What Executive Realty Center Offers for Property Management in South Carolina

Executive Realty Center is a property management company serving South Carolina landlords and property owners

Executive Realty Center handles day-to-day management of residential and commercial properties across South Carolina. The company takes on tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement so owners do not have to manage those details themselves. If you own rental property in South Carolina and want a company to handle operations, Executive Realty Center is one option to research alongside other local and regional firms.

Property management companies vary widely in size, service scope, and fees. Before choosing any firm, you should understand what services they actually provide, what they charge, and whether their approach matches your needs as a property owner.

Key Takeaways

• Executive Realty Center manages residential and commercial properties for owners who prefer not to handle tenant relations and maintenance directly.
• Property management companies typically charge a percentage of monthly rent, plus fees for specific services like evictions or repairs.
• You should compare multiple property management firms in your area to understand the range of services and costs available.
• Before signing a contract, confirm which tasks the company handles in-house and which they outsource to contractors.
• South Carolina property management is regulated by state law, and companies must follow landlord-tenant rules and fair housing standards.

What property management companies typically handle

A property management company acts as the intermediary between you as the owner and your tenants. They advertise vacancies, screen applicants, collect rent, respond to maintenance requests, handle lease violations, and coordinate repairs or replacements. Some firms also manage evictions, handle security deposits, and prepare financial reports for tax purposes.

Not every company offers every service. Some specialize in single-family homes; others focus on multifamily buildings or commercial space. Some handle only rent collection and leave maintenance to the owner; others provide full-service management. You need to ask Executive Realty Center specifically which services they include in their standard package and which cost extra.

How property management fees work

Most property management companies charge a percentage of the monthly rent collected—typically between 8 and 12 percent, though this varies by market and company. So if your monthly rent is $1,000 and the fee is 10 percent, you pay $100 per month to the management company.

Beyond the base percentage, companies often charge additional fees for specific tasks: lease violations, evictions, maintenance coordination, or emergency repairs outside business hours. Some charge a one-time setup fee when you first sign on. Ask Executive Realty Center for a written fee schedule that lists the base percentage and all additional charges so you can compare it to other firms.

Questions to ask before hiring a property management company

Before you sign a contract with any firm, including Executive Realty Center, you should know the answers to these questions: How long have they been in business? How many properties do they currently manage? Do they handle maintenance in-house or use contractors? What is their process for handling tenant complaints? How often do they provide financial reports? Can you speak to current clients as references?

Also ask about their tenant screening process—what background checks do they run, and what criteria do they use to approve or reject applicants? Ask how they handle security deposits: do they hold them in a separate account, and what is their process for returning them after a tenant moves out? Ask what happens if a tenant stops paying rent—how quickly do they move toward eviction, and do they handle the court process or refer you to an attorney?

Get the answers in writing. A reputable company will provide a contract that spells out services, fees, and both parties' responsibilities. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand.

South Carolina property management regulations

South Carolina property management companies must follow state landlord-tenant law, which is codified in the South Carolina Code of Laws Title 27, Chapter 40. The law covers security deposit handling, notice requirements, lease terms, and eviction procedures. Property managers must also comply with federal fair housing law, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

If a property management company violates these laws—for example, by discriminating against applicants or mishandling security deposits—you as the owner can be held liable along with the company. This is one reason to hire a firm with a solid reputation and clear compliance practices. Ask whether they have errors and omissions insurance and whether they have ever faced complaints with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

How to compare property management firms in your area

South Carolina has many property management companies, from large regional firms to small local operations. Start by asking other property owners in your area for recommendations. Check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and industry sites, but remember that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your experience.

Contact at least three firms and request a written proposal that includes their service list, fee structure, contract length, and cancellation terms. Ask each one for references from current clients in your area—ideally owners with properties similar to yours. Call those references and ask about their experience: Did the company respond quickly to problems? Were financial reports accurate and timely? Would they hire the company again?

Once you have gathered information from multiple firms, you can make an informed decision about which one fits your needs and budget.

What to include in a property management contract

A property management contract should clearly state the term (how long you are bound to the company), the services included, the fee structure with all additional charges listed, the process for handling maintenance and repairs, how often you will receive financial reports, and the grounds and process for terminating the contract early if needed.

The contract should also specify who holds the security deposits and how they are handled, what happens if a tenant breaks the lease, and how the company will communicate with you about problems. It should state whether the company has authority to make decisions on your behalf (like approving repairs up to a certain dollar amount) or whether they must contact you first. Read every section carefully and ask for clarification on anything unclear before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a property manager and a real estate agent?

A real estate agent helps you buy, sell, or lease a property—they work on commission when a transaction closes. A property manager handles the ongoing operations of a property you already own, collecting rent and managing tenants for a monthly fee. Some companies do both, but the roles are distinct.

Can I change property management companies if I am unhappy?

Yes, but check your contract first. Most contracts allow termination with 30 to 60 days' notice, though some require longer notice or charge an early termination fee. Before you switch, make sure the new company is ready to take over and that you have all financial records and tenant files from the previous manager.

What happens to my security deposits if I fire my property manager?

South Carolina law requires that security deposits be held in a separate account and returned to tenants within 30 days of move-out, minus any deductions for damage or unpaid rent. When you change managers, the old company must transfer the deposits to the new one or return them to you. Get written confirmation of this transfer before the changeover happens.

Do I need a property manager if I only own one rental property?

That depends on your time, knowledge, and comfort level. Managing one property yourself is possible—you collect rent, handle maintenance calls, and manage the lease. But property management companies handle legal compliance, tenant screening, and eviction procedures, which can save you money and headaches if problems arise. Compare the cost of hiring a manager to the value of your time and the risk of doing it wrong.

How do property managers handle maintenance emergencies?

Most companies have a process for tenants to report emergencies (like a burst pipe or no heat) and coordinate repairs quickly. Ask whether the company has preferred contractors on call 24/7, whether they can approve emergency repairs up to a certain dollar amount without contacting you first, and whether emergency repairs cost extra. Get this in writing so you know what to expect.