Self‑Managing vs. Hiring a Property Manager
- Scott Sweeney
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
If you own a rental property—or you’re thinking about buying one—you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I manage this myself or hire a property manager?” The short answer? It depends. Managing your own rental can save money and give you total control. But it also means dealing with midnight phone calls, late‑paying tenants, and making sure every lease agreement is airtight.
So, what’s right for you? Let’s compare the pros, cons, and “no‑regrets” reasons for choosing
one path over the other.
👋 The Case for Self‑Managing
If you’re organized, hands‑on, and have time to devote to the job, self‑managing can be rewarding.
✅ Cost Savings – You save roughly 8–12% of the monthly rental income that a manager would charge.
✅ Direct Oversight – You pick the tenants, set the policies, and stay in the loop.
✅ Personal Connection – You have a direct relationship with your tenants, making it easier to build trust.
🕓 The Case for Hiring a Property Manager
A property manager acts as your first line of defense when things go wrong.
✅ Time Savings – They field calls, schedule maintenance, and enforce leases so you don’t have to.
✅ Legal Knowledge – Property managers stay up‑to‑date on fair housing laws, eviction policies, and state regulations, keeping you protected.
✅ Better Tenant Selection – They have experience screening applicants, reducing the risk of late payments, property damage, or long vacancies.
⚖️ Cost vs. Convenience
While property management fees may seem like an added cost, many owners find the trade‑off worth it. In fact, a great manager can save money in the long run by finding quality tenants, minimizing vacancies, and making sure your property maintains its value.
✅ Final Tip: Choose What Works for You
If you have experience and time—or only own one or two properties—self‑managing can be rewarding. But if you own multiple properties, live far away, or simply want a more hands‑off approach, hiring a trusted property manager can be one of the best investments you make.
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About Scott Sweeney
SweeneySells
Full Time Realtor 13 Years +
Over 100 Families Served
Top 5% Producing Agent
Buying & Listing Specialist
Contract & Negotiation Ninja
CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006
With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.
Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!
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