by Shawn Boday | Mar 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
When it comes to buying a home, negotiation is a critical part of the process. It can mean the difference between getting the home of your dreams and settling for something less. But for many people, negotiation can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
Fortunately, negotiating the best price on a home doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right approach and a little bit of knowledge, you can successfully navigate the real estate market and get the best deal possible.
One of the most important things you can do is to understand the market. This means doing your research, learning about the local real estate market, and understanding what factors can influence the value of a property. By doing your homework, you can gain a better understanding of what a property is worth, which can help you negotiate a better deal.
Another key element of real estate negotiation is understanding the motivations of the other party. Whether you’re working with a seller’s agent or negotiating directly with the seller, it’s important to understand what their goals and priorities are. For example, if the seller is motivated to sell quickly, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. Alternatively, if the seller is attached to the property and isn’t in a hurry to sell, they may be less willing to negotiate.
It’s also essential to have a clear understanding of your own goals and priorities when it comes to buying a home. This means determining your budget, deciding what features and amenities are most important to you, and understanding what concessions you’re willing to make in order to secure the property.
Finally, it’s important to stay flexible and open to compromise. Negotiation is a give-and-take process, and it’s rare for either party to get everything they want. By staying flexible and being willing to make concessions, you can increase your chances of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
In summary, negotiating the best price on a home doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding the market, the motivations of the other party, your own goals and priorities, and staying flexible, you can successfully navigate the negotiation process and secure the home of your dreams.
by Shawn Boday | Mar 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
Selling a home can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but there are several strategies you can use to help you sell your home quickly. The following tips can help you prepare your home for sale, market it effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best deal possible.
Declutter and stage your home to make it look more appealing to potential buyers. This includes removing personal items, organizing closets and cabinets, and rearranging furniture to create a more open and inviting space.
Price your home competitively based on the local market and the condition of your home. Overpriced homes are less likely to sell quickly, so it’s important to be realistic about what your home is worth.
Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your home for your listing. Good photos can help attract more potential buyers and generate more interest in your property.
Use social media and online listings to market your home to a wider audience. This includes creating a virtual tour of your home, posting on social media, and using online listing services to reach potential buyers.
Host open houses and invite real estate agents to view your home. This can help generate more interest in your property and may even result in a quicker sale.
Be flexible with showings and make sure your home is always clean and ready to show. Potential buyers may want to view your home at different times, so it’s important to be accommodating and prepared.
Consider making upgrades or repairs to your home to make it more attractive to buyers. This could include repainting walls, replacing outdated fixtures, or updating appliances.
Be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers to get the best deal possible. This includes being open to offers and willing to compromise on certain terms, such as the closing date or repairs that need to be made.
Work with an experienced real estate agent who can help guide you through the selling process and provide valuable insights and advice.
Finally, be patient and stay positive. Selling a home can be a stressful experience, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can sell your home quickly and move on to the next chapter of your life.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to selling a home quickly. These tips can help you get started, but it’s important to tailor your approach to your specific circumstances and market conditions. With the right strategies and a little bit of luck, you can sell your home quickly and move on to your next adventure.
by Shawn Boday | Mar 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but navigating the home loan process can be overwhelming. Avoiding common home loan mistakes can help ensure a smooth and successful home-buying journey. Here are some tips for avoiding common mistakes and securing the right loan for your needs.
Choose the right loan
Not all home loans are created equal. Before applying for a home loan, research and compare loan options to find the one that’s right for your unique financial situation. This can include fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, government-insured loans, and more.
Check your credit score
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for a home loan. Before applying, check your credit score and address any issues that could impact your ability to secure a loan. This can include paying down debt, disputing errors on your credit report, and making timely payments.
Shop around for lenders
Don’t settle for the first lender you come across. Shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best rates and terms. This can help you save money over the life of your loan.
Don’t borrow too much
It’s easy to get carried away and borrow more than you can realistically afford. Before applying for a home loan, take a realistic look at your budget and make sure you’re not overextending yourself. This can help you avoid financial stress down the road.
Factor in all costs
Homeownership comes with many hidden costs, including closing costs, fees, and maintenance expenses. Make sure you’re factoring in all of these costs when budgeting for your home loan. This can help you avoid surprises and ensure you’re prepared for the true cost of homeownership.
Consider fixed-rate mortgages
While adjustable-rate mortgages may seem appealing, they can come with significant risks. Consider opting for a fixed-rate mortgage, which provides stable monthly payments and can help you avoid financial surprises.
By following these tips and avoiding common home loan mistakes, you can help ensure a smooth and successful home-buying journey. Remember to choose the right loan, check your credit score, shop around for lenders, avoid borrowing too much, factor in all costs, and consider fixed-rate mortgages. With careful planning and consideration, you can find the right home loan for your needs and secure your dream home.
by Shawn Boday | Feb 7, 2023 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
If you’re looking for a great deal in a tough real estate market, buying a foreclosed home may be the best option. While the main benefit of purchasing a foreclosure property is the price, the process is more complex than with a traditional real estate listing. It’s important to know what to look for and how to buy a foreclosed home if you want to get the best deal. Here are five tips to keep in mind when buying a foreclosed home.
It is often difficult to access these properties before they become available for sale.
Many people think there must be a secret way to get access to foreclosed properties before they go on the market, but the reality is that most of these properties are owned by large financial institutions that have a lot of other assets. These companies tend to outsource the entire foreclosure process to a management company, which includes hiring a local Realtor to evaluate the property before it is listed. Local banks may be able to provide information on who’s handling the foreclosed property, but this is the exception rather than the rule. So this means it can be difficult to access these properties before they become available to the public.
Make sure that you are actually getting a good deal.
When it comes to buying a foreclosure, it’s important to ensure that you’re actually getting a good deal. Contrary to popular belief, foreclosures are not always the best buy. In fact, most foreclosures are listed on the open market, meaning that the visibility and demand for them are the same as you would expect with other properties. The price of foreclosures is set at the highest possible value in order to meet the needs of the bank and the listing agent. Therefore, it’s important to remember that foreclosures are not being offered at discounted prices.
Conduct a full property inspection, including all utilities.
Before you purchase a foreclosure property, you should get a full inspection done with the utilities turned on. Make sure the house has been winterized, and you can access the furnace if necessary. Be aware that you may need to purchase special access to get the utilities going, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Prepare for the worst if purchasing a home as-is.
If you’re buying a foreclosure in “as-is” condition, you should prepare for the worst. Although no inspection is required, it’s a good idea to have a contractor evaluate the home and estimate the cost of any repairs. An inspection can identify major issues that the bank isn’t aware of, so it’s worth considering. This will help you decide whether you want to proceed with the purchase or walk away from the deal. To make sure you have room to cover repairs and other costs, look for a foreclosure home within the lower end of your budget.
Get a preapproval letter.
If you’re thinking about making an offer on a foreclosure, it’s important to have a mortgage preapproval letter in hand. This letter will outline information about the amount you are able to borrow based on your credit score and income. With foreclosures, the best deals often go quickly, and buyers need to have their financing worked out beforehand. Real estate investors who pay cash are usually the ones to take advantage of these deals.
by Shawn Boday | Feb 7, 2023 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
When it comes to buying or selling a home, it’s important to get your information from a trusted source. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and bad advice online, and if you don’t do your research, you could be caught off guard. Many myths about real estate can be easily debunked with the right information. To help you stay informed and avoid making costly mistakes, here are ten common real estate myths debunked.
Real Estate Myth 01: It’s not necessary to get preapproved.
It is beneficial to get preapproved before beginning the home-buying process. Not only will it lets you know much you can afford, but it will also demonstrate to sellers that you are serious about buying and have the financial means to do it. Contrary to popular belief, getting preapproved won’t hurt your credit score.
Real Estate Myth 02: If you don’t have children, the school system isn’t relevant.
When purchasing a home, consider looking for one with good schools, even if you don’t have kids. Buying in a desirable school district will add to the resale value. This is why schools are an important factor for many homebuyers.
Real Estate Myth 03: Realtors only show homes listed with their own company.
Realtors are bound to a strict code of ethics, meaning they must show you any and all homes that fit your criteria, regardless of the listing company. As long as the property is listed in the MLS system, you have the right to view it.
Real Estate Myth 04: When bidding on a home, offer a lower price.
Making a lowball offer on a house can be risky in a competitive market. If there are multiple offers on the house, submitting a lower offer runs the risk of not being taken seriously and may not result in a counteroffer. Additionally, low offers can come across as disrespectful to the seller and can make for an unpleasant transaction. Therefore, it is best to make an offer that is close to or at the asking price.
Real Estate Myth 05: When pricing your house for sale, set it high.
When it comes to pricing your house for sale, it’s best to list it at a price that is competitive and fair. An overpriced house can be a turn-off for potential buyers and result in fewer offers. To make sure your home grabs the attention of buyers, it’s best to price it realistically so that buyers know they are getting a good deal.
Real Estate Myth 06: To make more money, renovate it beforehand.
Before deciding to renovate your home when selling, it is important to take into account the cost of the improvements and the return on investment. Minor repairs, decluttering, and staging may be all you need to get the best possible price. In today’s market, many buyers are looking for more affordable homes and are willing to do the repairs themselves.
Real Estate Myth 07: If a home is in perfect condition, an inspection isn’t necessary
No matter how new or attractive a home may appear, it is always important to get a professional inspection. This will alert you to any potential issues that need to be addressed before you take possession. Without an inspection, you could be stuck with expensive problems in the future. It is wise to either ask for the problems to be fixed before you buy the home or to have the purchase price lowered to cover the cost of the repairs.
Real Estate Myth 08: Buying is a better option than renting.
It’s not always a given that buying a home is better than renting one. Many variables come into play when considering this decision, including your financial situation, stage in life, and future plans. To make the best decision, it is important to crunch some numbers and compare the costs of each option. You may discover that, depending on your lifestyle and goals, renting could be the right decision for you.
Real Estate Myth 09: Realtors earn a lot of money.
Real estate agents do not have a set salary but instead are paid on commission. This commission is typically split with the brokerage firm that employs them, as well as covers expenses such as driving, hosting open houses, doing research, etc. Furthermore, the commission they receive is not guaranteed, as it is open to negotiation.
Real Estate Myth 10: Having a real estate agent doesn’t offer any benefits.
Having a real estate agent can be a huge advantage when buying or selling a home. They have access to homes for sale that you may not have known about and can use their expertise in order to negotiate the best price possible. They can also help guide you through the paperwork and complex process of buying or selling a property. Without a Realtor, you may find yourself struggling to navigate the market, so having one in your corner can make all the difference.
by Shawn Boday | Feb 7, 2023 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
Are you looking to expand your real estate knowledge? Podcasts are an excellent source of information on investing, home improvement, and the latest housing news. With so many real estate podcasts available, it can be a challenge finding ones that are worth your time. To make it easier, here are 10 of the top real estate podcasts that span a range of topics related to property and housing.
The Indicator from Planet Money
For those looking to gain a better grasp on business and economics and work in quickly and easily understandable terms, check out The Indicator from Planet Money, a 10-minute podcast that explores “big ideas” related to the economy. Topics include home sales, moving trends, the commercial market, and renting, with each episode featuring data releases or findings and how they affect consumers and the economy. Perfect for buyers, sellers, homeowners, and investors.
BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Podcast
The BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast is a popular weekly podcast that features informal and fun interviews with a variety of investors and entrepreneurs. Guests range from well-known names like Matthew McConaughey and Ken Corsini from HGTV’s “Flip or Flop Atlanta” to industry players who share their experiences and advice. Hosted by Rob Abasolo and David Greene, this podcast is perfect for beginner and intermediate investors.
Real Estate Today
Real Estate Today is a radio program and podcast hosted by Stephen Gasque, the broadcasting and multimedia communications director for the National Association of Realtors. With hundreds of episodes, the program covers topics such as purchasing a second home, home buying for millennials, maximum selling secrets, creating a smart home, and first-time buying. This is a great resource for buyers, sellers, homeowners, and investors.
Homebuyer Radio
This podcast is the perfect resource for homebuyers, both first-timers and repeat buyers. Hosted by Dan Moralez, a mortgage expert and loan officer in Michigan, it covers topics such as credit repair, getting preapproved for a loan, mortgage comparison shopping, and tips for self-employed homebuyers. With over 150 episodes, it offers a wealth of insider secrets and helpful advice to make the home buying process easier.
Martini Mortgage Podcast
The Martini Mortgage Podcast, hosted by lending expert Kevin Martini from Raleigh, North Carolina, offers listeners a wealth of knowledge and advice on the ins and outs of getting a mortgage loan and purchasing a home. Over 150 episodes, listeners can learn about topics like winning bidding wars, improving credit, tax credits for first-time buyers, avoiding forbearance, and home affordability. Ideal for sellers and buyers, this podcast is a great resource to help navigate the homebuying process.
The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast
This podcast, which is also a nationally syndicated radio program, focuses on home improvement and repair. Hosted by experts Leslie Segrete and Tom Kraeutler, the podcast covers a wide range of topics related to homeowners and DIYers. Popular episodes from the over 1,500 available include four popular home improvement hacks, stress-free closet organization, germ-free faucets, high-return home improvements, and the best kitchen lighting. It is perfect for homeowners planning to remodel.
The Remote Real Estate Investor
The Remote Real Estate Investor podcast is the perfect resource for remote and out-of-state investors interested in real estate. Hosts Emil Shour, Tom Schneider, and Michael Albaum explore a range of topics, from finding the hottest markets to analyzing properties from afar and avoiding common pitfalls. Perfect for those looking to invest in real estate without actually living near the property.
Making Money in Multifamily
If you are interested in investing in multifamily properties, you should check out the Making Money in Multifamily podcast. Host Dave Morgia is a real estate investor and interviews industry experts to discuss the practices and principles for successful investing in this field. He also dives into deals that didn’t meet expectations and why they failed. It’s perfect for those who are just starting out or experienced in multifamily investing.
Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever
Joe Fairless hosts this popular podcast that has had over 3,000 episodes, offering daily real estate investing advice. His journey began with low-cost single-family homes, and now his portfolio is worth billions. This podcast provides insight into commercial real estate investing and helps listeners navigate through uncertain markets. It’s a great resource for both novice and experienced investors.
Real Estate News for Investors
This podcast is ideal for beginner and experienced real estate investors, as well as news buffs. Host Kathy Fettke, co-CEO of the Real Wealth Network and author of “Retire Rich With Rentals,” reviews the latest reports from national organizations and market data analysis to inform listeners about building and holding a real estate investment portfolio. Topics range from the best real estate markets to investing in property values and tax law, as well as news and information for real estate flippers.
by Shawn Boday | Jan 4, 2023 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
Investing in real estate is a great way to achieve your financial goals. It can provide multiple strategies to make money and even become your primary source of income. For those with limited experience in real estate investing, getting started can be daunting. Fortunately, there are strategies available that are tailored toward beginners. Taking the time to learn the basics while investing in a beginner-friendly niche is a great way to slowly build knowledge and confidence. As investors gain experience and profits, they can then transition into more advanced strategies. For those just getting started in real estate investing, these strategies provide a great starting point.
Real Estate Wholesaling
Wholesaling is a quick and lucrative way to start in real estate, where a property is secured under market value and assigned to an end buyer for a fee. The wholesaler does not own the property and makes money through the fee added to the contract. Wholesaling involves building a list of potential buyers by using lead generation tactics like emailing, social media, and sending out direct mailers. This list is then used to get information, such as contact details, funding type, and buying criteria, about the investors. This information helps the business determine what deals the investors are interested in and how to get in contact with them. Wholesaling is a great option for beginners in real estate investing because it requires low capital to start and does not involve actually buying properties. It also provides an opportunity to form a reliable network and gain an understanding of the local market.
Real Estate Prehabbing
Prehabbing is a form of real estate investing that involves minimal upgrades to a property, such as cleaning, painting, and landscaping, in order to make it more attractive to other investors. It is a low-cost way of improving property through sweat equity. Investors should look for properties with structural integrity that require minimal repairs while also keeping location in mind. Research the market and identify popular or up-and-coming neighborhoods to ensure the best return on investment. Prehabbing is a low-risk, low-effort investment option that can yield a quick return on investment. The goal of prehabbing is to sell the potential of a property, not the property itself.
REIT Investing
REITs are a great way for new investors to get into real estate investing without having to commit full-time to the sector. They allow for the purchase of shares in companies that own income-producing property, providing regular dividends and the potential for above-average returns. To get started, research publicly traded REITs and evaluate their records yourself, including the company’s anticipated growth, current dividends, and funds from operations (FFO). It is recommended to consult with a financial advisor before investing. REITs are an excellent investment option for beginners as they provide an opportunity to benefit from real estate without having to purchase properties. They are also known for providing solid returns with low risk, making them a good way to diversify existing portfolios.
Online Real Estate Platforms
Online real estate platforms allow borrowers and investors to connect, allowing developers to post deals and projects that need financing via debt or equity, while investors can benefit from real estate investing without having to manage ownership or labor. This creates a win-win arrangement for all involved. Financing real estate deals can be a great way to diversify and potentially profit from real estate investments, but it is important to always do your research and be aware of the risks. Investors can choose to invest in single projects or portfolios and receive monthly or quarterly distributions; however, platform membership fees may be required, and the funds may be illiquid with lockup periods.
Purchasing Rental Properties
Investing in rental properties is a great way to earn a fixed monthly income by becoming a landlord. With the right purchase and market, you can cover all expenses and potentially have some profit left over. Rental property owners can have an active or passive income stream depending on their preference; they can outsource tasks such as maintenance and repairs to a property manager or do everything themselves to maximize income. House hacking is a form of investing in rental properties where the owner occupies one of the units and rents out the others, allowing them to qualify for a residential loan while earning rental income.
Real Estate Syndication
Real estate syndication is a partnership between investors to identify and purchase properties, usually with the sponsor managing the search, contract, and property, while other investors contribute capital. The sponsor provides skills and time instead of money. Investors in a syndication deal provide the funds to purchase a property and cover any required repairs or renovations. They take on a passive role and receive a return on their investment through periodic payments. Once the property is renovated and sold, the syndication aspect of the deal is completed, and the sponsors are paid an agreed-upon amount for their involvement.
House Flipping
House flipping involves buying a home below market value, renovating it, and then reselling it for a profit. HGTV often provides an introduction to the concept for those interested in real estate investing. Investors who want to flip houses should be aware of the risks involved, such as spending too much on renovation costs or not being able to sell the house due to price or market conditions. New investors should consider finding an experienced partner to help guide them.
Real Estate Investment Groups (REIG)
REIGs are businesses that specialize in investing in real estate by pooling together investor money to purchase multi-unit housing and commercial properties, as well as buying, renovating, and reselling properties for profit. REIGs are an alternative to REITs, offering investors more flexibility and the ability to diversify their capital sources through different investment strategies. They are attractive to investors who seek the returns of real estate without the burden of property management.
by Shawn Boday | Jan 4, 2023 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
Economic predictions for 2023 are uncertain due to the many unknowns influencing the housing market. The Federal Reserve’s ability to bring down inflation and borrowing costs without affecting buyer demand is a factor yet to be seen. While there is some worry, economists and analysts do not expect a recession. Despite this, there is still a concern about high housing prices and rents that may be unaffordable to many.
With the 2023 housing market still up in the air, the issue of affordability continues to be a barrier for many younger buyers, particularly in more expensive markets. This could mean many of them will be stuck renting for the foreseeable future. However, if remote working continues to increase, they may choose to relocate to more cost-effective areas.
In 2023, the housing market will be affected by typical supply, demand, and affordability factors. Provided the nation is able to dodge a recession or experience only a short and shallow one, these are the predictions for the housing market in 2023.
Home prices are projected to decrease.
It is predicted that existing home prices will decrease by 5% nationally in 2023, with potential drops of up to 10% or more in high-priced areas and regions with high home values. In the event of a deeper recession, prices could decrease by 10% or more in areas with a large discrepancy between home prices and local incomes.
Existing Home Sales Will Slow
The low affordability of homes and low mortgage rates will limit the number of transactions; however, those without mortgages may be more likely to sell. Additionally, more homeowners may choose to keep their homes as investments and rent them out rather than accept a lower sale price.
Construction of new single-family homes will decrease.
Homebuilders increased production during the pandemic to meet demand but are now reducing the number of new homes for sale. In 2023, these homes will either be sold to buyers who signed contracts in 2022, converted into rentals, or sold to investors to rent out. Some builders are downsizing and reducing input costs to offer more new homes to first-time buyers. In 2023, the production of new homes to sell and rent will decrease, particularly for single-family homes. However, in areas with unmet demand for affordable homes, construction may still be higher.
Rents will level out, the rise.
Rent increases have been mostly flat in the past few months and are expected to rise slightly in 2023. However, there could be a decrease in rents due to the highest number of multifamily units under construction since the early 1970s likely to hit the market in 2023, as well as new supply from frustrated short-term rental landlords and homeowners entering the rental business.
Building Permits Will Decline
In 2023, residential building permits are expected to drop more than housing starts as developers and builders take a step back to reevaluate risk in the face of uncertainty. Homebuilders will likely use this time to discount unsold homes, divest from unwanted land, and merge with or acquire smaller competitors in preparation for a rebound.
30-year Fixed Mortgage Rates Won’t Fall Substantially
Mortgage rates are expected to stay high in 2023 due to economic uncertainty and inflation, investors demanding higher rates due to the possibility of refinancing when rates drop, and the Federal Reserve’s insistence on forcing inflation down to 2.0%. It is uncertain if this goal will be achievable in 2023.
by Shawn Boday | Jan 4, 2023 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
A measure of the rise in average prices of goods and services in the economy over a certain period of time, inflation can be seen as a decrease in the purchasing power of the US dollar. Inflation can significantly impact the real estate market, causing potential investors to be cautious. However, inflationary times present potential investment opportunities in the property market; despite the risks, real estate remains a prime investment option to generate passive income. This article will explain how inflation affects real estate and a summary of the typical ramifications.
Increased cost of borrowing.
When inflation is present, it often results in higher costs for borrowing money. To protect their profits, banks will respond by raising the interest rates that borrowers must pay and becoming stricter with lending criteria, which means fewer loans are given out in order to reduce risk.
New build plans can suffer.
In addition to increased borrowing costs, inflation has caused the costs of construction materials, labor, and machinery to rise, making new construction investment difficult.
Increased rental property rates.
High inflation makes it difficult for people to secure affordable mortgages, causing more people to rent and increasing demand for rental properties. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in inventory and an increase in rent prices. For landlords, this can be a good time if their borrowing costs and financial circumstances are favorable.
Property values typically appreciate.
Inflationary times lead to a decrease in new builds, resulting in fewer property inventory levels and higher demand ratios. This increases prices, potentially pricing out potential buyers and causing affordability migration.
Real estate as a hedge against inflation.
Investors purchase real estate as a way to protect against inflation, whereas other investments usually decline in value. Real estate tends to appreciate in value as inflation increases, providing a financial benefit for those with a low interest rate on their property.
The relative cost of historical debt is reduced by inflation.
Inflation can be beneficial for borrowers with pre-existing debt, as wages increase in line with inflation allowing more money to be paid off. This means the same dollar amount is owed, but the currency is now worth less than when it was originally borrowed. Overall, the results of inflation aren’t all negative
The bottom line.
Rising inflation can have both negative and positive effects on the real estate sector; while it can be difficult to enter the market and difficult for renters to find affordable options, landlords with no borrowing costs will be in a good position.
Interest rates are leading to affordability issues in booming markets, which is causing a decrease in demand. However, the lack of property inventory is limiting the extent to which values will drop. Investors often favor real estate due to its resiliency in the face of inflation; it is able to withstand market pressure and usually increases in value.
by Shawn Boday | Dec 1, 2022 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
When it comes to business, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals. For investors, hiring a property management company can be incredibly beneficial, especially if they own multiple properties or do not have much time to dedicate to the properties. They take care of all aspects of managing the property; this saves investors time and stress while also assuring them that their investments are in the hands of capable and knowledgeable professionals. To ensure you select the ideal property manager, take the time to research your options. Here are some suggestions to help you find a reliable property management company:
Network and ask for referrals
If you’re looking for a property manager, it’s best to start with your local network. Ask for referrals from people you trust, such as those you know from networking meetings and investment clubs. You might also want to contact contractors and handypersons you’ve previously hired. Ultimately, it’s often better to work with someone you know or who comes recommended. You should also reach out to other investors and your local realtor to see if they have a property management company they are comfortable with. A wide selection of options will give you a better chance of finding someone who meets your needs.
Research Property Managers Online
To continue your search for a property management firm, you should conduct some research online. Utilize sites such as $implifyEm and AllPropertyManagement to find management companies that are active in your area. Simply input the size of your property and location to get a list of names. After compiling a list of potential candidates, look at each company’s website to read their mission statements and look online for customer reviews.
Visit Their Properties
On-site visits can be a great way to evaluate the abilities of a property management firm. Pay attention to the condition of the property and if there is any trash or debris. Make sure to observe any necessary repairs. It is also important to talk to tenants and ask questions about how their complaints are responded to and how quickly repairs or maintenance issues are resolved. Inquire about the noise level, any issues with other tenants, and if tenants plan to renew their leases and why.
Interview Several People
When searching for a property management firm, make sure that you interview multiple people in person to find the ideal fit for your property. Some of these include their education, experience in landlord/tenant law, and how they maintain properties. To find the best fit for your property, it is recommended that you interview multiple managers in person. This will allow you to gather various details about the company and its services. Having a large client base can also be a good indication that the firm has the capabilities to do a good job. Prior to the interviews, organize your questions into three main categories:
- Experience and Education: What is their knowledge of local and federal laws?
- Fee Structure: What fees are associated with their services?
- Services: How are properties maintained, and how is rent collected and managed?
Check Licenses and Certifications
In order to show vacant properties, most states require that property managers/management companies possess a valid real estate broker’s license or property management license. It is important to check with the state’s Real Estate Commission to ensure that the candidate’s brokerage license is active. Additionally, it is beneficial to find out if the manager has received certification from a trade organization. If a manager is willing to invest time and money into attending continuing education courses, it speaks volumes about their dedication to the organization. These certifications are only available after the successful completion of rigorous training programs. Above all, you should trust your instincts when hiring a property management firm. Even if a property manager has taken a course on the subject, there is no guarantee that they are applying what they have learned.
Understand Management Agreement Terms
Before signing a contract with a property management firm, ensure you thoroughly understand its terms. It may be wise to have a lawyer review the contract to ensure your rights are protected. Be sure to confirm that the specifics of the agreement you sign reflect what was discussed during your interview with the property manager and that you are aware of all your responsibilities as the property owner. The role of the property manager can range from broad to more specific, so make sure you are aware of the exact terms. When entering into a property management agreement, it is wise to ensure compliance with fair housing laws, understand the terms of any hold harmless and cancellation clauses, and request an example of the monthly report you would receive. It is also important to ensure that both parties carry adequate insurance, including errors and omissions coverage, general liability, and property-casualty coverage, at a minimum.
