Skip to Content

Differences Between Property Managers and Real Estate Agents

Ozark Property Manager Meeting with ClientsA typical misconception about Ozark property managers and real estate agents is that these occupations are more or less the same. But in reality, a property manager’s job is not the same as that of a real estate agent. While both positions are closely related to the housing market, there are far more differences than similarities. Learning these differences can help guide rental property owners to know who to contact when professional expertise is needed.

Key Differences

By definition, a real estate agent is a person who lists and sells properties for their owners. While a few real estate agents specialize in helping buyers find and purchase investment real estate, the agent’s role still revolves around the sales transaction. The role of a real estate agent is dependent on the current housing market. As market conditions change, it’s common for real estate agents to find their business (and income) fluctuating. There are times that real estate agents may help find tenants for a rental property, but their participation with the tenant and the property owner usually ends when the lease is signed.

Meanwhile, a property manager deals with helping property owners manage their rental properties. Each property manager can offer various services, but the bulk of their responsibility would be working on behalf of a property owner to oversee property maintenance and repair, tenant screenings, collecting rent payments, etc. A property manager, not like a real estate agent, is a contractual role wherein they are paid for their ongoing management services. Property management is also not likely going to be greatly impacted by a shift in the housing market. In fact, property managers might observe that their workload would go up during market downturns as a lot of property owners turn to renting as another way to make income, rather than selling at a loss.

What Property Managers Do (And Real Estate Agents Don’t)

Aside from the key differences between a real estate agent and a property manager, there are more tasks top-rated property managers do that real estate agent, and even other property managers, usually don’t. Although real estate agents and the bulk of property managers will advertise rental property in order to get new tenants, not all of them will completely screen those tenants for potential red flags. After a tenant has been screened, a good property manager will initiate building rapport with the tenant by having open communication and explaining the lease documents in a clear manner. To add, a good property manager will schedule and perform regular maintenance on a property and handle emergency repairs and tenant complaints.

Helping property owners analyze the local market, setting an accurate rental rate, and offering suggestions on how to maximize a property’s earning potential, as well as your property’s resale value, are some of the less common but valuable services that some property managers offer. Further, they can help you find and compare additional rental properties as well as offer you properties that are not yet on the market. These are not ordinary services among all property managers. Usually, only the top in the business will closely work with rental property owners to guide you not just to manage property but build an investment business.

The Value of a Great Property Manager

Real Property Management is one of the nation’s top property management companies. This is due to the fact that we can provide a full range of services that rental property owners and investors need to reach their financial goals and dreams. Our experts will aid you to set an accurate rental rate and keep costs down using our preferred home services vendors. This is why most of our clients note that the value of our services far exceeds the cost. And these are amazing deals that you can’t find just anywhere else.

To learn more about Real Property Management Momentum’s services, contact us online today!

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details