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Property Management Services Charleston SC | How to Get Lease Renewals Early 

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized
15 Harleston

Property management services Charleston SC investors hire are expected to keep properties maintained and a rent check coming in every month. When properties are vacant because a tenant has moved out and no one else has leased, investors are losing money and profits. This is why keeping tenants in their homes if they are great tenants is very important. 

Unfortunately, resident retention is often overlooked by owners and landlords because of all the other duties that are attending to daily. However, when you can work with property management services Charleston SC has to offer, you can get lease renewals early and often, so you never have to worry about vacancies. 

Tips for Lease Renewals

One of the qualities of a good property manager is being able to communicate clearly and often so that there is no miscommunication with tenants and expectations are set early. Make sure the lease also outlines the renewal process. Best practice is to require tenants to renew their lease at least 30-60 days prior to the lease deadline. 

Some of the ways you can entice your tenants to renew their leases earlier include:

  • Offering a service such as carpet cleaning or a fresh coat of paint in a common area of the home
  • Offering a discount off the rent for the first month of the new lease
  • Thank-you gifts for signing early such as gift cards to local restaurants or entertainment.

Not only will these tactics help to get your leases signed early, but they will also help keep your renters happy. When renters are happy with the property management services Charleston SC offers, they are more likely to pay rent on time, not violate the lease, and have good professional relationships with the management and maintenance crews. Residents who are happy with their space, the management, and know they will be living in the home long-term will also take better care of the property which results in less maintenance requests. 

Call Scott Properties in Charleston if you need professional property management services at 843-790-4929.

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Property Management Services Charleston SC | How to Expedite the Move-Out Process

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized
15 Harleston

Towards the end of a tenant’s lease a property manager can start feeling anxious wondering if the tenant will renew or move out, the condition the home will be left in, how long it will take to find a new tenant. Property management services Charleston SC investors hire can overcome these feelings by having an organized, preplanned move out process. When property managers follow a move out process plan using the tips and tricks below, the process can be expedited which is best for everyone. 

Move Out Process Planning 

Property management services Charleston SC investors work with should always have a proper and planned move out process detailed in the lease. These tips and tricks will help make the moving out process and transitioning to a new tenant run smooth and efficient. 

  1. Communicate early and often- Property managers should be talking to tenants at least 120 days before the end of the lease to determine eligibility for renewal and intent to renew. A strong lease will include a clause that tenants must sign a renewal at least 60 days before the end of their lease. 
  2. Utilize tenant referrals- If a great tenant is moving out consider offering incentives for referring a qualified tenant that can move in within 30 days of the vacancy. If your tenant was great, the chances that their friends and family would also be great tenants is pretty good. This can also reduce the amount property management services Charleston SC companies have to spend on marketing efforts. 
  3. Move-out prep- The more preparation a property manager puts into move out, the smoother it will go. Make sure to do an inspection 30 days before the lease ends so you can get an idea of possible damages that will need to be addressed. Before you allow the tenant to turn in their keys, schedule a move out inspection that will address any damages that will be held against the deposit, so your tenants know what to expect. Get their signatures on this inspection form. You should also schedule maintenance as soon as this inspection is completed. 

The move-out process does not have to be a headache or hassle for property managers or tenants. If you own a single-family investment property, consider utilizing property management services Charleston SC offers to make the most out of your investment. 

Call Scott Properties in Charleston if you need professional property management services at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Management Companies | What Do Tenants Want in a Single Family Home?

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized
Lanyard Street - Carolina One Real Estate

One of the most difficult things about owning rental investment property is knowing which properties will be the best to sink money into. Trends are constantly changing and what tenants want can fluctuate quite a bit between demographics and markets. Charleston property management companies hear from potential renters every single day about what they are looking for in their next home, what’s missing from their current home, and what is driving the rental market in Charleston. 

If you are thinking about investing in single family rental homes, contact a property management company first who can help you learn more about the wants and needs or renters in your marketplace. However, we can give you some of the top desires of families and professionals! 

Most Attractive Qualities of Single Family Homes 

The most obvious reason that people seek out single family homes opposed to multi-unit buildings, townhomes, or condos is the addition of privacy. Families are especially appreciative of the privacy and extra space that a home typically affords compared to apartments. However, not all homes are built the same and there are several considerations that Charleston property management companies regularly hear about from tenants. 

  • A fenced in backyard 
  • A Porch or deck 
  • Multiple bathrooms 
  • Off-street parking 
  • A garage (attached is most coveted)
  • Professional landscaping 
  • Off street parking 
  • Large bedrooms 
  • Large windows for natural lighting
  • Walk in closets.
  • Extra storage space 
  • High-quality, modern appliances
  • Updated fixtures, carpets, and painting

Many tenants also look for services that different Charleston property management companies will offer such as snow removal, lawncare, carpet cleaning, etc. Tenants want to be sure that they are getting the most possible for their rent, and the more perks you can add, the more value tenants will assign to your property. The easier seeing the value in a home becomes, the easier justifying the rental price or raising the rent to be more aligned with market pricing will be. 

If you’re interested in finding out how our property management companies can make the most out of your single family home investment, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Management Companies | Why Single Family Rentals Are Best

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Uncategorized
Siding - Suburb

Real estate investors constantly debate each other on whether multi-family apartment buildings or single-family home rentals are the best for business. However, if you are looking to make the most bang for your buck with as little headache as possible, single-family homes and Charleston property management companies are the way to go. 

Benefits of Investing in Single-Family Homes

Many investors think that multi-family housing is the best way to make the most money; however, just because you Charleston property management companies may be able to collect more rent checks when multi-family housing investments are in your portfolio, doesn’t mean investors will make the most profit. 

Overall, single-family homes are much less expensive to maintain than multi-family homes or buildings. The startup cost of multi-family homes is usually a much larger commitment. Multi-family homes are expensive and have a lot of land that comes with them while single-family homes are much easier to finance with a smaller down payment. 

Maintenance on single-family homes will also be less expensive than multi-family units for Charleston property management companies. You won’t have to keep common areas cleaned and maintained, tenants take better care of single-family homes, and the grounds maintenance is considerably less involved and sometimes nonexistent with single-family homes. Additionally, turnover is typically much lower in single-family homes compared to apartments, townhomes, or duplexes which saves a lot of money in the long run when it comes to marketing, turns, and leasing.

In addition to being less costly, single-family homes are easier to manage because there is only one person or family per home that you are trying to collect rent on and keep retained. This will reduce the time Charleston property management companies have to spend managing your home which increases profits for you! Property managers also field far less phone calls and have significantly less tasks to complete throughout the day when you have one family in one home as opposed to four or more families in one multi-unit building. 

If you’re interested in finding out how our property management companies can make the most out of your single family home investment, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

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Charleston Property Management in SC | Licensing Requirements for South Carolina Property Managers

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Scott Properties
Charleston property management in SC

You might think all it takes to start in Charleston property management in SC is to purchase a house, then turn around and rent it to a single-family, but there is a little more to becoming a property manager than being an owner. In fact, in South Carolina, there are laws that govern what someone must do to become a property manager.

Charleston property management in SC companies don’t need real estate broker licenses, but they do need to be licensed as a property manager or broker-in-charge. If you own the property, and also plan to manage it, you may be exempt from this law; however, if you plan to hire a property manager, you will want to ensure they have the proper certifications and

How to Get A License for Charleston Property Management in SC

South Carolina property manager licensing requirements include:

  • Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be a property manager, and 21 to be a property manager in charge
  • Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent
  • Education: must complete a real estate commission approved course (30 hours) in property management fundamentals. You can bypass this requirement with a law degree or B.A. with a major in real estate will also qualify although college degrees are not required for becoming licensed.
  • Testing: Applicants must pass the property management exam and apply for the property manager or property manager in charge license within 12 months of passing the exam.

Hiring a property manager is always a great choice for investors who want to rent single-family homes. A qualified property manager will be able to get you top market rent value on the property you own, find excellent tenants quickly, and be able to effectively manage the tenants and properties with limited contact from you, the owner.

If you’re interested in hiring a property manager that will take the burden off your shoulders, call Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

 

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

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Scott Properties
North Charleston - James Island

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?

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Scott Properties
charleston property management

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

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Scott Properties
charleston property company

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

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Scott Properties
Charleston Property Management in SC

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?

Author: MediaBeast
Categories: Charlestons Property Management,Scott Properties
Pineapple Fountain - Joe Wiley Waterfront Park

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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