Windermere Property Management - Whidbey Island Rental & Real Estate

Why work with a NARPM property manager?

The Property Managers at Windermere are members of a well-know national professional association, NARPM®. This association (National Association of Residential Property Mangers) provides powerful tools and resources for its members. The Windermere team is comprised of committed real estate professionals who have demonstrated by their high level of involvement in the industry that they take their profession seriously. Ongoing education, keeping current on regulations and new innovative ways to maximize rents and income for owners is an important part of their job.

NARPM members adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Professionalism that sets them apart from the rest of the industry. They understand how to meet legal obligations with the tenant application process and use consistent procedures to accomplish this. They perform thorough move-in and move-out inspections with attention to detail. Effective negotiation with tenants with the ability to handle difficult situations, recovery of NSF checks and a firm grasp of current landlord / tenant laws are only a part of the skills they bring to property management. They are also personally familiar with reliable vendors who provide valuable services for property owners. Whether it is for the routine maintenance that all property requires or major repairs, the Windermere team knows who to call to get the job done properly, affordably and quickly.

Knowing rent values and vacancy factors, how to effectively market property for the best results and keeping current on their local market are other key elements for successful long-term relationships for property owners. You can depend on the professional team at Windermere to understand their market and how to best keep property occupied. Make sure that your valuable asset is handled in a manner that means your income is maximized and the all-important details of keeping it in good condition are not your worry!

How is it determined how much rent a property will generate?

We do comparables with the other properties that are available on the market – our own rentals as well as those of other companies. Our extensive experience in the rental industry is also a determining factor when we make recommendations for the rental amount. Sometimes the owner decides what amount of monthly rent they are willing to accept, but more often we work collectively to decide on an appropriate rental amount.

How do I know if I am getting a good tenant?

There are four pieces of information that we gather for the screening company who processes rental applications for Windermere. They include written verification of employment, verbal landlord references if they are currently renting elsewhere, credit reports with an analysis of their financial situation and a criminal background check. Our recommendations to accept or not to accept an applicant is based on this data, as well as the insight we gain from spending time with the applicant to show available properties.

When will I receive a disbursement check?

Rents are due in our office on the first of each month. Our leases specify that if rent is not received by the fifth, of the month, a late fee is assessed. In order to avoid violating trust accounting laws, we need to wait until rent checks clear before we can send payment to you. Assuming that all rents are paid on time, owners generally receive their rental proceeds, as well as their operating statement on or about the 10th of every month.

What happens to the tenant’s security deposit?

As is dictated by law, all security deposits are placed in a separate escrow account where they remain until the tenant moves out. Deposits minus any damage noted are refunded within 14 days of the end of the tenancy as required by Washington State Landlord Tenant Law.

Am I informed of all repairs you make on my property?

Our standard management agreement includes emergency service consent as well as authorization of non-emergency repairs up to a preset amount. This amount is generally about $300.00, but can vary depending on the property and the situation. For non-emergency repairs estimated to exceed this threshold, no work is initiated without your knowledge and express approval. For large repairs or maintenance issues, Windermere property managers can handle the bidding process to receive estimates from multiple contractors.

What happens if there is an emergency?

All tenants go through orientation in our office before they are handed the keys to your home. Tenants are encouraged to take a proactive approach not only to emergencies but to routine maintenance items as well. Tenants are instructed to contact their Property Manager in the event of an emergency and are given instructions as to what constitutes an emergency situation.

If I want to sell my property, can you do that for me?

Professional property managers are licensed real estate agents and we are happy to provide our expertise in listing and selling properties. We may also refer you to another Windermere agent in our office – the criteria for this is simple: Who among us can provide you with the best possible results? Often buyers seek rental income properties for investment purposes and find Windermere Property Managers to be an excellent resource.