With the economy being what it is, it’s important that property managers do some self-analysis and determine what it is they do best and why their clients would choose them, and why tenants would choose their properties, over the others that are available. Once you understand what your clients and residents want, it’s easier to become proactive and work to provide those things before you find yourself struggling to drum up new business.
One property manager who has many years experience in the business states that one way to keep property owners happy is to anticipate their needs and strive to meet them before they become problems.
One of the main ways to become proactive in managing real estate and rental properties is to maintain close communication with your clients. Frequently informing your owner of potential problems, as well as how you’re dealing with them, will help the client see your property management skills at work. In addition, you will be reinforcing your ability to effectively handle problems that arise, and you’ll demonstrate your desire to keep your client happy by providing the most personalized service possible.
Another way to be proactive is to continually update and improve your property management skills. Read books and articles. Attend seminars and conferences. Network with others in the business. Pick up tips, tricks, ideas and solutions to help you meet your clients’ needs more effectively and do your job more efficiently. Doing so will help your clients trust your skills more thoroughly and will keep them happier with the results you achieve.
You can also keep a blog or send out emails to let your clients, and tenants, know what you’re doing on their behalf. Any time a new perk is added to a property, or a problem or complaint was resolved satisfactorily, take the opportunity to discreetly let folks know. Try a little “humble bragging,” sharing the information without sounding arrogant or obnoxious by framing it in the form of how it benefited the client or resident.
Doing simple things to let your clients and residents know you care about their needs and you’re striving to meet them as best you can will go a long way in improving your property management skills as well as your success. These few strategies are a great place to start.
