SKYLINE Property Management Reviews

“Fast payments”

Pros

Right away it stands out for how useful and readable the reports are. When something more specific is needed the Crystal Report Writer makes it possible to build a custom report that fits exactly what you need. The Lockbox feature is also a big plus since it lets you record a batch of payments for an unlimited number of transactions. I've personally entered batches with more than 6,000 transactions so it handles volume very well. Importing and exporting data is also simple and the new ACH Payable add-on has made vendor payments much more convenient since there's no longer a need to cut a check.

Cons

One thing I would still like to see improved is the requirement to purchase user licenses. It would also be nice if the program or at least a version of it, were developed more specifically for HOAs and condominium associations.

“deep features available”

Pros

Once the initial setup is out of the way the system feels pretty accessible and it's simple to pull the information you need from property management and AR. The same goes for financial statements and GL reports. Setting up multiple charts of accounts in the GL is also easy. There's a wide range of property management and general ledger functions available, depending on how much detail you want to work with. AP is user friendly too. Overall it delivers excellent value when you compare it with other options in the market.

Cons

The biggest downside is that AP and AR don't update the GL in real time. You have to post transactions from those modules first before they show up in the general ledger.

“record keeping made easy”

Pros

Using this platform has made record keeping simple and the software is very user friendly while still covering the essential tasks we need.

Cons

Honestly the only downside is that we probably should have bought it much earlier.

“Great support!”

Pros

One of the best parts is the support team. They're friendly, respectful and consistently available when help is needed. More importantly they really know the system and take time to understand your specific situation so they can show you the best way to use it. That made the learning process feel very manageable. The software is also very user friendly. It doesn't take long to learn and a lot of it feels pretty flexible. Even starting with very little accounting knowledge I was able to get comfortable with it fairly quickly. Entering data is simple and there are multiple checks built in to help review your own work or someone else's including catching duplicate entries. The reports are clean, readable and the option to build custom reports adds a lot of value. Also the pricing is a major advantage compared to other property management platforms out there.

Cons

Something that's missing is a true user manual. The "Skyline Help" section inside the software explains what each area is for but it doesn't really walk you through how to use it step by step. If you're expecting clear bullet point instructions you'll most likely need to get that guidance from the support team who really are a big part of what makes it work well. The sales team is also not especially warm or helpful although that's less of an issue since you only really have to interact with them every couple of years.

“clean layout”

Pros

Right away the software comes across as very capable. It offers solid functions, the clean layout makes navigation simple for users at any skill level, the reporting features are strong and the customer support team is well informed and helpful.

Cons

One thing that could be improved is that the dates do not automatically default to the current date when running reports.

“great fit for commercial accounting”

Pros

Running the accounting side of our real estate group with this software has been very easy. It includes all the features we need without making the menus or overall process feel overly complicated. The system is also very dependable and we almost never have to contact support. On the few occasions we've needed assistance their team has responded quickly and been very helpful.

Cons

It works perfectly for our commercial properties but I'd still love to see it developed into a fully rounded residential solution with all the features that are normally expected from residential property management software.

“fast data entry and reporting”

Pros

Getting information into the system is very easy and most reports are quick and simple to run.

Cons

The standard vendor reports don't include totals so you have to calculate them manually.

“Powerful reporting and billing upgrades”

Pros

After 27 years of using it we've seen the software evolve in some very meaningful ways to keep pace with the property management industry. The recent redesign of the escalation spreadsheets has been a big win for our company, helping us organize the billing process and making recoveries to our commercial tenants much more efficient and accurate. The F9 feature has also added a lot of value by improving our reporting capabilities and the presentation of financial statements both for monthly operations and for tax reporting. At the moment we're also moving toward implementing the Facility Maintenance Module which we expect will help us better manage and track our current maintenance calls.

Cons

Looking ahead we'd really like to see them add an Online Residential Application Portal that includes digital signature functions, built in screening for faster background and credit checks and a way to track communication history by tenant.

“Provides helpful reports”

Pros

It's a very complete accounting and property management system overall. The software is especially strong when it comes to producing highly useful financial reports for our investors and lenders. Skyline's technical support has also been excellent and they even referred us to an expert we're still working with today. We've been very happy with it.

Cons

I honestly don't have any negative feedback to share about it.

“Great accounting features”

Pros

It offers great value for the price and covers the core accounting features well. The option to build custom reports with Cumulus, the Excel add-on and Crystal Reporting is also a big plus.

Cons

The interface is not very simple which can be frustrating for users at times.

“Smooth reporting experience”

Pros

This tool stands out for its very useful, readable reports. When a standard report is not enough, the Crystal Report Writer makes it possible to build something more customized to match specific needs. Another feature that has been especially valuable is Lockbox which lets you record a batch of payments for an unlimited number of transactions. I have personally entered more than 6,000 transactions in a single batch so it clearly handles high volume well. Importing and exporting data is also very easy. On top of that, we recently added ACH Payable and it has made paying vendors much more convenient since there is no longer a need to cut a check.

Cons

Our analysis revealed that the one thing I would really like to see improved is the requirement to purchase user licenses. It would also be nice if the program or maybe a version of it, were designed more specifically for HOAs and condominium associations.