How to Choose a Property Manager
Owning an investment property can be a great way to build wealth and in order to maximise your return on your investment it’s important to choose the right property manager.
A bad property manager will cause you unnecessary stress and hassle, while a good property manager is worth their weight in gold. A good property manager will make your life easier by taking care of finding quality tenants, handling the paperwork and dealing with day-to-day issues like repairs and maintenance.
Choosing a property manager that’s experienced, trustworthy and responsive means you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your investment is in great hands.
So, given their importance, you might be wondering how to find a property manager.
Here are five tips to point you in the right direction.
1. Check Your Property Manager’s Reviews and Testimonials
The best way to find a property manager is by checking out what other people have to say about the quality of their service. Ask for references from past clients and check online reviews to gauge the property manager’s reputation.
2. Look for Local Experience
Your property manager should know the local rental market inside out, so they can advise you on everything from the rent you should charge to the trades you should use for repairs and maintenance.
3. Review their Marketing Efforts
Your property manager will be responsible for marketing your rental, so you want to make sure they know how to find quality tenants. The best way of checking this is to see how they advertise the other rental properties on their book. Pay attention to the listing description and the quality of the images.
4. Listen to your Instincts
A property management company may seem fantastic when you’re doing your research, but nothing beats meeting the team in person. First impressions count, after all. What’s more, how they interact with you will likely be how they interact with your tenants, so you want to make sure they are friendly, professional, responsive and great communicators.
5. Read the T&Cs
A good property management company should have nothing to hide, so they should be upfront about their fees and any other crucial details. That said, you should always read the terms and conditions carefully before you sign a property management contract.
Questions to Ask a Property Manager
Want to know how to find a good property manager?
Well, once you’ve identified a few candidates, you should ask them several questions to help narrow down your choice. Here are some suggestions:
- Can you tell us about your experience managing properties similar to ours?
- How do you screen prospective tenants?
- How do you handle rent collections and late payments?
- How do you handle maintenance and repair requests from tenants?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- How many properties do you manage as a company?
- How do you communicate with landlords and keep them informed of any issues?
- What are your fees for property management services and what do they cover?
- Why should I choose you over a competitor?
- Can you provide a sample of your standard lease agreement and explain any changes you would make for our property?
Remember to ask follow-up questions and clarify any points that are not clear. The goal of the interview is to get a good understanding of the property manager’s skills and methods, so you can make an informed decision about who to hire.
At Jonny Warren Properties, we offer top-quality property management services for investors in and outside of Canberra. Get in touch by filling in this form, calling 0431 797 891 or emailing jonny@jonnywarren.com.au.