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 June 6, 2025
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, many landlords are looking into building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Jr. ADU to improve their bottom line with additional monthly income. While this is a great way to earn more, you need to be sure you’re investing in the right upgrade to your property. Below are some of the key differences between ADUs and Jr. ADUs; this way, you can make the right decision for your property. Differences between Junior ADUs and ADUs On the surface, the primary difference between an ADU and a Jr. ADU is the square footage. However, there are many considerations for each type of ADU , significant differences include costs and build limitations. ADUs are generally seen as a larger and more versatile build when compared to a Jr. ADU. They can be built detached from the main home, converting an existing structure, most commonly the garage. In Long Beach, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. For reference, an 800 sqft living space can be arranged as a 2-bedroom 1-bath home, though with creative use of the space, many investors have been able to fit 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms comfortably. If listing the ADU for rent is the goal, this can produce a higher yield, though at the cost of a higher initial investment. Jr. ADU, on the other hand, can only be a maximum of 500 sqft and must be built attached to the existing single-family home. While you can build an entire new addition to accommodate the Jr. ADU, it's not uncommon for homeowners whose homes are bigger than they need to convert a bedroom into a Jr. ADU in order to have additional income . A Jr. ADU does still require an efficient kitchen. Bathrooms can be shared with the main house, though this can deter some prospective tenants. Additionally, the utilities are oftentimes shared with the main house, which can simplify installation, though it can complicate utility costs with your tenant. When an ADU is Right Being able to build a full ADU provides an entirely separate and private living space, which is more desirable to prospecting tenants. This is the preferred choice for most investors, especially those who have unused space in their property. By being built apart from the main house, an ADU may cause less disturbance to those living in the main house, whether that be yourself or another tenant. In Long Beach, CA. ADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals on apps like Airbnb; that being said, an ADU can command more in rent because of the aforementioned features. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, ADUs increase your property’s value while generating a consistent cash flow. Finally, if you ever plan on selling your rental property, the additional ADU can improve the appeal of your property to future buyers. When a Jr. ADU is Right While a Jr. ADU doesn’t have the same potential as a full-sized ADU, Jr. ADUs are far more budget-friendly. These are a great option for investors who have limited funds. Since Jr. ADUs generally require less work to be done in less time, allowing you to begin making a return sooner. Finally, if your property doesn’t qualify for a full-sized ADU permit due to the size of the property lot, a Jr. ADU can be built primarily through interior work, which may only require reconfiguring existing interior space. Whether you choose a full-sized ADU or a Jr. ADU, the decision depends on more than just the size of the structure, you’ll have to manage filling the vacancy and managing the new tenant. If you need help choosing which ADU is right for you or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards May 30, 2025
Summer is a great time of year where people enjoy a number of outdoor activities. Though for landlords, summer brings with it a list of maintenance items and preventative care for their properties. Below, we’ve gathered three of the most important maintenance items to do before summer starts. Service your HVAC System Southern California summers are getting hotter and hotter, if you want to maintain tenant satisfaction you’ll need to have the HVAC or any A/C or cooling system properly serviced . Filters should be cleaned or replaced, and the ductwork should be inspected. For rentals with window units or mini-split systems should also be thoroughly inspected as well for optimal cooling. Doing proactive maintenance can reduce the risk of the cooling system breaking down during peak usage while also improving the system’s efficiency. This can lower utility costs for your tenants while extending the lifespan of your cooling system, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, consider inspecting your window and door seals for leaks. If the seals are broken, it allows hot air into the living space, this increases the cost associated with cooling while adding more load to the HVAC or cooling system. While not directly a part of the HVAC system, ensuring there aren’t any breaks in the seals helps extend the lifespan of your cooling system which is beneficial to your bottom line. Inspect your Roof The condition of a roof is oftentimes ignored since they tend to last over twenty years, and some property owners may not even be sure when the roof was last replaced . A poorly conditioned roof is one of the primary ways for a rental property to drive up the costs of repairs and tenant complaints. A damaged roof can inefficiently insulate a home, making it harder to keep it cool. It can also lead to water leaks during rainfall, which can lead to water damage, stains, and mold growth. While summers tend to be dry, the coastal cities such as Long Beach may see unexpected shifts in weather, which can bring sudden rainstorms or increased humidity. Fixing a small roof leak is relatively inexpensive, however, leaving said leak to grow can result in an emergency repair can cost thousands especially if a tenant has already moved in. A thorough roof inspection is a great maintenance item to do during a vacancy period especially as this can result in a positive experience with new tenants. This can lead to a long term stay with many lease renewals. Check for Signs of Pests Pest infestations are one of the fastest ways to ruin a tenant’s stay while also damaging a landlord’s reputation. Pests such as ants, cockroaches, other bugs, and rodents are common in many beach cities, especially during the warmer seasons. Being in a city, you’ll likely never truly be rid of pests, though, even a single complaint about an excess of bugs or rodent droppings can lead to bad reviews online, service calls, and in severe cases, lease termination. These pests not only create an unwelcome environment for your tenants, but they can also cause real damage to your investment property. Cockroaches are known to damage small wiring in appliances, ants can ruin food and get in everything, while rodents can chew through walls, plumbing, and even electrical wiring. Landlords should schedule regular ppest inspectionsto check for early signs of pest activity before the hotter season begins. Much like everything in this article, preventative maintenance is significantly cheaper than an emergency call, in this case to an exterminator. If you want to keep your tenants happy and your property well taken care of, preventative maintenance is a must. If you’re unsure about the signs to look for when doing routine inspections or you need help managing your 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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