Thank you for considering engaging our property management services at First National Real Estate.

The following serves as a guide for some of the critical things you need to know should you choose to have us manage your investment property.

8 Key Questions to ask your Prospective Agent

1. Will I have a dedicated Property Manager or team to look after your property?
At Southcoast First National, we ensure that your property is managed by the best agent for your property and have the utmost dedication from them and our whole property management department. Staffed by several highly experienced agents, you can deal directly with the department manager if your regular agent is unavailable. So, both!

2. Experience is essential; how many years experience does the Property Manager looking after my property have?
This can mean the individual Property Manager or team working with you. Experience suggests the knowledge of legislation and authentic experiences in situations that may arise. We employ team members that have the expertise to help with every real estate need you should have. Our team members have experience ranging from 2 years to over 10 years.

3. How many properties does each Property Manager looks after, will I get enough support when I need it?
We don't want the level of service we provide you and your property to drop. If our team are overworked and the property-to-staff ratio is too high, we begin to see this. So, our team is capped at a point where the level of service is not affected.

4. Will my Property Manager be dedicated to my property? Have they been a long term employee with the agency?
Stability in your Property Manager is essential; someone you know you can talk to, pick up the phone and speak to that person and know they are there and ready to help! At Southcoast First National, our Property Management department has only grown recently.

5. How often will the manager inspect the property?
We follow the guidelines advised by our industry body. Our Property Managers at Southcoast First National conduct the first routine inspection after three months of a renter moving into your property. We then implement the six-monthly inspection regime, and at each routine inspection, a full report is completed along with photos.

6. How do you manage rental arrears? Is this done daily and acted on immediately?
A dedicated property manager has procedures for arears and ways to monitor rental arrears daily and minimise late rental payments. Southcoast First National has a protocol in place and uses the industry's best technology and systems to ensure we know precisely where a renter is paid. We put our protocol in place as soon a renter is in arrears.

7. Do you have staff available for my needs and my property seven days a week?
The Southcoast First National team are accessible where required. We hold inspections and private appointments when suitable and needed, respond to our owner's enquiries promptly, and have someone available 24/7 for emergency needs. The team also need a day of rest; hence, appointments are generally not conducted on a Sunday.

8. How do you check prospective renters, do you do credit checks, past rental history and current employment checks?
At Southcoast First National, staff carefully screen all potential renters. We check past tenancy ledgers, and review the latest bank statements, pay slips and income, as well as other supporting documents we think are relevant. Then we can help you make an informed decision as to whether the renter is appropriate and suitable for your property.