Do I really need a property manager?

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Once you begin to invest in property, the maintenance and day to day operation can quickly overwhelm you.  Most landlords recognize this and place their properties with a property manager.  However, just because most landlords use qualified management does not necessarily mean it is correct for you.  There are issues to consider before you decide whether professional management is right for you.Do you have what it takes to do the job yourself?

If you are new at owning investment property, you may quickly find that without a property manager you will soon be in over your head.  The concept of collecting rent certainly sounds simple enough; however in reality, it can be painful.  Collecting rent can be difficult.  If the tenant realizes they are dealing with an inexperienced landlord, it is easy for the tenant to take advantage of you.

The rent collecting is not the only challenge; the ongoing maintenance of rental property can be tiring even during the best of times.  Property management is a full-time job, and you may be doing yourself and your tenants a disservice if you do not attend to their concerns in a timely manner.  This is why hiring a property manager is a wise choice.

Where is your property located?

If you have rental property that is close to where you live, it may be possible to keep a watchful eye on it.  If, however, you have multiple properties or the properties are a considerable distance from where you live or work, you will loath to visit and deal with the problems.  Having a reliable property manager solves the problem of you not being able to handle and stay current with issues as they arise.

Does the property need frequent visits or repairs?

If the property requires frequent visits, this is all the more reason to have a property manager.  As an investor, your time can be better spent in areas other than using your time attending to constant needed repairs. Real property management companies have service and maintenance staff that can attend to these issues as they arise, 24 hours every day.  These issues become even more acute if you have multiple properties; the more properties you have, the greater your benefit from professional management.

What services do you need?

Professional property management companies provide full service; they eliminate the need for the owner to have any input at all.  Perhaps you do not yet need all the services of a property manager.  For example, maybe you only need a property manager to collect the rent.  Many of the best companies can tailor a package to suit your needs, and the costs reflect the extent of their involvement.

There is little doubt that an effective property manager can pay for themselves with knowledge and skills.  If you have one property or a hundred properties, Real Property Management can be an integral part of maximizing your profitability.