Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Management Company in Evans, Ga

There is a lot that goes into purchasing a rental home. You have to find the right tenant, keep the property in good shape, handle legal matters, and more. When you own multiple rental homes, or even just manage one rental as a side hustle, you run the risk of missing things or cutting corners. Then, your tenants will feel the consequences and thus, your pockets will too. This is why most people, especially in a city like Evans, Ga, hire a property management company. At Sherman & Hemstreet, we are devoted to our generating the highest possible revenue stream for our clients’ rental properties. If you are considering hiring a property management company to help manage your rental, here are some questions you need to ask beforehand.

Why Choosing the Right Property Management Company Matters

Anyone can claim to be good at property management. However, as we mentioned above, it’s more than just collecting rent each month.

If you hire someone with little experience, your property could become a learning experience. If you hire someone who isn’t trustworthy, they could easily steal deposits or fees from you. So, how do you find a property management company that you can trust? Ask them these questions.

Question 1: How Many Units Do You Currently Manage?

Firstly, you want to ask the property management company how many units they currently manage versus how many property managers that they have. Do they only manage a few properties (are they new to the area?) or do they manage hundreds (and do they have the bandwidth to handle all of that?)? This question can also help you get an idea of how experienced they are with various aspects of property management such as tenant screenings, evictions, laws and regulations, and more.

If you already know how much they charge to manage rentals, this can also help you make sense of their fees.

Also Ask: What is Your Experience in the Evans and Augusta Rental Market?

While you are asking about the units that they currently or previously have managed, ask them about their experience with the local market. Someone that is new to the Augusta or Evans Ga rental market may not have that insider knowledge that you need to maximize your profit or correctly market your rental to the right tenant.

As one of the Southeast’s longest standing property management companies, and being located right here in Evans, Ga, this is one thing that Sherman & Hemstreet specializes in.

Question 2: How Do You Handle Tenant Screening?

One of the most important aspects of property management is tenant screening. Anyone that does not screen tenants before they allow them to move into your rental should not be considered!

At Sherman & Hemstreet, we have a very comprehensive tenant screening process. We work with you to establish your ideal tenant profile. Then, we use an online application system to collect information on potential tenants which we can then interview, conduct credit and background checks, verify employment, and more. A great tenant means less vacancy and more money in your pocket long-term!

Question 3: How Are Maintenance and Repairs Handled?

Having a tenant in your home is one thing, but keeping them is another. One big way to keep tenants satisfied is through a streamlined maintenance process. When hiring a property management company, be sure to ask them about their preferred vendors for all maintenance and repair issues. If they don’t have any, that’s a red flag! A high-quality property management company will have reputable vendors at hand for when issues arise within rentals.

Besides knowing which vendors they use, you will also want to make note of how they structure their fees around maintenance as well. Are the fees well outlined in the tenant’s lease agreement? Are they reasonable?

Question 4: What Kind of Reporting and Financial Transparency Do You Provide?

Another important thing to verify when hiring a property management company is whether or not they have a reporting system and financial transparency. You should expect regular reports from them on how your property is doing, including rental payments, fee updates, maintenance updates, inspection results, and more. Set expectations up front on how often you want these types of reports.

Remember, this is your investment that we’re talking about. You don’t want to be left in the dark! Even if your rental is in the Evans, Georgia area but you live a few states away, you should know the latest details of your property at any given time. This is another detail that the property managers at Sherman & Hemstreet take very seriously.

Look At Everything From a Tenant’s Perspective, Too

You are asking all of the above questions to get an owners perspective of how a property management company will treat your rental property. However, take a moment to think of things from a tenant’s perspective. Ask to meet with all of the property managers that could be handling things for your property and your tenants. Are you impressed? Would you rent a home from them?

Remember, these are the people that your tenants will be dealing with whenever issues arise. You want to make sure that they are professional, prepared, and well-spoken.

Finding the Right Property Management Company in Augusta, Ga

Owning a rental property doesn’t have to be a challenge. Hiring a property management company in the Augusta or Evans, Georgia area doesn’t have to be, either! Sherman & Hemstreet strives to provide trust, transparency, and unmatched service to property owners like you. Download our residential property management brochure here for more information or give us a call at (706) 722-8334 if you have additional questions.

Let’s get you and your investment on the right path!