Topic: Re: In my property management career, I've developed a pretty comprehensive list of shortcuts

In my property management career, I've developed a pretty comprehensive list of shortcuts that I've used over the years, and I'm certain many of us have them. (Think 'great ideas' and 'time savers' as well as 'miscellaneous things that work').

I think it would be great if we could all share them here in the comments.

Here are a couple of mine:

1. Baby oil works great to give stainless steel (in models and ready vacant apartments) sinks a 'just polished' look. Inexpensive and effective.

2. Scented oils added to light bulbs in office and model lamps work great to create a scent that spreads throughout the space. Just make sure to only use a small drop or two and put it on the bulb when it is cool, not after it's been lit for a while and is hot.

3. "Move out" gifts are extremely effective in getting referrals AFTER a resident has moved out of your property.

4. Small jars of touch-up paint are great to include with move-in gifts. Make sure you label them for the appropriate rooms.

5. I always gave every resident 'one free late' rent payment per year. I never had anyone abuse it and it worked wonders in creating goodwill. They had to pay by the 15th, but had no late fees. Only one per year allowed per resident, in good standing.
What are some of your shortcuts, ideas, techniques, etc.?

#propertymanagement #apartments #apartmentleasing #multifamily #multifamilyindustry #apartmentindustry #apartmentmarketing #multifamilymarketing #residentretention #moveingifts
 

I do free carpet cleaning at renewal - I’m sure this is a common one but never know.

Crystal Buchanan we do this as well

Love the mo gift idea. What do you do?

Connie Mathes We did a large, gourmet chocolate bar. It was always a HUGE hit and a big surprise. Gave it to them when they turned in their keys. People absolutely loved it. And no, if we evicted them, they did not get it.

Lisa Trosien You can get chocolate bars with your logo molded into them. You can also get chocolate bars with a golden ticket inside.

Greg Miller We did have the logo on these.

When I was on site, I actually created a Monopoly looking "get out of late fees free" coupon to give residents at renewal. They had to turn it in by the 1st and pay by the 10th. It cut down so much on the "but I've been here for a year and never late" comments.

Move in gifts: plunger, stack 2 rolls of TP on the stick, dishwasher detergent, hand soap, hand sanitizer all with your property label slapped on them.

#5 !!!! I always did this as well and it’s everything you said and more!

Following. The post and suggestions have all been great! We used to do a monthly drawing and anyone who came in and paid rent on time by 5:00 on the 5th every month, put their apt # on a tiny piece of paper we had ready and they folded them and put them in a fish bowl. On the 6th of every month we would draw a winner and record it and post it on our page for the residents to all see (and as proof we weren’t cheating or choosing favorites). The winner got $200 off their next months rent. Then we drew again and the second person got $100 off their next month rent. They loved it and it encouraged them to pay on time because everyone wanted to win lol

I did this in the past as well, with great results. Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer Ashley we’ve done this to for residents who paid in or before the first. They loved it!

1. Unless you have a real, true and valid reason to say no the answer should be yes. (This includes requests made by team members who report to you.) 2. Use common sense when making decisions. If the company you work for makes you do things that violate your ethical code or hurts your soul, move on. Rules should not get in the way of doing good business. 3) When in doubt ask your attorney! 4) if you feel like you are at odds with a team member or supervisor, address it with that person directly and quickly. You’d be surprised how quickly it clears the air. *Do not* address it with other people or gossip about it. 5) Be kind. Even if you have to evict someone, even if they screw you over, you don’t know what led them here. Karma is a B and if they are just bad people it will catch up with them. If they are down on their luck they will remember your kindness.

These are great!

The company I work for has a renewal program that part of their renewal we can offer incentives like “carpet cleaning, new fixtures, replace old appliances etc”. The longer the resident the better the incentive! I manage 2 old properties so I have quite a bit of long term residents they love it!

love them all but really loving # 3 and 4 . Great ideas.

Love these!

This is an extremely worthwhile post. Should be pinned to the top of the page for new members ...

I just always crowd-sourced baby food jars from my residents. It was free.

This is a great thread! So much wisdom!

Sarah Brewer 1 late payment per year

Just an fyi... you don't need to comment "following" or "." to be notified of new comments. Just click the 3 dots on the original post, then click "turn on notifications"

Thank you for the great ideas!

We do many things every month to engage residents. It can be as simple as celebrating random holidays, breakfast on the go, we "hug" a building at a time with different surprises, etc. In today's world most things can be done online, so we make a point to try to SEE our residents! This way we can thank them for choosing to live with us and make sure everything is ok in their apartment.

Move-out gift is a great idea. Something for their new home. Leaves a lasting impression.

A google folder of templates for many scenarios. Not to copy and paste but to give you a jumping off point when you need to respond to something and your brain is tired. A google folder of all resolutions of logos and marketing materials that can easily be shared with owners, suppliers, etc. A running Google doc of employee FAQs that everyone can access and add to. Bonus points for links to explainer videos recording tasks so others can learn without repeating answers to the same questions.

Nice and thank you for sharing!

Hi Lisa, GREAT ideas as usual! could you point me toward a good vendor for logo chocolate bars? Jim Stewart

I like to follow the marketing calendars that are out there and have little events. I have had a p-nut day where residents could come and get p-nuts for their movie night. I have had coloring books and crayons on national coloring book day. I had prizes for all the kids and the grand prize has a Disney notebook, a kindle fire, drawing tablet, color pencils and some other stuff to stimulate creativity as a prize. I have had hot cocoa bars with all the fixings and coffee bars with flavored honey spoons and other add ins. My property is very small and doesn't have a community center so I am more limited and have to do smaller events.

I want to hear more about "hugging" a building!!

This is great wisdom and I agree with you. I find sometimes that doing the "right" thing by the resident is opposite of what ownership requires. An example is charging for afterhours lockout fees. I don't agree with the policy and am on the side of the residents, but I can't waive the fees because this is a budget item. If I waive a fee for one resident, I have to waive them for all. I tried the "one time" courtesy route and people then demanded it.

Sheila Shine is a great product for shining sinks too.

I love this! "gourmet?" what brand? just curious

LOVE the golden ticket! What did the ticket get them? or just the excitement of finding it?

Love this!

1) Go to a dollar store and buy a bunch of cat and dog toys and treats. Put in the apartment with your other "Welcome" gifts, so that you can welcome their furry friend as well. New residents LOVE this. 2) Send out "happy" emails and not just emails about rules, and those breaking them. For example, introduce a new staffer with bio and pic, Pet of the Month, Resident Events, new retail openings near (or at) the property, festivals and events close by - the ideas are endless! 3) Do the hardest part of your job in the morning - first thing. Not when you are tired and prone to making an error or poor decision. Schedule that difficult conversation or meeting at a time when all parties are calm and rational.

Love the touch up paint Idea. I always keeps disposable containers and jars on hand at work to put touch up paint in for residents instead of asking them to bring a container.