Today’s show is sponsored by Marc Cunningham of Grace Property Management. Marc has created some amazing products for property management companies, which we can say firsthand as we’ve implemented his systems here. Visit their website and try out their products! To get a 10% discount on any of Marc’s products, use the promo code “Brad”!
Don’t miss this insightful and value-packed conversation with James Alderson from OnSight PROS, an inspection company based in Texas but with locations in 14 cities in 7 states. We use them for third-party inspections, which (as we discuss in this episode) offer neutrality and reassurance when it comes to issues such as security deposits.
James isn’t only the founder of OnSight PROS; he and his wife are also property managers in the San Antonio, Texas area. In fact, James started OnSight PROS to fill a need of his own within his property management company. It wasn’t originally meant to be a business; James just wanted to get inspections off his plate. The company’s services were so in-demand, though, that it has now blossomed across the country.
In this conversation, James and I talk about various aspects of inspections. We explore why they’re so important, and several reasons that it’s better to have them done by a third-party company than to do them in-house (which we temporarily tried before returning to using OnSight PROS). James and I go into a fair amount of detail about using OnSight PROS for renewals and periodic inspections, discussing why it’s so important to do these inspections properly.
Of course, we all want to know how much things cost, so we talk about that (and about how to defer these costs to the tenant or owner). We offer some advice and tips on what to do if you don’t yet have a branch of OnSight PROS near you. Finally, we also spend a few fun minutes discussing technology and how we anticipate it will impact the property inspection industry in the relatively near future.
Here’s where you can find James:
Show Notes
[02:07] - James gives us a quick intro into who he is and what he does, explaining how OnSight PROS got started.
[03:23] - Brad steps in for a moment to briefly explain exactly what OnSight PROS does. He then explains his company’s process as it relates to OnSight PROS. James then points out that they prefer vacant properties, or else set up appointments with tenants.
[06:22] - James explains how having a third party do the assessment offers neutrality and takes away the concern that the property owner or manager is trying to retain an unfair amount of the security deposit.
[07:41] - We move onto the topic of using pros inspections for renewals. Brad and James talk about the frequency of doing inspections. James also mentions some of the things to look for to see if someone has a pet on the property without it being in the lease agreement.
[12:15] - We transition to the topic of periodic inspections. James points out that the job of a property management is to protect owners from tenants. He and Brad talk about a few issues that may arise, including trampolines and smoke alarms.
[16:43] - Brad talks about code compliance, explaining the rules in Texas specifically.
[19:00] - James goes back to the topic of periodic inspections, sharing a story of why one particular company works with OnSight PROS.
[21:44] - We hear about what Brad calls “desktop inspections” and the importance of giving owners reassurance that you’ve actually done an inspection.
[22:40] - Brad shifts to discussing the move-out process. He explains exactly what his management company does in this regard, particularly as it relates to inspections.
[25:38] - James responds to Brad’s point about vendors, and describes what he does in his property management company.
[26:27] - We return from a quick break to talk about some of the costs involved in using OnSight PROS.
[29:45] - Brad talks about ways to defer the cost to owners and tenants rather than putting it all on the property management company.
[32:00] - Since OnSight PROS is only in 14 cities (in 7 states), many listeners may not have one operating in their area. What should listeners do if there isn’t one nearby?
[34:03] - We learn about Brad’s history with OnSight PROS, why his company temporarily did inspections in-house, and why they returned to using James’ company.
[36:58] - Does James like any of the inspection softwares that are currently on the market?
[39:06] - Brad asks James what sorts of dynamic changes are on the horizon and will change the world. As he answers, James points out that he wants to keep up with the times. He and Brad talk about technology such as drones and Roombas, and how these relate to future changes in inspections.
[43:17] - How can listeners get in touch with James?
Links and Resources: