FAQs
Property Management FAQs
Why should I choose Low Country Realty & Rentals to handle my property?
There are many reasons why Low Country Realty & Rentals is your number one choice for property management. We have a combined experience of 50+ years in the property manangment field. We have helped hundreds of homeowners with our extensive services.
Not only do we have the expertise to procur the highest rental rate, we provide hands down the best and most comprehenisve advertising in the area. Our extensive marketing helps insure for each client the quickest occupancy. We advertise your home for rent on over 40 top real estate/rental websites, have a daily ad in Bluffton Today, and we produce high resolution pictures of your house to provide as much information to the renting public as we are able.
How long will it take to rent my property?
It depends on the home location, condition, rental rate, and what the local market will support. However, through our unparalleled advertising, we provide quality Bluffton tenants between 15 and 45 days on average, but it can be longer for certain properties.
How do you determine a rental rate for our property?
Since we specialize in single family homes we have our finger on the pulse of the market. Between using our own in-house private data, certain public data, previous properties that rented in the area, and the specs/condition of your house, we formulate a rental rate that will attract quality tenants in 30 days with a full deposit.
How will my property be shown?
No keys will be given out! Unlike other management companies that give tenants the lockbox code or keys, your property will only be shown to pre-qualified tenants by one of our professional leasing agents who has access and of course in-depth knowledge about your home.
How do I know you’ll find a qualified tenant?
Once the prospective tenant says “I want to rent this house,” we will offer a recommendation, run a credit report, conduct a background check, review employment history, rental history, and check local and national sexual offender databases. Upon that recommendation, we enlighten you with our findings, to help you make the final decision on your new tenants.
How do you keep maintenance cost under control?
We work with specialized vendors that are qualified to handle any issue that may arise with the home. We do not mark up invoices like other companies, so you receive the best work at the best price, if any issues do occur.
Will the tenants take good care of my home?
There is always a risk that your tenant will not treat your home as well as you would. Normal wear and tear are expected.
How do I get my rent money?
Each month you will receive either by mail or email your "owner statement" and any applicable service invoice copies. Any proceeds will be either be by check mailed with you statement or direct deposited to the account provided by you. This is done by the 10th of each month for the prior month's activities, just like a bank statement.
Can I leave the house partially furnished?
Partially furnished and furnished rentals are rare unless the community allows "short term" rentals. Typically, renters looking for furnished places are looking for 1-3 months. Most communities limit rentals to six months or longer.
Do I need to take care of the lawn?
Tenants typically handle all lawn care and maintenance. You, the owner, are still responsible for ground cover such as mulch and pine straw. You are also responsible for tree and large bush cutting/trimming, as you do not want renters on ladders and so on! We do offer full landscape services to you or the tenant as an option. Prices will be quoted when necessary.
Who handles pest control?
It is best for you, the owner, to handle pest and termite control. That way we know for certain it is getting done and there will not be an issue in the future.
Should I cancel my utilities after I move out?
No. Make sure to leave the utilities in your name until transferring over to the new tenant when they move in. If you cancel, there is a risk of damage during cold or extreme hot weather (i.e. plumbing, appliances, sump pumps, A/C units) and it’s a lot more work getting them turned back on as a “new” service under the tenant's name.
We are still living in the home.. Should we move out.. or try to rent while we still live here?
It is fine to still be living or even have belongings in the home. However, it is not uncommon for someone to need to move in within a weeks notice. So, with this fact, be ready to move everything out in as little as 4 days!
Do I have to continue to have homeowners insurance or will the tenant be responsible for insurance?
Yes, you should maintain a landlord policy on the property. The tenants can’t carry homeowners insurance since they don’t own the house, but we mandate all tenants to carry renters insurance for personal their belongings. It’s always good to contact your insurance agent and let them know you are renting the house and make sure you are protected.
I would like to move out of my house within 6 weeks.. when should we start the process?
Today. It’s never a good thing to wait until the last minute, especially in today's economy and rental market. It’s a perfect time to start lining up prospective tenants as soon as possible.
I see real estate agents renting out homes. How how do you differ from them?
Unfortunately there are many agents and brokerages that have ZERO property management experience and do not specialize in the rental of single family homes. They may not be familiar with legal issues regarding leases or the requirements for accounting and escrow of rents and deposits. They also do not normally have knowledge of the Landlord Tenant Act that must be adhered to. It is always good to have a professional company handle such an important asset for you.
I’m ready, what is all this going to cost?
Low Country Realty & Rentals has the most competitive rates and comprehensive service in the area. There is NO cost or charge for the initial evaluation, pictures, professional ad, distribution of that ad to targeted websites, showings, tenant pre-screening, and document preparation. Our rental commission is 10% of the monthly rental rate once a tenant moves in (10-12% for houses).
Are there any other costs to get started?
Very simple. NO.
What if I still have questions about your property management services?
Call us at 843-842-2424 or 1-800-845-5552 or email us at info@blufftonrentals.com
What if I want to sell my house in Bluffton, SC?
We will work with any real estate professional you may currently have. If you do not have one we have a team of professional Realtors that will simultaneously market your home for sale while we locate a tenant. Whichever comes first we will release the other.
I’m ready… How do I get started?
Request your no hassle, free residential property management quote below. Enter your “subject property” and contact info correctly and our team with be in contact with you as soon as possible.
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