By James Marszalek, Owner & Designated Broker, Operation Red Dot
TL;DR:
- A property manager can reduce stress during a PCS by handling tenant issues, maintenance, and legal matters.
- Management helps protect your home and ensure steady rental income while you're away from JBLM.
- Look for local experience, clear fees, and solid communication when hiring.
- Operation Red Dot supports military families with both single-family and multi-family rentals.
Leaving Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) isn’t just about packing up and shipping out. If you own a home in the area and plan on renting it out, there’s a bigger decision to make: should you hire a property manager?
Selling might feel too permanent, and managing renters from across the country can be overwhelming. From maintenance calls to missed rent, being a landlord remotely often turns into a full-time job.
This article breaks down what a property manager does, when it makes sense to hire one, and how to choose the right fit, especially when you're headed far from JBLM.
Why Property Management Matters When You PCS
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders often come with short notice and a long list of priorities. Managing your home from another state or another country can easily fall through the cracks. That’s where hiring a property manager becomes a smart move.
A qualified property manager handles:
- Tenant screening
- Rent collection
- Maintenance
- Emergency calls
- Making sure your property stays compliant with local laws
Military families moving out of the JBLM area face extra hurdles like time zone differences, limited availability, and fast-changing responsibilities. Partnering with a JBLM property management professional like Operation Red Dot gives you peace of mind and helps protect your home’s value.
If you're asking yourself, should I hire a property manager before I go?, think about how much easier it would be to have someone local handling the day-to-day while you focus on relocating smoothly.
Benefits of Hiring a Property Manager When Leaving the JBLM Area
Steady Rental Income
A property manager helps reduce vacancy time by marketing your home effectively, screening tenants, and setting the right rental price. This keeps income flowing even while you're hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Long-Term Value for Your Investment
Well-maintained homes with stable rental history tend to hold or even grow in value. With someone consistently looking out for your property’s condition and financial performance, you’re setting yourself up for future resale or continued rental success.
Clear Communication and Updates
Even if you're not nearby, you’ll still need to know what's going on with your property. Most managers provide regular reports and updates, so you can track performance without managing the details yourself.
This also includes tenant communication, which can be much more manageable with a property manager, especially when you're in a different time zone and can't always respond right away.
How to Hire a Property Manager the Right Way
Start with Local Experience
Look for a manager who knows the JBLM area inside and out. Local expertise means better understanding of rental pricing, trends, and neighborhood-specific issues. It also ensures faster response times when problems arise.
Ask the Right Questions
Before signing any agreement, ask how they handle maintenance, tenant screening, lease enforcement, and emergencies.
Request details about how often they communicate with owners and how financial reports are shared. A good property manager will have clear systems in place.
Understand the Fee Structure
Property management fees can vary widely. Some companies charge a flat monthly rate, while others take a percentage of the rent. Make sure you understand what's included in the cost, what might be extra, and how those charges are collected.
Review the Contract Carefully
Before you commit, read the entire management agreement. Pay attention to termination clauses, services provided, and any guarantees. It’s important to know what kind of support you’re paying for and how you can exit the contract if needed.
Property Management Built for Service Members
Operation Red Dot was built with military families in mind. We understand the unique challenges that come with PCS moves, especially when it comes to holding on to a home near JBLM. Our approach to property management goes beyond basic oversight. It’s about helping service members make smart, long-term decisions with their real estate.
Instead of treating your home like just another rental, we view it as a key part of your financial future. Our team combines local market insight with a strong background in military transitions, offering guidance that’s rooted in firsthand experience.
We also provide property management support for both single-family homes and multi-family units, helping owners maximize long-term value no matter the property size.
If you're planning to move and aren't sure what to do with your home, Operation Red Dot can walk you through your options. We’re focused on helping you make the best decision, not just the fastest one.
If you're ready to simplify the transition and protect your investment, learn more about our property management services to see how we can support your next move.
