There is a common misconception that property managers and real estate agents perform similar duties, but a property manager’s role is quite distinct from that of a real estate agent. While both professions are closely tied to the housing market, there are far more differences than similarities. Understanding these differences can help rental property owners know who to call when professional expertise is required.
Key Differences
A real estate agent is a professional who lists and sells properties on behalf of owners. While some real estate agents specialize in helping buyers find and purchase investment real estate, their primary function remains rooted in the sales transaction. The real estate agent’s workload can vary significantly with market conditions. Although some real estate agents assist with finding tenants for a rental property, their involvement with both the tenant and property owner generally ends once the lease is signed.
In contrast, a property manager dedicates their time to assisting rental property owners with the continuous management of their rental properties. This includes property maintenance and repair, tenant screenings, rent collection, and other ongoing responsibilities. The property manager’s role is contractual, involving ongoing management services rather than one-time transactions, and is therefore less impacted by market downturns. During these times, many property owners rely on property management as an alternative to selling at a loss.
What Property Managers Do (And Real Estate Agents Don’t)
Beyond these fundamental distinctions, top-rated property managers provide additional support that real estate agents typically don’t. For instance, while both professionals might help with advertising a rental property, property managers generally take it further by screening tenants, fostering tenant communication, and addressing issues like emergency repairs and complaints. Property managers also clarify lease terms and encourage a positive tenant relationship.
Many property managers go above and beyond by offering local market insights, setting competitive rental rates, and suggesting ways to enhance a property’s resale value. They can also help locate other investment properties that might not be publicly available, making them invaluable partners for rental property owners seeking to build their investment business.
The Value of a Great Property Manager
One of the nation’s top property management companies, Real Property Management, offers comprehensive support tailored to rental property owners and investors. Our experts deliver a complete range of services, including setting accurate rental rates and partnering with our home services vendors to keep maintenance costs low.
To learn more about Real Property Management Shire Team’s services in Lee and surrounding areas, contact us online or call 413-418-9600 today!
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