Not to scare you, but we have used several different property managers over the last 10years and have not been satisfied with any of them. The last property manager gave back the security deposit to the renter, without checking the property's condition. Unfortunately the renter left the place a mess, it was a total disaster and they had helped themselved to several items. We spent weeks cleaning up the place after they left and replacing things. Naturally, we fired the property manager, but we are out all the money that that we had to pay to get the property back in good condition. So, I have come to the opinion that it is easier and less expensive to do it ourselves.
It is very easy to get a 3 or 4 month renter in the high season (Jan/Feb/March). The shoulder months of Dec. and April are a little harder to rent. A small ad in the Village Sun or advertise on thevillages4rent.com is probably the best way to go. In any case, if you go with a property manager, I would interview several of them (at least 3 or 4) and find out exactly what they are going to do for you. Most of them, we found, just collect the rent and arrange to let the people in. Some of the property managers also charge extra for every little thing they do...so you need to ask them what other charges, other than their commission, will you be charged for. Also, some managers won't even let you use your own property. There are lots of things to consider and I wish you luck in finding a good, competent, property manager. If you find one, let me know.
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