How to Find the Right Property Management Company

April 20, 2023

In today’s fast paced online world there seems to be an abundance of options for consumers, and property management companies are no different. Filtering through each of them can be overwhelming and knowing exactly which one is best for you is even tougher! Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals has been in the real estate and property management business for over 30 years so we know a thing or two about vacation rentals. Here are a few tips from our pros on how to determine the best property management group to successfully manage your vacation rental.

#1 – More Traffic = More Guests

The key to any business is traffic. The more traffic and visibility your vacation rental gets, the more bookings you will have! When researching vacation rental management companies, ask about their booking history, how they market properties, and how they market to potential guests. Where do they rank in Google searches, how do they increase their search visibility, how do they use social media platforms, etc. All of these search factors go into how well your property will be marketed and in turn how often it will be rented.

#2 – The Local Advantage

When in doubt, go local. Local companies are typically involved in their local government, community events, and are more accessible if an emergency arises. Local management teams are better equipped to check on your property regularly and have better contacts with maintenance organizations. In general, companies who are local, are better equipped to help your guests and help you as well! Finding experts in your area will create better relationships and provide local expertise.

#3 – Guest Feedback and Customer Service

What are guests saying? One of the best ways to know how well a property management company handles its customer service is to look at reviews. There will always be positives and negatives about individual properties, but the way the company responds says a lot about how they will treat their owners too. Do they respond quickly and are they able to answer a guests concerns in a timely manner? Is it easy for guests and owners to contact them? Customer service is a key player in determining if a guest will return, and keeping owners worry-free.

#4 – Review Property Management Services Offered

Services for homeowners range from in-house maintenance all the way to marketing your home. In other words, what will the management company do to ensure your property is taken care of before, during, and after a guest stay? Do they offer regular inspections or will they help with updates in your home? Do they have in-house maintenance or do they depend on another company? What will your property management group do to make sure your vacation property is successfully booked? Understanding each service that will be provided will allow you to make the best decision in choosing which vacation rental management company is best for you.

#5 – What Are the Management Costs?

There’s a reason some products cost more than others…and the same goes with vacation property management. You want your property to be well maintained and for it to be taken care of by qualified professionals, and that may cost you a percent or two. The property management company you choose could be the single reason your property is or isn’t making money so make sure to analyze your options and not pick a company based solely on their commission.

Interested in Learning More About Vacation Management Services?

If you want to learn more about St. Simons Island property management, contact Hodnett Cooper today! We would be happy to answer any homeowner questions you have. Check out our services provided to learn more.