As property managers, we've mastered the art of multi-tasking; we seem to keep ourselves and everyone else on track.
But when it comes to taking time off, we often put it in the 'too-hard-to-do' basket and avoid booking it. My coming holiday will be the first I’ve taken in almost four years (bad Justin!).
Structure is one of the most important aspects to a successful real estate office. At LJ Hooker Parramatta we have spent a lot of time and energy perfecting our systems and structures so the office works smoothly; not only when everyone is sitting at their desks, but (almost) more importantly when someone is away. Whether they've taken six weeks to travel to the Amazon or taken a sick day, our department will keep ticking over.
As you may have read in my other blogs, LJ Hooker Parramatta runs in a POD structure; so while I'm away the property manager will cover my duties, along with assistance from other staff.
Under this system we don’t need to put a temp staff member in, which saves a lot of time in training and leaves our landlords and tenants with a fluid, no-fuss and comprehensive experience.
A few other things I've checked of the list:
- Routine inspections have been booked in advance and a property officer will complete them;
- Vacant properties have already had advertisements prepared, and our administration will advertise them when they are due to be online;
- I have also prepared a detailed list of what needs to be completed while I'm away, which will sit on my desk for a follow-up when I return.
I'm lucky enough to work with a supportive team in a great office, so while I sit on a beach in Hawaii with a cocktail in hand – I can tick that off my Keep your eye on the prize list – I won’t have a care in the world and my phone won’t be buzzing away with calls from the office.
The time I have put in gaining the trust of my landlords and clients allows me to take leave. The team I have around me gives me the trust to know that I can take the time off and come back feeling refreshed, relaxed, ready for a big finish to 2015 and prepared for an even bigger 2016!
Yes, I’m already looking towards what I need to achieve next year. You should start looking at the same before the competition get a step ahead of you.