If you are serious about property investment, chances are you will want to do things right. While managing your own investment property may sound easy enough and of let’s face, “cheaper”, the stress and legal obligations that can arise are not worth the relatively small cost of hiring a professional to do the job in the first place.
So why trust a professional?
Start to finish
Your local agent can help you right from the start, by arranging public viewings of the property while also handling all applications and references from prospective tenants. A good agent will oversee the daily tasks and responsibilities of your investment property and most importantly, will facilitate the smooth communication between you and the tenant.
National Tenancy Database
A property manager will also have access to the National Tenancy Database to ensure any prospective tenants do not havepoor history with previous rentals, which can save you stress and worry down the line.
They will then devise a shortlist of prospective tenants that meet the requirements and pass all the checks, which youcan then choose from.
Everyday management
Your property manager will arrange the lease documentation; manage rent collection; coordinate bond lodgement; see to occasional maintenance; conduct quarterly home inspections on your behalf; and can manage utility expenses, such as water and council rates.
If you have trouble understanding the market rate for your property and setting the weekly rent accordingly, your property manager can work all of this out for you and save you the hassle. They will monitor rental prices for your area closely so that you are up to date on current market conditions in order price your investment accordingly.
When things go wrong
Tenants and property owners alike tend to prefer dealing with a professional body, as often people feel uncomfortable addressing issues directly with each other. If a situation arises that requires court action (and it can very easily come to this) property managers are familiar with the legal proceedings and can even represent you at the hearing. Not to mention, their understanding of the legalities could very well stop things going to court in the first place.
Experienced property managers will also keep tabs on the latest zoning regulations, federal and state laws which may apply to your property, landlord rights and property value.
And above all, a property manager offers you peace of mind!