ASSOCIATED REALTY

NOTE: This review is based on previous management and does not reflect new management under Randolph Field Realty which took over about a year or so ago (between Jul 1999 - about end 2009). I different review will be posted for Randolph Field Realty. During that time I did business with Associated Realty (under Coldwater Mgmt), I was not impressed at all when it came to taking care of my interests/property. Yes, they were professional and prompt when repairs were required but that was it. My house was only 3yrs old when I put it in their hands. They did a bad job performing move in/out inspections which resulted in significant costs/repairs over the years on my end. I'm sure the tenants took advantage of that too. I could never keep a tenant in my house for more than about 12 months whcih made things even worse--considering they were originally located near Randolph AFB. Examples of poor service/management include allowing tenants to paint without requesting authorization (as stated in the lease), damaging brick siding in order to install cable TV (even though the lease specifically said that brick was not to be touched). I just happened to be there on a visit and found these problems. If I would not have said anything, Associated would have left it as is and told me that it was already like that. Associated Realty did not do any kind of semi-annual inspection of the property--not a service they provide like some others. They have consistently found excuses to avoid confronting tenants on various damages. They even had problems getting tenants to turn in simple things like keys and garage door openers--resulting in me having the purchase more of them. I would have the sprinkler system checked prior to the new tenants moving in just to find out that previous tenants either never used it or damaged many of the sprinkler heads when mowing and not having them repaired. Very little time was spent by Associated Realty reviewing repair invoices to see if it was wear-and-tear vs. actual negligence. They had no problem using my money to fix it and then put it on me to question the repair. I would have been willing to pay more for management fees if it meant better service. I spent over $15K in mgmt fees/repairs--much of it because of the inefficient move in/out inspections. On a side side note, during 2010 alone, my bill for repairs was $4616.48--this for a 13yr old house. If I had to do this again--I would have sold the property. I have no doubts that if I would have lived in this house--my expenses would not have been that high--but on the other hand, that's the danger you experience when you rent to strangers and have a weak property manager.