Property Management is an intricate area that needs the right staff and relevant industry expertise to maximise the company’s growth.
Staff in any real estate agency will ultimately reflect the type of business you are running. So getting the team right is critical.
First Impressions Last: How does your reception rate?
Reception is the gateway to your business. It’s the first port of call when someone walks in the door.
The greeting is the first impression and experience they have with your agency. Prospective clients make an informed decision almost immediately. They will ask themselves whether your company is who they want to do business with? Do they feel right about your company managing their investment?
Choosing a skilled and qualified receptionist can be difficult. Many companies hold the view that they will hire and train on the job.
Wow – what a mistake. While the training is happening, you maybe taking another person out of the business for the duration of the training which may confuse your clients when they phone or come in to discuss your service or make general enquiries. Once again the professional image slides.
Why not appoint someone that has:
- At least 2 years’ experience working for a similar company;
- Good personality;
- Sense of humour;
- Real estate background;
- Wants to work for a growing organisation; and
- Presents well.
Check the skill set, experience, previous training and their motivation to become a receptionist. If you feel that this maybe too time consuming, choose a well-known recruiter to assist you in choosing the right staff.
Qualified property managers need to have experience with the business of managing properties and good communication skills
Thoroughly interviewing a Property Manager before making the hiring decision is absolutely critical and will radically increase your chances of getting the right person for your office.
Its necessary to interview the Property Manager in person. I have been to offices where the Principal carried out the interviews over the phone.
Interviewing in person will give you an insight into:
- Behaviour during question time.
- How they carry themselves.
- How professional they are and do they suit your business.
- How they dress.
- Whether they have a positive attitude.
- How they react under pressure.
Remember professional property managers look and dress professionally. This is the appearance you want your business to represent. We all know that property management if not handled right can lead to a stressful life.
The interview process is the stage where everyone puts their best foot forward so this is the time where serious questions need to take place and judgements made.
Below are some of the questions that should to be asked before discussing the job description:
- Year’s and place of experience?
- How much training have they had and where?
- Number of properties managed and type of managements?
- Are they licensed or do they have certificate of registration?
- Do they have a current driver’s licence?
- Size of the previous office and how many staff worked in the department?
- Was there a property officer if so what was her responsibility?
- Who handled repairs and maintenance?
- How were repairs and maintenance addressed with the client?
- Who was responsible for the growth in property management?
- How do they handle rental arrears and the process?
- Landlord communication process?
- Securing new tenants and screening procedure?