Dallas Property Management Blog

Top 10 FAQs Answered by Fort Worth Property Management Company

As an experienced Fort Worth property management company we are asked a lot of questions. We love answering any question you can throw at us; it is what we’re here for! But to simplify things we’ve put together a list of FAQs for you. Read our answers below to the top 10 questions we see most often in Fort Worth residential property management.

1. What is the quickest way to get my property rented?

Many things factor into shortening vacancy days, but we see the most success when we do these simple things:

  • Ensure your property is up to code and needed maintenance is completed before showing the home.
  • Spruce up around the property to increase curb appeal.
  • Market aggressively, especially online on multiple websites.

See our post on renting out your property faster.

2. How can I keep my tenants longer?

Tenant retention can be a struggle for some landlords. If you’re running into this issue, try to take a step back and place yourself in your tenant’s shoes. Are you responding to emergencies promptly? Are there maintenance issues that need to be resolved? How is your tenant-landlord relationship? An experienced Fort Worth property management company like Specialized Property Management Fort Worth has proven processes for tenant retention so you won’t have to deal with a costly turnover as often. Read our page on high tenant turnover for more tips.

3. What strategies can I use to make rent collection less of a headache?

The number one way you can make rent collection less of a headache is offering online rent payment. According to a Citigroup study, simply forgetting that a payment is due is one of the top reasons Americans pay bills late. Setting up online rent payment, with an automatic draft option, is beneficial to everyone involved. For more on this topic, read this Transunion article about the five great reasons landlords should provide online payment options.

Also, you can read more about our rent collection process.

4. Legally speaking, how can I protect myself as a landlord?

Take a good look at your Fort Worth property management company. Are they held to a high ethical code? When you are hiring someone to run your property, you need to know they are doing everything by the book. At Specialized Property Management Fort Worth, that is true of all our property managers. They know the laws and regulations for Fort Worth, Texas, and the United States, and take them all seriously. Also, we have in-house legal counsel at your disposal should you need them. Learn more about avoiding legal mistakes here.

5. What’s the best way to keep maintenance costs down?

The number one way to reduce maintenance costs is by being proactive in both inspections and regular maintenance. Your home is a machine and needs to be checked and oiled periodically. When you neglect inspections or only inspect when tenants move out, you are in for major maintenance costs down the line. Often a small problem, like a leaky pipe, will go unnoticed until it becomes a major (and majorly expensive) issue. Regular maintenance needs, such as changing air filters, are equally important, so your home’s systems last as long as possible. At Specialized Property Management Fort Worth we inspect the home at moving time and mid-lease to ensure everything looks and works great. Read more about lowering costs on this post about cost-effective maintenance.

6. Doesn’t managing my property myself save money?

This is the great myth of property management. Inexperienced landlords often imagine their property management experience as this: put up a for rent sign, pick up rent checks, and answer a few maintenance calls. If that was all property management entailed, then of course, you could save money by self-managing! However, a Fort Worth property management company does much more than those simple day-to-day tasks. At Specialized Property management Fort Worth we can save you money over self-managing because we help you avoid the following costly mistakes:

  • Regulatory fines resulting from inexperience
  • Negative tenant interaction leading to turnover
  • Improper maintenance and upkeep of the home
  • Pricing your home too high or too low

To learn more about self-managing vs. hiring professional management see our post here.

7. Will paying professional management fees negatively affect my cash flow?

Your professional management fees will come back to you in the form of faster leasing, less turnover, and fewer costly mistakes. Also, management fees often serve as a tax write-off. Our clients can end up with higher cash flow because our expert knowledge and service lead to cutting costs without cutting corners. Learn more about solving cash flow issues here.

8. How do I know what is going on at the property if I am using a property management service?

Many landlords, especially if they are renting out their previous personal residence, are concerned with what is happening at their property. At Specialized Property Management Fort Worth we never want you to feel like you’re in the dark. Our Fort Worth residential property management team keeps meticulous records of every interaction with your property and your tenants. Our online owner portal lets you see and review these reports at any time. And if you ever have questions or concerns, you can call us 24/7.

9. How do I choose a Fort Worth property manager?

Decide what you want from a Fort Worth property management company before you do your research. Come up with a checklist of questions to ask potential management teams. Find out if there are any hidden costs you should be aware of. A full-service property management team will often save you the most money, time, and stress. At Specialized Property Management Fort Worth we pride ourselves on our expertise in property management, our dedication to transparency, and our customer service. To learn more, read our page about choosing a property manager.

10. With so many Fort Worth property managers out there why should I choose you?

To put it simply: we are the best! Our team specializes in providing an excellent experience for owners and tenants. With years in the business focusing on single-family rental properties, you won’t find anyone else out there with the extensive knowledge, proven processes, and friendly team that will turn your investment into a cash flow property.

To learn more about what we do visit our website or give us a call today to set up a free rental consultation.

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