A recurring misconception about Plymouth property managers and real estate agents is that these occupations are more or less the same. But in reality, a property manager’s job is not similar to that of a real estate agent. While both jobs are closely related to the housing market, there are far more differences than similarities. Understanding these differences can guide rental property owners to know who to call when professional expertise is necessary.
Key Differences
To begin with, a real estate agent is a person who lists and sells properties for their owners. While a handful of real estate agents specialize in aiding buyers find and purchase investment real estate, the agent’s role is still centered on the sales transaction. The function of a real estate agent is dependent on the current housing market. As market conditions see-saw, it is common for real estate agents to find their business (and income) going up and down. In some circumstances, real estate agents may help provide tenants a rental property, but their participation with the tenant and the property owner typically ends when the lease is signed.
That said, a property manager handles helping property owners to manage their rental properties. There are many services a property manager gives, but the bulk of what they do would be working on behalf of a property owner to oversee property maintenance and repair, tenant screenings, collecting rent payments, etc. A property manager is a contractual role wherein they get paid for their ongoing management services. This is not the same as a real estate manager’s role. Property management is also not likely to be greatly affected by a fall in the housing market. In fact, property managers may notice that they would get more workload during market downturns as a lot of property owners turn to renting as another avenue instead of selling at a loss.
What Property Managers Do (And Real Estate Agents Don’t)
Besides the fundamental differences between a real estate agent and a property manager, there are other tasks top-rated property managers do that real estate agent and even other property managers usually don’t. Even though a real estate agent and most property managers will advertise rental property in order to find new tenants, not all of them will screen those tenants for potential red flags. After a tenant has been screened, a good property manager will start building rapport with the tenant by having open communication and expounding the lease documents in a clear way. In addition, a good property manager will schedule and perform regular maintenance on a property and take on emergency repairs and tenant complaints.
Helping property owners analyze the local market, providing an accurate rental rate, and offering suggestions on how to maximize a property’s earning potential and your property’s resale value are some of the less common but valuable services that a couple of property managers give. They may also help you find and compare additional rental properties. They can even get you properties that are not yet on the market. These are not ordinary services among all property managers. Usually, only the top in the business will closely work with rental property owners to help you not just manage property but build an investment business.
The Value of a Great Property Manager
Real Property Management is the country’s top property management company. This is because we can give a full range of services that rental property owners and investors need to reach their financial goals and dreams. Our experts will assist you in setting an accurate rental rate and keep costs down by using our preferred home services vendors. This is why most of our clients will say that value of our services far exceeds the cost. And these are great finds that you can’t find just anywhere else.
To learn more about Real Property Management Fidelis’s services, contact us online today!
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