Why hire a property Manager

One of the most common tasks we are asked to do for our new clients is make a home “Rent-Ready,”  that is,  prepare a home so that it can be put on the market for lease and have it ready for a tenant to move in and perhaps most importantly, desirable enough to attract quality tenants. We keep the following considerations in mind when we determine what needs to be done to make the home attractive for qualified, high quality applicants.

1.) Consider, is the house attractive and desirable as a rental? Will it attract potential tenants who can see themselves living in the home. 

2.) Determine if the home is in compliance with Federal and state housing laws, I.e., is it up to code.

3.) Additionally, we consider whether or not the property meets our Rent-Ready standards as described here:  https://www.hermitagepm.com/our-rent-ready-property-standards. 

We start with the following:

Inspect and evaluate: We start with a property evaluation. We inspect the entire property and compile a list of work that needs to be done to make it rent-ready. This includes taking notes and photographing all aspects of the property including inside the kitchen and bathroom cabinets; testing all appliances; examining floors, walls, closet spaces; testing the HVAC and water heater; examining the windows, doors, (Inside and out), garage, backyards, attics, drains, faucets. The list can be endless.

There have been times where we have completed an inspection and finished with a report that can have as many as 75-80 items that need attention. Then we compile a list of recommended repairs that we believe need to be completed to make a property rent-ready.

This includes:

Clean and Declutter: Start by thoroughly cleaning the entire property, including floors, walls, windows, and appliances. Remove any personal belongings left by the previous occupants and declutter the space to create a clean and welcoming home.

Repair and Maintenance: Address any necessary repairs, such as leaky faucets, slow drains, faulty electrical outlets, or broken fixtures. Ensure that all appliances are in good working condition and replace any worn-out items.

Paint: A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform a home and make it more appealing to potential tenants. We always recommend repainting the walls a neutral color (simple is best - don't get fancy) The goal is to create a blank canvas for tenants to personalize. If touch up is all that’s required, it should be top to bottom, corner to corner to match the finish, faded paint and to cover any scuff marks or damage on walls, doors, and baseboards. We recommend fresh paint every two years, or on turnovers following tenancies that are longer than two years.

Flooring: Evaluate the condition of the flooring and determine if any repairs or replacement is necessary. Clean or replace carpets, repair any damaged tiles or hardwood floors, and ensure that the flooring is in good condition throughout the property. Carpets should be replaced every five years.

Kitchen and Bathrooms: We pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these areas often play a significant role in tenant decision-making. Clean and sanitize all surfaces, replace worn-out fixtures, and ensure that plumbing is in proper working condition. We may recommend updating outdated appliances, cabinets and/or countertops if necessary.

Landscaping and Exterior: Enhance the curb appeal of the property by maintaining the landscaping and exterior areas. This may include trimming overgrown bushes and trees, mowing the lawn, and ensuring that the garage, driveway, entries, and walkways are clean, (pressure washed is a great solution) and in good repair. Consider adding fresh mulch or flowers to create an inviting entrance.

Safety and Security: Prioritize the safety and security of the property by rekeying all entry doors and locks; checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Ensure that all locks are functioning properly and consider installing security features such as outdoor lighting or a security system for added peace of mind.

Once all of the above is done, we always do a deep cleaning and window cleaning. In addition to regular cleaning, we always hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean the property. This includes cleaning carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas, including behind appliances to ensure a fresh and hygienic living space for the future tenant.

Remember, each property may have unique requirements, so adapt these steps as needed. By investing time and effort into preparing a home for rent, we can increase its desirability and set the stage for a successful and profitable rental experience. Additionally, we’ve found doing all of these things before a tenant moves in saves time and money with repairs subsequent to a tenant moving in.