What to Expect During a Property Inspection (And Why It Protects Your Investment)

How to Choose the Right Property Manager in Santa Rosa & Escambia County Owning rental property can be rewarding—but only if the right systems are in place. And for most landlords, the biggest system of all is your property manager. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced investor, choosing the right property management company can mean the difference between peace of mind and constant frustration. Here’s what you should look for—and how Clover Property Management compares. 1. Local Knowledge of the Rental Market A great property manager doesn’t just understand rentals—they understand your market. Ask: • Do they manage homes in your exact zip code or neighborhood? • Can they explain current rent trends in Pace vs. Pensacola vs. Milton? • Do they know local tenant expectations, HOA quirks, or school zone premiums? At Clover, we manage hundreds of homes across Santa Rosa and Escambia counties , and we use that hyper-local experience to get results faster. 2. Transparent Pricing Without Hidden Fees Too many companies advertise a low rate—then charge extra for everything else. Ask: • Is pricing flat, percentage-based, or a mix? • What’s included in leasing, renewals, inspections, and maintenance coordination? • Are there startup or cancellation fees? Clover offers clear, competitive plans with easy to understand pricing. 3. Strong Tenant Screening Standards Your manager should protect your property by placing qualified, respectful tenants—not just the first person who applies. Ask: • Do they verify income and employment? • Run full background and eviction checks? • Require past landlord references? We do all of the above—and we screen thoroughly before presenting applicants to owners for approval. 4. Proactive Maintenance and Inspections Maintenance shouldn’t be a surprise—or a scramble. Ask: • How often do they inspect the property? • Do they document condition with photos? • Do they have preferred vendors or use in-house maintenance? Clover performs biannual inspections , coordinates repairs with our Priority 1 Home Services team , and communicates clearly with both tenants and owners. 5. Communication and Responsiveness When issues arise, you need answers—fast. Ask: • How do owners contact the management team? • Are there dedicated team members for leasing, maintenance, and billing? • Do they offer an online portal with real-time updates? Our team is local, available, and experienced —and our online portal puts property info, payments, and reports at your fingertips 24/7. 6. Reputation, Reviews, and Referrals Ask around. A strong company should have: • Positive reviews from both tenants and owners • A clear track record of trust and performance • Willingness to provide references if needed Clover is proud to be highly rated across Google, Facebook, and local platforms—and most of our business comes from referrals. Ready to Make the Switch? Let’s Talk If you’re unsure about your current manager—or just want to explore a smarter option—we’re here to help. 📲 Visit www.CloverPM.com or call 850-994-1542 for a free consultation. We’ll show you how property management should work.

What Landlords Should Expect in the 2025 Rental Market Across Santa Rosa & Escambia Counties The real estate market in our area has changed a lot over the past 12–18 months—and if you’re a property owner or investor, it’s important to understand where things are heading for the rest of 2025 and into early 2026. Let’s break down what’s happening right now—and what it means for rental property owners across Pace, Milton, Pensacola, and the surrounding areas . Rental Prices: Still Strong, but Slowing In 2022–2023, rents were rising rapidly. Now, things are balancing out. Pace, FL rental prices are still above average. Typical rent: $1,850–$2,200/month for 3 BR homes Small apartments and two-bed units are averaging $1,300–$1,600 Pensacola / Escambia County sees a wider range. Smaller homes or units: $1,400–$1,600/month Larger single-family homes: $1,700–$2,000+, depending on condition and location Across both counties, we’re seeing less aggressive rent increases —but overall rates remain healthy. Vacancy Rates Are Rising One of the most noticeable shifts in early 2025: properties are sitting longer. What used to rent in 3–5 days may now take 2–3 weeks. Why? • More rental inventory available • Renters have more options • Some sellers are converting unsold homes into rentals This means landlords need to act faster, market smarter, and remain flexible—especially on older or less-updated properties. Rental Demand Is Still There Despite slower movement, renter demand is not disappearing . • Military relocations and steady job growth continue to fuel interest • Families prefer areas like Pace, Milton, and Gulf Breeze due to schools and space • Many would-be buyers are staying in rentals longer due to interest rates The takeaway? A well-managed, competitively priced property in good condition will still rent—it just may take a little more strategy than it used to. Home Sales Are Slowing—Creating More Rental Opportunities Across Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, homes are taking longer to sell —and many owners are turning to renting as a backup plan. • Average time on market for home listings: ~90 days • Home values in some areas have dropped 1–2% from last year • Pace, FL list prices are holding strong, but buyer activity is softer If you’ve been trying to sell with no luck, renting your home out might be a smart short-term move that protects your equity and generates monthly income. What Landlords Should Focus On Right Now Here’s what we recommend heading into the second half of 2025: ✅ Price with precision Don’t overprice based on last year’s market. Let the data guide you. ✅ Act quickly on vacancies Even 1–2 extra weeks off-market costs you money. Stay proactive. ✅ Update where it counts Fresh paint, curb appeal, working appliances—these small updates make a big difference in today’s market. ✅ Work with professionals Leverage experienced property management to reduce turnover, stay legally compliant, and fill vacancies faster. Let’s Talk About Your Property Whether you’re an investor with multiple homes or a homeowner with one vacant property, now is the time to make smart, data-driven decisions.  📲 Visit www.CloverPM.com or call 850-994-1542 to schedule a free rental evaluation. We’ll give you a clear picture of what your property could earn—and how to keep it rented in today’s market.