In a recent dream, I decided to make everyone I deal with happy. I would be the most popular and successful property manager in town and my business would be the envy of the industry.
It would be easy too. I would just deliver on the requests of my clients, both owners and tenants. At the end of the day, everyone would be happy with me.
Each new property management client would be asked how much they felt my fees should be and I would agree. I would not ask them to spend money to make the rental presentable. We would make it work. The owner would want a certain rent, maybe over priced, and I would tell them I could get it for them in a matter of weeks. Advertising costs would be no charge. What a happy client I would have.
Now, I would start showing the property and if someone came to the appointment, I would tell them to fill out our application and pay no fee for the credit report. I would tell them up front that their application would be approved without any formality of actually checking the facts. We believe them! Pay with a check if you wish, cashiers checks are so hard and expensive to get.
Now I am so popular.
Wait, I just got a fax from the bank, the security and first months rent check bounced. Now I have to tell the owner that we have to evict the tenant that has paid nothing. In addition, the tenant is complaining about a torn carpet that was not repaired and someone has tripped breaking their leg. I am to hear from their attorney.
Suddenly, and it did not take long, I am not so popular and everyone is mad at me. If they are not mad, they are ripping me off. Wait, the buzzer went off and my dream (nightmare) is over.
Now I am getting up to go to work. My real new account appointment that I have today will involve a discussion on what maintenance must be done and what the real rent range is. Our commissions will be a point of contention as some sales agent that just opened their business is undercutting my fees. Some prospective tenants will have to be told they don't qualify. We do not want to do business with them. They will accuse me of something bad.
I am awake and I have been in business for 30 years. Luckily, in my real life I know how things work and I know not everyone will like me so I might as well do the right thing and stay in business for the long term. You see, people that have standards also have enemies.
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