linda day harrison: Don't Quote Cookie-Cutter Services! Part II
- 02/20/13 01:52 AM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL I came to the conclusion very early in discussions with potential new property management clients that an initial drive-by, preliminary meeting with the owner, if possible, and compiling facts about the property on my own internal “Real Property Inventory Profile” was the best approach for me to take in determining the information necessary. Keep in mind, this approach is only necessary with local owners who were typically comprised of a partnership of local individuals or related persons who pool funds to invest in real estate. If the potential prospect is an institutional-grade client, the … (1 comments)
linda day harrison: Don’t Quote Cookie-Cutter Services! Part I
- 02/13/13 12:23 AM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL When I was on the front line, running a full-service real estate firm, I would be the point person on all new business calls. The first question from a potential client would almost always be "How much will you charge to manage my property?" Or "What percent will you charge to manage my property?" It was a frustrating position to be in, but one that was easily answered: "There's no fixed quote to manage your property." Of course, the argument would be that they called several other management companies and were quoted X or … (0 comments)
linda day harrison: Ethics in Property Management: A Cutting-Edge Topic?
- 12/04/12 11:29 PM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL Absolutely! Why, you ask? It's not a bunch of boring legal stuff that is neither cool nor sexy. Heck, it's not even about marketing, technology, social media, or anything current or trending, as they say. Or is it? I think it's very cutting edge to act ethically, and above all, with the highest respect for your employer, clients, and customers. It's not an easy track to maintain with all of the examples we see and hear about every day. Other people did it, so why not me? So-and-so was able to do this and … (0 comments)
linda day harrison: Is Your Property and Leasing Team Disney Ready?
- 10/17/12 11:33 PM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL How do management companies typically respond to new business inquiries? Phone interview with a request to tour the client's property. Follow up with a brochure and cover letter. Suggest the prospective client visit your website for more information. How about a lunch meeting to discuss the business opportunity? Or do you receive an RFI that requires you respond to a series of questions to be considered to bid? In any or all of these scenarios your properties and corporate office should strive to think that every time there is a new business inquiry, it … (3 comments)
linda day harrison: Are Property Newsletters Old News?
- 10/10/12 11:50 PM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL The answer is yes and no. Newsletters are a vital connecting point between you and your building occupants -- that is, if you do a newsletter. As a property manager, I always felt compelled to reach out to and keep in touch with occupants and tell them what we were doing in and around the property. The newsletter also served as a simple way to provide them with information about the area, property, or anything at all pertinent to their involvement in the community. I would feel incomplete if I were not able to … (1 comments)
linda day harrison: Understanding a Property Manager’s Green Friends
- 07/09/12 04:54 AM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL As a property manager, you hire landscapers or onsite staff to care for your grounds because proper greenery can really increase the property’s value. But how much do you know about plants and how much time do you spend learning how to incorporate plants into your property? Here is a list of things every property manager needs to know about plants, along with some inspiring thoughts to save money and create community spirit! The Basics: Annuals – Plants that grow for one single season. Perennials – Plants that will return year after year. … (0 comments)
linda day harrison: Constructing a Website for Today’s Property Manager
- 06/17/12 11:59 PM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL What is a website? Okay, so you’re thinking, “I know what a website is, so please don’t bore me with something I already know.” Great! But, for most folks, there needs to be a breakdown of parts so it’s clear. As property managers and building owners, we are accustomed to wanting to understand all of the details, as details are vital to our learning. For instance, if we have a boiler failure or a roof issue, we ask the contractor to draw us a picture or explain exactly what the problem is. It’s the … (4 comments)
linda day harrison: Turn Those Qs into FAQs
- 05/14/12 06:41 AM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL Ever call or visit a business, ask a basic question, and receive an answer of “I do not know?” To make matters worse, there is not even an offer of “I will find out”, or “Let me ask a supervisor.” It is rather scary and it is also profound. In business we work so hard to build our companies, market our properties, or create features and services, all to find out nobody in our own company has a clue! While visiting a business recently, I asked a simple question pertaining to a geographic location. … (4 comments)
linda day harrison: Does Your Property Manage You?
- 02/27/12 12:57 AM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL Do you manage your property, or does it manage you? This should be at the forefront of your mind every day. This question is meant to keep you on track and focused. Why? Because property management is an industry that can make or break you! As property managers we are the ultimate in multi-tasking. We know that anyone can become a property manager, but the ones that truly standout and differentiate themselves are the ones that manage their building. Not the other way around. There can be constant interruptions and challenges throughout any given … (2 comments)
linda day harrison: Never Put Off Until Tomorrow
- 02/13/12 05:14 AM
By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL Touch It Once is a mindset, a philosophy, and a management style. It is the antithesis of procrastination coupled with a smart way to work by stopping redundant behavior dead in its tracks; both of which are the enemy of any efficient and well run organization. The concept is simple – Touch It Once (TIO). Did you ever notice that each month the cycle is the same? Collect rent, send out 5 day notices, process accounts payable, cut checks, etc. So if this is something you know that’s going to happen, why is it … (4 comments)
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By Linda Day Harrison, theBrokerList, Chicago, IL
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