Monday, 16 May 2011

Property Management - why use an agent

One question we are often asked by landlords is what service do we offer and why they should not do it themselves.  There are a number of reasons to go it alone, and some very compelling reasons to use a managing agent.
 
A good Property Manager can do a number of tasks, and are essential for people who have a large portfolio.  Property managers will handle the every day tasks so that your life doesn’t resolve around your portfolio.  These people can provide you with a layer between you and your tenants.

Here are just four of the reasons to use a Property Manager such as Topproperty Services in Liverpool.

Reason 1 – No Emergency/ middle of the night phone calls

To start with, a good property management company will save you from having to share your home, mobile or work numbers with your tenants. Those of you who manage your own properties know that tenants can and will call you at any time (day or night!) when there is a problem, often minor. However, your property manager will take care of these types of calls, which allows you to sleep all night. This is a stress saver when you have a lot of rental properties.  After several late night emergency calls, you’d be pulling out your hair and getting out of the rental property business.

Reason 2 – Maintenance Staff
Your property manager can always locate contractors who can handle repairs.  This is a blessing for you. Why? You don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to find a plumber during those cold months. It’s also good that someone else will be dealing with the negative aspects of your rental properties.  Property Management agencies such as Topproperty Services will take the stress out of managing the relationship with the contractors and will ensure that they are insured and suitably qualified (and accredited).

Reason 3 – Legal Issues

A professional Property Manager will handle the legal aspects dealing with your tenants. For instance, in a case where a tenant is failing to make the monthly rent. The Property Manager can handle the eviction process and eventually get a judgment against them for the rent arrears.  This unpleasant task is better left to someone else.  Remember, your rental properties are your business and you need the money, even if you can understand their plight.  A good property manager knows the importance of getting the paperwork right, from making sure the Guarantee agreements are executed as a deed to serving the correct notices (such as Section 8, Section 21(4)(a) and Section 21(1)(b)).

Reason 4 – Advertisements, Cleanups and Touchups

Your property management service can do all the advertising, cleanups and touching up that is necessary after a tenant moves out and before a new tenant moves in. If you plan to invest in rental properties, using a property management service is the best worry-free way you can deal with them. If you’ve got lots of properties, going this route is the best way of ensuring you are focusing on the bigger picture and not bogged down with looking after every single detail - let the property manager do that!

Topproperty Services are the first choice for Student and Family homes in Liverpool.  Call us now on 0151 733 2200 for a free, no obligation valuation of your rental property or portfolio.  Discounts apply for management of 5 or more houses so call now!