Blog

No Comments

Red Flags When Talking to Prospective Tenants | Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Property Management Companies in Columbia SC
property management companies in columbia sc

One of the most important jobs a property manager has is ensuring the most qualified tenants are living in investment properties. Investors count on property management companies in Columbia SC to know the best techniques for finding high-quality rental applicants including the red flags to listen for when showing the homes to prospective tenants. 

Red Flags to Listen for

When a property manager is showing a home to a prospective renter it is important to have a bit of a conversation. Red flags often slip out in casual conversation and professional leasing agents with property management companies in Columbia SC will catch these right away.

  1. What Do You Look for on the Background Check? If a prospective tenant wants details about what the background check is going to look for, chances are they have a few questionable things that might come up. These applicants may not want to waste time or money filling out the application if they may not pass the background check. 
  2. How Many People Do You Allow to Live Here? This question is a red flag because it indicates the prospect may not be able to afford the rent on their own, may have roommates, or additional people living in the home, whether they are on the lease or not. 
  3. I am Moving Because I Hate My Landlord. Whenever a prospective tenant trashes a landlord or other property management companies in Columbia SC it is a huge red flag that the tenant has issues, probably lease violations, with their current or previous landlords. Rental references and rental history will be important to double-check. 
  4. How Many Pets Are Allowed? When your tenant starts asking about the pet policy it is a sure thing that they have at least one animal they want to bring. If they ask how many pets can be in the home, chances are they have multiple pets or they want more in the future. Property managers will need to be upfront and clear about the pet policy in the lease.

The best way to ensure the top tenants are applying for and leasing your rental homes is to work with property management companies in Columbia SC with the ability to conduct thorough background checks and hold professional showings. 

If you are looking for a property manager, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

No Comments

Property Management in Columbia SC | How to Assemble a Maintenance Team 

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized

When you work in property management in Columbia SC one of the most important things you need is a solid maintenance team. However, assembling the team can often be difficult, and some property managers do not know where to start. Luckily, we have some terrific tips and tricks that will help you find and hire the best candidates for your maintenance team. 

Tips to Hiring Great Maintenance Team Members 

  1. Knowing Where to Hire- Posting on Indeed, NowHiring, or other job platforms can be great for hiring a variety of positions, but a property manager will likely be looking for applicants with a special skill set for the maintenance team. Property management in Columbia SC could partner with staffing agencies that work with laborers that have experience in painting, drywall, carpet replacement, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other trade skills that can be extremely valuable on a maintenance team. 
  2. Interview Process- When interviewing applicants for a property management in Columbia SC maintenance team managers should be able to conduct a skills assessment to ensure the team member will be able to complete the duties of their job. Skills assessments can be a verbal interview asking for steps to fixing a clogged drain, paint a living room, or other tasks your team will be completing, and can also be created on a computer as a formal test. In addition to the applicant’s trade skills, property managers should also be interviewing for on-call availability, great customer service skills, and time management ability. 
  3. Maintenance Supervisors- One of the most valuable positions a property manager can hire for is a maintenance supervisor. This person should have extensive experience in trade skills, maintenance, and team management. The Maintenance Supervisor can oversee scheduling of the team, managing maintenance requests from tenants, and leading move-out procedures to restore a home post-tenant; as well as helping to interview, hire, and train new crew members. 

Having a great maintenance team will have multiple benefits for property management in Columbia SC including keeping the property in pristine condition and keeping tenants in their homes and happy. Both scenarios are profitable for investors. 

If you are looking for a property management team with professional maintenance, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

No Comments

Property Management Services Columbia SC | South Carolina Squatters Rights 

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized
108 Cranewater

One of the worst nightmares for owners and property management services Columbia SC is tenants who do not leave or refuse to leave after their lease is up. When people occupy a home, they are not supposed to live in, they are referred to as “squatters.” These squatters are not only people who might stay after the lease is up, but also people who break in, or friends that were not on the lease who try to stay after the original lessors move out. 

Some people believe that squatters can get lawful possession of a home through a loophole called adverse possession which allows legal ownership of a property without having to provide payment under certain conditions. However, each state has their own laws, often called “squatters rights” that govern how these situations are handled. 

Squatter’s Rights, Should I be Worried?

Squatters must occupy a home or property lawfully for more than 10 years before they can claim ownership of the property and get a deed or title in their name. These situations are unique to abandoned properties or properties that have been unclaimed through inheritances or other circumstances. 

Squatter’s rights in South Carolina are not applicable to homes that are owned by someone or under contract with property management services Columbia SC. Investors may have to deal with tenants from time to time that do not want to leave after their lease is up, or when they are being evicted, but these folks are not squatters. 

Property management services Columbia SC owners trust and work with regularly are adept at handling the legal side of evictions and tenants that violate their leases. These processes are often burdensome for owners, and a good property manager will be able to handle things from start to finish without the owner ever needing to come to court in most cases. 

If you are ready to talk to a property manager and get the process started, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702. 

No Comments

Residential Property Management Lexington SC | Avoiding Discrimination

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized
110 Toucan

The Fair Housing Act is federal legislation that makes it illegal for most housing providers to discriminate against a tenant based on race, disability, familiar status, national origin, color, religion, and sex. Residential property management Lexington SC investors work with are trained and certified in Federal Fair Housing regulations, but it is easy for people to slip up and discriminate against someone in a passive way and without even realizing. 

Our property managers have some recommendations you can follow to ensure you are always in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act. 

  1. Be Consistent- The rules need to apply to everyone equally with no exceptions being made. If leasing agents working for a residential property management Lexington SC company are supposed to ask for a photo ID when showing a home to prospects, the leasing agent or property manager needs to ensure the practice is consistent. Same scenario applies to applicants that might not qualify for the home but offer to pay the full lease up front. If you allow one tenant to do this, you must allow all applicants the ability to do this. 
  2. Fulfill Maintenance Requests First Come First Served- When it comes to maintenance, the crew might want to resolve smaller problems or quick to fix issues first; however, it is important that, unless there is a maintenance emergency, that all requests are addressed in the order they are received. Following this rule will ensure that your maintenance staff is not accused of discrimination. 
  3. Practice Giving Tours and Processing Applications- If there are multiple people working in the leasing or property management office, try to spend time practicing having conversations with coworkers and roleplaying. When having a conversation with potential tenants, it can be easy to slip up and give out information that you are not allowed to, or accidentally discriminate against someone. Practicing your approach to showing homes and answering questions can save residential property management Lexington SC companies a fair housing violation lawsuit. 

Partnering with residential property management Lexington SC companies to take care of your investment properties is always a fantastic way to make sure you are not violating the law. When you are on the hunt for the perfect partnership, make sure to ask if all the leasing agents at each company are certified in Federal Fair Housing laws. 

If you are looking for property management in Lexington SC, call Scott Properties at 843-779-6527.

No Comments

Property Management Companies in Columbia SC | How to Make Carpet Last In Rental Homes

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized
505 Rapids

Property management companies in Columbia SC understand the burden of needing to purchase and replace carpeting with every moveout, and the strain it puts on investors. Between the price of materials, the cost of labor, and the time it takes away from being able to re-rent a home, carpet replacement can really put a dent in an investor’s budget for property maintenance. Luckily, there are a few ways you can make carpets last longer so that they do not need to be replaced every time! 

Tips for Rental Carpet Care

Carpets are easy to damage and get dirty but property management companies in Columbia SC can take certain steps to make reduce the damage and keep carpets in good shape longer. 

  1. Hard Surfaces at Entryways- Many homes have carpeting in the rooms that contain exit doors. It is common for living rooms, sitting rooms, or foyers to have carpet; however, consider a hard surface for just in front of the entry. Tile, laminate, or hardwood flooring in front of the doors to create a 5’ x 5’ landing area will help reduce the amount of dirt, water, grass, and grime that is dragged into the house on your shoes from the outside. 
  2. Complimentary Carpet Cleaning- At least once per year, offer a free deep carpet clean to your renters. They will appreciate the above and beyond service, clean carpets, and property management services in Columbia SC will reap the benefits of reduced carpet replacements! This is a win-win for everyone involved! 
  3. Consider the Type of Carpet- There are many different types of carpeting. Some have longer fibers, others are denser, and there are even carpets that are moisture wicking and stain resistant! Carpeting such as polypropylene fiber carpet is the most popular, easiest to clean, and affordable. Nylon Frieze and nylon are also very durable and easy to clean. 
  4. Provide a Vacuum- Some property managers will go as far as to provide every home with its very own vacuum cleaner. This way, residents are guaranteed to have one on hand during move-in, which is often one of the messiest times. A vacuum cleaner will cost less than carpet replacement! 

Keeping carpets clean and looking brand new can be difficult. Sometimes, no matter what precautions you take, carpet replacement will be inevitable. A property manager can help ensure the likelihood of replacement is reduced. 

If you’re looking for property management in Columbia SC, call Scott Properties at 843-779-6527.

No Comments

Property Management Companies in Columbia SC | Average Price for Rentals in Columbia SC

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property Management Companies in Columbia SC
Property Management Companies in Columbia SC | Average Price for Rentals in Columbia SC

One of the most important things real estate investors in Columbia need to determine is how much they will charge for rent on their properties. The amount you charge for rent should be competitive with the market rental rates of the area but also be more than enough to cover the mortgage, taxes, maintenance, and the services of property management companies in Columbia SC.

While many other factors also go into pricing rent, such as the size and condition of the home, nearby amenities, and recent upgrades, a good place to set your baseline, would be what is the average price of a rental in Columbia. Property management companies in Columbia SC track this information diligently so they can apply their knowledge to the owner’s portfolio.

Why Property Management Companies in Columbia SC Would Help You:

Average Apartment Rent in Columbia SC ranges from $812 to $1,100 depending on if you are renting a studio apartment or up to three bedrooms. Student housing can be more expensive as the rental rates are usually on a per bedroom basis which can skyrocket the price for an entire apartment or house.

Average Rent for a Single Family Home in Columbia is around $1,200 with some homes renting for upwards of $1500-$2,000 and others staying closer to $900-$1000 per month to rent depending on bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities.

The cost of living in Columbia is lower than the national and state averages with housing coming in incredibly more affordable with a rating of 59.1 compared to the US rating of 100. Transportation in Columbia is also more affordable which makes the area quite attractive for families, new young professionals, and first-time homebuyers looking to live in an up-and-coming area near the coast.

Columbia is also a college community which means the area is prime for renters and investors looking to partner with property management companies in Columbia SC to offer high-quality, affordable single-family housing with multiple bedrooms.

If you are looking for professional property managers to help you make the most of your rental property investments in Columbia, Call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

No Comments

Property Management Companies in Columbia SC | Should Tenants Be Allowed Swimming Pools?

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property Management
Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

One of the toughest decisions property management companies in Columbia SC must help owners make is whether to allow renters to set up swimming pools in the backyard. In South Carolina, some homeowners keep their pool going all year round and renters in single-family homes often want to enjoy their own private swimming pool as well. However, swimming pools can be a significant risk for property owners and there are several factors that you will need to consider with property management companies in Columbia SC.

Why You Should Let Tenants Have Swimming Pools

There are two reasons to let tenants have swimming pools—to make your property more attractive, and to charge more in rent. Depending on the type of renter you are targeting, swimming pools can be an effective draw for communities where you can increase rent for the luxury amenities. Swimming pools are hit and miss with families who might think the pool is a safety hazard; however, younger millennials and generation Z renters will love swimming pools with decks they can entertain on in the backyard and they will be willing to pay extra for it.

Why You Should Not Let Tenants Have Swimming Pools

The property management companies in Columbia SC will warn you that allowing tenants to have swimming pools can be a risk. Not only can swimming pools to a lot of damage to the yard, lawn, and property if they overflow or leak; they can put you at legal risk if an accidental drowning happens on the property. When the tenant moves out, they may not take down the pool ahead of time and the property maintenance crew will have to find a way to deal with it and restore the lawn beneath.

If you are considering allowing renters to have swimming pools, it is best to purchase rental properties that already have swimming pools installed. This way you know that the installation is done properly, the swimming pool will add value to the home rather than diminishing it, and professional pool maintenance can be called as needed.

If you need a property manager who can help you navigate the tough decisions, call Scott Properties at 803-951-0702

No Comments

Residential Property Management in Lexington SC | Why Landscaping Companies Are the Best Vendors for Rental Properties

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property Management
Residential Property Management in Lexington SC

Residential property management in Lexington SC depends on vendors to help them effectively manage all the properties under their care. Often, property managers have several different vendors on speed dial including disaster clean up companies, roofers, housekeeping, maintenance men, and others but the vendor all property managers need to partner with is a landscaping company.

Why Property Managers Need Landscaping Companies

Residential property management in Lexington SC needs to have a reputation of beautifully maintained homes in order to be successful. Fresh cut lawns, landscaping, and curb appeal are important all the time, not just when the home is vacant. Landscaping companies can take the burden of outdoors maintenance off the shoulders of your regular maintenance employees and free them up to do indoor repairs and moveouts.

Landscaping companies have commercial grade equipment that makes lawncare easy and fast. Residential property management in Lexington SC becomes more efficient than ever when you can have all outdoor maintenance completed on a schedule and handled by a professional landscaping company you can trust. Contracting with landscapers is one of the best things that property managers who are managing multiple properties can do to ensure all homes are in tip-top shape and are stand outs in the community.

Tenants also appreciate when property managers make sure yards and landscaping are properly cared for. Keeping your property lush, beautiful, and maintained on the inside and outside is the responsibility of the person managing the property, but no one can do it all by themselves.

Landscaping companies will often give residential property management in Lexington SC discounts or deals on their services when bundled together for multiple properties. This helps keep costs lower and profits high for the investor who will appreciate your diligence in ensuring the property has a great return on investment.

If you need a property manager who can ensure your lawn and yard stay immaculate, call Scott Properties at 803-951-0702.

No Comments

Property Management Companies in Columbia SC | 3 Tips for Rental Property Investing

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property Management Companies in Columbia SC
Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

Everyone who ventures into rental property investing and starting property management companies in Columbia SC wants to be successful and get a substantial return on their investment. However, you don’t start out investing by buying the first vacant home you can find, slapping a rental price on it, and listing it on Craigslist as a rental property. The best investors understand that investments need to be intentional with a lot of detailed planning and forethought about the future of the investment.

Three Tips from Property Management Companies in Columbia SC:

If you are looking to make wise and financially attractive investing decisions for rental property investing, consider these three tips.

  1. Invest in Single Family Homes. When comparing condos to single-family homes, the condos will lose every time for many reasons. Single-family homes attract renters who want to stay rooted somewhere and will be long-term renters. These renters are reliable and can help your portfolio expand quickly because there is less risk in losing the rental income or having hiccups in the cash flow.
  2. Location, Location, Location– You want to choose properties for your property management companies in Columbia SC that will attract high-quality tenants, garner the top of the market rent for value, and be in high demand for tenants so the home is never vacant and there is no disruption to the rent collection process. Prime locations are also perfect for investing because of the upward trajectory of home prices.
  3. Don’t Choose a Fixer-Upper- Rental property investing with property management companies in Columbia SC is much different than flipping houses. When you invest in rental properties you remain the owner of the property rather than selling it to another investor. Because you are remaining in ownership, a better investment is a home that will not need significant repairs over the next ten years and will retain its value with warranties still intact.

Established property management companies in Columbia SC can guide you through more best investment practices to ensure the homes you are investing in as rentals will have the maximum return on your investment.

If you are interested in discussing property management, call Scott Properties at 803-951-0702.

No Comments

Property Management in Lexington SC | What Must a Lease Include?

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property Management in Lexington SC
Property Management in Lexington SC

The lease is the most important part of a rental relationship between tenants and property management in Lexington SC. The lease is a legally binding agreement that both tenants and landlords, owners, or property managers must abide by. The property manager is responsible for creating and enforcing a lease so ensuring that everything needing to be covered is included in this legally binding document is vital to protecting everyone’s rights under the law.

Lease Check List

Some leases are pages long while others are only a few paragraphs. The more detailed your lease is, the better protected owners and property management in Lexington SC will be when it comes to landlord-tenant laws and regulations. Use this checklist to ensure your lease is comprehensive and legal.

  • Lease term
  • Security deposit amounts
  • Rental due dates
  • Penalties for missed or late rent payments
  • Names of all tenants and occupants
  • Property manager responsibilities including repairs and maintenance, pest control, lawn care, etc.
  • Pet policy
  • Deposit return policy
  • Policies on noise, guests, HOA dues, smoking, painting, updates, or other reasonable restrictions on use, damage, home cleanliness, home inspections and other rules.
  • Tenant responsibilities such as obtaining renter’s insurance, having utilities turned on in the tenant’s name, keeping those utilities on, and other responsibilities.
  • Penalties for lease violations
  • Expectations regarding communications between staff and tenants
  • Policies on lease renewal
  • Policies on eviction process
  • Contact information for the property manager.

One thing that a property owner can do to ensure that a lease is legal and employable is get advice from their lawyer. Contractual attorneys specialize in leases and other contracts involving property and business arrangements. Many times, you can partner with a legal expert through a property management in Lexington SC company to ensure your lease is detailed, comprehensive, and inclusive of everything you need to protect all parties involved in the agreement.

If you are ready to partner with a property management team, call Scott Properties at 803-951-0702.

Contact Us

Complete Your Rental Application Get Started Now

Got it!
X