1. How soon can my property be rented?
There are no guarantees on when a house can be rented, but a good property manager can take certain steps to increase the probability that your property will be quickly rented to good tenants at the highest possible rent.
The most important factor is price. If the rent is significantly above the market price, then a property will be difficult to rent. As experienced property manager’s active in today’s market, we can set the rent at a level that will allow us to rent your property in a reasonable period of time.
Second, is the appearance of the property. A well maintained property that is clean and free of damage can be rented more quickly and at a higher value. We work quickly on recently vacated properties to arrange for any necessary cleaning, painting, or repairs to make the house more presentable.
Third, is the selection criteria in choosing a tenant. A property could be rented in a day, without any screening, but the result may be a house occupied by undesirable tenants that damage the house and fail to pay rent. It is often better to have no tenant, than a bad tenant. On the other hand, if your selection criteria is too strict, then it may disqualify otherwise desirable tenants. We have the experience as property managers to know when to be flexible and when to remain firm. For example, a house with new carpets should possibly have a no pet policy, while an older home may be able to accept a small pet, with good references.
Finally, a major factor in increasing the probability of renting a property sooner is to be available to answer phone inquiries and show properties. Agents at Jim McNeeley Real Estate are available seven days a week. This keeps us from missing any opportunities to rent out your property.
2. What is the most important aspect in dealing with tenants?
The most important aspect of dealing with tenants is to select qualified tenants. We go through an extensive screening process that helps ensure that reliable and responsible tenants occupy your dwelling. We conduct credit and criminal checks, verify income and employment, and check residential history to ensure that tenants do not have a history of late rent payments or property damage. In addition, we also use our judgment and experience by conducting “interviews” during the application process to determine whether applicants will make good tenants.
3. Why should I use Jim McNeeley Real Estate’s property management services?
Renting out a property can be time consuming and cause many headaches. Collecting rents, lost keys, or emergency repairs can cause major disruptions in your life. Jim McNeeley Real Estate is prepared to handle these challenges.
Over the years, we have developed a list of reliable contractors that do quality work at a reasonable price. We work primarily with small business contractors where our business is important to them. Contractors often give us discounted rates which we pass on to you at no additional cost.
In addition to advertising in the Oregonian, we offer other means of advertising free of charge. Your property will be posted on this website with information on the home and pictures. We also have numerous signs throughout the Portland area, and we conduct advertising on rental home websites.
Our agents are also continuously updated on landlord/tenant laws which have become more complex and more focused towards protecting tenants over the years. Violations of landlord/tenant laws can result in expensive penalties and a homeowner unfamiliar with current laws is taking quite a risk.
4. When can I expect to receive my rent check each month?
Rent is due on the first of each month and late after the 5th of the month. The state requires us to allow 2 days for mailing before we can enforce a late fee. We charge a $50 fee late which unlike most management companies, we pass along to you the owner.
If we have not received the rent by the 8th of the month, our team will physically drive out to your home and post a “72 hour notice” on your tenant’s door. This notice gives us the authority to start the eviction process if we do not receive the rent after the 72 hour time period is up.
We have found from experience, by posting these notices on the tenant’s door they become more responsive in getting their rent in on time.
5. What are your typical lease terms?
As the owner of the home you ultimately decide the basic terms of your lease. We recommend always doing a one year lease or longer, smokers are permitted outside ONLY, and pets are always negotiable depending on the circumstances of the home, tenant and owner.
We can recommend what appliances should or should not be included when renting your home. We can also help you locate a gardener if you decide to have the home professionally maintained instead of having your tenant be responsible for the maintenance.
éPlease feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to talking with you!é
