Differences Between Property Managers and Real Estate Agents

A typical misconception about Lawrenceville property managers and real estate agents is that these occupations are more or less the same. But in reality, a property manager’s job is not the same as that of a real estate agent. While both roles are closely linked to the housing market, there are far more differences than similarities. Knowing these differences can help rental property owners understand who to call when professional expertise is needed.

Key Differences

To begin with, a real estate agent is a person who lists and sells properties for their owners. While a few real estate agents specialize in helping buyers find and purchase investment real estate, the agent’s role still revolves around the sales transaction. The function of a real estate agent is dependent on the current housing market. As market conditions change, it’s common for real estate agents to find their business (and income) fluctuating. In some situations, real estate agents may provide tenants a rental property. Still, their participation with the tenant and the property owner typically ends when the lease is signed.

That said, a property manager handles helping property owners to manage their rental properties. A property manager can offer a lot of services, but most of their task involves working on behalf of a property owner to oversee property maintenance and repair, tenant screenings, collecting rent payments, etc. A property manager is a contractual role wherein they get paid for their ongoing management services. This is not the same as a real estate manager’s role. Property management is also less likely to be influenced by a drop in the housing market. In fact, property managers may see their workload grow during market downturns as a lot of property owners look to renting as a different avenue to selling at a loss.

What Property Managers Do (And Real Estate Agents Don’t)

Besides the primary differences between a real estate agent and a property manager, there are a lot more tasks top-rated property managers do that real estate agent, and even other property managers, usually don’t. Even if a real estate agent and most property managers will advertise a rental property to get new tenants, not all of them will screen those tenants completely for possible red flags. After a tenant has been screened, a good property manager will start building rapport with the tenant by having open communication and expounding the lease documents in a clear way. In addition, a good property manager will schedule and perform regular maintenance on a property and take on emergency repairs and tenant complaints.

Aiding property owners as they analyze the local market, setting an accurate rental rate, and providing suggestions on how to maximize a property’s earning potential and your property’s resale value are some of the few common but valuable services that some property managers offer. They may also help you find and compare additional rental properties. They can even get you properties that are not yet on the market. These are not the typical services among all property managers. Usually, only the top in the business will closely work with rental property owners to guide you not just to manage property but build an investment business.

The Value of a Great Property Manager

Real Property Management is the nation’s top property management company. This is due to the fact that we can provide a full range of services that rental property owners and investors need to reach their financial goals and dreams. Our experts will aid you to set an accurate rental rate and keep costs down using our preferred home services vendors. This is why most of our clients note that the value of our services far exceeds the cost. And these are quality services that you can’t find just anywhere else.

To learn more about Real Property Management North Point’s services, contact us online today!