Experiences at Independent Contractor

Time management!

I was doing property management pro-bono for years for a family friend and several family member who owned rental properties. Specifically, I started advertising and screening tenants for a employer where I was an office manager and it snowballed from there, started out a a favor- I didn't realize it could be a career path. Since then I have gained lots of skill and persued a formal education in property management-so its true, do what you know....

Always be fair, consistent and be very familiar with company policy.

I have learned that I am actually good at what I enjoy-it is liberating, not too many people like what they do.

I love people so the interaction is fun [I like showing property and seeing their first reaction], I enjoy the process-from start to finish [from showing to move-in] and I can work anywhere I want to since property management is universal.

After working with a resident that is just not happy no matter how accommodating you are, and breaking the news to them that "apartment living is just not for everyone"...and lay out the options available to them as how to let them out of their lease.

Keeping a lot of balls in the air, but I have found the more I have the easier it gets, when it gets slow is when it seems more of a challenge.

Good working knowledge of the apartment business; marketing apartments and communities to prospective renters, selling apartment features/benefits, site tours of grounds, amenities, models and available units; overcoming objections, secure commitments and deposits from prospective residents and follow up on undecided prospects. Maintain tour documentation, conduct and prepare competitive market surveys. Ensure "curb appeal" and maintenance of property.
Implement programs to correct or enhance property through maintenance, improvements and regulation compliance.
Follow policies and procedures regarding the qualifications, screening and acceptance of applicants for residency, research prospective tenant criminal background and credit worthiness using established internet subscription. Adhere to Fair Housing Policy, ADA, California's Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Policy. Preparation & execution of leases; including negotiation and renewals. Maintain accurate & current rent roll in computer; collection of rent and fees.
Assist in performing move-in and move-out procedures with particular attention to consistent apartment inspections to ensure the timely turnover of vacant units. Accept maintenance requests as efficiently as possible; responding daily to the requests with strong interpersonal skills. Prepare cases for filing and follow through with filing process, calendar due dates, meetings, case and court deadlines and physical evictions, preparation of declarations, ledgers, reports, and tenant screening summaries. Create and maintain confidential files and records, including but not limited to processing evictions. Represent the community in a professional manner. Respond to after hour emergencies in rare occasions either in person or by phone, depending on the circumstances. Online tenant screening through AAGIE...

Working as a mortgage broker/loan officer/loan counselor has no secret you simply have to be able to pass the state testing, meet the pre requisites, be a people person, have the ability to work with strangers and sell them on your perspective, be able to go out and beat the streets for business.

I decided to work in this field because it presented the challenges and the rewards I was seeking. I work best autonomously, with little direction to achieve my goals. I have demonstrated that I can be "plugged in" to a position and be successful.