President’s
PERSPECTIVE WHAT’S YOUR SECRET INGREDIENT?
Renee Zahn, NALP, CAM, ARM, CPM Greystar Real Estate Partners 2018-2019 President
Questions and answers with AAA’s new president
“This year I aim to broadcast the best kept secret that is our industry even further.”
On Friday June 8th, we recognized 33 finalists and 11 winners at the Austin Apartment Association 2018 Property of the Year Awards. As each team approached the stage to receive their award, it felt as if they had won an Academy Award. Each group was so overwhelmed with excitement and approached the stage as a close-knit team. In an industry where change is constant, and teams must work so closely together, I couldn’t help but wonder about the secret ingredient that each team added to their recipe for success. So, my question is, “What is the secret for success in our industry?” Is it the amenities? While the budget for your property may be limited there are simple things that you can do to enhance your amenities? With more renters today being renters by choice as opposed to necessity, they are really taking the time to make sure
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the community they are choosing to call home has what they need. Is your conference space offered with a reservation for the resident who works from home and needs to host a meeting? Do you offer WiFi in all common spaces including your pool area? What are you doing for package deliveries? Residents expect to retrieve the new shoes they ordered when the schedule is convenient for them. The options are growing on this amenity. Lockers, package rooms, and even ancillary package delivery companies. In Austin, Texas, we can’t forget our furry residents. Are you hosting social events that include their fur babies? What about a paw inspired kiddie pool for your dog park? Is it your apartment homes? I hear the saying all the time, “We are all offering the same thing, a white box of time.” But what can you do to set your white box of time apart from the neighbor across the street? An
accent wall is an affordable way for a resident to feel connected to their new space and help them take on a sense of ownership. Not only a simple paint color, but faux wood on the walls. Pull out your inner Chip and Joanna. What are you doing to make your vacant units feel special? Do you have great mini models that once the customer leases they get to keep some of the fun stuff? You would be amazed at what a $200 trip to target can do for your vacant apartment home. Is it your team? This is the secret ingredient to each property’s recipe that can have the most impact on success. How is your team working to exude exceptional customer service every day? This area is where the smallest things mean the most. Are they standing up to greet each customer? Are they really working to find out why someone is moving so they can work to create rapport
