According to Mid Hudson News, Columbus, Georgia's overall cost of living and housing costs are 7% and 22% lower than the U.S. average, respectively. It also boasts a thriving job market and offers many entertainment and outdoor activity options. In short, it's one of Georgia's best places to live.
All those qualities that make people flock to Fountain City also make it an excellent place to be a landlord. So, if you've decided to become one, it's a wise choice, provided you select tenants carefully, such as through a reputable leasing-only service.
Read on as the Bickerstaff Parham Property Management experts will discuss what to consider and how to choose leasing services in Columbus, GA.
1. Consider the Leasing-Only Service Provider's Pricing Strategy
One of the most crucial Columbus, GA, rental tips when choosing a leasing-only service is to ask the property management company if and how they'll price your rental. If they'll leave it up to you, re-consider your decision to hire them.
Why?
Because the best leasing companies in Columbus, GA, include accurate and comprehensive rent assessments in their leasing-only service plans. After all, the advertised price of your rental can either detract or attract prospective tenants. They want the right people to flock to your rental, so they'll thoroughly analyze it to gauge its fair rental market value.
2. Factor in the Service Provider's Marketing Tactics
Next, consider the leasing-only service provider's marketing strategies or the methods they'll use to advertise and promote your Columbus, GA, property. At the very least, they should:
- Have a dedicated leasing specialist assigned to your property
- Inspect and stage your property
- Update listings and use professional photos and videos to advertise your property
- Increase visibility through software that syndicates listings out to popular rental websites (e.g., Trulia and Zillow)
Also, ensure the leasing specialist can promptly answer inquiries and coordinate showings. The last thing you want is to have many prospective tenants turned off because they only get replies several days from their initial inquiries.
3. The Service Provider's Tenant Placement Process
According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, housing providers must abide by the Georgia Fair Housing Act (FHA). The Act prohibits discriminatory housing-related practices based on a person's:
- Disability
- Race, color, and national origin
- Sex
- Religion
- Familial status
So, when choosing a leasing-only service provider, ask them about this law and the steps they take to comply. At the very least, they must tell you they implement a consistent and comprehensive tenant screening process. If they run credit, employment, income, eviction, and criminal history checks on one applicant, they must do the same with all other applicants.
Consider These Factors When Choosing a Leasing-Only Service
From their pricing strategy to their marketing tactics and tenant screening processes, these are three of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a leasing-only service provider.
Luckily, you've come to the right place. At Bickerstaff Parham Property Management, we take pride in our thorough, efficient, and legally compliant tenant placement services. Our team members have decades of combined experience in property management and maintenance, allowing us to serve clients in Columbus, GA, and nearby areas with top-quality leasing services.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or request your complimentary property consultation!
