Blog

Category: <span>charleston property management</span>
No Comments

Maximize Rental Value With Property Management Services | Property Management Company Charleston

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Property Management Company Charleston
property management company Charleston

As a property owner in South Carolina, managing a rental property can be challenging. The responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the property is well-maintained.
  • Finding good tenants.
  • Collecting rent.
  • Dealing with any issues that arise.

This can be time-consuming and overwhelming for property owners who have other commitments. However, hiring a property management company in Charleston can help property owners maximize rental value while minimizing the stress of managing a rental property.

Find Tenants | Property Management Company Charleston

A property management company in Charleston can help owners find tenants quickly and efficiently. They can market the rental property effectively to attract potential renters, conduct thorough background checks, and handle lease agreements. The company can also manage all aspects of the tenant relationship, including collecting rent, responding to maintenance requests, and handling disputes.

Complete Maintenance | Property Management Company Charleston

One main benefit of hiring a rental property manager is that they can ensure the property is well-maintained. The property management company can conduct regular inspections to identify maintenance issues and promptly handle repairs. This prevents small issues from becoming major problems that can cost more to fix in the long run.

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Property management companies can also help ensure that the rental property complies with all legal requirements. This includes obtaining all necessary permits, adhering to safety and health regulations, and following fair housing laws. Failure to comply with these prerequisites can result in legal issues that can be costly and time-consuming for property owners.

Reduce the Risk | Property Management Company Charleston

Working with a property management company in Charleston also reduces the risk of rental income loss. The company can handle rent collection and ensure that tenants pay on time. They can also handle any evictions that may be necessary and manage the rental property during vacancies. This ensures that property owners receive a steady stream of rental income and avoid the financial losses that can occur with vacant rental properties.

Enjoy Peace of Mind – Work with a Property Management Company in Charleston

Knowing that your property is in good hands and being managed by professionals can alleviate the stress and worries of managing a rental property and allow you to focus on other important aspects of your life, such as your family, business, or other passion.

Conclusion

Working with rental property management in Charleston can help property owners maximize rental value while minimizing stress. Property management companies can manage all factors of a property, including finding tenants, maintaining the property, ensuring legal compliance, collecting rent, and managing tenant relationships. Working with a property management company can help you avoid the challenges of managing a rental property and enjoy the benefits of rental income without stress.

Scott Properties of Charleston is a property management company in Charleston that specializes in helping property owners rent out their houses. We have the expertise to market the property effectively, find suitable tenants, and manage all parts of the tenant relationship. By working with Scott Properties Charleston, property owners can enjoy the advantages of rental income without the stress of managing the property.

Contact us to explore more about our rental property management services.

No Comments

Maintenance And Repairs: Property Management Best Practices | Management of Properties in Charleston

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Charleston Property Management Companies,Management Properties Charleston
Management of Properties in Charleston

Maintenance and repairs are crucial aspects of real estate management that you cannot overlook. Properly maintaining and repairing a property ensures that its value is preserved and that tenants are satisfied with their living conditions. This post will discuss best practices for maintenance and repairs in the management of properties in Charleston.

Regular Maintenance | Management of Properties in Charleston

This is imperative for the preservation and smooth functioning of a property. It includes cleaning common areas, inspecting for pest infestations, and checking the heating and cooling systems. Property management staff usually schedule and perform routine maintenance or outsource this to a professional service provider. Regular maintenance helps prevent major issues and ensures the property is always in good condition.

Prompt Repairs

Repairs are another important aspect of property management. When a tenant reports a problem, the property manager should respond promptly and schedule repairs as quickly as possible. Failure to address issues promptly can lead to more significant problems, ultimately costing more to fix. When repairs are needed, it is crucial to call upon qualified professionals with the expertise and experience necessary to do the job correctly.

Preventive Maintenance

Another best maintenance and repair practice is implementing a preventive maintenance program. This involves scheduling regular inspections and maintenance tasks to identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems. Preventive maintenance can include changing air filters, cleaning gutters, and inspecting the roof for damage. By proactively addressing potential issues, property managers can avoid costly repairs and ensure the property remains in top condition.

Maintain a Log | Management of Properties in Charleston

It’s imperative to keep accurate records of maintenance and repairs. Property managers should log all maintenance tasks and repairs performed on the property. This information allows you to maintain a property history, which can be helpful when selling the property or applying for financing. Accurate records also help property managers identify recurring issues requiring more attention. Proper management of properties in Charleston requires dedication and hard work.

Improve Energy Efficiency

In addition to regular maintenance and repairs, property managers should also take steps to improve the property’s energy efficiency. Energy-efficient upgrades can reduce utility costs and increase the value of the property. Upgrades may include installing energy-efficient windows, upgrading insulation, or replacing older appliances with more energy-efficient models. By investing in energy-efficient upgrades, property managers can improve the property’s bottom line and attract more tenants.

Efficient Management of Properties in Charleston is Imperative

Maintenance and repairs are critical to the effective management of properties in Charleston. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, preventive maintenance, accurate record-keeping, and energy-efficient upgrades are all essential best practices that property managers should implement. By taking these steps, they can ensure that their properties are in top condition, that tenants are satisfied, and that the property’s value is preserved.

Scott Properties of Charleston is committed to providing exceptional property management services in Charleston. With years of experience, our team can ensure that your property is well-maintained, repairs are promptly addressed, and tenants are satisfied. We also offer comprehensive reporting and record-keeping, so you always have up-to-date facts on the status of your property.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with the management of properties in Charleston.

No Comments

Avoid These Property Investment Mistakes | Property Management Company

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Property management companies in Charleston
charleston property management company

Purchasing rental property is a great way to build wealth that can maximize your profits for generations. Housing will always be needed so the investment is likely to be a good one. However, investors who are new to rental homes can easily fall into a few pitfalls that can set them back on their investments. A good property management company in Charleston can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes investors make, but knowing them ahead of time can save you a lot of money and hassle. 

Most Common Mistakes Investors Make

  1. Violating Housing and Building Codes: When you invest in real estate, it is imperative to know the ins and outs of building and housing codes. When homes are not compliant with building and housing codes or ordinances, fines can be issued. Homes can also be deemed uninhabitable with renters being displaced which can cause legal troubles for an investor and property management company in Charleston.
  2. Charging the Wrong Rent: Some investors price rent too high while others go way too low. The rental market in Charleston is huge, and market rent can quickly fluctuate. Working with a property management company in Charleston can help investors charge a rent amount that turns a profit and keeps residents releasing. 
  3. Underestimating Costs: When choosing a property to invest in, you must consider additional costs to have a home ready to rent. Many first time investors purchase fixer-uppers with the intentions of renting or selling with a huge profit, but underestimate the repair costs. Investing too much money upfront makes the time to become profitable much longer.

There are many nuances to investing, portfolio building, and providing quality housing for tenants. Once you’re ready to start moving tenants in, a property management company in Charleston can step in to get your profits rolling. Property managers will take over the day-to-day operations of your rental including leasing, communicating with tenants, and scheduling maintenance. Don’t let the do-it-yourself mindset stand in the way of operating an efficient rental company, hire property management today!

If you need property management services in Charleston, give Scott Properties of Charleston a call at 843-790-4929

No Comments

When Carpet Cleaning be Scheduled for Rentals? | Property Management Company

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Charleston Property Management Companies
461 Truman

One of the things that never ends for property management companies in Charleston SC is the supply of maintenance requests from tenants of rental properties. Keeping homes in good condition is a big job, especially when you get the occasional tenant who has little regard for the property. 

Property management companies in Charleston SC make owning rental property easy because they handle all the day-to-day tenant calls for maintenance and other issues. Not only that, but a property manager can inspect the rental, schedule updates, and make sure the property is made good as new between tenants. 

Carpet Cleaning Requests

Carpets are generally so torn up between tenants that it is best to replace the carpet before showing the rental home to new, potential renters. However, professional carpet cleaning is one of the most frequently asked for maintenance requests. Some property management companies in Charleston SC offer a free, professional carpet cleaning once per year when tenants renew their lease. Sometimes, property managers can schedule carpet cleanings on as needed basis for tenants who request them. 

Sometimes, if a professional carpet cleaning service is not an option, maintenance technicians can use a carpet cleaning machine to complete a DIY cleaning for tenants. It is not uncommon for property management companies in Charleston SC to only schedule professional carpet cleaning when tenants move out if the carpet does not need to be replaced. Some property managers will extend carpet cleaning to encourage tenant retention, but a rental company will work with the property owner to create a plan that works for everyone. 

Fees for carpet cleaning are usually applied to the deposit if carpets are soiled and stained after the tenant moves out. Some property management leases require tenants to have the carpets cleaned as part of the moveout process with an inspection to verify. For best practices, ensure all leases outline procedures around carpet cleaning and other maintenance requests. 

If you are interested in Scott Properties managing your rental properties, call us today at 843-790-4929.

No Comments

Property Management Companies in Charleston SC | 2022 Property Management Trends

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Charleston Property Management Companies
Property Management Companies in Charleston SC

The last few years have been nothing short of a roller coaster for property management companies in Charleston SC and everywhere else around the world. Many companies had to quickly transfer most of the operations to digital formats, including showing rental homes, meeting with investors and vendors, and leasing properties during the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, in 2022 property managers and property owners are now in a place where they know everywhere they need to invest to move forward successfully in their businesses. 

The top trends for property management companies in Charleston SC are the following in 2022:

  • Investing in Legal Services:

    The covid-19 pandemic has opened up investors’ and property managers’ eyes to the need to prioritize legal services. When eviction moratoriums are put into place, rental property owners and managers need to know what recourse they have to protect their investment. Having a legal advisor on staff is a trend every property management company should invest in.

  • Digital Property Management Tools:

    Most professional property management companies in Charleston SC have been using digital tools in their business for some time. The last few years have shown a need for more detailed reporting and communication which has made owner portals more popular than ever. Resident portals are also a super convenient way for tenants to make maintenance requests, pay rent online, make referrals, or send messages to management. Property management companies are also upgrading their websites to include virtual tours and online application processes.

  • Digital Marketing:

    Almost everyone has a smartphone and digital access to so much has created an expectation that that access will always be there. Most property management companies in Charleston SC have found success in keeping properties full by investing in digital marketing strategists. 

These property trends are important to keep informed on when working in property management. If you own rental properties, partnering with a property management company that understands the business trends that will make you successful is vital to getting the best return on your investments. 

If you are ready to partner with a property management company in Charleston, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

No Comments

What You Need to Know About Rental Income and Taxes | Property Management Companies in Charleston Sc

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Charleston Property Management Companies
property management companies in charleston sc

Taxes are complicated for everyone, but investors with rental homes have a lot to account for that can make tax time confusing. Luckily, Property management companies in Charleston SC can help ease the burden on investors. While these companies cannot file your taxes for you, property managers provide a lot of administrative services to clients that will help your accountant get the best tax outcomes. 

What is Rental Income?

The IRS defines rental income as any payment received for the use or occupation of a property. These payments include:

  • Rent payments
  • Advance payments
  • Nonreturned security deposits
  • Cancellation fees charged to the renter
  • Lease violation fees charged to the renter
  • Services received in lieu of rent

The IRS treats rental income similarly to how they treat independent contractors, sole proprietors, and small business owners. You will pay taxes at the same rate as your income tax bracket; however, investors are able to claim many deductions to reduce the taxes they owe. 

Deductions Rental Property Owners Can Make on Taxes

Some of the deductions that rental property owners can make on their income taxes include:

  • Interest on the mortgage or loans
  • Property taxes
  • Updates, renovations, repairs
  • Utility expenses
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Advertising costs
  • Fees for property management
  • Maintenance fees
  • Cleaning fees
  • Vendor fees
  • HOA or condominium fees
  • Deductions for depreciation

One of the best things rental property companies in Charleston SC can do for their clients is provide monthly financial statements, year-end statements, and other information owners can use to make tax filing smooth and efficient.

When you use property management companies in Charleston SC your rental income is passive which means any loss relating to your rental investments can offset income you have from other sources. This could lower your tax bill. 

Investors need to report their rental income on a Form 1040 or 1040-SR and Schedule E, Supplemental Income and Loss. If you have questions about some of the boxes you will have to fill in on these forms your property manager can help you know where to look to find the answers!

If you are ready to explore a partnership with a top property management company, call Scott Properties of Charleston at 843-202-4274.

No Comments

Are Property Management Companies a Scam? | Property Management Companies in Charleston SC

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: charleston property management,Charleston Property Management Companies,Property management companies in Charleston
Property management company in North Charleston

Property management companies in Charleston Sc have heard it plenty of times—property management companies are scam, aren’t they? Property owners are sometimes nervous about hiring someone else to manage their properties; after all, being a landlord is easy, right? 

Investors who are buying their first homes for rent and have never worked with property management companies in Charleston SC may not see the benefits that come with hiring a property manager; however, these companies are definitely not scams. While hiring property management may be another investment to make, the return will be worth every penny. 

What Do Property Management Companies in Charleston SC Do?

Landlords must wear lots of hats from maintenance to marketing, leasing, and even legal proceedings. One of the top things a property management company will do for you is take all the weight of these various jobs off your shoulders and hand them off to the experts in those areas. 

One of the top advantages of using property management companies in Charleston SC is being able to sit back, relax, and know professionals are keeping your home maintained at a top standard, rent is profitable, and the tenants living in your home are the most qualified.

Some of the most valuable tasks property management companies in Charleston SC handle for clients include:

  • Rent collection
  • Tenant account management 
  • Reporting of property financial, occupancy, leasing, and maintenance status
  • Marketing of the property 
  • Showing potential renters unoccupied properties
  • Leasing 
  • Inspecting properties
  • Handling tenant communications
  • Handling legal matters
  • Handling maintenance requests
  • Investigating complaints and leasing violations
  • Working with vendors
  • Conducting background and credit checks

These tasks take a lot of time to complete and managing properties is a full-time job. Investors typically already have a full-time job or are looking to enjoy retirement in peace. Property manager partnerships can make an investor’s life easier, your homes will build more equity, and residual income is certain. 

If you are ready to explore a partnership with a top property management company, call Scott Properties of Charleston at 843-202-4274.

No Comments

Charleston Property Management | When will the Federal Eviction Moratorium End

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: charleston property management
Charleston Property Management

Now, more than ever before is when rental property investors need Charleston property management the most. For the last year, landlords, property managers, and investors have been struggling to collect rent from tenants. Some tenants have been affected by COVID and not able to pay rent. With the federal moratorium on evictions in place, investors have had a tough time enforcing rental payments and due dates or being able to evict tenants who are refusing to pay rent.

The current situation has put a lot of strain on investors, and it looks like the moratorium on evictions will be in place until at least June 30th, 2021; however, Charleston property management services are available to alleviate the stress and make your life easier. When you work with professional property management companies, you get a landlord, maintenance professional, and legal expert all in one, because all those people work right there as staff of the companies.

Do I Need a Property Manager?

You might be thinking to yourself, “Why would I hire a property manager when I am not making any rent?” Well, the answer to this is that you must look at partnering with Charleston property management as not just another invoice to pay every month. Property management is an investment into your portfolio and business. Your property manager can represent you in court, file for collections on tenants, arrange cleanouts after evictions, handle property maintenance, and those daily calls for delinquent rent payments that no investor wants to spend their day making.

Charleston Property Management

Property managers can also keep an expert paper trail so that when the federal moratorium on evictions does end, and your renters are still not paying and did not receive assistance, you can go to court and have your bases covered and your business protected. A property manager can also help you find new renters that have a steady income and are qualified tenants to move in after an eviction. They can also manage to get the home ready to rent which will save investors a lot of time and money.

If you are looking for professional property managers to help you make the most of your rental property investments, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

No Comments

Property Management in Charleston | How to Make Moveouts Go Smoother

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: charleston property management,Property Management,Scott Properties
Property Management in Charleston

One of the most strenuous things employees of property management in Charleston have to deal with is the tenant moveout process. There is always a sense of anxiety and dread when it comes to the final moveout inspection. Property managers never know what to expect when they open the door of a home after a tenant has turned in the keys once and for all. Property managers walk into a lot of different situations after a tenant moves out—homes that are trashed, pets left behind, food left in the fridge or cabinets, overgrown yards, and other disasters. Luckily there are a few ways to make moveouts go much smoother and reduce risk to the owner.

Tips to Make Moveouts Go Smoother

  1. Inspections- Property management in Charleston has a duty to keep the properties of their owners safe, occupied, and well-managed and part of doing this is performing rental property inspections. Walk-throughs should be completed before tenants move their belongings in (when the lease is signed usually), at the six-month or halfway point of the lease, and again before the keys are turned in. Tenants and property managers can sign these inspection forms accepting responsibility to conditions.
  2. Moveout Folder- 30 days before a tenant moves out a property manager can provide them with a moveout folder with checklists for moving out and cleaning, forwarding their mail, and how to schedule their moveout inspection. Tenants often appreciate knowing exactly what they are expected to do for moveout and even if the lease states these provisions already, a moveout folder with checklists will reinforce the expectations.
  3. Hand Deliver Notices or Send Certified Mail- One of the golden rules of property management in Charleston is always to verify the tenant received any communications sent. One of the best ways to do this is to hand-deliver notices or send certified mail. Taping notices to doors is not reliable.

Sometimes, no matter how much a property manager prepares for tenant moveouts, the tenant will still leave the home in a bad condition or not perform the cleaning tasks. This is where property managers on your team can be a lifesaver. Property management companies have connections with vendors that can come in and get the cleanouts done quickly!

If you need a property manager, call Scott Properties at Scott Properties of Charleston at 843-779-6527.

No Comments

Charleston Property Management Company | How to Tell Your Tenant You Are Selling the Property

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: charleston property management

The last thing your tenants want to hear is that you are selling their home and they will have to move. When these moves are unexpected and the tenants have no forewarning, the situation can put an incredible amount of stress and hardship on the tenant. Families with children might scramble to find a Charleston property management company in the same school district or be closer to work or daycare. Although it is tough, it is a part of a property manager’s job to make tenants aware of changes like this, but there are ways to make it easier.

Telling Tenants Their Home is For Sale

The best thing an investor can do is sell the rental home to another investor that will allow the tenants to keep living in the home and be able to renew their lease. New leases under new ownership might come with rent increases or other changes made to the lease, but at least the tenants will not be moving out and looking for another Charleston property management company to rent from.

If the buyer is not wanting to rent the home, you will need to work with your legal team to determine whether the owner is required to allow the lease terms to be fulfilled. If the buyer is not wanting to renew the lease, at the end of the term, they should be encouraged to let the buyer know as soon as possible. Many renters will move out early when given the choice by a Charleston property management company to break their lease early without penalty and or get their full deposit back.

If the tenants will need to move out upon the sale of the single-family rental home in Charleston, they should be given at least 60 days’ notice or as otherwise stated in the lease under termination terms. Investors should also consider talking to the tenants well in advance of putting a for sale sign in their front yards. You do not want a tenant to wake up and see that out the window before they have had a chance to know what is going on.

The last thing you need to ensure you do is put everything in writing. Deliver documents and notice by hand whenever possible or certified mail so that you have signed receipt of having received the mail. Make sure all notices sent by the Charleston property management company are on letterhead and include contact information.

If you are ready to let someone else take over communicating with tenants, hire a property manager at Scott Properties by calling 843-790-4929.