Beware of “cheaper.” You may find that the cheaper company charges extra for services that your current SM includes in the monthly fee. It’s quite a job comparing SM fee proposals.
Couldn’t agree more. A general rule of thumb is, if you are in frequent contact with your strata manager, go for an all-in package. If you have less frequent contact or need for their services, go for a less expensive agreement that may charge for Schedule B fees.
But bear in mind that strata management is one of those areas where you truly get what you pay for. There are a couple of large companies undercutting their rivals in basic fees but making money by overloading their strata managers and encouraging them (sometimes with commissions) to charge maximum schedule B fees or simply only do work that is absolutely necessary.
Recommendations from other strata schemes in your area are often the best way to get a handle on the best strata managers.