Shows
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 84: Crush it During the Leasing Season Ft Barak ShamirHost Bob Preston engages in a dynamic discussion with Barak Shamir of Showdigs, shedding light on the challenges property managers face during the leasing season. This conversation not only helps property managers prepare for the busy season but also offers a solution by showcasing how Showdigs can empower them to optimize their operations. Barak elaborates on the various aspects of leasing efficiency and how Showdigs can be a game-changer in streamlining their leasing process. TakeawaysThe leasing season brings increased turnovers, inspections, and showings.Inefficiencies in processes can lead to staff burnout and lost b...2024-03-2743 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 83: Property Management Failures Ft Tiffany RosenbaumIn this episode, renowned property management expert Tiffany Rosenbaum and seasoned host Bob Preston delve into property management failures and entrepreneurs' struggles. Drawing from their extensive experience, they underscore the importance of learning from failures and mistakes encountered in the journey of growing businesses. TakeawaysFailures are part of the entrepreneurial journey.Self-doubt is common among entrepreneurs.Effective processes are crucial for success.Micromanagement can hinder the growth. Anticipating customer needs can set a business apart.Continuous learning and embracing struggles are essential.Chapters02:00 Introduction and Background04:02 Importance of Di...2024-03-2130 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 82: Preparing Your Property Management Co for Acquisition Ft Dylan McGrathIn this episode, host Bob Preston and guest Dylan McGrath discuss how to prepare a property management company for acquisition, what is involved in the process, and various valuation models. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to sell your business and what steps would be involved, this episode is a must-listen!Takeaways:Costs to engage a business brokerModels for valuing a property management businessStructuring of a property management business saleDue diligence and information exchangedChapters:00:00 Introduction and Dylan’s background04:54 Getting started in selling a pr...2024-02-0657 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 81: Crush Your Biz Dev For Max Door Growth Ft Jeremy PoundOn this episode, host Bob Preston and guest Jeremy Pound discuss various aspects of business development and new client acquisition in the property management industry. The conversation also delves into the building blocks for creating a successful business development program and the characteristics of a good business development manager. Takeaways:Understanding the local market and competitionFinding the right business development managerMotivating business development managersCRM SoftwareSignificant opportunities for growthChapters:00:00 Introduction and Background05:20 Challenges in Acquiring New Doors10:20 Understanding the Local Market and Competition13:45 Building Blocks for Business...2024-01-1858 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 80: Five Ways to Kickoff 2024 Ft Bob PrestonIn this episode, Bob Preston shares his top five ways to kickoff 2024 for property management businesses. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, organizational checkups, accountability and goals, kickoff meetings, and budget trimming. These steps are crucial for setting the direction, aligning the team, and optimizing resources for a successful year ahead.TakeawaysCreate a strategic plan with a forecast and budget for the new year.Conduct an organizational checkup to assess the company's culture and alignment.Establish accountability and goals for every team member.Host a kickoff meeting to communicate expectations and review...2023-12-2813 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 79: Opportunities in Mid-market Multifamily Ft Bob HansenBob Hansen, Principal at Second Nature, joins host Bob Preston to discuss the mid-market multifamily rental sector and its challenges and opportunities. He highlights the importance of attracting renters through amenities and value-added services. Bob also discusses the impact of economic factors on rental rates and the challenges tenants face in affording rent. He emphasizes the need for property managers to focus on the resident experience and leverage technology to meet the younger generation’s expectations. Listen in as Bob Preston and Bob Hansen unpack the mid-market multifamily sector and the opportunities for property managers to grow their portfolios.2023-12-0836 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 78: Optimizing PM Teams for Success Ft Pete NeubigPete Neubig is the co-founder and CEO of VPM Solutions – the first and only staffing solution platform targeted specifically toward property managers and real estate professionals. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is also an Ironman triathlete.Tune in as Pete shares his experiences and insights with host Bob Preston, discussing the types of tasks suitable for virtual assistants, the benefits of hiring remote talent, and the role of technology in streamlining operations. He also touches on different team structures, the monetization of maintenance, and effective marketing strategies.Topics covered:(03:23) Pete Neubig’s back...2023-11-2137 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 77: Hit for the Cycle Ft Bob PrestonBob Preston is the founder and creator of Property Management Brainstorm. He goes solo in this episode to unpack the question of what makes Property Management Brainstorm different and explains his experience in "Hitting for the Cycle." Topics covered:(02:00) Bob explains why he is communicating his purpose in property management consulting(02:30) Why all the noise and FUD about consulting services?(03:30) Never disparage the competition(04:12) Why do we offer services that no one else can replicate(04:46) Featured Sponsor, Upkeep Media(05:30) "Hitting for the Cycle" in Property Management(06:00) How Bob...2023-11-0809 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 76: Building an Online Presence Ft Stephen FoxStephen Fox is the co-founder and Vice President of Operations at Upkeep Media, the company that helps property management companies grow by implementing effective marketing strategies. He joins the show to unpack the importance of having a strong online presence in the competitive property management industry.From the initial interaction with potential clients to attracting property owners, Stephen and host Bob Preston will discuss valuable insights and strategies for building an effective online presence. Topics covered:(03:23) Stephen Fox’s background(04:46) Why the property management industry is Stephen’s focus(08:55) How critical is an on...2023-10-1143 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 75: My Property Management Journey Ft Travis BohlingA handful of entrepreneurs in the property management industry have helped bootstrap and grow a property management company, sold the company, remained in a senior capacity with the acquisition company, and ultimately moved on to start yet another property management venture. One of those individuals is Travis Bohling of Phoenix, Arizona.He is the co-founder of the property management company Home Ladder. Tune in as host Bob Preston and Travis delve into the importance of saying no and choosing a specific direction to the challenges of working in a large company where decision-making is hindered....2023-10-0540 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 74: Reducing Property Churn Ft Lior AbramovichChurn rate – or also known as attrition rate – is something we all try to avoid but it is a big problem for most property managers. Our guest today unpacks what he is doing to address this challenge. Lior Abramovich is Co-Founder and CEO at Blanket, a company helping property managers keep their doors open by building thriving relationships with their clients. Tune in as he and host Bob Preston unpack the many definitions of churn, understanding each client, why we need to invest more in relationships, and much more. Topics covered:(02:03) Lior A...2023-09-261h 01
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 73: Building High-Performing Teams Ft Gwen AspenA high-performing team is more than just a group of talented individuals. It's a cohesive unit that collaborates, focuses on continual improvement, and works toward common objectives to achieve outstanding results. Building high-performing teams has never been more imperative in today's dynamic property management industry. Yet, it has also never been more challenging. On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, host Bob Preston is joined by Gwenn Aspen, co-founder and president of Anequim, an organization focused on the property management industry to help companies be more efficient and successful. Tune in as Gwen and Bob will delve...2023-09-2045 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 72: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ft. AJ ShepardProperty Management Brainstorm host Bob Preston has met many property managers in the industry. Bob and AJ Shepard of Uptown Properties have known each other for the last few years, mainly from their involvement in the NARPM organization. AJ is also a real estate investor, active in real estate syndication, and owns a beer brewery. Bob and AJ discuss the buzzword Artificial Intelligence, AI for short, and how it can be utilized in property management companies to streamline operations and increase efficiencies. This is his second time on the show, so we are excited to welcome AJ...2023-08-2935 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 70: Lessons Learned in Property Management Ft. Amy HansonDuring his time in the property management industry, Bob Preston has met many property managers all over the USA. One of the most exciting stories he has heard is that of Amy Hanson, who has purchased a property management company, sold it, and started another in a different city. There are many lessons to learn from Amy, including how NARPM has helped shape her journey!In this podcast, Bob speaks with Amy Hanson about how she started in property management, the importance of the NARPM organization in shaping her career, and the lessons she has learned that...2023-08-1630 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: Pest Control Ft. Tom ClementsWe have plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm soon with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind.Pest control is an absolute necessity when managing a portfolio of rental properties. Especially in Summer, bugs and pests will find a way to enter homes and show themselves to tenants. Bob Preston discusses a new approach to pest control with Tom Clements of Pest Share. 2023-07-1431 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: Property Maintenance Ft. Ray HespenWe have plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm soon with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind.A property manager's handling of rental property maintenance is vital to every management company in our industry. Bob Preston has a lively discussion and suggests that "maintenance shouldn't be so hard" with his guest, CEO of Property Meld, Ray Hespen.Connect with...2023-05-1930 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: PM Systems and Process Ft. Jordan MuelaWe have plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm soon with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. Several words may be used for our discussion today: process, systems, workflow, and action items might all be used in this context. Property managers have a long list of job activities that must be completed regularly through a standardized operating procedure. Bob Preston discusses the importance of pro...2023-03-2430 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: Service Level Agreements Ft. Ethan LieberWe have big plans coming soon to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind.Service Level Agreements (SLAs) can be used effectively within property management companies to maintain the standard of customer satisfaction for tenants, property owners, and service providers. Bob Preston discusses this topic with Ethan Lieber, CEO of Latchel.Connect with Bob...2023-01-2028 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: Building a Solid PM Company Ft. Kellie TollifsonWe have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. We have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind.Bob Preston and Kellie Tollifson, of T-Square Properties discuss what it takes to build a solid property management business. T...2022-11-1834 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: Tenant Turnover Process Ft. James BarrettWe have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind.The tenant turnover process can be a huge hassle when managing a rental portfolio. From listing and promoting the property to screening tenants, then signing the lease, it can sometimes take a village to manage the process at scale effectively.Bob Preston discusses these challenges for property management companies with James Barrett, co-founder of Tenant Turner, a software...2022-09-1638 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: Best Practices for Mold Damage Ft. Jason WidmerWe have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, coming in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. In this episode, Bob Preston addresses that four-letter word, MOLD, with his guest Jason Widmer. Best practices in the property management industry are critical for maintenance, and the most rapid response is required when there is water damage. Bob and Jason roll up their sleeves and dive into restoration best practices.Connect with Bo...2022-07-2244 min
Property Management BrainstormPMB Classic Rewind: Tackling Homelessness Ft. Todd Gloria, Mayor of San DiegoWe have some big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, coming in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. In this episode, Bob Preston tackles the homelessness issue with Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego. A crisis is emerging in which many US citizens cannot afford housing and live in substandard conditions. As active participants in the property management industry, what is our responsibility to contribute solutions to this housing crisis? Bob addresses this question and more...2022-06-1744 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 67: Is California in a Housing Crisis?Is California in a housing crisis? This is a rhetorical question because the answer is an astounding YES! In California, an estimated 150,000 citizens have become homeless or live in shelters, while over 7 million Californians have been impacted by gentrification and are living in poverty. The median home price in California has eclipsed $800,000. Meanwhile, California remains one of the most difficult places in America to build affordable housing.At the CALNARPM Conference in Napa Valley, April 21, 2022, Bob hosted and facilitated a panel in front of a live audience that addressed this topic. For this episode of Property Man...2022-04-2855 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 63: Should I Start a Property Management Business?There is no denying that Property Management can be an all-consuming profession. Once a Property Management business is established, however, it can be a fun and fruitful enterprise. For those who are considering starting a property management company, will 2022 be a good year and is the timing right? On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, host Bob Preston is joined by Kathleen Richards who will share her thoughts on starting her own company and coaching others how to do the same. Kathleen is Founder of The Property Management Coach. She is also a nationally recognized coach, speaker, i...2022-01-1746 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 62: Tax Considerations for Real Estate InvestorsAs a real estate investor or property manager, it’s imperative that you have great representation regarding tax considerations. This is true, not only for running our own businesses, but also to provide the best possible advice if you have investment partners or investment property clients for your property management business. The key is planning to successfully and legally reduce tax liability in order to maximize after-tax income.On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, host Bob Preston is joined by Richard Hart, of Hart & Associates, a tax consulting firm providing guidance and services to property managers an...2021-10-1235 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #60: Ten Best Practices for Relationship ManagementProperty Management Brainstorm host, Bob Preston, wrote an article for the December issue of NARPM’s Residential Resource Magazine, titled Ten Best Practices in Relationship Management. We thought it would be good to spend todays FMF on a quick review of those 10 best practices: Online Presence – This is where a cand interacting with your company digitally through your website or social media. CRM Software – Everything related to staying connected with that individual customer can be found in one place – names, addresses, numbers, contact info, and notes on the history of the relationship.Responsi...2021-09-2406 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #58: Happy Labor Day! I've Been Elected to the NARPM Board of Directors!Hello and Labor Day weekend! As the Summer winds down and we move into Fall, Property Management Brainstorm wants to say thank you for your trust and confidence as a listener of the podcast. Our objective, and Bob Preston's as well, is to be a trusted source of information for you as a real estate investor, landlord, or property manager. Counting you among our listeners is something for which we are especially grateful.We are also proud to announce that our podcast host, and CEO of North County Property Group, Bob Preston, has been elected to the B...2021-09-0302 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #57 - Back on the Air, I'm Now an MPM!Hello Brainstorm faithful! We are happy to be back on the air with more Five Minute Friday and Property Management Brainstorm episodes, refreshed and invigorated after a month long hiatus for vacation, family time, and clarity breaks! In this FMF, Bob makes the announcement that he is now a NARPM® MPM®! That is, the Master Property Manager designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers. Bob has worked hard over the past year to achieve this designation and honor and describes his journey to obtain the award. At this time, Bob is the only MPM in all of...2021-08-1304 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 57: Messaging Touchpoints and Online Reviews, Featuring Zach Williams of PodiumBob Preston, host of Property Management Brainstorm, discusses the topic of relationship management in property management with Zach Williams of the Partnerships and Business Development Team at Podium. Several of the best practices in relationship management involve connecting with customers through ongoing messaging touchpoints and online reviews.Podium is a customer messaging platform that can help property management companies achieve these ongoing touchpoints, ultimately bolstering their customer relationship management and loyalty. Zach joins Bob to tell us more about Podium and their messaging platforms.Topics Covered[2:15] Zach kicks things off by i...2021-05-0130 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 53: Opportunities in the Property Management Industry, Featuring Brad Larsen of RentWerx San AntonioMost everyone would agree that 2020 was a challenging year for running a business, regardless of industry. For many property managers, it’s great to still be standing after all of the challenges presented from the COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter 2021, maybe in the midst of planning and goal setting for the year, there is no better time to be pondering the business opportunities available in the property management industry. On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, Bob discusses the topic or opportunities in property management with Brad Larsen, Broker/Owner at RentWerx in San Antonio, TX. Brad is v...2021-03-0345 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #53 - Top 8 List of Landlord ResponsibilitiesLandlords have many responsibilities when it comes to renting their investment properties, working with their tenants, and keeping the property well maintained. On this episode of Five Minute Friday, Bob Preston provides his Top List of 8 Critical Landlord Responsibilities. 1. Comply with Anti-Discrimination Laws2. Preparing the Lease or Rental Agreement3. Make Legally Required Disclosures4. Know the Rules Regarding Security Deposits5. Follow Other Specific Aspects of Landlord/Tenant Law6. Provide for Habitable Housing Conditions7. Respect a Tenant's Right to Privacy8. Don't Retaliate Against a Tenant Who Exercises a Legal RightThat is B...2021-02-1205 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #51: Extension of California's Eviction Moratorium Through June 30, 2021On January 28, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom extended the state's eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, by signing legistlation enacting the new SB 91. In this FMF, Bob Preston does his best to review key elements of SB 91 which combines with the previously passes AB 3088 to provide tenants with rent cap and eviction protections. Pauses evictions for tenants with an inability to pay all or part of rent due to COVID-19 financial distress.Establishes a State Rental Assistance Program, allocating $2.6 billion in federal rental assistance to be received by California.The program will aid tenants most at risk with unpaid re...2021-01-2904 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #50: The 2021 CALNARPM Conference Agenda, Register Now!We are so proud to announce that this is our 50th Five Minute Friday! When combined with our 50th full episode from last week, Property Management Brainstorm, TODAY is celebrating our 100th published podcast. Wow, our 100th episode, hard to believe but a great way to kick off our first FMF of 2021.And what better topic for our 100th episode to tell you all that the speaker slate has been finalized and our full agenda is now available for the CALNARPM Conference, coming up on March 11-12, 2021. Register to attend today, it’s only $99, and a portion of...2021-01-1504 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #48: Relationship ManagementOn today's FMF, Bob Preston speaks about the importance of relationship management in every business. Most of us would agree that Property Management is a “relationship business”. Imagine the number of people your team interfaces with daily in making your business successful: property owners, tenants, vendors, prospective tenants, HOAs, and more. This amounts to literally 100s of individual personalities on an ongoing basis. Bob refers to this group of people collectively as "stakeholders" and explains why he views them at the center of the company culture at North County Property Group.Relationship management is establishing the groundwork for s...2020-12-0505 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #47: Happy Thanksgiving From Property Management Brainstorm!In this time of gratitude, I wanted to say thank you to all of our listeners who tune in for Property Management Brainstorm. Counting you among our listeners is something for which we are especially grateful!This has been a trying year on all of us in property management, so, I’m also wishing you the gift of faith and hope as we gather with the family we love, the friends we cherish, and for the blessings that will come. I’m certain we will all emerge from this crazy year stronger than ever.Warm wish...2020-11-2702 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 49: Process Automation in Property Management, Featuring Heather Park of RentBridgeBob has been addressing "process" in the past few episodes, speaking to why it is so important in property management. But what if many of those processes could be “automated”? The concept is to let technology handle your repetitive tasks. Might this allow your property management business to work smarter, not harder? In this Episode 49 of Property Management Brainstorm, Bob discusses this topic with Heather Park, Co-founder and Managing Partner at RentBridge. They will be speaking about how to bring daily aspects of property management into a system that automates day-to-day business.Topics Covered[2...2020-11-1941 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 48: Property Management Bookkeeping, Featuring Taylor Hou of APM HelpReal estate brokers and property managers receive what are known as “trust funds” in the normal course of doing business. These are typically deposits and payments received and held on behalf of others, thereby creating a fiduciary responsibility to the funds owners. In our business as property managers, we must handle and account for these funds according to established legal and accounting standards within the rules and regulatory requirements of our individual states. Not being in compliance could have significant financial and legal consequences for our property management businesses. On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, Bob Preston discusses accou...2020-10-3036 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #42: Calilfornia Ballot Measures Significant to Property ManagersIn this week's Five Minute Friday, Bob reviews and gives his position/endorsement for either a "yes" or a "no" on four California Ballot Measures in the upcoming election on November 3rd, that he believes to be significant to landlords, real estate investors and owners of rental property. Bob provides his opinion from a nonpartisan, independent position, as the owner of a property management company in the State of California. Here is a summary of the ballot measures of particular interest:Proposition 15: Tax on Commercial and Industrial Properties for Education and Local Government Funding I...2020-10-1605 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #41: California's COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act (AB 3088)We've been getting a lot of questions this month about the new eviction protection laws recently passed by the CDC and in California so we wanted to provide an overview to California landlords and property managers on this episode of Five Minute Friday. Full disclosure, Bob Preston, the host of the show, is NOT an attorney so this episode should not be take as legal advise. It offers only his opinions and summary, from his interpretation, as to how a landlord should handle such situations under the new law. In all cases, should you find yourself in this situation...2020-10-0206 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 46: Creativity in Property Management, Featuring Nir Bashan, Author of The Creator MindsetAs the host of the show, Bob often gets asked about the name of his podcast, Property Management Brainstorm. That often leads to the question, is Property Management a creative business? is the business of being a landlord and managing rental properties an open landscape for brainstorming and innovation? If asked, many of our listeners would answer "no" and they would not necessarily be wrong! Many property managers are still utilizing old school ways of doing things and the same processes they’ve been operating under for years. But from Bob Preston's perspective, he says “au contraire”. Bob suggests that i...2020-10-0251 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #40: Long Term or Short Term Rental Strategy?A common question we get at North County Property Group is what type of rental should I have for my investment property, long-term rental or short-term rental? Long-term rentals involve annual leasing on a home that is normally unfurnished. Short-term rentals, sometimes called vacation rentals, are homes that are furnished with all utilities and amenities provided by the owner, rented to incoming guests while on vacation. In this FMF episode, Bob offers two differing profiles of success factors pertaining to both long-term and short-term rentals. He also suggests that if you take time to calculate the overall finances of...2020-09-2506 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 45: Hosting Landlord Seminars, Featuring Mike Connolly, Broker/Owner of East Bay Property ManagementThis episode is dedicated to property managers wanting to grow their business. Bob discusses hosting landlord seminars with Mike Connolly, Broker/Owner at East Bay Property Management of Freemont CA. Mike's company has successfully hosted landlord seminars to bolster their business development efforts and grow their rental property portfolio. Heading into the Fall of 2020, the market may be ripe for gaining new property management clients. Many self-managers of rental properties are not sure how to lease a property at tenant turnover within CDC measures for COVID-19 safety? Might landlord seminars be an approach for you to bring in new cl...2020-09-1730 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #38: Planning For a Paradigm ShiftWhen society emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, will there be a paradigm shift across industires, our economy, and even how we live our lives? Might that shift create a need for us to make permanent adaptations to the way we run our property management businesses? In this Five Minute Friday, Bob Preston ponders these questions and more as he discusses what happens when the usual way of thinking is replaced by new perspectives. Of equal importance is to spot the changes as they emerge and plan for the inevitable to stay ahead of the curve and be ready when th...2020-09-0405 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 44: Setting Up Utilities for a Tenant Move-in, Featuring Peter Hernandez of Citizen Home SolutionsAs landlords and property managers, have you ever experienced the dreaded “blackout” at your rental property when the tenant utility transfer was not handled properly? This is when you arrive to move your tenant into the home and guess what ... no power! Even worse is getting a bill a month later and discovering that the transfer never happened and you’re now being billed for tenant’s utility usage. On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, Bob discusses the process of setting up utilities for a tenant of your rental home and making sure it happens right every time. His guest...2020-09-0340 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #36: The Listing Tracker DashboardIn FMF #36, Bob speaks to the importance of open communication as a landlord and property manager. This is true with all of our stakeholders: tenants, maintenance vendors, and property owners. One question Bob hears a lot from new San Diego Property Management prospective clients is: Will you keep me informed throughout the rental listing process? You see, they want to know what is going on! We’ve heard a lot of stories of property management companies taking on new clients, never to be heard from again unless the client reaches out and makes a connection.Bob explains that...2020-08-2105 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 43: Building a Solid Property Management Company, Featuring Kellie Tollifson of T-Square Properties and President of NARPM®On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, the focus is what it takes to build and grow a property management business from the ground up AND the importance of the support provided by our National Association of Residential Property Managers, otherwise known as NARPM (N-A-R-P-M). Bob Preston discusses these topics with his guest, Kellie Tollifson, owner of T-Square Properties in King and Snohomish Counties of Washington State, which she has grown from the ground up. Kellie is also the national president of NARPM so brings a terrific perspective to both discussion topics. Topics Covered2020-08-2051 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #35: Don't Be a BottleneckIn this week's FMF, Bob discusses one of the challenges he had in the early days of his company with the delegation of authority … the process of transferring responsibility for a task to another employee. When working in a small company, finding the time to properly offload an aspect of the business to another person, and more importantly trusting that aspect to another person can sometimes be nerve wracking! There are many excuses for it, like: “It takes too long to train them. It’s quicker to just do it myself.” As the company has grown over the 20 years of it's...2020-08-1405 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #34: Built to LastBuilt to Last. These are three simple words that communicate a powerful punch. It is actually the name of a a book written by James Collins and Jerry Porras in 1994. Bob explains how he was given the book 25 years ago by his boss at the time, Bill Krause, who had been an executive at HP and was the CEO of the start up where Bob was working in Silicon Valley. Bob still has the book to this day and the words “Built to Last” still resonate with he applies them to his property management business.In this epis...2020-08-0705 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 42: Air Quality in Rental Homes, Featuring Andrew Smallwood of Second NatureOn this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, Bob discusses home wellness as an essential part of healthy living with Andrew Smallwood, Director of Sales at Second Nature. One aspect of home wellness and healthy living is regularly changing filters on heating and air systems (HVAC) for improved air quality within a rental home. Second Nature, provides an easy and automatic way to get the right air filters for your rental properties and to get the air filters changed on time, every time. Doing so can be especially important for property managers and landlords in keeping the HVAC systems in...2020-08-0636 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #33: New Leadership Team and State Conference Dates for CALNARPM!On this week's FMF, Bob shares some fun news about his personal involvement in the industry association, the National Association of Residential Property Managers, also referred to as NARPM. Bob has taken office as President of the California State Chapter of NARPM, known as CALNARPM, for the 2020-2021 term. Bob shares his thoughts about CalNARPM, the other people involved on the leadership team, and the CALNARPM State Conference and Tradeshow scheduled for March 31 - April 2, 2021.The CALNARPM Leadership Team for 2020 - 2021:Bob Preston, President, North County Property Group (ncpropertygroup.com)Bob Davie, Treasurer, San D...2020-08-0106 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #32 Happy 4th of July! We'll Be Back on the Air in August.Hello Brainstormers! Wishing you all a very happy and safe 4th of July holiday. I'm taking a pause in broadcasting for a month or so while I'm on vacation during the first half of July. Property Management Brainstorm full episodes and Five Minute Fridays will back be back on the air with great content again as of early August, 2020. Thank you so much for subscribing, listening and supporting Property Management Brainstorm! We will catch you soon in early August!Bob Preston, podcast host.Connect with Bob Prestonhttps://www.propertymanagementbrainstorm.com/...2020-07-0301 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #31: Our Satisfaction GuaranteeIn this episode 31 of Five Minute Friday, Bob shares with his listeners one of the most common questions he gets from prospective clients: are we locked into a long-term property management contract? The answer is and has been, for the 20-year history of his company, an emphatic "no". Bob calls this his Satisfaction Guarantee. If for whatever reason a client is not satisfied, they can discontinue North County Property Group's services at any time on 30-day notice. Bob further explains that from his perspective, life is too short to be in business relationships with people who are a...2020-06-2604 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 41: Zero Deposit Leasing, Featuring Derek Merrill, CEO at LeaseLockBob continues a series of podcast episodes dedicated to the topic of security deposits. For most landlords, security deposits continue to be a highly challenging aspect of leasing rental properties. Laws are changing, tenant move-in costs can be prohibitive, and security deposit deductions can often lead to conflict. Bob discusses these challenges with Derek Merrill, Co-founder and CEO at LeaseLock, a company promising to eliminate the need for security deposits. Topics Covered[2:20] Introduction to Derek Merrill, LeaseLock and the concept of "zero deposits" through their Lease Insurance products.[8:00] Landlord/tenant laws h...2020-06-2540 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #30: Commitment to Corporate ResponsibilityWhat is corporate responsibility and why is it important? In episode #30 of FMF, Bob explains why he believes in the concept of corporate responsibility for his business as a property management company at North County Property Group. The objective is simple ... be accountable for our actions to our stakeholders and local communities.During the current times of COVID-19, Bob explains how North County Property Group began to rethink its philanthropic pledging as part of their corporate responsibility program. The company decided to start its own direct giving fund called NCPG Cares for the benefit of tenants in n...2020-06-1904 min
Property Management BrainstormFive Minute Friday #29: Rent Forbearance or Early Lease Termination?On this week's FMF, Bob discusses the lingering impact of COVID-19 on tenants who have suffered a job loss, decreased work hours, medical expenses, or other loss of income. Many laws and local ordinances have been implemented to protect tenants with eviction moratoria if they have had financial impact due to the coronavirus. There have been no laws established, however, which give tenants a free pass or restrict a landlord from recovering rent at a future time. As landlords and property managers, what then should we do?Bob gives an overview of what he considers to be t...2020-06-1205 min
Property Management BrainstormEpisode 40: New California Landlord/Tenant Laws for 2020, Featuring Tracey Merrell of Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLPOn this episode, Bob discusses legislative updates in 2019 and 2020 that impact California landlords with Tracey Merrell, Managing Attorney of Education, at Kimball, Tirey & St.John (KTS). Along with other updates, Tracey provides a thorough review of the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) which imposes rent caps and just cause eviction restrictions for residential rental property throughout California. For advice with specific issues, please contact an attorney. Legislative updates discussed are not exhaustive and the interpretation of the laws may change.Topics Covered[3:00] This episode is within the context of CA landlord/t...2020-06-1148 min