5 Ways to Manage Your Time as a Property Manager
Property managers and landlords have busy days that involve a diverse range of tasks. Follow these five tips to manage your time better and get more done.
Make To-Do Lists
You can write to-do lists on any piece of paper, but many people prefer using smartphone apps. An app helps ensure that you always have your list with you. Some apps even give you reminders to finish incomplete tasks. Cross-platform apps can even synchronize your lists with other devices, including your desktop computer and tablet.
Some of the top task management apps include:
Google Keep
Any.do
Todoist
Wunderlist
Evernote
Explore these options to find the time management tool that best suits your needs.
Use Management Software
Many landlords spend a lot of time performing essential tasks that software could do for them. Some of these tasks include:
Screening tenants
Advertising available properties
Collecting rent
Updating legal forms
You can’t manage a business without taking care these tasks, but they can take up so much of your day that you don’t have much time to reach other goals.
By using management software, you can have your computer do much of the work for you. In many cases, using software will help you save money as well as time.
Delegate Tasks to Other People
If you just have one or two rental properties, you can probably do most of the work on your own. It doesn’t take long, though, before your growing business starts getting more complex. When that happens, you need to learn how to delegate tasks to other people.
Delegating tasks doesn’t come easy to everyone. If you have difficulty letting someone else do work for you, try to:
Find a person you trust
Give clear instructions
Set deadlines and follow up to make sure they’re met
Giving up a little responsibility is sometimes difficult, but it can save you a lot of time.
Work in the Morning
Some psychologists believe that people are most productive during the first two of hours of the day. Unfortunately, people often misuse those hours by performing menial tasks like reading the news, updating their social media accounts and driving to the office.
You could potentially get more out of your day by starting work as soon as possible. Instead of waiting in line at a coffee house and driving to work, try brewing yourself a cup and spending the first two hours of the day working from home.
Prevent Unnecessary Interruptions
Focusing on a task is the most efficient way to get it done quickly. Unfortunately, there are a lot of disruptions during the workday. Something as simple as checking email or answering the phone can distract you. Even a distraction that lasts less than three seconds can make you less productive and increase your error rate.
There are several ways to prevent unnecessary interruptions during work. Try to:
Create an “interruption-free zone” without any distractions
Have an answering service screen calls and take messages during your busiest hours
Block distracting websites like Facebook and Twitter during business hours
Some interruptions are too important to ignore. If you have to break your concentration, write a note that describes exactly what you were doing. This should help you resume your work as quickly as possible.
The better you manage your time, the more you can get done during the day. That should help you grow your business and enjoy more personal time.
– See more at: http://www.landlordstation.com/blog/5-ways-to-manage-your-time-as-a-property-managerlandlord/#sthash.UFiplAGK.dpuf