If you like dealing with people and are interested in the operation of properties, becoming a building manager can be a great career choice.In order to make sure the properties they manage meet the expectations of both the tenants and the owners, building managers wear many different hats.Take a look at the answers to some common questions people have about getting into property management if you think you might enjoy it.
Step 1: Property managers are in charge of building maintenance.
Building managers are responsible for everything from maintaining individual apartments to hiring contractors for plumbing repairs.Ensuring that the building stays functional and well maintained is your job.Some building managers are self-employed and others work for property management companies that manage large portfolios of buildings.Residential and commercial buildings can be managed by property managers.The main difference is if you deal with individual residents or companies that rent spaces.
Step 2: Building managers deal with tenants.
Finding tenants to fill vacancies in the building as well as collecting rent from all tenants and paying the owner of the property is a big part of being a property manager.Listening to tenants and resolving their problems in the best possible way is part of your job.To find tenants for a building, you might have to manage listings on different property rental websites, put listings in local classifieds, or put up signs in the windows.When tenants move out, you are in charge of inspecting the units for damages and hiring cleaners, painters, and whoever else you need to fix them up for new tenants.
Step 3: At least a high school degree.
You need this level of formal education to become a property manager.If you want to get into property management, you should take as many courses as you can in math, accounting, computer skills, and English.Some postsecondary education can be very beneficial in terms of learning relevant skills and getting hired as a property manager.A program in business administration, real estate, accounting, public administration or finance can help you become a building manager if you choose to continue studying after high school.
Step 4: There is a license for property management.
Before you can work as a property manager, you have to earn a formal certification.Do you know what type of license is required in your area?Sign up for the required courses, pay the fee, attend the classes, and take the final exam to get your license.You can find programs that offer building manager certification by searching for "property management licensing near me".Property management licensing is offered by the same programs that offer real estate courses and licenses.You have to pass a background check to get a license.
Step 5: You can apply for building manager jobs online.
If you're interested in a job that interests you, fill out the online applications for any jobs that interest you.If residential property management interests you, you can check out some job sites that are specific to apartment management.Multi- Family Insiders, ApartmentCareers.com, and the National Apartment Association Career Center are included.Local or national recruitment and staffing firms can help you land your first property management job.
Step 6: Communication skills and strong people skills.
Building managers have to deal with a lot of people.You have to be able to handle requests and issues professionally if you want to keep everyone happy.You must be able to politely and clearly explain why you can't do certain things if you are a tenant or owner.
Step 7: An understanding of what contractors do.
It's important to know how different tradespeople fit into the maintenance of the buildings you manage.If there is a problem with the infrastructure or a tenant has a maintenance issue, you need to know who to call and how to explain it to them.You can quickly find out what different contractors deal with by searching for trades or maintenance problems.It's important to have an understanding of how the technical aspects of a big building work.You should have a general idea of how the systems work.If you have some trades skills of your own, you will get bonus points.You can handle minor issues without having to call contractors.
Step 8: It is a rewarding job.
You have to deal with constantly changing priorities and unexpected issues if you become a property manager.If you are dealing with tenants or property owners, this part of the job can be difficult.It can feel great to know that you are helping people every day.If you become a building manager, remember that your actions affect other people.You should care about the people in the buildings.
Step 9: Building managers make between $30,000 and $55,000 a year.
If you work for a property management company or are your own boss, this is different.You can expect to make more money in the US than in other countries.You can expect to make between $70,000 and $95,000 annually if you become a senior property manager.