How Can You Be the Best Possible Property Manager?

If you own investment properties or manage them, you know how valuable an effective property manager can be. For most investors, their cash flow and even whether the properties manage to turn a profit depend on how good their property manager is.

Being a good property manager isn't that difficult, though. If you follow the tips below, you could readily become the best property manager you can possibly be.

Never Procrastinate

If one thing can torpedo your property management activities, that would be procrastination. So many tasks must be performed regularly for the operation to be successful and the premises continue to rent and operate smoothly.

Anything that's on your to-do list for the day should be crossed off by the end of working hours. 

Perform Regular Property Inspections Without Fail

Property managers don't simply collect rent and screen or evict tenants. They also have to perform or commission regular property inspections to check the condition of the property. 

It's prudent to conduct a property inspection once every quarter to make sure tenants are behaving responsibly. Also, you can check whether the AC requires servicing and other regular maintenance items.

When you do property inspections, that also tells the tenants you are proactive and care about their well-being. 

Be Ready for Seasonal Changes

If you oversee an apartment complex, it's crucial to prepare yourself for each change of season. If winter is coming, you should stock up on salt and get snow removal services in order. 

In spring, the summer heat is coming just around the corner. This is the perfect time to check the air conditioning in your units.

Making sure your facilities are ready for each of the various seasons will keep your tenants happy, and that's the essence of being a fantastic property manager.

Leverage Technology 

You may take advantage of many apps and software programs to become a more efficient and productive manager. For example, you might employ an app to learn what neighboring apartment complexes are charging for rent this month. 

You could also use software to screen your tenants and conduct background checks. Most managers these days have an online portal to collect rent. Offering this option to your tenants is all but expected these days, and you will likely receive your rent money more swiftly.

Communicate with Everyone

Maintaining good communication with tenants and other managers on a regular basis is vital to being an effective property manager. For example, you ought to inform tenants promptly when repairs will be performed.

If the tenant calls and tells you the AC is broken in her unit, make sure you get it repaired as soon as you possibly can. The most common reason good-paying tenants say they move to another apartment is their former property manager didn't fix things quickly.

It helps if you communicate with all tenants often via email so they are apt to feel connected to their property manager. If you have other managers below you, make sure they communicate well with tenants and vendors, as well.

The property management staff is the face of the organization and communication matters a lot.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

A great property manager works with people every day and in person - face to face, by phone, and via text and email. Every interaction with a tenant should be as positive as you can make it. 

True, there will inevitably be landlord-tenant issues from time to time, but one of your primary management responsibilities is to handle such disagreements diplomatically. 

Property managers who are fair and positive will cultivate a strong reputation. Sooner or later, being a great property manager should attract the best potential tenants as well as keep the ones you have.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you are sure to become the best possible property manager.