If you’re a property owner, then you know that managing your own property can be a lot of work. This is especially true if you live far away from your property or if you have multiple properties. However, a property manager can help you with that. A good property manager will take care of all the day-to-day tasks associated with owning and managing rental properties. So, how do you go about finding the right property manager for your needs? Keep reading for expert tips on hiring the right property manager!
What Does a Property Manager Do?
A property manager is someone who oversees the day-to-day operations of a rental property. This includes tasks such as collecting rent, responding to tenant requests, and handling repairs and maintenance. Property managers can either be employed by the property owner or they can work for a property management company that specializes in property management. In addition, property managers can also be hired to manage commercial properties. These managers are typically called building managers
A property manager is responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Collecting rent;
- Managing tenant requests;
- Handling repairs and maintenance;
- Marketing the property;
- Screening tenants;
- Preparing leases;
- Ensuring compliance with local and state regulations.
Do Your Research
The first step in finding the right property manager is to do your research. You’ll want to ask around for recommendations and read online reviews. When you’re comparing different property management companies, be sure to ask about their experience and expertise in managing rental properties. For example, your friends might recommend a company that specializes in managing vacation rentals, while another company might be better suited for managing apartment complexes. Therefore, even the best property manager won’t be a good fit for every property owner, so it’s important to do your due diligence and find the right company for your needs.
Ask About Fees
When you’re interviewing property management companies, be sure to ask about their fees. Most companies will charge a percentage of the rent as their fee. In addition, some companies will also charge an upfront fee for services rendered. Make sure you understand what services are included in the fee and how often the manager will be in touch with you. You don’t want to be surprised by unexpected fees down the road.
Interview Potential Property Man
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential managers, it’s time to start interviewing them to find the right property manager. Be sure to ask them about their experience managing rental properties, their policies and procedures, and their fees. You’ll also want to get a sense of the manager’s personality and whether they would be a good fit for your property. Make sure to ask for references and contact them to get feedback on the property manager’s performance.
Difference between a Property and a Real Estate Manager
The distinction between a property manager and an estate manager lies in the scope and nature of their responsibilities:
Property Manager:
- Focus: Primarily deals with individual properties, such as residential or commercial buildings.
- Responsibilities: Handles tasks like rent collection, property maintenance, tenant relations, and lease agreements.
- Scale: Works on a property-specific level, managing the day-to-day operations of one or more properties.
Estate Manager:
- Focus: Manages larger, more extensive properties, often including multiple buildings and extensive grounds.
- Responsibilities: Oversees various aspects, including property maintenance, staff management, event coordination, and sometimes personal services for property owners.
- Scale: Operates at a broader level, coordinating the overall functioning of an estate, which may encompass multiple properties and diverse responsibilities.
While both roles involve property management, the scale and nature of the properties they handle differentiate a property manager from an estate manager.
Make A Decision
Once you’ve interviewed all of the potential property managers, it’s time to make a decision. Take into account all of the information you’ve gathered and choose the company that is most compatible with your needs. If you are having a hard time deciding, you can check which company has a lot of experience managing rental properties. Also, check if they have a good reputation and whether their fees are reasonable. Lastly, the right property manager should have a policy and procedure manual. You should even be able to contact them anytime in case of emergency or if you have any questions.
Hiring a property manager can be a daunting task, but following these tips will help you find the right one for your needs. By doing your research and interviewing potential candidates, you’re sure to find a property manager who will take care of your rental property and keep it running smoothly.
