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Estate managers play a critical role in the shaping of a residential estate. A positive image can lead to increased property values, higher occupancy rates and better quality of life for residents.
Here are some quick-fire ways estate managers can boost the image of the estates they manage:
Keep up with maintenance
Maintaining the grounds and the facilities of the estate is a core part of the job but neglecting this, even for a few weeks or days can result in bigger long-term problems that are harder to fix and keep up with.
Deal with issues in a timely manner and ensure you have qualified staff or contractors (with good reputations too) that can fix any problems on the estate with quality workmanship.
Keep up with the latest security tech
Estate managers can boost the image of the estate by improving security measures and installing the latest affordable technology. This is a big drawcard for most new buyers that want to move into residential estates.
Consult with security experts and attend trade shows and conferences to boost your knowledge of the latest technology available for residential estates. Even though The Consumer Electronics Show is held in Las Vegas every year, it’s a worthwhile one to keep an eye on when it comes to the latest home security tech. It can offer up a glimpse into what’s possible in the future.
Last year, for example, the trade show showcased Apple’s “home key”, which allows residents to create temporary home key codes to give to any guests and remove them when they want. Smart doorbells are also becoming more sophisticated. The Belkin Wemo Smart Doorbell, for instance, boasts a 4-megapixel camera that can zoom in for more detail, recognise faces and send notifications about what it has seen.
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Communicate regularly
Creating a happy estate is essential and effective communication is key to building a positive relationship with residents. Estate managers can boost the image of an estate by communicating regularly with residents including updates on maintenance and repairs, upcoming events and activities, and any or concerns that may arise. If you don’t have a regular newsletter, WhatsApp group, or leaflet for the estate now is the time to create one.
4. Organise events and activities
Events can help to build a sense of community and improve the image of an estate. Val de Vie, for instance, holds an annual residence Potjiekos Competition and has regular equestrian events as well as concerts in the summer. Golf tournaments are an obvious choice for estates with courses however there’s no reason why you can’t think outside the box and get creative with your own signature event that sets your estate apart.
5. Be responsive
When residents have concerns or issues it’s important for estate managers to address them timeously. This can help build trust and confidence among residents and improve the overall image of the estate.
It’s never too late
If you already hear negative whispers about your estate it’s never too late to do something about it. There are ways to improve a bad reputation however doing this and even maintaining a reputation can be a mammoth task. If you don’t have the expertise in-house consider hiring experts that can give you the best advice on the way forward.
