It’s difficult to find the best property management company in Georgia these days. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know which are good and which are bad. Here are some 7 helpful tips on how to find them!
1) Research Online
Searching online for property management companies in your area is a great starting point. Unfortunately, many listings are outdated or inaccurate, so it’s important to double-check them using other sources. We recommend making a spreadsheet listing the names of each company you find along with their website, phone number, and email address. If you want to see what a property management company can offer, check out this link; keep in mind that most reputable businesses nowadays have and need to have a website where you can see what they offer and see their credentials.
2) Make A Shortlist – Now That You Know What To Look For!
Once you have a list of potential property management companies, it’s time to narrow your options down to the best 5 or so. At this point, you’ll want to compare them based on their prices and services. Here are some helpful questions to ask when calling each company:
⦁ What kinds of properties do you manage?
⦁ What is included in your management service?
⦁ Can I speak to one of your tenants?
This may seem obvious but knowing what questions to ask potential property management companies is very important. Apart from the previously mentioned questions, here are some other things to consider when making your final decision:
⦁ How long has the company been operating?
⦁ Do they specialize in vacant units or rentals by owner?
⦁ What are the costs associated with application fees, tenant placement fees, lease signing fees, etc.?
⦁ Will my taxes be accurately filed on their end?
⦁ What is the company’s policy if one of my units becomes vacant in the middle of a lease?
⦁ Do they offer additional services like landscaping, snow removal, etc.?
3) Ask For References
Chances are, the property management companies you’re speaking with have no problem giving references. You’ll want to choose a few past clients from each company and reach out to them. This will provide you with a better idea of whether or not the property management company kept up to the terms stated in their contract.
4) Call The Better Business Bureau
The BBB and other sources like Yelp and Google Reviews can provide additional insight into how well a property management company is doing. Look for reviews that mention any issues related to late rent, unprofessional behavior, or lack of communication between staff members and tenants. This information can be helpful in your decision – negative reviews could indicate larger problems than just one tenant’s experience.
5) Visit In-Person Or Meet Via Video Chat
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to 2 or 3 potential companies, it’s time to meet them in person or via video chat (if possible). When you meet them in person, you’ll have the chance to see their office and how it is run. You might even get a tour of some properties they manage! If this isn’t possible, use video chat to talk with their staff members; this is especially helpful if you’re looking for a company that manages your workforce housing.
6) Price-Compare
You’ll also want to compare the prices and services offered by each property management company. The best way to do this is to ask them for a breakdown of fees and then compare those with other companies. If you decide that their service is worth some extra cost, then consider whether or not they can manage your specific situation. For example, if one of your properties requires routine maintenance on the lawns or snow removal at all times, then you’ll want to look for a company that provides these services.
7) Check Their Credentials
Another thing you’ll want to consider when choosing your property management company is its credentials. If they are registered with the Better Business Bureau or any other agency for that matter, this usually means they are at least somewhat reputable. Keep in mind that it takes between 6-12 months to get listed with the BBB and membership is only valid for 1 year before needing renewal. So while registration may be a good indication that they’re trustworthy, it doesn’t mean they’re perfect.
If after considering all of the above, you still feel like none of the property management companies are right for you, think about hiring a real estate broker instead. They may be able to help with your investment property, but make sure they work under a licensed brokerage or another similar entity before making any final decisions!
