OPERATIONS: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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What to Look for in a Property Management Company
A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY CAN TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF OWNING A RENTAL PROPERTY. REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
M anaging a rental property is a full-time job. For property owners who desire a little more free time, hiring a residential property management company is an excellent way to take some of the burdens of rental ownership off your shoulders. Several companies offer property management services; however, not all are created equal. When you decide it is time to search for a residential property management company, there are a few things to look for. COMMUNICATION For starters, ensure the company you select makes communication with you a priority. This means that when you call them, they will have a well-trained professional eager to pick up the phone and willing to help you by answering all your questions. The same should hold true when you call outside of business hours.
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL TOOLS
Further, they should swiftly follow up with inquiries from prospective tenants. Effective marketing of the property includes making sure the property is priced competitively in the market. The property management company should also provide you with assistance in making the property rent-ready by making suggestions on how to increase its appeal to prospective tenants. Keeping the financial records accurate for a rental property can be complex, and the idea of turning it over to another party might concern you. When searching for your property management company, be sure to find one with the right tools, such as a centralized accounting system to keep track of all expenses and income. This system should be available to you at all times, so be certain the company choose offers online services for your ease of access.
In today’s digital age, the top property management companies will also offer online tools and features that help you stay up to date on vacancies, evaluations, maintenance, and financial reports on all your properties. You will also need to verify that your property management company is prepared and willing to handle any and all interactions with tenants—from the signing of the lease and the addressing of maintenance requests to handling eviction proceedings. They should also be able to provide a specific plan for securing tenant retention. If a vacancy occurs, your company needs to actively search to fill the vacancy by advertising the property on effective rental websites and through classifieds.
52 | think realty magazine :: march – april 2024
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