Lousy communication with property managers (documents, agent, condo, broker)

[pannierpacker]

I've hit another problematic organization on another promising property. There is an HOA for a condo I'm interested in that hired a property management company to do their work. 2 weeks ago I made a call to the property manager and left a voicemail asking about parking. He left me a voicemail response the next day. I called him back and left another voicemail with some additional questions. After a week of no response, I reached out to the receptionist at the company to ask if this person was available and she said she would let him know that I called. I tried calling him a couple of other times and got no response. Finally my agent reached out and he responded back right away to her via email but only answering half the questions I had asked (that my agent had forwarded to him).

Finally I took matters into my own hands (with my agent's permission) and emailed the property management company myself. Here is our dialogue. Needless to say, this is not looking like a very promising partner to work with:

-----------------------------------------
Time: 4:12 PM
From: Me
To: Receptionist at property management company

Hi <receptionist's name>,
I am not sure if I spoke to you, but I reached out to <property management company name> a couple of weeks ago and had some questions that I was hoping could be answered regarding the <Association>. I am a prospective buyer, looking at a unit at <address censored>. My agent, <name censored>, reached out at the same time and got my questions partially answered but I was hoping to introduce myself and gain a better understanding of the relationship between <property management company> and the <Association>.

When I spoke with someone earlier, I was told that <property manager's name> was the individual that would be able to answer my questions and that he is the liaison between <property management company> and the association. Can you please explain if <property manager's name> has any special position on the HOA board or the association or does he only work for the <property management company>?

These are the additional questions that I'm still hoping to find answers to. If you could please help me with that, it would be greatly appreciated:

1) Does the association at large pay for repairs on garages or is that cost one that only garage owners end up having to bear? The unit I'm looking at does not come with a garage.

2) Is there an outbound mail slot anywhere onsite or do I need to walk to a post office box in order to send mail?

Thank you!
-<my name>

-----------------------------------------
Time: 4:14 PM
From: Receptionist
To: Me

Hello <my name>,
I am copying <property manager> on this response as he would be the one to discuss answers to your questions listed below.

<receptionist name>

-----------------------------------------

Time: 5:51 PM
From: Property Manager
To: Me

The garages are maintained by the Association. <Property management company> is hired by the Association to manage financial maters and repair and maintenance. I am <name censored> an employee of <property management company> and am assigned to manage your property.

Sent from my iPhone

[WVREDLEG]

Originally Posted by pannierpacker

I've hit another problematic organization on another promising property. There is an HOA for a condo I'm interested in that hired a property management company to do their work.

Why isn't your agent contacting the listing agent? Does the seller even know you have these questions? The PM works for the HOA, not prospective buyers. The seller is the one with a vested interest in prospective buyers.

I get that you want as much information before making a huge financial decision--and the seller or their rep is the button to push.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by WVREDLEG

Why isn't your agent contacting the listing agent? Does the seller even know you have these questions? The PM works for the HOA, not prospective buyers. The seller is the one with a vested interest in prospective buyers.

I get that you want as much information before making a huge financial decision--and the seller or their rep is the button to push.

I agree. The potential buyer should be asking the seller their questions. It is not the PM's job to answer the questions.

[pannierpacker]

The seller didn't know the answers to my questions and asked me to reach out to the property manager.

Either way, I'm assuming I'd have to deal with the property manager at some point if I was living here. Wouldn't this still be an issue if that is this person's communication style?

[WVREDLEG]

Originally Posted by pannierpacker

The seller didn't know the answers to my questions and asked me to reach out to the property manager.

The seller has a relationship with the PM and is an owner subject to the HOA. Telling you to reach out is a brush off and shows a lack of interest in you as a buyer. Your agent is doing the same to you by telling you to "go ahead and bypass me" to talk to the PM. Maybe they see you as a "tire kicker" and not a serious buyer.

Originally Posted by pannierpacker

Either way, I'm assuming I'd have to deal with the property manager at some point if I was living here. Wouldn't this still be an issue if that is this person's communication style?

You don't live there, and you have no binding connection or business relationship with the PM, HOA, or even the seller, and it is plain that their lack of responsiveness turns you off. That should be enough to make you give up....so what are you going to do?

[WorldKlas]

Everywhere I have lived, the bank of mailboxes had an outgoing slot or I could leave outgoing in my individual mailbox and its taken care of. Did you go to the mailbox kiosk and look? This is really a question for the seller to get back to you. I would never think to ask this kind of question of a property manager. However, good point on accessibility concerns........

[adjusterjack]

Originally Posted by pannierpacker

Time: 5:51 PM
From: Property Manager
To: Me

The garages are maintained by the Association. <Property management company> is hired by the Association to manage financial maters and repair and maintenance. I am <name censored> an employee of <property management company> and am assigned to manage your property.

OK, you got your answer, what more do you want?

Your question about mailboxes can be easily answered by a visit to the property. Have you even been there yet?

[ss20ts]

Originally Posted by pannierpacker

The seller didn't know the answers to my questions and asked me to reach out to the property manager.

Either way, I'm assuming I'd have to deal with the property manager at some point if I was living here. Wouldn't this still be an issue if that is this person's communication style?

The seller doesn't know where they get their mail? Hogwash!

They know nothing about the Association? Doubtful. Have you read the HOA documents? Typically what's covered by the HOA is listed in the documents. Requires reading yes. The PM does not work for you nor do they have any relationship with you. They are not obligated to discuss the Association with you as you are not an owner.

[steiconi]

It seems like many people will only answer one or two questions, and blow off follow ups.

[dontaskwhy]

Bottom line is that the property manager isn't there to answer these questions to a prospective buyer. They are responsible to the HOA and the homeowners.

Your Realtor should contact them on your behalf or contact the other Realtor, even if they don't want to. This should be your expectation. As a former Realtor myself, I have worked with difficult property managers and I understand your frustration. If your Realtor is not helping, I would speak with their broker in charge who might be able to resolve/answer your questions and concerns.

Best wishes, I understand you frustrations.