When you are running a real estate empire, it can be difficult to keep track of everything you need to and still be efficient, effective and profitable. It’s really not as glamorous as all of those HGTV property shows make it out to be, is it?!
The good news ism these days there are tons of high, and low-tech gadgets, gizmos and services, that make managing property a whole lot simpler, which is good news for you, and your bottom line. So, let’s take a look at some of the best tech that will simplify property management for your real estate business.
- Property Management Software
Let’s start with the basics: if you’re still using sticky notes and Excel sheets to track tenants, it’s time for an upgrade. Property management software like Buildium, AppFolio, or TenantCloud can streamline everything from rent collection to maintenance requests.
With these platforms, tenants can pay rent online (no more awkward checks), submit repair requests digitally, and even communicate with you without those 3 a.m. phone calls. Bonus: automated reminders mean no more forgetting to chase late payments.
- Smart Locks
Lost keys, forgotten keys, “I definitely gave you my spare key!”—it’s enough to make any landlord’s head spin. Enter smart locks like Schlage Encode or August Smart Lock. These nifty gadgets let you provide tenants with digital codes instead of physical keys.
You can change codes remotely, track who’s entering and leaving, and never worry about lockouts again. It’s like turning your properties into Fort Knox but way cooler.
- Maintenance Tracking Apps
Maintenance requests are the bane of every property manager’s existence. Instead of juggling calls and scribbled notes, try apps like Maintenance Care or Property Meld. These platforms let tenants report issues with photos and descriptions, keeping everything organized in one place.
You can even assign tasks to your repair crew directly through the app, making you look like the logistics genius you secretly are.
- Power Snow Shovel: Winter Warriors Unite
If your properties are in a snowy climate, you know the drill: tenants don’t want to shovel, and you don’t want the liability of icy sidewalks. Enter the power snow shovel, a lightweight, motorized tool that clears snow faster than you can say “frostbite.” It’s like a snowblower’s younger, cooler cousin. Keep one on hand, and your tenants (and your back) will thank you.
- Drones: Because Overhead Shots Are Cool
Drones aren’t just for wannabe filmmakers—they’re game-changers for real estate. Need to inspect a roof without risking your neck? Send up a drone. Want to show potential buyers or renters how great the neighborhood looks from above? Drone footage is your new best friend. Models like the DJI Mini 3 Pro are compact, easy to use, and won’t blow your budget.
- Energy Monitors to Keep Utility Bills in Check
Managing utilities for your properties? Smart energy monitors like Sense or Emporia Vue can help you track electricity usage in real-time. They’re perfect for spotting energy hogs (looking at you, ancient fridge in Unit 3) and finding ways to cut costs. Some even alert you to unusual spikes, so you can catch problems—like that tenant running a secret bitcoin mining operation—before they get out of hand.
- Digital Rent Payment Platforms
Gone are the days of waiting for checks to clear or tenants swearing “the money order is in the mail.” Platforms like Zelle, Venmo, or specialized rent apps like Rentec Direct and Cozy make collecting rent faster and less painful. Tenants can pay with a tap, and you’ll get the funds directly into your account. It’s almost too easy (but we’re not complaining).
- Noise Monitoring Devices
If you’ve ever had complaints about noisy tenants turning your rental into Club Disco, noise monitoring tech like Minut or NoiseAware is a lifesaver. These devices alert you if sound levels go beyond a preset limit, letting you address problems before the neighbors form a pitchfork-wielding mob. Don’t worry—they don’t record conversations, so no need to worry about privacy issues.
- Virtual Staging Software: Sell the Dream
Got an empty property you’re trying to rent or sell? Virtual staging tools like RoomSketcher or Matterport let you create stunning, furnished visuals without the hassle (and cost) of physical furniture. Potential tenants and buyers can visualize the space, and you can skip lugging that Ikea couch up three flights of stairs.
- Smart Thermostats: Heat Smarter, Not Harder
If utilities are included in your rental, smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee are a must. These devices let you control heating and cooling remotely, optimize energy use, and even prevent tenants from cranking the heat to “sauna mode” in the dead of winter. It’s better for the planet—and your wallet.
- Security Cameras: Keeping an Eye on Things
For common areas or exterior surveillance, security cameras like Ring or Arlo are great tools to protect your properties. They provide peace of mind for both you and your tenants and can deter potential vandals. Just make sure to follow local laws and respect privacy—nobody wants to be the landlord who’s caught spying.
- Cloud Storage: Paperwork Without the Paper
Leases, maintenance records, tax documents—property management comes with an avalanche of paperwork. Keep it all organized (and eco-friendly) with cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Bonus: you’ll have everything accessible from anywhere, so no more digging through filing cabinets like you’re on a scavenger hunt.
- Smart Smoke Detectors: Safety First
Smoke detectors are essential, but smart models like Nest Protect take things to the next level. They alert you via phone if there’s smoke or a carbon monoxide issue, and they even tell you which room the problem is in. Plus, they self-test, so you won’t have to deal with tenants forgetting to replace batteries.
- Tenant Screening Tools: No More Guesswork
Finding the right tenants is half the battle. Tools like TurboTenant or SmartMove let you screen applicants with credit checks, criminal background reports, and even eviction history. It’s like having a crystal ball for tenant selection, minus the hocus-pocus.
- The All-Important Backup Plan
Technology is amazing—until it isn’t. Keep backups of critical data, have a plan for tech outages, and always remember that while gadgets are great, a good old-fashioned human touch still goes a long way in property management.
Managing real estate made simple!
