A property manager comparison is most useful when each company answers the same questions about the same property. Start with the services you need, collect written evidence, and compare total costs and responsibilities before signing. A familiar brand, a low headline fee or a guarantee alone does not establish whether the agreement fits your situation.
Open the printable property-manager selection worksheet. It is a blank two-page comparison sheet: print a copy or save a PDF, with no signup or submission. Use one column per company and keep the proposal date and agreement section beside each answer. Published by Century 21 Accent Homes; worksheet and comparison process updated October 15, 2026.
Start with your property and your decision
Record the property type, location, whether a tenant is already in place, your intended start date and any unresolved repairs. Identify the decisions you want to keep and the work you want delegated. A vacant listing and an occupied management transfer need different plans.
Ask each candidate for a proposal for that same situation. Keep quoted fees and service assumptions together; a leasing-only offer and an ongoing management agreement cover different work. Our manager-versus-Realtor guide explains that distinction.
Compare written evidence across six decisions
| Decision | Ask for | Record on the worksheet |
|---|---|---|
| Service scope | A list of included services and an agreement showing who does each task | Marketing, screening, rent collection, inspections, maintenance and accounting responsibilities |
| Fees and exclusions | Complete fee schedule and a property-specific quote | Monthly fee, leasing, renewal, setup, repair charges, reserves, optional services and billing triggers |
| Reporting | A redacted sample statement and explanation of owner communication | Payment timing conditions, statement frequency, repair updates, contact person and escalation route |
| Maintenance approval | The written approval process and emergency exception | Spending threshold, quotes, vendor selection, invoice access and authority when you cannot be reached |
| Exit and guarantees | Cancellation, notice, transfer and guarantee terms | Exit costs and timing; eligibility, exclusions, remedy and claim process for each guarantee |
| Onboarding | A written handoff checklist and proposed responsibilities | Existing lease, deposit records, ledger, keys, open work, tenant communication and target transfer date |
Use evidence status instead of a best-company ranking
Mark each answer “documented,” “verbal only,” “not provided” or “not applicable.” A missing answer is a follow-up question, not a zero-cost service or proof of poor performance. Record the document name, date and section so you can check the answer against the agreement later. Do not put tenant names, access codes or financial account details on a sheet you intend to share.
Choose your must-have criteria before comparing providers. For example, an occupied transfer may depend on a clear deposit and repair handoff; a remote owner may prioritize reporting and an emergency contact process. Ask for clarification where a sales description differs from the contract. Avoid treating a fee structure or the presence or absence of a guarantee as a complete quality score.
Compare costs for the same scenario
Use the same expected rent, management period and number of placements or renewals for each quote. Add all applicable fees and list property expenses separately. Ask when fees are charged if the property is vacant, a tenant leaves early or you end management. A maintenance markup, inspection fee or reserve should be understood in context rather than hidden inside a monthly-price comparison.
Century 21 Accent Homes offers Silver management at $250/month and Gold at $350/month. Gold adds six written guarantees under their eligibility and terms. Leasing is 75% of one month's rent, renewal is $395 and setup is $150. Both plans are month-to-month with 30 days' written cancellation notice. The $500 owner reserve is held in trust for property expenses; repairs and other property costs are separate. Use the complete pricing schedule and written guarantees to verify the current offer rather than treating this article as an agreement.
Our property management cost guide and cost comparison calculator can help organize the comparison. Replace illustrative amounts with actual quotes.
Set the onboarding plan before choosing a start date
For an occupied property, gather the current agreement, signed lease, rent ledger, deposit records, inspection reports, keys and open repairs. Agree who handles notice arrangements, tenant communication, payment instructions and each unresolved task during the transfer. Review an existing tenant's guarantee eligibility separately from a newly screened placement.
For a vacant property, ask how condition assessment, vendor work, photography, pricing and showing access fit together. Keep proposed work distinct from completed work; a target date needs a responsible person and a way to confirm readiness. Use our inspection guide and printable condition checklist to organize condition records.
Finish with an open-questions list
Write the unanswered question, who will answer it, the evidence requested and the date you need it. Check the final agreement against your worksheet before signing. The worksheet is a decision aid, not a contract, legal review or endorsement of any provider.
For a property-specific discussion, book a Rent-Ready Planning Call, or review owner services and resources. Already working with us? Use the existing owner contact and servicing options on the owner page.
About this resource
This original comparison workflow and blank worksheet are published by Century 21 Accent Homes for Northern Virginia rental owners. The worksheet's reference destination is this guide; retain its version date when sharing a blank copy. The fee and guarantee summaries above refer to our linked pricing and guarantee pages. Provider answers must come from each provider's current written records. No competitor prices, claimed outcomes or ranked recommendations are supplied.
Family-owned property management company serving Northern Virginia since 1972. NARPM member, NVAR member, and National Association of Realtors® member with over 50 years of experience managing residential rental properties.