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The Power of Multifamily Property Video Tours

Video Marketing through YouTube

Enhance Your Multifamily Property with Effective Video Marketing Tours

In today’s fast-paced digital world, video marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for property managers to attract potential tenants, showcase their properties, and boost business. With engaging video content, property managers can more effectively communicate the unique features, amenities, and ambiance of their multifamily properties. Below, we explore the benefits of video marketing for property managers and provide valuable insights on how to leverage content to maximize your property’s visibility and attract high-quality tenants.

Captivate Prospective Tenants

Video marketing allows property managers to provide captivating property tours, enabling prospective tenants to experience the property’s ambiance and layout virtually. By showcasing the key features, amenities, and floor plans through videos, property managers can create an immersive experience, generating greater interest and attracting higher quality leads.

Need help showcasing your floor plans? Check out these tips for staging apartments and see why you should try it, for videos and in-person tours.

Highlight Property Features and Amenities

Video marketing provides an ideal platform for property managers to highlight the unique features and amenities that set their multifamily properties apart. By showcasing well-designed common areas, modern kitchens, stylish interiors, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and other enticing amenities, property managers can effectively capture the attention of prospective tenants and convey the value of that rental.

Showcase Testimonials and Resident Experiences

Video testimonials from satisfied residents are a powerful way to build credibility and trust with prospective tenants. Property managers can leverage video marketing to capture the experiences and testimonials of current residents, sharing their positive feedback and demonstrating the quality of living their properties offer. These testimonials create a personal connection with viewers, enhancing their confidence in choosing your property as their future home.

Utilize Drone Footage for Aerial Perspectives

Drone footage has revolutionized the way properties are showcased. Property managers can utilize drones to capture stunning aerial views of their multifamily properties and the surrounding neighborhood. By showcasing the proximity to local amenities, parks, schools, and transportation options, property managers can enhance the property’s appeal to prospective tenants.

Leverage Social Media Platforms

Video marketing integrates seamlessly with various social media platforms, making it easier for property managers to reach a wider audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube offer excellent opportunities to showcase property videos and generate engagement. By leveraging the power of social media, property managers can increase brand awareness, attract more prospective tenants, and foster a community of loyal residents.

Optimize Videos for Search Engines

To ensure maximum visibility and reach, property managers should optimize their videos for search engines. By incorporating relevant keywords, descriptions, and tags, property managers can improve their videos’ search engine rankings, making it easier for potential tenants to find their properties online. Additionally, embedding videos on their property website and sharing them across various platforms improves their online presence.

Video marketing has become an essential tool for property managers to effectively promote their multifamily properties and attract high-quality tenants.Utilizing the tactics mentioned here, property managers can gain a competitive edge in the market.

Need help embracing the power of video marketing and unlocking new opportunities to elevate your properties? Contact us today and let our marketing team go to work for you. Call us at 817-295-5959 or email us at info@classamgmt.com.

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A Renter’s Guide to Normal Wear and Tear

A Renter’s Guide to Normal Wear and Tear

As a renter, you’re likely familiar with the phrase “normal wear and tear.” If you don’t have a detailed understanding of what this description entails, you may not only lose part or all of your deposit but also have the potential to face significant fees and penalties. Also, when you’re shopping for a new apartment home, it’s helpful to know what repairs to include in your walkthrough checklist.

Expected levels of wear and tear

Let’s clarify with a definition and examples. “Normal” wear and tear is the physical breakdown of property resulting from someone using it as intended. And, for this type of use, the property’s owner (i.e., landlord) can’t penalize the user (i.e., renter). Examples of normal wear and tear include:

  • Faded wall paint
  • Modest traffic wear to carpet
  • Furniture impressions on the carpet
  • Faded or worn curtains
  • Walls dings behind doors without door stops
  • Broken plumbing pipes or drains (unless due to improper use)
  • Worn hinges on doors and locks
  • Dirty or dusty blinds
  • General dust throughout

Though not a comprehensive list, it’s a good starting place when looking at potential wear and tear your landlord or property manager expects to see. Anything going beyond these expectations may be considered damage. 

Damages beyond wear and tear

While it’s likely the owner of your property may not be picky and may place even more excusable damages on the list above, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Anything that goes beyond regular expectations will be considered damages. The way to resolve damages depends on the situation. The following is a list of damages that, if left behind, could result in a financial penalty, either against your deposit or as an additional cost.

  • Holes in the walls (nail holes or other)
  • Carpet tears and wearing that goes beyond expected traffic
  • Animal stains (even if the owner is aware)
  • Burn marks from irons, cigarettes, hot plates, etc.
  • Doors and windows that are broken or have holes or cracks
  • Broken or missing blinds or window coverings
  • Clogged drains due to misuse
  • Broken furniture or shelving (if applicable)
  • Excessive bathroom mildew
  • Excessive dirt or mess throughout
  • Burned out lightbulbs
  • Inoperable fire/carbon monoxide detectors

The best recommendation the expert property managers at Class A Management give is to read all tenant policies, paying special attention to wear and tear descriptions.

Take time to understand policies

For the properties we manage, for example, this is where we identify the damage for which we will hold renters accountable. By carefully reading and understanding the policies and rules associated with the property where you live, you can avoid incurring extra fees for damages. Once you know the property expectations, protect yourself by caring for the property you rent. 

For more information and to learn more about the properties managed by Class A Management, contact us at 817-295-5959 or info@classamgmt.com.

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Reputation Management: The Why’s and How’s

Reputation Management: The Why’s and How’s

Reputation Management is the monitoring and maintenance of an individual’s or business’s brand. When we think of brands, we often believe brands such as Coke, Nike, and McDonald’s need ongoing management. The truth, however, is that reputation management is something that should be a top priority for every business, including the business of property management.

Why property managers should prioritize reputation management

Attracting the right tenants means projecting the right message in the marketplace. It also means ensuring the feedback and reviews from existing tenants are favorable, reinforcing the brand. 

Online reviews heavily impact apartments. Potential tenants, more often than not, begin their search for an apartment online. The high volume of searches means reputation management needs far more attention than many property managers tend to give to it.

How to monitor reviews and brand reputation

Reviews can impact a property’s success. If you’re new to reputation management, here are some tips for ensuring the ongoing health of your brand:

  • Set up Google alerts. You can input multiple keywords, including the exact name of the property as well as variations. When someone uses any keywords you identify to create any type of post online, Google will notify you.
  • Search regularly. Even if you have automatic alerts, you need to be aware of what’s on the web. Create a list of common review sites, then visit them at least once a month.
  • Respond to reviews. Yes, you need to respond to reviews. Your quick and effective responses will keep bad reviews from getting worse and encourage positive posts. 

The reviews of your property directly impact your brand reputation. Need help monitoring and growing your property’s reputation? If so, it’s time to call Class A Management. 

Manage your reputation with Class A Management

Reputation management is just one part of the comprehensive management services offered by our experienced team. Contact us to discuss improving your property’s reputation to attract and keep your ideal tenants. 

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Should you Allow Apartment Pets in Student Housing?

Should you Allow Apartment Pets in Student Housing?

We’ve talked a lot about apartment pets policies and whether it’s a good idea to allow pets on your property in the first place. What many property owners and managers tend to ask, however, is whether pets are a good idea when it comes to student-specific housing. 

The answer is: it depends. In Texas, property owners can create their own rules regarding pets and include these rules in a lease agreement.  Like everything else in business, you make all considerations to determine the best decision for your property. 

One note: service animals are not considered pets, and you’re legally obligated to allow them in your Texas rental property.

Set Expectations for Apartment Pets as Tenants

If you decide it’s reasonable to allow tenants to have apartment pets, it’s best to view them as actual tenants. Treat them in the same manner you would any other renter. This includes:

  1. Lease Language. The lease is your contract and the lifeline of the property. It ensures protection for both you and the tenant. And, just as you would use a lease to identify the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant, it should also be used to define the obligations and expectations of the apartment pets and their owners. At a minimum, this should include cleaning up after the pet when outside, responsibility for damages done by the pet, and noise-related restrictions. It should also clearly define any breed or weight restrictions, where applicable.
  2. Pet Deposit. Similar to the standard deposit due at move-in, a pet should also require a deposit. This money is the insurance a property manager needs to hedge against the risk of damage or default. This way, the funds are there to cover repairs that result from pet-related issues. Whether the deposit is fully refundable or non-refundable should be clearly identified and defined in the lease.
  3. Pet Rent. The widespread practice of requiring separate rent for pets is fairly new. Yet, it’s catching on and many properties are now asking pet owners to pay additional monthly rent, often in the range of $10 to $25. The idea, again, is simply to treat the pet as an additional tenant.

Class A Management helps develop and evaluate pet policies

Pets can be a slippery slope of challenges for property owners. That’s why you need a knowledgeable property manager in your corner. The professionals at Class A Management have more than 40 years of experience in the industry and know what it takes to ensure satisfaction—for 2-legged and 4-legged tenants alike.

Call us today at 817-295-5959 or send us an email to info@classamanagement.com.

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Hand Over the Keys and the Wi-Fi Access

Hand Over the Keys and the Wi-Fi Access

A swimming pool isn’t necessarily the top-billing amenity your renters are seeking, but wi-fi access may be. While they may expect outdoor gathering spaces, today’s renters also expect that you’ll provide their internet service as part of the rent. The good news is that they’re also willing to pay more for it.

Expanded wi-fi coverage expected

Just a few years ago, prospective tenants would have been satisfied with a few wi-fi access points in shared areas like the pool and clubhouse. They expected to have to find their own in-home connectivity solution.

An overwhelming majority now expect community-wide wireless internet. They also expect to be able to stream unlimited video, as many residents opt out of traditional TV and head instead to Netflix, Disney Plus, and other online entertainment sources. The move toward remote work has only made wi-fi more important, as more people work from home and need reliable high-speed internet.

While some tenants may opt out of included wi-fi and get their own service, the ability to tap into community internet service is still a value add for tenants. Don’t underestimate the power of high-tech upgrades to help convert prospective tenants and justify higher rents for your property.

Smart homes trending

Renters want the convenience that new technology offers, and that includes security systems and other environmental controls they can operate from a smartphone. If they forget to lock the front door, they want to be able to open a smartphone app and lock the door remotely. 

They want to see how much energy they’re using, and they want to be able to monitor what’s going on at home even while they’re away. All this connectivity is going to require forward-thinking property owners to set up two wireless access points with huge bandwidth—one for smart house programming, and one for internet access—and it’s going to have to be reliable.

Community wi-fi options are becoming more readily available to meet this demand. SmartRent Community Wi-Fi is one forward-thinking solution that offers easy setup for new tenants. Coupled with connection speeds of up to 1 GB, it’s an attractive “amenity” that developers say is helping properties improve and maintain occupancy rates.

Class A Management helps with property updates

Part of what we offer at Class A Management is on-site management and more than four decades of experience providing the amenities and technology that residents expect from the best apartment communities. Contact Class A Management to take care of your residents, as well as their internet needs. Call us today at 817-295-5959 or e-mail, info@classamgmt.com.