As a real estate investor, one of the most important decisions you will make is who to entrust with the management of your properties. A good property manager can mean the difference between a stress-free experience and a nightmarish one.
So how do you go about finding a qualified property manager?
There are a few key things to look for when vetting potential property managers. First and foremost, you want someone who is organized and detail-oriented. Managing rental properties is a lot of work; it comes with a lot of responsibilities. You need someone who can stay on top of everything and make sure that your tenants are happy and that your properties are well-maintained. Also, you want someone who is knowledgeable about the law and has great communication skills. With these qualities in mind, you should be well on your way to finding the right person for the job. Here are a couple of key points that you don’t want to overlook when selecting a property manager:
Look for Property Management Companies
One of the best ways to find someone to manage your properties is to look for property management companies. These companies usually have a staff of qualified individuals who are experienced in managing different types of properties. Plus, they usually have a good understanding of the local market and the necessary laws and regulations. This can be extremely helpful if you are new to investing in real estate.
These companies should have the systems and support to make the ownership of your investment more fluid. Most property managers will have systems to manage the rental and screening process. They will also have systems that manage payments and repair and maintenance requests. Such systems often will also provide reporting for the performance of your investments.
Make sure to do your research when looking for a property management company. Read online reviews and talk to other real estate investors to get recommendations. Once you have a few companies in mind, schedule consultations so that you can meet with them and get a feel for their business practices.
Check Online Resources
There are also a number of online resources that can be very helpful when you are trying to find someone to manage your properties. For example, there are websites like Yelp and Angie’s List that allow users to read reviews and ratings for different businesses. This can be extremely helpful in deciding whether or not a particular property management company is right for you.
Additionally, there are a number of online forums, such as BiggerPockets or even Local Facebook Groups, where real estate investors can connect with one another and share information. These forums can be a great way to get recommendations for property managers in your area. You can also join our Office Hours Facebook group for asking around a bit and networking.
Once you have compiled a list of potential candidate companies, it’s time to start narrowing down your options. One of the best ways to do this is to review each company’s credentials and references. Start by looking at each firm’s website – do they have any industry awards or accolades? Are they accredited by any reputable organizations? Next, give them a call and ask for references from current and past clients. When you follow up with references, be sure to ask detailed questions about their experience working with the firm.
Ask for Recommendations
As mentioned, another great way to find someone to manage your properties is to ask for recommendations from people you know and trust. If you know any other real estate investors, they may be able to recommend a good property manager that they have worked with in the past. Furthermore, if you have any friends or family members who own rental properties, they may also be able to give you some good recommendations.
When asking for recommendations, make sure to get as much information as possible. This includes the name of the property manager, how long they have been working with the person or company, and what their experience has been like.
Interview Potential Candidates
Once you have compiled a list of potential candidates, it is important to interview each one of them before making a final decision. During the interview, be sure to ask each candidate about their experience in managing properties, their understanding of the local market, laws and customs, and their rates. It is also important to make sure that you feel comfortable communicating with the candidate and that they seem like they would be easy to work with.
After you have interviewed all of the candidates, it is time to make a decision. Be sure to take into account all of the information that you have gathered during the process. This includes the recommendations of others, the reviews that you have read, and your own personal impressions. By taking all of this into consideration, you will be sure to find the right property manager for your needs.
Finding a qualified property manager is an important part of being a successful real estate investor. By following the tips in this blog post, you will be sure to find someone who is well-qualified and who will do a great job of managing your properties.