PROPERTY MANAGER 2-24-20

PROPERTY MANAGER EDITION

5 Reasons Why

YOU NEED A MENTOR

COVER STORY

DD LEE FEATURED PROPERTY MANAGERS

JOE OSTER MARK BROWER

How to Cut Down on DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS and Up Your Productivity HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR

PROPERTY MANAGER EDITION

MARK BROWER

Mark Brower knows that his company, 9 Brower Properties, is doing17someMark thing special and different with their property management services. While others are competing on the cheapest monthly management fee and building in subtle profit centers around maintenance and high tenant fees, Mark offers the very best services available to property owners with transparent and fair fees to both the landlord and theOSTER tenant.

JOE

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JOE OSTER

advisor, much

23 property man Joseph Oster arrived in propsurpr advi erty management by way Being of anfeel about his wo accounting. “I was an accouncare build a bette tant by trade,” he remembers, unco estate investm “and I was very much involved “Our trusting us wi in the developing of properthings inhave the ties, new construction, and every it effectively managing rental portfolios, so longer hidd years DD LEE MARK BROWER I’ve always had an interesthave, in letting “We seek to raise bar on Likewise, the level ofJoe and his wife were the owners tion, payBeyo dow realthe estate.” service provided,” Mark says.

“We’re striving to give wealth-building tool.

It’s exc of their own investment properties, so when the opportuthrou our clients the professional service that will increase benefits them and their fami nity arose to purchase a property management company is a m their cash flowCONTENTS and save them from excessive tenant in value and produces more in Florida, he decided to make the leap. That was five his f turnover, costly maintenance, evictions and property years ago, today Joseph has built an incisive busidamage. In doing so we are and challenging our competitors When he’s not workingand Mark ness model, along with a reputation for communication, eling to increase their service standards as well.”

4) HOW TO CUT DOWN ONtransparency, 18) 8 TIPS ON USING I ran my first ultra marathon and a proven track record.Flagstaff,” he explains. “I ra DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS DISRUPTIVE TOI’m very proud ofNow Mark’s level of service is high because of hisTHINKING proactive and that AND UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVE INNOVATION processes and Under his caring and professional staff;Management his the Mesa Marathon I the banner of Gulf Coast Group, Joe where Oste team offers the confidence and peace of mind that Marathon qualifying time.” and his team oversee more than 150 properties in the Lee field 6) HOW TO GET THE HOW TO THROW comes with a company that 22) handles marketing, leasing, A County and Collier County areas, particularly Naples, oppo maintenance 24/7 point of contact for THAT He’s also involved in his BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT and that is theNETWORKING EVENT Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Meyers.

“I al work diligently to findBUSINESS and youth group. “It’s young bo OF YOUR LUNCHtenants.

HOURMark and his teamCAN PUT YOUR date, almost entirety Joe’s business is the driven many retain the mostTo financially stable the tenants of theof highest talk about four major as ON THE MAP by repeat and referral clientele who trust his integrity, to pr character. They also do routine and mandatory interior they can set and work towar 15) 5 REASONS WHY to detail, and300 commitment facilitating the mentally are w property visitsattention of the approximately properties toforward physically, YOU NEED A MENTOR they manage, rental ensuring that each uphis to team their offer high tenants and owners process.

Joe is and grou standards of quality to tenant compliance, Looking forward alike in a regards full-service approach.

“We procure tenants,Mark sees repairs and cleanliness. property management indus using an in-depth screening process, and get tenants the landscape and big com approved by HOAs, provide and coordinate repairs and Phone 310-734-1440 |That’s Fax 310-734-1440 the monthly contact - and each year Mark and working to become more e maintenance, process payments, and follow-through on he say his team talk| with property owners about their current our level of service,” mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com delinquencies,” Joeofexplains. properties, financial snapshot, about the state the marketWhen and listing come in and try to capture t No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine Joseph leverages an expansive online presence, with about ways they can make the rental property work our experience is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, and attentio more bythan 150Tolisting and us to co smarter for them.

“That level across of consultation sets us practices will enable Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible fordissemination opinions expressed or facts supplied its authors. subscribesites or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. apart,” Mark says.

“Our clients look to us as a trusted environment.” social media outlets—ensuring ideal tenants are sourced in short order.

To find out more about Brower, call 4 TopMark Agent Magazine What’s more, Joe describes open lines of markrent.com orcommunication, email him at mark@ visit https://www.novahomeloans.com/Kara%20VanWinsen/loan-portal/ www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— 4

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web.

As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

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get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time.

While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any.

Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew.

In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.

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Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead.

Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized.

While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority.

That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from.

Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 6

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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DD LEE Top Agent Magazine

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DD LEE DD Lee, lead of Skyline Properties Group, Inc, based out of Woodstock and Fayetteville, Georgia, currently manages around 350 residential properties and 6000 HOA units.

When DD Lee started investing in properties in 2004, she had no idea it would lead to her dream career in property management.

“In just a couple of years I had accumulated about 10 properties and managed all of them myself,” she explains. “Through that process I learned so much.” When the market crashed, she left the corporate world 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

to pursue real estate as a full-time career. In 2010, she saw the need for property managers as more people were renting. “People were not able to sell their homes and there were a lot more renters in the market, so I went and got my broker’s license and started managing for other people.” Today she leads Skyline Properties Group, Inc, Top Agent Magazine

based out of Woodstock and Fayetteville, Georgia. They serve the entire metro Atlanta region, and are hoping to expand into Florida and South Carolina. DD credits Skyline Properties’ success to team collaboration and hard work. “Everyone plays key roles in the business and we really count on each other to get things done,” she explains. They are a well-oiled machine.

“We manage around 350 residential properties right now and 6000 HOA units,” DD explains.

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For residential management, Skyline performs all of the duties associated with managing a property, including finding tenants, collecting rent, maintenance, lease enforcement, and more. For HOA management, they help collect dues, send out violation letters, manage finances, and any other tasks. No matter the management type, clients can expect superior service and guidance at every step. “Our top goal is for our clients to make money, and the second part is communication. We do everything we can to let our clients know what’s Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

“Our top goal is for our clients to make money, and the second part is communication. We do everything we can to let our clients know what’s going on with their properties. We send them monthly reports, keep them updated on maintenance issues and if their property is vacant we give them a report of how much traffic they’re getting through the property.” going on with their properties. We send them monthly reports, keep them updated on maintenance issues and if their property is vacant we give them a report of how much traffic they’re getting through the property.” Lastly, they guarantee their services. “When a tenant is in their place, that tenant is guaranteed by us. So that gives our clients a lot of peace of mind.”

Clients love to refer Skyline to everyone they know. One recently said, “The outstanding professionalism of Skyline Properties is no chance occurrence. It’s the product of an all pervasive attitude of excellence that starts 12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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from the top and flows all the way through the company. DD Lee (owner) takes care of her employees in ways that empowers them to strive everyday for more than the last.

There is nothing I wouldn’t entrust to this company.”

When DD isn’t working she’s staying involved in the community. She’s a board member of Top Agent Magazine

the Atlanta Chapter of National Association of Residential Property Managers, where she was Chapter President in 2019. She is also an Assistant Governor with Rotary International, and an ambassador for Real Estate Connections, which is one of the largest monthly real estate networking events in Atlanta. Lastly, she’s a mentor with North Atlanta Venture Group.

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As she looks ahead, she wants to continue providing excellent service to her clients.

“My focus is on how we treat our existing clients and customers, showing them our appreciation through personal gifts and individualized contact.”

No matter what, DD’s passion for this industry will remain. “I love that it’s a process driven business. If you want to be a driven manager, you have to design and continue to tweak your processes.”

For more information about DD Lee, please call 678-978-1858 or email info@skylinepropertiesga.com

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5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide.

But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor.

Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the Top Agent Magazine

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success.

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

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mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need.

When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t.

They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out.

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and 16

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

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JOE OSTER Joseph Oster arrived in property management by way of accounting. “I was an accountant by trade,” he remembers, “and I was very much involved in the developing of properties, new construction, and managing rental portfolios, so I’ve always had an interest in real estate.” Likewise, Joe and his wife were the owners of their own investment properties, so when the opportunity arose to purchase a property management company in Florida, he decided to make the leap. That was five years ago, and today Joseph has built an incisive business model, along with a reputation for communication, transparency, and a proven track record.

Under the banner of Gulf Coast Management Group, Joe and his team oversee more than 150 properties in the Lee County and Collier County areas, particularly Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Meyers.

To date, almost the entirety of Joe’s business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust his integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to facilitating the rental process. Joe and his team offer tenants and owners alike a full-service approach. “We procure tenants, using an in-depth screening process, and get tenants approved by HOAs, provide and coordinate repairs and maintenance, process payments, and follow-through on delinquencies,” Joe explains. When listing properties, Joseph leverages an expansive online presence, with dissemination across more than 150 listing sites and social media outlets—ensuring ideal tenants are sourced in short order.

What’s more, Joe describes open lines of communication, responsiveness, and a straightforward approach to pricing as some of the cornerstones of his business model. “We provide high-quality service, and one of the key components of that is communication,” he says.

“That means strong communication with both tenants and owners. It’s very important to keep everyone updated while coordinating al efforts. No owner wants to be Top Agent Magazine

surprised along the way, and it’s important that tenants feel heard and that they’re getting their needs taken care of, as well.” As for pricing, Joe offers owners an uncomplicated breakdown of cost and responsibilities.

“Our fees are very straight forward,” he explains. “We have a lease procurement fee, we charge a percentage every month, and that’s pretty much it. There’s no hidden costs for us to provide full-scale service.”

Beyond the office, Joe gives back to his community through his participation on his local condo board, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors In his free hours, he most enjoys time spent with family and loved ones, hitting the beach with his wife, traveling, and catching a baseball game.

Now, with five years of insight and experience, Joe Oster considers what he enjoys most about his chosen field. “I like being able to provide affordable housing opportunities for members in our community,” he says.

“I also enjoy giving investors some peace of mind. So many of them are out of town investors, and we’re able to provide them some confidence that their properties are well taken care of and that there are boots on the ground, making sure everything falls into place.”

To learn more about Joseph Oster email Joseph Oster at Joe@gcmg.biz, visit his website GCMG.biz, or call (239) 777-1415 www.

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8 Tips on Using Disruptive Thinking to Improve Innovation You might be wondering what disruptive thinking is. How can anything disruptive be good? Well, if you’re caught in a stagnant place, shaking things up might be exactly what you need to gain some momentum in your personal or professional life.

the norms that keep you from being creative and implementing big ideas. Here are some simple things you can do to find opportunities that might be hidden if you stay stuck in the status quo.

Sometimes taking a step out of your bubble will give you a much needed perspective and allow you to achieve the breakthrough you need to take things to the next level. There is no more valuable commodity in today’s business world than innovative thinking, and the key to innovative thinking is breaking down

1. TAKE RISKS

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Without risks, there usually won’t be any major rewards. Sure being steady and careful might keep things going marginally well, but if you really want to go big, you need to go all in sometimes. If you go through the history of great innovations, none of them

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were achieved by playing it safe. Embrace mistakes. Learn from them, they often provide valuable insight and that will lead to great success on your next attempt.

2. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT INDUSTRY This might seem counter-intuitive, but you’d be amazed at what you can learn by looking into successful companies, no matter what the business type is. You’re almost certain to find valuable solutions, systems or technology, that might fit your business, giving you a unique advantage over the competition.

3.BE CURIOUS Break some of your daily habits, even if it’s as simple as ordering a new dish at your favorite restaurant. Even the smallest changes can help spark a new idea. Always be on the lookout for new ways to do things. Little innovation are all around you. If you remain curious and keep an open mind, you’ll be surprised as to what might spark the next great idea.

4. PICK THE BRAIN OF A NON-EXPERT Yes, there is a lot to be gained by having access to someone with an expertise in your field, but you can learn a lot from a newcomer as well. They are a blank slate, and may inspire you with their completely unique point of view on things as someone just starting out.

5. BE LESS JUDGMENTAL It’s very easy to dismiss a new idea. You have experience and that can oftentimes lead Top Agent Magazine

to a million reasons why something won’t work. But there really is no harm in ignoring your initial impulse and thinking it though a bit more. If you or someone you work with has passion for an idea, it’s definitely worth pursuing.

6. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE We tend to look at things in a linear way.

If you feel like you’ve stalled out on something, literally flip the script. Re-imagine it from different perspectives, reverse engineer the process. Anything you can do to see it from all angles, might get the creative juices flowing again, and could even lead to a breakthrough.

7. VALUE CHAOS Yes, it’s great to be organized and have a plan, but sometimes a little randomness can be that added ingredient that makes it all work. One of the major keys to successful disruptive thinking is breaking up everyday patterns. Sometimes the path to rational solution is filled with chaotic moments.

8. BE WILLING TO LET GO Don’t be rigid. Even the best ideas can always be refined and improved. You’ve invested a lot of time in your idea and it can be hard not to cling to it, but input from other people will only strengthen what you want to do.

Having big ideas is great, but you also need to be pragmatic. Recognize changes you might need to make to get your big idea implemented. Disruptive thinking is all about flexibility.

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How to Throw a Networking Event

that Can Put Your Business on the Map

It’s hard to argue with the benefits of attending networking events—you make new connections, enjoy industry skill-building conversation, and expand your reach in the local business community.

However, have you ever considered the benefits of hosting a networking event?

Instead of attending as a guest, you’ll be the wizard behind it all. Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. This idea may be tempting, but how do you pull it off? Review some of our tips and tricks below and you’ll be more than ready to throw a networking event that’ll put you on the map.

MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS TO SAY YES. From the outset, try to keep things as simple as possible for your guests. This means that e-invites should be structured, yet conversational. Include a link to register online so that arriving to your event is seamless and requires no sign-up sheets or stuffy check-in procedures. Select a venue that’s relatively well-known and central to your area. It should also have easy-to-access parking so that attendance is streamlined and hassle-free. Also consider sending an automated event reminder the day before and the day of the event—that way you’ll set guests up for easy attendance that they don’t have to debate.

CREATE A THEME. Capitalizing on a holiday or local event is a great way to drive attendance to your networking function. While getting to know area professionals is a worthy reason to meet up, you’re likely to engender a livelier ambiance if you incorporate a holiday or theme. This will inspire comradery among your guests, in addition to giving your event a natural focus. Major sporting events, a Thanksgiving themed pie bake-off, or a spring cleaning themed community volunteer day can generate more interest than your average mixer.

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GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GUEST LIST. While you may be trying to keep your invite list industry-specific, you may benefit from casting a wider net. Invite area entrepreneurs, young professionals, collegiate professional organizations, and even friends and family. You never know what sort of connections will be made, and high attendance is key to keeping the energy of your networking event at a high tier. Don’t worry about only collecting info from realtors or brokers or mortgage pros. Instead, create a sense of community so that opportunities flow naturally and conversation remains diverse.

BE THE BOSS. As host, it’ll be your job to play matchmaker and drive conversation at your networking event. This means that you’ll get to know more people, but it also means you’ll be able to create connections between different professionals and businesses.

You can maximize your matchmaking abilities by planting a few socially-minded friends around to drive additional conversations. Your goal is to keep people talking and to be outgoing. It should also be your goal to follow-up once the event is complete. Use this as an opportunity to continue to connect different people you met, or to follow-up with coffee or lunch with someone you found interesting. Try sending out a group thank-you e-mail to your guests after the fact, telling them to keep an eye out for your next event, or to get in touch with you for any questions or contact information of fellow attendees.

While it may feel like a risk to throw a networking event, it’s a risk worth taking. By positioning yourself as the host of your event, you’ll drive awareness to your business and brand, and build up the local professional community in a way that’s sure to draw good will your way. Keep these ideas in mind as you go about planning a memorable networking event of your own, and above all—have a good time and others will follow suit.

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MARK BROWER Mark Brower knows that his company, Mark Brower Properties, is doing something special and different with their property management services. While others are competing on the cheapest monthly management fee and building in subtle profit centers around maintenance and high tenant fees, Mark offers the very best services available to property owners with transparent and fair fees to both the landlord and the tenant.

“We seek to raise the bar on the level of service provided,” Mark says. “We’re striving to give our clients the professional service that will increase their cash flow and save them from excessive tenant turnover, costly maintenance, evictions and property damage. In doing so we are challenging our competitors to increase their service standards as well.”

Mark’s level of service is high because of his proactive processes and his caring and professional staff; his team offers the confidence and peace of mind that comes with a company that handles marketing, leasing, maintenance and that is the 24/7 point of contact for tenants. Mark and his team work diligently to find and retain the most financially stable tenants of the highest character. They also do routine and mandatory interior property visits of the approximately 300 properties they manage, ensuring that each is up to their high standards of quality in regards to tenant compliance, repairs and cleanliness.

That’s the monthly contact - and each year Mark and his team talk with property owners about their current financial snapshot, about the state of the market and about ways they can make the rental property work smarter for them. “That level of consultation sets us apart,” Mark says. “Our clients look to us as a trusted

advisor, much more than just a day-to-day property management company.”

Being an advisor is what Mark loves best about his work. “I like helping clients build a better future through their real estate investments,” he says. “They are trusting us with one of the most valuable things in their lives, and if we manage it effectively they can hold that asset for years longer than they otherwise could have, letting them realize the appreciation, pay down the loan and use it as a wealth-building tool. It’s exciting to see how our service benefits them and their family’s lives as the asset grows in value and produces more income.”

When he’s not working Mark is an avid runner. “In 2019 I ran my first ultra marathon, which was a 55K race in Flagstaff,” he explains. “I ran it in five and a half hours, and I’m very proud of that time. Now I’m training for the Mesa Marathon where I hope to finish with a Boston Marathon qualifying time.”

He’s also involved in his local church, mentoring a youth group. “It’s young boys 10 to 11,” he says. “We talk about the four major aspects of their lives and how they can set and work toward goals that will move them forward physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially.”

Looking forward Mark sees big changes coming to the property management industry as technology changes the landscape and big companies move in. “We’re working to become more efficient without sacrificing our level of service,” he says. “As big tech companies come in and try to capture the market with automation our experience and attention to high service and best practices will enable us to compete strongly in that new environment.”

To find out more about Mark Brower, call 480-336-2556, visit markrent.com or email him at mark@markrent.com https://www.novahomeloans.com/Kara%20VanWinsen/loan-portal/ www.

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