Business – ERA Brokers Consolidated

Managing Real Estate: A Guide for Property Owners

Emma Walter — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:13:52 +0000

If you’re a homeowner (or plan to become one soon), then you know that there’s a lot more to keeping your property in good condition than just mowing the lawn and taking out the trash. Taking care of the day-to-day jobs, responsibilities, and maintenance of your property can be a big job. This is especially true if you own an investment property or two, along with your own home to manage. What can you do to lighten the workload a little? Hire an experienced professional, especially if you have multiple properties to oversee or simply don’t have time to do it all yourself. Residential property management is designed to help take some of this burden off your shoulders by providing expert assistance with your property and all that it entails.

If you’re considering hiring a residential property manager to help take care of your real estate investment properties, it’s a good idea to do your homework first. Finding and hiring the right residential property management company to help you take care of all the details, from repairs and maintenance to finding tenants and collecting rent, is key to lightening your load, saving you time, and maximizing your passive income.

Here’s what you need to know about residential property management.

What is Residential Property Management?

Residential property management is the process of overseeing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of a residential property. Residential properties can include single and multifamily homes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartments. A few common examples of tasks that can be taken on by property managers include finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, and handling repairs and maintenance. A property management company can take care of all these tasks for you, giving you more time to relax and peace of mind that your rental property is in good hands.

Why Use a Property Management Company?

There are many benefits to using a property management company.

Save time: Dealing with the everyday operations of a rental property can be time-consuming, especially if you have other responsibilities at home or work. A property management company takes care of all the important details for you, so you can focus on other aspects of your life.

Save money: Managing a rental property yourself can sometimes lead to unexpected costs and missed opportunities, such as not taking advantage of tax breaks or losing money from vacant rental units or uncollected rent. A property management company can help you save money by finding the right tenants, maintaining competitive rental rates, collecting rent in a timely manner, handling maintenance issues quickly, accessing exclusive company repair discounts, and more.

What Services Do Residential Property Managers Offer?

Residential property management companies offer a wide range of services, including:

Tenant screening and placement: Finding high-quality tenants is one of the most critical elements of a successful rental property. Property management companies use rigorous screening processes to evaluate potential renters. This typically includes identity verification, background and credit checks, employment and income verification, and rental history and landlord references.

Rent collection and payment processing: Consistent cash flow is essential for your financial success as a landlord. Property managers handle rent collection and late fees, online payment portals for tenant convenience, enforces lease payment terms, and issuing receipts, notices, and legal follow-ups when needed. This service ensures that you don’t have to chase down rent payments or handle awkward money-related conversations.

Maintenance and repairs: Property management companies coordinate both routine maintenance and emergency repairs to keep your property in excellent condition. Services may include 24/7 emergency response, preventative maintenance, handling tenant repair request via online portals, and vendor coordination.

Before choosing a property management company, it’s important to determine which services you need so that you can find a company that offers the right combination for your rental property.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY ERA BROKERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Are There Any Risks to Using a Property Management Company?

While there are many benefits, there are also a few considerations:

Less Control: You’ll delegate many of the day-to-day decisions, though a clear management agreement and good communication can alleviate concerns.

Cost: There will be a fee for services, so it’s important to ensure the value and ROI are worth the cost for your individual situation.

Property Owners—When Should You Hire a Property Manager?

You may benefit from hiring a property management company if:

You don’t live near your rental property
You own multiple properties
You lack the time, skills, or desire to manage day-to-day operations
You want a hands-off, passive income experience

Choosing the Right Property Management Company for You

When researching companies, look at:

Their experience with properties like yours
Reviews and referrals
Pricing models and transparency
Communication style and responsiveness
Services offered

Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation or ask detailed questions. A good company will welcome the opportunity to help you make an informed decision.

Let ERA Brokers Handle the Heavy Lifting

Looking for a professional, experienced, and reliable property management company? ERA Brokers Consolidated offers residential property management services designed to help you protect your investment, maximize returns, and enjoy peace of mind. With over 2,500 units managed and a property value exceeding $1 billion, our experienced team offers a comprehensive, full-service property management solution. Whether you’re looking to maximize the value of your investment or find your next place to call home, we serve clients across 20 locations throughout Utah, Nevada, and *Texas, ensuring your needs are met with expertise and care.

*Texas management operated under Trustmark Property Management

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WITH ERA BROKERS

About Us: At ERA Brokers | Colonial | Donahoe we are a brokerage infused with proprietary real estate technology. As part of Brokers Holdings, our organization operates commercial and residential brokerages in Arizona, California, Texas, Nevada, and Utah. With over 800 agents and staff, we collectively close over 5,500 transactions worth more than $2 billion in value annually. In addition, we manage nearly 2,500 property management units worth nearly $1 Billion in value for our clients. Founded in 1982, the firm has been helping clients for more than 40 years.

2025 Kickoff Meetings!

Emma Walter — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:21:04 +0000

Recently, ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe hosted kickoff meetings Central Texas, Southern Utah, Southern Nevada, Southern California, and Northern Utah. We celebrated our top-performing agents and introduced new ERA-branded Canva templates now available for download in the ERA store. We also dove into the latest ways to use AI in your business with a 16-page quick guide full of prompts and ideas to help you create content and have more meaningful conversations. Additionally, we shared updates on our education offerings in academics, boasting over 50,000 students enrolled and 67,000 continuing education classes completed. In a practical takeaway for agents, the focus was on communicating more effectively—sometimes a quick text or email might seem efficient, but picking up the phone and having a real conversation can make all the difference. Thank you to all who attended!

Central Texas Kickoff at the Austin Marriot South

Southern Utah Kickoff at the Kiln

Southern Nevada Kickoff at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino

Southern California Kickoff at the Barn

Northern Utah Kickoff at the Hilton Garden Inn

Recharge, Reenergize, ReFUEL

Emma Walter — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:03:05 +0000

Fuel, the annual conference for ERA Real Estate, was held February 27 – March 2, 2025 in San Diego, CA. At the event, ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe agents worked hard and played harder!

It was a great event where ERA associates had the opportunity to recharge, reenergize, and refuel for the upcoming year. ERA Real Estate said,

#Fuel2025 was nothing short of epic! From game-changing insights to unforgettable moments with #TeamERA, San Diego set the stage for a year of momentum, growth, and serious fun. Where will we take the energy next?

During the conference, multiple agents from ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe were recognized for their outstanding achievements!

Tyson Hansen from Richfield, UT, was awarded rookie of the year for the ERA franchise. Wahoo!

The Cox Team from St. George, UT, was one of the top all around team finalists.

Congratulations to those among the top 1% of agents in the ERA Real Estate franchise, including Lauren Bomparola in Summerlin, NV, Jenn Call in Utah County, Utah, Alex Gutierrez in Mesquite, NV, Andrea Holmes in Temecula, CA, Katherine Materiale in Temecula, CA, Jill Neilsen in Beaver, UT, Mark Anthony Rua in Henderson, NV, and The Cox Team in St. George, UT.

Jenn Call and Rebecca Swindle from Utah County were Distinctive Property Sapphire Award Finalists. Wahoo!

Both Alex Gutierrez and Irene Navarro from Mesquite were named in the NAHREP Top 250.

Mark Anthony Rua with ERA Brokers Consolidated in Las Vegas, NV, was recognized as the #1 agent in sales volume company wide! This is an incredible achievement. Way to go!

Additionally, ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe was named a finalist for both the Gene Francis Award and the Jim Jackson 1st in Service Award. ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe is a top 1% company in the ERA Franchise systems.

We are ready to see where the new year takes us! Thank you to all who attended FUEL 2025. See you back next year!

ERA 2025 Residential Review Now Available!

Emma Walter — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:06:53 +0000

ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe has just published their 2025 Residential Review, providing insights and commentary on residential markets throughout California, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. This publication explores the most important residential real estate trends including new listings, sale prices, and inventory. Our research is distributed to over 120,000 decision makers throughout the industry.

When asked what to expect in 2025, Neil Walter, CEO for ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe said,

“In 2010, the housing market was too cold. The housing-led recession decimated equity and led to lost jobs throughout the economy. In 2021 the housing market was too hot. Limited supply and covid cash propelled housing demand to new heights. Buying a home meant bidding over ask and prices rising too quickly. In 2025 we expect interest rates to remain in the 6-7% range and prices to rise in the low to mid single digits. There will be reasonable selection for buyers, but it will remain expensive for first-time home buyers and sellers will still be reluctant to sell. This is the more balanced housing market we have needed.”

For additional market research, including demand snapshots and monthly local market updates, visit erabrokers.com or click the link below.

Market Research

How to navigate the 2025 Housing Market

Emma Walter — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:24:48 +0000

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 2024 existing home sales of 4.06 million were the lowest recorded since 1995. At the same time, median home prices increased to a record high of $407,500. How is it that so few homes are selling and prices are still rising?

IT IS A DIFFICULT MARKET FOR HOME BUYERS
The current market is difficult for buyers, especially for first time home buyers. Interest rates in the 7% range coupled with record high home prices make payments challenging for first-time home buyers.

“The current market is difficult for buyers, especially for first time home buyers.”

Buyers who are selling a home are bringing equity to the transaction and have an easier time purchasing a home. The net impact of current interest rates and high home prices results in fewer home purchases. This explains the record low number of transactions, even though there are 80 million more people in the United States since 1995.

SELLERS REMAIN RELUCTANT TO SELL
The vast majority of homeowners have record low interest rates. Those rates may be 4%, 3%, or even 2%. Given these record low interest rates, buying a new home at current rates of approximately 7% means a larger mortgage payment.

While many homeowners want to move, they want to keep their mortgage payment low more than they want to move. This results in fewer homes available to purchase than would normally be the case. This shortage of homes available for sale keeps home prices from falling.

“While many homeowners want to move, they want to keep their mortgage payment low more than they want to move.”

BUILDERS ARE FILLING THE GAP, BUT NOT TOO AGGRESSIVELY
Builders see opportunity in this market. Large, well-funded home builders are buying down interest rates, covering closing costs, and offering other incentives in an effort to keep buyers coming. They have an advantage over existing home sellers by making it easier to buy. They are building, but not so aggressively so that they drive home prices and builder margins down.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025
In 2010, the housing market was too cold. The housing-led recession decimated equity and led to lost jobs throughout the economy. In 2021 the housing market was too hot. Limited supply and covid cash propelled housing demand to new heights. Buying a home meant bidding over ask and prices rising too quickly. In 2025 we expect interest rates to remain in the 6-7% range and prices to rise in the low to mid single digits. There will be reasonable selection for buyers, but it will remain expensive for first-time home buyers and sellers will still be reluctant to sell. This is the more balanced housing market we have needed.

“This is the more balanced housing market we have needed.”

Neil Walter
CEO

We can help you with your next move. Anywhere.

Emma Walter — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 19:20:04 +0000

At ERA Brokers + Colonial + Donahoe, we pride ourselves on the power of our extensive network, with over 800 experienced agents across 20 offices throughout California, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, our agents have the local expertise and resources to ensure you succeed. But that’s just the beginning.

ERA’s reach extends far beyond local transactions. Our global network includes over 40,000 agents and 2,300 offices across 35 countries, so no matter where your next move takes you, we’ve got the resources to support you every step of the way.

What is going on in your market?

Emma Walter — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Understanding the housing market is important to sellers, buyers, industry professionals, and policy makers. Almost everyone has an opinion about what will happen in real estate. Here are three trends we are watching that are driving real estate markets.

Prices are rising over the long term.

Home values remain stable in 2024. Most markets are up year over year. If a local market has lots of new construction (increasing supply), prices are most likely flat or down. If a local market has little new construction (low supply), prices are most likely higher than last year.

In real estate, quickly rising prices or quickly falling prices are undesirable. Historically, the real estate market has been defined by prices rising slowly over the long term. In the current market, if home prices were to fall it would most likely be the result of a deflationary economic cycle.

Interest rates may go down.

There is a lot of discussion about the federal reserve reducing short-term interest rates. If the Fed lowers short-term interest rates, it may or may not result in mortgage interest rates going down. Mortgage interest rates follow the 10 Year Treasury Note. The 10 Year Treasury reflects expectations of inflation in the future whereas the interest rate the Fed is changing reflects current inflation levels.

If mortgage interest rates go down, it lowers the cost of buying a home which results in higher demand for homes and typically causes home prices to increase.

Rent or buy?

Many large institutional investors are trying to convince the American public to rent instead of buy a home. These institutions understand that in the long run, it is better to own a home than rent. If owning a home were a poor investment, institutions would not have spent hundreds of billions of dollars purchasing them.

Today, monthly rent may be less than an equivalent mortgage payment. Over time, rents increase and mortgage payments remain the same (or fall with a refinance). Eventually, the mortgage is paid off. Over the long run, it is better to buy than rent.

Whether you are buying, selling, renting, investing, or developing, we look forward to assisting you with all of your real estate needs.

What to know about Residential Property Management

Justin Wells — Tue, 03 May 2022 16:01:59 +0000

If you’re a homeowner (or plan to become one soon), then you know that there’s a lot more to keeping your property in good condition than just mowing the lawn and taking out the trash. Taking care of the day-to-day jobs, responsibilities, and maintenance of your property can be a big job. This is especially true if you own an investment property or two, along with your own home to manage. That can be a lot of work! So, what can you do to lighten the workload a little? Hire an experienced professional! Especially if you have multiple properties to oversee or simply don’t have time to do it all yourself. Residential property management is designed to help take some of this burden off your shoulders by providing expert assistance with your property and all that it entails.

If you’re considering hiring a residential property manager to help take care of your real estate investment properties, it’s a good idea to do your homework first. Finding and hiring the right residential property management company to help you take care of all the details- from repairs and maintenance to finding tenants and collecting rent- is key to lightening your load, saving you time, and maximizing your passive income.

Here’s what you need to know about residential property management:

What is Residential Property Management?

Why Use a Property Management Company?

There are many benefits to using a property management company.

Save time

Dealing with the everyday operations of a rental property can be time-consuming, especially if you have other responsibilities at home or work. A property management company takes care of all the important details for you, so you can focus on other aspects of your life.

Save money

Managing a rental property yourself can sometimes lead to unexpected costs and missed opportunities, such as not taking advantage of tax breaks or losing money from vacant rental units or uncollected rent. A property management company can help you save money by finding the right tenants, maintaining competitive rental rates, collecting rent in a timely manner, handling maintenance issues quickly, accessing exclusive company repair discounts, and more.

What Services Do Residential Property Managers Offer?

Residential property management companies offer a wide range of services, from finding and screening tenants to collecting rent and handling maintenance requests. Before choosing a property management company, it’s important to determine which services you need so that you can find a company that offers the right combination of services for your rental property. Some common services offered by property management companies include:

Tenant screening and placement

Finding good tenants who will pay rent on time and take care of your property is essential to being a successful landlord. A property management company can help you find and screen potential tenants so that you can be sure you’re choosing the best possible candidates for your rental unit.

Rent collection

Once you have tenants in place, it’s important to collect rent on time and in full every month. A property management company can handle this process for you so that you don’t have to worry about chasing down late payments or dealing with bounced checks.

Maintenance and repair

When tenants move out, it’s important to get the unit back in rent-ready condition as quickly as possible. A property management company can handle all the necessary maintenance and repairs so that you won’t lose out on the rental income.

Financial reporting

A property management company can provide you with detailed financial reports so that you can see how your rental property is performing financially. This information can be helpful in making decisions about rent prices, expenses, and more. Many firms offer other administrative and financial services as well, such as keeping track of taxes, payroll, insurances, mortgages, and the overall budget.

These are just a few of the many services that property management companies can offer. When choosing a company to work with, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and find a company that offers the right combination of services for you and your rental property.

Are There Any Risks to Using a Property Management Company?

While there are many benefits to using a property management company, there can also be some risks, such as:

Less Control

When you turn over the day-to-day operations of your investment property to a third party, you lose some control of what happens on your property. For example, the property managers would likely be making some smaller decisions without your direct approval. There would be, however, a contract in place with the property manager outlining the details of the agreement to help ensure you’re getting the services you expect. Property management firms are often open to communication from you as well, but it’s good to keep this aspect in mind.

Cost

While hiring a property management company may save you time and money in the long run, it can be more expensive than managing your own real estate rental properties in the short term. It’s important to do your research and find a property management company that is transparent about any fees and offers services that are worth the cost. You’ll want to make sure it’s a good option for your individual situation.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Residential Property Management Services

When deciding whether or not to use a property management company, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider your own needs and goals for your rental property, as well as your budget, before making a decision. If you decide that a property management company is right for you, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable and reliable company that can help you achieve your goals for your property.

Property Owners- When Should You Hire a Property Manager?

There are several reasons why you might decide to hire a property management company. Here are some common scenarios in which property owners find it helpful to work with a property management company:

You don’t live near your rental property

If your rental property is located far from where you live, it can be difficult to manage it effectively. A property management company can help you stay on top of all aspects of your rental property, even if you’re located across the country or in another part of the world.

You own multiple properties

If you own multiple investment properties, it can be tough to keep up with everything. The more properties you own and rent out, the more you could likely benefit from working with a property manager. A property manager can take care of all the details and keep the ball rolling so you don’t have to.

You don’t have time to manage your rental property/properties

If your day job or other obligations are keeping you from devoting enough time and attention to managing your rental property, a property management firm can help. These companies have the time and professional experience to manage all aspects of your rental property, allowing you to focus on other areas of your life.

You’re looking for a more passive income source

If you want your rental property to be a passive income source, hiring a property management company can help. This allows you to cash in on rental payments while leaving the daily operations of your property in the hands of a professional.

You don’t have the necessary skills or experience

If you’re new to being a landlord, it can be difficult to know how to handle everything involved in managing a rental property. A property management company can help fill in the gaps with the skills and expertise needed to be an effective landlord, from finding prospective tenants to maintaining your property.

Choosing the Right Property Management Company for You

If you’ve decided that hiring a property management company is the right decision for you, the next step is to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

Experience

Look for a property management company that has a proven track record of success with experience managing residential real estate properties similar to yours.

Reviews and recommendations

Look for reviews from current or former clients on the property management company’s website, as well as recommendations from friends and family.

Pricing model

Determine what services you need from your property management company, then look for a company that offers those services within a pricing model that fits your budget.

Interview the company

Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview and get all your questions and concerns out on the table before choosing a property management firm. The more you know, the better decision you can make.

With these factors in mind, you can find a property management company that is right for your needs and the goals you have set for your rental property.

Residential property management can be a huge help to property owners and landlords alike, whether you are new to the business or have been at it for years. Property managers can take care of all aspects of property management so that you can breathe easier, enjoy a little extra time to yourself, and still have a successful rental property on the side. After all, who doesn’t dream of passive income coming their way? Just remember, when choosing a property management company, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and find a company that offers the services that are right for you.

Principal Broker, H. Thayne Houston Passes Away

Matt Walter — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:25:13 +0000

St. George, UT

On December 23, 2021, H. Thayne Houston, Principal Broker, Partner, and President of ERA Brokers Consolidated passed away from cancer. Thayne led the company for 38 years.

Thayne Houston was the Principal Broker the ERA Brokers Consolidated Utah offices. During this time, some of his service and recognition include Utah Real Estate Commissioner, Utah Association of Realtors Board Member, Washington County Board of Realtors President, St. George Area Chamber of Commerce President and Business Integrity Award Winner, ERA Franchise Systems Hall of Fame Inductee, #3 ERA Franchisee by Units and Sales Volume, and ERA National Advisory Council Member. For his dedicated years of service, he was recognized by the company in August as Legendary Leader.

Thayne believed in being good, being kind, and doing good. He led by example and helped over 1,000 agents begin their real estate career—including many of the most successful real estate professionals in Southern Utah. He advocated for collaboration and cooperation among real estate professionals and with the public.

“Be good, be kind, do good.”

Thayne left a legacy of service and fun. He is remembered for the way he helped and lifted others around him, and for the way he lightened even the most difficult situations. He was known for his costumes and surprise appearances, all in an effort to make a point and teach valuable principles that applied to real estate and to life.

H. Thayne Houston being presented the Legendary Leader Award

About ERA Brokers Consolidated

ERA Brokers Consolidated is a brokerage infused with proprietary real estate technology. ERA Brokers Consolidated includes 13 offices on the I-15 corridor from Ogden, north of Salt Lake City Utah to Las Vegas Nevada. With over 600 agents and staff, ERA Brokers closes nearly $2 billion in transaction volume annually, operates a proprietary technology platform, ARTI®, publishes monthly market research, and manages over 1,800 property management units for its clients.

H. Thayne Houston

Shauna Jo Larkin Named as Broker for the St. George Office

Matt Walter — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 02:33:45 +0000

St. George, UT

ERA Brokers Consolidated, one of the largest, most successful real estate brokerages in the intermountain west is excited to announce a new broker for the St. George office. Shauna Jo Larkin will replace Thayne Houston as branch broker for the St. George real estate brokerage operations. Thayne will remain Principal Broker of all Utah real estate operations.

Shauna Jo began her career in Real Estate in 2000 at ERA Brokers Consolidated. From 2004 to 2016 she was affiliated with Re/Max First Realty and participated in leadership roles there, including being part of their leadership team. Shauna Jo served as the chair of Leadership Dixie, is a graduate of Leadership UAR, and has earned the following designations, ABR, CNE, GRI, e-Pro, CRS, SRES, and CDPE.

About the new opportunity, Shauna Jo said, “I am excited to lead the office where I began my real estate career. This organization has grown so much since I began, and I’m excited to be part of the next phase of growth. I’m looking forward to supporting real estate professionals and their clients with the highest level of service built on the ERA platform.”

Regarding the change in leadership, Neil Walter, ERA Brokers CEO said, “After conducting an exhaustive search, we knew Shauna Jo was the right choice. She has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and is exceptionally qualified given her past leadership roles in the community and at other real estate organizations. She is a professional who has succeeded at the highest levels in real estate, and we are excited to have her part of our Leadership Team.”

The announcement was made to the St. George office on September 15 in the St. George office. For more information about ERA Brokers Consolidated, please visit www.erabrokers.com.

About ERA Brokers Consolidated

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