Extended time away from your home makes it necessary to plan ahead for your home’s maintenance.
If you’re a member of the military service you’re likely well acquainted with moving to different locations. And if you’re a homeowner who wants to keep your home while you’re away, you must decide how to manage your property while you’re away.
Perhaps you want to rent it out or hire a professional property management team to take care of it for you. Either way, there are things to check into and decisions to be made.
Active military members receive a monthly Basic Allowance for Housting (BAH) that covers roughly 95% of the cost of living in an off base house. So unless you transition out of the service or are discharged you have a guaranteed source of income intended to cover your rent or mortgage payment.
Rent It Out
The rental market is booming right now. By renting out your home, you could have enough to pay the mortgage and still put some aside. Since you would be in the role of ‘temporary’ landlord, you would need to prepared for any breakdowns or issues your tenants might have. Besides, wouldn’t it be nice to know you would have a home to come back to once your deployment ends.
For a bit more flexibility, rent your property as only a short term vacation rental. And, don’t worry. You don’t have to live in a resort town for this to work. A few days a month in vacation rental income might cover the expenses of the house, allowing you to come and go when it is convenient or offer the space to friends and family for a weekend getaway.
Later on, should you decide to sell, you can enlist the help of professionals to find the best, selling price for you — even if you’re still away.
Hire a Property Manager
While you’re away, there’s no need to worry about home repairs if you have a professional property manager. A reputable property management company such as Cousin James Management, can do everything for you from finding quality tenants to collecting the rent. In case of an emergency, they can manage repairs.
Working with a professional property manager takes the burden away of finding top quality tenants. A thorough screening process is priceless giving you the opportunity to locate tenants who will be long term residents.
Maintenance and landscaping are carried out whether seasonal or as-needed. Regardless of how far away or near you may be, your property is cared for. There’s no need for concern about burglars or vandals, either. Even if your property is empty for a short time, your property manager is always there to keep a vigilant eye on things.
For answers to any of your questions about how to manage your property while you’re deployed or simply away for an extended time, contact Cousin James Management. We’ve been around for more than 20 years and our family-owned business knows the importance of that place we call home. Contact us today. We’re here to help!