Thursday
Monday
Managers & Corporate: Bad Relationship Signs
You are a resident just looking to get some assistance about an ongoing issue in your apartment that is going to cost thousands to fix. You speak to the community manager, then the manager speaks to the regional boss, and he in turns speaks to the corporate boss. After a week or two, you follow-up only to hear from the community manager, "I have passed on your concern to my boss who is speaking to our corporate office about the matter and I should know something soon." However, another week or two goes by and still nothing. So you follow up again and this time the reason for delay has changed only slightly, but still means the same thing--still no help. Now what do you do? Contact the health department, the media, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau--what? Some residents hope the problem is solved before it comes down to such drastic measures, but sometimes it isn't.
There are those issues that happen behind the scenes that residents shouldn't know about, but what is in darkness, often comes to light. A corporate boss or property owner may not be a likable or friendly person and unfortunately doesn't get along very well with those who he or she manages. This person may be demanding or worse insulting. Ordering his or her people around like slaves while expecting no objections. Those that are weak-minded and desperate for income will go along with the program, while others who are strong-willed, will not allow the disrespect.
Don't be surprised if you see your favorite community manager, leasing consultant, maintenance guy, service coordinator or others suddenly leave one day. The apartment management industry is known for having a high turn-over rate especially with leasing consultants; however, what many don't know is that sometimes there is a poison at the top that leaks down to lower-level employees who are out in the field dealing with none other than residents. If there is no remedy in site for that poison than it will only spread. In time, it shows up (in cases like the one I started this article with) where a resident doesn't get major repairs done on his or her suite. When the leak spreads it results in incomplete paperwork, bad accommodations, attitudes, and more. Managers and leasing consultants may not assist residents as much they once did. The grounds may go weeks without being tended. There are those at the corporate office who may not like the staff over at XYZ property for whatever reason, and may overlook their requests, change budget spending or refuse to acknowledge needs while blaming staff for everything that is wrong with the property.
So when you start seeing things going down hill at your community and you know it is owned by a large property management company, don't put all your concerns on lower level management, go straight to the top! Contact the leasing office and put in additional work order requests while warning staff that you will be escalating the matter if things aren't done. Other things that you can do to try to get your work order requests completed: write letters to both the leasing and corporate offices mentioning dates you made your requests, make phone calls, and request a resident meeting asking that someone from corporate be present. Now some reading this might say, "If I have to do all this, then there is no reason why I should remain where I am?" Exactly. But until your lease is up, you either live with the problem or get a remedy for it.
There are those issues that happen behind the scenes that residents shouldn't know about, but what is in darkness, often comes to light. A corporate boss or property owner may not be a likable or friendly person and unfortunately doesn't get along very well with those who he or she manages. This person may be demanding or worse insulting. Ordering his or her people around like slaves while expecting no objections. Those that are weak-minded and desperate for income will go along with the program, while others who are strong-willed, will not allow the disrespect.
Don't be surprised if you see your favorite community manager, leasing consultant, maintenance guy, service coordinator or others suddenly leave one day. The apartment management industry is known for having a high turn-over rate especially with leasing consultants; however, what many don't know is that sometimes there is a poison at the top that leaks down to lower-level employees who are out in the field dealing with none other than residents. If there is no remedy in site for that poison than it will only spread. In time, it shows up (in cases like the one I started this article with) where a resident doesn't get major repairs done on his or her suite. When the leak spreads it results in incomplete paperwork, bad accommodations, attitudes, and more. Managers and leasing consultants may not assist residents as much they once did. The grounds may go weeks without being tended. There are those at the corporate office who may not like the staff over at XYZ property for whatever reason, and may overlook their requests, change budget spending or refuse to acknowledge needs while blaming staff for everything that is wrong with the property.
So when you start seeing things going down hill at your community and you know it is owned by a large property management company, don't put all your concerns on lower level management, go straight to the top! Contact the leasing office and put in additional work order requests while warning staff that you will be escalating the matter if things aren't done. Other things that you can do to try to get your work order requests completed: write letters to both the leasing and corporate offices mentioning dates you made your requests, make phone calls, and request a resident meeting asking that someone from corporate be present. Now some reading this might say, "If I have to do all this, then there is no reason why I should remain where I am?" Exactly. But until your lease is up, you either live with the problem or get a remedy for it.
Wednesday
Apartments.com | Find Apartments for Rent, Houses, Condos and Townhomes | Rental Listings
When I want to find out about the latest available apartments, this site hands-down is one of the best. Easy to use, great details, informative listings, etc. I don't get anything for recommending it, but I do think that it is useful. So if you are just beginning your apartment search, start here:
Apartments.com | Find Apartments for Rent, Houses, Condos and Townhomes | Rental Listings
Apartments.com | Find Apartments for Rent, Houses, Condos and Townhomes | Rental Listings
Tuesday
Marketing Strategies for an Apartment Building
Some blog readers stumble across this site who are from the apartment management industry. I thought a past article I wrote for another website might be helpful if you are a property owner. I know how it can be frustrating trying to get visitors to your buildings. Hope the following link generates a few ideas for you.
Marketing Strategies for an Apartment Building
Marketing Strategies for an Apartment Building
Looking for an affordable rental market?
Thought this article might be interesting for those seeking an apartment and workers in the property management industry. Understand that the cost of rent is in your control. Seek apartment housing that you can afford. In other words, live within your means.
Looking for an affordable rental market? Study says you're out of luck - MSN Real Estate
Looking for an affordable rental market? Study says you're out of luck - MSN Real Estate
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