Quiz: Is Your Property Manager Treating You Like a Cash Cow?

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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Anne-Marie McCormack
Anne-Marie McCormack

Anne-Marie McCormack has been a Florida licensed Real Estate Broker since 1996. She has worked as a realtor in property management, rentals and sales in Kissimmee, Davenport, and Orlando, Florida since 1991.

She heads the team at McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes and has lots of experience with long-term and short-term rentals and sales. . Anne-Marie owned and operated a short-term-rental, property management company from 1994-2004. Since then McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes has focused on long-term rentals and sales of residential, investment homes and vacation homes also known as holiday lets.

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