Property Management Resources Blog

Hello to all future property moguls and seasoned real estate investors! If you've been surveying the Seattle area housing market, sitting on the fence, now is your moment to leap. As we move into 2024, a variety of factors are coming together to make it a golden year for investment opportunities, especially in apartment buildings and single-family homes. The time for action is now!

Hey, future property tycoons! If you've got your eyes set on real estate but are sidelining Seattle because you think it's out of your league—hold up! We're here at Powell Property Management to break down why 2023 is shaping up to be a great year to invest in property in Seattle.

Seattle, known for its vibrant arts scene, tech industry, stunning landscapes, and coffee culture, is a dynamic and diverse city that attracts residents from all walks of life. But where exactly are the best places to settle in the Emerald City? For those considering a move to Seattle or simply curious about what this thriving city offers, Powell Property Management has compiled a list of trendy, affordable neighborhoods. Let's explore the hidden gems of the Seattle metro area.

Learning what can be deducted from your taxes as a landlord or property owner is very important if you want to maximize your profit on a rental property. If you’re considering buying your first rental property, or already have a property in the Burien, Washington, area and want to make sure you’re claiming as many deductions as possible, this article is definitely for you!

Whether you’re expanding your diverse real-estate portfolio or dipping your toe into investment property for the first time, the hunt for the perfect multi-family property is exciting and overwhelming, especially when properties sell quickly. Hot markets incentivize quick decisions, leading to unforeseen expenses and problems unless a prospective buyer understands how to apply a discerning eye.

The tenant in 2C says the toilet runs continuously. Four people would like to see 4A this afternoon. 1A is upset that 3B has an unreported dog that barks too much. Managing an apartment complex presents unique and constant challenges and time demands. Your phone doesn’t have to ring about any of it. A property management company can handle daily drama and maintenance needs and keep your investment profitable.

Are you a future landlord? If you’re looking for just the right thing to round out your investment portfolio, an apartment complex could be a good fit. When it’s time to weigh to pros and cons of investing in multi-family rental units, it’s best to talk to the people that know the most about it. 

You are tired of showing your property to people who do not follow up or pass a background inspection. It’s time to get serious about social media marketing for your rental property. Your old ways of getting the word out about your rental units aren’t making the phone ring as often anymore.

Modern tenants search for rental properties the way they search for everything: online. Whereas many natural leads used to come from advertisements in public spaces, many digital advertisements now perform the same function. When was the last time you saw a tear-away phone number advertisement tacked to a public bulletin board? They aren’t around as frequently as they used to be. Though we still recommend community advertising, you will miss out on an entire market sector if you neglect your online marketing.

It’s time to get your rental property photo-ready! The first step to finding a fantastic tenant for your rental property is to showcase your property with the best advertising possible. Savvy tenants scrutinize the photographs on rental listings for details. Appealing pictures highlighting your assets will attract attention and widen your pool of applicants. Many renters will not pursue a property that does not include photographs, as this can be a sign of a rental scam at worst and a variable bet at best.

You’re exhausted by your search for the perfect rental. Your old lease is up soon, and you’re in a rush to find your new home. Suddenly, the ideal place floats across your screen. The photographs are gorgeous. It has everything you’re looking for and a few things you didn’t dare to include on your list. The location is perfect. It’s actually on the lower end of your budget. Your heart is beating in your ears. What if this was it? You reach out to the landlord and hear right back. They are out of the country on business and in a hurry to fill their space with a responsible party such as you. Would you like to move in next week? Could you please wire $2000.59 to this account based in Nigeria? Your gut tells you this is a scam. But what if it isn’t? You have already pictured yourself floating in the pool and waking up bathed in gorgeous natural light. 

Don’t do it. It’s a scam.

Your tenant’s checks are bouncing. You notice some tenants' rent has been straggling in later and later as the COVID pandemic drags on. More landlords than ever before are considering offering online payment options for their tenants and many tenants report that they prefer to pay their rent online.  It might be easier to convert to an online rent payment system than you think.

If you’re considering hiring a property manager to ease the difficulties of being a real estate investor or property owner, one of the first questions you’re asking is probably this: How much does property management cost?

The answer, of course, is not always simple—the average cost of property management services will vary, especially depending on whether your real estate investment is residential or commercial. Most property management companies, however, have set rates that allocate a percentage of your property's monthly rent to utilize their services.