Choosing the right local property manager is essential to protecting your property investment. The success of your investment property depends on having an experienced and dedicated manager. Keep reading for a few tips that will help you choose a local property manager.
It's imperative that you choose a local property manager for a few different reasons. First, they'll be familiar with local laws and ordinances when it comes to building management and owner responsibilities. Second, they're in the area and can visit the property often and when necessary. Third, they need to be local, so they can be your eyes and ears as needed.
According to the State of the Property Management Industry Report, the majority of property managers, or about 35%, manage buildings or communities with a range of 101 to 500 units. That means that these professionals need to be highly organized. It also means that, if they're not communicative, issues with the property may fall through the cracks.
Open communication and transparency are critical. Ask potential candidates how they manage communication and what the turnaround is if you reach out to them with questions. Then, test the waters by sending potential candidates an email to see how long it takes to get a response.
Ask potential candidates for references, and make sure those references are other owners that they do business with. To be on the safe side, ask for three different owner references. Make sure you call the references and ask about their level of satisfaction with the property manager. This is one of the safest ways to learn more about managers.
Ask the potential candidate for property addresses that they already manage. If you can, do a drive-by of the property. Is the property in good repair? If there are issues with the property, then keep moving and find a new candidate. The right manager stays on top of things.
Choosing the right local property manager does take some effort on your part, but in the end, the effort will be worth it. You'll be rewarded with the worry-free management of your property! Protect your investment by choosing a property manager that has ample experience, offers transparency, and will partner with you to manage your investment property. Find a trusted management team with us at APM Real Estate today.