Appfolio Vs Resman: Choosing the Right Property Management Software
Choosing the right property management software is a crucial decision for any real estate business. It can streamline operations, improve tenant communication, and ultimately boost your bottom line. Two of the leading contenders in the market are Appfolio and Resman. Both offer comprehensive features, but they cater to slightly different needs and have distinct strengths and weaknesses.
This article provides a detailed comparison of Appfolio vs. Resman to help you make an informed decision about which platform is the best fit for your specific property management requirements. We'll delve into key features, pricing, user experience, and more, giving you a clear picture of what each software offers.
Core Features: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Both Appfolio and Resman offer a robust suite of features designed to manage various aspects of property management. Let's break down some of the most important ones:
Accounting: Both platforms provide comprehensive accounting features, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. However, Appfolio is generally considered to have a more intuitive and user-friendly accounting interface, particularly for smaller businesses. Resman, on the other hand, offers greater customization and scalability for larger portfolios with complex accounting needs.
Property Management: Both platforms handle core property management tasks such as lease tracking, rent collection, maintenance requests, and tenant screening. Appfolio excels in its streamlined workflow for managing maintenance requests and its integrated tenant portal. Resman shines with its robust reporting capabilities and advanced features for managing large, diverse property portfolios.
Tenant Screening: Both offer integrated tenant screening services. Appfolio uses a third-party service, while Resman partners with multiple providers, allowing for more flexibility in choosing a screening service that meets your specific criteria.
Online Portals: Both offer online portals for both tenants and owners. Appfolio’s tenant portal is known for its ease of use and mobile accessibility. Resman's portal provides a wider range of features and customization options, particularly for owners who require detailed reporting and real-time access to property performance data.
Reporting & Analytics: Both platforms offer a range of reporting options. Resman's reporting capabilities are generally considered more advanced and customizable, allowing for in-depth analysis of property performance. Appfolio provides user-friendly, visually appealing reports that are easy to understand and share.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Both platforms integrate CRM functionalities to manage leads and track interactions with prospective tenants. Appfolio's CRM is integrated seamlessly into the platform, providing a holistic view of the tenant lifecycle. Resman's CRM offers more advanced features for managing complex sales processes and marketing campaigns.
Pricing and Contract Terms
Pricing is a critical factor in any software decision. Here's a breakdown of the pricing models for Appfolio and Resman:
Appfolio: Appfolio uses a per-unit pricing model, meaning you pay a monthly fee based on the number of units you manage. There's also a minimum monthly fee, which can be a barrier for smaller portfolios. Appfolio also charges onboarding fees. Their pricing is generally considered more transparent and predictable than Resman's.
Resman: Resman's pricing is more complex and typically requires a custom quote based on the size and complexity of your portfolio. It often includes a base fee plus additional charges for specific modules and features. While this can be more cost-effective for very large portfolios, it can also be less predictable and more difficult to budget for. Resman also has implementation fees.
Key Takeaway: Appfolio is generally more affordable for smaller to medium-sized portfolios, while Resman can be more cost-effective for very large and complex portfolios. Always get a custom quote from both vendors to accurately compare pricing based on your specific needs.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface and overall ease of use can significantly impact your team's efficiency and adoption of the software.
Appfolio: Appfolio is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface. The platform is well-organized, easy to navigate, and requires minimal training. Its modern design and mobile accessibility make it a popular choice for property managers who prioritize ease of use.
Resman: Resman's interface is more complex and can require a steeper learning curve. While it offers a wider range of features and customization options, it can also be overwhelming for new users. However, Resman provides extensive training and support resources to help users get up to speed.
Key Takeaway: If ease of use and a short learning curve are priorities, Appfolio is the better choice. If you need advanced features and are willing to invest in training, Resman may be a better fit.
Scalability and Customization
The ability to scale and customize the software to meet your evolving needs is crucial for long-term success.
Appfolio: Appfolio is scalable to a certain extent, but its customization options are limited. While it offers a range of integrations with third-party services, it may not be suitable for businesses with highly specialized requirements.
Resman: Resman is highly scalable and offers extensive customization options. It can be tailored to meet the specific needs of large, complex property portfolios. Its open API allows for integration with a wide range of third-party systems.
Key Takeaway: If you anticipate significant growth and require extensive customization options, Resman is the better choice. If your needs are relatively straightforward and you don't require extensive customization, Appfolio may be sufficient.
Customer Support and Training
Reliable customer support and comprehensive training are essential for ensuring a smooth implementation and ongoing success with the software.
Appfolio: Appfolio offers excellent customer support through phone, email, and online chat. They also provide a comprehensive knowledge base and online training resources.
Resman: Resman offers a dedicated account manager and extensive training resources, including on-site training and webinars. Their customer support is generally considered more personalized and responsive than Appfolio's.
Key Takeaway: Both platforms offer excellent customer support and training resources. Resman's support is generally considered more personalized, while Appfolio's support is more readily accessible.
Key Considerations When Choosing
Before making a final decision, consider these key factors:
Portfolio Size and Complexity: Smaller portfolios with simpler needs may find Appfolio sufficient, while larger, more complex portfolios may benefit from Resman's advanced features and customization options.
Budget: Appfolio's per-unit pricing is generally more affordable for smaller portfolios, while Resman's custom pricing may be more cost-effective for very large portfolios.
Technical Expertise: Appfolio's user-friendly interface requires minimal technical expertise, while Resman's more complex interface may require more training and technical support.
Reporting Requirements: If you need advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, Resman is the better choice. If you need user-friendly, visually appealing reports, Appfolio may be sufficient.
Integration Needs: Consider which third-party services you need to integrate with the property management software. Both platforms offer integrations, but Resman's open API allows for greater flexibility.
Conclusion: Which Software is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between Appfolio and Resman depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose Appfolio if:
- You have a small to medium-sized portfolio.
- You prioritize ease of use and a short learning curve.
- You need a user-friendly interface and mobile accessibility.
- You want transparent and predictable pricing.
Choose Resman if:
- You have a large and complex portfolio.
- You need advanced features and customization options.
- You require extensive reporting and analytics capabilities.
- You need a highly scalable platform.
By carefully considering your specific requirements and the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can make an informed decision and choose the property management software that will best support your business goals. Remember to schedule demos with both Appfolio and Resman to get a firsthand look at each platform and ask specific questions about your unique needs. Good luck!