Top Affordable Property Management Secrets Revealed
Now that you’ve bought your property in Burbank, what’s next? If you’re a homeowner then you would most probably be planning to spruce it up for comfortable living. If you’re a landlord then you’d be thinking of finding renters as quickly as possible. However, what you’re not perhaps taking into consideration is the fact that you have to “manage” the whole process. We’ll tell you just how to. Understand this – these are not “get rich quick” secrets. They’re professional tips and tricks that property managers often use to manage real estates entrusted to them. They’re especially relevant to newbie property owners who have no clue where to start to increase the value of their property. They do not realize that they have to make their property work for them, instead of pouring thousands of dollars for its upkeep. So, here are top affordable property management secrets that you won’t find anywhere else.
Exteriors
First impression matters, and you don’t want to fail in that. Whether it’s the garden, pavement, front yard, or front door, you have to make it striking and attractive to renters (or anyone visiting your house). Simple tasks like repainting or replacing the pavement stones can change the outlook. Keep it clear of dead leaves, grass or dirt too. Mow your lawn, clear the weeds, trim the bushes and clear the flower beds while you’re at it.
Then come the front door. It’s one of the most important part of the house. Imagine a renter standing scrutinizing your door panels, window sill and pillars while waiting for you to open the door. You wouldn’t want to lose them at the front door, would you? Recommendation: a fresh coat of paint to all the above.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, then make sure the roof also gets a makeover. Clear the gutters, fix the tiles, and have a fresh coat of paint to give it a new look.
These are just basic exterior property management that you could do yourself at a fraction of the cost than if you hire a professional to do it for you.
Interiors
As you enter the house, look at your property critically. What will renters in the Burbank area look for? What will your spouse look at, for that matter? Walls, windows, fireplace, flooring and fixtures. They may sound basic (which they are) but they can alter the atmosphere of your property drastically. Picture these:
- Clean painted walls or peeling off dirty ones?
- Broken fixtures or shiny brass base ones?
- Grubby floors or freshly polished wooden floors?
These are not difficult to upgrade if you can spare some time for DIY. All you have to do is go to the store, buy some paint and polish.
Moving on to the kitchen, the main thing that impress are the storage, hob and sink. Whatever you do, get these in tip top condition because home is where the hearth is. You want to give a cozy and clean impression when your renter checks the kitchen out. Simple items like grease remover, polish, and drain cleaner can make a great difference. Same goes for the bathroom. No one likes scum, blocked drain or discolored tiles. Spend some time to clean them up.
Deals
Apart from maintenance, one of the most important things that property managers do is get you the best rental income or selling your property for a profit for you. How do they do that? Of course being a licensed property manager has its benefits, but it’s not a miracle. You too can do this without spending much. You have two options.
First, let the property manager do all the paperwork while you do the leg work. This way, you’ll be sure to find the great deal that fits your requirements. Also, you can negotiate with your property manager to lower their charges for lesser work.
Second, you can do all the legwork and paperwork by finding out what’s the process of renting or selling of a property. Go to your local municipal office district court to find out the required paperwork and process. Then go home to take some great video or pictures of your property in daylight for posting online. Log on to property listing websites like ours to enlist your property. Be sure to give your contact numbers, details of the property and pricing. Then, it’s time to wait for the phone to ring.
Of course, these affordable property management secrets are for those who have the time and the resources to carry them out. Otherwise, hiring a professional property manager make as much sense if you’re a busy person.
