WHY CHOOSE US?

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE 1ST CHOICE?

1st Choice Realty and Property Management is a full service company. We are qualified to handle the entire leasing process including:
  • Perform a market analysis to determine fair market value to list for lease
  • Advertising your property on over 100 different internet websites
  • List the property for lease on the MLS so over 10,000 Metro Detroit Realtors can show it
  • Complete a tenant application
  • Process tenant income verification
  • Process a thorough reference check including credit reports
  • Contact former landlord(s) and employers when available
  • Run Criminal background search
  • Run National eviction search
  • Drafting of lease documents and proper landlord disclosure statements
  • Collection of rent and automatic deposits into your account
  • Move-In and Move-Out checklists
  • Annual Property Inspections option
  • We handle all landlord/tenant communication handyman service and various professionals available at all times
Property Management Checklist

1ST CHOICE’S MARKETING PROGRAM

Our on-going marketing campaigns help us generate hundred’s tenant leads. This allows us to find the right tenant for your property within a manageable time frame. Our goal is to fill your vacancy in 30 days or less.
  • Internet Campaign: Our Database is shared with over 45 web sites generating over 1.2 MILLION views a month. Click here is a more detailed look at our marketing plan.
  • MLS: Properties are listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) used by Real Estate professionals;
  • Section 8: Complete vacancy list is e-mailed to all local government offices every week;
  • Signs: Large and unique For Rent sign in every yard.
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TENANT SCREENING AND SELECTION

Our thorough screening process is the reason we have far less evictions and problems collecting rent and keep your property occupied for longer periods of time.
  • Complete credit evaluation
  • Verification of employment
  • Verification of income
  • Criminal background check
  • Eviction history from various courts in the area
  • Sex Offender list verification

TENANT MOVE IN

  • Draw up leasing agreement
  • Confirm move in date with tenant
  • Review lease guidelines with tenant regarding things like rental payment terms and required property maintenance
  • Ensure all agreements have been properly executed
  • Give tenant disposable camera to verify condition if there are any issues that need to be noted & have tenants sign a report verifying the condition of the property within 7 days of move in or accept in as-is.
  • Collect first month’s rent and security deposit

RENT COLLECTION

  • Receiving rent
  • Hunting down late payments
  • Sending out pay or quit notices
  • Enforcing late fees

EVICTIONS

  • Filing relevant paperwork to initiate and complete an unlawful detainer action
  • We work with several Real Estate Attorneys and assist with legal representation in court
  • Coordinating with law enforcement to remove tenant and tenant’s possessions from unit

LEGAL

  • Advise in the event of a legal dispute or litigation
  • Refer owner to a qualified attorney when necessary
  • Understand and abide by the latest local, state and federal legislation that apply to renting and maintaining rental properties.

INSPECTIONS

  • Perform annual inspections if necessary (Inside and outside) on a predefined schedule looking for repair needs, safety hazards, code violations, lease violations, etc.
  • Send owner periodic reports on the condition of the property when repairs are needed

FINANCIAL

  • Provide accounting property management services
  • Detailed documentation of expenses via invoices and receipts
  • Maintain all historical records (paid invoices, leases, inspection reports, warranties, etc.)
  • Provide annual reporting, structured for tax purposes as well as required tax documents including a 1099 form
  • Advise owner on relevant tax deductions related to their rental property
  • Provide easy to read monthly cash-flow statements which offer a detailed breakdown of income and itemized expenses

MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, AND REMODELING

  • Provide and oversee contractors for repair maintenance issues that arise
  • Establish a preventative maintenance policy to identify and deal with repair needs
  • Provide an network of contractors who have been vetted for good pricing and good work that is up to code.
  • Assign jobs to different parties (in-house employees, handyman and professional contractors) based on who will do the best job for the best price.
  • Maintain and monitor a 24-hour emergency repair hot-line
  • Guy painting a wallLarger renovation or rehab projects
    • Provide recommendations on how the project can maximize rental income.
    • Prepare preliminary cost estimates
    • Get multiple independent bids for the work
    • Act as general contractor overseeing the work
Guy painting a wall

TENANT MOVE OUT

  • Inspect unit and fill out a report on the property’s condition when the client moves out
  • Provide tenant with a copy as well as estimated damages
  • Return the balance of the security deposit to the tenant
  • Forward any portion of the owner’s portion of the tenant deposit to the owner or hold in owner reserves for repairs.
  • Clean unit and perform and needed repairs or upgrades
  • Put the property back on the market for rent

    OWNER REAL-TIME ACCESS

    AppFolio Property Management uses a very powerful online management software system that allows us to provide you with unprecedented service and transparency. No longer will you wonder what is going on with your portfolio. Our “Owner Portal” gives you real-time access 24/7 through any web browser. In addition to seeing when your rents are received, you will also be able to:
    • View and approve work orders: All maintenance work orders are automatically e-mailed to you;
    • Instant access to all expenses: Copies of all bills are electronically posted to your owner portal;
    • Automatic e-deposits: Rent can be e-deposited into your account;
    • On-Line reports: Run financial and other reports;
    • Vacancy status: Review marketing campaigns and showings;
    • Communication: Instant message communication with staff; and
    • Instant Feedback: Access to Agent e-mail feedback to you after property showings.

    TENANT PERSONAL PORTAL

    • Confirm rent payments: Tenants can confirm payment was received &
    • Pay rent online with credit card or auto-debited from bank account: Have rent auto-debited from bank account;
    • Enter service/repair request: Enter work orders and check status;
    • View ledger: Tenants can check balances and charges;
    • Communication: Email staff from your own private portal
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