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Charleston Property Management | What To Do If A Tenant Leaves A Broke Down Car Behind

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Tenant moveouts are always a surprise. When you work in Charleston property management, you never know what state to expect the home to be in when a family moves out. Most renters are great and will follow the moveout checklist and do all the cleaning and replacing that is requested. However, sometimes, tenants leave behind personal property when they can’t take it with them and don’t have storage. When this property is broken down vehicles, the rules about removing the property is a bit different than if they left behind a couch, however.

When is a Vehicle Considered Abandoned?

When a vehicle remains on public or private for longer than seven days without the permission of the property owner, Charleston property management can start the process of having the vehicle removed. The tenant loses their permission to have the car parked on the property of the rental house as soon as the home is deemed abandoned. If the property is abandoned, the manager must all the police and report the vehicle abandoned. The police will then contact a tow company and handle the rest from there.

Many landlords have provisions in their lease that state vehicles not running, not registered, or not on wheels cannot be stored on rental property. If the lease has this provision, Charleston property management will be able to have the vehicle towed without notifying the police or the tenant, although it is a good idea to give the tenant a lease violation warning first, giving the tenant a chance to relocate the vehicle.

When is a Property Considered Abandoned?

South Carolina law says that rental properties can be considered abandoned when the rent payment is more than 15 days past due and the tenant has not been onsite or reachable. If the rent payment is late, and the utilities have been turned off by the tenant before the end of the lease, the property may be considered abandoned immediately, however.

Contact Scott Properties, Charleston Property Management

If you’re looking for Charleston property management that can deal with any tenant situations, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

 

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Charleston Property Management in SC | What Happens if A Tenant Abandons a Property?

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Charleston Property Management in SC | The rent is late on one of your single-family properties. You’ve called, emailed, and even shown up and knocked on their door, but you haven’t heard from your tenants in weeks. When you go to tape the eviction notice to their door, it looks like most of the furniture is gone and no one has been home in a long time. You suspect the tenant skipped out on the rent and abandoned the house, but what can you do next?

Abandoned Property Laws in South Carolina

Code of Laws 27-40-730 in South Carolina outlines exactly how Charleston property management in SC can declare a home abandoned. If a tenant is missing or out of reach for more than fifteen days past the date of defaulting on the rent, the home can be considered abandoned. However, if the tenant skips out on the rent and has the utilities turned off, or reverted into the property manager name, the home can be considered abandoned from the date of the utility account change.

Once the property has been abandoned, the landlord can terminate the lease agreement and can lease the home to someone else. If the tenant left property behind and the items are valued at less than $500, Charleston property management in SC can dispose of the property without attempting contact with the tenant. If the personal property value is worth more than $500, the property manager or landlord needs to file an ejection application with the local court system and the judge must approve of the disposal.

If the tenant left a vehicle on the premise, the rules are a little different. A motor vehicle is considered abandoned when it has been left and unmoved on private or public property for a week or longer with consent from the property owner. Charleston property management in SC is not allowed to remove the vehicle on their own, however. An abandoned vehicle must be reported to the police in South Carolina who will arrange for the towing.

Contact Scott Properties | Charleston Property Management in SC

If you’re looking for a property manager in Charleston that can deal with even the most complex tenant issues, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Company | Why 2020 is the Best Time to Start Investing in Property

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COVID-19, Coronavirus, has caused a worldwide pandemic like no one has seen in more than a century. Markets and economies all around the planet are struggling amidst the rising cases of the virus, but especially in the United States. You might think now is the worst time to take a risk and start your own Charleston property company, but there’s never been a better time for qualified investors.

Millions of people in the United States have lost their jobs and haven’t worked for months. Many people were never able to receive the extra unemployment stimulus and the number in the checking account is getting smaller and smaller for many families. While this is terrible news for the housing market, it’s a ripe time for investors that can get past the tightened restrictions on mortgages and have cash on hand.

Many sellers will be willing to sell their homes for deals they would never consider pre-COVID-19. They might have a limited time to pay the mortgage before entering foreclosure and selling as fast as possible will save their credit and reputation. Even properties that are paid off are being put on the market to ensure that families have the extra money in the bank to make it through at least the end of the year.

Although the best part about buying a home during the pandemic is the nearly guaranteed ability to buy for a steal, the sellers are also being put into a position where they will want to rent, rather than buy again. This means that more people will be looking for a Charleston property company to help them find the perfect home for rent.

Every Charleston property company owner knows that having a lower than average interest rate is not something offered to all developers or investors. If you’re wanting to become a property manager and invest in new houses, or flip houses, then rent—the market is on the buyer’s side in 2020.

If you’re ready to take your Charleston property company to the next level, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Management in SC | How to Increase the Value of Your Rental Property

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Charleston property management in SC | One of the most important aspects of Charleston property management in SC is always making sure the property owner is getting the best return on their investment possible. Often, property managers are tasked with finding ways to increase the value of the rental price to turn a bigger monthly profit. However, staying within the market value range for a property is very important. Unless you’re offering some big incentives such as a hot tub, pool, temperature-controlled garage, or renting the home furnished, if you charge too much, the home might be sitting empty for a long time regardless of the appraised value of the home.

There are a few improvements Charleston property management in SC companies can make to rental homes that are easy, affordable, and can give you a few hundred dollars more on the rent price.

  1. Outdoor Entertainment Space: You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars installing an inground pool at your rental property. After all, no one in Charleston is far from the beach. However, Charleston residents love to socialize and backyard parties are one of the best ways to enjoy the company. Consider installing a deck or patio, providing a grill, firepit, and maybe some nice patio furniture with the property. If the home already has a deck or patio, it might be time to repaint or stain for a fresh, updated look.
  2. Curb Appeal: The nicer a house looks on the outside, the more rent people are willing to pay. Charleston property management in SC companies should make sure the exteriors of the homes they manage are not peeling, windows aren’t broken or cracked, the siding is all present, and the yard is clean and tended to. Simple landscaping that doesn’t require much upkeep from the tenants is also a great selling point.
  3. Including Utilities: One way that some Charleston property management companies in SC make additional profits is by including utilities in the rent. The tenant gets one easy payment for all their bills and the company can usually come out ahead, especially if the occupancy in the home is just one or two people who work full time and aren’t home much.

These are the top three ways to easily increase your rent value, but there are a few other things you can do that will have tenants not thinking twice about the rent. You can charge for pet rent every month as well as a non-refundable security deposit per pet. Many property managers also charge more for short term or month to month leases.

If you’re interested in getting the most value out of your rental properties, call Scott Properties of Charleston at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Management in SC | What Are The Perks of Living in Charleston, SC?

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Have you recently graduated from college and are looking for the best places around the United States to apply for jobs in your field? Are you a wanderer trying to decide where to go next? Have you been allowed to start over but have no idea where to begin again? Charleston property management in SC will tell you that there is no better place to live than Charleston, South Carolina. Not only does Charleston have fantastic beaches, as well as rich culture and history, but there are dozens of reasons why this charming southern town is the perfect place for anyone to rent a home.

Perfect for Young Professionals – Charleston property management in SC are often renting single-family homes to graduate students who are fresh out of one of the colleges in town and starting their careers and families. The Medical University of South Carolina is also located here, which means the area is full of medical professionals.

Family Friendly – If you’re moving to town, don’t forget to ask your Charleston property management in SC company for tips of fun things for your family to do in town. Charleston has some of the highest-rated school systems in the state, as well as many parks, museums, and other great attractions.

Retire Here – The AARP consistently names Charleston has one of the best places to retire in the United States. There are retirement communities where seniors can live but also plenty of neighborhoods that are majority retirees, and smaller single-family homes for rent if a mortgage isn’t something you’re interested in!

Booming Economy – Over the last few years, more than one billion dollars have been invested in Charleston businesses and new business creation. The economy is thriving with Volvo, Boeing, and the universities and medical complexes, and the US military is some of the major employers. There are also many opportunities in tourism, with more than 5 million annual visitors.

Charleston is one of the most famous cities in the United States for the population as well as tourism, which means there is always something to do and see. Charleston is a stable city with job opportunities and a fantastic education system, and you’re sure to love the amazing single-family homes for rent with Charleston property management in SC.

If you’re ready to start finding your dream home to rent in Charleston, call Scott Properties today at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Company | Do You Need An LLC?

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If you own rental property, you should consider if you need to establish an LLC for your business. An LLC is a limited liability company that protects owners from the debts or liability of the company. The limitation of liability is the top reason for property owners to form an LLC for their Charleston property company, but there are many other reasons as well.

Pass-Through Taxation – Business and property owners may have heard about pass-through taxation, which is a unique benefit to LLCs. This means that all profits earned from the business “pass-through” directly to the owner of the LLC who will file the business taxes. This means that earnings are not taxed before being distributed. When starting a Charleston property company, this can free up a lot of cash to invest back into your business or pay for expenses. However, many LLCs are responsible for paying a large sum of taxes after filing.

Multiple Ownership – Sometimes, there are multiple people involved in purchasing investment homes, and an LLC enables businesses to have 75+ owners all listed as members. Nonresident aliens can also be owners as well as corporations, and ownership is allowed to be disproportionate between owners and can be determined outside of investment percentage. Membership is anonymous for LLCs and can be beneficial if you don’t want your neighbors to know what business you own.

Losses Over Profits – An LLC allows the business to claim losses above each individual’s owner’s investment, which can relieve individual tax burdens. Owners are also able to be active in managing their Charleston property company without losing the benefits of limited personal liability.

If your property investment company or Charleston property company doesn’t have multiple owners, make over $100,000 per year in profits, or are not looking for anonymity, you might not need an LLC for your business.

Scott Properties in Charleston can help you manage your rental properties so you can focus on your business. Call us today at 843-790-4929 to discuss your properties.

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Charleston Property Management in SC | How to Write Great Rental Listings

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Charleston property management in SC is a competitive field with more than 260 homes listed for rent on Zillow at the time of this writing in Charleston and more than 700 apartments. This might seem like a lot of houses for rent. Still, with the continually growing population of the metropolitan area and surrounding communities, these homes rent quickly when the listings are well-written.

What Should Be Included in a Rental Listing?

The best rental listings will always have a defined target audience. Charleston property management in SC understands great listings being targets towards retirees will read differently than a listing for millennials or expanding families. Property managers should also know the details of the neighborhood, such as the school district, nearby amenities, and crime rates, and while it may seem obvious, the details of the home are essential to know.

You might be surprised at how often a listing has the wrong number of bedrooms, bathrooms, or square footage shown. You should also know if there is a garage, driveaway for off-street parking, fenced-in yard, swimming pools, or other stand-out features of the property. These details will also help interested renters see the value of the rent.

The most important factor to list is the price of rent and how to contact the Charleston property management in SC for a showing of the rental home. If the reader doesn’t know how to contact the property manager, the deal will never be completed.

Choose Your Words Carefully

Charleston property management in SC knows how important it is to choose your wording carefully when listing a property for rent. You want to avoid using superlatives, such as “the best” or “great.” Instead, focus on showing, not telling, the renter why the property stands out by using descriptions and details.  One example is rather than say, “this bedroom has the best views in town,” try, “The Master Bedroom has a balcony overlooking the immaculate backyard landscaping with views of the nearby lake and public park.”

If you’re looking for Charleston property management in SC, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Management | Why Your Renter’s Need Renters Insurance

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Working in Charleston property management, you probably know that most renter’s think they don’t need renter’s insurance. Many tenants of single-family homes believe that their possessions are covered over their landlord’s insurance coverage; however, they are mistaken. Property managers should consider adding a renter’s insurance requirement in their leases but also need to be prepared to explain to tenants the benefits.

Relocation Costs for Tenant – If something catastrophic happens where tenants are forced to find new accommodations, some renter’s insurance policies will cover temporary housing until they can move back into the home. If the tenant doesn’t have renter’s insurance and the home burns down or floods, they may expect the Charleston property management company to pay for their new accommodations and cover relocation expenses.

Liability – Your landlord liability policy probably doesn’t cover injuries or property damage due to tenant carelessness or neglect; however, renters insurance protects the renter’s personal property as well as covers personal liability if one of the renter’s guests is injured in the home. Without renter’s insurance, the injured person could potentially sue the homeowner or Charleston property management company.

Insurance Rates –The more claims a Charleston property management has to make on their insurance, the higher their rates could be at renewal or if they switch companies. Requiring that tenants provide proof of renter’s insurance is a smart way to make sure your costs stay as low as possible. When your insurance refuses to cover tenant personal property or damage caused by tenant neglect, the renter might try to sue you personally. No property manager wants to deal with litigation, especially with a current tenant, so requiring renter’s insurance can help to save you this hassle.

There are virtually no cons with requiring tenants to have renter’s insurance. Tenants who understand the benefits of renter’s insurance are less likely to be upset by the requirement. They will appreciate the opportunity to have renter’s insurance to protect them and their belongings.

Charleston Property Management

If you’re interested in working with Charleston property management to rent your investment home, call Scott Properties today at 843-790-4929.

 

 

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Charleston Property Management in SC | Best Neighborhoods to Live in Charleston

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Moving to Charleston is sure to be one of the best decisions you’ve made; however, the city is so large and has so many different neighborhoods it might take some time to figure out which is best for your family. Working with Charleston property management in SC is a great way to locate which neighborhood will suit your needs best, but we’ll give you the rundown on some of our favorites.

Mount Pleasant-This Charleston suburb is often rated the #1 best neighborhood by Charleston property management in SC. The population is around 84,000 and offers a city feel in a suburban area with lots of restaurants, the best schools in Charleston, public parks and green spaces, and preserves a conservative, family atmosphere with single-family homes one of the most popular rental options.

Charleston-Living in the city is always an excellent choice for families or single people. The population is just over 133,000 and offers a dense suburban atmosphere with lots of bars, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, and parks. The city tends to be more moderate leaning than conservative, and the public schools are rated above average. There are also many rentals available in the city, with nearly half of the residents choosing to rent their homes rather than own.

Folly Beach-The population is small, with less than 3,000 residents. Still, the area is perfect for young professionals that are looking for a suburban environment with high-value homes and conservative values. Single-family homes are popular rental options here, with the average rent being more than $1,000 per month. Folly Beach is perfect for people who want to live right on the water and enjoy coastal living.

Summerville- Families love Summerville because it is one of the best for raising children. There is more diversity here than in other neighborhoods in Charleston, and the pubic school systems are highly rated. About one-third of the 50,000+ popular rents, but the average home value is less than $200,000, which makes the rent in single-family homes more affordable than other neighborhoods.

Charleston property management in SC should be able to answer your questions about any of the neighborhoods in Charleston County. Each neighborhood offers its unique perks and benefits, and a property manager can help you find the perfect rental for you.

If you’re looking for property to rent in Charleston, contact Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Management | Managing Multiple Rental Homes

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Investing in properties for single-family rental homes is always a great idea. The rental market is booming, and homeownership is one of the most reliable forms of wealth building. By 2030 the need for single-family rental homes is projected to grow from 16 million to 29 million. It seems like the perfect need-based investment; however, you might not be aware of precisely what your monthly or yearly profits will be. For some investors, when you factor in a mortgage, maintenance, and property taxes, vs. what the market rent is for that property, the profits may only be a few hundred dollars per month. The potentially low return on investment is why many investors purchase multiple homes and hire a Charleston property management company.

How to Choose the Right Properties

There are many factors to consider when purchasing the right rental properties. Low-risk investments such as homes in good school districts and safe neighborhoods will cost more and have higher mortgage costs but are more likely to stay full and attract great tenants. While your yield will be lower, you get the safety and security of the home is likely taken care of by trusted renters.

The higher the risk, the better the reward, though, right? Low-risk homes have their advantages, but if you’re looking to make faster cash, consider lower-priced homes in the less desirable neighborhoods or homes that may need a little investment in a renovation. The mortgages, taxes, and insurance will be less while the market rent will be similar in many neighborhoods which means a better profit for you

Hiring a Charleston property management company is a great way to ensure you are investing in the right properties and getting the best return on your investments. Managing multiple properties is a huge commitment, and if you’re only making a few thousand dollars per year, it may not be worth it to play owner and landlord. Let a professional Charleston property management company help you manage your properties. You can also bank on their knowledge for investment advice!

Working with a Charleston Property Management Company

When you’re ready to partner with Charleston property management, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929