How Much Does it Cost to Manage a Property in Massachusetts?

How Much Does it Cost to Manage a Property in Massachusetts?

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When you invest in real estate, you’re building wealth and a future of truly passive income, allowing you to live out your golden years enjoying the activities you wish on your terms. However, purchasing the best deal in Massachusetts doesn’t guarantee continued success with the property. The calculations for your returns on the investment, or ROI, are based upon results created by the previous management policies and systems. 

While property management fees are easy to compare, the costs of poorly managing your real estate investments can far outweigh the monthly fees of a professional property management team. Read on as we explore how much Does it cost to manage a property in Massachusetts?

Missed Opportunites

One downfall of real estate investors taking the time out of their day to carry out all of the duties to manage a property in Massachusetts is that you aren’t spending that time managing your real estate investment business.  A significant part of investing is keeping abreast of local economic changes, zoning plans, and significant market trends. You’re also being distracted from furthering your education in real estate. The precious time you dedicate to staying on top of your holdings in your portfolio allows you to make necessary adjustments in real-time.

Tenant Rights

It isn’t always as easy as just allowing the tenants you prefer to rent in your vacant units when you are a landlord that must manage a property in Massachusetts. There are laws governing the marketing of the rental property and laws governing the treatment of potential tenants at local, state, and federal levels. Therefore, when you wear the hat of a landlord, you must keep abreast of these laws and any subsequent changes.

Costly Tenants

When you professionally manage a property in Massachusetts, you should have a system to screen tenants that you follow to ensure the best experience and highest returns on your real estate investment. Tenants are the backbone of your real estate investment business, and poor tenant screening equates to poor returns.

Property Integrity

Regular maintenance and immediate attention to repairs are required to protect your asset when you manage a property in Massachusetts. Otherwise, what may begin as a minor fixe, like a roof leak, could become a series of highly costly repairs from the damage that spreads with the water across the roof, walls, flooring, and possessions, not to mention the dangers and expense of remediating mold.

Unhappy Tenants

Understanding the importance of building a solid team of industry pros to fulfill the needs of managing property and meeting you cannot understate the needs of your tenants. Otherwise, the outcome of unattended repairs and maintenance issues will become glaringly apparent. In addition, if a landlord should fail to manage a property in Massachusetts to the tenants’ satisfaction, your turnover rates will be high and out of sync with the market average. 

Stressful Situations

Regrettably, when you manage a property in Massachusetts, you may find yourself with tenants that you must hunt down to retrieve your rent payment or deal with the stress and legal red tape of evictions.

How Much Does it Cost to Manage a Property in Massachusetts?

The cost of managing a property in Massachusetts can vary based on several factors, including the type of property, the services provided by the property management company, and the local market conditions. Here are some common costs associated with property management in Massachusetts:

1. Management Fees:
   • Property management companies typically charge a percentage of the monthly rental income. The standard management fee ranges from 8% to 12% of the rent, but rates may vary based on factors such as property type, location, and services offered.
2. Leasing or Tenant Placement Fees:
   • Some property managers charge a leasing or tenant placement fee when securing a new tenant for the property. This fee is often equivalent to a percentage of the first month’s rent and can range from 50% to 100% of the rent.
3. Maintenance and Repairs:
   • Property management companies may charge for maintenance and repair services. This can include routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and renovations. Costs depend on the extent of the work needed.
4. Vacancy Fees:
   • In some cases, property managers charge a vacancy fee when the property is vacant. This fee covers the costs associated with marketing, advertising, and finding a new tenant.
5. Eviction Costs:
   • If eviction becomes necessary, property managers may charge for legal fees and court costs associated with the eviction process. It’s essential to clarify these costs in the management agreement.
6. Property Inspection Fees:
   • Some property management companies charge for regular property inspections. This fee covers the cost of inspecting the property to ensure it is well-maintained and in compliance with lease terms.
7. Accounting and Reporting Fees:
   • Property managers may charge fees for accounting and financial reporting services. This includes preparing monthly financial statements, income and expense reports, and year-end statements.
8. Utilities and Bill Payments:
   • In some cases, property managers handle utility payments and bill payments on behalf of the property owner. Fees for these services may be included in the overall management agreement.
9. Legal and Compliance Fees:
   • Property management companies may charge for legal and compliance-related services, such as ensuring the property complies with local housing regulations and handling legal matters on behalf of the owner.

Managing a property in Massachusetts involves various costs that can vary depending on factors such as the type of property, its location, size, and specific management needs. Here’s a sample breakdown of potential costs associated with property management in Massachusetts:

1. Property Management Fee: Property management companies typically charge a percentage of the monthly rent collected. This fee can range from 8% to 12% of the rental income. For example, if the monthly rent is $1,500 and the property management fee is 10%, the management fee would be $150 per month.

1. Leasing Fee: When finding new tenants, property management companies may charge a leasing fee, typically equivalent to one month’s rent. For instance, if the monthly rent is $1,500, the leasing fee would be $1,500.
2. Maintenance and Repairs: Property managers may handle maintenance and repair issues on behalf of the landlord. The cost of maintenance and repairs can vary widely depending on the condition of the property and the types of repairs needed. It’s essential to budget for routine maintenance as well as unexpected repairs.
3. Marketing and Advertising: Advertising vacant properties to attract tenants may incur costs such as listing fees on rental websites, signage, and other marketing expenses.
4. Utilities and Property Taxes: Depending on the terms of the lease agreement, property management companies may handle utility payments on behalf of the landlord. Additionally, property taxes are an ongoing expense that landlords must cover.
5. Insurance: Landlords typically need landlord insurance to protect their property from damages and liabilities. The cost of insurance premiums can vary based on factors such as the property’s location, size, and insurance coverage.
6. Legal and Administrative Costs: Property management companies may charge additional fees for legal services, eviction proceedings, or other administrative tasks.
7. Vacancy Losses: When a property is vacant, landlords may incur financial losses due to the absence of rental income. Property management companies can help minimize vacancy periods by advertising vacancies and finding new tenants promptly.

How Much Does it Cost to Manage a Property in Massachusetts?

It’s important to carefully review the management agreement with the property management company to understand the specific services covered and the associated costs. Additionally, property owners should consider the level of service provided by the management company, its reputation, and the local market conditions when evaluating management fees.

It’s advisable to obtain quotes from multiple property management companies, compare their services and fees, and choose a company that aligns with your property management needs and budget in Massachusetts.

If you are spending your investment time managing property in Massachusetts, Tristate Holdings 167 Inc. has a full-service team of professionals that helps you earn the highest profits on your investment. Furthermore, Tristate Holdings 167 Inc.’s highly attentive management team has the know-how to screen for the best tenants and handle problematic situations while you relax and enjoy your retirement. In addition, the pros at Tristate Holdings 167 Inc. and their team of service providers have years of experience creating an environment of trust and a mutually respectful relationship with your happy tenants. Call Tristate Holdings 167 Inc. at 1-(888) 788-7478.