Any advice, suggestions or ideas for taking over a new property?

Good morning y'all! I was offered and have accepted a Property Manager position with another company (been at current for 4 yrs) and wanted any advice, suggestions or ideas for taking over a new property. I already know I want to do a meet and greet for the residents but was looking at other ideas and any advice you may have for me while I embark in this new role for the first time. TIA

Listen first.

It’s the same advice I give to anyone going into a new position. Don’t try to change everything on day one. Give it some time and identify what’s working and what’s not. The biggest thing to avoid are the “At my old property....” or “We did it this way at my old company.” statements cause everyone hates to hear that.

Be prepared for "but the old manager let me ....." , yea, no. I am pretty sure that your old manager didn't let you pay rent whenever, have pet tigers, or rebuild a car engine on the community room carpet...
Or maybe they did and that is why they are not the manager there anymore.

All stellar adivce.

Check your recycle bin on the computer for deleted items - suddenly the previous manager promised new carpet and appliances they never received (love that one) walk ALL of your vacant product and make a lot of notes...reach out to the vendors for any past due invoices. Good luck! I am sure you will do a great job!!

Laurie Ann ohhhh I never would've thought of the recycle bin thank you!!!

Also, sometimes you can click on the prior managers name in the user's directory and get access to the files on their drive.. it depends on how your IT department sets up.user access.

I always do a quick shop to see how the current staff is. That gives me a small glance into what’s going on so I can start a game plan.

Best Wishes!!!!

Build a good report w/ maintenance

Be present on site. Don’t sit in the office.

I recently got promoted from leasing agent to property manager and it amazes me what people will come in and say the old property manager promised them. A really good rebuttal I always use is. “If you have any documentation supporting this, I’d be happy to review it for consideration but I can’t make any promises”.

1. Set reminders for yourself on reports & challenge yourself to beat deadlines.
2. Don't be a closed door kind of manager, always keep an open door policy.
3. Talk and LISTEN to residents AND employees to identify problems that need to be addressed.
4. Don't get sucked into the drama. There are bound to be horror stories from the staff and residents. Reassure them that you're here to help and it's time to move forward and make positive changes.
5. Keep a journal and write down everything you do so that you can refer back when in doubt. Plus it's a great form of documentation to CYA!
6. Cross train your assistant and have your assistant cross train your leasing agents. Same for maintenance.

The Meet and Greet could be also like a Town Hall. My second manager did this and the residents ate it up. It also gives you 100% view into who the troublemakers of the property are.