Mat Zalk is the President and CEO of Keyrenter Property Management, which manages about 3,500 single-family rental homes across Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Northwest Arkansas, Wichita, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, with a new office in Ocala, Florida. He has grown the company in part through the acquisition of local property management companies.
Before founding Keyrenter Tulsa, Mat was a Strategy Director at The Property Finder Group in Dubai, where he worked with the CEO and senior team, scaled local teams in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and led strategic projects in the company's core Dubai market. He has been an active real estate investor since 2014, holds real estate licenses in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, and Florida, and is a past president of EO Tulsa. He co-hosts The Same Day Podcast with Yoni Schmidt.
Sometimes owners choose to postpone repairs or upkeep on their properties. However, neglect can lead to more problems, including structural damage, mold growth, and pest infestations. So what preventative measures should landlords take to avoid costly repairs?
As an experienced property manager, Mat Zalk has observed numerous issues caused by deferred maintenance. For example, wood fixtures on homes decay over time, so Mat recommends applying a fresh coat of paint every two to five years, which costs less in the long run. Another significant component to consider is the HVAC system. He advises checking the refrigerant levels and ensuring the heat exchanger is crack-free. If you are considering renting out your home, he suggests conducting a thorough property analysis or hiring a home inspector. These inquiries give landlords a general overview of the property and which repairs should be prioritized to reduce overall costs.
Join Mat Zalk in today's episode of The Same Day Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews him about deferred maintenance. Mat discusses some common home issues due to deferred maintenance, why property owners may delay repairs, and how to reduce maintenance and repair costs over the long run.