{"id":246,"date":"2017-09-24T16:39:42","date_gmt":"2017-09-24T16:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.onesourcepropertymanagement.com\/?p=246"},"modified":"2017-09-24T16:44:08","modified_gmt":"2017-09-24T16:44:08","slug":"dear-gabby-the-anatomy-of-a-perfect-property-manager-by-gabby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.onesourcepropertymanagement.com\/?p=246","title":{"rendered":"Dear Gabby: The Anatomy of a Perfect Property Manager \u2013 by \u201cGabby\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Gabby: I knew being a property manager isn\u2019t easy, but it\u2019s proving to be a lot harder than I imagined. There are so many responsibilities to balance, but I\u2019m still determined to be the best in the biz. Any tips?\u00a0 Sincerely,\u00a0 IWannaBeTheVeryBest<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear IWannaBeTheVeryBest:<\/p>\n

So you want to be a perfect property manager eh? The property management world can be highly rewarding one, but it\u2019s definitely not for the faint-hearted. I\u2019ve been working in the industry long enough to know what personalities and skill sets are better suited for this line of work.<\/p>\n

Just call me the Mr. Miyagi of property management. Learn how to focus on your goals and start with the basics. The rest will follow. After all, someone who can catch a fly with a pair of chopsticks can accomplish anything (note: this is not an official requirement of being a good property manager, but it would make for a killer party trick).<\/p>\n

It\u00a0may seem like you have a long path ahead of you, but have patience young grasshopper. Let\u2019s start with some of the imperative qualities of today\u2019s successful property managers:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"businesswoman\"<\/a>1. Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n

A property manager must have excellent communication skills. Residents must be able to reach the property manager for emergency and non-emergency related issues. Keeping the lines of communication open can be challenging when the phones are ringing, your email inbox is full, and residents and potential residents alike are lined up at your desk, but it\u2019s important to do so if you want to build and maintain good relationships with your residents.<\/p>\n

One way to streamline communication is by implementing a resident portal. This will allow residents to ask questions, make maintenance requests, find information, and pay bills online. Not only will this keep your phone from ringing nonstop, but it also allows you to closely track communication with your residents for better organization. Communication should be painless \u2013 no one likes playing phone tag.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

2. Stay in the Know<\/strong><\/p>\n

The multifamily housing industry is evolving every day. If you want to be a successful property manager, it\u2019s important that you stay ahead of the latest trends and regulations.<\/p>\n

Make sure you\u2019re reading the latest trade journals, industry reports, and other news sources (hint, hint\u2026my blog). It\u2019s simple! For example, I read up on all my multifamily news sources while enjoying my morning coffee.<\/p>\n

Because property laws change frequently \u2013 especially in big cities \u2013 you need to make sure you\u2019re not missing something important that could undermine your business. We live in a fast moving world (just ask the Kardashians) and you have to move fast to keep up!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Organization Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a property manager, it\u2019s up to you to make sure everything runs smoothly. Think the opposite of Taylor Swift\u2019s love life and you nailed it. Keeping track of all your responsibilities as a property manager will help you stay organized. Remember, you\u2019re responsible for things such as:<\/p>\n