Guide to Alexandria Real Estate

Do you want to learn more about property management services in Alexandria?

• Will you reside and work near your rental property? Northern Virginia and to a certain extent Alexandria is a very transient area. Northern Virginia has more than our share of military, diplomats, State Department, political appointees and academia.  If you're getting transferred across the country or around the world, it might be a good idea to let a professional manage your rental. Even simple tasks can get complicated very quickly when you aren't around to manage the details.
• Do you want to handle the details of rental property management? Some landlords look forward to the task of finding good tenants. Some real estate investors think that dispatching handymen and managing cleaners is pleasurable. Therefore, they have fun taking late night calls. Nevertheless, if you don't want another job, you might not want the chores of managing your own rental property. If, you don't need the work from the routine management of your properties, you are smart to consider employing a property management company to help to manage your property.
• Do you like argue with your renters? If you have renters, eventually you will have to deal with issues. Even if you find hands-on management rewarding of the property, you may not find dealing with your renters is a joy. In addition, if you're not a trained rental property manager, you can get into trouble in a hurry if you don't understand landlord obligations. If you've already got your hands full, the last thing you need is more to worry about. For this reason, employing a rental property manager may be a way (and tax deductible) expense.
• Can you afford the cost? Let's face it. employing a rental property manager is much more attractive choice if you're not in a cash crunch.  If monthly cash-flow is not a problem, you'll likely save money by employing a rental property manager and writing off the expense.  But if at the end of every month cash is tight, you might not want to employ a property management company.
• Can you afford the risk? Do you understand the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act? Do you know the tenant's rights? Do you understand your duties?  The more you understand rental management in today's litigious society the more you'll know the benefit of hiring an experience manager in your corner.
• Do you have a list of maintenance people? Every investment requires maintenance. When your renter contacts for maintenance will you know who to hire and what to do in a prompt manner? Do you know which repairs are the landlord's responsibility and which repairs are a renter responsibility. If not, you should consider employing a rental property manager.