Why effective vendor management is crucial for the property preservation industry

A recent Census report shows that in the third quarter of 2025, residential vacancies were at 7.1 percent for rental housing and 1.2 percent for homeowner housing. Reports also show that, as of Q3, foreclosure activity was trending higher by quarter and year-over-year.  Property preservation and real estate vendor management services offer vacant homes protection against the elements and damages, while also benefitting the neighborhood. This is why effective partnership with local vendors is essential.

Why real estate vendor management partnerships are key

National field services providers offer many benefits. They help servicers and investors avoid violations and other costly repairs. They also support local and regional property preservation companies that perform many services to maintain assets. ServiceLink’s partnership-first approach to field services vendor management employs market managers and directors that are in place to support local and regional 'boots on the ground' efforts. The partnership philosophy allows for mutual success and accountability for both ServiceLink’s field services division and its vendors.

“We utilize a much more proactive approach to vendor management,” says Anthony Scotese, vice president, product operations, ServiceLink. “In addition to focusing on order management and getting in out-standing work as quickly and efficiently as possible in order to satisfy client timeline expectations, we have a very hands-on approach to our relationships with vendors. Our team is ready to take ownership of any issues or concerns and work with our vendors on resolutions.”

Kindi Kinder, market manager, field services vendor management, ServiceLink, adds, “Through our support, our vendors feel heard. I like to think of it as being a business partner with each of my vendors. They’re not in this alone - we’re here to make sure they’re successful.”

How proactive management supports vendors and clients

Part of ServiceLink’s approach involves strong communication within the field by using a contact/escalation matrix to address issues in a timely manner. The vendor management team also meets daily to ensure the team is on alert of any urgent issues that may come up, even if it’s not in their respective region. ServiceLink’s team of vendor management directors also support the market managers for escalations and steps in as backup when needed. Having a reliable partner that takes the time to listen to issues helps elevate the overall experience for vendors and customers. In an industry that’s constantly changing and challenging, having a consistent vendor management partnership to help aid everyone in coming to a mutually agreeable resolution when subcontractor or property issues arise is essential.

Vendors appreciate the benefits of ServiceLink’s vendor management program and how it works in their favor through fast pay and easy operating systems. A scorecard incentive program helps to ensure vendors meet quality and timeline goals, while incentivizing performance. ServiceLink offers quicker turn times as the organization finalizes work three to five days after a job is completed, quicker than most national vendor management companies. It also offers daily remittances for work completed.

These practices create a culture of support and collaboration. Clients benefit from having a network of willing vendor management partners ready to help in an emergency. By providing reliable support and creating a team environment, all parties work toward the same goal of protecting an asset the best they can.

To learn more, visit www.servicelink.com/servicers/field-services

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