When you begin the search to find a property manager, it is important to make sure you are putting your property in good hands. A property manager is someone property owners can hire to oversee the day-to-day operations of a real estate unit. They are going to be acting on a property owners’ behalf to preserve the value of the property. Due to how involved they are going to be in the upkeep of your home, you do not want to make this decision lightly. So, how do you know who is a good property manager to invest in? Here are a few qualifications to look out for:

• Communication skills: Someone who can listen to you and communicate back to you respectfully and responsibly. You do not want to end up hiring someone who takes days or weeks to get back to an urgent request or simply doesn’t listen to your needs. They should also be articulate in their communication.
• Reliability: Make sure this is someone you believe you can rely on for the job. They are going to be taking care of your property, and if you cannot count on them doing a great job, they are probably not the best choice.
• Knowledge: “Do they know what they are doing?”, as silly as it seems, this is an important question to ask yourself. A property manager should understand the ins and outs of the property, real estate laws and regulations, standard operating procedures, and keep up with reports. This revolves around how proactive they are in finding information and reacting to the information to prevent problems.
• Personality: Property managers have to be personable, patient, and confrontational when necessary. Since they are working with residents, contractors, and property owners they should know how to act appropriately in different circumstances. Finding someone who can stay calm under pressure, but also knows when to confront others to solve a problem is key. 
• Organization: There are so many moving parts to managing a property, and the property manager has to be able to keep things in order. Asking them, “how do you stay organized on your busiest day” can bring insight into how organized they are. It is likely your property is not the only one they are managing, so they need to be able to keep up with the demands of each one. A great property manager will be able to juggle the stressors of the job while being timely in responses and getting things done.

Trust your gut when interviewing candidates because more often than not, how you feel after meeting someone can speak volumes that should not be ignored. You are putting your real estate in their hands; it is important to find someone you trust and can rely on. If you have any more questions about finding a property manager, feel free to contact us directly!