Orlando Investment Property Areas – Kissimmee

November 1st, 2009

Kissimmee started off as Allendale in the middle of the 19th century, which was renamed as Kissimmee when the city got incorporated in 1883. As of 2006, the area has a population of around 60,000 which makes it quite a bustling and booming residential area. Till the mid 20th century, Kissimmee was well known for its citrus packing and ranching activities. It was after the establishment of Disney World, Universal Studio and the Kennedy Space Center nearby, that it saw explosive growth and heightened construction activity coupled with frenetic buyer interest specifically for Orlando investment property. The locality is very well connected with an Amtrak station, airport and also Greyhound bus station, which implies convenient accessibility to other parts of Florida and indeed the whole of the US. Apart from tourism, business and industry have contributed to the rapid growth of Kissimmee. Kissimmee also boasts the Kissimmee National Park which is frequented by bald eagles, sandhill cranes and bobcats.  You can choose from a range of homes, resort properties and condos to suit your exact taste and budget in this area for Orlando invest property.

Orlando Property Management Companies – Real Property Management & Realty, Inc.

October 22nd, 2009

During the housing crisis, foreign and out of town investors are looking outside of their local areas for investments.  (Which by definition would make them foreign or out of town investors.)  One such interest is in Orlando investment property.  Dealing with issues or problems that arise from a few states away, or even a country away can be worrisome, so looking for a local property management company that suits your needs, and more importantly your costs, is beneficial for any potential investor.  The following information is for a company dealing primarily in long term unfurnished residential properties in Orange and Seminole counties only.

Real Property Management & Realty, Inc. 

The first question on any investor’s mind screening management companies for their Orlando Investment Property, is, “How much is this going to cost?”  The primary concern, and the one that will most likely add up to the largest cost, is the monthly fee.  Real Property Management & Realty charges 10% of the monthly rent.  This company also claims to be the only company with a Tenant Eviction Guarantee.  To understand what this is I asked Ron York, founder of the company, to explain.  He said if his company recommends a tenant who has passed the background check they have performed, and if the owner for some reason has to evict that tenant down the road, Real Property Management & Realty will pay all of the court costs, lawyers fees, and any other fees associated with the eviction process.  (This is a crucial point to make, as most management companies will give a recommendation on prospective tenants, but this is the first time I’ve come across a company willing to stand behind that recommendation.  One of the most important qualities in an investor and management company relationship is trust, and I think the addition of this guarantee is a concrete step towards establishing just that.)  Part of the guarantee requires the company find a tenant, and the leasing fee is equal to half of the first month’s rent (this cost is lower than other companies which might be because it’s a requirement in order to have the company maintain your property).

Accidents happen, but keeping your investment in good shape requires timely inspections and repairs.  To act quickly on urgent repairs a reserve of $250 is required.  A security deposit, in an amount agreed upon between the Orlando investment property owner and Real Property Management & Realty, is held in trust by the company.  Also to ensure the highest quality tenant is put into your property, each prospect pays $50 for a background check consisting of national credit, criminal, and eviction checks as well as credited previous landlord checks (meaning the landlord was an apartment community or property maintained by a property management company).

In case of emergencies a 24 hour service is avaiable, which is important to both the investor and the tenant.

For more information on Real Property Management &Realty, Inc. please contact Keith Race at keith@rpmrealty.net or use the following information.

Real Property Management & Realty, Inc.
1910 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 897-3366
Toll-Free: 800-416-8973
Fax: (407) 897-3355

Orlando Property Management Companies – Orlando Realty and Property Management

October 22nd, 2009

Owning Orlando investment property is a nice idea because of the location.  Being a hot spot for tourist travel there is a large population of employees in the service industry looking for housing.  Should you be an out of town investor, one thing to consider is looking into a management company for your investments.

Orlando Realty and Property Management

Dealing primarily in residential long term property management, this company is located in Orlando, Florida.  Here is the basic information on charges and fees that will help you determine if this company is a good match to manage your Orlando investment property.

The first question is the monthly fee, which is 7% to 10% of the monthly rent.  The variance, I assume is due to the number of properties they manage for you, with perhaps location and monthly rent charged factoring in as well.  The reserve is $350, which is held to cover any minor emergencies that sometimes occur with even the best of tenants.  Out of town investors should also take notice of the fact that this company can find and screen potential tenants.  The leasing fee for finding a tenant is equal to one month’s rent.  The tenant is also required to put down a security deposit of another month’s rent, which is held in escrow by Orlando Realty and Property Management.

Once a potential tenant is found, a variety of background checks are performed as insurance to maintain the standard of your Orlando investment property.  These checks include Criminal (including Sex Offender), Credit and Eviction Checks as well as  Employment and Landlord Verification.  In case of an emergency, there are numbers, faxes and emails answered 7 days a week.  (Note: It was not stated whether a 24 hour answering service was provided, but I assume messages are checked after business hours for dire emergencies.  A good question to ask however, both for you and your tenant, should you contact this company.)

Should you be interested in contacting this Orlando Realty and Property Management both to find or manage your Orlando investment property, ask for Jay Meyers, with the company info listed below.

Orlando Realty & Property Management
Keller Williams Realty at the Parks
444 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL   32803
Office:  407-641-5049
Fax: 407-842-7206