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Seattle Property Management

Written by Ian Joseph | Nov 6, 2017 1:31:00 PM

How do you balance the stress of renting out a property with the monetary benefits associated with property ownership? 

Hiring a property manager may be the answer. 

If you’re interested in having someone else manage your rental housing in Seattle, here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting a property manager.

Make Sure You Understand the Fees

Generally, hiring a property management company is an economic decision, but it does come with its share of fees. Property management companies vary widely, but there are some general options to choose from. It’s common to see one or more of the following fee structures:

  • Flat Fee: Large buildings with many units will most likely be charged a flat fee. Flat fees are most common when a property requires a good deal of the company’s time, energy, and resources regardless of whether individual units are filled.
  • Percentage of Monthly Rent: This is the most common fee structure when you hire a Seattle property manager for regular services. The percentage usually falls between 5-15% and you don’t pay unless the unit is occupied.
  • Project-Based Fees: If you’re considering hiring a property manager for specific, one-off projects, it’s normal to be billed per project.

If a property manager tries to get you to sign a contract before you fully understand their monthly fees, run the other way. The best property management companies will always make sure the management fees are clearly disclosed before any contract is agreed upon.

Ask About Their Applicant Screening Process

Rental units are in high demand in a city like Seattle, but every owner should know how important it is to find reliable tenants. The best property managers screen applicants and perform background checks for fraud, eviction, and other issues to help protect your investment. Screening applicants can also lengthen periods of residency so you don’t have to worry about finding new residents for your property as frequently.

Look for Managers That Collect Rent

Collecting rent is one of the most stressful aspects of owning a rental property. The best property managers will relieve this burden from your shoulders by offering rent collection services. In addition, tech-savvy Seattle tenants expect ease-of-payment such as auto-withdrawal. Therefore, it helps to have a property manager with up to date tech solutions for Seattle renters.