First-Time Landlord – Seeking Help and Tips on Renting My Property and Using a P firm

[Jim Coleman]

Hi everyone,

I’m in a bit of a situation and could really use some general advice. I’m moving out of state and need to rent out my property, but this will be my first time doing so, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole process. I’m worried about a lot of things like what needs to be fixed in the house to having an above ground pool being an issue.

I’ve decided that I’d rather not manage the property myself, so I’m looking into hiring a property management firm. The problem is, I’m not sure what to look for in a good property manager, or how to make sure I’m not getting taken advantage of. I want to make sure I find someone trustworthy who’ll handle everything from tenant screening to maintenance, but I also don’t want to end up with hidden fees or unexpected issues down the road.

Have any of you had experience using property management firms? What should I be asking them? Any tips or red flags I should be aware of when renting for the first time? Also, if there are any steps in the renting process that I should be prepared for, I’d love to hear about them!

I really appreciate any advice or personal stories you can share. Thanks so much!