Investing in real estate can be a lucrative venture, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned real estate investor or a first-time landlord, managing your properties can quickly become overwhelming. Seasonal maintenance, tenant issues, unreliable contractors, and more are all setbacks any landlord will likely face. If managing your rental business is leaving you stressed, it might be time to hire a property management company.
Professional firms like Rent Portland Homes by Darla Andrew specialize in handling the day-to-day tasks associated with rental properties, making your life as the owner significantly easier. But how do you know when it’s time to enlist their service? Look for any of these top five signs.
1. You Own Multiple Properties (Or are Ready to Expand)
A savvy real estate investor should always have an eye on expanding their portfolio to increase rental income. However, as the number of properties you own increases, so does the complexity of managing them. Each property has unique benefits and issues, from repairs and updates to the nuances of individual tenants. Trying to juggle those responsibilities for two or more properties can quickly become time-consuming. And, of course, as your property portfolio increases, you must ensure you’re keeping up with your duties toward tenant safety. Otherwise, you could find yourself embroiled in a costly legal pitfall.
If you’re struggling to keep up with the demands of multiple properties or want to increase your rental income without taking on more work, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to hire a property management company. They have the expertise and resources to efficiently manage multiple properties and also stay up to date with local, state, and federal requirements. They can also handle the increasingly complicated landscape of screening tenants according to Oregon’s requirements.
2. Your Rental Properties are far Away
Being a DIY landlord has many benefits. It can save you some money on repairs and maintenance and keep you connected with your business. However, this is not a good option for property owners who live far away from their rental properties. If you need to drive long distances to handle routine maintenance, address tenant issues, or regularly inspect your property’s condition, it quickly wastes time and money.
In addition, some property owners may wish to invest from even farther away. Owning rental properties in a different city or state can be a lucrative investment strategy. You can tap into different markets and potentially earn higher returns. But juggling contractors and maintenance teams in a remote location can be a logistical nightmare. In addition, you need to have total trust in your remote team to keep your property in good condition. That kind of trust can be hard to come by.
When you can’t visit your property in person, a property management company can be your trusted eyes and ears. They have local knowledge and connections that prove invaluable in managing your properties. They can quickly respond to emergencies, conduct repairs and maintenance, and ensure tenants are satisfied while keeping you constantly informed of significant developments.
3. You Want to Save Time and Energy
Property management takes a lot of time, as well as a diverse skill set. From expanding your digital toolset to market your rental units, handling maintenance requests, and navigating complex landlord-tenant laws, numerous tasks may demand your attention. Managing your rental properties effectively can become daunting if you have a full-time job or other time-consuming commitments.
Moreover, the legal aspects of property management can be particularly tricky to navigate without the proper expertise. Violating tenant rights or failing to adhere to Portland’s local housing laws can result in costly legal disputes and reputational damage.
When you hire a property manager, they will help reduce these concerns. They have the experience and knowledge to handle all aspects of property management efficiently. They can also keep up to date on the rapidly changing legal landscape in the Portland area, so you can save time and headaches.
4. You’re Dealing with Difficult Tenants
Problematic tenants can be a landlord’s worst nightmare. Late rent payments, property damage, noise complaints, and lease violations are just a few of the headaches that come with difficult tenants. Dealing with such issues can be emotionally draining and time-consuming, detracting from the joy of property ownership.
If the stress of constant tenant issues is taking a toll, it’s probably time to hire a property management company. These professionals have a lot of experience with tenant disputes and can even handle the eviction process if necessary. Additionally, property management companies often have established procedures for tenant screening that can help reduce the likelihood of renting to problematic tenants in the first place.
5. Your Properties are Not Performing Well
As a property owner, your goal is to generate rental income and see the value of your investment home appreciate. But if your properties are consistently underperforming, it’s a sign something needs to change. Various issues can undercut your ROI, such as high vacancy rates, setting the wrong rent prices, or inefficient management.
When you hire a property management company, they can improve your rental’s performance by tackling those issues with the best tools and experience. They can implement tried-and-true strategies to maximize rental income, conduct market research based on a wide swath of properties in your area, and market your properties with the best tools available. By entrusting your property to professionals, you’re more likely to see them reach their full potential and provide you with the returns you aim for.
Ready to Work With the Professionals?
If you’re experiencing any of the top five issues listed above, you’re probably ready to consider other options. When you hire Rent Portland Homes by Darla Andrew, you’ll have the guarantee of Portland’s trusted property management company on your side. We take the burden of management off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on growing your real estate portfolio and enjoying the benefits of passive income. By enlisting our services, you can ensure your properties are well-maintained, tenants are satisfied, and your investments perform how you expect them to. To learn more about how we can make your challenging property management business a breeze, call or text us at (503) 515-3170 or reach out through the contact form on our website.