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Property Management Company in Columbia | We’ll Cast a Wide Net for the Best Tenants

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Property Management Company,Uncategorized
property management company in Columbia

You may already know that finding good tenants is critical when renting out a property in Columbia or the surrounding area. But how do you find those tenants? That’s where it gets tricky. Looking for reliable renters on your own is a daunting task, but we can help. With years of experience as a trusted property management company in Columbia, we have a proven method of finding good renters for our client’s properties.

It’s a Lot of Work | Property Management Company

This is the part of the property rental process that owners tend to underestimate. You might think that you could just quickly put out an ad and immediately have plenty of great renters to pick from, but that’s not always how it works. You can easily invest a ton of time – and some money – in the process of looking for a tenant, only to struggle to find a good one. As your property management company in Columbia, we’ll do all of the legwork like background checks, following up with references, and more. All of that effort will pay off in the long run if you wind up with a tenant who is reliable and pays on time.

We Know Where to Look

There are certain channels to use in the search for quality tenants that tend to provide better results than others. As a result of our many years in this business, we know how to use the best paths to find good renters, and then we put those candidates through our review process to find the right person or people for your property. If you don’t have a property management company in Columbia working for you, it will be difficult to find great renters – and even if you do, you’ll have to spend a tremendous amount of time on the process.

Working with the right property management company can take a huge weight off of your shoulders. Scott Properties would be proud to serve in this role for you, so reach out today to learn more about our services. We hope to hear from you soon!

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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 | Why the Midlands is the Place to Invest

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Property Management,Property Management Services in Columbia SC,Uncategorized
109 Alston

Diving into investment properties is an exciting time but knowing where the best place to invest is can be tricky. South Carolina has a growing population, but the number of available properties in the big cities such as Midlands is not keeping pace with the number of tenants coming to the state. Many first time investors are finding more success and less competition for properties in communities like the midlands and Columbia. 

 

Benefits of Investing in the Midlands

Housing costs in Midlands are 127% more expensive than Columbia. This HUGE disparity makes investing in properties in the Midlands very attractive for first time investors. 

More than half of the residents in Columbia rent their homes and are happy to do so as rents have remained relatively affordable compared to Midlands. 

Columbia is a buyer’s market according to realtor.com and is one of the best places to find great property values with high returns on investment.

University of South Carolina along with business growth in Columbia keep a steady stream of people moving into the area. There will always be quality renters so your properties won’t remain vacant. 

A property management company in Columbia can help you manage properties no matter where you live or if you want to travel. 

 

Best Neighborhoods to Invest Around Columbia

Columbia offers a great urban-suburban environment, but there are many other neighborhoods perfect for single-families in the suburbs as well. 

Cayce is a small community where nearly 50% of the households are renters. The neighborhood is just a bit south of downtown Columbia and sits along the Congaree River. Homes in Cayce average 5 days on the market, so this community is hot for investors. 

West Columbia is another community where there are many renters. 45% of the households rent and homes are more affordable in West Columbia than other places in the metro area. 

Chapin has a lower population of renters but this tiny community with a population less than 2,000 is ranked as the second-best community to purchase a home in the Columbia area. Average rent is $1,200 and worth every penny, especially lakefront properties.

A property management company in Columbia can help investors decide which neighborhoods are the best for rental property profits. 

 

 

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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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Property Management in Columbia SC | Why Social Media Matters for Landlords

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

Once upon a time, a landlord could rent a house quickly by posting an add to craigslist and a sign in the front yard. Today, all the best companies doing property management in Columbia SC understand that social media matters—a lot. Not every property owner wants to focus on social media, it can be tedious and time consuming, but there are incredibly good reasons why you should be connected:

  • Most single-family home renters are between 25 and 38 years old. These young people rely on Facebook and Instagram to connect them with the world with nearly the entire Unites States population in this age range having access to the internet and a smart phone.
  • Images are everything and platforms like Instagram are perfect for showcasing your beautiful coastal homes if you work in property management in Columbia SC. The historic homes against beautiful Southern landscapes can skyrocket the algorithms and ensure your posts are seen.
  • Social Media is a wonderful way for property owners to post reminders or links to fun events happening in the neighborhood. They might also post information on bulk waste pickup, landscape waste collection, or other vital services. Social media is also most renter’s preferred way to find out about new homes for rent.
  • Marketplace on Facebook allows property owners to post rentals. Tenants have access to many different filters to narrow down the number of bedrooms and bathrooms they need, rent they can afford, and other necessities for the perfect rental. Utilizing the social media marketplaces to highlight your rental homes is one of the best ways that property management in Columbia SC for booking appointments and getting new interest.
  • Tenants and prospective tenants can leave reviews on your social media page that will attract new renters in the future. Many renters go to a company’s social media business page to check the public opinion on a landlord before signing a lease or paying an application fee.

One of the best ways to stay on top of your social media game is to hire a property manager that has excellent marketing skills. There is no time like the present to dive into your social media goals and see your investment explode with new opportunities.

If you are ready to make your investment the best it can be, call Scott Properties of Columbia at 803-951-0702.

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