What is Appfolio?
AppFolio Property Manager is a cloud-based software built for managing residential properties, commercial properties, and community associations.
Businesses can manage anywhere from 50 properties to thousands of properties.
Appfolio includes the features you would expect from property management software including marketing and leasing tools and online maintenance management. Standout features include workflow management, automated accounts payable, smart bill entry, virtual showings, and an AI leasing assistant.
| Pros | Cons |
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Our Ratings
| Usability - 9.2 | Modern interface; great user experience with many intuitive features; accounting features somewhat difficult to navigate; may need the help of an experienced accountant to use accounting features. |
| Support - 8.8 | Help center has lots of helpful resources; phone support is by appointment only. |
| Scalability - 10 | Has all the features I would expect for this type of software; mobile app has same user experience as desktop; this product is adequate to accomplish all property management tasks. |
| Security - 8.8 | Multi-factor authentication; only export data with Plus plans; detailed permission controls for users. |
| Value - 9 | Value is overall good but some features cost extra; most vital features are not hidden behind an expensive plan. |
| Performance - 10 | Software is fast and responsive; can accomplish regular, repetitive tasks quickly. |
| Key Features - 10 | Creating new properties, units, and tenants is easy; keeping track of rent payments is easy; I can view and store descriptive information on properties and tenants. |
AI Leasing Assistant (Lisa)
Lisa, AppFolio’s AI-Powered leasing assistant, is a conversational AI solution that helps real estate businesses address the key challenge of high volumes of inquiries. Lisa saves valuable time by intaking leads, prequalifying them, scheduling showings, and even rescheduling. By automating this process, businesses can increase operational efficiency and occupancy rates.
What Features Are Missing?
- Full Open API: Appfolio does not offer full open API access in any of its plans. Instead, it offers one-way API access to transfer data from AppFolio to third-party software. AppFolio Stack does offer integrations with third-party software and services, but these options are limited. Users will need to choose another software if they require the advanced functionality that is accessible with an open API.
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Pricing | Features |
| Residential Core | Starting at $1.40/unit/month 50 unit minimum $280 minimum monthly fee Onboarding fee based on portfolio size |
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| Residential Plus | $3/unit/month 500 unit minimum $1,500 minimum monthly fee Onboarding fee based on portfolio size |
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| Community Associations Core | $0.80/unit/month 50 unit minimum $280 minimum monthly fee |
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| Commercial Core | $1.50/unit/month 50 unit minimum $280 minimum monthly fee Onboarding fee based on portfolio size |
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| Commercial Plus | $3/unit/month 500 unit minimum $1,500 minimum monthly fee Onboarding fee based on portfolio size |
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Can You Use AppFolio With Less Than 50 Units?
No, AppFolio has a 50 unit minimum.
What Bank Does AppFolio Use?
AppFolio uses Union Bank and CheckAlt to provide bank statements, auto reconciliation, automated lockbox, and accounts receivable check images.
How Much Are AppFolio Online Payments?
The transaction fees for tenants to pay online are as follows:
- ACH: Free
- Credit: 2.99% per transaction
- Debit: $9.99 per transaction
- Electronic cash payment: $3.99 each
- Application fee: $5.00
The transaction fees for paying owners and vendors are as follows:
- ACH: $.50 each
- Bill Pay: $.80 each
Alternatives
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TurboTenant
Price Range
$$$$$
Starting Price
$8.25/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
What We Like
A free version is available
Offers digital signing
Tenant portal provides faster communication
What We Don’t Like
There are paid add-ons for the free plan
Background screenings are somewhat limited
Not ideal for managing more than 100 properties
Hemlane
Price Range
$$$$$
Starting Price
$2/unit/month
Client OS
iOS, Android, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
What We Like
No setup fees plus $0 ACH transaction fees
Online rent collection module
Real-time financial and maintenance updates
What We Don’t Like
Advertising through RentPath Network costs extra
No mobile app
Repair call center only available on upgraded packages
DoorLoop
Price Range
$$$$$
Starting Price
$59/month
Client OS
iOS, Android, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
What We Like
Fully customizable
Manages all property types
Offers global functionality
What We Don’t Like
Integrations only through Zapier
Must have Pro version for phone support
Only premium version allows integrations
Summary
We recommend AppFolio for small to large rental management businesses that want purpose-built accounting features and AI-powered tools.
The Residential, Commercial, and Community Associations Core plans have all the features we would expect from property management software and includes access to AppFolio’s AI leasing assistant, “Lisa”.
The Plus plans grants businesses access to advanced tools like workflow management and premium integrations. Though, to access these advanced features, there is a minimum portfolio size of 500 units. We would recommend the Plus plans for businesses that require more robust automation and integrations with third-party systems.
Some notable integrations include Conservice, LeadSimple, Property Meld, and SmartRent. AppFolio has a REST API that allows for one-way data transfer out of AppFolio, but some businesses may require a fully open API to get the integrations they need.
AppFolio includes purpose-built accounting tools that are meant to replace any third-party accounting software, but their advanced features may be difficult for inexperienced users. As such, this software is best suited for businesses that have users with accounting experience.
