Instructions: Pick the answer that best describes your situation. Add up your points at the end.
Scoring:
- A = 1 point
- B = 2 points
- C = 3 points
- D = 4 points
1. How often do you receive detailed financial reports about your property?
A) Monthly, without fail
B) Most months
C) Occasionally
D) I have to ask or dig for them
2. When there’s a repair or maintenance issue, what happens?
A) I get a full explanation and invoice
B) I’m notified, but not always in detail
C) I just see a charge on my statement
D) I have no idea what they’re charging for
3. How transparent is your manager about vendor pricing and repair costs?
A) Completely transparent – I see original vendor receipts
B) Somewhat transparent – I get rough breakdowns
C) I suspect markups
D) No transparency at all
4. Do you feel confident your manager is working in your best interest?
A) Absolutely
B) Usually
C) Not really
D) I feel like just another number
5. Are you being charged for extras like inspections, phone calls, or paperwork?
A) No – all that’s included
B) Sometimes, but it’s reasonable
C) More than I expected
D) Yes – it’s death by a thousand fees
6. How quickly are vacancies filled?
A) Within 2–4 weeks
B) Within 1–2 months
C) It varies a lot
D) My place has sat empty for too long
7. How responsive is your property manager to your emails or calls?
A) Very – I always hear back promptly
B) Usually within a day or two
C) I have to follow up
D) It feels like I’m being ignored
8. Have you ever felt surprised or blindsided by a charge on your statement?
A) Never
B) Once or twice
C) More than I’d like
D) All the time
9. Would you prefer to pick up the phone and speak to someone locally—someone who actually knows your property?
A) I already can
B) I’d like that option
C) That would be better than what I have now
D) Yes! I’m tired of call centers and robots
10. Overall, how valued do you feel as a client?
A) Like family
B) Like a valued customer
C) Like a paycheck
D) Like a number on a spreadsheet
Score Breakdown:
Total Points: out of 40
- 10–19 points: You’re in good hands.
Your property manager seems to be communicative, transparent, and fair. Keep the relationship strong, and review annually. - 20–29 points: Something’s off.
You may be experiencing some signs of overcharging, poor communication, or disengagement. It might be time for a second opinion—preferably from a family-run firm that picks up the phone. - 30–40 points: Moo-ve on. You’re being milked.
You’re likely overpaying and under-cared for. If your manager treats you like an ATM, it’s time to reconsider. A local expert can save you stress, money, and give your investment the attention it deserves.
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