Community manager? Property manager? Asset manager?

I have noticed that there has been an immense amount of confusion in the multifamily property management industry as to what to call the person who manages the apartment community and what to call person who manages a portfolio of apartment communities. Apparently, different states have different laws that define what you should call your manager. In Nevada, for example property manager means a person engaged in property management who, as an employee or independent contractor, is associated with a licensed real estate broker, whether or not for compensation. Community managers are not under the Real Estate Commission and are defined as a person who provides for or otherwise engages in the management of a common interest community.Nevada seems to have a plethora of information including court cases on record in reference to companies using improper terminology.

I have been unable to find like research on the other states. How does your company define its managers?Does the terminology stem from company preference or they guided by Real Estate Commission guidelines or perhaps another commission?

That's a very interesting piece of information. I'm not sure I've ever really thought about it. I numerous variations of the same title is annoying to me, so it's kind of exciting (in a very nerdy way) that now I might have some legal clout to back up my opinion. I've always preferred to use Community Manager because community is a more positive connotation than property. I worked for a company that called their managers Community Director because director sounds more prestigious than manager.

So, to answer your question, aside from vernacular variations, I don't think many people have thought about it. I'm looking forward to seeing what others have to say.

I feel the title should be determined by the persons credentials and experience that holds the position verses using a "generic title." The term Property Manager is used for several positions. I have been both an on site manager as well as a multi site manager and have had the same title for both positions.

I would love to see the industry come up with more guidelines and maybe more "titles" for companies to follow. Maybe working with companies such as IREM, NAA, etc. we can create guidelines for companies to follow to make the industry more consistent. Looking at the size of the community as well as staff, the person's experience and creditials should be considered when giving a title to the position.

In my current situation, I no longer manage multiple properties (due to relocation). The property I manage is just under 100 units and I am the only person other than one maintenance technician. I am responsible for everything I did as a multi site manager. I also have my real estate license and am an ARM® through IREM. I personally am glad I was able to bring multi site experience to this position. It makes life so much easier for the owners and I really enjoy being so closely involved with the residents again! In my case, even though I am an on site manager again, I do more and am responsible for more than what I previously did as an on sight manager.

In this industry, there are so many variables to consider in all aspects of property management and this will continue to change. I guess this is one of the reasons I have stayed in this industry for 20 years!