The world is full of specializations, from doctors who only look at feet to shops that only sell crystals. Did you know that there are also services that specialize in areas of property management?
Leasing-only services help find tenants and manage their leases. It takes away one of your most time-consuming tasks, but only if you research and find the right one.
Read on for five things to consider when choosing a leasing-only service in Fairfax.
1. License and Certification
A lack of a valid, up-to-date license and certification is more than a red flag; it's a deal-breaker. It means the service is operating illegally and doesn't have the experience or skills to help you.
Every leasing agent needs a real estate license. That requires completing a 60-hour education course, passing a licensing exam, and clearing background checks.
2. Local Experience
Look for a local service that knows the Fairfax rental property market.
They should know its current levels of supply and demand and the most popular neighborhoods to rent property in. This helps them set rental rates and create attractive marketing campaigns. It increases your rental income and decreases vacancies.
Local knowledge does more than improve your bottom line. It's a mistake to think that rental laws are the same everywhere. A local leasing-only service knows all the local laws to keep on top of. This keeps you compliant, preventing expensive and time-consuming legal issues.
3. Communication
What if you need landlord advice in the middle of the night? What if a tenant has an issue while you're sleeping?
A leasing-only service is a third party that acts as a go-between. They talk through problems and provide updates in a way that everyone understands.
Unclear communication leads to disputes that could even turn into court battles. Virginia attorneys recently said that landlord-tenant disputes make up 60-70% of district court cases.
A leasing-only service uses clear communication to prevent these issues. Get a sense of their skill with an in-person interview.
4. Comprehensive Services
Leasing management involves more than making and signing leases. It also includes:
- Marketing
- Tenant screening
- Lease negotiation, enforcement, and renewal
- Maintenance coordination
Decide what you need and don't stop looking until you find a leasing-only service that helps you with it all.
5. Qualified Leasing Agents
Finding the right service is only part of the battle because you should also research their team.
Look for agents with a college degree or at least a diploma or GED. They should have at least three years or more of proven work. Read reviews from past clients to gauge their reputation.
They need skills related to managing a rental property, such as marketing and sales. They should also have soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Do You Want to Go Beyond a Leasing-Only Service?
When searching for a leasing-only service, look for certification, local experience, clear communication, a range of services, and qualified agents. They're a major help to any landlord, but you can go further.
PMI of Fairfax is a full-service property management company dedicated to making your experience manageable. We offer state-of-the-art technology, real-time updates, and top-notch customer services. Contact us today to see how we can increase your asset's value and get you the maximum monthly rent.
