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Property manager
View on WikipediaThis article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2018) |
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (October 2011) |
A property manager or estate manager is a person or firm charged with operating a real estate property for a fee. The property may be individual title owned or owned under the sectional title, share block company owned, and may be registered for residential, commercial office, and retail or industrial use. In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics reported that there were 329,000 property managers employed in the United States, with the number expected to grow to by 50,000 by 2016.[1]
Overview of responsibilities
[edit]Typical duties expected of a property manager include finding/evicting, dealing with tenants, and coordinating with the owner's wishes. In addition, such arrangements may require the property manager to collect rents and pay necessary expenses and taxes, making periodic reports to the owner, or the owner may delegate specific tasks and deal with others directly.
A property manager may arrange for a wide variety of services, as may be requested by the owner of the property, for a fee. Where a dwelling (vacation home, second home) is only periodically occupied, the property manager might arrange for heightened security monitoring, house-sitting, storage and shipping of goods, and other local sub-contracting necessary to make the property comfortable when the owner is in residence (utilities, systems operating, supplies and staff on hand, etc.). Property management can also include commercial properties where the property manager may run the business and manage the property. Some jurisdictions may require a property manager to be licensed to practice the profession.
The property manager has a primary responsibility to the landlord and a secondary responsibility to the agency. The relationship the property manager has with the landlord and the tenant is crucial in forming the expectations of both parties to the lease since both parties will seek and expect certain rights and benefits.
Professional designations
[edit]The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA International) offers industry-standard designations that certify the training to Property Managers:
- Real Property Administrator (RPA)
- Facilities Management Administrator (FMA)
- Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA)
- Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT)
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
- Certified Property Manager (CPM)
- Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)
- Accredited Commercial Manager (ACM)
- Accredited Management Organization (AMO)
Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI)
- Accredited Community Manager (ACM)
- Professional Housing Consultant (PHC)
National Apartment Association (NAA) has the following designations:
- Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
- Certified Apartment Property Supervisor (CAPS)
National Association of Residential Property Managers offers designations to certify ethical and professional standards of conduct for property managers:
- Residential Management Professional (RMP)
- Master Property Manager (MPM)
- Certified Support Specialist (CSS)
- Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC)
National Center for Housing Management offers the following designations for property managers and others involved in housing management:
- Certified Manager of Housing (CMH)
- Certified Manager of Maintenance (CMM)
- Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)
- Registered Housing Manager (RHM)
- Certified Financial Specialist (CFS)
- Tax Credit Specialist (TCS)
- Blended Occupancy Specialist (BOS)
State-specific designations:
- California - Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM)
- Florida - Community Association Manager (CAM)
- Minnesota - Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM)
- Minnesota - Certified Residential Manager (CRM)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Prandi, Melissa, MPM (2009). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Success as a Property Manager. Alpha Books. ISBN 9781101140628. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Property manager
View on GrokipediaRole and Responsibilities
Definition and Core Role
A property manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and financial aspects of real estate properties on behalf of their owners. This role involves managing residential, commercial, or industrial assets to ensure they remain functional, compliant with regulations, and profitable. Property managers handle everything from tenant relations to property upkeep, acting as the primary point of contact for owners who may not reside on-site or have the expertise to manage directly.[4][1] The profession emerged in the early 20th century amid rapid urbanization and the expansion of rental markets in the United States and Europe. Industrialization drew millions to cities, increasing demand for multi-unit housing such as tenements and apartments, which overwhelmed traditional owner-managed systems. In response, organizations like the National Association of Building Owners and Managers formed in 1907 to professionalize the field, evolving from caretaker roles focused on basic rent collection to more structured management practices. By the 1930s, the establishment of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) further solidified property management as a distinct career, driven by the need for efficient oversight of growing urban portfolios.[5][6][7] At its core, a property manager serves as an intermediary between property owners and tenants, managing day-to-day operations to maximize property value and income while minimizing risks. This includes coordinating services to meet occupancy standards, such as safety and sanitation requirements, and adapting to market demands like rental pricing and vacancy rates. By preserving the physical integrity of buildings and land, property managers ensure long-term sustainability and return on investment for owners, often through proactive strategies that align with broader real estate goals.[4][1]Key Responsibilities
Property managers handle a range of operational tasks essential to the upkeep and functionality of properties. These include conducting regular property inspections to assess the condition of buildings, grounds, and equipment, coordinating maintenance activities to address wear and tear, and managing vendors for repairs, landscaping, trash removal, and other services.[1] Such efforts ensure the physical site remains in optimal condition, aligning with owner-approved management plans to preserve or enhance property value.[2][8] Financial duties form a core component of the role, involving the collection of rent and monthly fees from tenants or owners to maintain steady cash flow. Property managers also develop and monitor budgets, track operating expenses such as insurance, payroll, and taxes, and prepare detailed financial statements and reports for property owners to evaluate performance and profitability.[1] By optimizing rental income and minimizing costs, they aim to maximize net operating income and support long-term financial health.[8] In tenant management, property managers screen prospective applicants through structured processes, including background checks, to select reliable occupants, and they show properties to potential renters. They enforce lease terms, resolve conflicts or complaints from tenants, and initiate eviction processes when necessary, such as issuing notices for violations.[1][9] These activities foster positive tenant relations while safeguarding the owner's interests.[2] Compliance oversight requires property managers to conduct regular audits and ensure adherence to health, safety, and occupancy standards, including anti-discrimination laws like the Fair Housing Act. This involves investigating disturbances or violations and maintaining records of all activities to demonstrate regulatory compliance.[1] Professional designations, such as those from the Institute of Real Estate Management, can enhance proficiency in these oversight duties.[8]Qualifications and Professional Development
Education and Skills Required
A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical minimum educational requirement for entry-level property management positions, particularly in onsite roles.[1] While not always mandatory, pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in fields such as real estate, business administration, finance, or property management is recommended to build a strong foundation and enhance career prospects.[10][11] These programs provide essential knowledge in areas like real estate principles, financial management, and operational strategies, preparing individuals for the complexities of managing properties.[12] Key skills for property managers include strong communication abilities to interact effectively with tenants, owners, and vendors, as well as organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and maintain detailed records.[13] Financial literacy is crucial for budgeting, collecting rents, and analyzing expenses, while problem-solving skills enable quick resolution of issues like maintenance emergencies or disputes. Additionally, a solid understanding of local real estate markets, including rental trends and property values, helps in making informed decisions to maximize asset performance.[2] Entry-level training programs, often available through community colleges or online platforms, cover foundational topics such as basic lease laws, property valuation techniques, and tenant relations to equip beginners with practical knowledge.[14] For instance, associate's degree programs at institutions like Valencia College introduce core concepts in property operations and prepare students for initial roles in the field.[14] Online courses from providers like Coursera offer flexible options focusing on profitability strategies and operational management basics.[15] Soft skills are equally vital, with negotiation abilities aiding in resolving tenant disputes amicably and multitasking ensuring efficient oversight of multiple properties simultaneously.[13] These attributes, combined with formal education, form the basis for pursuing professional certifications later in one's career.[16]Certifications and Designations
Property management professionals often pursue certifications and designations to demonstrate specialized knowledge, adhere to ethical standards, and advance their careers. These credentials, offered by reputable industry organizations, typically require a combination of practical experience, formal education, and examinations, with ongoing maintenance through continuing education units (CEUs).[17][18] The Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, administered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), is one of the most prestigious credentials in the field, applicable to both residential and commercial properties. To qualify, candidates must accumulate at least three years (36 months) of verifiable real estate management experience, complete eight IREM certification courses covering topics such as financial analysis, asset management, and human resources, and pass the CPM Capstone examination, which includes a management plan skills assessment. Additionally, applicants must adhere to IREM's Code of Professional Ethics as part of the graduation process. Maintenance of the CPM requires annual IREM membership and compliance with state licensing CE requirements where applicable.[17] Other notable designations include the Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), also from IREM, which targets early-career professionals focused on residential properties. Requirements for the ARM consist of at least 12 months of qualifying real estate management experience (such as managing a portfolio of at least 30 residential units), completing two IREM courses on residential management fundamentals and ethics, followed by passing a 100-question certification exam.[19][20] The Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation, offered by the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) International in partnership with BOMA International, emphasizes commercial property administration and requires three years of verifiable property management experience, successful completion of 10 courses (including ethics, law, and building systems), and passing a proctored Capstone exam.[19][21] The National Apartment Association (NAA) provides the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) credential, tailored to apartment and multifamily residential management. Candidates need a minimum of 12 months of onsite property management experience, 40 hours of NAA-approved coursework, and passage of a proctored online exam comprising 185 multiple-choice questions. Renewal for the CAM, as well as many other designations like the CPM, involves annual dues and completion of CEUs—such as eight hours for CAM—to ensure professionals remain current with industry standards. Membership in organizations like IREM or NAA is often integral to obtaining and maintaining these credentials, providing access to resources and peer support.[18] These certifications offer significant professional advantages, including enhanced credibility among clients and employers, access to exclusive industry networks, and increased earning potential. For instance, as of recent IREM data, CPM holders earn an average base salary of $139,506, while ARM designees earn $92,500 on average (26% higher than the $73,380 average for property managers). Such designations also facilitate career progression by qualifying professionals for senior roles and demonstrating commitment to ethical practices and ongoing development. The median annual wage for property managers overall is $66,700 as of May 2024 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.[17][19][1]Professional Summary Examples (Leasing Focus)
Professional summaries for property managers with a leasing focus typically highlight skills in lease management, boosting occupancy rates, tenant acquisition, lease negotiations, and related achievements. Here are reliable examples:- "Property manager with eight years of success overseeing residential complexes of 150-plus units. Proven record in boosting occupancy rates, cutting maintenance costs, and improving tenant satisfaction. Skilled in lease management, vendor negotiation, and team leadership."
- "Highly extroverted Certified Commercial Property Manager with 6+ years experience. Seeking to exceed closing rate for Asterix Property Management. At Obelix Properties, increased physical occupancy of portfolio to 94% and financial occupancy to 97%. Responsible for managing over 2 million square feet of office, retail, and industrial real estate facilities throughout the US."
- "With over 12 years of property management experience, I have honed skills in operational leadership, financial oversight, and strategic tenant engagement. Key achievements include boosting property efficiency and enhancing tenant satisfaction."
