6 Steps to Find the Right Property Management Software

Each option available now has its pros and cons. Usually, online software that helps you manage your properties is made for large, enterprise level rental properties. At Smart Housing we’ve found that this isn’t the category that everyone fits into.

Follow these simple steps of six things you need to consider when looking to use property management software -

1. Consider Functionality - Not all software is created equally. What we’ve found is that specific businesses specialize in one or two areas of property management. Identify what aspects are most important to you for your business and find the platform that best matches those priorities.

2. Compare Prices - At the end of the day, the price isn’t everything, but it is important, especially if you can’t afford large licensing fees that other software requires you to pay. Look for sites that can offer you a trial run so you can experience how the software works without having to pay. Or look for software that only requires you to pay as you go through and use the different options.

3. New and Old Outlook - Some software likes to build their software to be exactly how property managers currently work. This may seem like a good idea, but here's another way to look at it - if property managers were so happy with how they currently work they wouldn’t need an online version of the same thing. We’ve found the best property management companies are the ones that think outside the box to create new and easier ways of management a property.

4. Tutorials and Wizards - It can be overwhelming when you sign in on software for the first time. Without someone there to walk you through each and every step it’s easy to get lost and frustrated. Look for software that has tutorials and wizards to help you get started quickly and walk you through the entire process.

5. Simple and Easy - Too often, software wants to give you too many ‘features’ that make the process too complicated. Sure, you like things done a certain way, but with too many options comes more opportunity for frustration. Keep it as simple as much as possible. If the software is too complicated right out of the gate, you’re guaranteed that you will be spending significant amounts of time trying to figure out how to use it.

6. Time Saving - If you are using software that uses so much time it’s no longer cost-effective then that wouldn’t be considered a good fit for your needs. Property management software should save you time, not waste more of it.

Overall, each landlord and rental property owner should consider an online property management solution to help accomplish what needs to be done on a day-by-day basis. Review these tips to help you get started and to help you find the solution that works best for you.