I've been working working working, 80 hrs a week... I actually have 17 properties up and running now. It's my dream job so I'm not complaining, but I sure wish I could get caught up! I still have 63 vacant and 19 on notice.

Great question. The more we layer on supporting corporate employees for centralized processes or to manage our new initiatives in the industry (revenue management, capital services, reputation management, marketing, surveys, customer service depts and collections, IT, ancillary services) the more our Executive leadership expects that the headcount on site should be reduced. Anyone that spends time on site knows that it is definitely not easier and I would argue that additional headcount is needed. Customers demand more service and expect it to happen sooner. The impact of the on line ordering has been huge. All we need is for these Execs to spend a day in the life of the Community Manager. I think they'd come to the same conclusion.

I wondered where you have been. Thanks for the input!!

I have 330 units at 15 sites and I am having a heck of a time keeping up. All are managed out of the corporate office.

I have 45 vacant and 25 on notice. Two leasing consultants are out doing tours all day, but with all my office responsibilities, answering phones, taking tenant calls, setting tour appointments, property bills/accounting, creating rent rolls, meeting with brokers for the for sale properties, preparing & posting notices, (all over town,) I am having one heck of a time keeping up and I am letting everyone down.

Are the expectations set too high? Will I be able to get caught up and manage everything eventually? Or do they expect too much? On top of that, there isn't any existing policy, so I have to either wing it or create it as I go and make time to document some procedures. I'm trying to put some systems in place and create some policies, which aren't going over so well with some of the staff, who are used to just doing things their own way.

I should add that this is my dream job and I do love the people, the company, and the work!

I once had a 200-unit property where I worked non-stop for months until I found competent, reliable part time help. Once the office itself was stable, then the property became stabilized and the property was then managed with 2-full time employees and 1 part time person who was our weekend Rock Star. She was able to take over during vacations and helped if someone was sick for more than a day. The third person helped with Resident Events, too. This worked wonderfully and helped provide the residents with a great customer service. No one was too tired, too over worked, too busy and those three people worked together very, very well. The hardest part wasn't getting the company to buy in but in finding the right people who could pull it off with skill, teamwork, and effective communication.

I am the only person in the office and we have 96 units. Yes, there are times when it is stressful due to high turnover when the local university students are coming and going. This year especially with larger rent increases, additional reports required of upper management and now, a property management company change. I have never requested additional help until my new RM practically twisted my arm to request one. Did I get the assistance.....No. ????? Anyway, I usually put in extra hours and go with the flow. I have a great maintenance tech and porter who round out our Team which helps tremendously.