What Real Estate Exchange Inc Does and How to Reach Them
Real Estate Exchange Inc is a property management company serving South Carolina
Real Estate Exchange Inc is a property management firm based in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial properties for owners and investors. They manage day-to-day operations, tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and rent collection for their clients' properties across the state.
If you own rental property in South Carolina or are looking for a management company to handle your investment, Real Estate Exchange Inc is one option to research. This guide explains what property management companies typically do, how to contact them, and what questions to ask when evaluating whether they fit your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Real Estate Exchange Inc handles tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance requests, and lease enforcement for property owners in South Carolina.
- Property management companies charge a percentage of monthly rent—typically 8 to 12 percent—plus fees for specific services like evictions or repairs.
- You can contact Real Estate Exchange Inc directly to discuss your property type, portfolio size, and management needs before deciding whether to hire them.
- Comparing multiple property management companies helps you understand pricing, service scope, and responsiveness in your area.
What property management companies handle day-to-day
Property managers like Real Estate Exchange Inc take over the operational side of owning rental property. This includes advertising vacant units, screening and approving tenants, collecting rent, responding to maintenance requests, scheduling repairs, and handling lease renewals or terminations. They also manage tenant disputes, coordinate with contractors, and keep owners informed about property status and expenses.
Owners use property managers when they own multiple properties, live out of state, lack time to manage tenants themselves, or want professional handling of legal and financial details. A manager acts as the intermediary between owner and tenant, which can reduce conflict and ensure consistent enforcement of lease terms.
Some property managers also handle accounting and tax documentation, preparing year-end reports that show income, expenses, and depreciation. Others offer optional services like capital improvements, property inspections, or tenant placement guarantees—these typically cost extra beyond the base management fee.
How property management fees are structured
Most property management companies charge a percentage of monthly rent as their base fee. In South Carolina, this typically ranges from 8 to 12 percent, though the exact rate depends on the company, the property type, and the number of units you own. A property generating $1,200 in monthly rent might cost $96 to $144 per month to manage.
Beyond the base fee, companies often charge separate fees for specific services: tenant screening (usually $25 to $75 per applicant), lease signing, eviction filing and court representation, maintenance coordination, or emergency repairs outside business hours. Some charge a one-time setup fee when you first sign on, and some charge a lease renewal fee when a tenant extends their tenancy.
Before hiring any property manager, ask for a written fee schedule that lists the base percentage, all additional service charges, and any fees that apply if you terminate the contract early. This prevents surprises and lets you compare costs across companies fairly.
How to contact Real Estate Exchange Inc
To reach Real Estate Exchange Inc, search for their current contact information through the South Carolina Secretary of State's business database or a local business directory. Property management companies sometimes change phone numbers, websites, or office locations, so verifying their current details before calling ensures you reach the right office.
When you contact them, be ready to describe your property: its location, type (single-family home, duplex, apartment building), number of units, current occupancy status, and any special features or challenges. They will ask whether you want full-service management or limited services, and they may ask about your timeline for starting management.
Many property managers offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and provide a quote. Use this conversation to ask about their experience with properties like yours, their tenant screening process, how they handle maintenance emergencies, and how often they provide owners with financial reports.
Questions to ask before hiring a property manager
Beyond fees, ask how the company screens tenants—do they run credit checks, criminal background checks, and employment verification? Ask what their average tenant retention rate is and how they handle evictions if a tenant stops paying rent. Find out whether they use a lease template or allow you to provide your own, and whether they handle all legal compliance or expect you to stay current on landlord-tenant law.
Ask how they communicate with owners: do you get monthly statements, quarterly reports, or annual summaries? Can you log into an online portal to check rent payments and maintenance requests in real time, or do you receive information by mail or email? Ask what happens if you need to reach them urgently—is there an after-hours emergency line, and what counts as an emergency?
Ask whether they have experience with the specific neighborhoods or property types you own. A company that manages mostly single-family homes in suburban areas may not be the best fit if you own a commercial building downtown. Ask for references from current clients—ideally owners with similar properties—and follow up with at least two or three of them.
Comparing property management options in South Carolina
South Carolina has property management companies ranging from small local firms to large regional chains. Larger companies may offer more resources and standardized processes, while smaller firms may provide more personalized attention and flexibility. Neither is automatically better—it depends on your property, your management style, and what you value most.
Create a comparison spreadsheet listing the companies you are considering, their base fees, additional charges, services included, communication methods, and any special strengths or weaknesses you notice. Contact at least three companies to get a sense of the market rate in your area and the range of services offered. This also gives you a chance to evaluate how responsive and professional each company is during the initial inquiry.
Check whether any company is licensed or bonded in South Carolina. While not all states require property manager licensing, bonding protects your money if the company mishandles rent deposits or other client funds. Ask directly whether they carry errors and omissions insurance, which covers mistakes in their management of your property.
What to expect after you hire a property manager
Once you sign a management agreement, the company typically takes over immediately or on a date you both agree on. They will coordinate the transition, collect any existing tenant information, and begin advertising if there are vacant units. You should receive a welcome packet or email outlining how to contact them, how to access your account, and what to expect in terms of reporting and communication.
Most property managers send owners a monthly statement showing rent collected, expenses paid, and the net amount owed to you. Some deposit owner funds into a separate account and pay you monthly or quarterly; others may hold funds and pay you annually. Clarify the payment schedule and account structure before signing so there are no misunderstandings about when and how you receive your money.
Your relationship with the property manager should include regular check-ins about property performance, tenant issues, and any changes you want to make to your rental strategy. If you are unhappy with the service, most management agreements allow you to terminate with 30 to 60 days' notice, though some charge an early termination fee. Review the contract terms carefully before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a property manager if I only own one rental property?
Not necessarily. Many single-property owners manage their own rentals to save on fees. However, if you live far away, lack time, or prefer not to handle tenant conflicts and maintenance calls, a property manager can be worth the cost for peace of mind and professional handling of legal details.
What happens if a tenant stops paying rent?
The property manager typically sends a formal notice, documents the non-payment, and files an eviction if the tenant does not pay within the notice period. They handle court filings and representation, though you may be responsible for court costs. Ask your property manager about their eviction timeline and whether they charge a separate fee for this service.
Can I change property managers if I am unhappy?
Yes, but review your management agreement first. Most allow termination with 30 to 60 days' notice, though some charge an early termination fee. The new manager will coordinate the transition and take over tenant relations and rent collection on the agreed date.
How do property managers handle maintenance and repairs?
Most maintain a network of contractors and vendors for common repairs. They receive maintenance requests from tenants, assess the urgency, and coordinate the work. They also track repair costs and deduct them from rent collected before paying you the remainder. Ask whether you have to approve repairs above a certain dollar amount before work begins.
What if I want to sell my property while a manager is handling it?
Notify your property manager as soon as you decide to sell. They can help coordinate showings, manage tenant access, and handle the transition to a new owner. Some management agreements require notice before a sale, and you may owe a final fee or commission depending on your contract terms.