A change of season means many things–holidays to celebrate, switching wardrobes (even in San Diego, you may want to take out a scarf or a sweater), and new possibilities for residential leases.
Winter may be considered “off-season” in the rental world, but according to HomeUnion, it’s the best time of the year for residents to look for single-family units to lease. This means that more people than you might expect may be interested in leasing your property in the coming months. If you are thinking about renting out your property, consider the opportunities to do so now.
Safety During a Lease
Perhaps you are looking to lease short-term, while you vacation during this year’s holidays. Or perhaps you have a second home and want to split your time between both properties. No matter the case, you want to make sure the property you will lease out is cared for and respected while you’re away.
This means that screening interested residents is of the utmost importance. Applicant screening is a top priority for a trusted rental company, so be certain to bring up the background check process and any other security concerns with any residential management company you consult during this process.
Care For Your Property
Before putting your home on the market, you’ll want to make sure it is up to snuff and appealing to possible residents. A property management firm can also advise you on which changes to make, and which to avoid before putting a property on the market for lease. Professionals in the property management are well-versed in the most and least cost-effective ways to prepare a property for the leasing market, so take advantage of this expertise if you can.
Ringing in the New Year also means prioritizing maintenance on the home, to start fresh and make a new beginning. Be advised that it will be more difficult to hire contractors to make repairs or renovations right during the holiday season. Just be prepared for delays caused by the festive season.
You also want to make sure the home is winterized before it is being shown to potential residents. This can be as simple as making sure windows are sealed and sealing all ducts, but could also involve furnace inspection. A property management company should have a checklist for appropriate winterization of each property, and can assist in the process.
Legal Advice
Property investors know that management of property requires documentation and legal knowledge to protect you and your home. From the lease itself to rent receipts and a ledger of rent transactions, this can seem overwhelming to a homeowner yet straightforward to a management company. If you also feel short on time for managing the property, and want the peace of mind that come from knowing an expert is handling thee details, working with a property management company may be the best option for you.
Remember, a property management team can make every step of the process easier. Residents may be able to pay rent online, manage their renters insurance through a management firm, and submit maintenance requests through the same company. All of these issues would then be our of your hands.
You Are Not Alone
Does all of this sound dizzying? Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Property management companies can help get residents into new properties faster and help investors spend less time actively managing property after it is leased.
PropertyADVANTAGE provides full-service residential property management. We specialize in residential property leasing and management services in San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. We are focused on property management–we are true experts in the industry. We consistently deliver professional services with our full attention and integrity, providing smooth transition and legal resources to maximize our client’s rental income. Contact us today!