No Comments

Charleston Property Management Company | Should You Rent to College Students?

Charleston Property Management Company

When investors purchase single-family homes with multiple bedrooms, one of the first decisions they will need to make is whether they want the property marketed as student housing or a single-family rental. There are many colleges and technical schools around the Charleston area and student housing is plentiful. The high student population makes the ideal situation for investors who want to rent to students. However, there are many pros and cons to consider before deciding student housing is for you.

Pros of Renting to Students

Besides the high demand for student rentals, there are many other reasons why investors choose to rent to students.

  • Higher rental income when a Charleston property management company can rent by the bedroom rather than for the entire house in many cases.
  • Assurance of rent payment is higher amongst college students because their student loans, housing assistance, or parents are often paying the rent.
  • College students are often less demanding and have fewer maintenance requests than other renters.
  • College students will often choose to rent the same home for the entire time they are enrolled in school which means a Charleston property management company can expect long-term leases.
  • Student housing has a short vacancy time and students will often fill those vacancies for you by inviting friends to take over bedrooms as other students graduate.

Cons of Renting to Students

While the guaranteed income is a great reward for investors who rent to students, there are negative aspects to consider as well.

  • Because students are less demanding, they are also less likely to take good care of the property. College students like to have parties and property damage may be higher than renting to a family.
  • Students will often not qualify for the property on their own and need cosigners, usually parents, to sign the leases with them.
  • Many students travel and leave the area over extended breaks which means the house may be left empty for extended periods. There could be break-ins, roof leaks, and storm damage that the Charleston property management company may not be aware of until students come back home.

Whether you decide to rent to students or reserve your home for single-family rentals, there is a property management company that is the perfect fit for you.

If you have decided on a single-family rental for your investment property, call. Scott Properties of Charleston at 843-790-4929.

 

 

No Comments

Charleston Property Management | How to Make the HVAC in Your Rental Last Longer

Charleston Property Management

One of the most stressful parts of owning rental property is the large expense occurred when a major appliance breaks down or needs replaced such as the HVAC system. The price of the new system as well as installation can run thousands of dollars—an expense that many property owners are not always prepared to shoulder. When you partner with a Charleston property management company, you can discover the key to making your HVAC system last longer.

Preventative Maintenance- Every year your HVAC system should have an inspection that cleans the system, removes any debris from the exterior components, change thermostat batteries, and change the air filter along with checking for damages to the ductwork. The air filters should also be changed every three months or more often depending on how dirty they are. Charleston property management companies have the best rates worked out with local vendors to provide scheduled maintenance and keep warranties valid.

Lease Instructions- Include safety measures and precautions to keep the HVAC system up and running in the lease. Many times, Charleston property management makes sure to include keeping HVAC closets free of boxes and personal items into the lease. If these units are in the basement, you can mark out lines on the floor with tape showing tenants to keep four feet clear on all sides of the furnace or air conditioner.

Inspections- Property managers should do inspections on properties every six months or at lease renewal to ensure that the home is being taken care of according to the lease instructions. The HVAC system, air filter, and thermostat can also be checked during this time to ensure proper working order, along with other appliances.

The best way to increase the longevity of rental properties and appliances is to be proactive and preventive. Let a Charleston property management team with maintenance connections handle the management and upkeep of your rental properties.

Schedule an appointment with a property manager at Scott Properties today at 843-790-4929.

No Comments

Rentals: Best Odor Elimination Methods

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.

No Comments

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

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.

No Comments

Charleston Property Management | Managing Multiple Rental Homes

Charleston International Airport - Columbia

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

No Comments

Charleston Property Management | Why Investors Need Property Management

charleston property management

Property investors all know the obvious benefits of teaming with a Charleston property management company. These companies take most of the work off of the investor’s shoulders, which enables them to focus on expanding their portfolios. Great property managers can also be the face of your rental company and provide top-notch customer service. Another great perk is that they have a network of maintenance vendors at their disposal. Aside from these obvious great benefits of hiring a property manager, there are a few more you may not have considered before now!

  1. Better Tenants-Not only does a Charleston property management company utilize the best background and credit check software to process applications, but an established property manager will have kept detailed records of their tenant’s track records. When investors are trying to fill their single-family rental homes, having a property manager that has already worked with many people in the area and knows the families is a great idea.
  2. Marketing Services-Charleston property management teams not only handle tenant communication, leasing, and maintenance requests; they also provide valuable marketing experience for rental  homes. A local property manager will have excellent neighborhood knowledge, be able to list the property in all the most popular listing websites, and can optimize those listings. They are also on-site to be able to take photos, stage homes, and create enticing descriptions for listings that will attract potential renters
  3. Consulting-Your Charleston portfolio can expand quickly when you work with a property management company. These people are plugged into the real estate industry, trends in the communities, and can help investors find excellent properties at even better prices. Your property manager might be able to give you a heads up on investors selling off their portfolios, homes going into foreclosures, or advance sales on subdivision plots that could all make great rental homes for families in Charleston.

Partnering with property management is the best thing you can do for your investment. You’ll get a great ROI and save yourself a lot of time and money by letting professional property managers handle the day-to-day affairs of your rental business.

Contact a Charleston Property Management Company

If you’re ready to discuss hiring a professional property manager in Charleston, contact Scott Properties at 843-790-4929.

No Comments

Charleston Property Management | Tips For Renting Your Home Between Tenants (Scott Properties)

Charleston Property Management | Tips For Renting Your Home Between Tenants

 

Charleston Property Management | Your tenant has moved out, and you’ve done the major work of repairing any damages left behind, repainting, and cleaning so that the home looks new again, but you may still have trouble renting it if all your prospective tenants see new carpet and freshly painted walls when you’re between renters and taking applications for your rental home use these tips from the best Charleston property management companies on how to make your home wow your tenants.

 

  1. Stage Furniture- One of the best ways to make a house feel like a home is to stage furniture. Outfit at least one of the bedrooms with a bed, dresser, and end table. Put a sofa and coffee table in the living room and set up dining set in the dining room. Give your guests a visual so that they can easily imagine what their furniture would look like in the space. Charleston property management companies even suggest staging photographs of landscapes or animals, adding decorative pillows, having vases with flowers, and other small touches to make tenants feel welcome.

 

  1. Make it Smell Good- No one wants to live in a home that stinks. Use air fresheners or diffuse oils or incense that smells calming and comforting such as cotton, fresh air, lavender, chamomile, or light citrus to help bring a little excitement. Baking smells are also a great scent to use when showing a home.

 

  1. Dust Before You Show- Even if the cleaning crew had done a detailed clean already, the day or morning before showing the home you should go back through and dust, wipe down mirrors and check for fingerprints on the appliances. You want your prospective tenants to feel like they are the first ones living in their dream home.

 

One of the best tips for renting between tenants is to hire a Charleston property management company to manage your rental home and ensure that you have quality tenants who rent for the long term and love your home as much as you do. Give Scott Properties a call when you are ready to work with the best property managers in South Carolina. 843-352-8413.

No Comments

Three Ways You Can Make Sure Tenants Take Care of Their Rental Home (SCOTT PROPERTIES)

Charleston Property Management | Three Ways You Can Make Sure Tenants Take Care of Their Rental Home

Charleston Property Management | One of the most nerve-wracking days a property manager has is when they go into a rental home for the first time after a tenant moves out. We have no idea what to expect and hope that the tenant took care of their home. One way to ease this stress is to ensure that the tenants in your rental homes are responsible adults and will leave home is an excellent condition. While there’s not much you can do about normal wear and tear, use these three tips to help ensure your tenants will take care of their rentals.

1. Screen Tenants- As a property manager, the essential part of your job is screening tenants. You can’t let anyone with a deposit move into a home. You need to make every potential tenant fill out an application and perform a credit and background check, verify employment and income and call the references. Tenants should make a least three times the rent amount in income and show they are responsible through a steady employment history and good credit.

2. Have a Detailed Lease- The lease for the rental home needs to be detailed so that tenants know what is expected of them and what the consequences are for not taking care of the home. Make sure you include rules about trash/garbage accumulation, smoke detectors remaining in working order, upkeep of the home, and pets if applicable. You should also include the move out inspection form that you will use to determine if the tenant will get their deposit back so that they can make sure to have everything completed before handing over the keys.

3. Do Inspections- A property manager that performs inspections on rental homes generally see homes being better maintained because the tenant expects the landlord to check up on them. Schedule an inspection every six months and at lease renewal time. Do not allow tenants to renew their lease if they do not pass their inspection. You can also charge lease violation fines if needed. Just make sure that the rules about inspections and violations are spelled out in the lease.

If you are ready for a qualified Charleston property manager to talk to you about your rental home, contact Scott Properties today.