Avoid 1st choice completely! I have sent them 2 emails and even sent a FB message. Never responded but I did see they posted 11 hours ago. So we were ready to use them to rent our beach house. Their agent, MARIO, gave us the run around for 2 weeks. Told us we needed to overnight a key so he could go review the house. Sent us an email saying we needed 10 more things or they couldn't help (like a dresser in every room WTF seriously). We finally told him we needed the link up immediately. He called us back saying sorry were not interested in working with you. We asked 4 days ago for our key back and haven't gotten it. I hope he intends to reimburse us for the overnight charges. This company and Mario are a joke. Avoid at all costs! read more

I hired this company for over 3 years while living in Florida for work. The tenants they acquired burned down my beautiful property July 5, 2019 through negligence. Neighbors advised me afterwards that the house was incredibly crowded and they left junk all over the front lawn. Neighbors also advised people were often seen stumbling from their car into the house. According to neighbors one of the people living there nearly got into a physical altercation with the neighbor across the street. That neighbor across the street is a high ranking Naval Officer and the nicest person you could ever meet. . What you see in the photos is my former life savings since savings bonds gifted from birth and teenage employment. I am entirely self made and do not come from wealth. I hired them to assist me in converting it from a dwelling to a rental and manage the property. I am of the opinion that they are complete con artists. The property manager hired, in my opinion acquired a very close but unstable friend. According to Judiciary Case Search the tenant has a history as a defendent as a tenant. One case is still active, and in a separate one the tenant owes all or a portion of approximately $70K to Piney Orchard Community Association. I trusted this business as they verbally assured me they did meticulous background checks on tenants. The fine print indicates they can put anyone in there they want to. I was assured verbally that this tenant had a stable background. In reality I am of the opinion that the Property Manager was just covering for a train wreck of a friend as nothing else was available if you look at the background on Md Judiciary Case Search. I would avoid this business like the plague read more

See all

I first made First Choice Property Management/Realty aware of the smell of smoking from the upstairs unit that you were managing that was seeping into the unit below on June 20. At that time you said you would schedule an inspection. It is now July 22, a full 32 days later and it has not happened yet. This is something that can according to the lease be scheduled with the tenant with a few days notice. Alternatively, you could have come by and smelled the smoke from the apartment below. However, you did neither of these things. I also have documentation of other communications that went unanswered or had delayed responses beyond any reasonable level of expectation. That is hardly the first in customer service that was promised and echoes repeatedly from your phone system. read more

Wanted to share update, we are now at almost $50,000 in repairs and lost income plus fines and fees due to Mary and Heather not vetting the tenets and only caring about their profit. read more

This rental company is all about the money and does not care about customer service in any way. They want my household to pay an entire month's rent during the month that we move out even if we only stay for part of the month. Every other company/person I've ever rented for only says you're responsible for the days that you stay when it's the final month of your lease, especially when the company is kicking you out because they're selling the property. They also made us financially responsible for repairing all of the damages to the property that the previous tenant made such as holes in the wall and each wall painted a different color. Finally, they come around and inspect all of their houses and then send out nasty letters to everyone even if your property was in complete compliance with the lease/HOA. I don't appreciate getting told to get my hose off my lawn where people can see it when I don't even have a hose on the property, especially when they are threatening to bill me for violating the HOA rules. In future, I won't rent from this company again. Their policies are too strict and their prices are overrated for their properties. read more

Stay away from this company! Mary, Heather, and Jaime are unprofessional and unethical. They failed to continually address problems that led to health hazards and would bill me for everything and anything. I contacted the Howard county rental inspector and this led to a failed rental inspection. I was able to get out of my lease through court. They have multiple fake reviews on google and Facebook to falsely increase their overall rating. They held my deposit and were trying to bill me an additional 3k... even temporarily destroying my perfect credit score in the 800s. I took them to court and settled with walking away and owing them nothing- I didn't receive full deposit back as I didn't want to go through trial as I had moved out of state. A nightmare property management company as a renter and as a homeowner that has worked with multiple property management companies. read more

Renters Beware: Less than 2 months in my rental & I've had more than a few issues. One that had to be address 3x because they "patched" it, rather than just legitimately fixed it. The biggest issue came with me reporting my power bill spiking, they came and refilled my air conditioner with freon but didn't check anything else. Turns out the water heater was leaking pretty bad, they did fix it the same day. However, they have told me that I am on my own paying the increase in utilities. Had I not found the leak on my own, it could have been much worse both for them & the owner and my utilities bills! read more

In all my experience working with property management companies, 1st Choice Property management happens to be the worst property management I have ever seen. This property management staff especially Heather takes advantage over tenants as follows: 1. They ask tenants to handle maintenance cost for any maintenance done on their property such as HVAC/AC repairs. This is a property owned by someone managed by 1st Choice why must tenants have to pay for changing filters, repair to electrical units, garbage disposal, bad electrical units etc. Who in his/her right mind will want to break any working system in a place they call home? Yet, no one knows which policy 1st choice works with. 2. They have one of the worst hidden charges made to tenants, thereby defrauding hard working tenants. They will never consult tenants about potential charges and payments before engaging their workers to handle any repairs. Instead such charges will just show up in the tenants account as part of outstanding payments. 3. The most unprofessional person at this company is Heather who has no patience with tenants. She has no courtesy when talking to tenants. All they care about is taking money from hard working tenants illegally. 4. I therefore advise anyone intending to go into business with 1st choice property management should first of all read reviews written by other tenants and property owners how the staff of 1st choice ill treated them. I recently spoke to a tenant who explained elaborately the mistreatment he has received from 1st Choice about obtaining money for repairs which should be handled by the owner through the management company. From my evaluation of this tenants complaint I believe 1st choice is discriminating against him because he is an immigrant. This tells anyone out there that 1st choice property management do not have regards for immigrant and people of color. You are warned!!!!! NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THEM. I have spoken to my immigrant tenant colleague to write similar reviews but he has refused to do so. read more

My wife and I spent the last 5 yrs with 1st choice property management working with Heather and her team and our experience was nothing short of Amazing. Heather and her team were professional, punctual along with accomodating with any and all request we had o we the year. We recently moved out of state but if were still in Maryland we would still be apart of the 1st choice family. If you are looking for a firm that will have your best interest in mind. Choose 1st choice!!! Thank you Heather for everything. read more

I didn't have as bad of an experience as the other reviewer, but it was along the same lines. They were very helpful when we met them and when you dealt with them in real time, like in person or on the phone. But I had many a calls and emails never returned, or returned days later. I asked questions about a damaged board in the fence of our backyard and the location of the outside water shutoffs, but never got answers. And when we moved out, I tried getting information on how the walkthrough had gone since we had moved out of state and couldn't be there. They refused to answer the question and then charged me for damage that had been done before we moved in. I was not happy with this and am contesting the charges now. They supposedly did a video walkthrough before we move in, but now I have doubt since we got charged for existing damage. read more

I want to retract what I said in my previous review. From my experience renting from other places, I do feel the lack of lots of none communications. Upon moving in, there was trash left behind, plants inside the house, trash in the backyard, etc. I do not believe this place was professionally cleaned before move in. Upon our list of repairs we mentioned only few items were fixed after multiple calls to the office. During our renting period. xxx Before move out. xxx I will update once more after move out with other details. read more

While I was described as a model tenant by both neighbors and FCR, First Choice Realty is fine as long as they're getting their rent money. They hide behind not fixing things by blaming cheap landlords. Fixing items, even the simplest, takes repetitive follow-up. Also, I've had to take them to court to get them to refund the rental deposit, of which they're breaking Maryland state law, and which they took a large chunk out, particularly for items that were damaged prior to move in. It's been 3 months and I've still not gotten my deposit back! There's a reason why Mary is always in court. read more

I have been using 1st Choice Property Management for more than ten years and I can't say enough good things about their service. They are responsive and thoughtful with respect to my property. I have no complaints. Every time I leave on a sea tour, I leave safe with the knowledge that my condo is going to be well cared for. The rent is deposited on time and I receive emails if there are any issues. The team of Mary, Heather, and Jamie are great. Go through 1st Choice if you want to keep your property well cared for. Or if you are a tenant searching for a place to rent, use them. They are wonderful. I saw a negative review below and I must say I have zero negative things to say about them. . . read more

We have been renting a home managed by First Choice for just over seven months now. I have nothing but great things to say about our experience so far. Our application was approved in a very timely manner, signing of the lease went smoothly and Heather spent extra time to answer our many questions, as this was our first lease together. We've needed two repairs in the time we've lived there, and both service calls were placed quickly and the quality of the contractors they work with have been stellar. Their pet deposit is reasonable, the home was thoroughly cleaned before we moved in, and everything so far has been handled with courtesy and professionalism. I enjoy knowing that our rent payment is going to a small, locally owned company that gives great service. So far, so good! read more

I left a review here a while back and my advice to prospecting tenants or customers of 1st Choice Property Management is stay clear! Read the reviews and learn from them, don't be fooled by the few 5 star reviews, these are planted. A fool learns from his mistakes a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. read more

ABSOLUTELY NO! If there was a no stars option I would give them that. This is literally the worst company I have ever dealt with. They are trying to steal money from people. They are trying to charge us for things that we had already taken care of (grass cutting, fixing holes from tvs and such, trimming bushes, etc.). The really ridiculous part is the fact that they got the most expensive companies to come and "fix" everything. They are not worth your time. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!! read more

Do not use this fraudulent management company! They have blocked me on their Facebook page because they don't want customers to know the truth! They falsely claimed that we damaged the property when we moved out when that is a clear lie! We have pictures to prove it, additionally their customer service is a joke, they're adding fake reviewers to get their stars up on Google so be warned DO NOT USE THEM IF YOU'RE RENTING! My wife provided them will all supporting documentation on: October 4th 2017, which clearly shows that the property was not dirty when we moved out as they claimed and there was no furniture in the property when Bobby (one of their staff) came to inspect the property. Our last water bill was fully paid and evidence that shows the property was properly cleaned and the carpets shampooed was shown to them. We ensured they participated in a three way call with the cleaning company we used on: October 4th 2017, they heard directly from the cleaners that the property was cleaned thoroughly. Lastly, the property wasn't painted when we moved in, despite obvious marks, wear and tear, on some of the walls. This was documented by Bobby and we took pictures alongside Bobby for my records, so it was truly baffling that they charged us for 'painting the property when we moved out'. The property wasn't thrashed or damaged in any significant manner when we moved out, so a total repaint of the whole apartment was inconsistent practice and at best was a desperate scheme to deduct from our security deposit. Communication with them is nonexistent when you move out, we've had to call them each time to get updates. At one point Heather dropped the phone on my wife when she called her to find out the latest with our security deposit. It is clear that they are trying to directly/indirectly discourage us from pushing to receive our security deposit of $2200. Do your research and go to the Facebook pages of the communities that this company manages and you'll see a common denominator with them. We lived in Severn Maryland (Carinoso Circle) and this company managed a few houses there, it was the same complaints from our neighbors about them. Be very careful when using this company we are currently fighting them and will continue doing so till we reach a resolution. read more

Had a terrible experience as a renter. It was very difficult to got a hold of anyone in the office. Usually to receive a response, it would require 2-3 emails on the same topic. Instead of facilitating an easy move in and move out process, they made everything difficult and were unaccommodating. I would never recommend them to any of my friends, nor will I be using them to rent out my property. read more

One of the worst management companies I have ever come across. My girlfriend and I loved the home and were willing to accept a few items we did not necessarily agree with on the lease (FYI read the lease very carefully!). Mary, the CEO of the company, clearly does not know how to run a business. Her lack of communication skills, spelling and grammatical errors in her emails and the fact that when you talk to her on the phone, all she wants to do is get off the phone with you and hurry up the questions/answers. Her emails to us were very off putting as well: "My companies police is a one (1 ) hr. notice at minimum. We will not change our lease to suit your desires. The lease is not up for debate. At this point you will need to sign the documents in whole, without exception. Or the unit will be offered to the next applicant," said Mary. Her demeanor is very rude and has no people skills. I have dealt with CEO's from AT&T to Papa Johns who are very personable. Clearly that is why they are large corporations and 1st choice property management is a small company. If you Google "1st Choice Management Company Maryland" you can see other negative reviews, even from those who are landlords of the property. One guy states, "The company went downhill." I can see why with Mary at the helm. They are unwilling to work with tenants, who are the customers. We walked away as we do not want to deal with a management team like that for a year. It would be torturous. I'd advice you reading this to stay away as well. read more

STEER CLEAR FROM THIS PLACE! This is my first time writing a review... They really did a good job in making me livid to write one. We have lived in many places including apartments and a private rental. And never once we had such a negative experience with all of our previous residences. Bottom line: they do NOT care about their tenants. They are friendly and responsive with you at first until you sign the dotted line - then they completely screw you. You will be spending most of your time following up with them repeatedly about an issue at your rental place. The worst property management we ever had encountered. Their motto: "Second to none customer satisfaction".... is a total BS. If anything, INTENSIVE training in customer service AND property management is what they desperately need. Save yourself a headache and go someplace else where you, as a tenant, will at least be cared for with integrity and respect after you sign the dotted line. read more

If you are smart you would take heed to the majority of these views. My family and I sure wish we had. Maybe this company is good for homeowners. If you rent....RUN. So many unexpected fees, unprofessionalism, disrespect, etc. If you are a tenant and something happens to the house that isnt your fault you're still responsible to pay to get it repaired. Thats the first time I've ever had that done. God forbid they make a mistake on something they dont own up to it and make it your problem. Mary is ehh O-K. She can be a bit rude. But the best thing about the company is Jamie, shes so sweet. Im hoping she finds somewhere better to go. From my own experience I'd never rent from them EVER again. Way to much to put up with. read more

I have commented before and please stay away from this company!!! They are very rude and messy! They treat you like dirt bags! I don't know how they are still in business? I have learned my lesson! I hope you stay away from this company!!!! read more

STAY AWAY! I honestly don't know how they stay in business, other than, they know whom they need to know in the area. They run a horrible business. No way, do they have their unfortunate clients best interest at heart. They do not have their properties professionally cleaned before move in, promise you the moon, lie, and will take your money without any regard. Some day it will catch up to them. read more

Have worked with Mary and Heather for over 20 years and can't say enough good things about how committed they are to serving their clients.Great company to deal with! read more

1st Choice has been amazing to me over the past 3 years. Mary and Heather have taken care of all of my needs. I started out as a tenant in one of their properties and then used Mary as my realtor to buy the property I was living in. Mary and Heather made the transition from tenant to first time homeowner seamless. After owning the home for almost a year I had to move away and now 1st Choice is my property management company. Mary and Heather have taken the burden off of living in another state. They take great care of my property, of my tenants, and they make my life so much easier. Throughout the years Mary and Heather have made me feel like family. They go out of their way to make renting or owning as easy as possible and they are always there when I have a question. I have recommended them to other friends who needed property management and I will continue to recommend them to everyone I know! read more