Property Managers : Check Out The Latest Tech Designed For You

Property managers often have to wear many hats. This can get stressful and time consuming, but with certain technology tools, you can operate efficiently with ease. In this blog post, see what’s out there to help you work better.

As multifamily and mixed-use properties continue to surge in popularity, savvy technology companies are taking notice. Check out the latest tech that is designed specifically for property managers, so that you and your property can further excel and thrive.

The fact that rental demand is surging by the millions has not been lost on the tech industry. The need for property management software and other related tech services has ignited a boom to the tune of $73 billion a year.

Managing property with the help of a spreadsheet is nothing new, but the industry is continuing to evolve and cater to specific needs and niches within the commercial real estate sector — particularly the needs of property managers.

 

According to Real Estate Tech News, some property management platforms are designed specifically to accommodate a commercial real estate niche, such as managing multifamily properties or the facilities of a multistory office building. The technology is meeting the needs of more accurately (and seamlessly) managing property costs and efficiency.

Here are some platforms that cater to property managers’ most pending issues (Note: These are not sponsored. Kings III does not do business with these companies and does not necessarily recommend them.):

Delinquent rent

Clicknotices –- a good way to reinforce good tenant/resident behavior is through disciplined filing procedures for delinquent rent. Clicknotices brings the age-old problem of late rent into the digital age, helping to minimize delinquencies, reduce legal costs and simplify workloads. The platform includes automated resident notifications, court filing, case management, analytics, customized reporting and an electronic interface to accounting systems.

Property inspection

HappyInspector — this downloadable app standardizes property inspections across your entire operation with consistent data capture for property conditions, quality standards and staff performance. It allows you to inspect properties from anywhere, with 100% offline functionality (network connectivity not required). It also implements regulatory compliance assessments, and sets types, finishes, manufacturers and other data attributes for interiors, exteriors, amenities, common areas, grounds and more.

Maintenance Needs

SMS Assist — good maintenance allows your property to retain its value while you retain your commercial tenants or multifamily residents. SMS Assistant manages your maintenance operation from work order creation to vendor payment. It indemnifies clients for any work issues and maintains a $50 million insurance policy. Its Chicago headquarters features a 24/7 operational center, giving customers a single point of contact for all service matters. Their project managers monitor the workflow and address issues up front. Ultimately, it helps you maximize your maintenance budget and track your maintenance spend in real time.

Managing a mixed portfolio

AppFolio — this cloud-based software allows you to run the complicated business of a mixed portfolio from one solution. This eliminates multiple logins and gives access to all the data of your properties, from accounting to maintenance tracking. The platform includes a mobile app so that your team always has access to the same data and reports in real time. Text messaging and bulk emailing lets you communicate with renters and owners quickly. It also allows for online rental payments and online maintenance requests.

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Property monitoring

BuildScience — interfaces with a building’s existing hardware to collect data in real time and presents it on a mobile-friendly dashboard. By connecting these systems together, this turns the property into a smart building, using little or no added hardware. One comprehensive system will monitor lighting, HVAC, and security- all fully integrated. For the property manager, this reduces operational expenses, streamlines workflow management, supports LEED certification and Title 24 and improves sustainability accountability.

Another way your job can be made easier, thanks to the Internet: an online screening service. Click here to discover the ways it can save you time and money.

What advanced technology can Kings III offer you?

In order to help our customers maintain code compliance, Kings III offers an Auto Test Program for emergency telephones upon request.

Here’s how it works: Our dialer automatically checks in every 30 days. This assures us that the phone line is still connected and that we have power to our system. What it can’t tell us is if the actual unit in the elevator/pool is working properly. There could be microphone, speaker, or wiring to the unit problems that we would not know without a human test. Because of this, we highly encourage customers to regularly test their emergency phones so that all bases are covered. Our auto test feature is not meant to replace manual testing of the help phone, but is a beneficial and hassle-free service offering.

What happens if the dialer misses a 30 day test? A Kings III employee will call into the system to try and force what is called a “CB” signal (Call Back). If they are unsuccessful receiving a call back signal, they will then contact the customer VIA email or phone.

Is your auto test able to identify when the battery is low? Yes. When batteries drop below 10 Volts, our dialer automatically sends us a “Low Battery” signal. At that time, we contact the customer and work together to proceed as necessary, either shipping a battery or sending a technician out to install the battery at the customer’s request.

In a survey of property management companies across the U.S. and Canada, 360 Visibility found that 38% of those surveyed plan to change their software within the next nine months, while 24% of them plan to change up within the next 3-4 months, illustrating just how integral technology is in property management. Property management platforms can help you streamline and improve your operations, allowing you to keep your property an overall more efficient, higher quality and safer place. For more information on how Kings III can improve the safety of your property, visit www.kingsiii.com.