A Realtor (or leasing-only agent) finds you a tenant and then hands the property back to you; a property manager finds the tenant AND handles everything after — rent collection, maintenance, inspections, and legal compliance — for the life of the tenancy. If you want to be hands-off, you need a property manager. If you only need help finding a tenant and you're comfortable managing day to day, a leasing-only agent may be enough.
What's the difference between a property manager and a Realtor?
A leasing-only Realtor is paid a one-time fee to market your home, show it, screen applicants, and sign a lease — then their job is done. A property manager does all of that too, but stays on for the entire tenancy: collecting rent, coordinating repairs, running inspections, enforcing the lease, handling renewals, and keeping you compliant with Virginia landlord-tenant law.
Property manager vs. leasing-only agent
| Task | Property Manager | Leasing-Only Realtor |
|---|---|---|
| Market the home and find a tenant | Yes | Yes |
| Screen applicants | Yes | Yes |
| Sign the lease | Yes | Yes |
| Collect rent monthly | Yes | No |
| Coordinate maintenance | Yes | No |
| Handle inspections | Yes | No |
| Enforce the lease and evictions | Yes | No |
| Ensure ongoing legal compliance | Yes | At signing only |
| Cost | Flat $350/mo + leasing fee | One-time leasing fee |
When is a leasing-only agent enough?
A leasing-only agent can make sense if you own a single nearby property, you have the time and temperament to handle tenant calls and maintenance yourself, and you understand Virginia landlord-tenant law. You pay once and take it from there.
When do you need full property management?
Full management is the better fit if you live far from the property, own more than one rental, travel or work full-time, or simply don't want midnight maintenance calls and legal risk. A manager's ongoing fee buys back your time and protects you from the costly mistakes — mispriced rent, weak screening, missed legal steps — that can erase a year's profit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Realtor or a property manager better for renting my house? A Realtor (leasing-only agent) is enough if you just need help finding a tenant and will manage the rest yourself. A property manager is better if you want the property handled end to end — rent, maintenance, and compliance included.
Do property managers also find tenants? Yes. A property manager markets the home, screens applicants, and signs the lease — and then continues to manage the tenancy, which a leasing-only Realtor does not.
How much does each option cost? A leasing-only agent charges a one-time leasing fee. A property manager charges that leasing fee plus ongoing management — at Century 21 Accent Homes, a flat $350/month.
Family-owned property management company serving Northern Virginia since 1972. NARPM member, NVAR member, and National Association of Realtors® member with over 50 years of experience managing residential rental properties.