Property Management FAQs

Get answers to common questions about North Florida Real Estate & Management and how we tackle your property management needs.

Get answers to common questions about North Florida Real Estate & Management and how we tackle your property management needs.

 

Where Do You Start?

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions and information regarding property and resident on-boarding.
Property Owner Questionnaire
We will begin the on-boarding process and will collect all the necessary information from you regarding the property, deposit info and more.
Pricing Your Property
We will discuss market value for the rental amount. We will agree to a price to attract a good quality tenant.
What Kind Of Insurance Do We Request You Have?
We recommend you carry at least liability insurance. We recommend you carry a solid policy in the event there are accidents at the property.
What Kind Of Insurance Do We Request A Resident To Carry?
We recommend the resident purchase rental insurance. This is a very affordable costs to the resident.

We can assist you in reviewing your policy to increase or decrease coverage. Our preferred insurer is an expert at weeding out the unnecessary items that are included in your policy that don’t necessarily need to be there.

Key Turnover
We need a set of 3 keys to each door lock, mail box key or shed key. We will convey 2 sets of keys to the residents. One master set will stay in the office for safe keeping.
HOA Information
The residents expect to be able to use the amenities while they reside in your property. We give instructions on access and info they need to get started.
Gate Access Codes
Residents will need to access the gate thru the key pad or guard shack.
Parking Permits and Designated Spots
Details will be conveyed to the residents with instructions on where to park.
HOA Covenants & Restrictions
We provide Covenants and Restrictions to residents so they understand the rules of the neighborhood.
Market Your Property
Marketing will begin immediately to begin to collect and screen qualified residents.
What Do You Need For Rent Readiness?
Residents are usually not too picky when choosing a rental. The property has to be clean. Carpets and paint have to have little to no wear. Appliances must be in good condition. It just has to be “good enough” for the resident to rent.

IF the house is dingy and carpets worn the residents will pass. The house will sit vacant and straggler residents will be our potential available residents.

Properties in great condition will produce better quality residents who will likely take better care of the property. They will likely pay more rent to live in a better conditioned property.

How many inspections do we do per year? We visit the property every 6 months. We visually inspect the condition and will report to the office in the event we suspect any activity that is excessive wear and tear.

Screen the Resident
We will filter qualified residents thru a rigorous background check. Once we decide we have a qualified candidate, we present them to you for your approval.
Place the Resident
We give notice to the resident upon their acceptance. We create a file to include their lease, important info and more.
Welcome Package
We have assembled an in-depth welcome package to our residents. It includes instructions on paying rent, making service calls and more.
Document the Condition
We photograph and record the condition with a detailed checklist. This will be stored for your records.
Prep the Lease
Doc prep begins before the resident moves in the property. WE will upload a copy to you onto your portal. This will include the contact info, lease, amendments, instructions and more.
Turn the Keys Over
All keys, garage door openers and mail box keys will be given to the residents at the day of occupancy.
Collecting Rent and Deposits
The resident will not move or sign a lease without cleared funds.
Disbursements
Once the resident’s funds are clear we initiate an ACH to you. We guarantee payment disbursements no later than the 15th of the month.
Should You Leave Your Appliances (Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer, etc) Behind?
Yes and No. We recommend leaving a refrigerator. We don’t recommend providing a frig that includes an ice maker. Ice makers are for convenience to the resident. They break! The appliance repair for a broken ice maker could cost several hundred dollars. IF you had no ice maker you would have zero chance of a repair.

Washer and dryer are usually not included. The residents usually have a set and having another set causes a logistical problem with too many appliances. IF you leave a washer/dryer we recommend excluding them for maintenance in the lease.

When appliances come to end of life at your property, we recommend installing gently used appliances. We have access to an appliance dealer who will install gently used appliances. They have a 90-day warranty. This option will be sufficient for your residents and property. This option will be a huge cost saver to your bottom line.

How We Manage Properties If You’re Out of Town

We are here to make sure you are comfortable living away from your property. Here are ways we accomplish that.
Routine Condition Checks
We are your boots on the ground. We understand homeownership is difficult from long distance. Our team will routinely be in the area of your property. We will drive by to the check the condition of the exterior. If we notice anything out of place, we would take necessary steps to cure the situation.

Exterior drive by random inspections to include landscape, flower beds, paint, pressure washing, branches overhanging, fences and gates, etc.

Video Assurance
Sometimes owners will want to see their home on video to give assurance the property is in good condition. We are tech savvy enough to upload a video to you or do a video call.

How We Market Your Property to Potential Residents

North Florida Real Estate & Management has a strong marketing program to attract your ideal resident.
Where Do We Market?
Each property has its own “Resident Pool”. Depending on the price range of your property will determine where we place ads. Most residents shop for their rental home online. We cover all the necessary online outlets to expose your property to the right resident.

Properties are advertised on multiple outlets and Social Media platforms including our local MLS.

Who Pays for the Advertising?
We do! We are the experts who know where to look for good resident candidates. We have subscriptions to all the media platforms to quickly and precisely submit targeted ads.

How We Inspect Your Property

We inspect your property to ensure that it’s always rental ready.
What is the Initial Inspection?
The first steps we take toward acquiring your property into our fold, we document the property condition.

Our team will photograph and inspect the property in and out. We have an organized checklist that is used to visually inspect and record the property.

Photos will be stored into the system for record keeping.

What is a 4-point Inspection

A Four Point inspection is necessary to provide to your insurance company if the property is of a certain age. The FOUR POINT is a quick inspection to document the age and condition of the HVAC, Electrical, Roof and Plumbing.

In the event, the four-point inspection reveal a major system that fails insurance criterion they may ask for that particular systems to be replaced.

FYI: Federal Pacific Electrical Panels and Challenger Panels are a problem when revealed on a four point. Aluminum Wiring can be a potential insurance problem. Older HVAC units and older Water Heaters are also a potential red flag. Roofs that are 18 years or older will also be a flag.

Insurance companies are routinely inspecting properties. Don’t be surprised if you get a call from the insurer requiring you to replace a major system at the property.

We can organize an affordable four-point inspection anytime you need to provide that to your insurance company.

Time Frames & Turnaround

How Long Until We Get Your Property Leased?
Our goal is to have a quick turnover between residents. When a lease expires, the maintenance crew is on standby to secure the house. WE immediately make sure the house is cleaned out and take steps to make it rent ready immediately.

Our turnover is quick as long as there is no major rehab needed. Routinely we typically have to organize the crew to do a chore list to get it ready. Paint, carpet and cleaning are the tasks that usually occur in between residents.

Once it’s rent ready, we will have ads submitted, sign and keys on property and will begin to show it. As long as the price is reasonable, turnover should be quick.

Screening doesn’t take more than 24 hours. Lease prep happens in one day. Our goal is to have a resident under contract immediately.

How do we set a rental price – We routinely monitor the market activity on the rental market. We calculate rental prices based off available properties, pending properties and properties that are OFF market. We compare similar properties in the immediate area to determine a market price.

What happens if the house doesn’t rent in a few weeks? We submit a plethora of ads immediately once the house is rent ready. If the property does not have an application from a resident in less than 30 days, we will entertain a slight price reduction. Of course, before we recommend a price clip, we would revisit the market activity again.

Price is always the key to finding a potential resident.

Fees and Payments

What Do Residents Pay For?
Residents fill out a detailed application and pay $50 per person over 18. This fee pays for the labor to screen and run credit and background reports.

How do residents apply? Potential residents will fill out an application to include all contact info, past employers, income statements, bank statement, social security numbers for credit checks. Verification of income and employment authorizations and more.

We make it easy for them to apply. They can apply online or via fax or in person. We accommodate all residents and will assess their qualification to rent. On occasion, we will ask for more documentation.

How Does a Resident Pay Rent?
We strive to make it as easy as possible for residents to pay rent. We have various banking methods available to a resident. We use Buildium’s portal where they have the ability to set up auto drafts. We use “CASH APP” which is powered by Square. We take good old-fashioned money orders via snail mail. We allow them to make deposits at the bank and provide deposit slips.

The residents tend to keep up with their rent payments if it’s easy for them to pay.

Do We Charge A Monthly Fee While Your Property Is Vacant?
Typically, most property management companies will charge a routine monthly fee while it’s vacant. Because we are keenly aware of the cash flow situation, we don’t charge while its vacant. A vacant house actually is more labor intensive than an occupied property. It incentivizes us to immediately place a resident so we can resume monthly income.
Do We Retain the Late Fee?
Typically, a late fee belongs to the property manager. There are a lot of expenses incurred to collecting late rent. That will include a letter from the local attorney. In addition, we hand deliver and mail late notices. However, we are aware of the cash flow and have offered to divide the late fee between the property manager and the homeowner.
When and How Do We Pay Owners?
We have the ability to disburse money thru ACH (Automated Clearing House). Receiving an ACH is simple and will likely be sent to your account in just 24 hours. Beware, the bank will disclose that an ACH could take up to 3 days to transfer. Typically, the ACH funds will receive to the owner in 24 hours.
When Do You Receive Your Payments?
Residents usually pay by the 5th. It takes a day or so for the payment to clear and post to our account. Once the payment is cleared, the payment is posted to your account. The bookkeeper sets up a batch of ACH payments. The ACH payments are initiated and set to release from our account. The treasury does report that ACH’s can take up to 3 days. From our experience it only takes one business day.

You have 24-hour access to a portal – IF you are curious about the activity on with your property and collections, you have access to a 24-hour portal that details repairs, collections and pay outs.

If you receive an amount less than anticipated there will be an explanation on your account.

We guarantee the rent will be disbursed by the 15th. The ACH payments are initiated no later than the 15th.

What Your First Payments Will Look Like?
The first payment will likely be a prorated amount of rent. There is a good chance we had expenses to cure any issues getting it rent ready. On occasion, repair items will take place discovered during the walk thru. These repairs will need to be done immediately as we prepare for resident move in.
Should You Expect Your Rent Monies to Pay The Mortgage Payments?
Do no expect the rent money to cover your mortgage. Resident rental payments are no guarantee. On occasion, residents will be late. Do not rely on a resident in order to make your mortgage payment. At least have one- or two-month reserve in the event the resident has a problem. Better safe than sorry. Don’t forget your mortgage payment is late on the 16th and will incur a late fee from your bank.
Why Do We Require a $350 Reserve?
Typically, if a resident makes a repair request, our goal is to keep the expenses down. Our crew already is very reasonable and does not charge too much for the repairs. WE send them to many service calls and will use them again and again. In exchange, the maintenance division will keep the prices low. They will not charge to make an estimate. Their prices can’t be beat. To keep the costs down. We can approve repairs done by them if they are under $350. This will keep travel time down for the crew which saves money. The savings are passed on down to the owner.
Do We Collect Interest on the Escrow Account?
We do not collect interest in our escrow accounts. Any interest collected would be partially due to a resident. It’s easier and less expensive to NOT collect interest. Less bookkeeping is less expense.
How Much Do We Collect For Deposit?
We collect one month rent amount as security deposit. If there is anything in the credit check that is questionable, we reserve the right to request 2 months security deposit.
What Do We Do With The Security Deposit?
Security deposits are placed in the escrow account. Monthly reports are generated to record the total amount and property allocated to each deposit. Brokers are required to provide this monthly reconciliation monthly to the State of Florida.
When Do We Return Deposits?
If the house is returned in good condition including professional cleaning, we are obligated to return the deposit within 15 days.

If we make a claim on deposit we are obligated to do so in writing via certified mail. Our claim will disclose the amount of money allocated to the repairs made by the resident.

Damage quotes will be collected and reduced from the security deposit.
There are criteria used for normal wear and tear. We cannot charge for normal wear on paint and carpet.

Resident Screening

What Do We Look for in a Resident?
We do a full screen on potential residents. We run the resident thru a system to include credit, background and eviction checks. We also pursue their social media posts to get an idea of their character. We use personal judgement to promote or deny residents.
How Do We Conduct Background Checks?
We subscribe to a program that will scan for criminal history. We do not allow felons, child abusers or sex offenders. We do not allow residents with recent evictions.
How Do We Verify Credit Scores?
Credit scores can be deceiving. Sometimes, scores will be low and income sufficient. We take into consideration the items on the report. For example, medical collections do not weigh to heavily with our qualifying criteria.

Leases

What Lease Contract Do We Use?
We strongly suggest using an approved “FAR-BAR” lease. The “FAR-BAR” lease was written and approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission. There will not be any conflicting issues with the lease and Florida Chapter 83. Any alterations to the lease is at risk for problems in the event of a court challenge.
Who Signs the Contract?
Our property management gives us permission to sign the contract on your behalf. However, we will send a draft copy of the FAR BAR lease to you. Before we sign the contract, we determine if we need to make any changes or raise the rent.
Can You Break a Lease with a Resident?
Typically the answer is “No” you cannot break a lease with the resident. However, there are circumstances that arise which can be negotiated with the resident.
How Long Should a Lease Be?
We recommend a year lease. On occasion a resident will request a 2-year lease. That has pros and cons. We will advise if that is a good scenario for the owner if a 2-year resident is available.
How are Leases Renewed?
We consult with the owner 60 days prior to lease renewal. We will automatically review the market value and will suggest an increase if possible. Renewing the lease and keeping a good resident is always advised.
Who Signs the Lease?
The property management agreement allows us to sign leases and documents on your behalf.
Increasing the Rental Amount
60 days before the lease expires our team will assess the rental market. We will recommend a price increase if the values have moved upwards.

Concierge Services

What if You Only Want Us to Place a Resident?
On occasion, a homeowner will want to manage the property without the assistance of a property manager. IF the homeowner would like us to find a resident, we can organize the tasks needed to secure a resident.

We suggest a rental price, advertise the property, screen the resident candidates and select the best qualified resident. We prepare the lease and addendums for the best candidate.

We secure the house to make sure it’s rent ready. We screen the resident and prepare the documents for signing. Once the lease is signed, we walk thru the house with the resident. We document the condition of the property. We record and store the photos of the property. WE perform a walk thru and orientation with the resident. We collect the first bit of money due and disburse it to the owner after initial expenses are tallied.

Once we “place” the resident our job is done. You will manage the resident and all the task involved from there until the lease is done. WE charge a placement fee only for this endeavor.

Can We Help Sell Your Property?
YES, WE CAN! In the event you wish to sell the property, we are fully equipped to sell the home. Whether there is a resident residing in the property or not, we can sell it.

WE offer full service and comprehensive marketing and will devise a plan to sell the house for the most money possible.

How much do we charge? To our preferred customers we will charge anywhere from 3% to 5% depending on a few factors.

What We Do

Property Management

We take the worry out of property management. We do everything from advertising to resident screening and placements, collections and even evictions.

CAM Property Management

We can handle the day-to-day management of your community. We’re a full service company that can take care of your administrative, accounting, staffing, supervision and resident management needs.

Investment Properties

We can help identify solid investment real estate opportunities in one of the hottest markets in the country. We’re experts at turning property purchases into cash-flowing assets for investors.

Where We Do It

We manage properties throughout Northeast Florida. The below map identifies over 80 managed properties throughout Northeast Florida.
We're locals and here to give your valuable asset the attention it needs and the personalized service you deserve.

North Florida Real Estate & Management would be honored to add your property to our list of properties.

Let's Get Started

We're ready to provide you with Worry-Free Property Management. Here's what we offer all Northeast Florida property owners just for considering becoming our property partner:

Free Monthly Market Rent Analysis
We'll gladly provide you a free monthly rent analysis that is clear and easy to understand at no charge.

Free Management Proposal
We'll provide you a free management proposal that's transparent and detailed. Consider this our property business plan tailored just for you.

Give Us a Call

(904) 962-2449

Pricing Plans

Transparent Pricing | Flexible Fee Structure
Extraordinary Value
24/7 Maintenance (We’ll Handle Those 3am Phone Calls for You).
Customer Service Backed by Northeast Florida’s Strongest Property Management Performance Guarantees.

Basic

Property Type: SFR/Condo

Monthly Rent up to $1500/ Month

Management Fee
$100 Per Month

Resident Acquisition Fee
40% of 1st Month's Rent

Initial Set Up Fee
$95

Renewal Fee
$75 Charged to Resident

MLS Photos
Included

ACH Payments to Owner
Included

Annual Inspection
$95

End of Lease Inspection
$95

Renewal of Lease Inspection
$95

Oversee Insurance Claims
10% of Repair Costs

Eviction Assistance Fee
$600

1098 Preparation (Annual)
$50

Professional Photos
$400

A La Carte

Property Type: 2 or more SFR or Condo Units

Monthly Rent from $1500-$2500/ Month

Management Fee

5% of Collected Rents on Multiple Units

Resident Acquisition Fee

30% of 1st Month's Rent

Initial Set Up Fee

$95

Renewal Fee

$75 Charged to Resident

MLS Photos

Included

ACH Payments to Owner

Included

Annual Inspection

$75

End of Lease Inspection

$75

Renewal of Lease Inspection

$75

Oversee Insurance Claims

Included

Eviction Assistance Fee

$300

1098 Preparation (Annual)

$25

Professional Photos

$400

Premium

Property Type: SFR/Condo

Monthly Rent from $2500 +/ Month

Management Fee

8% of Collected Rents

Resident Acquisition Fee

$295

Initial Set Up Fee

Included

Renewal Fee

$25 Charged to Resident

MLS Photos

Included

ACH Payments to Owner

Included

Annual Inspection

Included

End of Lease Inspection

Included

Renewal of Lease Inspection

Included

Oversee Insurance Claims

Included

Eviction Assistance Fee

$150

1098 Preparation (Annual)

Included

Professional Photos

$400

All Inclusive

Property Type: SFR/Condo

Multi Unit Bldg 10+ Units

Management Fee

5% of Collected Rents | $65 Per Unit Minimum Per Month

Resident Acquisition Fee

$295

Initial Set Up Fee

Included

Renewal Fee

$25 Charged to Resident

MLS Photos

Included

ACH Payments to Owner

Included

Annual Inspection

Included

End of Lease Inspection

Included

Renewal of Lease Inspection

Included

Oversee Insurance Claims

Included

Eviction Assistance Fee

Included

1098 Preparation (Annual)

Included

Professional Photos

$400

Contact Us

575 Wells Rd | Suite 2 | Orange Park, Fl. 32073

(904) 962-2449

tom@properties904.com