An ideal residential community goes far beyond being a grouping of homes. Rather, it represents a neighbourhood full of people who feel comfortable living there and feel like they belong there, as well as having complete confidence in the management of the community’s day-to-day operations and long-term goals. Therefore, managing a community properly establishes these types of environments.
A good resident property management program helps create a solid management structure for the community and adds clarity so that everyone knows what their responsibilities are and how they relate to others within the community. As a result, all residents will benefit from this type of property management system.
1. Clear and Consistent Communication
Good communication makes everything work easier. Residents have the ability to know who to call to get their requests for maintenance, repairs, or information taken care of. Having a consistent level of communication provides residents with the confidence to ask questions and prevents confusion.
Here are some simple ways communities can improve communication:
● Digital Updates: The community will send out notices via email or apps on their smartphones.
● Clear Contact Points: There will be one number or office where all residents can call for questions or issue resolution.
● Regular Meetings: Residents will receive regular updates from their property manager about all issues occurring in the community.
2. Proper Maintenance and Upkeep
Clean and well-maintained areas of the community help improve quality of life for all residents. The amount of maintenance that a community does affects the number of complaints received by the community from its residents. The more regular maintenance performed, the less problems a community experiences, and the better overall quality of life.
Key areas that require regular attention include:
● Common Areas: Maintain walkways, parks, gardens, and community parking areas.
● Building Maintenance: Maintain elevators, lighting, plumbing, and roofing in all buildings.
● Preventive Care: Schedule inspections regularly to address small issues before they develop into serious/expensive repairs.
When all of these areas are maintained regularly, the community will feel more secure and organised.
3. Safety and Security Measures
Safety is an extremely important consideration for residents. With a secure environment, residents can feel relaxed and secure in their homes. To create safer communities, residents can utilize several types of security methods and systems including: installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) throughout the community; providing adequate/appropriate lighting within the community; utilizing an access control system; hiring trained,experienced security staff; etc. When the community feels safe, the community becomes a more tranquil, more peaceful place to live for all residents.
4. Fair and Transparent Rules
Every Community has rules (guidelines) so that residents can continue to live harmoniously. The rules for Parking, Noises, Pets, Shared Facilities are important for avoiding “unnecessary conflict” between Residents.
When all guidelines are clear, concise and uniformly applied, residents will feel respected and valued. A Community that does not apply the same standard to all will experience resentment among its members.
5. Smart Financial Planning
Efficient Financial Management of the Reserve Fund(s) will provide for long-term Stability (Sustainability) of the Community. A well-maintained Budget for Repairs, Improvements, Utilities and Emergency Repairs will provide the ability for a Community to build and expand without facing sudden financial challenges.
Having a transparent and open approach to Financial Decisions will build Resident Confidence in how their Financial Contributions are being utilized.
6. Encouraging Community Activities
Community activity encourages interaction between members of the community in a healthy manner, by focusing on relationships rather than property. Festivals and sporting events, as well as workshops and group exercise classes like yoga help residents build friendship bonds and reduce their feelings of isolation, and establish a sense of belonging.
7. Using Technology for Better Management
Technology provides us with many useful tools to assist us in the daily management of our communities. Examples include online payments, digital complaints, maintenance and newsletters to help improve efficiency and effectiveness of our community management operations.
Conclusion
A good community management plan combines the various elements of communication, maintenance, safety, planning and technology to create a safe and comfortable environment for residents to live in. In addition to enhancing the quality of life in a community today, these tools will contribute to increased long-term value to homes in the community. Therefore, when considering the potential for selling your property, it is imperative that you consider the important benefits of being part of a well-managed community, which has a greater potential to provide you with better buyers and greater satisfaction of the sale. Ultimately, well-managed communities do more than just care for the physical buildings; they foster greater neighbourhood cohesiveness and create a better experience for all residents.