A Journey into Property Management
The Spark of Inspiration
A small 54-unit apartment complex was being built just around the corner from my house, and with all my kids in elementary school, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for a daytime job!
A Day in the Life at Holly Crest
Morning Hustle and Team Synergy
My day typically begins before 8:00 a.m. I start by delivering packages to the Luxer locker that were left at the door or floor, reviewing and printing pricing, answering emails, and replenishing the snacks & drink fridge. At 9:00 a.m., we kick off with our morning team meeting, where we discuss daily priorities and any pressing matters. I aim to plan my day and set clear priorities for my tasks, but with the ever-changing nature of the job, my schedule often shifts.
Dynamic Duties and Daily Adventures
Throughout the day, I handle a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to reviewing rental applications, conducting make-ready walkthroughs, giving property tours to prospective residents, managing lease renewals and renters’ insurance, monitoring delinquency and financial reports, approving invoices and reviewing budgets, and coordinating with vendors and addressing maintenance concerns. No two days are ever the same, but that’s what keeps the job exciting and dynamic!
The Heart of the Job
The Rewarding Road Home
The greatest reward for me is driving home at the end of the day, knowing that I gave 100%, conducted business with integrity, and upheld the highest moral and ethical standards. I take pride in being open and honest in all my communication and interactions with both team members and residents.
Building Community Connections
Engaging with Residents
While I may not have as much time as I would like to personally interact with each resident, I always make myself available to anyone who wishes to stop by and speak with me. My goal is for residents to feel comfortable getting to know me and confident in my ability to address their concerns, resolve issues, or simply provide answers to their questions. I also attend some resident events.
A Memorable Lesson in Accountability
I’ve had many experiences—both good and bad—so I don’t have just one success story. To me, every day is a success. Even when I fall short in some way, it’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, and improve how I handle similar situations in the future. However, this one particular experience has stuck with me over the years…
I was a fairly new manager taking care of two properties, and it was time to process rent checks, which was done by hand. Taking all the batches to the bank, everything went smoothly until I got a call from my regional manager. She told me she had just spoken to one of my residents who said that two months’ rent had just come out of her bank account, and she was really mad! I don’t know if I was more scared of talking to my regional manager or the thought of how mad the resident was; I was terrified at that moment! Instead of yelling at me, my boss said, “We all make mistakes; we have to take accountability and accept responsibility for them. So you call and talk to that resident, tell her you made the mistake and you’re sorry.” She said, “The more sincere and honest your interactions are with people, the more understanding they may be.” So, I called the resident, and as soon as she picked up the phone, I started to cry. I told her what I had done and how sorry I was; I felt horrible and just kept telling her how sorry I was! I think that resident took pity on me because she gave me a polite talking-to and thanked me for calling and admitting to my mistake.
Essential Skills for Success
The Property Manager’s Toolbox
A diverse skill set is necessary to effectively manage the community and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for managing staff, resolving resident concerns, and maintaining positive relationships with residents, vendors, and ownership. Organizational and time management skills are crucial for my role. A successful property manager must also have financial acumen to manage rent collection, expenses, and profitability while making data-driven decisions to improve property performance. Problem-solving skills are key when addressing resident disputes, maintenance emergencies, and unexpected challenges. Additionally, adaptability and resilience are necessary to navigate the ever-changing housing market, which is always a great time to change leasing strategies. In a nutshell, a great property manager balances customer service, financial oversight, and operational efficiency to create a thriving and well-maintained community.
The Holly Crest Experience
Transformations and Team Triumphs
I love witnessing transformations when negative situations turn into positive ones. But the best part of all is when we as a team are successful in finding someone the perfect home, thereby creating a lifelong referral-worthy client. And, of course, our AMAZING TEAM who makes Holly Crest, Holly Crest!
Words of Wisdom
Advice for Aspiring Property Managers
My advice for anyone considering a career in property management is to understand that it’s not a glamorous job. You need to be well-rounded and knowledgeable about every aspect of your property. Continuous training, asking lots of questions to understand how something works—and why—will help in giving you the ability to see the bigger picture and to manage your property and staff effectively.
Preparing for the Role
Just yesterday, someone told me, “You can only prepare so much!” However, you must be forward-thinking. I truly believe that understanding how every role contributes to the team is essential. Get to know your employees, and if you’re fortunate enough to handle hiring, be diligent. Don’t just hire for the position—hire with the residents and the team in mind. Look for someone who is a well-rounded fit for the entire community.
Life Beyond Work
Free Time Fun
I try to relax, play with my three French bulldogs, boat and fish with my family, shop for shoes, and eat great food!
Final Reflections
The Holly Crest Magic
My experience at Holly Crest has been an incredible whirlwind! It’s a true work of art, with a strong sense of community, wonderful residents, and a dedicated, all-in staff that makes it an amazing place to work. It’s such a privilege to serve its residents and help foster a strong team that promotes Holly Crest as a one-of-a-kind community!
