Blog Post

How Does Technology Improve Property Management

Dustin Edwards • February 20, 2024

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, keeping up with how technology has helped manage properties is a good idea. This change can seem strange to some, and while you don't have to use it, you should be aware of how it’s changing the real estate industry. 


Technology has many advantages to improving how you manage your property. Below are five ways technology has been shown to do just that.


Rent Collection

Technology doesn't just mean physical devices. Many smartphone apps have helped many landlords collect rent. Much of modern life has become digital, and while different, it has its benefits. Consider a time when collecting rent from tenants in cash, which was standard. You would run the risk of counterfeit bills and having to go to the bank with a large sum of money, which can be risky. Personal checks would run the risk of bouncing or taking weeks to clear. 


Giving tenants many options to pay their rent helps ensure rent is delivered on time. While there are few perfect solutions to collecting rent, many applications are on the market to meet your requirements and needs. Some banks allow agreements for monthly withdrawals, which can be used to pay rent. Other popular digital payment platforms include PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle, to name a few.


Property Management Software

For owners and landlords who are comfortable navigating applications, there are many options for property management software. Not only can these applications be used to collect rent, giving tenants a consistent payment method, but they can also help manage your properties. There is only one best property management software solution for every investor. However, much like the digital payment platforms, there are many to choose from. Avail, Apartments.com, and Zillow Rental Manager are some of the more popular software available, though many more fit your needs.


Smart Home Technology

While it may not seem like it at a glance, smart home technology can be helpful in property management. Although it's seen as a feature or amenity for tenants, smart home technology can automate several tasks. For example, watering laws can be automated, controlling the amount of water used and reducing the risk of a tenant over or under-watering a garden or lawn. Being able to control the thermostat remotely by a tenant can help them reduce energy consumption and the load on the HVAC system. In the long run, this can reduce maintenance costs.


Virtual Tours for Listings

When listing a vacancy, providing a virtual tour of the rental is becoming increasingly important. Many young adults looking to rent typically use their smartphones to view listings. While high-quality photos are important, a virtual tour can save time and money. A tenant can immediately see if they’re interested in your rental property. Virtual tours provide a more accurate representation of the rental. They can also be reused in between listings multiple times. With virtual tours, you can also list the rental property before a property is ready for a tenant. Finally, it gives a competitive advantage, as a virtual tour can better demonstrate the property than photos.


Security

Security systems can be implemented to protect your tenant if you also want to protect your property. Security cameras, smart locks, and keyless entry systems can protect your property through remote monitoring. High-definition security cameras can help to identify any would-be intruders while using a cloud-based storage system means you reduce the risk of systems failing.


As technology evolves in the real estate industry, it's up to you to take advantage of it. It may seem odd or different at first, but it can be greatly beneficial with time. If you’re looking for better ways to manage your properties, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards November 18, 2024
Be aware of these 3 common issues when the rainy season arrives at your rental property.
Cold weather can come fast and strong so it's best to ensure your property is ready for this climate
By Dustin Edwards November 12, 2024
It's important to prepare your rental properties for the colder weather. Although we don’t need to prepare for snow and freezing temperatures, we do need to prepare for the cold and rain. By ensuring your rental is cozy inside and prepared for the fall season , you can not only reduce energy costs for your tenant but also maintain your rental property value. Today, we’ll go over three signs your property is ready for this upcoming cold weather.  Sign #1 Proper Weatherproofing During the colder seasons, it's much easier for a tenant to notice any cold spots in your rental. Well-insulated doors and windows can not only help maintain the warm temperature but also prevent it from lowering. It can also prevent cold spots and drafts, which can help with tenant satisfaction . Doors and windows should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and maintain proper temperatures. A visual inspection of the weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure they’re intact is a great place to start. If damaged, consider replacing them, as trying to seal gaps can be tricky and rarely lasts. Other seals should also be checked, as well as any areas that need to be caulked in order to keep cold air out. Insulation during the summer helps keep the cool air in, and during the winter, insulation in the halls and attics helps retain desired heat. Hot air rises, and if there isn't adequate insulation in the ceiling, heat will continually be lost. Luckily, adding insulation to an attic is not uncommon and typically only requires a day or two for installation. Sign #2 Energy Efficiency Measures During the winter, it's not just the cold you need to keep in mind. As days are much shorter, there is less sunlight to keep the rental warm and more hours of darkness. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when preparing for the cold weather. Energy-efficient lighting or smart lighting helps reduce overall costs since your tenant will likely use electricity to keep warm. Ensure your outdoor lighting is rated for external use, as this can provide crucial illumination during longer nights. Draft guards on doors and windows help reduce the load on your rental’s HVAC system which can significantly improve its lifespan. This is also a great time to replace filters and clean the ductwork in your rental to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider installing an insulative film on older windows, which helps retain heat and keep rooms warmer without the need for extra heating. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, ensure it’s in working order, as this can help tenants manage an energy-efficient heating schedule more easily. Sign #3 Property Exterior Southern California is a great place to settle down, and while we don't need to worry about snowfall or deep freezes, ensuring the exterior of your rental property is ready for the cold weather is important. With our cold season mainly bringing with it rain, inspect your rental property’s rain gutter system . Remove debris from drains and check for leaks or signs of wear and tear. Walkways should be clear of debris and well-lit. This may require you to prune and trim trees and bushes that may leave behind leaves. When combined with rainfall, a single wet leaf can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to areas where people may have tripped in the past. Much like during the hotter weather, it's important for your rental to be ready for fall and winter. By keeping your property ready for any weather Southern California has to offer, you ensure your rental property and tenants will provide steady rental income every month. If you need help preparing your rental for the cold weather or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards November 4, 2024
Owning a rental property in a beach city like Long Beach, CA , offers a number of advantages, like great weather and a strong real estate market. However, the cold ocean breezes can pose some challenges for landlords and tenants, making it convenient for property managers . Although the weather is generally great, these ocean breezes can sometimes make properties drafty and uncomfortable during the fall and winter seasons. Today we’ll go over four measures that can improve tenant comfort and protect your investment from the cold ocean breezes. Weatherproofing Againsts Drafts Drafts are caused by gaps between doors and windows which can make a rental feel colder than it is. This leads to unnecessary energy use and tenant discomfort. Sealing these gaps is not difficult and quite doable for a landlord who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Replacing worn weatherstripping and adding fresh caulking to seal minor gaps blocks air from permeating the property. For additional protection from drafts, you can provide your tenant with inexpensive door sweeps. Improve Heating Efficiency Having efficient heating is crucial to countering the cooler ocean breezes while keeping costs low. Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system , such as replacing filters, cleaning vents, and cleaning the compressor to keep it running smoothly. This not only provides more efficient heating, it also extends the life of your HVAC system. Installing a smart thermostat is another way for tenants to adjust heating schedules efficiently. Protect Outdoor Spaces Outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and even porches can oftentimes be exposed to the coastal breezes. This can be an issue in the long run, especially for rentals next to the beach , as the wind can carry sand and salt, which can accelerate the deterioration of metals, wood, and paint. This can be mitigated by adding windbreaks to the property, such as lattice panels or outdoor curtains, to create a more comfortable and functional outdoor space. Exterior finishes will require more frequent maintenance. This includes resealing wood and metal surfaces. As well as repainting is important to protect against wear from salt, sand, and moisture. Wind Mitigating Landscaping Much like with the curtains and lattice previously talked about, the landscaping can also be used as a windbreak. For example, planting wind-resistant shrubs or trees alongside exposed areas creates a natural barrier. This helps reduce the impact of the gusts of wind hitting the property. Many native plants thrive in coastal climates while also requiring minimal maintenance. While expensive, the results can greatly improve your rental’s longevity and curb appeal. Alternatively, you can strategically place planters to provide protection. Durable Furniture Furniture and fixtures exposed to the cold coastal breezes need to be able to withstand that wear and tear. Choose resilient materials such as treated wood, powder-coated metals, and outdoor-rated plastics. These are less prone to being damaged by the salt or wind. Furniture that is lightweight should be secured or anchored in place to prevent it from being blown away. By investing in durable furnishing, you can provide tenants with a comfortable and functional outdoor space for years to come. Protecting your beach city property from the cold ocean breeze doesn't necessarily require extensive renovations or investments. Try to focus on any relevant feedback from your tenant, this can help you pinpoint what part of your rental needs attention. If you need additional help protecting your rental property from the cold ocean breezes or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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