Property Management

Property management can be a challenging task, especially when you’re dealing with multiple properties, tenants and maintenance requests.  That’s where property management software comes to the rescue.  These powerful tools are designed to streamline your operations, simplify communication, and enhance overall efficiency.  However, given the number of choices, how can you select the one that best suits your requirements?  In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of selecting the perfect property management software.

Step 1:  Assess Your Needs

Before diving into the world of property management software, take a moment to assess your specific needs.  Consider factors like the number of properties you manage, the size of your team, your budget, and the features you require.  Make a list of your essential requirements and any nice-to-have features.

Step 2: Define Your Budget

Budget is a crucial consideration.  Property management software varies widely in price, from free solutions to premium packages.  Determine how much you’re willing to invest in software and be prepared to weigh this against the features offered.

Step 3: Research and Compare

Now that you know what you need and how much you’re willing to spend, it’s time to research and compare different property management software options.  Search for options that match your needs and financial plan.  Consider factors like:

• Features: Check if the software offers essential features like tenant management, rent collection, e-sign, tenant screening, maintenance tracking, owner and vendor management, financial and tax reporting.
• Ease of Use: Does the software offer an intuitive and user-friendly experience? You don’t want to spend more time learning how to use the tool than managing your properties.  Double check the onboarding and training options as well.  Does the software offer free, paid or no training at all?
• Customer Support: Dependable customer support can be a valuable resource when you face challenges or need answers.  Check to see if there is free or paid support and the different options including phone, email, chat, text message or ticket support.
• Scalability: Ensure the software can grow with your business as you add more properties to your portfolio.
• Online Reviews: Read user reviews and testimonials to gauge the experiences of other property managers

Step 4: Request Demos

Most property management software providers offer free demos or trials.  Make the most of these chances to gain practical experience with the software.  During the demo, pay attention to how well the software meets your specific needs and if it aligns with your workflow.

Step 5: Review Contracts and Support

Carefully review the terms and conditions of the software contracts.  Be mindful of the pricing models, cancellation terms, and any hidden fees.  Additionally, inquire about customer support options and response times to ensure you’ll have assistance when you need it.

One property management software solution that consistently stands out is SimplifyEm Property Management Software.  It offers a comprehensive suite of features to simplify property management including:

• Tenant and Lease Management: Easily manage tenant information and lease agreements.
• Rent Collection: Streamline automated rent collection with online payments.
• Maintenance Tracking: Simplify maintenance requests and track their progress.
• Financial Reporting: Access detailed financial reports to monitor property performance.
• Vendor and Owner Management: Easily manage and pay owners and vendors online or by printing physical checks.
• User-Friendly Interface: Its intuitive design ensures you can start using it without a steep learning curve.
• Affordable Pricing: SimplifyEm property management software offers competitive pricing plans to suit different budgets and is known to offer the steepest savings for new customers and is the most affordable option in the industry.
• Excellent Customer Support: Count on their responsive customer support team when you need assistance.  SimplifyEm offers free live phone, email and text message support and free, unlimited training to all customers and their assistants.  Support is also extended to tenants, owners and vendors so property managers don’t have to worry about providing technical support and can scale their business faster.

Choosing the right property management software is a critical decision that can significantly impact your efficiency and success as a property manager.  By following these steps and considering SimplifyEm Property Management Software, you’ll be well on your way to simplifying your property management tasks and achieving greater success in your rental business.  Sign up today for a free 15 day trial of SimplifyEm and elevate your property management business to new heights.

 

Tenant Screening is without a doubt, one of the most critical steps in the property management process.  A thorough and meticulous screening process can mean the difference between a smooth tenancy and a rental nightmare.  Landlords and property managers equipped with the right tools like SimplifyEm Property Management Software, cannot only safeguard their properties, but also foster positive relationships with tenants.  Here are five essential tips every property manager must know:

1. Set Clear Rental Criteria: Before starting the screening process, outline clear criteria for what you expect from your tenants.  Whether it’s specific credit score range, income level or rental history, being transparent about your expectations can deter unqualified applicants from the start.  The rental criteria should be listed on any rental listings.  SimplifyEm provides rental advertising to over twenty websites with one click.  Some websites include Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads and Craigslist.
2. Detailed Rental Application: Harness the power of SimplifyEm to create an exhaustive online application, capturing crucial details like employment history, past residences and credit history.  It’s also beneficial to understand why a tenant left a previous rental, which can be a precursor to potential issues.  SimplifyEm makes this easy by providing three ways of sending an online application.  The first option is to directly email the application to the applicant.  The second way is to create an online application link for a specific property to be posted online and anyone can apply.  The last way is to create an online application link for the property management business that can be added to the property manager’s website.  Property managers can also upload their own custom rental application in their account to send out for e-sign.
3. Conduct a Thorough Background Check: SimplifyEm’s integrated background check feature dives deep into an applicant’s history, unveiling criminal records, past evictions and more.  Knowing your tenant’s past ensures a safe environment for your property and neighboring tenants.  Property managers and landlords can screen applicants on their background within minutes and swiftly make a decision.
4. Don’t Skip the Credit Check: A tenant’s financial responsibility is vital.  A credit check will give you a glimpse into their payment history and financial commitments. Tenants with a history of late payments or substantial debt might pose a risk in terms of consistent rent payments.
5. Verify Employment and Income: A stable job often indicates a tenant’s ability to meet their monthly obligations.  Verify that prospective tenants have a stable income using SimplifyEm’s online instant verification tool.  The report is 100% accurate and you can see the applicant’s income from the past twelve months.  With this tool, you can reduce time by 28% by approving applicants faster.

While tenant screening serves as a strategic approach to safeguarding your property investments, having the right tools in place can amplify its effectiveness.  SimplifyEm Property Management Software offers integrated solutions that streamline this process, ensuring you have all of the necessary insights at your fingertips.  Why not experience the difference for yourself?  Sign up for a free 15-day trial of SimplifyEm and elevate your property management experience to new heights.  Your ideal tenant could be just a click away.  Sign up for a free trial here.

The digital revolution is transforming the world of property management, and at the heart of this is cloud-based property management software.  The traditional ways of managing properties are no longer working and there are more effective and efficient methods powered by cutting-edge technology.  SimplifyEm Property Management Software is at the forefront of this transformation and is hailed as a game-changer.  Landlords are choosing SimplifyEm for their rental business and below are the reasons why.

Firstly, SimplifyEm’s cloud-based software ensures top-notch accessibility.  Your property management system isn’t confined to a single computer or office.  You can access your data from any corner of the globe, on any device, as long as you’re connected to the internet.  Whether you’re at the office, home, or on the move, your property management operations are available at your fingertips. You can work remotely anywhere in the world.  This flexibility allows property managers to promptly address urgent issues, even outside of regular working hours.

Secondly, SimplifyEm offers real-time updates.  The moment a tenant pays their rent, sends in a maintenance request or signs a lease, you’re informed instantly.  No need to wait for daily or weekly reports to know what’s happening with your properties.  These real-time updates help property managers make informed decisions swiftly, improving tenant satisfaction and property profitability.

Thirdly, SimplifyEm’s cloud-based solution provides scalability.  Whether you’re managing ten units or a thousand, SimplifyEm adapts to your needs.  As your portfolio grows, so does your software’s capability to handle it.  You don’t need to worry about buying new servers or setting up infrastructure, saving you significant time and resources.

Another major advantage of SimplifyEm is its strong commitment to security.  SimplifyEm heavily invests in securing their systems, providing robust protection for your sensitive data.  This includes encryption, firewalls, backup systems, and regular updates to security protocols to combat evolving cyber threats.

Cost-effectiveness is also a significant advantage of using SimplifyEm.  Operating on a subscription basis, a SimplifyEm subscription includes upgrades, maintenance, and customer support, eliminating the heavy upfront costs of installing new servers or maintaining existing hardware.  With automatic updates, you’re always using the most current and efficient version of SimplifyEm, at no extra cost or effort.

Finally, SimplifyEm improves the tenant experience significantly.  From the ease of paying rent online to quick responses to maintenance requests, tenants appreciate the convenience the platform offers.  A better tenant experience can lead to increased retention rates and more positive reviews, critical in the competitive property market.

SimplifyEm Property Management Software is more than just a tool, it’s your partner in navigating the complexities of property management.  With SimplifyEm, you can reduce the time and effort spent on administrative tasks leaving you more resources to focus on improving your services and growing your portfolio.

By choosing SimplifyEm, you’re not just selecting a cloud-based software, you’re choosing an innovating, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution that will revolutionize the way you manage properties.  And now, we’re offering you an opportunity to experience the game-changing features of SimplifyEm without any commitment.  Sign up today for our free two-week trial and see firsthand how SimplifyEm can transform your property management operations.

Managing properties can be a demanding and time-intensive responsibility.  From handling tenant inquiries to keeping track of payments, property managers have their hands full.  With SimplifyEm Property Management Software, these tasks can be automated, streamlining operations and saving valuable time.  Below are five distinct approaches in which SimplifyEm Property Management Software can effectively automate and streamline your rental business.

1 – Marketing Campaigns
SimplifyEm Property Management Software offers rental advertising features such as online listing creating and syndication to popular rental websites including Zillow, Trulia, Street Easy, Hotpads, Rent.com, Rentals.com, ApartmentGuide.com and Craiglist, maximizing exposure and reaching a wider audience.  SimplifyEm also creates a dedicated web page for the listing that can be linked to a website.  With a few clicks, property managers can create visually appealing property listings, complete with descriptions, photos and tours.  By automating these marketing tasks, property managers can save time, increase visibility and attract more prospective tenants.

2 – Online Application and Lease Signing
Gone are the days of paper applications and manual lease signings.  SimplifyEm provides online application and lease signing features.  Prospective tenants can submit their applications electronically, complete with supporting documents.  Property managers can review and process applications digitally, eliminating paperwork.  The software also offers secure online lease signing, allowing tenants to review and sign leases remotely.  Automating these processes provides a seamless and convenient experience for applicants, improving leasing efficiency.

3 – Online Rent Collection
Collecting rent payments can be a tedious task.  However, with SimplifyEm, tenants can be setup for autopay via ACH eliminating the need for physical checks and reducing the chances of late or missed payments.  Tenants can also make manual payments via ACH or a debit or credit card.  Automated reminders can be sent to tenants, ensuring prompt payments and reducing administrative efforts.

4 – Streamlined Communication
Effective communication between property managers and tenants is key to a successful rental business.   SimplifyEm provides portals for tenants that provide seamless interactions where messages, notices and announcements can be exchanged easily.  Notices include rent reminders, rent receipts, late rent notices and lease renewals.  Automating communication processes reduces miscommunication, enhances tenant engagement and improves overall customer service.

5 – Accounting
Keeping track of financial transactions and generating reports are integral aspects of property management.  SimplifyEm offers robust accounting features.  It automates tasks such as tracking income and expenses, generating rent roll reports and preparing tax documents.  Tax documents include the Schedule E, 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC.  By automating these processes, property managers can ensure accurate financial records, simplify tax filing and improve financial transparency.

SimplifyEm Property Management Software offers valuable automation features to increase efficiency and productivity.  By leveraging these automation features, property managers can attract more tenants and maximize occupancy rates, ultimately leading to a more successful and profitable rental business.  Sign up for a property management software that can elevate your rental business to new heights.  Get a free two week trial of SimplifyEm Property Management Softare here and try it out yourself (no credit card required).

Can a potential renter fake a pay stub and look eligible to pay rent?  Yes and many applicants are doing it, but you can eliminate pay stub fraud once and for all.

As a landlord or property manager, filling your rental property with a reliable tenant can be a challenging task.  One of the most time-consuming and critical parts of the rental process is verifying the tenant’s income.  This process traditionally involves collecting various documents such as pay stubs and bank statements.  However, a downside to this method is you might come across pay stub fraud.  You can eliminate pay stub fraud once and for all with SimplifyEm Property Management Software and verify income with confidence.  Instant income verification is built-in and helps fill rental properties faster with the most suitable tenants.

Income verification utilizes advanced technology to instantly verify a tenant’s income, providing an accurate picture of their financial situation.  In a secure and encrypted website, a prospective tenant connects their online bank account providing all of the information you need.  In the report, you’ll be able to see verified income from the past twelve months, if the applicant is a W2 employee, commission based, or if their income comes from tips, mobile payment apps (Venmo, Cash App, etc) or cash cards.  This new technology saves landlords and property managers valuable time and resources by eliminating the need for manual document collection and analysis.  Landlords and property managers can easily determine if the tenant meets the minimum income requirements for the property in seconds.  It can also help avoid costly mistakes.  For instance, if a tenant falsified their income to secure a lease, landlords may face difficulties collecting rent or evicting the tenant, leading to financial losses.  Furthermore, instant income verification also helps landlords comply with fair housing laws by providing an objective and non-discriminatory way to evaluate tenants.

In today’s fast-paced rental market, landlords and property managers need to be able to make quick and informed decisions to fill their properties with reliable tenants.  Instant income verification provides a solution that enables them to do just that.  Instant income verification also reduces time approving applicants by 28%.  In SimplifyEm, it’s easy to get started and there is no setup required.  You can start verifying income today.

SimplifyEm not only provides instant income verification, but also provides other tenant screening services including background check, credit check, and eviction report.  SimplifyEm also helps with managing properties that include listings, online applications and leases for e-signature, online payments, income and expenses, maintenance requests and work orders, tax reports and so much more.  Known for their amazing customer support, SimplifyEm also provides free technical support to all customers and their tenants, owners and vendors and unlimited training.  Make this year easier by signing up for a property management software that you can trust.  Get a free two week trial of SimplifyEm Property Management Software here and try it yourself.

 

Are you tired of crunching numbers all day and wish there was an easier way?

Now there is even if you have zero experience in property accounting.  SimplifyEm Property Management Software follows a simple and easy process that is outlined below.

The first step is to collect rent.  This can be done manually or automatically.  Manually is a lot of time and effort and if the tenant does not pay on time, then chasing down delinquent tenants can be a pain.  It involves calling, emailing, texting and if the property is nearby, driving to the property and collecting a check.  All of this can be automated so you do not have to lift a finger.  SimplifyEm automatically sends rent reminders, withdraws rent from the tenant’s bank account and sends rent receipts.  When rent is withdrawn from the tenant’s bank account, then it gets deposited to your bank account and an entry is automatically recorded in the books.  No data entry is necessary.  Software automation avoids delinquent tenants.

The next step is to record expenses.  Expenses that are the same amount every month can be automatically recorded.  If there were any unexpected expenses, those can be easily added and invoices and receipts can be attached to help you stay better organized for taxes.  Any expenses that the tenants are responsible for can be easily added to their balances and the tenants can get invoiced and pay for those bills online in their portal.

Paying owners and vendors are next.  They can be paid online via ACH or by printing a physical check.  SimplifyEm supports pre-printed checks and blank check stock. Reports can be sent to them as well via email, text or the portal.

Before the next month starts, the best thing to do is to review reports and double check everything.  Some tenant reports include rent roll, full payment history, and a list of late tenants.  The full payment history report can be used in court and sent to tenants when they move out.  Important accounting reports include income and expenses, security deposit collections, vendor and owner balances and bank activity summary.  For taxes, SimplifyEm automatically creates the Schedule E and 1099 MISC and NEC for you, saving you hours for tax preparation.

Our customer support team can go over all of this with you and walk you through step by step in your account.  SimplifyEm offers free, unlimited and U.S. based training and support.  Support can be reached via phone, email or text message.

SimplifyEm can do so much more than just accounting.  SimplifyEm also helps with filling vacancies, screening prospective tenants, maintenance requests, vendor management, and offers texting for better communication.  Put an easier property accounting system in place this year and sign up for a free two week trial today with SimplifyEm Property Management Software.