I have 6yrs of experience in property managment 92-98. No real current customer service experience to offer.

Question

currently i'm working in light industrial. I want back in the property management field. It seems like with no real current strong customer service skills, i'm getting over looked. What can i do?

Answer 1

Make a self assessment of the skills you have.  You will probably find that you already have quite a few customer service skills.  Emphasize the skills and experience you possess, and make a effort to gain skills in areas you want to improve.  

A property manager needs thorough knowledge of the local Landlord-Tenant laws, health department regulations, and building codes.  You are correct that customer service skills are important.  Networking, and marketing skills are also important because you need to be able to contact local employers, business leaders, and other organizations searching for tenant referrals.  You should also have a working knowledge of building construction and common repairs, landscaping and maintenance, painting, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, alarms, and fire safety equipment.

A property manager must be an expert on the local rental market. While you are looking for a job, and looking to re-enter the property managemet field, you should be visiting at least 5 apartments "for rent" per week, and making as many drive-by inspections of rental units as possible.  As you visit and observe these rental units in detail, it will become apparent which owners are in immediate need of competant property management.

Contact these owners in a confidential, business-like manner.  During your interview you will be prepared with specific problems the owner faces, and have specific solutions prepared, along with costs, and estimated budgets you will need.  Property owners are concerned about profit.  They will hire you if you can increase their bottom line.  This may mean improving the vacancy rate, improving the tenant mix, handling difficult tenants, increasing the rents, lowering certain expenses, or bringing their buildings into compliance and free from violations.

When you can prove to owners that you are ready to be their agent, and show them you are the solution they have been trying to find, you will have no problem finding work.  Usually, the owners you contact own more rental units than you expect.  Many times property managers are hired on a project by project basis with specific goals to achieve by a certain target date.

If you can manage your time efficiently, many property managers take on more than one non-competing, non-conflicting project at a time.  Meet and talk to people who are currently managing property.  You can gain a wealth of information by just paying for their lunch.  Appraisers are another source.  They might be aware of property that is currently undervalued due to problems the owner is trying to solve. There are also many business, and networking groups for people in the real estate field.  Join and participate.

If you don't currently have a real estate saleperson license, or broker's license, you may want acquire one.  Even if it's not a requirement in your state, you will find that it opens doors, and unlocks possiblities.

Of course, while you are doing all this, also apply to large property management companies.  Sell yourself and the skills you possess. There are always openings in the residential and commercial rental real estate market because the turn over rate for property managers is high..  Keep a positive attitude.  You have over 6 years of experience, which puts you ahead of many other candidates.

Hope this helps.  Good Luck