Advantage Property Management Services

APS is a breath of fresh air. We had a horrible experience with our previous property manager culminating in — and I can’t possibly make this up — one of their employees telling us through tears that she had too many properties to manage. Russ’ group is responsive, transparent, and owner-​focused. Best of all, no tears.

I enjoyed working with Advantage Properties. They manage, our property for 2.5 years while we were living in Buenos Aires Argentina & did a great job.

Advantage PMS is more than deserving a FIVE Star Rating! Russ and Michelle are true professionals, in every sense of the word, with their approach in providing nothing less than OUTSTANDING SERVICE! Russ and Michelle worked very closely with me in finding a highly qualified tenant. APMS filled the vacancy in less than 30 days! Can you imagine that? Without APMS, I would have struggled with the vacancy for weeks to come! The entire tenant search and screening process was handled by APMS. At the end of the process, I was handed the entire application process. APMS knows the rental market and provided sound guidance in establishing a fair market rental price. APMS provides in-​house repair and handyman services. They also have access to reliable and dependable contractors. I have reached out to Russ, on several occasions, requesting services of his preferred contractors. Russ has always responded, in kind, to my requests. When the time comes again, I will engage Advantage Property Management Services to work with me in marketing any vacancies that I may have.
Russ and Michelle: It was a pleasure to have worked with you. R/​Al

I had the pleasure of partnering with APMS for my condo unit. I decided to put my condo on the rental market 4 years ago, and they have made the entire process seamless from start to finish. As a homeowner, I was worried about managing tenants, but they have been my saving grace! Russ and Michelle are very professional, honest, and prompt when it comes to providing great customer service, updates or information regarding my unit. I highly recommend their services if you are looking to put your unit/​home in the rental market. Thank you Russ and Michelle!

Our experience with APMS was not so great. We declined on a property we liked because there was far too much red tape. The lease was highly authoritarian and the representatives were demanding that you make a decision IMMEDIATELY even though it took a week for them to select us. The security deposit is steep and non-​negotiable — and they wanted that paid in full within three days of signing the lease. If you have a pet — that’s going to cost even more. They also wanted us to agree that if the 20 year old refrigerator breaks — they won’t replace it! We were not allowed to have a BBQ in the yard, and there were going to mandatory site inspections which would result in fines if we didn’t adhere to a strict schedule of maintenance. As qualified candidates with excellent credit and references, it would have been nice to feel appreciated or welcomed. There is a strong no-​nonsence corporate feel to their business — which may be great for the prospective home owners, but a more caring approach for your tenants would be highly appreciated.

Can you ever imagine being excited about your property manager? Well, it happens. Russ and Michelle are some of the most professional people we have had the pleasure of hiring. As homeowners, most of us are used to hiring contractors and other services and being chronically disappointed. Most are unreliable, dishonest or just sloppy. We’d heard horror stories from other (friends and family) landlords over the years about their property managers. We were afraid we’d have a similar experience. We had the opposite. APMS managed our property for about 3 years before we chose to sell it. Having a reliable property manager was critical for us because we moved about 2000 miles away, and there was no practical way for us to deal with any issues with the home or tenants. We never had a problem. Every issue was taken care of completely by APMS. And we had some pretty demanding tenants. We were always informed in advance and given an opportunity to make a decision how to proceed. The experience was truly problem free! If I ever (EVER) own rental property in northern California again, I will run straight to APMS for their services. And, if you ever doubt the authenticity of this review, I invite you to reach out to me directly (through a Unilocal message) and I will happily speak with you on the phone to reinforce this review and answer any specific questions you may have.

We did business with Advantage PMS for the last 2 and half years and had a very pleasant experience. Russ Cowley and Michelle Cowley were very professional and they kept me up to date with everything. When we ask questions, they promptly get back to us with answers. I would highly recommend their rental management services.

Thank you, Russ and Michelle, for the opportunity of being your tenants for the past year and a half. You’ve been great and very attentive to when we would have a question or problem and getting it resolved. It’s made my move to California a lot easier than I thought it would have been!

As first time landlords, my wife and I didn’t know exactly what to expect from a property management company. It’s still early, but so far Russ and Advantage PMS have exceeded our expectations. He not only had our house in Castro Valley rented within two weeks of signing the contract; he actually got a slightly higher price than advertised. Russ is meticulous, professional, and a good advisor who knows his business. We also appreciate his well-​designed online portal, which simplifies all transactions. Very helpful since we’re now in Europe. I’ll update this review at the end of our lease, but so far, so good with Advantage.

Russ is just great. Very professional! He has helped get our house in Fremont rent ready and rented out in less then a month. Russ has managed the whole process of getting the house rent ready: negotiating with contractors and finding the best value for us. He also provides his professional advice, so that I as a first time Landlord can make the right decisions. Highly recommend!

I had the pleasure of doing business with Advantage PMS, specifically Russ Cowley, who was very friendly and professional! Everything from application to lease was easy and available on-​line! I highly recommend their services!