What to look for in a property manager
Whether it’s your first time renting out the property you own or you’re a seasoned investor, selecting the right person to manage your property is essential.
After all, your property manager will be responsible for ensuring the home is well-maintained and looked after and the rent is paid on time.
And that’s not all that a great property manager takes care of, with their expertise ensuring the rental experience is stress-free for all parties.
So what exactly should you look for when it comes to selecting the right person? Here’s our guide on what to look for in a property manager.
Local
From sourcing the right tradies to knowing the state of play in the market, local knowledge matters when it comes to property management.
In addition to this local knowledge, it’s also important to have a property manager who is on the ground in the area to conduct those all-important routine inspections which ensure the property remains in tip-top condition.
When it comes to selecting the right property manager, look for someone local, who has a strong reputation for managing properties in the vicinity of your rental.
A local property manager is also likely to have a solid database of good renters, which ensures there is minimal time the property is vacant between rental agreements.
Experience
A property manager’s role involves acting as the intermediary between the property owner and the renters, and it’s an area that’s governed by state or territory law.
That’s why it pays to opt for a property manager with experience. You are looking for someone who has a proven track record of win-win outcomes in what can occasionally be a tough balancing act.
Systems and procedures
Great property management is underpinned by strong systems and procedures which ensure nothing is overlooked in the management of your home.
These systems and procedures will apply to everything from rental application screening to rental arrears, maintenance requests, routine inspections and more.
When you inquire with an agency about managing your rental property, don’t forget to ask them about the systems and procedures they have in place to ensure nothing is left to chance.
Proactive
An investment property is one of your biggest financial assets, which means you need a proactive professional in your corner who is looking after that property as if it were their own.
Chances are you will get a sense whether a property manager is likely to be proactive just by speaking with them, but it’s also indicated in how quickly they respond to your initial inquiry, the paperwork and information they provide, and whether they do what they say they will in a timely manner.
Communication
Good communication is key to a positive and stress-free rental experience, and your property manager is the conduit of this communication.
They are the single point that the property owner, renter and tradespeople all liaise through and make no mistake, proactive and clear communication from a property manager is important to all parties in a rental agreement.
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
