Sterling Real Estate Management - Flagstaff, Arizona

C A. B. B.

Renter perspective here. I rented a condo from SREM earlier this year, all excited about my new job in Flagstaff...which turned out to be a complete dud. A couple of ladies here, Donna and Katy, were absolutely amazing and understanding in helping me out to get the condo marketed and re-rented quickly so I could leave a lousy employment situation. The unit itself was very nice for the price, besides. Yes I am a clean and careful renter but it takes 2 sides for a successful business relationship and SREM was fantastic. Repairs were made while I lived there, as needed, and communication was sometimes a bit slow but it was responsive and complete. Would highly recommend this business as a renter. And hopefully your situation doesn't call for exiting your lease early, like mine did, as I'm sure it would have been a great place to live in long term. Also no weird hidden fees like many of the apartment complexes in the area. It's not easy being a renter so having a decent management company is a win!

Monika H.

Our condo is managed by Sterling Real Estate Management and unfortunate for me, not by choice. The HOA power-trip reps deviously walk around the complex looking for opportunities to fine us tenants (snow shovel out front, flower pots on front porch, kids bikes visible), tow our cars from a low-traffic, private lot and raise monthly fees when actual neighborhood or condo structural issues get passed over. They are a joke.

Drive H.

This company is unlikely to sustain its business for long due to the appalling treatment they subject potential customers to. Despite leaving multiple messages and sending emails, I received no response. When I attended an open house, the agent failed to show up, prompting me to leave. Seeking assistance from a live person, I dialed option 9 to speak with the receptionist, only to encounter a shocking experience. The receptionist appeared to be incredibly dissatisfied with her life, exhibiting constant rudeness and an unpleasant demeanor throughout our conversation. She adamantly refused to help me and abruptly hung up on me not once, but two times. Even though I was physically present at the open house, the receptionist claimed I couldn't submit an application for a desired property because the agent wasn't there. She proceeded to shout at me before abruptly terminating the call yet again. This company is undoubtedly the worst I have encountered, and I have no intention of ever engaging in business with them again. It seems they have no interest in conducting business with anyone whatsoever. I strongly advise staying far away from this team, as they are nothing more than a joke.

Julian J.

Tammy helped me secure an industrial property for my business and was extremely helpful during the process! It was my first time renting a commercial space and she answered all of my questions and made valuable suggestions. She regularly checked in and was extremely patient with me throughout the entire process. By far the best experience I’ve had going through the rental process. I highly recommend Tammy and Sterling Real Estate Management!

Colton K.

Embarrassing.

I highly recommend you at least partially read this review before doing business with Sterling Real Estate Management.

I was a tenant in a condo managed by Sterling Real Estate for 6 months. During this time my direct point of contact (landlord) was Mike Hutchins (also the owner of Sterling Real Estate).

Our contract was breached by Mike on the very first day of our lease starting.

We signed a lease stating that we would be able to move into a LIVE-ABLE condo on the 1st of January. We were not able to move in until this 3rd of January because of Mike Hutchins's complete ignorance in holding up his side of our contract. (Walls needed to be repainted so that carpet could be installed. Walls were not painted and carpet installer was never notified they elected to not paint the walls, there was no carpet until Jan. 3rd. AFTER rent was payed for Jan1st - Jan31st)

The breach wasn't an "earth-shattering" event that ruined everything. But what Mike did was illegal and it completely threw off our plans of moving in.

NOW, imagine you're in Mike's position, maybe you dropped the ball on accident. Imagine you get an email from your tenants stating the concern in which you had breached a legally binding contract. Completely professional email, no name-calling, no rude remarks, just a simple "hey, this can't be happening".

Now, imagine having the AUDACITY to tell your tenant "I recommend that you reconsider and find housing elsewhere" (direct quote). Because YOU breached the contract. AFTER rent was payed. AFTER the security deposit was payed. Also, without taking the slightest responsibility for your illegal actions.

To put the cherry on top, Mike is extremely easy to get ahold of when you still owe him money. However, after he had our money, sometimes it would take multiple months (not even slightly exaggerating) to get ahold of him for the simplest of things. But, for the most part, his response was completely absent when we needed to get ahold of him.

There are plenty of other options for realty management in Flagstaff (whether you're looking for someone to manage your property, or looking to rent one yourself) and I can guarantee you all of them completely trump Sterling Real Estate Management.

Make the decision for yourself, however, I can assure you if you decide to do business with Mike Hutchins, you will be let down at the soonest possible moment. ESPECIALLY once he has your money in his pocket. For your own good, take sterling real estate off of your list of considerations.

Conner K.

We've had numerous broken items around our rental property, sterling agreed to have them fixed within the first month of move in. Roughly 2 months since I've officially moved in and not one thing has been fixed. We have received fines from the previous owners actions and have had to pay for the damages that had occured prior to moving in. We were promised a move in date of the 15th, the house was about a week late due to "cleaning" house was in rough shape. Screens for windows missing, some windows wont open due to bent frames, broken chandelier, puddied up holes in the door, Paintings on the wall from previous owners. I figured the house would be in great condition upon move in especially since the house is less than a decade old. If your agent is Marianne, i warn you, be very persistent or nothing will be accomplished. We hadn't received any paperwork after signing the lease, such as a copy until roughly a month after. As well as trashcan violations from the HOA being received a month and a half after the incident. They will send 10 day termination of lease for ANYTHING (someone broke in our house, and they threatened to evict unless we paid to have it fixed within 10 days) and will brush you out of their office until you meet their demands. College Students Beware. They just want your money and will use any excuse to get it. I will change this review, once Sterling becomes a Professional and Respectful Realty office.

Damon C.

Sterling Real Estate Management has been our Landlord at our commercial space for almost 10 years. They do a great job! Take care of any issues we bring to their attention right away. We have been very happy!

Colleen S.

If you rent from Sterling REM, be aware that you will need to call and email repeatedly to get things done. I was told to call immediately if there are any water problems, but when the pipes broke, a plumber didn't even show up for more than 2 days after my phone call. That caused a ton of water damage and incurred more costs for the actual owner of the house (they should be rightly angry). I'm sure it would not have been that big of a deal if Sterling responded immediately and the plumbers came out as soon as they could (should have been a matter of a few hours).

Good luck trying to get answers out of Debbie. She typically requires 3-4 emails and a phone call to the office to respond to your questions. She's a nice person, but needs a lot of reminders to be responsive.

Their office seems a little disorganized and sometimes you need to remind them that you turned something in or already sent a check, and then with a second or third look they'll realize their mistake. I try to be cordial but it is pretty annoying.