HomesInvest Properties is an independent Property Valuation, Property Management and Real Estate Consultancy established in Kenya. It delivers a full range of real estate services such as Property Valuation, Property Management, Estate Agency, Facility Management and Project Management. In addition, the company’s professionals arrange for sale or lease of commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural and special purpose properties. A team of professionals using the latest state-of-the-art technology handles advisory services, which include site selection, feasibility studies, project management and consultancy. We specialise in a diverse range of property related transactions and we will assist you in a professional and timely manner. We pride ourselves on great service and advice and look forward to assisting you with your property needs. The Company is committed to building and maintaining a strong base for the future of the property profession through broadening the expertise and knowledge of membership. We shall be delighted to be given the opportunity to provide these services to you as our client and hope to bring the same success that we have been able to demonstrate in the management of other similar properties. Our Vision is to be the best service delivering Realtor Company. Mission Statement
To offer a professional yet personal approach to the management of your property based on honesty, integrity and superior service whilst achieving the maximum return for you by maintaining your investment at a high standard in order to attract the best possible tenant. We deliver by doing things the right way
• We have highly detailed policies and procedures that are followed by all members of staff to ensure a high level of consistent service.
• We are dedicated to a prompt, personalized and professional service.
• We are dedicated to our core values of trust, integrity and honesty.
• Our services extends beyond our office, we are constantly working in the field networking to satisfy our client’s needs.
• We will communicate with you regularly to ensure you are constantly aware of the status of your property, your account and your tenancy. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
At HomesInvest Properties we take customer service to the highest level by making customer service our top priority. We serve clients locally and internationally offering a wide range of integrated real estate agency and management services to multinationals, corporations, institutions, Individuals, Kenyans in Diaspora, foreign investors and local investors. Our core services comprise:
• Property Management.
• Facility Management.
• Project Management.
• Real Estate Agency Services.
• Consultancy Services.
• Full Market and Feasibility Studies
• Site Acquisition
• Due Diligence
• Property Valuation
1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Our project management professionals deliver comprehensive project management services to owners, investors and users in commercial and residential properties. By exploiting the local market knowledge and experience combined with the use of the latest technology, our project management team provides on-time and on-budget performance resulting in major cost and time saving opportunities throughout the entire construction process. The team works closely with the clients to clearly understand and define roles, responsibilities and expectations for every phase of the project. Communication protocols and evaluation procedures are also defined and documented so that every party involved in the project knows exactly what to expect. Our core project management service activities include:
• Budget preparations
• Design review
• Project evaluation and programming
• Site analysis, feasibility and viability studies
• Planning and design co-ordination
• Construction
• Occupancy co-ordination
• Project closeout
2. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. Professional Property Management usually involves two very different yet both equally important clients who include an investor who owns an investment property worth a substantial value & a tenant requiring a competitive rate & a secure site for his business. Our well trained professional team has the ability to understand & listen to the needs of both parties through effective communication, negotiation and current knowledge of the ever changing legislation. Why choose HomesInvest Properties?
• Property Management is OUR SPECIALTY! It’s what we specialise in and focus on, therefore making rental property our number one priority.
• We use an established prospective tenant database which gives us a distinct advantage in the prompt letting of your property.
• We appreciate our clients time is important and as your Property Managers will do our utmost to assist first time you call.
• We are an independent stand alone office, specifically trained to efficiently and effectively manage your property.
• We use innovative marketing to maximize exposure of your property and the possibility of finding a quality tenant fast.
• We take great care throughout the tenant qualification and selection process.
• We are committed to a high level of professional, personalized service which we believe to be unmatched in the field of Residential Property Management.
• We implement fully documented detailed policies and procedures to ensure consistency and a streamlined management service.
• We will communicate with you regularly and keep you fully informed on all important matters relating to the leasing and management of your property.
• We are contactable 24hrs a day in the event of an emergency at your property on our afterhours mobile. While we are quietly busy doing what we do well, the real results do the talking. The key Ingredients to Successful Property Management include:
a) Leasing
Our professional leasing team:
• Keeps an accurate record of number and availability of units
• Accompanies ALL viewings with potential tenants
• A complete post-viewing follow-up
• Advises of all offers in writing, providing a profile of the client
• Completes regular reviews of viewing number and leasing rates and provide updated market advice and recommendations at regular intervals
• Collects all payments, prepares and arranges for the client to sign all Tenancy Contracts whilst collecting all the paperwork necessary under leasing requirements.
• Prepares a Condition Report to ascertain any outstanding maintenance or cleaning requirements prior to occupation
• Hands over all payments, documentation, etc. to the Property Management division who ensures that the handover and follow-up with the client is of a high standard. How to lease you property faster
First, decide what type of tenant you are targeting? There are tenants who want to save money and are happy to live in a property that is not in first class condition. There are others, such as professional people, who are happy to pay top rent, but expect the property to present at its absolute best. There is no doubt that well presented properties achieve top rents and usually attract the best quality tenants. That adds up to a higher investment return, together with fewer headaches and shorter vacancy periods. b) Marketing
In order to attract tenants quickly, we advertise vacant properties throughout our vast marketing network. This network includes the Magazines, daily print advertising, strategically targeted email campaigns, location signage, website listings, and a network of over 60 agents. We use the following tools when assessing the market rental value of property:
1. Market conditions
2. Comparable property rents
3. Vacancy factors
4. General condition of the property
5. Tenant quality and the length of tenancy
Our personalised and positive approach, teamed with our solid industry experience will actively sell your property to prospective tenants. We deliver by using a high impact marketing campaign to find quality tenants promptly. As a vital marketing tool we utilize a large prospective tenant database. Upon receipt of your signed Management Agency Agreement, we immediately begin contacting prospective tenants. We deliver by offering a thorough and careful tenant qualification and selection process. All prospective tenants are thoroughly screened using our screening process.
1. Identification - (Drivers Licence / Passport /ID)
2. Income Verification (Payslips / Letter from employer / Bank Statement)
c) Handover and Inspection
Property Management will arrange a formal handover from developer to Property Owner, including all necessary paperwork to make the transition efficient. During this process, the property will be critically inspected (known as “snagging”) to ensure the developer has adequately completed contractual requirements for the handover. Also each unit is thoroughly inspected once a tenant is moving out to ensure that he or she leaves the property in the same condition as when he was renting the unit. d) Rent Collection and Lease Management
The Property Administrator will maintain a register of the commencement and expiry details of all leases on our computerized management system. All lease renewals will be handled and completed by the Property Administrator. Requests from tenants will be submitted to the management office. All such requests will then be submitted to the Property Owner for consent along with our recommendations and all of the necessary information regarding the request. During the day-to-day running of your property, the Property Administrator will identify any breaches of the lease agreement or rules and regulations of the unit by the tenants. We will advise on the appropriate course of action for each individual case. e) Administration and Dispute Resolution. In order to manage your property, an experienced Property Administrator is assigned. We provide a Property Administrator with excellent customer relations and administrative skills, who reports directly to the Portfolio Manager. The Property Administrator will handle all complaints being submitted by tenants; such complaints may be maintenance related to or regarding incidents within the property. All complaints, requests and incidents are followed up and resolved quickly to maintain good tenant relations. f) Property Maintenance and Services
Throughout the duration of each tenancy in your property, the Property Administrator will conduct regular internal and external inspections. These inspections will ensure that tenants are maintaining the property, as well as detect any minor maintenance issues that may arise. If your property does happen to require maintenance, we arrange for such maintenance to be undertaken in a professional manner. Repairs are closely monitored for quality and the work is carried out so as to cause as little inconvenience to your tenants as possible. Properties are recommended to take advantage of Annual Maintenance Contracts in order to save money in the long-term by preventing large-scale maintenance problems. During the initial term of the management of new properties, Lions Property Management Limited will ensure that the warranties supplied by the developer are not affected and that any items that arise during that period are dealt with quickly and without expense or inconvenience to the owner or the tenants. The Property Administrator will assist with conducting a thorough inspection of new properties upon the site handover by the developer, as well as just prior to the expiry of the developer’s warranty. It must also be noted that a review of the developer’s defect liability period is strongly advised as it may not cover certain types of maintenance. g) Reporting and Financial Management
We provide a full set of accounts summarizing all financial transactions on a property including all receipts and payments, cash reconciliation, funds supplied for management, direct payments, disbursements, direct banking, commission schedules and arrears. We will submit expense reports and revenue reports along with continual monitoring of the rental market. h) Banking Services
The Property Administrator will deal with the collection of all rental cheques and deposit them to the Property Owner’s account. If a cheque is returned, the matter will be promptly followed up with the tenant and authorities where necessary. i) Property Insurance
We will obtain professional advice from our insurance brokers, ensuring a full understanding of the contractual aspects of the insurance proposal and enabling us to obtain the best rates in the market for the most comprehensive contracts. Additionally, the Property Administrator will be trained to follow protocol should an insurance situation occur to protect the Property Owner’s contractual rights. Extra protection for your valuable investment
Landlord Insurance is something we suggest you consider, but something we hope you will never need to use. You just don’t know when a good tenant may face difficult times or their circumstances may change – but it’s good to know you won’t too. Some Landlord Insurance policies cover such things as:-
• Accidental and malicious damage by the tenant
• Theft of items by the tenant
• Loss of rent
• Legal expenses
• Public Liability
• Damage to the building and contents caused by fire, storm, water damage and various other events (depending on the policy taken). j) Legal Guidance
We have good relations and liaise with the government bodies on a regular basis including the Rent Tribunal, City Council and Environmental experts with all matters regarding the operations of the building to ensure you are fully protected as a Property Owner. We log any legal issue with the Rent Tribunal or Auctioneers and provide the required documents should the matter of returned cheques not be settled within a reasonable timeframe. k) Fee Structure
The fee for our Property Management service varies based on the type of property, the number of units, and whether management is done on-site or from a remote office. Every Property Management contract is tailor-made for the Property Owner. Services included in your management fee and letting fee at no additional charge
• Erecting a “For Lease” signboard on your property (subject to authorization)
• Unlimited personally escorted inspections of your property with prospective tenants
• The development and design of descriptive copy for the marketing your property
• Thorough screening and qualification of prospective tenants
• Preparation of a highly detailed ingoing Property Condition Report
• The supervision of all signing of all tenancy documentation by tenants
• The collection, banking and processing of all initial payments by tenants
• Perform a highly detailed and thorough Outgoing Property Condition Report
• Regular Routine Inspection Reports of your property as required
• Regular rent reviews based on current market comparables
• Rent collection.
• Banking of the rent collected into your nominated account monthly
• Constant monitoring of tenant rent payment status and rent arrears control
3. PROPERTY VALUATION
Our valuation professionals undertake valuation of virtually every property type. They value and analyze office buildings, retail, land, industrial, different types of residential as well as special purpose properties. Valuations are undertaken for banks/financial institutions, investment advisors, multinationals, corporations, non-governmental organizations, property owners, occupiers and developers. Specific Valuation Services Offered Include:
• Mortgage valuations
This involves the assessment of real property’s worth so as to ascertain their adequacy for loans collateral.
• Forced sale valuations
Is the assessment of the value of property in case of foreclosure.
• Valuation for insurance purposes
Involves the ascertainment of developed property’s worth for insurance.
• Sale/purchase valuations
• Plant and machinery valuations
• Furniture, equipments and fittings valuations
• Valuation for privatisation purposes
• Statutory valuations
• Rental assessment
4.0 ESTATE AGENCY. Buying or selling a home is the biggest, most important, financial transaction people experience in their lifetime. Once you decide to sell your home, choosing the right real estate company and agent to represent you during this transaction is the most important decision you will make. Consider the following reasons why you should list with Lions Property Management Limited:
• We have comprehensive print and direct mail advertising programs.
• We have satisfied past customers which provide a source of potential buyers.
• We have full time agents who receive extensive on-going training.
• We have efficient, computerized accounting and property information systems.
• We have a computer resource department for agent training in the use of personal computers.
• We have a corporate commitment to excellence in all areas of the real estate business. List with HomesInvest Properties and we will see to it that your home is sold for the best price, in the shortest amount of time, with the least inconvenience to you. Determining the Value of Your Home
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is essential to determine the value of residential property. Location and characteristics of the property are the key elements in determining value; therefore the basis for valuation is similar properties in your area. The market analysis takes into account the amount received from recent sales of comparable properties and the quantity and quality of comparable properties currently on the market. The desired end result is to find a price that will attract a willing and able buyer in a reasonable period of time. Once the value of your home has been determined, you can decide on an offering price that will achieve your goals. Generally, the price should not exceed the value by more than 5% or potential buyers may not even make offers. Naturally, if you want to sell quickly your asking price should be very near the value. The following are a few things to keep in mind about pricing:
• Realistic pricing will achieve maximum price in a reasonable time.
• Your cost or profit desire is irrelevant; the market determines the price.
• The cost of improvements is almost always more than the added value.
• A house that is priced right from the beginning achieves the highest proceeds. The Importance of Intelligent Pricing
Determining the best asking price for a home can be one of the most challenging aspects of selling a home. It is also one of the most important. If your home is listed at a price that is above market value, you will miss out on prospective buyers who would otherwise be prime candidates to purchase your home. If you list at a price that is below market value, you will ultimately sell for a price that is not the optimum value for your home. Therefore, by pricing your property at market value, you expose it to a much greater percentage of prospective buyers. Another critical factor to keep in mind when pricing your home is timing. A property attracts the most attention, excitement and interest from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed on the market. Improper pricing at the initial listing misses out on this peak interest period and may result in your property languishing on the market. Eventually leading to a below market value sale price, or, even worse, no sale at all. Therefore, your home has the highest chances for a fruitful sale when it is new on the market and the price is reasonably established. We can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms, and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle. We deliver by offering an achievable yet optimal rental appraisal of your investment property in order to maximise your return. Valuable Presentation Tips
• Tend the gardens, mow the lawns, and clean the windows, paths, gutters and outside paintwork. These are all the things seen from the street, and you don’t want prospective tenants to dismiss the property before getting to the front door.
• Repair or replace leaking taps, sticking doors, broken light fittings, door handles, rotten floorboards, leaking gutters and torn fly screens.
• If you are thinking of painting, only paint those areas that really need it unless you plan to do the lot. New paint may only make those areas left unpainted look even shabbier. Use light, neutral colors as strong colors may not be to the tenants liking.
• Get rid of odors’ that you may not notice but prospective tenants will, such as pet smells. You should look at getting carpets professionally cleaned prior to tenancy commencement; it is not a legal requirement that the tenant have this done again upon vacation, but if it is done for them it is easier to enforce.
• Open all curtains and blinds to allow natural light into the premises as no one likes a dark house, and the view will make the rooms appear bigger.
• Have the property clean, tidy and uncluttered at all inspection times.
• If your property has a pool, ensure the pool and the surrounds are sparkling clean. You want your prospective tenants to think of it as an asset, not a burden. If the filter or the pool needs professional repairs, it is better to do it now rather than putting it off.
• Ensure all electrical wiring and power points are safe. This includes any electrical appliances to be included with the property.
• Ensure all glass in the premises, such as shower screens, balcony sliding doors, windows etc are all compliant with current safety standards and requirement.
