Comparisons / Doorstead Breaking it Down: Why Ziprent is the Obvious Choice over Doorstead This comprehensive analysis pits Ziprent's flat-rate simplicity against Doorstead's tiered service models to determine the better property management service for landlords.

When comparing the full service property management companies of Ziprent and Doorstead, it’s easiest to separate your options into two broad categories: standard and premium. The standard options are Ziprent Standard, Doorstead Flex and Doorstead Traditional. These standard options are indeed full service but without additional protections offered by the premium options. These premium options are ZipGuarantee and Doorstead Guarantee.

For the duration of this analysis, we keep the lines between the two types clear so you can more easily compare the type of service you’re looking for to the options available between Ziprent and Doorstead.

Here are four quick takeaways based on our analysis:

1. More Protection: Ziprent's ZipGuarantee includes $15,000 in additional protections, while Doorstead Guarantee only offers $10,000.

2. Substantial Savings: Simplicity in Ziprent Standard plan is more cost-effective than Doorstead's Traditional Plan and Flex with a monthly rent of $2,099 or more and $3,150 or more, respectively.

3. Simplicity in Forecasting: Assuming $3,000 monthly rent and new tenants stay more than one year, Ziprent Standard + Tenant Placement is $910 less expensive than Doorstead Traditional + Tenant Placement in year one and $410 less costly in year two.

4. No Commitments: Ziprent's no-commitment policy grants landlords unmatched flexibility, a significant factor for those wary of long-term contracts.

Ziprent and Doorstead - At A Glance

Ziprent aims to make property management pricing clear and straightforward. Rather than using complicated pricing structures, Ziprent offers a flat-rate service, making it easy and predictable for landlords to manage their costs. Conversely, Doorstead uses a percentage-based fee structure. Their model adapts to the changing needs and incomes of different rentals. While both companies aim to provide full services, their diverse pricing plans reflect their respective philosophies: Ziprent prioritizes steady long-term savings, while Doorstead adjusts to the ups and downs of the rental market.

Ziprent vs. Doorstead: Head-to-Head Comparison

Our comparison pairs the Ziprent Standard Plan with Doorstead's Flex and Traditional options. Separately, we also evaluated ZipGuarantee against Doorstead Guarantee. Below is a table that compares the five offers against the same criteria.

Ziprent Doorstead Comparison Table

Point-by-Point Assessments

In our analysis, we pitched Ziprent and Doorstead against each other, using an assumed monthly rent of $3,000 as a common ground. This comparative insight reveals the stark contrast between Ziprent’s straightforward flat-rate model and Doorstead’s tiered percentage approach.

Price

In the realm of property management, both Ziprent and Doorstead come to the table with compelling offers. However, some stark differences become evident when we delve into the financial aspects between the two.

During your first year as a rental property manager, you'll typically need a tenant placement service. However, it becomes another ballgame once we venture into the second year. Distinct changes arise, both in terms of your needs and cost efficiency. By now, you've already got a tenant occupying your property, removing the need for tenant placement services.

And so, here's how it breaks down:

Standard Tiers

Over two years, Doorstead Flex is $120 less expensive than Ziprent. However, the Flex offer is rife with extra fees including the additional cost of more open houses after the allotted 5 are exhausted. You’ll give back the 120 if you have 2 extra open houses.

Doorstead Traditional with Tenant Placement is $910 more expensive than Ziprent Standard with Tenant Placement and $410 more costly than Ziprent Standard with Tenant Placement in year 2, assuming there is no tenant placement and you apply the $250 lease renewal fee. So, in two years, Ziprent saves you $1,320 more than Doorstead's Traditional tier.

Premium Tiers

For the premium services, Ziprent and Doorstead prices are competitive year over year. Doorstead Guarantee + TP price equals Ziprent ZipGuarantee in year one and Doorstead $250 less expensive ZipGuarantee in year 2. So, in two years, Doorstead saves you $250 more than Ziprent's ZipGuarantee.

In summary, in 2 out of 3 scenarios, Ziprent and Doorstead are pretty close in the total amount. And so, it’s important to remember that customer reviews offer a true glimpse into what it will be like to work with Ziprent and Doorstead. See Ziprent’s stellar reviews below.

In one scenario, the Ziprent Standard vs. Doorstead Traditional comparison, the stark price difference will play a much more significant role in your decision. Ziprent Standard would save the landlord a substantial amount over the long term.

Services Depth & Flexibility & Service Parity

Ziprent and Doorstead boast complete property management services for landlords within their standard and premium tier

Standard Tiers

Both offer the following services within their standard tiers:r

  • Professional Photography: Both provide professional photography services to help landlords market their properties effectively.
  • Property Listings: Both ensure properties are listed on popular rental sites, broadening the pool of potential tenants.
  • Tenant Screening & Lease Preparation: Detailed tenant screening and lease preparation are part of the package for Ziprent and Doorstead, ensuring that landlords match with qualified tenants. That said, it’s worth saying that no one places a good tenant faster than Ziprent.
  • Rent Collection & 24/7 Maintenance: both take care of rent collection and offer 24/7 maintenance services for any arising property issues.

Premium Tiers

In addition to the services provided in the standard, both ZipGuarantee and Doorstead Guarantee offer:r

  • Free Lease Renewal: Both offer free lease renewal for long-term tenant retention, adding value to their premiere service. In this case, Ziprent did not provide free lease renewal within their standard plans, but Doorstead did. So, they are on par with this service in the premium offering.
  • Unlimited Showings: To support tenant placement, both offer endless showings. In the standard tiers, Doorstead limited the showings to 5 in Flex and 10 in Traditional with a $65 charge for each extra showing above the allotted amounts. Ziprent does not limit the self-guided showings in its Standard Plan. Like the lease renewal, unlimited showings are provided with each brand's premium offering.

A Quick Note about the Benefits of the Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided tours combine convenience, privacy, and a tailored experience, making them a valuable option for potential renters or buyers. They allow potential renters or buyers to visit properties at their own convenience and pace, ensuring a comfortable and private experience without the pressure of an agent's presence. This approach also facilitates focused attention on specific features of interest and promotes more objective decision-making, as visitors are not influenced by an agent's opinions or sales tactics. Additionally, the use of digital tools during these tours can provide comprehensive information, enhancing the overall experience and understanding of the property.

Service Differences

Ziprent and Doorstead boast complete property management services for landlords within their standard and premium tier

Standard Tiers

Let's bullet out these differences:

  • Lease Renewal On the other hand, Ziprent’s standard package charges a flat fee of $250 for every lease renewal. Doorstead, on the other hand, offers free lease renewals in its Flex and Traditional plans.
  • Showings Doorstead’s Flex and Traditional plans offer five or ten open houses managed by a licensed agent. Any additional open houses beyond these allotments include a fee of $65 each. Ziprent shows are neither limited in the amount nor managed by a licensed real estate agent. The self-guided tours with a lockbox method offered by Ziprent contribute to streamlining the viewing process, adding an extra level of convenience and safety.
  • Tenant Screening & Lease Preparation Ziprent's service includes instant tenant screening and lease preparation. Doorstead also provides tenant screening and lease preparation, but the efficiency of this service still needs to be determined.

Premium Tiers

Let's bullet out these differences:

  • Protection Coverage Doorstead includes eviction coverage and security deposit protection. ZipGuarantee covers these plus lost rent coverage. Furthermore, Doorstead covers up to $5,000 for eviction coverage and $5,000 for security deposit protection, while Ziprent explicitly covers up to $15,000 related to evictions, security deposits, and rent. So Ziprent will cover more than Doorstead.
  • Rent Guarantees Ziprent will automatically pay rent but does not guarantee the rent. Doorstead guarantees and automatically pays rent, even if the property is vacant. It's crucial to note that only a select few Doorstead customers somewhat make the cut to be offered this guarantee. The majority find themselves having to navigate through a series of rigorous checks and requirements.

While both Ziprent and Doorstead offer compelling services, the functionality, depth, and pricing of Ziprent seem more user-centric and transparent. Whether it's instant tenant screening, managed open houses, or transparent pricing, Ziprent's standard plan provides a more comprehensive package.

Ziprent stands tall due to its unique tenant placement service coupled with a robust full-service property management offering, which includes rent collection, repair coordination, and 24/7 support. Doorstead, on the other hand, primarily focuses on guaranteeing and paying rent, even if the property is vacant, but needs to provide comprehensive property management services.

That's where Ziprent fills the gap excellently. Combining modern technology with top-tier customer service makes Ziprent a comprehensive, one-stop solution for property investors and landlords. It also tailors offers to match your individual property needs, which makes it a cut above Doorstead.

Contract Commitments

With month-to-month flexibility, Ziprent edges out Doorstead's 12-month commitment requirement.

This flexible approach means landlords are not locked into a long-term contract and can adjust or discontinue their service without the constraints of a fixed duration. This model is especially beneficial for property owners who may want to test the waters with property management services without committing to an entire year or for those who prefer having the ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions or personal circumstances.

Doorstead, on the other hand, requires landlords to commit to a 12-month contract. While this could offer stability and predictability for some, it may deter those seeking more fluidity in their property management choice. The 12-month commitment could tie landlords to a service that may not meet their evolving needs throughout the year, and it could impose additional constraints should they decide to switch providers or take their property management in-house.

Value for Moneys

Considering the cost of tenant placement and service fees over time, Ziprent frequently offers better long-term savings.

Regarding value for money, Ziprent's structure is designed to yield more savings over time. With a set tenant placement fee that is notably lower than Doorstead's 50% of the first month's rent, landlords save on upfront costs. Furthermore, the consistent monthly service fee allows for easy budgeting and financial planning. Even when including the lease renewal fee, Ziprent's total cost remains competitive, mainly as these fees are spread throughout a tenant's stay, often extending beyond the initial year

Additionally, Ziprent's cost-effectiveness becomes even more apparent in multi-year scenarios. Since their month-to-month agreement only necessitates a new tenant placement fee if the property changes tenants, the long-term cost of using Ziprent's services could be significantly lower than Doorstead, which charges a higher tenant placement fee and a percentage of the monthly rent. This difference in pricing models means that, over several years, landlords utilizing Ziprent could stand to retain a more significant portion of their rental income, enhancing the overall return on their investment properties.

Customer Reviews

Comparing services offered and pricing is one thing but comparing real customer reviews is equally as important. While most companies will use a verified customer review service like Trustpilot as Ziprent does, Doorstead uses a reputation management platform called Birdeye.

Doorstead

Doorstead has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Birdeye. The website for Birdeye does not make it clear whether Doorstead is able to remove negative reviews at their leisure, so we are unable to determine if all reviews are allowed to impact their total score. You can read more of Doorstead’s reviews here.

Ziprent

Ziprent uses Trustpilot Reviews to collect reviews and also boasts a 4.9 out of 5 rating. Trustpilot publishes a mission statement to offer real customer reviews that are treated equally, not allowing companies to remove negative reviews they don’t like.

"Everyone can have a voice on Trustpilot. Anyone with a genuine experience is welcome to write a review, good or bad. All reviews are treated equally—and we don’t allow companies to remove a review just because they don’t like it."
- Jeffrey Paradise | Senior Commercial Support Manager

You can read more of Ziprent’s reviews here.

Conclusion

For landlords seeking a reliable and cost-effective property management solution, Ziprent stands out as the superior choice. Here are the key reasons why Ziprent is a strong option:

  • Predictable and Affordable Pricing: Ziprent's standard plan offers a flat fee of $125 per month per property. This predictability in pricing is a significant advantage, especially for properties with higher rental incomes. For example, once the rent hits $3,125 or more, a 4% fee charged by Doorstead Flex would exceed Ziprent's flat rate, making Ziprent more cost-efficient for higher-end properties.
  • Simplified Tenant Placement Fee: With a tenant placement fee of $1250 for the standard plan, Ziprent remains affordable and competitive. This fee is significantly lower than Doorstead's 50% of one month's rent, offering substantial savings, particularly for properties with higher rents.
  • Comprehensive Services at No Extra Cost: Even with its standard plan, Ziprent provides a full suite of property management services, including tenant screening, lease generation, and rent collection. This comprehensive service package ensures landlords receive all necessary services without hidden costs or additional fees.
  • Flexibility and No Long-Term Commitment: Ziprent offers a month-to-month service agreement, allowing landlords to change or discontinue services as needed. The No Long-Term Commitment stands in contrast to some other property management services that require longer-term commitments, giving Ziprent a significant edge in adaptability
  • Additional Protections with ZipGuarantee: For landlords seeking extra peace of mind, Ziprent’s ZipGuarantee plan offers other financial protections against rent loss, evictions, and property damage, which are critical factors in Pmitigating the risks associated with property rentals.

In summary, Ziprent's transparent pricing, cost-effectiveness, comprehensive service offerings, and flexible terms make it a solid choice for landlords seeking efficient, hassle-free property management.

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