|
Post by msweeney on Jun 9, 2007 10:38:30 GMT 1
Hi there, I'm new to this forum but have been 'guesting' for a few months while our property is built in Ciovo. Could anyone recommend the best route to go regarding managing agents? Is it a necessary evil? We are planning only to use the apartment for friends and family in the first instance, though I know I still need to set up a company now. Any advice? I am dealing only with foreign companies set up in Croatia, which to date have been very good but can't help feeling it would be nice to give some business to local Croatians in return for the nice apartment they let me build there. Plus you get better stories and experiences when you are in contact with locals - we've had some great ones! Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Michelle
|
|
|
Post by darcy on Jun 10, 2007 8:25:47 GMT 1
Hi all,
Another managing agents request for an established 2 bedroom + living, dining, kitchen, verandah, terrace, AC, garden,needs some TLC (sorry no pool) villa at the Makarska Coast.
Thanks, Darcy
|
|
|
Post by Carol on Jun 10, 2007 10:40:28 GMT 1
its been clear for at least three years that there is demand for good managing agents. We get asked every day for them. So why is no one volunteering for the job? The only good one we knew ceased trading because time and money spent travelling to the properties plus the endless shifting bureaucratic requirements made it impossible to offer their postential clients a good but value for money service. They kept finsing that everyone liked the idea until they found out how much it cost and then they would decide not to rent or rent illegally using the next door neighbours help.
|
|
|
Post by darcy on Jun 11, 2007 1:10:18 GMT 1
Just as an idea, I am prepared to make a deal based on the commission and costs are - costs, as long as they are reasonable and supported by receipts that is OK.
I do not mind using next-door neighbour, and I do that from time to time, but there is no improvement in the service, plus it makes me impossible to re-brand the property as more upper market, what it is actually.
If there is anybody willing to have a try, I am open for suggestions. If not, you need to wait for my retirement, hopefully Croatian authorities will issue to me with all permits required.
|
|
|
Post by Carol on Jun 11, 2007 8:04:37 GMT 1
how can they give receipts for six hours standing in queues waiting to be told "come back tomorrow"?
|
|
|
Post by darcy on Jun 11, 2007 8:57:43 GMT 1
Let's get it real, 6 hours queue is once off event (I am aware of the public service there) and I am sure something can be arranged, however, cleaning, repairs, accidents, insurance claims, smile and a bottle of wine for a new arrival should be OK and straightforward for a professional.
|
|
|
Post by happy on Jun 11, 2007 9:19:31 GMT 1
Darcy Agree with your comments ......... apart from the 'SMILE'
|
|
|
Post by darcy on Jun 11, 2007 9:50:52 GMT 1
What is wrong with the smile? It costs nothing! (I will take the wine.)
|
|
|
Post by happy on Jun 11, 2007 10:48:07 GMT 1
Nothing worng with smile.
It just that 'smiles' seem to be something you can not get for any amount of money in Croatia!
|
|
|
Post by darcy on Jun 11, 2007 11:09:41 GMT 1
So, I can have the wine?
|
|
|
Post by happy on Jun 11, 2007 12:58:23 GMT 1
I think perhaps you have got the answer to bringing out some smiles from the workers.
Wine ! Lots of wine !
|
|
|
Post by Carol on Jun 11, 2007 13:59:57 GMT 1
darcy ... ok i have never done the work of a managing agent but i do another job with a heavy chunk of dealing with bureaucracy. its aseries of one off events of standing in long queues only to get to the top and be told they changed the rules last week about what they want and how they wnat it presented. Could they put a sign on the door or wall to advise people - well yes... but why should they? they don't care if you just wasted six hours and have to come back next week and try again.
|
|
|
Post by darcy on Jun 11, 2007 14:49:12 GMT 1
Once you have the famous "kategorisacija" in place, supported by a registered company, an accountant, a lawyer and the full bookings for next 3-4 months or so, what else makes job of managing agent so difficult? Does anybody know of any problem within the local community or the local traditions if you involve managing agent I am not aware of?
|
|
|
Post by Carol on Jun 11, 2007 15:40:41 GMT 1
I'm tempted to say dealing with difficult clients who expect everything done but don't want to pay for it! However, truth is I don't really know the detail of that job all i do know is that if a good reliable, cost effective property management company would liek to step forward then I would be delighted to meet you and introduce my clients to you
|
|
furio
Junior Member
Posts: 25
|
Post by furio on Jun 20, 2007 17:21:37 GMT 1
The cost of services are just too high imho. Part of this is that the foreign property managers are outsourcing all the work so you are getting double profit markups versus the real costs of effort. I also am of the opinion that the property managers are trying to make a similar income to that which they left. All services, actions etc are fixed price. This means the agency assumes zero risk in regards to effort in managing a property. 50 euro a month to check on the place (not fix anything). 40-50 euro to give guests a key. 500 euro to get a rental license. cleaning is about 70euro plus for each stay.
Then there are the costs to fix anything. Considering the enormous wear and tear rentals take this is not trivial.
Its no wonder that foreign management agencies are not getting enough customers they priced themselves out of business.
Seriously if an agent took over my property, company and managed the books for 50% of revenue with a guaranteed minimum payment, of course, say at 1000 euro per year. I'd sign up in a second.
|
|