Hey there, Baldwin County property owners—let’s have a real talk. If you’re managing your own rental home around Fairhope, Daphne, Foley, or Gulf Shores, you might be thinking you’re doing the smart, cost-effective thing. After all, who knows your property better than you, right?
But here’s the hard truth most self-managing landlords don’t realize until it’s too late: self-managing your rental might be quietly draining your profits, your time, and your peace of mind.
Let’s pull back the curtain on the hidden costs of going it alone and show you how professional property management could actually increase your bottom line.
Empty Homes Don’t Pay the Bills
Down here, rental demand is high—but so is competition. A month-long vacancy in a $1,500 rental means you’re out $1,500 plus utilities, lawn care, pest control… and don’t forget your mortgage and taxes.
Every day your rental sits empty, you’re bleeding money. That “just one month” of vacancy could cost you a couple thousand dollars—not to mention the stress and time spent trying to market the property, screen tenants, and handle showings.
Professional managers have tools, marketing departments, and networks to fill properties faster, often cutting vacancy time in half. That’s money in your pocket.
Bad Tenants? Bless Your Heart… and Your Wallet
Tenant screening isn’t just about checking credit scores. It’s about spotting red flags, verifying income, contacting previous landlords, and reading between the lines.
A bad tenant can lead to:
Missed rent payments
Property damage
Legal headaches and costly evictions
There’s nothing worse than a tenant who trashes your place, ghosts on rent, or turns into a legal nightmare. And unfortunately, Baldwin County isn’t immune to bad renters.
Here’s what the average eviction might cost you in Baldwin County:
Action
Approximate Cost
Notice of Appeal filing fee
$260–$360
Legal fees
$500–$10,000
Locksmith fees
$160
Storage for abandoned belongings
Varies (and stacks up fast)
And that doesn’t include missed rent or repair costs. We’ve seen landlords stuck with pet damage, mold from ignored leaks, and even leftover “collections” that should never be found in a kitchen cabinet. A thorough screening process is your best defense—and we do it daily.
One bad tenant could cost you thousands. A good property manager reduces that risk with thorough screening and experience.
DIY Fever Costs More than You Think
You might think you’re saving money by hiring a handyman from Craigslist or fixing that leaky faucet yourself. Sure, you’re handy. Maybe you can change a lock, patch a wall, or YouTube your way through a busted disposal. But the real question is: should you?
Time is money—and DIY repairs aren’t always cheaper:
Repeated “cheap fixes” can lead to repeat issue and even bigger problems down the line.
Unlicensed repairs can become liability nightmares.
Unknown handymen can lead to tenant problems or poor workmanship
Storm damage? We’ve seen small roof leaks turn into full-blown insurance claims because no one caught them in time.
A good property management company has thoroughly vetted vendors and volume discounts. That means faster repairs at better prices—and fewer 2 a.m. emergency calls for you.
At Level Property Management Group, our maintenance team handles it all—fast, right, and according to budget.Plus, we’re local and have 24/7/365 phone service and emergency dispatch to handle those middle of the night-mares.
Emotional Decisions + Rentals = Trouble
When you’re personally involved with a property, it’s easy to let emotions guide your decisions. We get it. Maybe that tenant just lost their job. Maybe their story tugs at your heartstrings. But here’s the hard truth: this is a business.
That empathy is admirable—but emotions don’t balance the books.
Letting a tenant slide “just this once” turns into three months of unpaid rent. Installing granite counters because you like them doesn’t mean you’ll get more rent.
A property manager brings objectivity and a business mindset, helping you make data-driven decisions that protect your investment. Our job is to keep things professional, objective, and profitable. We make decisions based on market trends, data, and return on your investment.
Tax Time Shouldn’t Feel Like a Root Canal
Closeup portrait young terrified girl woman scared at dentist visit, siting in chair, screaming, opened mouth, doesn’t want dental procedure drilling tooth extraction isolated clinic office background
You could be missing deductions or misclassifying expenses—costing you even more. If you’re tracking expenses on napkins or trying to remember what that $782 “fix” in April was, you’re leaving money on the table. And maybe waving a red flag to the IRS.
Property management fees? 100% tax deductible. So is mileage, repairs, marketing costs, and even storm prep costs—if you’ve got the paperwork to prove it.
We give you clear monthly reports, 1099s at year-end, and help you make tax season less awful.
Your Time is Worth More Than You Think
Let’s say you spend 6 hours a month on your rental, which is the average for one rental when yu have a great tenant and everything’s going smoothly.
Answering texts. Coordinating maintenance or repairs. Running background checks. Waiting for no-shows. Driving to meet vendors. Posting on Facebook Marketplace for the tenth time.
If your time is worth $50/hour (and we bet it is), that’s $3,600 a year you’re “spending” managing your own rental. That’s before factoring in stress, phone calls, drive-bys, or dealing with late-night emergencies.
Property managers typically charge 8-10% of monthly rent, and that cost pays for itself (and then some) in increased efficiency, rent collection, tenant quality, your time, and peace of mind.
Bonus: Storm Prep Isn’t Optional on the Gulf Coast
In Coastal Alabama, hurricane season isn’t just a headline—it’s a real concern. If your rental isn’t boarded up, secured, and documented before a storm hits, you could be in for a nasty surprise when it’s over.
At Level, we keep tabs on all our properties before, during, and after severe weather. We know who to call, what to document for insurance, and how to get repairs rolling fast. That’s a lot of guidance and peace of mind self-managing landlords rarely have.
Ready to Stop the Profit Bleed?
Self-managing your single-family rental might feel like the budget-friendly option—but in Baldwin County, it’s often the most expensive one. Between lost rent, legal risks, hidden costs, and wasted time, that DIY mindset could be costing you thousands each year.
If you want to stop the bleeding, increase your profit, and finally relax a little, let us take the wheel.
Let Level Property Management Group show you a better way. We specialize in maximizing ROI for single-family rental owners across the Gulf Coast. From tenant screening to 24/7 maintenance, we do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.
👉 Let’s talk. Your profits (and your peace of mind) are worth it. Call today – 251.210.1664.
Client Testimonial:“I have owned rental property for many years & hands down my experience with Level’s property manager, they are the best I have had in my entire 30+yrs having rentals.” — Client Testimonial
To assist property owners further, we’ve prepared a comprehensive checklist:
(Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, Foley, Gulf Shores, Point Clear, Dauphin Island, Baldwin County & Mobile County)
March is bursting with excitement as Mardi Gras festivities continue and spring arrives, bringing a diverse array of events from farmers markets to arts and craft fairs and boat shows! At Level Property Management Group, we are dedicated to providing all of our clients – owners, tenants & investors – white-glove service, drawing on our deep knowledge of Mobile and Baldwin County.
This March, our expert property & community management advisors highlight the best local happenings, from vibrant art shows and delicious food festivals to lively community gatherings that showcase the heart and soul of our area. So, gather your family, and get ready to dive into the many exciting experiences Coastal Alabama has to offer this month!
Weekly Local Happenings
First Saturdays: The Daphne Market March 01, April 05, May 10, June 07 Location: 25369 US-98 E | Daphne
Get ready for a day of shopping, food, and fun at The Daphne Market, a vibrant community event packed with local vendors, food trucks, artisans, and small businesses! From handmade crafts and boutique finds to fresh produce and mouthwatering eats, this family-friendly market is the perfect place to support local makers and soak in the lively atmosphere—don’t miss it!
Saturdays: Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermans MarketLocation: 781 Farmers Market Lane, Foley, AL 36535 Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dive into the local flavor at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market! This weekly event showcases local farms, fisheries, and small businesses offering fresh produce, seafood, and more. It’s the place to be for wholesome food and friendly faces—perfect for stocking up on delicious ingredients for your kitchen!
March 1: Cars and Coffee at Saltwater Brew Location: Saltwater Brew Coffee Shop |Silverhill, AL A fun morning with lots of cars! Trophy will be awarded for Coffee Shop Pick
March 1: Ballyhoo Fine Art & Culture Festival Location: 20115 State Park Hwy 135 Gulf Shores, AL Get ready—festival season is here, and the Ballyhoo Fine Art & Culture Festival is kicking things off in style with 110 juried artists, live music, food trucks, a thrilling fiddle/banjo competition, and the rich heritage of the Poarch Creek Indians, this free event is a must-attend celebration of art, culture, and community—see you there!
March 3-4: Moon Pies on Main Location: 23101 Canal Road | Orange Beach, AL Get ready to “let the good times roll” at our annual Mardi Gras celebration, featuring a lively kid + pet parade at 4 PM, a dazzling float parade at 6 PM, and the breathtaking SPECTRA Laser Light Experience to cap off the night! Bring your krewe early for a rockin’ DJ, kids’ activities, and a festive atmosphere that’s fun for the whole family—including your furry friends!
March 4: James Webb Telescope – Wonders of Our Universe Location: Gulf State Park Nature Center | Orange Beach, AL Launched Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb is sending Earth pictures of Deep Space as far as 13.6 billion light years away! A single light year is just under 6 trillion miles. Come to the Nature Center for a glimpse of our universe shown by the James Webb Telescope.
March 7: Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Location: Downtown Fairhope Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month from 6-8 p.m.
March 8: Foley BBQ & Blues Cook-Off Location: 125 E Laurel Avenue | Foley, AL Fire up your appetite and get ready for smoky flavors and soulful tunes at the annual BBQ & Blues Cook-off in Downtown Foley’s Heritage Park on March 8! Kicking off with a concert by Alabama’s own American Idol winner Taylor Hicks on March 7, this Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event brings mouthwatering BBQ, live blues music, and family fun—all for a great cause supporting the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation!
March 9: Orange Beach Festival of Art Location: 26389 Canal Rd | Orange Beach, AL The Orange Beach Festival of Art showcases visual, performing, musical, and culinary arts with over 100 vendors. Enjoy live music, local flavors, a kid’s art alley, and more—admission is free!
March 9 & 10: Fairhope Film Festival Monthly Movie Series Location: Ben Gall Theater | 122 Fairhope Avenue, Suite 1 | Fairhope, AL Step into the magic of cinema at the Monthly Movie Series, running January through May as part of the Fairhope Film Festival! Enjoy a handpicked, thought-provoking film each month, complete with popcorn, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for connecting with fellow movie lovers!
March 13: The Art of Mixology: Garden to Glass Masterclass Location: The Hope Farm | 915 Nichols Ave |Fairhope, AL Shake things up! Where garden-fresh ingredients take center stage in a Garden-to-Glass Masterclass at The Hope Farm! Sip, mix, and learn as we craft cocktails with homegrown herbs and fruits, paired perfectly with appetizers and a small entrée from our chef!
March 14-16: Mobile Boat Show Location: Mobile Convention Center Features a great selection of boats, motors, personal watercraft, and marine accessories. This show is always the best place to see all of the new models in one place for easy comparison shopping. The Mobile Boat Show is THE place to take advantage of “special show pricing. Plus, there are special events for the whole family to enjoy!
March 14-16: Orange Beach Invasion Location: The Wharf | 23101 Canal Road | Orange Beach, AL One of the hottest car and truck shows on the Gulf Coast. Hot rods, lowered trucks and more from all over the U.S. and Canada will make their way to Orange Beach for the three-day affair. The event will feature over 40 vendors + food vendors.
March 14-16: 53rd Annual ESAC Outdoor Art Show Location: Downtown Fairhope Experience the vibrant creativity of the Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, where downtown Fairhope transforms into a lively showcase of art, music, and Southern charm! With hundreds of talented artists, delicious local eats, and fun for all ages, this free three-day event is a must-visit celebration of culture and craftsmanship!
March 21: UNDER THE STARS! Location: Oak Hollow Farm | Fairhope Join us for a spectacular night Under the Stars as we kick off National Child Abuse Prevention Month and celebrate 36 years of helping Baldwin County’s children! Enjoy live music from the incredible Six Piece Suits Band, delicious food, dancing, and exciting auctions—all while supporting a cause that changes lives!
March 21: Young Professionals Summit – 2025 Location: Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa | One Grand Blvd | Point Clear, AL A dynamic one-day event designed for professionals under 40 to explore innovative ideas and essential skills for thriving in the workplace. With keynote speaker Joel Hughes from Troy University discussing “How to Handle Career Transitions” and additional insights from industry leaders, this summit is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the local business community.
March 21-23: The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show Location: The Wharf | 23101 Canal Road | Orange Beach, AL Experience the excitement of the “Top Boat Buying Show” in the northern Gulf, featuring over $100 million in boats and marine products from more than 120 exhibiting companies. This three-day event offers something for everyone, including live music, kids’ art classes with marine artist Larry Rackley, and instructional seminars—all while benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so grab your friends and make plans to attend!
March 22: Rubber Ducky Regatta Location: Downtown OWA Get ready for an unforgettable day at the RMHC Rubber Ducky Regatta, where thrilling activities, games, and mouthwatering food await you! On March 22nd, cheer on thousands of rubber ducks as they race across Lake OWA, with the top three winners earning fantastic grand prizes for their adopters, all while supporting the vital work of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile!
March 22,23,29,30: 2025 Cottontail Express Location: Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway | 13670 Smiley St | Silverhill, AL Guests will ride an authentic locomotive, down to the “bunny hutch” to visit and take pictures with the Easter Bunny, hunt Easter eggs, and complete an Easter craft. Refreshments, mini train rides, hay-less hayride, playground, and bounce house are also included in your tickets!
March 22: Dauphin Island Native American Experience Location: Dauphin Island A day filled with cultural richness! Explore traditional Native American culture and history with tribal members from the Poarch Creek Indians, Florida Seminole Tribe, and more. Experience interactive demonstrations such as stickball and pottery making, along with Native American dancing, canoe carving, weaving, and cultural displays.
March 25: Discovering Sea Turtles Location: The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores, AL Discover the amazing Sea Turtles found in the Gulf of Mexico and who nest on the beaches in Alabama. Learn about the exciting work done by the volunteers of “Share the Beach” as they search for nests along the Alabama Gulf coast and monitor the hatching of sea turtle nests. Come to the Learning Campus for this program.
March 27: Best of the Bay Location: Daphne Civic Center | 2603 US-98 | Daphne, AL Join us for a delightful evening supporting “the children of the world, one community at a time,” featuring signature dishes from over 30 local restaurants competing for the title of “Best of the Bay.” Enjoy live music from the Neil Dover Band, a fun Beauty and the Beast split-the-pot competition, and complimentary drinks, with all proceeds benefiting programs for children and youth in our communities.
March 28: The Molly Ringwalds – Part of the Live at Five – Fairhope Spring 2025 Location: Halstead Amphitheater | Fairhope | Alabama Ashurst Niemeyer Real Estate and Level Property Management Group are thrilled to sponsor Live at Five again this year, bringing you an electrifying performance by The Molly Ringwalds! Known for their high-energy shows, this incredible band takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the unforgettable hits of the 80s, immersing everyone in the vibrant spirit of the decade. With stunning visuals, a captivating light show, and iconic music videos as their backdrop, The Molly Ringwalds create an unforgettable experience that leaves every attendee singing along!
March 29: Inaugural Gulf Shores L.O.L. Festival Location: Gulf State Park Lake Shelby | 20115 State Hwy. 135 | Gulf Shores, AL Join us for the L.O.L. Festival (Love Our Locals), a three-day celebration of the talented individuals and businesses that make the Alabama Coastal Area so special! Enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food, live music across various genres, and family-friendly fun at Gulf State Park, where our welcoming locals will create an unforgettable experience!
March 29: Elberta German Sausage Festival Location: Elberta Join us for the ultimate culinary experience at the Elberta Sausage Festival, where you can savor the best German sausage made from a secret recipe crafted by the town’s founders! Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with arts and crafts, live music, carnival rides, delicious baked goods, and a fantastic selection of imported beers at the Bier Garten, all while supporting the Elberta Volunteer Fire Department in this beloved bi-annual celebration!
March at South Baldwin Community Theater
Friday, March 28, 2025 – Sunday, April 6, 2025 Monster in the Closet Emily has a big problem. Not only is she sent to bed just as she reaches the highest level of her new video game, but there’s a monster in her closet! Emily plans a sleep-over to help capture the monster. What they don’t know is that Murray, the closet monster, doesn’t mean any harm. After all, every monster knows that when a child is born, a monster is assigned to watch over her — not to play with her toys and especially not to get caught in the act!
For a comprehensive list of events happening around Mobile and Baldwin County, visit the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce events calendar.
As we wrap up our journey through the vibrant activities and events in Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, Foley, and beyond, it’s clear that this region is not just about finding a house; it’s about discovering a community that feels like home. From lively performances to charming local festivals, there’s always something happening that brings people together. These experiences create lasting memories and connections that truly define what it means to belong.
Get in Touch!
Call Level Property Management Group today to learn more about these unique neighborhoods.
