Once you have chosen a property manager, the next stage is to work together to get your home listed. When the home is listed, your property manager will accept applications and search for the most suitable tenants to move in. How can you work with your property manager when listing your home?
Send Your Property Manager Pictures
Your property manager should be on the ball and start taking pictures as soon as you have agreed to hire her services. But it does not hurt to send in your own pictures that can also be used in the listing. If your property manager has a wide selection of pictures to choose from, she can then pick and choose which ones she would like to use.
De-clutter fridges and other parts of the home to give the appearance of clean lines, orderliness and space. Then take pictures at different times of the day, with a selection of different lighting, angles and features that will offer the greatest appeal.
Listen to Suggestions
Most property managers you will come into contact with have been in the business for years and know what they are talking about. That is why it pays to listen to their suggestions and implement them. Recently, while liaising with my property manager I responded to the email of the listing she had created for my property. In my mind, she needed some extra specifics to make the property stand out more. But upon further consultation with her, I discovered that “less is more” and that it was best to hold off on providing the extra details until prospective tenants were queuing up to learn more.
This shows that even if you want to go into actual specifics of a certain room or aspect of the property, take a few moments to speak to your property manager to get their take on the situation. Do not be offended if they counsel a different approach or solution. After all, they want to see your property listed and rented out just as much as you do, so be patient!
Keep in Contact
The best property manager/landlord relationships involve close contact and co-operation during and after the listing process. Once tenants have moved into your property, your relationship with your property manager does not end. You will still need to stay in contact during the tenure of the rental agreement and be consulted if repairs need to take place or your approval is required when tenants wish to make an alteration to your property.
Start as you mean to go on by keeping in close contact with your property manager right from the start of your working relationship. Ask questions and make sure you are always comfortable with the way your property is being managed on your behalf.
Hiring a property manager will remove a lot of the headache involved in being a landlord, as he or she will work on your behalf before, during and after tenants move into your property. Work closely with your property manager when listing your home by sending pictures, listening carefully to suggestions and keeping in contact. If you do, you will find that the property manager/landlord relationship will work to your advantage.
More from this contributor:
Basic Homeowners Insurance: What’s Not Covered.
Should You Take Out a Home Warranty Plan?
The Benefits of Buying a Fixer Upper Property.