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

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

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

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

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

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.