Keep your Managing Agent local

As with all the best made plans, people change their minds and this regular communication facilitates decision making in an organic way.

This statement may seem surprising to many readers who are RMC Directors, but can they remember the last time they met their agent or were contacted by them to be asked for their opinion?

As mergers increase, a bespoke service becomes less likely as the larger firms are run on a one size fits all principle.

With a restriction over geographical portfolio and keeping property to staff ratios low, agents can be easily accessible to their clients, advise them on their aims and then implement their objectives.

As each property and client is unique, interpreting the client’s needs and transforming them into tangible actions requires focus. The distance from the agent’s office to a block is crucial so the property manager does not waste vital time in transit and is able to act on their inspection findings.

Although interactive websites are useful as a tool, this cannot act as a substitute for physical inspections by the agent. Consistent standards of management and effective control over the building services are best achieved through close monitoring and supervision by the agent. By only managing locally, agents can inspect properties in most instances on a weekly basis.

While this may be considered time consuming, this close supervision produces efficiencies. As services are effectively managed it reduces the number of complaints. Contractors know they have to do the job properly, budgets are controlled and the services procured to the high standards required. This is a virtuous circle of management with proactive management resulting in positive outcomes for both the client and agent.

Location, location, location is therefore of vital importance for the optimal selection of your managing agent and the success of your building.