Properties are an excellent alternative investment, especially during a pandemic. Prices have gone up the roof, making them a profitable venture. Moreover, people are looking to rent until prices have decreased, so there is a stable demand for rental properties.
Despite this, not everyone can profit by being in a good industry alone. If you want to profit, you’ll need to master the basics. In real estate, it’s all about mastering property management. Here are the five crucial basics of good property management.
Location
Location is critical when buying a property because it can determine how many people will need it. It can also be essential to maintain one. A property far from maintenance services will likely have more trouble than one closer. So if you’re looking for real estate for sale, make sure that it’s in a good location. Ensure that it has good foot traffic, has excellent curb appeal, and is in a safe area.
Maintenance
Your property will need regular maintenance to remain in good condition. This can be expensive, but it’s necessary to keep your property habitable and valuable. Proper care will also help avoid any legal problems that could arise from neglected repairs.
Moreover, a property with poor maintenance can be a turnoff for potential renters. No one wants to live in a place that is run-down and dirty. So be sure to keep up with the cleaning and repair of your property to avoid any issues.
Additionally, as a rule of thumb, save one percent of the overall property value for yearly maintenance and repairs. Doing this will ensure that you have enough money for upkeep and replacement. Also, make sure to make repairs and not replacements. Repairs are much cheaper than replacements, and they will keep your property in good condition.
Tenants
You will need to find tenants to fill your property. You can do this by advertising online or through word of mouth. Once you have found potential tenants, you will need to screen them. Screening is essential to ensure that you are getting quality renters. Be sure to check their credit score, employment history, and rental history.
You will also need to sign a lease with your tenants. It’s a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the agreement between you and the tenant. Be sure to read over the lease carefully before signing it.
When signing a lease with a tenant, be sure to include the following:
- The name of the tenant
- The name of the landlord
- The address of the property
- The duration of the lease agreement
- The amount of rent and when it is due
- A list of any special conditions or restrictions that apply to the property
- The signature of both parties
After the lease is signed, you will need to provide the tenant with a copy. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself as well. It’s also good to have a lawyer create or review your lease agreement so that you are protected.
Rent Collection
You will need to collect rent from your tenants every month. You can set up an automatic payment system by hand. Once you have collected the rent, you will need to deposit it into your account.
You should also keep track of when the rent is due and late. You can do this by using a software system or by hand. Be sure to send a reminder to your tenant when the rent is due so that they know when it’s time to pay.
You should also keep track of any repairs or maintenance that needs to be done on the property. This will help you budget for future care and avoid any legal issues arising from neglected repairs.
When collecting rent, it’s essential to be professional and courteous. Thank your tenant for their payment and let them know that you appreciate their business. You might also want to give discounts to those who pay their rent early.
It’s also important to be firm when collecting rent. If a tenant is late on their rent, you will need to follow up with them. You can do this by sending a reminder or by calling them. If they still don’t pay, you might need to take legal action.
Property Laws
Lastly, you should be familiar with the laws that apply to your property. These laws will vary depending on the state and country you live in. Be sure to research the laws so that you comply.
The most fundamental property laws pertain to zoning and building codes. Zoning laws dictate how people can use the land. Building codes dictate the standards that buildings must meet to be safe.
Other property laws include landlord-tenant law, contracts, and leases. These laws are important to know to protect yourself from any legal issues that might arise.
These are the basics when it comes to property management. If you’ve mastered them, you’re well to be a successful property manager. Remember always to be professional, courteous, and firm when dealing with your tenants.
