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Month: <span>October 2020</span>
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Are Move-In Deals Effective?

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property Management Services in Charleston,Scott Properties
Property Management Services in Charleston

One of the things that is always on the mind of property management services in Charleston is how to keep tenants in homes so that occupancy rates are high, and turnover is low. Resident retention is especially important but getting quality, long-term tenants can sometimes be difficult. Many landlords are tempted to offer move-in deals to sweeten the pot and try to get more traction to their properties; however, there are many things to consider before offering incentives on rental properties.

  1. What is the Market? The first thing you must consider before offering deals is what the rental market is currently like. Are many of the property management services in Charleston struggling to fill homes? Are there move-in specials being advertised everywhere? If rentals are filling up fast, there is no reason to offer money off or incentives for new leases. Supply and demand must always be the first consideration you make when figuring out specials.
  2. Quality vs. Quantity- When you offer good deals for homes you will have an influx of tenants that will request more information or book showings; however, not all these tenants will be the high-quality tenants you are looking for. Some tenants who are looking to move as fast, and cheap, as possible may not be credit worthy or have the income available to sustain the rent long-term. Therefore, it is important to never offer free application fees either. You only want tenants that know they are qualified to apply.
  3. Time Vacant- When a property management service in Charleston has homes that are vacant for longer than a few weeks after a previous tenant moves out, they may think about offering a deal, especially if they have had showings but no concrete interest. However, before coming up with special offers, consider ways to make the property more attractive such as power washing the outside, planting fresh flowers, or redoing the driveway to increase curb appeal.

In addition to considering the market, quality of tenants, and time vacant, property management services in Charleston must also ensure that they will not be losing money or costing the property owner any money in offering deals or incentives.

If filling up your properties has become a hassle and you would like to talk to a property manager with years of professional experience, contact Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Screening Options without Social Security Numbers

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property management companies in Charleston,Scott Properties
Property Management Companies in Charleston

The main way that property management companies in Charleston screen tenants is through a credit and background check. However, background check only produces what the applicant has done in the United States and social security numbers are needed to establish credit. When people from other countries are moving to the United States, they might not have a social security number or any background in the country that can be checked.

How to Credit Check Without A Social Security Number

When a potential tenant wants to apply for a rental home the property management companies in Charleston usually require the social security numbers for everyone over 18 years old. Foreign born tenants may not have social security numbers or may not have credit established under their temporary numbers. So, how can you determine their credit worthiness?

One of the ways you can establish if a tenant is credit worthy is to ask for current utility bills from their last known address showing that there is no balance due on the account. You can also ask for multiple months of income statements rather than the standard 30 days that is usually required by property management companies in Charleston.

You can also request a copy of their VISA or permit to be in the country. Immigrants must go through a rigorous process to enter the United States legally and those who are issued a VISA or have resident status have been thoroughly vetted by the United States government.

Other Options for Tenants without Social Security Numbers

The standard lease term on a single-family home is one year. When potential tenants lack social security numbers and you are worried about their credit worthiness, consider offering a shorter lease term.

You can also consider if the tenant has a co-signer that is willing to take responsibility in the lease. Some employers that bring workers from overseas to work for their companies will often lease apartments for their workers that do not have social security numbers.

A good rule of thumb for property management companies in Charleston is to ensure they have a policy in writing for how they screen tenants without social security numbers so that they are not discriminating accidentally.

If you would like a professional property manager in Charleston to handle renting your single-family home, call Scott Properties at 843-790-0148.

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The Move Out Process for Landlords

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Property management companies in Charleston,Scott Properties
Property management companies in Charleston

Some landlords think that the move out process is as easy as getting the keys back and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint between tenants, but property management companies in Charleston know better. The move out process is one of the most vital parts of leasing a home and one of the most tedious. Without following the proper move out plan, landlords can end up losing money, having property damage to deal with or home that is dirty and disgusting. Some landlords even end up with home still full of tenant belongings because the tenant skips out the last month.

Fortunately, property management companies in Charleston are professionals when it comes to the processes of renting and can provide you with an overview of the move out process.

  1. Intent to Vacate- The first part of the moveout process that all property management companies in Charleston should be sure to include in the lease is a mandatory intent to vacate. Tenants should submit a letter of intent to vacate within 60 days of the end of their lease, or other terms set forth by the property owner or company. An intent to vacate gives landlords notice that they will need to schedule move out procedures and market the property for rent.
  2. Pre-Move Out Inspection- Scheduling a pre-move out inspection 30 days before the move out date helps the tenant know what is expected of them to end the lease on good terms. Property management companies in Charleston should be sure to include move out procedures in the lease and then go over these rules with the tenant. A pre-move out inspection also gives landlords a peek into the possible condition of the home. You will be able to start scheduling appointments for carpet cleaning, repainting, or other maintenance issues.
  3. Move-Out Inspection- Turning in the keys to a home should always be done in person whenever possible. Meet the tenant at the home and do a walk-through using a move-out checklist. You will be able to tell the tenant what to expect about getting their deposit back and what they will be charged for. Tenants can sign the move out inspection form when they turn in their keys acknowledging and final charges or monies owed.

After the final move-out inspection and the keys to the home are turned in, the home is back in possession of the landlord. Property management companies in Charleston need to ensure a prompt turnaround time because homes for rent are in hot demand!

If you would like a professional team to manage your move-out process and the other burdens of property management, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Rentals: Best Odor Elimination Methods

Author: Scott Wallace
Categories: Charlestons Property Management,Scott Properties
Property Management Companies in Charleston

One thing that property management companies in Charleston often run in to when getting a home ready for a new tenant is the need for odor removal. When people have lived in a home for a long time, the smells of spices they cook with, cigarettes, products and fragrances used in the home, pets, and sometimes dirt and mold, can permeate the walls and carpet. When you are showing a rental home to new tenants, you want the house to be fresh and smell as good and new as possible, otherwise renters will be turned off.

Luckily, property management companies in Charleston have been dealing with odor removal problems for a long time and we have some tips and tricks for you!

  1. Air it Out- When renovating a home after a moveout, keep the windows open and fans circulating as much as possible. One of the main reasons a home might smell musty is because of dirt and stale air. Circulation will draw the smelly air out and fresh air in.
  2. Deodorizing- Sometimes smells linger in the carpet fibers, especially if there’s been pets in the home or cigarette smokers. Sprinkling baking soda on the carpets and then vacuuming, cleaning hard surfaces like counters and walls with a vinegar solution are inexpensive ways of getting smells out of a home, although they do take some elbow grease.
  3. Carpet Cleaning- If you want to remove stains and smells from the carpets you will need to do a professional carpet cleaning. Most property management companies in Charleston use professional cleaning services to shampoo carpets between tenants as part of their routine. In worst case scenarios, some carpets need to be replaced to remove the smell. Carpet replacement is often what must happen if there has been flooding or mold issues in the home.
  4. Drape/Curtain Cleaning- Like carpets, the fibers in drapers and curtains can hold onto smells. Many property management companies in Charleston choose not to provide drapes for home and stick with blinds. If there are drapes in the rental home however, they can be taken down and professionally dry cleaned to remove odors.
  5. Duct Cleaning- Smells often get circulated through HVAC systems and remain trapped in the ducts and filters. Make sure to change the air filters between tenants and schedule professional duct cleaning at least once per year or as needed to remove odors.

One of the best ways to successfully rent a home is to ensure that home is always looking and smelling its best which is why you must be diligent in odor removal between tenants.

If you need a professional property manager to help you market and rent your single-family home, contact Scott Properties at 843-790-0148.

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