At Renters Warehouse Hampton Roads, we are keeping a close eye on this unfolding pandemic so that we can continue to protect, serve, and guide our property owners and residents during a time that has caused shockwaves across our community.
It's exactly in moments like this that we're touched and grateful to see neighbors looking after neighbors, whether it's providing care in quarantine or delivering groceries to the most vulnerable in our community. That said, sheltering at home has certainly put a few perspectives in mind: your home is your place of stability, whether it's a rental or one you own. Your rental property can also be a place of stability in uncertain economic times—but only with the right Norfolk property management to protect it.
Choosing a quality Norfolk property management company you can trust—especially in times like these—is the first step in ensuring your investment home remains a stable foundation for you and your residents. Without the aid of a trusted property manager, it's no surprise how a DIY landlord could quickly get overwhelmed by the professional response expected of you by your renters during this crisis.
In the interest of looking out for OUR neighbors, that's exactly why we know it's crucial that you select from only the best Norfolk property management partners to keep your rental home running well before, during, and after any crisis. This has the side effect of keeping your residents satisfied and happy, too!
However, how do you even find a top-notch property manager in times like these? What criteria can you use to make sure you'll find quality candidates? Let’s take a closer look at how you can accomplish this goal during a time when many landlords could use the help.
Get Local Referrals
You can’t go wrong when you rely on local referrals. Word of mouth advertising is often the most reliable. Even if you can't meet face-to-face during social distancing for the novel Coronavirus, you can still find excellent local information if you know the right places to look. The internet is your most powerful research tool when it comes to digging up information on your potential Norfolk property management partner.
If you have a trusted Realtor or contractor you know, it never hurts to reach out to them and see if they have recommendations on property management companies in Norfolk that they've worked with in the past. This can even be done over email without ever needing to meet face-to-face.
Many exceptional Realtors know that working with a property management company means they can provide additional services to their clients that would otherwise get lost in the shuffle. It also never hurts to glance at online reviews when you're vetting a prospect, either!
Pick a Property Manager That Knows the Area
If you can find a property management company that is familiar with the Norfolk area, then you will be one up on your game. This will make things flow much easier for you because they can offer tailored advice about how to appeal to renters in your area who may still be looking for housing even in the middle of a pandemic. Once this storm has blown over our community, you'll find that relying on an expert in Norfolk property management will have kept your rental income stable and secure.
Regardless of the times, people always need a safe, reliable place to call home. Knowing how to let those potential residents know that they have a home waiting in your rental property is the kind of marketing that only a local property management professional can offer you!
How’s Their Advertising?
Speaking of marketing, it’s also crucial to understand the property manager’s advertising strategy. You will benefit from knowing how long they take to get a property from vacant to filled—even during a crisis. Also, find out how their marketing plan works and what type they have.
- Is it a proactive plan that pursues prospects and fills vacancies?
- Is it a passive plan that relies on people to “find” your properties?
If it is the latter, then you may want to work with someone else. A Norfolk property management company that is worth having is one that continues to work hard to serve their community and property owners—even when other companies are falling apart. Property management companies that have invested in technology are able to meet your needs remotely when others close up shop.
Video conferencing, virtual property tours, online rent collection, maintenance, and lease signings are still useful tools before and after a pandemic that demands social distancing—but they are absolutely crucial during. Finding a property management partner that can provide these kinds of tools is a great sign for the stability of your rental home under their care.
Match Your Styles
Management styles differ for people, and that means property managers too. You’ll find that some property managers are big on keeping you up to date about every detail and each step along the way. This may be exactly what you like—or you could prefer a more "hands-off" approach. There’s not really a right or wrong type of management style, as long as your property management partner is meeting your needs. Who do you work best with?
Finding a Norfolk property management team of Professional Landlords that matches your style is critical. At the very least, they must be willing to accommodate doing things the way you want to do them. If you need frequent updates as to the status of your rental home during times like these, choosing a property manager who has access to technology to keep in touch with you across multiple mediums is crucial. Digital access to the following is also a perk:
- Property inspection requests
- Lease enforcement requests
- Status updates for your rental.
Moving Forward Together
At Renters Warehouse Hampton Roads, we want you to know that you'll always have a home with us! Your rental home can still be a place of stability with the tools and resources we provide to our property owners. We know that our corner of Virginia has a strong community, and we can climb this mountain together.
As we said before, everyone still needs a safe and happy home—especially during a time of crisis! If you have a new renter lined up for your property, make sure you provide the best rental experience you can by using our FREE Makeready Checklist!
With everything you have on your mind as a landlord these days, using our checklist makes prepping your property the easiest thing you'll have to face all week. Download your free copy today, and let us help guide you safely into tomorrow!
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