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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most common questions owners ask about our experience, services, fees, communication, leasing timelines, compliance (including HB 1217), and how we protect your investment.

Experience & Background

How long have you been in the property management business?
Experience & Background

We bring 20+ years in real estate and property management, including work with the King County Housing Authority and CBRE. Our Designated Broker holds an MBA and a BA in Organizational Management.

How many properties do you manage? Will I have a dedicated manager?
Experience & Background

We manage a focused portfolio of single-family homes and small multifamily. Senior leadership personally manages onboarding and the first six months—marketing, screening, lease, and move-in—then a trusted broker/manager handles day-to-day with leadership oversight and availability.

Are you licensed? Do you have references?
Experience & Background

Yes—Designated Real Estate Broker in Washington State, with extensive training in property law, housing policy, and compliance. We’re happy to connect you with current and past clients for references.

Other roles you hold?
Experience & Background

Leadership also serves as Managing Broker at Sandco Property Management, which oversees 300+ residential units across King and Pierce Counties.

Services & Fees

What services do you offer?
Services & Fees

Full-service management: advertising, tenant screening, lease signing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and periodic inspections.

What is your fee structure?
Services & Fees
  • Management Fee: 8–10% of collected rent (call for premium/short-term services)
  • Tenant Placement Fee: 50% of one month’s rent
  • Maintenance: No markup—vendor charges are passed through directly
Any hidden fees?
Services & Fees

No. All fees are clearly outlined in our agreement—no surprises or add-ons.

How do you handle maintenance and repairs?
Services & Fees

We obtain your approval for non-emergency repairs. In emergencies, we act immediately to protect the home and notify you right away. Everything is logged in your monthly report and owner portal.

Marketing, Leasing & Vacancy

How do you market vacant properties?
Vacancy & Occupancy

We advertise through MLS, Zillow, Apartments.com, and social channels, with professional photos and tailored copy that highlights each home’s features and amenities.

How long are properties typically vacant? What’s your occupancy rate?
Vacancy & Occupancy

Typical vacancy is 2–4 weeks depending on season and property specifics. Average occupancy runs 95–98% across the portfolio.

How do you handle renewals and lease breaks?
Vacancy & Occupancy

We start renewal discussions ~90 days before expiration and complete a market analysis to recommend terms. If a tenant won’t renew or requests early termination, we follow lease and WA law to minimize loss.

Screening, Tenants & Communication

How thorough is your tenant screening?
Tenant Relations & Communication

We follow HB 1217 guidelines and screen for income, rental history, employment, and criminal background (with required lookback limits). Evictions are reviewed consistent with current law and context.

How do you communicate with tenants and owners?
Tenant Relations & Communication

Tenants: email, text, phone, and portal—documented and timely. Owners: monthly reports plus on-demand calls/emails whenever decisions are needed.

How do you handle disputes?
Tenant Relations & Communication

We resolve diplomatically while protecting legal and financial interests. All actions and communication are documented for clarity and compliance.

Can landlords contact tenants directly?
Tenant Relations & Communication

We recommend routing communication through us to ensure professionalism, consistency, and legal protection.

Compliance & Legal (HB 1217)

What should I know about rent increases under HB 1217?
Legal & Compliance

WA requires at least 90 days’ written notice before any rent increase; no increases during the first 12 months of tenancy; and caps on increases (with CPI-based limits). We manage compliant notices, timelines, and documentation.

How do you handle legal issues or evictions?
Legal & Compliance

Evictions are rare due to strong screening. If needed, we follow RCW 59.18 with counsel as appropriate, and keep you fully informed at each step.

Do you require renter’s insurance?
Liability & Insurance

Yes—minimum liability coverage (e.g., $100,000). We also include lease language that assigns appropriate responsibilities for amenities like lake/dock use when applicable.

Operations, Technology & Payments

What software do you use?
Operational Details

Buildium—offering financial transparency, digital lease storage, maintenance tracking, and more.

How quickly do you respond to requests?
Operational Details

Most inquiries responded to within 24 hours; urgent matters immediately.

How do you collect rent and pay owners?
Operational Details

Tenants pay online (ACH or card). We ACH your distributions with a detailed monthly statement, typically by the 10th.

Year-end tax documents?
Operational Details

Yes—1099 and an annual income/expense report for your tax preparer.

Can I see the management agreement? What if I need to cancel?
Policies

We’ll send a draft for review. Our agreement includes a 30-day cancellation clause—no penalty, no hassle.

Pets, smoking, utilities, and yard care?
Policies
  • Pets: refundable pet deposit and (where applicable) pet rent; compliant with WA law; assistive animals are not pets.
  • No smoking: enforced within the home and within 25 feet of structure.
  • Utilities: typically tenant-paid unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • Yard maintenance: either tenant maintains or we coordinate pros—your preference is written into the lease.

Questions not covered here? Reach out—we’re happy to help.