Have you ever encountered a property in the perfect place, in excellent condition, for a fantastic price, but it was located too far away? The good news is that through the wonders of modern technology, there’s no such thing as too far! If you want to manage a rental property out of town, out of state, or even while you’re in a different property, all you need is the right set of tools. Once you learn how to manage a rental remotely, you’ll be able to have your pick of the property of your choice from anywhere in the country!
Go Digital
Thanks to modern technology and the internet, you can manage your property virtually anywhere at any time. You can handle the entire rental process through websites or phone applications if you want to. You can set up remote 3D virtual tours to rake in the applications. With online document signing, it’s easy for you to receive applications and have prospective tenants sign the necessary contracts. Then, when a tenant moves in, maintenance requests and rental payments are just a click away.
Make It Easy To Get in Touch
When you make the digital jump, make it easy for tenants to get in touch with you. Generally, tenants feel more comfortable when they feel like they have an approachable landlord whom they’re familiar with. Whether you have a website, social media pages, or an app, put your contact information where it’s easy to find. Of course, along with your contact info, post your work hours and average response time, especially if you’re in a different time zone.
Build the Right Team
To manage your rental property remotely, you must have eyes on the ground. This means setting up a team of local contractors, real estate agents, property managers, pest control, and a real estate attorney. If you choose the right property management company, managing your rental property remotely becomes much easier. Once you have a team of people to help you manage your property, you don’t have to live in fear of what’s going on miles away.
Manage Security
Having a solid security system in place before you leave can give you better peace of mind. While you don’t need to, and legally can’t, have cameras placed throughout the home, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep an eye on your property through a security system. However, you must inform your tenants where sensors or alarms are installed.
Visit When You Can
While this may not always be an option, it’s a good idea to try and visit as often as possible. If you can’t set aside the time to visit, you can hire a handyperson, contractor, or agent to pop in for you. Or you can ask your tenants to do a video call so you can check in and get to know them at the same time. Showing your tenants that you care and letting them get to know you is a great way to build a trusting, professional relationship that may convince them to stay longer!