Frequently Asked Questions About Real Property Management Hometown - Central Arkansas
How long does it take to rent a property?
The leasing process has many variables including time of year, local inventory, condition, and asking price. When the home sparkles and is move-in ready, it will make a great first impression and generate preferred renters. In most cases, we can find a qualified applicant and fill vacancies within 2-3 weeks.
As we get feedback from potential tenants that have viewed, we will put together a weekly leasing report and send it to your email. If we are receiving negative feedback due to issues found in the home or the rental price, we will schedule a phone call and recommend what needs to be done in order to rent your property.
How do you handle repairs?
For tenant-occupied homes, tenants submit a maintenance request via their online tenant portal or our 24 hr maintenance hotline. Our portal allows tenants to submit a work order request by providing a description of the issue as well as uploading photos of the issue, when appropriate.
When a request comes in, we assess it and see if it needs immediate dispatch or if we can proactively troubleshoot the issue with the tenant. There are many common repair requests our team is trained on how to troubleshoot. If the issue needs to be fixed, and can not be resolved by our team troubleshooting the issue, we assign the work order to one of our preferred vendors. We utilize third-party vendors/independent contractors for all work. We make sure the cost of the repair is fair and that the work was completed satisfactorily. The management agreement allows us to approve any repair under $300, without having to bother our clients for their final approval. Larger repairs over $300 require owner approval, so we will contact the client in those cases. Exceptions to the $300 approval rule include emergency maintenance and habitability issues. If we have to act quickly to protect persons or property we will do so, to protect our owner’s best interest.
How do rent payments work?
The tenant pays RPM Hometown monthly rent and we deposit it into our trust account. Most all our tenants pay rent electronically. We pay our owners at the end of each month via direct deposit. When we do this, it will send you an email notification and the monthly statement will be uploaded to your portal for review. By us paying owners at the end of each calendar month, it gives you a true monthly accounting statement, it makes it easier to read for both you and your CPA or tax company.
Should I accept pets?
Statistics show over half of all renters have pets. Being open to pets will increase demand through the entire prospective rental pool. We encourage renting to tenants with approved pets because it will decrease the amount of time it takes to rent your property. We charge a non-refundable pet deposit on top of the security deposit to cover any damages caused by the pets. Emotional Support and Service Animals and are handled per Arkansas state law requirements. Ask our office for more information.
How much will my property rent for each month?
Much like the real estate market determines sales prices, the local rental market determines rental rates. There are three factors that contribute to how much your rental property will receive in rent each month.
Availability and rental rates of comparable properties
The features and benefits of your property
The marketing exposure for your vacancy
After we receive the details of your specific rental property, we will complete a market analysis and set a starting price. We evaluate all vacancies under our management on weekly basis, making adjustments in the price or within our marketing strategy to get it rented as quickly as possible.
How do you advertise your properties?
hen it comes to the software that we use for leasing, it is the best of the best. We syndicate your listing to the top rental websites (over 20+). We also pre-screen prospective renters and inquire about who will be living with them, the number of adults, number of minors, and if they have any pets. We also ask how long they have been at their current employment. Our software allows us to follow up and get feedback from every interested party.
Potential tenants may call into our office 7 days a week from 8:30-5:00. Our leasing department is available for showings 7 days a week during daylight hours. This is crucial to show the property after work hours and on weekends because most people work Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00.
What happens if my tenant stops paying rent or causes trouble?
Our rigorous tenant screening process usually prevents these types of issues; however, if a problem should arise, we always respond promptly and aggressively. Rent is due on the 1st and is late on the 4th. Let’s be honest, sometimes tenants are late on their rent. The first thing we do is call the tenant and see what is going on and when they are able to pay in full. If they still have not paid by the 10th, we send out our own 10-day notice to quit. Doing this usually captures the tenant’s attention and they will pay the rent in full. However, if the rent is not paid by the 20th, we have our local attorney write up an official 3-day notice to quit. Usually, this definitely captures the tenants’ attention and the tenant pays within the three days. Worst case, if the tenant still has not paid after the attorney sending a 3-day notice to quit, we work with our local attorney on filing an unlawful detainer with the local court. We also work with Hunter Warfield on collection issues when needed.
What is your tenant screening process?
All prospective tenants must participate in an extensive screening process. Each adult over 18 yrs. of age must complete an application. First, nationwide background checks and eviction database screenings are completed to look at criminal backgrounds and the sex offender registry. Next, we ensure they qualify financially by reviewing their credit report, verify employment, and review pay stubs and/or tax returns. Finally, we review their rental history by contacting their previous two landlords for references.
How long does it typically take to rent out a property with Real Property Management Hometown?
The leasing process varies depending on factors like time of year and condition, but vacancies are generally filled within 2-3 weeks with a qualified applicant.
What is the procedure for handling repair requests for tenant-occupied homes?
Tenants submit maintenance requests via an online portal or 24-hour hotline. The team assesses and troubleshoots issues, assigning repairs to preferred vendors if necessary. Repairs under $300 are approved automatically; larger repairs require owner approval.
How are rent payments managed by Real Property Management Hometown?
Tenants pay rent electronically to Real Property Management Hometown, which deposits funds into a trust account. Owners receive monthly payments via direct deposit along with an emailed statement.
Does Real Property Management Hometown accept pets in rental properties?
Yes, they encourage renting to tenants with approved pets, charging a non-refundable pet deposit on top of the security deposit to cover potential damages.
How is the rental price for a property determined?
Rental rates are set based on comparable property availability and prices, property features, and marketing exposure. A market analysis is conducted to set a starting price, with weekly adjustments made as needed.
What marketing strategies are used to advertise rental properties?
Listings are syndicated to over 20 top rental websites. The leasing team pre-screens renters and offers showings seven days a week, including evenings and weekends for convenience.
What steps are taken if a tenant stops paying rent or causes issues?
The company contacts tenants promptly, sends 10-day and then 3-day notices as needed, and works with attorneys and collection agencies to resolve nonpayment disputes.
What does the tenant screening process involve?
All adults complete applications including nationwide background and eviction checks, credit review, employment verification, and rental history from previous landlords.
What nearby places can tenants or clients visit before or after checking a rental property?
Nearby places include Relax Massage Therapy for relaxation, Waffle House for a meal, and Hotel Benton AR I-30 for lodging if needed during visits.
How can nearby services like Labor Finders Benton and James Insurance Agency help clients of Real Property Management Hometown?
Labor Finders Benton offers employment services which can assist tenants seeking jobs, while James Insurance Agency provides financial services that may benefit both tenants and property owners.
Are there convenient dining options close to Real Property Management Hometown office?
Yes, Dining options near the office include Pizza Hut for quick meals, Olive Garden for Italian cuisine, and Ice House Original Grill for casual dining experiences.