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Home Insider Blogs David Kotowski's Blog Moving a Washer & Dryer: What's The Big Deal?!?

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Mar 13
2010

Moving a Washer & Dryer: What's The Big Deal?!?

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Posted by: David Kotowski on Mar 13, 2010 19:00

Let's talk about something that I recently discovered I am passionate about discussing. Washers and dryers. Specifically sets that are inside an apartment.

First, let me just say that I love it when communities provide them.  It's definitely worth the investment because they help justify paying higher rent and can provide a bigger per unit return when/if the property sells. I'm not sure of the exact numbers, but I know from experience on new development deals that appraisers definitely pay attention to that when establishing value.

For prospective residents who don't already own a washer and dryer this can sometimes be their reason for leasing. On the other hand, for those who already own a set, this can be their reason for NOT leasing. Why? Because we refuse to take ours out of the apartment to accommodate. Sorry folks, that doesn't make sense to me.

What's the big deal with moving a washer and dryer out of an apartment so that a new resident can bring their own? I realize that it's not as easy as just taking them out. You've got to sweet talk your service team into moving them. Then you've got to find a place to put them. Trust me. I get it. At the same time, maybe it is that easy.

My company recently started managing communities in Houston and I was surprised at how many times I was told "no" while I was shopping properties. Part of my "shopper story" was that I already owned a washer and dryer.  As a salesperson, I'm always trying to find ways to say yes to people and I could tell that's what many of these leasing consultants wanted to say.  One suggested I sell them and make some money to help with my moving expenses. Another offered to give me a deal on one of the onsite storage areas (unfortunately, $50/mo isn't much of a deal when I could just put them in my own apartment somewhere else). All great efforts to overcome my objection. Just not enough to convince me.

So, what did I do as soon as I got back to my office? I made sure our properties would be able to move a washer and dryer if a resident requested to use their own. So simple and now we are ready to welcome all of those people who heard "no" when they were at the community across the street.


Comments (3)Add Comment
2106
written by Johnny Karnofsky, March 14, 2010
I also want the ability to say yes to these kinds of things; but there is a distinct advantage in saying NO to this situation.

" I suppose we COULD remove our washer and dryer out of your new home if you wish; but remember, YOU are responsible for the machines if they fail. You are also responsible for any damage they may cause when YOU bring them in and connect them to utilities. Now, if you use the machines that are THERE, WE are responsible for them. "

Also, make sure you ask the resident if their machines are gas or electric. If their machines are gas and you have no gas lines; there is a real reason to have to say no. My parents moved from Southern California to Northern California and had purchased GAS machines not long (within 2 years) before making the move. The house they rented did not have ANY gas connections (even the water heater and stove are electric) and they could not use what they had.
1195
written by David Kotowski, March 14, 2010
Good point about the fact that if the new residents decide to use the machines already provided they don't have to worry if they malfunction. That's one of those things that you don't think about until it happens (and by then it's too late).

Saying no to bringing a gas dryer into an apartment that doesn't have connections for it is pretty understandable.
62
written by Brent Williams, March 15, 2010
I've worked at a community that had that situation, and it was frustrating to the maintenance team when a resident called in a service request only to find out it was not our equipment. However, I think David is right that you do need to have that option available. There just needs to be good communication with the prospect about not providing service to non-community appliances.
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