Real Property Management Rental Direction provides professional property management services including on-going communication, comprehensive marketing and advertising, full-service leasing, thorough tenant screening and selection, timely rent collection, regular inspections, cost-effective and reliable maintenance, strict and compliant evictions, and comprehensive accounting. We help protect your investment, service your tenants, minimize your costs, and maximize your income—without interrupting your daily life. For over 30 years, tens of thousands of rental property owners and investors nationwide have trusted Real Property Management offices to take care of their rental property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Property Management Instant Equity
How long does it take to rent a property?
Many factors go into play when it comes to days on market for a rental property in the South West Florida area; such as: asking price, seasonal factors, HOA required approval, acceptance of pets, vacant or currently occupied, and local inventory levels. With that said, we lease a vast majority of our homes in 3 weeks or less.
How do you handle repairs?
This all depends on if the property is currently tenant occupied or if it is vacant. For tenant occupied homes, the tenants will submit a maintenance request via their online tenant portal through Property Meld; a first-class software specific to maintenance and property management. Our tenant portal allows tenants to submit a work order request at any time of the day or night. Once there, tenants will be prompted to provide a description of the issue as well as upload any photos, when appropriate. This request is then sent over to the property manager for review; owners will also receive a copy of the work order request to their email. Our goal here is full transparency of everything happening with your property(s).
When a request comes in, your assigned property manager will review it and decide if it needs immediate dispatch, or if we can troubleshoot the issue directly with the tenant. There are many common repair requests that our team is trained to troubleshoot. If the issue needs to be fixed, we assign the work order to one of our preferred vendors. Property Meld technology enables the vendor to directly set up a time with the tenant for the repair. Our vendors will complete the repair, take before and after photos, and submit an invoice to our company for approval.
We make sure the cost of the repair is fair and that the work was completed satisfactorily. Our management agreement allows us to approve any repair up to $500, without having to interrupt you for approval. Larger repairs, anything over $500, require owner approval. If this is the case, your property manager will email you for approval (note, this communication is all done via the Property Meld software). Exceptions to the $500 approved maintenance limit include emergency maintenance and habitability issues. If we have to act quickly to protect persons or property we will do so, to protect our owners best interest.
Once a repair is completed and invoiced, Property Meld sends a survey request to the tenant asking them to rate their overall experience with the vendor and repair. This helps us insure that our vetted vendors are performing to our high standards.
From there, the invoice is then billed to you and reflected on your monthly statement.
Can I do repairs myself?
If the home is vacant, yes you can; however, we do highly advise against it. Should you chose to do all of your repairs in the event your property is vacant or hire a 3rd party vendor, you will be responsible to oversee the entire process. Once the property is leased, we require the use of our preferred vendors. We have carefully vetted all of our vendors to insure that they are properly licensed and insured and can adhere to our strict criteria and meet required deadlines. We choose over vendors carefully so that their skill sets can help preserve your investment(s) for years to come.
How do rent payments work? Does the tenant pay you, then you pay me?
Rent payments work as follows: Tenant pays rent to RPM Rental Direction. We take out our management fee and pay any outstanding bills (if applicable). The remainder of the rent is then sent to you via ACH to your bank account provided to us at time of signing. This process is generally done on the 10th of each month and you should see your money reflected in your account within 1 business day.
Should I accept pets?
Simple answer, YES! Studies show that over 80% of renters own a pet. If you chose not to allow pets in your rental(s), you are eliminating 80% of quality renters for your property. You can, however, dictate the pet policy; for example, only dogs under 25 pounds or only 1 pet accepted.
Our office has a pet policy that does not allow puppies or kittens or any dogs deemed an aggressive breed. We also require a pet application be submitted prior to approval. This application is essentially a background check on the pet. For more information on whether you should accept pets, read our blog post about it or watch our video.
Can I rent my property furnished?
RPM Rental Direction does manage a few homes that are fully furnished. Should you chose to rent your property(s) furnished we do ask that you be flexible, as the annual rental market typically does not command furnished rental properties. Furnished rentals typically stay on the market 3 times longer than their unfurnished counter parts.
Another option that you may explore for your furnished rental is to rent it out seasonally or short term. If this is a route you’d like to explore, you may call our office and we can refer you to a short term rental specialist.
How do you advertise your properties?
When a property is sitting vacant, we understand that this can be the most stressful time for you, the owner. This is why we have instituted a marketing plan for vacancies to ensure that we find the best quality tenant in the quickest amount of time.
The first step we take is to take pictures and film a walk through video of the property. We then create a marketing description, set a price, and input this information into our property management software. This software then feeds the information to over 25+ top rental websites across the internet. We also share the listing to MLS, Facebook Marketplace, and other local Facebook pages. This insures the most exposure for your rental property.
We also utilize the best in class technology, Tenant Turner, to assist with the pre-screening, scheduling, reminders, follow-up, and feedback from all interested parties. This allows renters to have the quickest service in scheduling showings, thus, allowing them to view properties quicker and getting them rented faster.
How do you handle maintenance emergencies?
Maintenance emergencies are not a matter of if, but when they will happen. This is why we have a straight forward process to handle these situations when they arise. Upon move-in, tenants are given a maintenance emergency phone number that is answered live 24/7. If the situation is life-threatening, tenants are instructed to call 9-1-1 and report back to us once the situation is under control and authorities are on the scene. If the situation requires an emergency repair, the correct vendor is dispatched to quickly resolve the issue. Your property manager will then get a hold of you at the earliest convenience and explain the situation further with you and discuss next steps, should any need to be taken.
How long does it usually take to rent a property with Real Property Management Instant Equity?
Many factors affect the rental time, such as price, season, HOA approval, pet acceptance, occupancy, and local inventory. Typically, most homes are leased within 3 weeks or less in the South West Florida area.
How does Real Property Management Instant Equity handle repair requests?
Tenants submit maintenance requests via the online tenant portal using Property Meld software. The property manager reviews and assigns approved repairs to preferred vendors. Repairs under $500 are approved automatically; larger repairs require owner approval. Tenants rate vendor service after repairs.
Can I personally perform repairs on my rental property?
If the property is vacant, you may perform repairs, but it is highly discouraged. Once leased, all repairs must be done by preferred, licensed, and insured vendors vetted by the management company to preserve your investment.
How are rent payments processed at Real Property Management Instant Equity?
Tenants pay rent directly to RPM Rental Direction. After deducting management fees and any bills, the remaining rent is sent via ACH to the owner's bank account, usually by the 10th of each month.
Does Real Property Management Instant Equity allow pets in rental properties?
Yes, they encourage allowing pets since over 80% of renters own pets. Owners can impose pet policies like weight limits or number restrictions. Aggressive breeds, puppies, and kittens are not allowed, and pet applications are required.
Can rental properties be leased furnished through Real Property Management Instant Equity?
Yes, but furnished rentals generally stay on the market longer. Owners should be flexible, or consider seasonal or short-term rentals with a specialist referral for furnished properties.
What marketing strategies does Real Property Management Instant Equity use for vacant properties?
They create professional photos and videos, use extensive online listings on 25+ rental websites, MLS, Facebook Marketplace, and local Facebook groups. Tenant Turner software helps screen and schedule showings for faster leasing.
How does Real Property Management Instant Equity manage maintenance emergencies?
Tenants have a 24/7 live emergency number. For life-threatening situations, tenants must call 9-1-1 immediately. Emergency repairs are dispatched promptly, and the property manager communicates with the owner about next steps.
What nearby services can assist with property financing or real estate needs near Real Property Management Instant Equity?
Nearby places like Guild Mortgage Company and Union Home Mortgage can assist with mortgage lending. Several local real estate agents, including Chris Merasse and Gina "Jenna" Billman, offer real estate services to support buying or selling properties in the area.
Are there nearby contractors or maintenance services to support rental property upkeep?
Yes. Local services such as Pure Air Conditioning and Bowen Cooling provide HVAC and appliance repairs. Additionally, C&M Asphalt Paving Company Fort Myers and Sabal Construction and Roofing offer contractor and restoration services to help maintain your property.
What professional services are available nearby to assist with tax, accounting, or legal matters for property owners?
Evolve SWFL Tax & Accounting Professionals offers financial and trust services nearby. For legal estate planning and probate, Safe Harbor Law Firm and Law Offices of Robert Schwartz, P.A. provide expert counsel close to the property management office.