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Creative Ways to Boost Property Value | Property Management in Columbia, SC

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Property Management in Columbia SC
Property Management in Columbia, SC

Boost Property Value

Enhancing property value can sometimes require more than hefty investments. Simple yet creative property management in Columbia, SC, can make a significant impact. Here are some practical ways to boost your property’s value without breaking the bank.

  1. Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter! Sprucing up your property’s exterior can instantly captivate potential buyers. Consider repainting the front door, adding colorful plants, and maintaining a well-groomed lawn. These small changes can drastically elevate your property’s curb appeal.
  2. Upgrade Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures: You can use a partial remodel to upgrade these spaces. Swapping out outdated fixtures like faucets, cabinet handles, or lighting can breathe new life into these crucial areas. Choose modern, energy-efficient fixtures for added allure.
  3. Leverage Lighting:Lighting can transform the ambiance of your property. Natural light is a big selling point, so maximize it by keeping windows clean and using light-colored curtains. Additionally, consider installing energy-efficient LED bulbs throughout the property for a bright, inviting feel.
  4. Create Multifunctional Spaces:Make your spaces versatile to appeal to a broader audience. Convert an unused nook into a home office or a guest room. Highlighting multifunctionality can increase the perceived value of your property.
  5. Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Investing in energy-efficient upgrades attracts environmentally conscious buyers and saves money in the long run. Consider adding insulation, upgrading windows, or installing a smart thermostat. These improvements not only enhance value but also lower utility bills.
  6. Landscaping Makeover: A well-maintained garden can significantly boost your property’s value. Focus on low-maintenance landscaping, plant native species, and create defined spaces like a cozy seating area or a vegetable garden. These additions can make your property more appealing and inviting.
  7. Fresh Coat of Paint: Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to revamp your property. Neutral colors create a clean, blank canvas for potential buyers to envision their style. It also gives a fresh and well-cared-for impression.
  8. Smart Home Technology Integration: Introducing smart home devices can add a contemporary edge to your property management in Columbia, SC. Installing smart thermostats, security systems, or lighting controls enhances convenience and appeals to tech-savvy buyers.
  9. Focus on Storage Solutions:Ample storage space is a coveted feature for many homebuyers. Invest in organizing systems for closets, add shelving in garages or basements, and showcase how efficiently space can be utilized.
  10. Address Repairs and Maintenance: Neglected repairs can devalue your property. Prioritize fixing leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and any structural issues. A well-maintained property gives buyers confidence and portrays a sense of reliability.
  11. Consider Additional Amenities: Small features like a deck, a fire pit, or a pond can add character and value to your property. These extra amenities can set your property apart in the eyes of potential buyers.

Increase Property Value with Professional Property Management in Columbia, Sc

Unlock the potential to boost your property’s value with Scott Properties of the Midlands! Discover how strategic enhancements, not costly renovations, can significantly elevate appeal and attract potential buyers without breaking the bank. Let’s embark on a step-by-step journey together, leveraging creative tactics to maximize your property’s value. Contact us now to enhance your property’s allure and increase its market value!

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How To Identify Top Talent In Property Management | Property Management In Columbia, SC

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Property Management in Columbia SC
Property Management In Columbia, SC

Are tenants causing headaches, and maintenance issues seem never-ending? It’s time to consider the expertise of a property manager. But with several property management companies, how do you ensure you choose the right one for property management in Columbia, SC?

Scott Properties Midlands explains how to identify a top-rated company for property management in Columbia, SC, in this blog post.

Signs to Identify Qualified Property Managers

1.     Strong Communication Skills | Property Management In Columbia, SC

Effective and clear communication lies at the heart of successful property management. A property manager must be able to convey information clearly, listen attentively, and address concerns promptly. When evaluating potential property managers, keep an eye out for these signs of excellent communication skills:

  1. Active Listening: A good property manager listens attentively to property owners and tenants, understanding their needs and concerns.
  2. Clear and Concise Communication: Look for managers who can articulate information clearly and effectively, avoiding confusion or misunderstandings.
  3. Responsiveness: Timely responses to emails, phone calls, and inquiries demonstrate a property manager’s commitment to open and consistent communication.

2.     Knowledge of Local Laws and Regulations

Navigating local property laws and regulations is essential for property managers. Look for these indicators of a property manager’s familiarity with the specific area:

  1. Licensing and Certifications: A qualified property manager should possess the licenses and certifications local authorities require.
  2. Understanding Lease Agreements: They should be well-versed in drafting and enforcing lease agreements, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

3.     Proven Track Record and Experience

Experience brings valuable insights and a track record of success. Consider the following signs of a property manager’s solid experience:

  1. Length of Service: A qualified property management company in Columbia, SC, must have an established presence indicating stability and reliability.
  2. References and Testimonials: Request references or read online reviews to gauge the experiences of other property owners who have worked with the manager.
  3. Financial Management Expertise: A skilled property manager should have a track record of effectively managing budgets, rent collection, and financial reporting.

4.     Exceptional Problem-Solving Abilities | Property Management In Columbia, SC

Property management is rife with challenges, making problem-solving skills crucial. Consider these examples when assessing a property manager’s problem-solving abilities:

  1. Conflict Resolution: A competent property manager can effectively mediate disputes between tenants or handle conflicts with service providers.
  2. Maintenance Troubleshooting: Look for evidence of timely and efficient resolution of maintenance issues to minimize disruption for tenants and property owners.

5.     Outstanding Customer Service Orientation

Providing excellent customer service is vital for property managers to maintain tenant satisfaction and attract quality renters. Consider these indicators of a property manager’s customer-centric approach:

  1. Prompt Response to Tenant Inquiries: A reliable property manager addresses tenant concerns promptly, fostering positive tenant relationships.
  2. Tenant Retention Strategies: Look for evidence of proactive measures taken to ensure tenant satisfaction and encourage lease renewals.

Rely on the Pros for Property Management in Columbia, SC

Choose excellence in property management – trust Scott Properties Midlands. We are one of the top companies for property management in Columbia, SC, since 2005. With our A+ track record accredited by the Better Business Bureau, we offer top-tier talent to handle your property needs. Contact us today for seamless and stress-free property management solutions.

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Rent your Home Columbia | Rent your Home Faster with these Updates

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Property Management,Property Management in Columbia SC,Property Management in Lexington SC,Residential Property Management in Lexington, SC,Scott Properties,Uncategorized

Rental homes are in hot demand, but developers are scrambling to build more housing to keep up with population growth in the Midlands. Investors in rental properties can find a lot of luck in attracting and retaining high-quality tenants by making updates that will have applicants clamoring to get a showing. 

 

Best Updates to Make To Rental Properties 

The best updates to make before you rent your home in Columbia are the fast and easy updates including:

  • Fresh coat of paint in the interior
  • Replacing carpet
  • Upgrading appliances
  • Refacing cabinets 
  • maxing/polishing non carpeted flooring
  • Replacing the tub surround 
  • Adding simple landscaping to the exterior 

These simple and quick updates to rental properties make a big impact during applicant tours because it helps the home look cleaner and brighter. However, investors who want to rent their home in Columbia and stay towards the above average end of the market rent can consider:

  • Replacing siding or fresh exterior painting 
  • Replacing laminate flooring with tile or hardwood
  • Replacing cabinets 
  • Remodeling the master bathroom
  • Creating outdoor space such as a deck, patio, or garden

 

In addition to making updates and renovations to increase the rent value on the home, investors should always stay on top of pest control, keeping landscaping up to date (including tree trimming and pruning), and more. Keeping rental properties in pristine condition can be difficult, especially once a new tenant moves in. Investors should ensure that their property management company includes mandates in the lease for proper interior and exterior care of the home, as well as biannual inspections of the home.

 

One of the worst things that can happen to an investor is a tenant not taking care of a property and previous updates and renovations being ruined. Working with property managers to provide oversight to your investments can help you yield a larger return, and increase the value of your property. 

 

If you need property management services in Columbia, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

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Rent your Home Columbia | Top Amenities Renters Want

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Property Management,Property Management Companies in Columbia SC,Property Management in Columbia SC,Uncategorized
109 Sweetoak

One of the best ways to make residual income is to rent your home in Columbia. However, the generation looking to rent single-family homes are younger millennials and generation Z who are now in their early to mid 20’s. These generations of tenants are looking for properties that are modern, spacious, and can be their safe haven to entertain and relax with friends and family. Homes that had owners for many years, or decades, are often in need of a lot of updates to increase the appeal. Luckily, we know just the top amenities renters are looking for in and around Columbia, SC. 

 

Top Amenities for Rental Properties 

  1. Outdoor Space- The weather is beautiful most of the year in the Midlands and renters are looking for space to entertain their friends and family both indoors and out. A patio or deck in the backyard, lots of space for a fire pit and chairs, and maybe even room for a swingset will help investors get top dollar for rent. 
  2. Energy Efficient Appliances- The younger generations are more eco-conscious than ever and if the appliances are more than 20 years old you should consider upgrading them before you rent your home in Columbia. Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment, but it will help lower the utility bills for the tenants.
  3. Ample Parking- Off street parking can be hard to find depending on where you are renting in Columbia and the surrounding areas. However, a driveway and garage can increase the value of the property and land your home on the higher end of the market rate. Everyone wants off-street parking if they can get it!
  4. Smart Home Features- The more a millennial or genZer can control with their phone, the better for them. Smart Home features such as digital thermostats, automatic lights, and even shades that go up and down with the tap of the screen will impress tenants and future buyers. 
  5. Lots of Storage- Minimalism is in, but not everyone wants to throw out every item that doesn’t bring them immediate joy. Millennials are especially into the streamlined look where they can keep most of their kitchen appliances, dishes, and food tucked away into pantries and cabinets. They also love large walk-in closets with built-in shelves and bookcases. 

 

These top amenities will help your property stay occupied and turn a profit in Columbia and all around the Midlands. Most of these amenities are easy and fast to complete without breaking the bank!

 

If you need property management services in Columbia, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

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Property Management Company Columbia | Rental Trends to Look For in 2023

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Property Management,Property Management in Columbia SC,Uncategorized

South Carolina home values have increased by nearly 27% in the last year and the trend will continue into 2023. The housing market is so strong because of high demand and limited supply of single family homes. Throw inflation in the mix which is causing contractors to spend more and more on building, and the biggest trend for 2023 will be rent increases. However, there are a few more trends a property management company in Columbia should consider to keep returns increasing. 

Trends in Rental Properties

  1. Cohabitating in Single-Family- More and more single young adults are finding themselves looking for single-family homes where they can cohabitate with friends to save money. Sometimes a property management company in Columbia can increase profits by charging rent per bedroom when there are multiple unrelated adults living in a home.
  2. Shorter Term Leases- The market is changing quickly and shorter term leases allow a property management company in Columbia to be flexible when it comes to terms such as rent. Generally landlords cannot change the price of rent until lease renewal time, with inflation rising as fast as it is, landlords need to be able to keep up with market trends.
  3. Summer Vacation Rental- One of the best ways to make higher profits on homes used for student housing in South Carolina is to rent the home for summer vacation rentals. These types of rental turn a profit fast, especially if the property is close to the beach. 

One of the best ways for investors to keep up with the trends in the ever-changing rental market is to use a property management company in Columbia. Property managers keep a close eye on market trends and rates, take care of all the day-to-day tasks associated with being a landlord, collect and process rent, and much more. Taking on these duties allows investors to focus on their business, while a manager focuses on the tenants. 

If you need property management services in Columbia, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

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Can You Collect Rent if the Tenant is Dies? | Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

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

Property managers always want homes to be full, resident retention to be high, and lease violations to be low. When property management companies in Columbia SC have good relationships established with quality tenants rent is more likely to be on time and profits will flow easily to investors. However, there are times when even the best tenants stop paying rent including tenant death which is one thing landlords have no control over. 

What Happens When a Tenant Dies?

Property management companies in Columbia SC have an obligation to work with the executor of the tenant’s will to manage the tenant’s belongings. The lease obligation is the tenant’s responsibility even if they are no longer alive and the estate will be responsible for rent obligations. 

However, most of the time the executor of the estate will not want to pay rent on an empty unit and property management companies in Columbia SC will want to release the unit as fast as possible. There are several options open to landlords and executors for how to handle the lease when a tenant dies. 

  • Treat the death as a broken lease agreement and work with the executor to pay any early termination fees listed in the rental agreement. 
  • As the judge to award full payment of rent to satisfy the lease during probate court proceedings
  • Allow the lease to break without any repercussions

Property managers need to be flexible and patient but should know the proper procedures to go through when a tenant dies while living in a rental property. If the property manager finds the tenant dead, they should call the authorities immediately and then the emergency contact information in the tenant’s file, followed by the property owner.

The tenant’s next of kin or executor will be responsible for cleaning out the home before the end of the lease, or the agreement made between the property manager or owner, and the executor. Investors will want to consult with their attorney if the property management company they are working with does not have one available. 

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

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Property Management in Columbia SC | Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Columbia SC Properties

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

When purchasing investment properties in South Carolina, one of the most crucial factors to consider is where these homes will be located. There are many cities in South Carolina that are perfect for rental investment, but we happen to really love the opportunity for property management in Columbia SC. Columbia is one of the most historic towns in the state and was an integral part of the mercantile economy during colonial times. If the historic charm does not convince you to invest in rental properties in Columbia, there are a few other factors that might!

  1. Lower Priced Homes- Columbia has been ranked as one of the top 25 most affordable places to live in the entire country. The average home price is 11% less than the national average with a median price of $164,200.
  2. Outdoor Recreation- Property management in Columbia SC can also manage vacation homes and short-term rentals which are nearly always full because of the great outdoor recreation Columbia has to offer.
  3. High Demand- Columbia has a steadily high demand for single-family rentals because the low cost of living and reasonable rent rates attract families from all over the state. Most neighborhoods in Columbia have a dense population and employment growth also which brings new people to the city.
  4. Buy from Snowbirds- Retirees who want to spend their winters somewhere warm often purchase small homes or condominiums in Columbia. When these people cannot travel any longer, they often look to get out from under these homes for cheap. Investors can scoop these properties up for great deals.
  5. Rent Yields Are High- Because homes are so affordable in Columbia, investors who can get low interest rates and great tax incentives can often see a much higher rent yield than other areas around the state. This means that the profit you make will be higher.

Buying property in Columbia SC is the best choice for first time investors looking to get into single-family home rentals. The key to success is having a top-notch property management in Columbia SC partnering with you to manage these homes.

If you are ready to discuss the opportunities property management in Columbia SC can offer your investments, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

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