- The STR Report
- Posts
- 💰🫧 What to Look for When Scouting a Property Management Company
💰🫧 What to Look for When Scouting a Property Management Company
A great property manager will save you time, money, and stress. Discover the key qualities to look for before making your decision. Keep reading for our recs.
Community Perks with The STR Report
🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.
🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.
🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

August 25th, 2025
Good evening STR Report Community!
In today’s issue, you will find:
📱Today’s Article: 💰🫧 What to Look for When Scouting a Property Management Company
📈 Trending Market Highlight: Lake Norman, North Carolina and Jackson, Mississippi
✉️ STR News: COP30: How Soaring Hotel Prices Could Keep Vulnerable Countries Out of Global Climate Talks & more
💸 Mortgage Rate Watch
🪴 Unique Airbnb of the Week
🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book
✅ Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More
📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters
💰🫧 What to Look for When Scouting a Property Management Company
Choosing the right property management company can make the difference between a profitable, stress-free investment and a costly headache. Whether you own a single rental property or a portfolio of units, the company you hire will directly impact your returns, tenant satisfaction, and property condition. Here’s what to look for when scouting the perfect partner.

You & your perfect PM partner:
1. Experience and Specialization
Not all property management companies are created equal. Look for a team with proven experience in your type of property—whether it’s single-family homes, multi-family apartments, or commercial spaces.
Track record: Ask for case studies or examples of properties they currently manage.
Market familiarity: A company that understands your local market will know the going rental rates, neighborhood trends, and tenant expectations.
Specialization: A firm focused on your property type often has more tailored systems and vendor relationships.
2. Licensing, Credentials, and Compliance
Professional property managers should hold relevant state licenses and industry certifications (such as from the National Association of Residential Property Managers or the Institute of Real Estate Management).
Why it matters: Licensing ensures they meet legal requirements.
Ask: How they stay updated on changing landlord-tenant laws and local regulations.
3. Tenant Screening Process
Your rental income depends on attracting reliable tenants. A quality property management company will have a robust screening process that checks:
Credit history
Employment verification
Rental references
Background checks
Ask them to explain their screening steps and criteria to ensure they balance thoroughness with fair housing compliance.
4. Maintenance and Vendor Network
How a company handles repairs and upkeep says a lot about their professionalism.
Vendor relationships: Do they have a vetted list of reliable contractors?
Response time: How quickly do they handle maintenance requests?
Technology: Many modern firms use online portals for tenants to submit maintenance tickets.
Efficient maintenance not only keeps tenants happy but also protects your property value.
5. Fee Structure and Transparency
Understand exactly what you’re paying for before signing a contract.
Common fees include:
Management fee (a percentage of monthly rent)
Leasing or tenant placement fee
Maintenance mark-ups
Renewal fees
Look for clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges. A reputable company will gladly walk you through their fee schedule.
6. Communication Style and Accessibility
Strong communication is essential for a good working relationship.
Will you have a dedicated property manager?
How often will they send updates?
Do they offer an online owner portal for reports and statements?
Gauge their responsiveness during your initial inquiries—it’s often a sign of how they’ll treat you later.
7. Technology and Systems
A modern property management company should use tools that make life easier for owners and tenants alike:
Online rent collection
Digital maintenance requests
Automated financial reports
Tenant screening software
These tools improve efficiency, transparency, and record-keeping.
8. References and Reviews
Finally, always check their reputation.
Ask for references from other property owners they work with.
Read online reviews on Google, Yelp, and industry-specific sites.
Look for patterns—recurring complaints or praise often tell the true story.
Scouting a property management company isn’t just about finding the cheapest option—it’s about securing a partner who will protect your investment, ensure steady cash flow, and keep tenants satisfied. Take your time, ask tough questions, and don’t settle until you find a company that meets your standards for professionalism, transparency, and expertise.
Need a rec? Check out our preferred property management group here.

Lake Norman, North Carolina 🐟
Downloadable Lake Norman, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report
|

Average Daily Rate (ADR): $510.60 per night
Occupancy Rate: 57%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $106,204 per year
Read our full Lake Norman, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
Jackson, Mississippi 🏛️
|
Downloadable Jackson, Mississippi Short-Term Rental Market Report

Average Daily Rate (ADR): $197.16 per night
Occupancy Rate: 59.15%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $42,390 per year
Read our full Jackson, Mississippi Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
📬 See our collection of 70+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

📱 OpenTravel Alliance Joins Overture Maps Foundation to Power Connected, AI-Ready Travel Infrastructure
Open data and geospatial IDs to deliver smarter bookings, richer maps, and seamless machine-to-machine travel coordination.
💸 COP30: How Soaring Hotel Prices Could Keep Vulnerable Countries Out of Global Climate Talks
COP30’s accommodation crunch highlights the risks destinations face when demand far outstrips supply, offering a cautionary lesson for host cities on balancing market forces, reputation, and the need for inclusive participation.
💸Mortgage Rate Watch – August 25th, 2025
Current Mortgage Rates (as of August 25, 2025):
30‑Year Fixed: 6.52% (−0.10%)
15‑Year Fixed: 5.90% (−0.07%)
30‑Year Jumbo: 6.55% (−0.12%)
30‑Year FHA: 6.11% (−0.11%)
30‑Year VA: 6.13% (−0.10%)
7/6 SOFR ARM: 5.99% (−0.12%)
Market Overview: Mortgage rates slid across all major loan types today, marking one of the steeper single-day drops this month. The 30‑year fixed rate, now at 6.52%, represents near‑term lows not seen since earlier this year. This broad-based decline is likely influenced by easing bond yields and planetary easing sentiment following recent Fed commentary.
Rate Trends & Forecast:
Short-Term: Rates remain volatile but generally favorable, with continued downward pressure likely if Treasury yields stay soft and economic data remains mixed.
Long-Term: While a September rate cut by the Fed is widely anticipated, experts warn that mortgage rates may not mirror that movement immediately—persistent inflation and yield dynamics may limit further drops.
For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.

Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs?

Gawthorne’s Hut is a luxurious, architect-designed eco retreat crafted exclusively for couples, offering the newest and most striking of Wilgowrah’s unique country escapes, alongside Wilgowrah Church and Tom’s Cottage. Nestled in the scenic Mudgee Valley, the off-grid hut is designed to maximize stunning views while providing guests with peace, privacy, and a true sense of seclusion. Inside, warm natural timbers, a king bed, full bath, and modern comforts such as WiFi and air conditioning (with some limitations) create a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary luxury. Large windows and doors frame the sweeping countryside, making the hut an ideal romantic getaway. While children, infants, and pets are not accepted, couples can enjoy a serene escape complete with a fire pit.
Subscriber Perks:
📖🏡💰 Go Live Playbook
The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.
Community Perks with The STR Report
🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.
🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.
🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.
Partner with Us!
If you have a project you’d like us to promote, or a product or service you’d like to share, please reach out to us at [email protected].
We appreciate you being a part of our STR community and for sharing our group with your business partners and associates. Thank you!