Review of Skyline

We are a commercial real estate property management company who lease and manage spaces to multifaceted tenants both in commercial and retailed businesses. Skyline is a very highly valued software to help us monitor closely to our day-to-day operations. We could not have done it without Skyline.

Pros

Overall a very well rounded accounting and property management software. Extremely powerful in generating very useful financial reports to our investors and lenders. Skyline offers excellent technical support and had recommended one expert to us whom we are still using to-date. We are very happy customers.

Cons

I don't have anything negative comments to say about Skyline.

Skyline user for over 20 years

Skyline gets the job done quickly and efficiently with limited keystrokes.

Pros

With Skyline, we can easily manage all of our properties, input property/tenant/vendor information, pay bills and invoice tenants.

Cons

Sometimes a field is limited in characters and cannot be customized. For instance, some emails do not fit within the amount of space permited.

Skyline is a disaster

Stay away from this software, we just switched to Yardi Genesis 2.

Pros

This is one of the few softwers that wasn't cloud base, which is what the management of the company wanted ( Now they changed their mind). Also the software had project costing module

Cons

It is very difficult to learn and use. I have used a few property management software, and can tell that there are many unnecessary and illogical steps in Skyline. The Software is very glitchy. You will get 5-10 errors every day. I know all the software malfunction sometimes, with skiline, you need a full time person to deal with the malfunctions. Their Customer Service is a Scam. We had a 3rd party company that Yardi assign us. They overcharged the support hours every time. When we purchased the software, we were told that once we make the initial investment, we won't have to deal with momnthly payments like other softweres offer. We realized it is a good investment to pay lump sum at the beginning and avoid the monthly payments. Come to find out, that there is a update/new release charge every year that is twice as much as the out original investment. We were told we don't have to update, but you lose the support if you are not up to date. And it is impassible to go without support in Skyline.

It's actually fun!

I enjoy coming to work and working in the Skyline Database, its fun and easy to use.

Pros

My first experience with Skyline was 4 years ago. I had never used the software before, the Database was new to me. I reached out to my Skyline Representative and he suggested I sign up for the ‘Skyline Training Classes”. My Skyline representative suggested I utilize the “Skyline Help” line. I ended up calling the “Help Line” at least twice a week for the first few months. They always returned my calls within a day. They were and still are quick to respond, friendly, and knowledgeable. The help I received was great! It was like having my own tutor. I ended up asking for the same person every time I called, and she would call me back. Within a year I was able to operate the database on my own. I still call once in awhile if I have questions, or need help. I am currently on the 2020 version. It is actually fun to use. I really like to multiple screens options; I think it has enabled me to be more time efficient. It is a great system with lots of options. I like the reports. I am able to utilize and convert them to excel sheets or PDF's to use the information integrated with other reports that I produce.

Cons

I did the classes, and found I still needed some explanations once I was using the database on my own. At first it seemed complicated and I was a bit overwhelmed. I had bookkeeping experience which did help me put together some of the processes.

Long-time user

Overall, I am happy with Skyline. It has it's quirks, but then all of the property management solutions have them. With our business, we have used and continue to use many different property management systems but Skyline is the one we compare the others too.

Pros

Skyline is a simple property management system that covers the basic needs of the process well. The price point relative to competing platforms is also quite low. It is a great system for companies with simple needs. They also keep improving the product.

Cons

The software can be unforgiving and cumbersome. If you need any customization, you need to get Crystal Reports or Cumulus to accomplish it. The file structure is not SQL based.

Skyline product review and recommendation

We've been using it for over 20 years and I've been using it for over 14 years. It's continued to improve and we've been happy with the changes made.

Pros

There are probably two things about the software that make it so usable. One is the fact that it is easy to use and the other is the support is great. I've never had a problem getting a quick response to any perceived issue (most of which tend to be lack of knowledge on our part).

Cons

There are always minor things, such as changing the GL date in AP that would be useful to do when you're entering an invoice, instead of going to another screen but that is not something that needs to be done often so it's not a big deal.

software

There are so many steps in everything you do. Like cutting a check, creating a new property, creating a new GL account, etc.

Pros

Easy to use and user friendly and it is not cloud base.

Cons

There are so many steps to create a new property.

Four stars

Pros

It is wonderful to be able to click on a transaction directly from a report to few the GL coding and description.

Cons

Voiding checks. It would be nice if there was an option to void multiple checks instead of having to do it one at a time.

Not user friendly for commercial portfolios

Pros

I like the fact that it is not a monthly fee and we can store it on our computers. The sales staff is great.

Cons

The help doesn't answer your questions. The manuals are all geared toward apartments and you cannot call to get assistance without being charged even if your contract states so many hours of support is included. We have commercial properties. Until you are in the midst of setup you don't realize the differences and questions to ask. You'll have to send many emails and make multiple phone calls to get charges reversed. They won't call you back. Implementation to them, means downloading the software. Our controller has setup and worked on multiple management systems and I have a Yardi trainer that have been trying to get us up and running for a year.

Skyline Property Management Software

The software is relatively easy to use once you've learned the ins and outs of it. I have been using it for over a year and there are still issues that come up that I need support for. The processes of month end close are cumbersome. When entering a new property into Skyline it is very cumbersome and steps heavy. You have to go to approximately 5 -6 different areas in the program to get a property set up from start to finish. If you close the month there is no way to go back and fix a mistake, not even a description. Preprinted forms are a beast to line up properly.

Great for every level of user

Skyline has been the perfect solution for our small company. With Skyline we have great support and they have helped us through several difficult issues. We cannot speak highly enough about the quality and value of the Skyline Software and the Skyline Support Team.

Pros

The user support team is FANTASTIC. They are kind, courteous and always available to help. They are expert level instructors who really take the time to learn your particular needs in order to teach you how to use Skyline best, making learning the software a breeze. The software itself is very user friendly. It is very easy to learn and in many ways self-explanatory. Starting off with very limited knowledge of accounting in general, I feel I was able to pick it up rather quickly. Data entry is a breeze, there are several safeguards in place to allow you to double check yourself or someone else's work and catching duplicate entries. The reports are clear and easy to read, plus being able to create customized reports is a huge asset. The price point, in comparison to other property management software on the market, is also a huge plus.

Cons

There is no real user manual. The "Skyline Help" within the software is more of an explanation as to what each section does, not so much as to how to use it. Do not expect there to be clear, how-to, bullet point type instructions unless you get them from the user support team. Again, they are a huge asset to Skyline. The sales team is not the most friendly nor the most helpful, but fortunately you only have to deal with them every other year or so.

Skyline Review 2019

We are very pleased with Skyline overall. The biggest improvement we have seen from our old software is the escalations and recoveries. We were doing them via excel and Skyline has saved us an enormous amount of time. Tech Support is very prompt in responding to our emails and is always very helpful. We have had various Skyline reports designed for us by a consultant for Skyline, who has done an awesome job in being able to meet all of our needs.

Pros

1. Being able to run the escalations and recoveries in PM has saved us hours of time. 2. It is user friendly 3. Tech Support is awesome! They are quick to respond and very helpful. 4. Like the fact that we can call tech support and they can connect remotely to help figure your issue.

Cons

1. Wish it had a manual so we didn't have to bother tech support on all issues we have. 2. The tab and enter keys should be interchangeable 3. Not being able to get a GL on various selected account numbers at one time. Currently they have to be within a range or one specific account. 4. No major conferences to go to so you can network with other who use Skyline. 5. Would rather it be more keyboard driven with shortcuts. 6. Would like to see improvements to the budgeting area regarding the write backs. Maybe this was updated in the new version. I haven't checked it out yet. 7. Being notified when an update is available via an email.

Skyline Property Management Software

Overall, we have had success with Skyline. It is relatively easy to use, but I see so much potential for improvement especially within the Enhanced Budget Module, but this has not been a priority for the company. By making these enhancements, it make them a much better competitor to other rivals such as Yardi, MRI and others that we have looked into.

Pros

It is relatively easy to use with little training required.

Cons

I only wish their online help and tutorials were a better written and included pictures. Sometimes they are hard to follow when reading or are missing steps, but if they had screen shots of steps, it would be more helpful. I also wish they invested more in their budget tool. It does integrate the current tenant rents, but does not allow for the ability to budget for rents that are expiring. The only option is to add speculative information directly into the tenants billing screen and then remember to remove it if it is not approved. The only other draw back is the lack of ability to use the annual CAM reconciliation of expenses. The calculations would be set up in excel and then incorporated into Skyline. It would be more helpful to set up within Skyline on a tenant level basis so that all information is housed within Skyline.

Skyline Software Review

Over the past 27 years we have had a positive experience with Skyline. Although changes take time, Skyline representatives have been responsive to our needs and requests. Support tickets are generally answered within a reasonable time frame and support staff is knowledgeable.

Pros

Our company has been using Skyline for 27 years. This software has made major strides in keeping up with the industry. Recent redesign of our escalation spreadsheets has greatly benefited our company by streamlining the billing process and improving how recoveries are billed back to our commercial tenants. The F9 feature has enhanced our reporting and financial statement presentation for monthly operations, as well as, for tax reporting purposes. We are working towards implementing the Facility Maintenance Module to assist with and improve the tracking of our current maintenance calls.

Cons

Our hopes for the future would be for Skyline to implement an Online Residential Application Portal which allows digital signing and an integrated screening process for quick background/credit checks and the ability to track communications by tenant.

SKYLINE 2017.1

I have been with the Skyline Property Management program since version 1.5v , which has been for over 30+ years. I've dealt with every aspect of this program; phone support, trainer, sales & marketing and currently an end user. I've seen Skyline grow into an amazing program, which I'm sure will continue. My sales representative is always there to help and support always responds in a timely manner.

Pros

Skyline offers... 1. Reports that are very useful and easy to read. If a custom report is needed, the Crystal Report Writer will help with creating a report to fit your needs. 2. A Lockbox feature that allows you to record a batch or payments for an unlimited amount of transactions. The most I have recorded in one batch was 6,000+. 3. Easy imports and exports of data. 4. ACH Payable is a new add on we just purchased. It's so easy to pay a vendor now without having to cut a check.

Cons

1. The only feature that I would like to see changed is the need to buy user licenses. 2. Would like to see the program or some version of the program directed more toward HOA's and Condominium associations.

Skyline Software Review

Pros

The software does a very good job of incorporating the specialized accounting and reporting requirements for the real estate owner/property management industry. The software anticipated what is needed for our industry. The property management, accounts payable and general ledger functions within the software are straightforward and thorough and has good accounting control features. We need, utilize and like the portfolio consolidation feature of the software as well.

Cons

Not being able to get historical rent rolls (as of a certain date). If the software somehow generated a vacancy value that would allow the user to understand gross potential rent versus actual. Also, would like it to be easier to get/write custom reposts.

Long-time Skyline user review

I have used this software for 14 years total at two different companies and have found it to be an excellent product. It's a very good value for what you pay.

Pros

After initial setup, it's pretty intuitive and easy to get the information you need from property management/AR. The same thing on running financial statements/GL reports. You can also easily setup multiple charts of account on the GL. There are a lot of property management and GL features you can use depending how detailed you want to get. AP is also easy to use. Overall, it's an excellent value compared to its competitors.

Cons

This biggest drawback is that AP and AR do not hit the GL in real time. You would need to post from these modules first to see them in the GL.

Easy to use and exceptional support!

I have used Skyline and many other software for years. Skyline has always remained consistent, reliable and user friendly. The software support has also been quick to respond and personable.

Pros

Skyline is a real work horse. I have used the software for many years and found that it does everything needed to efficiently run the accounting and tenant management of any size commercial building. It is exceptionally easy to use, making it easy to train others. Skyline has an online or desktop version which makes it easy for any size user.

Cons

The on screen look of Skyline hasn't changed for quite some time. I know that the newest version that is coming out will be better then ever.

Easy to use, great functionality

I work with 2 other property management software systems that are owned by the properties institutional owner. Each system has their pros and cons but I do feel that Skyline has been the easiest transition and the easiest for the accountants to learn and work with.

Pros

Skyline is easy to use. My three Property Accountants all work independently on it without issues. It is user friendly, easy to find what you need. The reports are professional looking and easy to run. Support is very helpful on the rare occasion that we need them.

Cons

There are some differences from the past software that we used but they are always seem to be making improvements which is nice.

Skyline works for you

SKYLINE is a very user friendly and powerful program that allows me to manage my properties very efficiently. I like that once you put the rent increases into SKYLINE, the system knows when to start the next increase and I don’t have to go back in and change the rent. You can run the reports you need easily and see when leases are coming up for renewal. You can scan your invoices in and see them going back years if you need to. Support staff is responsive if I need it.

Pros

Once you set up your tenants up the program does the rest. I like you can have recurring invoices in Accounts payable and attach invoices to all vouchers so you can look back at them

Cons

Nothing Really negative to say about the system

Easy to Use

Pros

Skyline is a very user friendly software - it contains all the options necessary to run the accounting function of our real estate group without overly complicating the process / menus available. Skyline is also very stable and rarely requires a call to their helpdesk. On the rare occasion we do need help Sklyine is quick to support us.

Cons

The software is perfect for our commercial projects. I wish it could be translated to a complete residential product with all the options that are typical of a residential software.

In use here since 1997. I would not change for any reason.

Overall, excellent. When I was looking for a Real Estate Software Management System in 1997, I spent an extensive amount of time doing research. Skyline was my top choice for multiple reasons.

Pros

It is easy to use. From navigating to different Occupant Information, attaching documents, searching out data.

Cons

For each update, there is a glitch. I know of no software that is exempt. However, the IT people are accessible and extremely helpful.

Customer Support at its BEST

Never having done this work before it's a good product. It has more capabilities than my company has set up, but I hope to change that in the future.

Pros

Having used this software only a year or so, I found that it is easy to operate for the day to day postings. However, since I am new to this field of work I have made some awful errors on my part that were some doozies. Here's the great part...My customer rep [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] is so awesome that I don't freak out anymore when I have a doozy. She is calm, collected, knowledgeable and kind. I don't worry anymore because I know Pilar an pull me through. She's the BEST !!!

Cons

That there isn't some sort of app that my CPM can take into the field.

Great software

Overall, wonderful experience. It does everything we want it to do.

Pros

The software is easy to use and can customize for business needs. It has a lot of options for additional modules and compatibilities for other software options.

Cons

Can time out sometimes and would love to have a more sophisticated budgeting tool.

Great value and functionality

Excellent training and good customer service

Pros

Great value and basic accounting functionality, ability to do custom reports with Cumulus (Excel add-on) and Crystal Reporting

Cons

Not very intuitive which can be frustrating for users

Skyline review

Any issues we have had with Skyline have been readily resolved by their tech staff

Pros

Ease of entry on the data entry screens and the ease in running of most reports

Cons

Canned vendor reports don't provide totals; you have to manually add up

Great Customer Service

Overall after years of using the software I stand firm on the customer service I receive when I have problems.

Pros

What I like most about the product is the customer sevice.

Cons

I wish this product was easier to figure out on you own.

Skyline Web Hosted

We use Skyline to manage a residential and commercial real estate portfolio. It has been a valuable tool for us as we have migrated away from multiple programs and now use Skyline for service calls and prospect tracking. This has created a more cohesive and collaborative environment within our entire team

Pros

It has solid functionality Clean layout allows for easy navigation for users of all levels Good reporting features Knowledgeable customer support

Cons

The dates don't default to current when you are trying to run reports

Most User Friendly Software

Pros

Skyline software provides ease of use with necessary record keeping.

Cons

Perhaps we should have purchased it sooner.

Skyline Property Management Software

I have been using this product for almost two years now. I like the tenant detailed information but I sometimes struggle with the financial aspects of the program. I am an accountant however, and probably have high expectations for the financials.

Pros

There is good tracking of tenant charges and payments. The occupancy ledgers are fairly detailed and there is the ability to add a lot of information for each tenant.

Cons

I don't like that you have to manually post transactions into the general ledger. The financial reporting requires an add on (Cumulus Reports) in order to get nice custom reports. There is functionality for custom reports but it's not very robust.

Skyline

When we used the software, we were told that once we make initial investment, we will not have to deal with monthly payments like other software offers. Come to find out that each year there is an update new release fee which is twice the original investment. We were told that we do not have to update, but if you are not up to date then you lose support. And it is impossible to go without support in Skyline. It may be different, but there is a check and full requirement once.

Pros

This is a software that was not a cloud base, which wanted management of the company, now they changed their mind. Software was the project cost module.

Cons

Learning and using is very difficult. I have used some property management software, and can tell that there are many unnecessary and strange steps in Skyline. The software is very messy. You will get some errors in some time. I sometimes know about all the software being spoiled with Skilin, you need a full time person to deal with errors.

Great tool for a small accounting department.

Pros

easy to enter information to get useful reports.

Cons

this was my first time setting up a chart of accounts, it all worked out great in the end.

Skyline survey

Pros

Once you have Skyline down, it is very easy to navigate and figure out where you need to be for certain tasks.

Cons

My only dislike of Skyline is the fact that it takes a lot to build knowledge of the software with no real help manual or the lack of support from Qualitech.

Great integration of Property Information with Operating Results

Ask for business references, you will get good advice from power SKYLINE users. Also, your CPA will like the output for your 1065's !

Pros

Strongest part of this product is the ability to switch from building to building to get quick answer and/or enter transactions. It was built by real estate professional and it sent up the way real estate (retail, office, apartments, industrial) works.

Cons

There is really nothing wrong with this product. It is not QuickBooks, so the user must understand accounting and have a set-up in mind to create properties. So the lack of relative flexibility, is really a strong point, an internal control. There is a learning curve and plenty of consultants and corporate support.

Worst program I've ever used

No pros I can think of. We used it when it was a Dos- based program and then when it converted to Windows.

Cons

When we used it, everything we needed for reports and processing cost extra. Support was extra. Improvements were rolled out annually. Had to be installed on a computer, so each computer had to have its own license. We found a better program with 24/7 support that is included, and does updates weekly, sometimes daily, is internet-based and doesn't charge per user. Skyline was difficult to navigate and very tedious.

Skyline 2020 review

As noted above, I've used Skyline property management software since 2000. While it has its quirks, it's a very dependable workhorse and very easy to use.

Pros

It's very intuitive and easy to use - I've had to train several new users to Skyline and they have picked it up fairly quickly

Cons

I have used Skyline for 20 years - since the DOS version. I miss the keyboard shortcuts. I find it slows me down to move from the keyboard to the mouse and back. While there are keyboard shortcuts built in to the 2020 version, they are clunky, take a few seconds to recognize and perform, and sometimes don't work at all.

Still awful after 18 months

This company does not even want to know the failings of its software. They had to hire outside help to deal with Skylines poor design and training to get a common ownership cash account to work with several properties.

Cons

Horrible training. Training included instructions on work arounds for the faulty design. The cherry on the cake: Your support fees get you nothing but excuses and the offer to charge you more to learn what the failed to teach in training. Bad reports, but they are customizable if you pay more fees. No historical storage of tenant data to run past rent rolls. QuickBooks and excel would be an easier way to manage the accounting and tenant data than this

Unprofessional and Lack Knowledge of their Own System

Extremely poor and unprofessional.

Pros

The potential of the systems and reports.

Cons

The updated version has more steps (3-4) to complete any task. It is more time-consuming. Glitches in all major programs and in the most minor of tasks. You can't call to report or fix problems, you have to email. Unresponsive to several requests for maintenance and consulting support.

Skyline Review

Skyline is not user friendly. The interface looks like a blast from the past (think Windows 95). You cannot work in multiple screens at one time. Functions are not intuitive and processes require more time to complete than if done manually. Re-work is often required when work does not save (even when the user saves) or when the system has an error (which is constant). There is no robust search option like other Property Management tools (i.e. MRI or Yardi), which makes it difficult to quickly access information.

Pros

The software is more affordable than its competitors, but it is not worth the cost. Users are better off utilizing QuickBooks and/or Excel for record keeping.

Cons

There are several. Namely, that the software does not work as intended or needed. There are so many clicks/steps required in order to complete even basic actions (vs. a simple 1,2,3). Constant glitches and overall product faults.

Bad customer support

Pros

Ability to run prior year statements through Cumulus

Cons

I have used this software for 15 years. While their support staff is very friendly, they do not follow up, you will spend a fortune trying to keep it running. Today I was forced to make a one sided entry in order to balance the books. In the last two years, we have thrown money towards fixing a problem and it is still not fixed. We are dumping this software for QuickBooks after using for 19 (nineteen) years.

Easy Accessibility

Pros

I find this software easy to use for the most part. It is easy to enter and access information.

Cons

I find myself entering the same information over and over again in different areas. I feel it should have the capability to transfer data to appropriate areas and/or have a copy feature.

it is easy to use

Pros

it is easy to learn and easy to use. Compared with other software, this software has more function than others, but less cost.

Cons

When you setup a property or tenant, if you make mistake, it will be difficult to change them. this is no good.

Not user friendly at all

It is not worth the time or money to use this software

Pros

It is very difficult for me to write down any pros for Skyline. Probably it is cost effective, but Yardi Genesis 2 is cost effective as well.

Cons

It is not user friendly at all. It is very time-consuming to perform a simple task. When producing report in Excel, the format is terrible!

Great Product

Pros

This product has given my company the ability to track all relevant information to our business in one place, greatly increasing our productivity and efficiency.

Cons

The product is difficult to navigate at times, but we are still training, which I imagine will solve this.

Not User Friendly

Pros

Customer support is quick to get back and help to remedy issues.

Cons

This product is not very user friendly. When setting up new properties you have to enter in information repeatedly as it does not populate other aspects of the property information sheets.

Worst software

This is the worst software I Have ever used. The product always has glitches and errors. Very difficult to use and horrible customer service. The salespeople in Detroit were just liars.

good tools

Pros

The booth was set up on time. All the materials arrived on time. All of the show services were handled properly.

Cons

If you make a mistake sometimes, it will be a little difficult to change it. And update information is not easy.

Poor understanding of commercial real estate and accounting by trainer of system

Training was awful. Recommended set up result in numerous general ledger errors which was extremely time consuming to remedy. Still uncomfortable with its proper operation. They had to bring in outside consulting give recommendations to fix portfolio set up. All work fell to me to fix. I have never been more disappointed in a purchase in my life. Made MRI look user friendly.

Pros

Still searching for those

Cons

All of it