Which is better: a large property management firm or a smaller boutique firm?
Anthony A. Luna • September 19, 2024
Which type of firm is better suited for your needs?
When it comes to managing your real estate investment, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right property management company. With so many options available—from the largest property management companies in the United States to smaller, boutique firms—the choice can feel overwhelming. Which type of firm is better suited for your needs? The answer depends on your goals, property type, and the level of service you expect.
Both large and boutique property management companies have their advantages, but understanding how each works can help you make a more informed decision.
The Benefits of Large Property Management Companies
Large property management companies, like Lincoln Property Company or Cushman & Wakefield, are giants in the industry. They manage properties on a massive scale, often overseeing hundreds or even thousands of units across various states. This size gives them significant advantages in terms of resources and capabilities.
- Comprehensive Services: Larger firms often provide an array of services that smaller companies may not be able to match. They provide legal help, marketing support, and advanced technology solutions. This full set of tools helps manage properties effectively.
- Economies of Scale: Bigger companies can handle many types of properties. This includes single-family homes and large commercial buildings. They can spread their costs across a broad portfolio, which may result in more competitive pricing for property owners.
- Specialized Expertise: Larger firms have big teams and more resources. This allows them to hire specialists in areas like legal compliance, leasing, and maintenance. This expertise ensures that the property management works smoothly across all fronts.
However, this size can also come with drawbacks.
- Impersonal Service: Because they manage so many properties, large firms might lack the personalized attention you expect. As a property owner, you may feel like just another number in their vast system.
- Limited Flexibility: Larger companies often have strict processes. This can make it hard for them to adjust services for unique property needs. Decisions often take longer to implement, as there are more layers of management involved.
The Appeal of Smaller, Boutique Property Management Firms
In contrast, smaller boutique firms often pride themselves on offering a more hands-on, personalized experience. These smaller companies are more flexible. They can meet individual property needs better than larger firms can.
- Personalized Attention: Boutique firms usually handle fewer properties. This helps them build closer relationships with property owners and tenants. This can lead to better communication and quicker response times for maintenance requests or other concerns.
- Flexibility: Smaller companies can adjust their services to meet the specific needs of each property. This includes both high-end commercial spaces and smaller residential buildings. This adaptability is one of the main reasons owners choose boutique firms over the largest property management companies.
- Owner-Like Mindset: Smaller property management firms are more likely to treat properties as if they were their own. This attention to detail often results in higher tenant satisfaction and better long-term property value.
However, boutique firms also face challenges that larger companies may not.
- Limited Resources: A smaller company might not have the same technology, networks, or money as larger firms. This could impact their ability to handle certain issues or scale services if your portfolio grows.
- Higher Costs: Since they don’t benefit from the same economies of scale, small companies may have higher per-unit costs. If budget is a primary concern, a mid-sized firm might offer the best of both worlds.
Coastline Equity: Blending the Best of Both Worlds
At Coastline Equity, we strive to combine the best aspects of both large and boutique property management firms. We understand the importance of personalized attention and flexibility, but we also leverage technology and comprehensive services to manage properties at a higher level. Our approach focuses on the unique needs of each property. We maintain an "owner mindset" to ensure long-term value and tenant satisfaction.
- Listening to Your Property: One of the ways we stand out is through our commitment to “listening” to each property. We don’t just rely on reports—we consistently inspect and monitor properties to catch problems before they escalate. This proactive approach is something rarely seen in larger companies, where properties can be overlooked.
- Technology Meets Personal Service: We offer the personalized service of a boutique firm. At the same time, we use advanced property management technology to make our operations smoother. This allows us to offer the best of both worlds: efficiency and personal care.
How to Choose the Right Property Management Firm
When deciding between a large property management company and a smaller boutique firm, consider the following:
- What type of property do you own? If you manage a large portfolio of commercial real estate, a firm like Cushman & Wakefield might be better suited to handle the scale. For individual property owners or smaller portfolios, a boutique firm may offer the personalized service you need.
- What are your growth goals? If you plan to grow your real estate holdings significantly, a larger company with the capacity to scale might be ideal. However, if your focus is on maintaining a few properties with a high level of care, a smaller company may provide the attention you’re looking for.
- What level of involvement do you prefer? If you want hands-on involvement in the day-to-day management of your properties, a boutique firm may offer more direct communication. Larger companies are often better suited for hands-off investors who prefer to delegate all responsibilities.
Finding Your Fit
Ultimately, the decision between a large property management firm and a boutique firm depends on your unique needs as a property owner. Large firms provide scale and comprehensive services, while smaller companies excel in personalized attention and flexibility. Coastline Equity blends these strengths to offer a balanced approach, ensuring excellence in property management for properties of all sizes.
Whichever route you choose, make sure your property management company aligns with your goals, budget, and the level of care you expect for your investment.
Let's elevate the industry together—share this blog with fellow investors.
Discover how property owners and investors can turn the 2025 property management regulations into opportunities for growth, tenant retention, and long-term success. Learn key updates and actionable strategies today.
Learn how California's AB 2493 improves transparency in rental application fees. Discover what landlords need to do to comply and enhance trust with applicants.
Discover how California's SB 611 protects service members by limiting rental fees and enhancing compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Learn your rights and responsibilities.
Learn how California's AB 2747 requires landlords to offer rent payment reporting to credit bureaus. Discover the benefits, compliance steps, and impact on property management.
More about Coastline Equity
Property Management Services
Learn MoreOur team will handle all your property needs, offering specialized services such as in-depth inspections, liability management, staff recruitment and training, and round-the-clock maintenance—expert support tailored to the unique requirements of your real estate assets.
About Us
Learn MoreOur dedicated team transforms property management challenges into opportunities. From tenant management to streamlined rent collection and proactive maintenance.
Property Management Excellence
Learn MoreAs a contributing author for Forbes, Anthony A. Luna brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the property management industry, real estate sector, and entrepreneurship, providing insights and thought-provoking analysis on a range of topics including property management, industry innovation, and leadership.
Anthony has established himself as a leading voice in the business community. Through his contributions to Forbes, Anthony is set to publish his first book, "Property Management Excellence" in April 2025 with Forbes Books.
Insights
Learn MoreLearn more about Coastline Equity's property management practices & processes and how we support our clients with education and a growth mindset.
Coastline Equity Property Management is your partner as you continue to learn and grow.
News & Updates
Setting the right rent isn’t just about earning income — it’s about finding the balance between maximizing cash flow and keeping your property consistently occupied. So, what exactly is fair rent for your property? Whether you're renting out a single-family home, an apartment, or a unit in a multi-family building, finding a fair rental price starts with a thoughtful look at your property, your market, and what today’s renters are willing to pay. Start with Comparable Rentals The best way to find a fair rent is to research comparable rentals in your area. Look for listings similar in: Square footage Number of bedrooms and bathrooms Neighborhood Condition and amenities Platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, or Rent.com are a great place to browse rental listings and compare active prices. If you’re seeing similar units listed at a higher rate than yours — and they're still on the market weeks later — that could be a sign they’re overpriced. Units that rent fast tell you what renters are actually willing to pay. Real Example: Pricing a 2-Bedroom in Long Beach Let’s say you own a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in Long Beach with around 900 square feet. You check listings and find similar properties renting for $2,300 to $2,500. Zillow shows a rent zestimate of $2,400 — a decent starting point, but not the full picture. After looking at how long listings have stayed active and talking to a local property manager , you find out that well-maintained units with in-unit laundry and parking are consistently getting rented at $2,350. You price your unit accordingly, giving yourself a competitive edge while still earning market value. Avoid Relying on Algorithms Alone Automated pricing tools like the rent zestimate are useful for a ballpark figure, but they often miss local demand shifts, recent upgrades, or what renters truly value in your neighborhood. Use them as one data point — not your final decision-maker. Other Factors That Influence Fair Rent Your final rent amount should reflect more than just comps. Consider: The property’s condition: Have you renovated or upgraded appliances recently? Extras included: Are you covering any utilities? Is there secure parking or outdoor space? Seasonality: Rental demand can vary throughout the year. Your goals: Are you focused on fast occupancy or maximizing revenue? Professional support: A trusted rental manager or property manager can offer current insights based on tenant activity, vacancy rates, and pricing trends. How Property Managers Help You Set the Right Price If you're unsure what to charge, a local property manager can evaluate your unit, compare it to others in your area, and recommend a pricing strategy that balances demand and return. They also help adjust your price over time as rental rates shift, and they’ll guide you in attracting and retaining quality tenants who value both the price and the property. Final Thoughts So, what is fair rent for your property? It’s the price that matches what your unit offers, reflects the current market, and appeals to qualified renters. It’s not necessarily the highest number possible — it’s the one that helps you rent quickly, reduce turnover, and maintain steady income. With a little research, a realistic view of your property’s features, and guidance from local experts, you’ll be well-positioned to price your rental right — and keep it occupied with great tenants.
One of the most delicate parts of owning a rental property is figuring out how to increase the rent without driving away good tenants. While you want to stay competitive with market rates , it’s equally important to maintain stable occupancy and avoid costly turnovers. The good news? With the right strategy and timing, raising rent doesn’t have to come at the cost of your tenant relationships. 1. Know Your Local Market Rates Before you decide to raise the rent , research similar properties in your area to understand current rent prices . If you're significantly below market value, a reasonable increase is often accepted — especially by tenants who like where they live. Even if you're close to market rate, a small adjustment can still make sense if you’re offering added value like upgraded amenities, responsive maintenance, or flexible lease terms. 2. Time It Around Lease Renewals The best time to increase the rental rate is when a tenant is renewing the lease . This gives them the chance to consider the new rate and evaluate their options — all while avoiding the hassle and cost of moving. Be sure to send a formal rent increase notice with enough lead time, typically 30 to 60 days in advance, depending on local regulations. 3. Communicate the “Why” Clearly When increasing rent, communication is everything. Let your tenants know the reasons behind the increase: Rising property taxes or insurance Increases in maintenance or utility costs Alignment with market rates Planned improvements to the unit or building Even if they don’t love the change, most tenants are more receptive when they feel respected and informed. 4. Offer Options and Flexibility If you’re working with long-term tenants you’d like to keep, consider offering choices to soften the increase: Extend the lease at the current rate for a few more months Offer a discounted rate for early renewal Split the increase over two payments instead of one lump sum This approach shows that you're not just looking to raise the rent , but to build a fair and lasting relationship. 5. Lean on Your Property Manager (If You Have One) Experienced property managers can provide insight into local rent prices , craft professional communications, and help navigate lease renewals in a way that keeps tenants happy while protecting your bottom line. They can also deliver rent increase notices and handle pushback more objectively. If you manage your property on your own, consider consulting a manager or local expert before finalizing your approach. Final Thoughts Increasing the rental rate is a normal part of owning a rental property , but it should always be done with care and intention. When you base your decisions on market research, communicate transparently, and give tenants room to respond, you’re more likely to keep good renters in place — even at a higher price point. Want help reviewing your current lease structure or market position before you raise the rent? We’re here to support you.
Finding the right tenant is one of the most important things you’ll do as a property owner. The right renter can mean steady income, fewer problems, and long-term stability — while the wrong one can lead to missed rent, damage, or legal headaches. So how do you actually find great tenants for your rental property? Here's a clear, step-by-step approach that works — whether you're a new landlord or a seasoned investor. 1. Write a Clear, Honest Rental Listing Start by crafting a listing that highlights what makes your property attractive, but also sets clear expectations. Good property descriptions should include: Rental price and lease length Number of bedrooms and bathrooms Location and amenities Any restrictions (pets, smoking, etc.) Post your listing on multiple rental listing sites — but don’t underestimate the power of rent signs in front of the property, especially if it's in a high-traffic area. 2. Market Where Your Ideal Tenants Are To reach more prospective tenants , take your marketing beyond listing sites. Post your property on social media , community groups, and even local forums. Word of mouth can also be powerful — let friends, colleagues, and neighbors know the unit is available. Make sure your contact information is easy to find and consistent across platforms. You want prospective renters to reach you quickly when interest is high. 3. Use a Standard Rental Application When potential tenants reach out, have a standard rental application ready to go. This not only helps you stay organized, but ensures you’re collecting all the info you’ll need for the next step — tenant screenings . A good application should request: Full name and contact details Employment and income information References and previous landlord contacts Authorization for a background check and credit score pull 4. Screen Tenants Thoroughly (and Legally) One of the most critical steps in finding good tenants is how you screen tenants . Don’t skip this part — it’s where most rental issues can be avoided. Effective tenant screenings usually include: Background check (criminal history, eviction records) Credit score and payment history Verification of employment and income Reference checks with their previous landlord Always follow housing laws when screening applicants. Be consistent, fair, and avoid any language or decisions that could be considered discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act. 5. Collect a Security Deposit and Finalize the Lease Once you’ve found a great tenant , collect a security deposit (within the limits set by your state), and have both parties sign a clear, legally binding lease agreement . Your lease should detail rent amounts, due dates, responsibilities, and procedures for repairs or disputes. If you're not sure how to draft one, consult with a landlord or property manager familiar with local rental laws. Final Thoughts Finding the right tenant takes more than just putting up a listing — it takes a clear strategy, legal awareness, and the ability to evaluate prospective tenants fairly and confidently. The effort you put in now saves time, money, and stress later. If you're unsure or simply want to ensure a smooth process, working with a professional property management company can make tenant placement and lease compliance much easier.
Property Management Made Easy
Los Angeles
1411 W. 190th St.,
Suite 225
Los Angeles, CA 90248
Temecula
41743 Enterprise Circle N.,
Suite 207
Temecula, CA 92590