Misty Marshburn-Smith is originally from Jacksonville, N.C., and joined the team here at Sweyer Property Management in 2007. Marshburn-Smith has been in the property management industry for more than 18 years and her experience includes the management of conventional multi-family housing for a national REIT. She enjoys the demands of leasing and assisting customers in finding homes that fit their needs. Her passion for this industry comes from her desire to help others and ensure both the owners’ and tenants’ needs are met.
 
We have been proud to have Marshburn-Smith’s energy and expertise contributing to our team for nearly 10 years now and thought it would be helpful to those considering using a property manager for her explain what a property manager does, in her own words.
 
We asked Marshburn-Smith the most commonly questions asked of property managers in the Wilmington, N.C., area.
 
Q: First off, explain what a property manager is – what are you responsible for? 

A property manager handles the entire scope of advertising for a property to make sure the home is marketed and priced appropriately. This includes generating the lease agreement, collecting the deposit, rent and pet fees, inspecting the home during tenancy, and at move out, determining the overall maintenance needs. Throughout it all, the property manager schedules any maintenance required and confirms the work was performed as expected. Once the work is completed, the property manager pays the vendor. The property manager is also responsible for holding the tenants’ security deposit in a trust account and performing his or her duties in accordance with the Real Estate Commission.
 
Q: What are your favorite things to do on the job? 
 
One of the most rewarding aspects is getting know the owners and tenants and building trusting relationships with them.
 
Q: What are some of the biggest daily challenges you see owners struggling with? 
 
When owners have not planned financially for ongoing maintenance or turnover costs.
 
Q: From your perspective, what is unique about Wilmington area rental properties? 
 
Wilmington has so many different housing markets within one town. Our market ranges from those who wish to be in the downtown or historic district, to homes that are within walking distance of the beach, to college students who wish to be as close as possible to UNC Wilmington or Cape Fear Community College. There are also those who desire to live in a gated community. Our city has housing for everyone.
 
Q: How did you decide to be a property manager? 
 
I started out my career just out of college in the apartment industry as a leasing agent. I was like many young college graduates and thought I would be able to quickly obtain a job with my degree. But it didn’t happen as quickly as I thought it would. So I ventured out find “a job." I was lucky enough to land a job that I loved from day one. And now, nearly 20 years later, I still enjoy it every day.
 
Marshburn-Smith is part of an excellent team at Sweyer Property Management that can help with all of your rental property needs. To learn more about what we can do for you, and why a property manager can make your life better, contact us today.
 
Sweyer Property Management has been providing real estate property management services and long-term rentals to the Wilmington area since 1987. The company continues to be the industry leader with more than 1400+ units and more than 20 employees. Sweyer Property Management has exhibited continuous growth throughout the Wilmington, Leland and Hampstead areas while maintaining a 4.8 Google+ rating for customer service. To inquire about the company’s full-service management services, or to take a tour of houses for rent in the area, email [email protected], visit us online at WilmingtonForRent.com or download our mobile app, Sweyer Rentals. You can also Like and follow the Sweyer Property Management Facebook page to get property management tips or see properties for rent.