If you're among the 10-12 million landlords in the US, property management services are critical to saving time and money. In order to make the most of them, though, you'll need to ensure that you choose the appropriate property manager for your needs.
Here, we're going to discuss how you can make an informed decision. Read on to learn what you should look for and how to feel more confident in your choice.
Know What You Need
Before you start looking for a property manager, you'll need to consider what you're looking for. Some people value tenant screening services while others want someone with strong pre-existing connections to maintenance contractors. Understanding your own values ensures that you find property management services that are a good fit.
It's generally best to look for all-inclusive property management companies. For example, the best Cleveland experts will help you assess your property, market it, find quality tenants, write out legal contracts, and uphold those contracts to the letter.
Do Your Research
At this point, it's time to do some online research about services in your area.
Make sure that you're only looking at local Cleveland property management companies. They'll understand the ins and outs of local law. They also will already have contracts with maintenance teams, cleaning services, and other local contractors that your property needs.
Look into how many units the company already manages. You want someone who has a lot of experience but will still give your property the individualized attention it needs. Then, look into your budget and ensure the companies you're considering fit into it.
Once you narrow things down to 3 to 5 companies, it's time to take your research to the next level.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Go to review sites like Google, Yelp, and Angi.
Look at the ratings for each company that you're considering. Then, scroll down and read reviews by landlords who have worked with them in the past. This is the best indicator of what your future experiences will look like.
Note that the best companies will have reviews on their websites already. These testimonials are a great place to start. You'll see what people like about working with them and can click links to other review websites that pop up on the website.
You can also reach out to a property manager for referrals. You'll get the contact information of other landlords who work with that company. This will give you a chance to ask specific questions about the services.
Ask the Right Questions
Finally, once you're in touch with a property management company, you'll need to ask the right questions. Some of them include:
- What licensing and certifications do you have?
- How many properties are you currently managing?
- How do you communicate with the landlords you work with?
- Are you a local Ohio business?
- What does your fee structure look like?
- How much do you charge?
- What services are included?
- What technologies do you use for tenant screening?
- What maintenance companies do you contract with?
These answers will make you feel confident in your decision to work with someone. Plus, you'll know that they're willing to communicate transparently when they answer your pressing questions.
Hire a Property Management Company ASAP
Now that you know how to find and hire a Cleveland property management company, it's time to get started. Our experts are committed to assisting you with maintenance, tenant screening, setting rental rates, finding renters, and legal paperwork. Get a free rental analysis to learn how much you could profit when working with us.