How to Choose a Seattle Property Management Company

Updated March 7, 2022

Deciding to hire a property manager is an excellent way to grow your real estate portfolio income—but it's not the only decision you need to make. Choosing the best property management company in the Seattle area can be a tough follow-up choice!

The right property manager provides a stress-free way for you to enjoy the benefits of owning good investment properties without the hassles of dealing with the day-to-day work yourself. You also need a property manager who creates a good working relationship with you and understands your long-term financial goals. 

Do these high-quality property managers exist? They do! Here's how property owners and investors can choose the best property management company in Seattle to build your long-term wealth—hassle-free.

Local Experience Is a Must-Have

Seattle is a booming place to live with plenty of jobs and the ability to support a variety of lifestyles. However, property investors also have to deal with a unique rental market and changing landlord-tenant laws that can affect residents and landlords.

To ensure your rental property reaches the best quality renters and generates the right amount of income, you need the best property management company Seattle has to offer—specifically, one with plenty of local experience. 

Your property manager should understand:

• What local renters want in a rental home
• How to reach your ideal potential renters
• How to run a legal investment property business that complies with local and federal laws

Make sure you research the experience of a potential property management company. They should have an established and reputable presence in the Seattle market to make it easy for your properties to benefit from their management expertise quickly. 

Ask Around

Seattle is an excellent place for out-of-state investors to benefit from our rental market. However, if you don't live in the Seattle area (but own investment properties there), it can be challenging to know if you're considering the best property managers.

Get local input by asking other property investors and residents about who they consider the best property management company Seattle can offer. A reputable property management company will be at the top of your mind when you ask for input from other property investors.

As you interview property managers, ask for a list of referrals you can contact. If a property manager can't point you in the direction of some good reviews or referrals, there's a good chance they aren't the right fit for you.

Don't Skip Important Questions

Set up a time to meet with a potential property manager. They might offer all of the services you want, but they also need to be a good fit for how you prefer to work and communicate. You can read about their services on a website, but getting to know their processes and daily operating style requires a get-to-know-you session. 

Be sure to ask these questions:

• What management fees are there for your services?
• What are the services you offer?
• What is your tenant screening process?
• What kind of property inspections do you do and how often do you schedule them?
• How do you handle maintenance (both routine upkeep and emergencies)?
• What are your communication and reporting methods?

Your property manager should be able to tailor communications to fit your needs. If you want to be more involved in regular communications and receive frequent updates on your property, make sure your property manager can accommodate you. 

However, if you prefer to be more hands-off to sit back and enjoy the passive income, make that clear before hiring prospective property management in Seattle.

Verify Their Marketing Strategies and Fill Rates

An empty property costs you money! Housing a bad renter is also a costly mistake. 

Is your potential property management company capable of placing a trustworthy renter in your investment properties with a minimum vacancy time? Ask your potential property manager about how they market rental properties and how long it takes to screen and place quality residents.

When it's time for a new resident in one of your investment properties, your property manager needs to be proactive. You need a property manager who understands how to create a compelling property listing with professional photos to attract your ideal renter—sooner rather than later!

Trust Your Gut

Personality is key when choosing the right property management staff. You want someone you feel comfortable working with, who understands your needs and communicates well. If they answer yconfidently answer your questionsgn with your expectations, and all your research confirms they’re a great choice, trust your instincts! 

Choose a property manager who not onlymeets the qualifications andike a natural fit for your personality and working style. After all, a strong working relationship is just as essential as their skills and expertise.

Don't Settle When It Comes to Your Property Manager!

Keep in Rememberis is the company you're pyou planner with to keep your portfolio profitable! It might take a few interviews to find the best property manager but resist the urge to settle for "just anyone" when it comes to your pick. It's a critical decision that can impact your long-term wealth. Take the time you need to find the right fit.

Real Property Associates has plenty of local experience and an excellent track record for managing investment properties to profitability! We've been helping property investors find success in real estate since 1991. 

Take a look at our Free Make-Ready Checklist to get a feel for the detail we put into making sure your properties are ready for your next resident, then let's chat about the other fantastic services we can offer you. Let's get to know each other!