rent comparable to help produce higher rents and less vacancies.
  • Yard signs are placed on all properties, where allowed.
  • Complete Virtual Tours of the Property

• How will 1st Choice Manage my home?

  • We begin with a rigorous tenant screening process to assist in placing better tenants.
  • We utilize the Texas Association of Realtors comprehensive forms to insure protection of your interest and to also comply with applicable state laws.
  • We document the condition of the property upon move in/move out and annually.
  • Rents are due on the first and late after the third.
  • We personally call all tenants still owing monies on the fourth.
  • If we are unable to contact the tenants on the fourth, we sent a ‘Notice to Vacate’ or on the date that they have promised to pay on.
  • We file eviction, on or about, the 10th if the rent is still not paid.
  • We attend all court proceedings on your behalf.
  • We enforce all provisions of the lease.
  • We handle your Homeowners Association correspondence and/or violations.
  • We perform an ‘Occupied Viewing’ of your property about 75 days prior to the anniversary date of the tenant’s lease, and provide you a written report of that viewing.

• How does 1st Choice handle Maintenance and Repair issues?

  • You don’t get those 2 A.M. phone calls, We Do!
  • Tenants can request repairs through our website, the internet, or fax; and in the event of an emergency, via phone.
  • We have an in-house maintenance department that will save time and money.
  • We use highly qualified, reliable, insured, and licensed (if required) vendors. We also submit all of their employees to a Police Agency check, as we want to ensure that no rapist, pedophile, drug dealer, or other such unsavory character enters your property and may have contact with your tenants. We provide this service at no additional cost to you.

• How does 1st Choice keep us informed about our property and accounting?

  • We utilize a professional and solid accounting system called AppFolio.
  • Your monthly statement is sent to you via e-mail in an easy to read and understandable format.
  • Copies of repair bills can be sent to you by request on an case by case basis.  The same applies to copies of your lease and lease renewals.
  • We provide a year-end summary statement and a 1099, making your tax preparation easier.
  • Your funds are sent electronically to your bank account via ACH. This is done on the 10th day of the month or the first business day thereafter. This alleviates the possibility of lost or delayed checks via USPS. According to ACH rules, your funds are available to you by 9AM the next business day.

• How does 1st Choice collect from past tenants?

  We use an outside collection agency. They place the collection on all three Credit Bureaus and continually attempt to make the collection in accordance with applicable Federal Law.

• What are 1st Choice’s fees?

  • Leasing fee 75%
  • Monthly management fee 8%
  • $75 occupied viewing report annually
  • $75 Lease renewal process

• Does 1st Choice maintain Membership in any Professional Associations, do your personnel have Professional Designations, and what experience do you have? 

• What are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Property Manager?

  Note: The following is taken from the National Association of Residential Property Managers pamphlet ‘Why You Need a Professional Property Manager’.

  • Saves you time, work, and stress.
  • You don’t have to advertise, take rental calls, and show the property.
  • You don’t have to screen application and be apprehensive about who to pick.
  • You don’t have to execute a rental agreement, worry about adding addendum, fill out the move-in inspection report, and deposit money.
  • You don’t have tenants calling at all hours of the day and night.
  • You don’t have to confront tenants on tough issues like collecting rent or taking better care of the property.
  • You don’t have to collect NSF checks.
  • You don’t have to serve legal notices or start an eviction.
  • You don’t have to schedule and fill out the move-out inspection report.
  • You don’t have to mail the tenant’s accounting report and refund check upon move-out.
  • You don’t have to start the process all over again.
  • You don’t have to worry about the property or be shocked by its condition when you hire a Professional Property Manager.
  • Professional Property Managers are dedicated to selecting quality tenants and keeping your investment in good repair with minimal cost.
  • Professional Property Managers want your real estate investment to be a success, not a failure.
  • Your leasing and management fees are usually tax deductible.

• What distinguishes a Professional Property Manager from other Landlords?

  Note: The following is taken from the National Association of Residential Property Managers pamphlet ‘Why You Need a Professional Property Manager’.

  • Do you know all the landlord/tenant laws for your city, state, and federal government?
  • Do you know rent values, vacancy factors, and time on the market in your area?
  • Do you have a rental application and consistent screening policies that meet all of your legal obligations?
  • Do you take the time to perform thorough move-in/move-out written inspections and routine property inspections?
  • Do you personally know reputable painters, electricians, roofers, chimney cleaners, carpenters, HVAC, and appliance repairmen who are licensed, insured, affordable, and reliable?
  • Do you effectively confront and negotiate with the tenant and enforce the terms of your rental agreement?
  • Do you have the ability to recover NSF checks, evict tenants, and collect bad debts?