Tenant is gone - ready to list!

[sware2cod]

When you go there for the visit, pick up a Yellow Pages and bring it back with you. You might need to call contractors and it's convenient to have a hard copy handy.

I agree with the others. You need to be hands on an pick paint, painters, carpet. Else you might pay through the nose. At least get one or more quotes on your own so you can compare against prices given by the people that your realtor or inspector recommend.

Be careful with new carpet. Sometimes there is a long lag time between the time they measure versus installation date. You don't want to lose 3 weeks while it's waiting for carpet to be installed.

[HockeyDadof2]

I too would make the trip and hire contractors myself. First, of all to confirm that replacement and not just cleaning was necessary and secondly, to hire the trades myself.

[KonaKat]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

Does your PMC hire their own maintenance people? (Thinking kick-back - no incentive to get you the best deal)

Do they get a fee for supervising maintenance and repairs? (Thinking the more expensive the job, the more they make - hence no incentive to get you a good deal)

My thinking is based on a bad PMC experience that charged up the ying yang for repairs and maintenance - most unnecessary - and then a fee on top of that for supervising the jobs.

I think you should go back and oversee and hire people for yourself. Plus, you might be able to get the floors cleaned and they'll look fine. As your realtor's opinion on what needs to be done - not your PMC. IMHO.

Be advised that not many property managers are like the one you described. I am a licensed Realtor, get 2 or 3 estimates for major repairs, and use trusted and dependable vendors that have proven themselves to get the job done w/ little if any "supervision".

owners typically try to hire some random handyman that someone's brother's wife's best friend's dog groomer used and get crappy results and no recourse.

I can't oversee repairs and projects if the owner is going to list and sell with another firm, however what ever realtor he chose should and probably would do this for him. I've done it dozens of times for both rental and listed property, from minor fixes to all new custom paint and carpet

to the OP, if you are going to sell, don't fall into the trap of a half hearted paint touchup and carpet cleaning from Rug Doctor. It may be a cliche but you really do only have one chance to make a good first impression. Yes, definitely visit the property yourself and get things started. Whether or not it's a write off is not the point. It's your property and you should inspect it yourself. Good luck