Property managers have many responsibilities, although the exact list can vary depending on the type of property being managed, their salary, and the terms. Duties can range widely, including finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, handling repairs, addressing complaints, and dealing with move-outs and evictions, among others. They need to have in-depth knowledge about provincial and national laws to handle many of the previously mentioned tasks.
Because of the nature of many of these tasks, the constant presence of property managers is desired. However, certain events may prevent them from being physically there.
For instance, social distancing during a viral pandemic may be required to prevent the virus from spreading. Alternatively, the managers may be performing another duty and are needed elsewhere. What can property managers do in such situations?
Specialists in property management in Dubai share their tips and insights on how to manage your client’s real estate without being physically there.
1. Go remote
Perhaps you need to accomplish tasks while you are on the go or at home. Regardless of your location, staying connected is essential to staying productive. Find out what tools and services you need to continue serving your client, tenants, and staff (if applicable).
There are different types of asset management and property maintenance software available on the market. Other than allowing you to move your files and tasks online, you can find apps that can create reports, schedule repairs, and automate tasks, among others. Compare and see which ones have the features you need to get the job done.
Shifting to online methods is not just for communication purposes between you, your clients, tenants, staff, and the other professionals you work with regularly. Digital methods can also be used to collect rent and make payments for services.
Providing this service is convenient, not just for you, but for other parties. Perhaps you have tenants who cannot leave the house. With digital payment portals, they can pay anytime and with ease.
2. Communicate your plans
Even going online may not be enough to stay in touch. You may have clients who are not tech-savvy, or maintenance people who only have a phone. To maintain communication with different parties, aim to offer as many methods to contact you that they can choose from.
Offering several communication methods makes it easier to send and receive messages. But handling all these methods by yourself can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed. In such cases, look for software that brings it all together and streamlines your marketing and communications processes.
For instance, you may need to let your tenants know about scheduled repairs or maintenance. With apps that offer bulk messaging, you can send the memo to all your tenants, and not one at a time. This will make communications not only quicker and easier, but clearer as well.
3. Conduct virtual tours
Physical home tours are not suited to every situation. Expats, traveling business people, and long-term tourists, for instance, won’t be able to visit and see the property until they arrive at the destination. Traveling with family or with a lot of possessions may make the situation more challenging as they quickly need a place to stay when they land.
Even locals may find it challenging to schedule a tour. If they are working during the evenings or if they have irregular shifts, scheduling a physical visit may not be possible.
A pandemic could also restrict the number of people checking out properties. In such situations, social distancing could be strongly enforced in your area. Personally visiting the location may no longer be practical, or safe, for any of the parties.
Offering a virtual tour can complement your existing marketing strategy. It is ideal for different types of properties, whether it is a purchase or a rental. With developments in technology, you can create your own tour with minimal financial investment on your end.
You can use a DSLR, a GoPro, or your camera phone to conduct live tours or record a video. There are many video conferencing tools to choose from and websites where you can upload your recording. Alternatively, you can upload a recorded video that features the interiors, the façade, and even the surrounding area, if possible.
Reveal the best parts of the property, and in as much detail as you can. The objective is to think like your clients and show the areas you think they would want to see. In creating a thorough video tour, you lower the chances of clients calling to ask for clarification or needing a physical trip.
4. Educate remotely
At some point, your renters will call you to ask questions or request for services, such as maintenance work or repairs. The matter could be about cracks in the paint or a leaky faucet. Before heading to the unit, classify whether it is an emergency.
For non-emergencies, direct your tenants to where they can find the resources they need to fix the situation. It could be online, or you could help them make the repairs during a call.
Different events or circumstances could change the way property managers do their work. Follow these tips so you can continue to fulfill your responsibilities, regardless of the situation.
AUTHOR BIO
Mark Tolland is the Founder and Managing Director at Abode Property, a boutique real estate brokerage firm providing top-notch, personalized services to discerning landlords looking to sell or let out their premises in prime locations of Dubai like Marina, Downtown and The Palm. The firm also advises global HNIs looking to rent or buy a prized asset in Dubai, and prides itself in upholding high service standards, ethics and accurate advice.
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