We in southeastern NC are fortunate to live close to some of the nation's best military bases located at Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. There are many factors to be considered when it comes to housing options for service members and their families. Working with an experienced team of property management professionals who understand the distinct needs of members of the armed forces makes housing decisions much less stressful. Whether you’re a homeowner who has received orders and must make a quick move or are new to the area and interested in exploring off-base housing options, finding the right property management company to assist you is key.
Are You A Homeowner Who Received a PCS (Permanent Change of Station)?
If you're a homeowner serving in our nation’s military and have received a PCS, you may be unsure of the best course of action regarding your home. Should you put it on the sales market and hope it goes quickly? Or, are you considering hanging on to the home and one day returning to the area? If you are planning to return to the area or have a home on the sales market that isn’t getting much traffic, renting out your home in your absence is a great way to protect your investment. Turning your home into a rental property while you're away can not only mean some extra income, but also mean that the home isn't left sitting vacant and vulnerable.
If you’re considering turning your home into an investment property, hiring a professional property management company to handle matters surrounding your home is a great way to protect it. Trying to self-manage your rental may prove difficult in that you'll have to quickly find a tenant, sign a lease and try to handle any issues that arise long-distance. If you're being deployed, this may prove all but impossible.
A professional property management company, however, will act as a local liaison between you and your tenants and give you the benefit of having an experienced local team looking out for your best interest. Professional property management companies can handle all aspects of your investment property from advertising and tenant screening to signing leases and addressing maintenance issues.
The demand for rentals in southeastern NC is traditionally quite high, with occupancy rates remaining steady at 95% or above over the past several years. This is the perfect scenario for potential investors in that it gives property owners the ability to command competitive rental rates and lends to minimized vacancy periods.
Rental Housing Options for Service Members and Their Families
Perhaps you've received a PCS that has brought you to southeastern NC and you're exploring off-base housing options. If you're not ready to buy just yet or don't want to get bogged down with maintenance responsibilities and potentially having to sell your home in a few years, securing a long-term rental could be the perfect solution. Finding a rental that meets all your needs can be tough - you need to find something in the right area that is in your price range and that provides the space your family needs. Working with a local, professional property management team can take the stress out of the housing search and help you pin down the best property and location for your family whether it be just outside the base or a bit further away.
The towns of Hampstead, Holly Ridge and Sneads Ferry are not only just a quick drive to the bases, but also have a lot to offer for those looking to enjoy small-town life close to the water. Or, if you're looking to enjoy some of the things a bigger city has to offer, Wilmington is located about 45 minutes from the base gates.
From single-family homes to condos and apartments, the areas surrounding Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station have a lot of options available. But what if you’re unable to visit the area before you have to move? An experienced property management company can assist you in narrowing down the right area and finding the best home for your family before you even arrive at your new station. The leading property management companies will have websites that allow you to explore their available inventory, narrow it down by your criteria, view high-quality photos and even take virtual tours.
In fact, many companies have the technology available to allow prospective renters to find the perfect home, fill out an application and sign a lease on their computer or mobile device from anywhere in the world. What happens if you have to transfer again before your lease ends? Don’t worry – in North Carolina, there are special provisions that aid in releasing service members from their rental contracts early should they receive a transfer or be deployed.
We at Sweyer Property Management hold our military service members in the highest esteem and are committed to providing them with the housing and property management services they deserve. If you're going to be leaving the area and would like to explore turning your home into an investment property or are moving to the area for the first time, reach out to us today to learn more about what a professional property management company like Sweyer can do for you.