1. Have More Money Coming In
   • Better Ads mean Less Empty Time. If you advertise well, you won’t have empty periods where you’re not making money. A property manager handles advertising the property.
   • Pick Good Tenants for Longer Stays. If you choose tenants carefully, they’re likely to stay longer. A property manager has experience interviewing potential tenants, and can weed out those who are a bad choice.
   • Charge the Right Rent. If you know what others are charging, you can ask for a fair rent. A property manager knows what your type of property is worth, not just based on size and type, but on location.
   • Get Rent on Time. A good management company can make sure you get paid regularly.
2. Spend Less Money
   • Pick Good Tenants (Again). If you choose tenants wisely, you won’t have to go to court or spend a lot fixing things they’ve damaged. A property manager can sniff out potential troublemakers
   • Fix Things Before They Get Worse. Regular maintenance means fewer big repair bills. A property manager makes it easy for a tenant to request a repair. Thus, they are more likely to make a request.
   • Good Repairs for Less Money. Quality work on repairs doesn’t have to cost a lot. Since a property manager has several properties, they can negotiate better rates with the people who perform repairs. Since those repair men do more work, they are the most experienced.
   • Know the Rules to Avoid Problems. Understanding the law helps you avoid legal troubles. Property managers know all the rules—rules you may not know.
3. Less Stress and More Time

• Peace of Mind is Priceless. Not dealing with day-to-day landlord tasks, tenant questions, and repair requests is a huge relief.
• Help in Emergencies Anytime. Property managers are available 24/7, even during holidays, to handle unexpected problems.
• Use Your Time Wisely. Property owners can focus on more profitable things—not babysitting their property.

This seems like a no-brainer to me. Find a good property management company and check that off your to-do list. Do your homework and find a trustworthy team to take care of your investment. A little work on the front end will save you future hassles.

Featured image by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash 

Here are some other safety tips for our region:

• Winterize your home.
  • Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
  • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Check your heating systems.
  • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• If you do not have working smoke detectors, install one inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.
  • Install a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
  • Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them:

• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
• Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors.
  • Work slowly when doing outside chores.
  • Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.
  • Carry a cell phone.

Featured image by Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash