Bev’s a top property manager
Winning the national title for Professionals Property Manager of the Year means Bev Fletcher is the best in the country.
For the humble recipient, it’s a nice reward for almost 25 years of helping her investors and home makers in Palmerston North. ‘‘It’s a huge part of our community with a valuable role providing accommodation for our residents,’’ Bev says.
Maximising a landlord’s property investment return requires specialised knowledge, people skills and the co-ordination of many activities.
‘‘Communication and experience is the key, both of which are Bev’s many strengths,’’ says business development manager Jodi-anne Taiapa. ‘‘The award is based on the ability to deliver the lowest rent arrears, lowest vacancy rates, and positive feedback from all clients and overall management of the portfolio, all of which she’s excelled at.’’
Bev’s annual results speak for themselves, but for her it’s about balance. ‘‘It’s all about making sure the rents are profitable for our owners and fair for our tenants, keeping them affordable.’’
Palmerston North has more rental properties per capita than most cities because of its growth, affordability, and the student market.
Property managers take care of everything for their investors: the property owners.
‘‘I’m making sure their property is being looked after and enjoyed by the tenant, that they’re paying their rent on time, we’re staying on top of maintenance and keeping them informed about how they can keep their property up to standard,’’ Bev said.
Property inspections are generally conducted every three months.
‘‘It’s very fulfilling to help people and families into a home to live in, they’re so happy. Tenants need to be assured that if there are problems they can come to us knowing that we will do everything in our power to get things fixed or a problem solved as quickly as possible.’’
When rental rates are affordable yet fair, it will attract good tenants, there is minimal vacancy time and tenants will stay longer; an ideal situation for most long-term investors.
It’s a busy time for rentals; Bev’s been helping her investors navigate the new Healthy Homes Act, which includes minimum standards for rental properties around insulation, heating and ventilation.
Busy too, because the student season has started.
An annual expo at Massey University helps students with their first steps to living outside of campus halls after their first year. They move out into the city, usually with a tenancy agreement starting in November for a one-year fixed term.
‘‘We’re able to help them with learning about the rental process and generally helping to find somewhere to live, and securing those properties for them now.’’
With a huge shortage of affordable rentals in the city, more are needed to meet rising demand as the population grows.
Professionals’ 15-strong specialist rental team in Palmerston North and Feilding includes eight property managers. The team has a great rapport working together for clients.
‘‘Get all your property management questions together, we’ll help to answer them for you,’’ said Jodi-anne.