Investing in a real estate property or two can be a lucrative means of generating income. Managing a rental or vacation home, however, is a full-time job. And if you live out of town or state, this task can become a full-blown challenge.
If you want to earn from your investment properties without being hands-on, you can hire a property manager or property management company to do the job for you. But as with any service, you need to find the right individual or firm to represent you and handle your property.
Here are a couple of ways you can find a property manager that meets your needs and specifications perfectly.
Check their background and experience
Once you have referrals or prospective property managers, exercise some due diligence and do some background checks. Are they licensed? What do their clients (past and present) say about them?
You can check with Utah’s local Real Estate Commission if they are licensed. Reviews are a little harder to find unless they are direct referrals or if they have a website. Try searching their name online and see if anything comes up. Take note of interesting details so you can ask the relevant questions if you decide to invite them for an interview.
Take note of your first impression
Once they pass your initial screening, invite them to a one-on-one interview. As the old adage goes, “first impressions matter.” Mind how they conduct themselves as soon as you meet them. Are they warm and approachable yet professional? Are they well-spoken? Can they explain complicated real estate and property management concepts in layman’s terms?
How they present themselves helps establish rapport not just with you as their client, but to your prospective tenants as well as other contractors as well. And remember, as your property manager, they will represent you.
Lay out scenarios
Extensive experience in property management that is printed on paper is impressive to read. But they might do things differently when confronted with certain situations.
What will they do when a tenant has failed to pay rent? How will they resolve disputes? What are they going to do if your property has been vacant for a considerable period of time? How will they handle tenants who have broken their lease agreements? Do they know reliable contractors who can help with the maintenance of the property?
In their responses, look for the following:
- Communication skills
- Patience
- Understanding of the local landlord-tenant laws
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Transparency and accountability
- Listening skills
Ultimately, you will want a property manager who is friendly and understanding, yet firm. The right property manager listens to the needs of your tenants, makes necessary decisions, and is not afraid to enforce rules and regulations. Lastly, the right property manager is somebody you can trust.
Destination Properties can help you with property management in Ogden, Utah. Browse our website to learn more about the scope of our services. You can also connect with us at 801.745.2009 or send an email to info(at)destinationproperties(dotted)com. We look forward to hearing from you.