So, you are thinking about going into condominium management. Are you sure it is the right career for you? If so, do you need a little help getting started? At least someone can tell you a little bit of knowledge about a career in condominium management, but the only way to know if this is the right career path for you is to get a job in condominium management and see for yourself. Like any job, it will take certain skills and a good attitude to be successful in condominium management.
Condominium management is the same as property management, only it deals specifically with condos. Property management is a vague term used additionally for apartment management, rental property management, self storage facility management, and real estate management. Though each job is similar, all have their unique tasks specific to the type of property. Condos are the individual units owned by the homeowner within the condominium area. Apartments are rented by tenants. So condominium management only has to worry about the outside of the building and common areas of the condominium complex, whereas the apartment manager has to take care of the maintenance in individual apartments as well. Because condominium common areas are shared, they require a home owners association to make group decisions about what is best for the community. This leads to the next point.
Condominium management works for the home owners association or in this case the condominium association. Apartment managers work for the landlord, or the owner of the building. Condominium managers run day to day operations assigned by the HOA. They meet with the HOA Board of Directors and act on their directions. Condominium management must attend monthly HOA meetings and be prepared to give a report and submit a budget. Apartment managers only report to the property owner or owners. They meet with the landlord whenever the landlord requests a meeting. Meetings may be regularly scheduled or spur of the moment.
Condominium management might be doing something different everyday, but they must provide customer service to the condo community residents everyday. They conduct property inspections to all outdoor areas. These areas include but are not limited to fencing, playground, pool, tennis courts, and other common areas. Outdoor building lights and street lights also are on their inspection list. They must oversee contracted service, such as life safety systems, exterminators, trash collectors, major repair contractors, utility service repair, and swimming pool maintenance. Condominium management obtains bids and proposals for major repair work and must negotiate contracts. They are expected to provide security, janitorial duties, and grounds keeping all at the same time.
Condominium management is the leader of the condominium community. They enforce the rules, bylaws, and regulations created by the HOA. The worst part of the job is investigating residential disturbances, violations, and complaints. Condominium management collects HOA fees and posts them in a database. But the most fun might be directing activities for the condominium community.
Special skills are required to become a condominium manager so if you are considering a career in condominium management listen carefully. Like most jobs, computer skills are essential. You will have to know how to use a spreadsheet and other office applications. You must have great customer service skills and be a people person. Condominium management works for the condo community and will often run into area residents screaming for help. You must be well organized because the job is not. Everyday is different for condominium management and you will have to find a way stay on top of your tasks.
For more information on the HOA or Condo Association industry click this link.