RealWise Property Management - Redmond, Oregon

Raelyn Lambert

Just a heads up: after I posted this review, there was a large influx of 5 star reviews all posted at the same time. It appears they are trying to inflate their rating. Be careful when reading this reviews, as some may not be honest

Avoid them at all costs.

I lived at one at their apartments for FIVE YEARS. Moved in August 2019, moved out September 2024. I was never once late on rent and never even had a maintenance request during my tenancy that I can recall.

I left the unit spotless, see the photos upon move out for proof. Of course, they waited the full 31 days to return my $1,895.00 deposit. Upon receipt, they withheld charges of $144.00 for "cleaning & trash removal" and $78.50 for "damage." A small enough amount withheld in hopes I wouldn’t bother disputing. I’m sure they do this a lot.

ORS 90.300 prohibits landlords from withholding cleaning fees used for normal wear & tear. So I called their bluff and wrote them a certified dispute letter mentioning that I would be considering my legal options (of course, this is after I attempted communicating via email, which they ignored). Once they got this letter, they IMMEDIATELY offered to refund the $144.00 of cleaning fees. Shady much?

However, they maintained a charge of $78.50 for “damage”. What damage, you ask? 3 NAIL HOLES. That they say took an hour of labor to repair. I’m no judge, but for a tenant that lived there for 5 years, this seems more along the lines of wear and tear to me. Not to mention the fact that I have a move-in checklist from 2019 in which I listed the walls as FAIR and listed markings on the living room wall. However, at the end of the day, $78.50 is smaller than the amount to even file small claims. I had to let this one go, unfortunately, and signed the settlement agreement for the refunded cleaning fees.

Let this be a warning that they will nickel and dime you for every little thing, no matter how good of a tenant you were or how long you’ve been there. Live there for 5 years, treat the property well, and save them thousands on turnover costs? They’ll thank you by stealing from your security deposit.

EDIT after owner response: I too wanted to resolve my concerns amicably, but felt dismissed after weeks of no response to my respectful emails. I felt the lack of response or care gave me no other option but to send a certified dispute letter, to which only then did your team respond to me and offer to refund me to cleaning fees. I am perplexed by your claim that the cleaning charges were removed as a courtesy, because this doesn’t sound like what I was told yesterday. This is exactly why I hate discussing such matters over the phone, because now it falls under a “he said, she said” argument. After I posted this review, the manager gave me a call. They told me their boss was mad at them and asked if there was any way I could adjust or take down my review. I was also told the cleaning charges were removed because they were a MISTAKE. Regardless, my pictures speak for themselves and anyone looking at them can come to their own conclusion on whether or not a $144.00 cleaning charge was reasonable. This entire experience is extremely disappointing, and I sincerely hope your team can take my experience into consideration and put methods in place to prevent treating other tenants in the same matter. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Cameron Gunther

The influxes of positive reviews since my review have been due to them reaching out asking landlords to increase their rating online. Since providing proof they knew our story and still told us to apply nothing has been done.

To their response below, they in email and over the phone said if we picked another property that was cheaper they can fudge the rental history. This is a breach of the Oregon fair housing criteria and I have filled a formal complaint. While their denial isn’t make it or break it for my family it could have been for others. And to know they don’t follow their own guidelines is appalling. I will not let them lie to others and take someone’s hard earned money. Your fake apology and phone call doesn’t scare me like it has with others. Enjoy the bed you made.

Update, after receiving a phone call asking to remove this review due to me “lying” and no one who works for them telling us to apply after we explained our situation of having zero rental history I have uploaded a email telling us to apply. The morning of this email we had a long call explaining we had a paid off house and no rental history but still being advised to apply. There’s a reason there properties sit vacant longer then other. But they are very quick to tell you they’ll work with you and they deny you after you pay there fees for the exact reason you explained to them. During my call after this review I was called liar and was told that the was zero chance that anyone would say such a thing and surprise surprise someone did. People make mistake I understand that but take accountability and be honest.

If you owned a house and are looking to move into your first rental regardless you have to have 3 years of rental history. They’ll lie and tell you to apply and take your app fee. Offered to pay the full 12 months rent in advance as we have zero rental history from owning and unless you meet the exact criteria don’t waste your time.

Property owners who want to use them to manage, they have zero understanding of situations outside of there guidelines and refuse to think outside of there black and white screening. Also don’t post on half the rental sites. Many better companies in Redmond that will listen and work with someone who has never rented. I have 2 friends who are removing there properties once I spoke with them.

Feel free to reach out and I’ll provide all proof to hold them accountable

Debra Jacobson

The RealWise Property Management team has managed our rental property in Redmond, Oregon for years. They offer unbeatable expertise and provide hands-on support. Their services include property marketing, screening, rent collection, maintenance, and inspections. These invaluable services benefit us as owner/investors as well as our tenants. It has been a pleasure working with Paula Dodge and the rest of the RealWise team. Their support is much needed and is always greatly appreciated!

Jack Riley

I would like to especially thank Donna Buring and her Leasing Departments effort and the efficiency that they have displayed in keeping my properties occupied in a very turbulent 2024. I especially want to thank Connie Costello and Chrisi Jones for their frequent contacts and emails to give me updates and status of potential new tenants.

I have had multiple vacancies in the last seven months - renters that have been with me for more than ten years. One who has retired and moved out of state and three that have bought their own homes.

Because of the turnover of my rentals, I would like to also thank Miya Ruby, the Maintenance Supervisor and her assistant, Jose Pelayo who have been very busy getting "Move Out/Move In" tenant reviews and quotes for necessary repairs and/or upgrades before the new tenants could move in.

I would especially like to thank Jose for the 'personal contact' (versus email communication) to take the time to explain in detail the work being done on my behalf. Person to person contact is always MORE reassuring than emailing or texting (I don't do text).

I realize this is a LONG review, but I deemed it important to acknowledge the efforts the staff at Real Wise Property Management have made on my behalf. 2025 WILL BE A BETTER YEAR FOR ALL. Thank you once again.

Ariana Reyes

We had a private landlord fraudulently withhold our deposit against the law. We signed our paperwork with them through Realwise and I see that it's up for sale again. Ive never had my deposit withhold for any reason, I cleaned and I did not cause damage. The carpet stains were there when we moved in and the house was gross. The garage door looks like its still broken despite it being due to missing a bracket, not something we did. Renter beware! They will do this to you too....

Shelly Robertson

I was looking into a place here for my niece. I talked to Connie who was very helpful in talking about the places available, the prices, and the application process. She also told me some important things to do when someone is relocating! Thank you very much!

Shelli Beam

I had one of the best experience I have ever had working with a property management company. Connie Costello was an outstanding professional and made me feel at ease during high stress times. Thanks so much

Eric and Felicity Logan

Connie and Donna was amazing during our application process and helped us every step of the way. Everyone provided clear and thorough communication and we were very happy with the service we received !