Management Series: Technology and Property Management During COVID19.

 

Property management has historically been a face-to-face industry. Whether it's leasing appointments, apartment showings or even daily management with on-site management teams, face-to-face interaction has been at the core of daily operations. 

The coronavirus crisis and the Safer-At-Home order that was put in place in Wisconsin at the end of March, invited an adaptation within the industry to move its processes online, speeding up a somewhat inevitable change in the market. As technology becomes a more central part of day to day life, there are many ways that technology has supported the property management industry throughout the transition. Here are just a few of them…

• Virtual/Video Tours – As we abide by social distancing via the Safer-At-Home order, virtual tours are allowing renters to preview potential homes online without risking the health and safety of themselves or property management staff. Virtual tours have been pre-recorded and added to property websites for renters to navigate on their own, but they can also be manually sent to renters OR carried out live by property managers. All three of these have been implemented at WMC.

• Virtual Appointments – Many in-person meetings have been replaced by video appointments. Property managers and leasing agents are able to continue to serve the community by answering any questions potential renters might have via Zoom, FaceTime or ToGoMeetings! While email has continued to be a primary method of communication, video conferencing allows potential renters to get to know their future management teams while getting their questions answered in an efficient way.

• Electronic Signatures – Following in the footsteps of the real estate industry, property management is now allowing residents to sign their leases online via technologies such as Docusign. This eliminates the need for potential residents to come into the office to sign their paperwork. 

See how we can help you in your home search by contacting us at (608) 258-2080 or over on our website at www.wisconsinmanegement.com.