Every landlord and investor looks for a variety of things when they’re hiring a professional Stockbridge property management company. At the very least, you’re looking for a property manager who is knowledgeable about the local rental market and able to help you make decisions that increase the value of your investment. Most investors look for a great reputation in the community and the industry.
These are important qualities in a property manager, but the most essential thing to look for is communication.
You cannot have a successful rental experience without good communication, and we often hear from property owners with other management companies that communication is flawed or nonexistent.
That’s unacceptable. Good communication will ensure everyone has a pleasant and successful rental experience. Bad communication can lead to misunderstandings, tenant disputes, and costly mistakes.
Set Communication Expectations Early
All properties are different, and each owner is different, too. This means you’ll have your own preferred method of communication. You’ll also have your own ideas about how frequently you want to be called, emailed, or texted. Some of our owners like to communicate frequently, and others will be perfectly content not hearing from us for the entirety of the lease period.
When you’re looking for a property manager, make sure your communication expectations align with theirs.
Tenant Communication is a Factor
You’ll also want to know how well your potential property manager communicates with residents.
When something goes wrong, you need to have the peace of mind that your property manager will be easy to reach and responsive. If there’s a maintenance emergency at the property such as a fire or a water leak, you need your property manager to take care of it right away. Not only will your tenant need help; you’ll also want to protect the condition of your investment.
Non-emergency maintenance issues also need an immediate response. A good property management company will invest in technology and have an online platform that tenants can use to pay rent and make routine maintenance requests. That documentation is a good way to protect yourself and your asset. You’ll want to make sure your management company provides this type of technology when it comes to communicating maintenance needs.
Provide Multiple Ways to Communicate
There are so many different ways to communicate these days, and you’ll probably have a preferred method of reaching your property managers. Your tenants will have their own preferences, too. Look for a property management company that supports several different communication methods. Many younger renters will prefer to do everything through messaging and social media. Other renters might prefer phone calls. Maybe Zoom calls are best for you if you’re out of state. Make sure your management company is willing to communicate in many different ways so you’re sure to reach them the way that you’re most comfortable.
Hiring a professional Stockbridge property management company is a good way to streamline the communication between everyone involved in the successful leasing of your property. When you’re choosing your property management partner, make sure you’re comfortable with their styles and methods of communication. It’s the only way to move forward towards a successful investment experience.
If you have any questions about how to communicate better or you’d like to hear more about our services, please contact us at Fickling & Company Property Management in Stockbridge.