Frequently Asked Owner Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our property owners. The information contained here is brief. At any time, when you require additional explanation, you may contact our Client Services department. (Please visit Our Resources page to learn more about CrestCore and how we can help you.)
Questions About Partnering with CrestCore Realty
How are my properties set up in the CrestCore management system?
You begin by signing our Management Agreement which contains a list of your property addresses. We will create an owner portal for you on the CrestCore website where you will receive all communication and documentation. A user guide will be uploaded immediately so you can begin to use the portal right away (click here to view the Owner Portal login screen).
How do I use the Owner’s Portal?
You can use the Owner’s Portal to view your statements, look at completed work orders, and get weekly updates during the tenant screening process. Watch the video to learn more about how to use it.
Once my property is in the system what can I expect?
For more information about vacant property policies and procedures, please see the “Maintenance” Section.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
Questions About Leasing
How is the rent rate set?
Target rent is set using current market analysis and internal statistics. We have developed a proprietary tool that utilizes our 2,000+ property database to accurately assess market conditions. All target rents must be approved by the property owner.
How do you get a tenant for my property?
We maintain a large staff of full-time Leasing Agents along with a dedicated Leasing department to market our managed properties. In addition, we advertise the property on the CrestCore website (click here to view the “For Rent” section of our website), as well as many others like the local MLS, Zillow, Trulia, Hot Pads, Craigslist, etc.. A CrestCore “For Rent” sign will also be placed in the front yard.
When a prospective tenant completes an application to lease the property, we put them through an extensive qualification process including credit check, rental history check, criminal background check, income, and identification verification. The time it takes to get the property leased will vary. You will receive weekly updates in your owner portal.
How long does the tenant stay in the property?
What happens if the tenant does not pay the rent?
If the rent goes unpaid after the 17th day of the month in which it is due, our Payments & Collections department will send you notice of pending legal action (FED). We only use professional eviction attorneys to handle all evictions. You will have the option to stop the proceedings if you wish by the 20th of the month. The eviction process usually takes 30-45 days plus some additional time to remove the tenant from the property. There may be additional charges related to your case as well as securing the vacant property.
For more information about vacant property policies and procedures, please see the “Maintenance” Section.
How often do properties go vacant?
According to current statistics vacancy rate is less than 5%. Once a vacant property is refurbished, properties are usually re-leased within 30 to 45 days. We will do a weekly check of all vacant properties at no charge.
What happens to the security deposit when a tenant moves out?
When a tenant moves out, the security deposit is returned to them unless any of the following conditions exist:
- They are past due on the rent.
- They have unpaid fees.
- They have not given proper notice as required.
- They have left the property in unsatisfactory condition.
- Security deposits that are not returned to the tenant will be paid to the property owner.
Will I have to deal with complaints from tenants?
Questions about Maintenance
What happens when work needs to be done on my property?
Do I need to schedule lawn care if my property becomes vacant?
What about air filters and yearly inspections?
- HVAC system inspection and filter change.
- Roof inspection.
- Yard inspection.
- Exterior walls inspection.
- Interior inspection including cleanliness, electrical outlets, sink faucets, toilets, lights and fans, and signs of water damage to cabinets or ceilings.
- Change smoke detector batteries.
Questions about Financial Reporting
When do I receive my Owner Statements?
You will receive an email notice when your statement is available to view on your owner portal on the last business day of the month.
When do I receive my money?
- For Month #1, there will be leasing expenses of 75% of the rents received and your monthly management fee. Your payment will be reduced by these amounts.
- For Month #2, if the Tenant’s move in date was after the first of the month, they will pay a prorated rent and this will affect the total payment you receive.
You will be charged an ongoing monthly management fee based on your Management Agreement.
What happens if my Statement shows a negative balance?
Do you offer inspections?
Yes.
Bi-Annual Property Preventative
Maintenance Inspections
It has been our experience that in our years of property management many maintenance & HVAC service calls were the product of poor maintenance on the tenant’s part. In an effort to reduce the number of unscheduled service calls and reduce maintenance costs for our property owners, we have established a bi-annual HVAC preventative maintenance program. This program consists of two (2) visits per year- once in the spring and once in the fall.
In the Spring: The cooling system is inspected thoroughly, air filter(s) changed, & the outside condensing coil(s) cleaned. Then the system’s operating pressures are checked and any potential problems identified. At this time, any needed repair can be scheduled and performed before the hot summer rush.
In the Fall: The heating system is thoroughly checked. The air filter(s) changed again and the furnace(s) is professionally serviced. Allowing again for any potential problems to be identified and scheduled for repair.
Please see full breakdown of items checked during these inspections:
Spring Service (Air Conditioning):
- Clean and inspect condensing coil
- Clear condensate drain
- Change air filter
- Check AC operating pressures
- Test condenser starting capabilities
- Inspect and test blower assembly
- Check and test safety controls
- Lubricate moving parts where required
- Calibrate thermostat where applicable
- Check supply and return air flow
- Check expansion valve operation (if applicable)
- Evaluate overall air conditioning performance
Fall Service (Heating):
- Inspect heater exchanger and burners
- Vacuum debris from service box
- Inspect and clean pilot assembly and/or flame sensor where applicable
- Inspect and test blower assembly
- Inspect and test safety controls
- Change air filter
- Check amp draw on blower motor
- Inspect and test draft inducer assembly (when applicable)
- Inspect furnace exhaust vent piping
- Inspect supply and return air duct system
- Check supply and return air flow
- Inspect and clean exterior furnace enclosure
- Evaluate overall heating performance
Contact Us at CrestCore Realty
We know there may be questions that still have not been answered. If that’s the case, send us a detailed inquiry through your tenant portal and we will respond as soon as we can.