Welcome to Condo's Corner!

Brought to you by Daulton Read, President of Read Property Management

Issue #17

Get ready for a weekly dive into condo living like never before with Condo’s Corner! Speaking from my perspective as a Condominium Manager, my goal is to entertain and provide valuable management insights and stories that can help you live your condo life a bit better—all with a little bit of wit, charm, and practicality.

Is It Time for a New Approach to Property Management?

Why more Niagara condo boards are turning to Read Property Management.

Let's face it—managing a condominium isn't getting any easier. Between rising costs, evolving legislation, increased owner expectations, and a talent pool of Managers that is not keeping pace with developments, you need a property management partner who's proactive, responsive, and aligned with your community's goals.

If you're feeling let down by your current provider—or simply curious if better service is out there—you're not alone. Many condominium corporations in Niagara stay with the same management firm for years, hoping things will improve. But sometimes, a fresh start is what the community really needs.

At Read Property Management, we specialize in smooth transitions and long-term success. If your board is considering a change, here's what you need to know (and how we make it easier):

🔍 Step 1: Try Resolving the Issues

Before moving on, it's worth giving your current provider the chance to improve. Request a Schedule of Improvement from them, clearly outlining unresolved issues and timelines for correction. But if nothing changes, it's time to explore your options.

📝 Step 2: Prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP)

A well-prepared RFP helps define what your community truly needs and allows management companies to respond with tailored solutions. We recommend including:

• The age and size of your building

• Type of condo corporation (standard, vacant land, etc.)

• Number of expected meetings

• Current or upcoming major projects

• Invitation for a site visit

We'll gladly visit your property, meet your Board, and learn firsthand how we can help.

🤝 Step 3: Meet Potential Providers

When reviewing candidates, don't just focus on price—focus on philosophy. You want a management company that shares your values, uses modern technology, and believes in personalized service.

Ask questions like:

• What's your communication turnaround with Boards and residents?

• How do you handle transitions?

• What tools do you use to provide a better service than other companies?

• Can you provide us with references?

Property Management companies in Niagara are still very traditional, and not everyone has adapted to the current trends and needs in service, communication, and technology.  

At Read PM, we lead with transparency, technology, and a hands-on approach. We're people-first, service-forward, and we care deeply about the communities we serve.

✍️ Step 4: Review the Management Agreement

Always review the termination and any auto-renewal clauses in your current agreement. Once you've selected a new provider, give formal notice via Notice of Termination to your current one and sign your new contract. At Read PM, we handle everything once the contract is signed, so you no longer have to worry about dealing with your previous management company.

🔄 Step 5: Seamless Transition to Read Property Management

Here's what happens once you sign on with us:

• Contract Signing & Termination Notice Sent (60-day notice period)

• New Bank Accounts Set Up

• Owner Introduction Letter Sent

• Corporation Digital Files & Physical Records Collected

• Utility & Mailing Address Changes Completed

• PAP Setup & Financial Handover

• First Official Board Meeting Scheduled to Prioritize Work (Day 1)

We handle your transition with precision, clear communication, and zero disruption to your residents.

💬 Final Thought: Is Now the Time?

If your current provider is falling short, it may be time for a more responsive, forward-thinking partner. With Read PM, you're not just hiring a property manager. You're gaining a dedicated, experienced professional who treats your building as if they lived in it themselves.

Let's talk about what's possible for your community.

Get in touch today to schedule a site visit or request a proposal.

📧 [email protected] | 📞 (289) 668-7309 | 🌐 www.readpm.ca

Got a condo tale to tell or burning questions about condo living? Don't be shy—share 'em with me! Whether it's a funny story, a management mystery, a celebratory story, or just a nightmare, we're all ears. All you need to do is reply to this email so we can keep the content coming.

Make sure to share this newsletter with your friends, family, and, more importantly - that neighbour who could learn a few things!