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Blog

latest news

The Package

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November 14, 2023

Say What?

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September 20, 2023

Superhero In the House

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May 31, 2023

Cleaning Up the Cat Problem

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November 7, 2022

Daycare Discovery

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May 5, 2022

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Living In The Rafters

By

Monica E. Simmons

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August 17, 2021

Here’s a sweet story you can find in Chapter 7 (Send Maintenance) of my book, I Have a Complex, But I’m Managing It! Submitted by a property manager in Fort Worth, this one will warm the heart of all animal lovers.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Party In the Shower

By

Monica E. Simmons

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August 17, 2021

Having worked onsite for a few years, I had a collection of crazy tales, some of which I included in my book, I Have a Complex, But I’m Managing it! Here’s one of my all-time favorites about how me and my co-workers from the leasing office “punked” our lead maintenance man Jimmy one April Fool’s Day.

Property Management

Beating The “Back-To-School" Blahs

By

Monica E. Simmons

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August 17, 2021

Years ago, I saw a hilarious commercial featuring a dad pushing a shopping cart at a well-known office supply store with his young son and daughter. They were obviously loading up on back-to-school supplies. The kids were sporting unhappy faces while their father was downright giddy looking. In the background I could hear Andy Williams belting out, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year.

Property Management

Horsing Around

By

Monica E. Simmons

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June 30, 2021

Here’s a wild story submitted by a property manager in Houston about an unexpected discovery they stumbled on during a routine inspection

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Tips For Texas Summer Watering

By

Monica E. Simmons

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June 30, 2021

May 2021 was one of the rainiest months on record for The Lone Star State. Now that we’ve reached June, many of us are looking to the skies, wishing a few showers might come our way and save our lawns from an extremely hot and dry weather pattern.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Animal Control World Record?! (Possum-palooza)

By

Monica E. Simmons

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April 27, 2021

A resident called the leasing office one morning in a panic. “Help!” she cried. “There’s a possum outside my front door, and I can’t get out! I’m trapped in here and I’m already running late for work....

Property Management

Getting to Know Asphalt & Concrete

By

Jacob Evan

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April 26, 2021

As a property manager it’s inevitable that you’ll be involved in the upkeep of your property’s asphalt or concrete surfaces at some point. Cracks or potholes in the parking lot obviously make a big difference in how your property is perceived.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Today’s Laundry Centers Are “Loads” Better Than Before!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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March 15, 2021

With technology improving nearly every aspect of our lives, it’s not surprising that laundry centers (or, should you prefer a more glamorous term, Clothes Care Centers) have come a long way over the past few years.

Property Management

JUDGE: How This Leasing Office Dog Earned His Name

By

Monica E. Simmons

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March 15, 2021

This story about a scruffy little stray is a wonderful testament to how dogs can enrich our personal and professional lives.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

How We Improved The Vendor Guide Website To Serve You Better

By

Nicholas James

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February 23, 2021

As property management’s longest running printed directory, The Vendor Guide bridges the gap between busy property managers and the vendors who serve them.Our team has been proud to provide this helpful publication to thousands of management decision makers throughout Texas for nearly forty years. But, what you may not realize is that we’ve also been online for almost half that time with our website, TheVendorGuide.com.

Property Management

Resident's Unique Solution For a Cheating Husband

By

Monica E. Simmons

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February 23, 2021

While I was collecting stories from property management professionals for my book, I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!, I met a manager in Austin who shared an interesting tale about some residents who got creative with their living space after their marriage fell apart.

Property Management

Quoting Projects for Your Property? “Bidder” Safe than Sorry!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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January 19, 2021

Years ago, during one of my onsite marketing visits for The Vendor Guide, I met a community director who shared a story with me about a vendor who’d quoted her an unusually low price on some interior painting she needed to have completed in several apartments.

Property Management

Dirty Grandma

By

Monica E. Simmons

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January 13, 2021

Having worked onsite for a number of years, I know firsthand how easy it is to to develop friendships with some of your favorite residents. This was the case at a community in Austin, Texas where a property manager and her staff became quite fond of a sweet little grandma named Bobbi. Here’s her story—

Essential Tree Care

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January 5, 2021

Oftentimes we associate specific things with winter, be it the holidays or the cold temperatures, but one thing you won’t want to forget about in winter is that it’s the best time to handle your tree care. With fall stripping the leaves from most of the trees, winter presents the perfect opportunity to tackle tree trimming that needs to be done in addition to managing any other issues that become visible when the trees are bare.

A Horse In The House

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January 5, 2021

I’ve always said if you’ve worked in property management for even just one day, you’ll have a story to tell! Here’s a fun one submitted by a leasing agent in Houston who discovered something very unusual in one of the apartments on her property.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Caring For Your Landscaping—Here's Something You Need Very Mulch!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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December 8, 2020

When it comes to curb appeal, meticulously maintained beds play a starring role. That being said, there’s one important element you should never scrimp on— and that’s mulch.Although there are several types of mulch, the organic variety tends to be the most popular among landscaping professionals.

Property Management

Probably Should Have Called Maintenance

By

Monica E. Simmons

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December 8, 2020

Sometimes, when you’re in a panic, it’s hard to know where to turn for help. Here’s a story, submitted by a property manager in Fort Worth, about a mother and her kids who needed help in a hurry.

Property Management

The Boy On The Balcony

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 30, 2020

They say that charity begins at home. For those living in multi-family communities, apartments are home. Here’s a touching contribution I pulled from chapter 5 (The Bizarre and Unexplained) of my book, I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It! The story, submitted by a property manager in Arlington, reminds me that there are always opportunities to bless others—we just have to look for them!

Property Management

Terror On The Golf Cart

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 24, 2020

Property tours can present opportunities for surprises—some good, some . . . not so much! Take for instance this story submitted by a leasing consultant in Dallas.We had a married couple that split up and the husband moved out of their apartment. Not long after they separated, I was with a prospect on the golf cart, showing him an apartment not far from where the couple had once lived together.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Don’t Fall Victim To Trip Hazards On Your Property

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 24, 2020

Unexpected variations in the elevation of the surface along walkways and sidewalks are potential trip hazards and are usually taken seriously by property managers. Studies have shown that small inconsistencies can be most dangerous because of the low probability of a pedestrian detecting them. This is because the visual field of a walking person is always moving and dynamically changing. Pedestrians typically scan ahead in the direction of their travel—not directly down in front of their feet.

Marketing

Doing Thanksgiving Differently This Year

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 18, 2020

Eat, Drink and Be Merry—Just Do It Completely Differently This Thanksgiving . . . Or, Perhaps, Don’t Do It at All! Like a lot of people, I think the holiday season is truly the “most wonderful time of the year”. A huge part of that are, of course the traditions shared with family and friends. Unfortunately, thanks to Covid-19, there’ll be nothing traditional about how we celebrate in 2020! Who’d have thought way back in March that we’d be asked to radically alter our plans for the one day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to wear your stretchy pie-eating pants?

Property Management

Bill The Pill

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 17, 2020

Some residents are quiet as church mice, others are well . . . not so much! Here’s a story submitted by an Austin property manager who had her hands full dealing with a very high-maintenance guy.I felt like I’d gotten to know one of our residents pretty well, yet I’d never met him in person. You see, he’d moved into his apartment long before I started working at the property. He never came to the office during working hours and we never saw him in our fitness center or checking his mail.

Property Management

The Essential Property Manager

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 17, 2020

Many of us have spent more time at home these past few months than we ever could have imagined! I’ve spoken with friends in property management who’ve shared how challenging it’s been keeping their residents safe and happy. One told me that she’d always known what she did for a living was important, but the pandemic made her realize why property managers are truly considered essential workers.

Marketing

Ho! Ho! Ho-liday Ideas!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 10, 2020

The holiday season really sets the mood with warmth, happiness and kindness to others. If you’re struggling with getting into the holiday spirit, here are some festive things you can do for your residents.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Ramona and The Cowhide Rug

By

Monica E. Simmons

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November 10, 2020

This next story, submitted by a property manager in San Antonio, really touched my heart. It’s a great example of how onsite personnel often rely on their intuition to go the extra mile for their residents. Our leasing office had a wonderful chime on the front door that would let us know when we had a guest. I was in my office in the back when I heard the familiar chime accompanied by a booming, “Hello..."

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 26, 2020

By the time cooler temperatures arrive in Texas, most of us are ready to pull our sweaters and jackets out of their long summer hibernation. In addition to helping our bodies stay warm, there are some things we can do to help keep our dwelling places cozy while conserving energy. Here are some tips to share with your residents this winter.

Property Management

Things That Go Bump In The Night

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 26, 2020

Have you ever had a resident who was such a pain you couldn’t wait for their lease to expire so that you could give them notice to vacate? Here’s a wild tale submitted by a leasing pro in Houston that goes along with this “spooky” time of year. In it, you’ll see how one troublesome resident created so many headaches for the management team, they finally decided to let him out of his lease and allow the guy be someone else’s problem!

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Marketing During The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 20, 2020

Most everyone has found the last few months to be exceptionally challenging in light of the ongoing pandemic. There’s no doubt we could all use some extra cheer right about now—something to help us smile and help ease the “Covid-fatigue” that has so many in a funk.

Property Management

That Does Not Compute

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 20, 2020

I entitled chapter three of my book, I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!, “Lost In Translation”, because it contains some off-the-wall stories from property managers who’ve experienced a communication breakdown with either prospects or residents. Suffice it to say that when this happens, the outcome can be pretty frustrating. Such was the case in this tale submitted by a manager in Dallas.

The Girl Who Disappeared

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October 19, 2020

Aside from some of the horror stories that come from simply working in the multi-family industry, one of the “spookier” sections of my book, I Have a Complex, but I'm Managing It! is Chapter 5—The Bizarre and Unexplained. The following is a disturbing tale of intrigue and mystery.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Asphalt and Concrete

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 19, 2020

Other than landscaping, asphalt and concrete literally cover the majority of the surfaces of your community. You and your residents walk on it, drive on it, bike on it, and play on it every day. Yet, these surfaces are often overlooked until the day a resident rushes into the office to report an injury or a damaged vehicle, threatening to sue the property for negligence.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Fire Extinguishers—Potential Life Savers At The Ready!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 9, 2020

You may not know that recent studies show that over 90% of fires in commercial properties are extinguished early on by members of the public using a fire extinguisher.

Property Management

Along Came A Spider

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 9, 2020

Unfortunately, pest control is a never-ending battle when you work in the multi-family business. Here’s a fun story you can find in the Pesky Pests chapter of my book, I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!

Property Management

Get Out— And Take Your Horse With You!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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October 6, 2020

Sometimes you learn the most interesting tidbits of information about your residents by accident. Here’s a story submitted by a Dallas property manager who investigated after hearing some surprising news from a prospect who stopped by the office one afternoon.

The Beauty of Signage

By

Jacob Evan

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September 30, 2020

Everyone knows that signs are a “must-have“ for any business. This is especially true in apartment communities where a sign may be the first impression a potential resident may have when looking for their new home. Signs go much further than just your first point of contact though; signs are vital to providing an orderly environment.

Property Management

Leaping Lizards

By

Monica E. Simmons

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September 29, 2020

I was working at a property that was selling to a new owner and we had to do an occupied walk-through before closing. Most of the units boasted the typical “lived in” décor—clutter in the corners, dirty dishes on the counter-tops, wrinkled laundry on the floor, etc. Some apartments were worse than others, but nothing outside of the normal living conditions. However; after making our way through the majority of these apartment homes, I should have known better than to think our luck would hold out.

Property Management

It’s Autumn A.K.A. “The Perfect Time for Roofing”

By

Jacob Evan

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September 23, 2020

Cheer up! The Texas summer is coming to close and that means we can finally welcome Autumn. Aside from being a needed reprieve from the oppressive summer heat, fall happens to also be the perfect time to care for your community’s roofing needs.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Pillow Talk – Advocacy Tip #7 – Know Your Strategy

In politics, like life, you win some, you lose some, but, more importantly, you must live to fight another day. This month’s tip takes our approach to advocacy to the next level: Know Your Strategy. Advocacy is not playing checkers; advocacy is playing chess—multi-layered, Star Wars – “let the Wookie win” type chess.

Property Management

That’s One Way To Kill A Rat!

By

Monica E. Simmons

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September 18, 2020

Here’s a crazy story submitted by a property manager in Fort Worth about one of her residents who decided to perform his own method of pest control.

Property Management

The Piano Teacher

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

September 10, 2020

I leased a spacious one-bedroom apartment to a seemingly sweet, soft-spoken woman named Madge. She was a retired schoolteacher who told us that she was planning on getting a part-time job nearby to supplement her retirement income. After teaching kids for more than 30 years, Madge was tired of being around what she referred to as “little brats.”

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Pansies — Plan Now For A Long-Lasting POP of Color!

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

September 10, 2020

In Central and South Texas, pansies are indisputably the flower of choice for autumn landscaping projects. These showy superstars feature two main types: clear-faced and monkey-faced. The major trait that separates the two is the dark “blotch” in the middle of each monkey-faced bloom, whereas its “sister-flower”, the clear-faced pansy is “blotch-free.”

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Pillow Talk - Advocacy Tip #6 - Know How To Keep Score

Now that you are actively playing the political game, it is vital that you understand Advocacy Tip #6: Know How to Keep Score. In politics, like life, you win some, you lose some, but, more importantly, you must live to fight another day.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Pillow Talk - Advocacy Tip #5 - Know How To Play the Game

Last month, we explored AATC Advocacy Tip #4: Know How to Communicate. Regularly touching base through phone calls, text messages, following them on social media, emails, handwritten notes, etc. strengthens the bonds between you and elected officials. Like you and me, politicians appreciate a note on special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, promotions, etc.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

These Tips Are “Plumb” Awesome!

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

September 2, 2020

Most property managers are fortunate to have an experienced maintenance team on staff that is able to tackle routine plumbing challenges. The occasional overflowing commode, leaky faucet or garbage disposal are fairly typical in property management.

Property Management

Pig Friendly Property

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

September 2, 2020

Some of my favorite stories contributed by property management professionals for my book, I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!, were those which revolve around pets. Here’s one from a manager in San Antonio that really tickled me “pink”!

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Pillow Talk – Advocacy Tip #4 – Know How to Communicate

As a multifamily housing industry advocate, your goal is to find a connection point—something or someone that personally connects you to elected officials. That way, when you meet with them, it is a conversation between friends. You have established a relationship with an elected official, now what? That brings us to Advocacy Tip #4: Know How to Communicate.

Marketing

Positively Monica

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 28, 2020

Like many people, I’ve stepped up my activity on social media as a way to stay connected with the folks I’ve not been able to see for the past few months. That being said, I recently came across something that made me smile, posted by a friend on Facebook. It was too good not to share with you.

Mysterious Mike 

By

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August 28, 2020

When I was in property management, I grew very close to the other people who worked onsite with me. In fact, although it’s been years, many of us have remained friends. I remember being blown away when I visited an apartment community in Dallas and the manager shared a story about one of her team members who had a very interesting story.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Edging Out The Competition—Using Outdoor Amenities To Secure More Leases

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 20, 2020

As a leasing professional, it’s your job to assist prospective residents when they’re shopping for a new apartment to call home. From time to time, you’ll make a follow up call, hoping to secure the lease. Your prospect tells you they’ve whittled their list down to the final two—one being your property and the other is a neighboring community.

Property Management

Seeing Triple (Multiple Personalities?)

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 18, 2020

So, you’ve leased a one-bedroom apartment to a seemingly “normal” young woman thinking she’ll be a great resident. It’s not long before you and your staff start to wonder if your new resident may have a multiple personality disorder!

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Pillow Talk - Advocacy Tip #3 - Due Diligence: Know Your Elected Officials

Opposition research, the dark art of politics, seeks to learn anything and everything about a candidate’s political opponents. Often associated with dirt-digging, closeted skeleton re-animations, and gutter dwelling, mudslinging, this seamier aspect of realpolitik deters many good people from seeking elected office. The shadows, curses, hexes, jinxes, charms, and creatures of political warfare rarely rise to Hogwarts level, and the truth is the best defense against political rumors and tabloid innuendos.

Marketing

Rain, Snow, Sleet or Hail—Reach Your Clients & Prospects With Direct Mail

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 13, 2020

There’s no doubt that face-to-face marketing and meetings are on the downturn these days. And, while a virtual outreach can provide some degree of success in staying relevant in your customer’s eyes, there’s another effective way to connect with your clients and prospects and that’s by using direct mail.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

Pillow Talk - Advocacy Tip #1 - Know Your Stuff

Political advocacy is not a passive pursuit. Passive-aggressive might work in office politics but this approach fails in the political arena. Apartment Association advocacy efforts depend on members’ active participation.

Property Management

I Get What You’re Saying

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 10, 2020

You never know who’s going to walk through the front door when you work in a leasing office. In this case, a couple looking for a new place to call home, had a slight difference of opinion on which floor plan they’d need for their growing family. I love how the leasing director helped take some of the tension out of what could have otherwise been a stressful situation.

Property Management

Apartment Parking Lot Justice: Snarky Non-Resident Learns a lesson

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 7, 2020

Submitted by a vendor in Houston from his days in property management, this story is a good example of what happens when you push a property manager just a little too far! I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do .

Marketing

Marketing Like You Mean It! (5 Easy Tips To Improve Your Brand)

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 7, 2020

Now more than ever before it’s time to get serious about your marketing strategy! Those who don’t won’t have a fighting chance of succeeding in our ever-changing business environment. And, although we must consider new and innovative ways to promote our businesses, there are still some great ways to stay relevant in the eyes of your customers

Property Management

Does Your Property Need a Paint Job? (Thoughts to Consider)

By

Jacob Evan

|

August 5, 2020

A guide to hiring a paint expert for you apartment community.

Property Management

Flirty Resident And His "Special" Brownies

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

August 3, 2020

I got a kick out of this funny story a property manager from Austin shared with me a few years back about a flirty resident trying to score points with the leasing staff.

Property Management

Guidelines for a Safer Community

By

Jacob Evan

|

July 28, 2020

Minimizing risk is essential in today’s environment. Because crime can occur on any property, it’s important to be prepared to handle any threat. Partnering with a qualified security patrol or guard service can go a long way toward offering peace of mind to residents, managers and owners alike.

Property Management

The Waterbed (New Residents Caught In a Lie Here's What Really Happened In Their Bedroom)

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

July 27, 2020

Oh, the joys of property management! It’s funny how you can tell your residents the rules, have them sign documents to acknowledge they understand them, then later learn how quickly they’ve broken them. This story, sent in by a property manager in San Antonio is one such tale.

Property Management

Bob, The Parking Space Hog

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

July 10, 2020

While it’s always great to secure a lease and keep occupancy rates high, sometimes the folks we move-in are more trouble than they’re worth! Here’s a story about a rather obnoxious resident who single-handedly rocked the peace and quiet at this small community.

Property Management

How to Make Your Pool a Hotspot (Upgrades Guaranteed To Improve Your Community Pool)

By

Jacob Evan

|

July 10, 2020

It’s summertime and the water looks inviting! With Texas temperatures heating up, many of your residents will be looking for a place to cool down. Now, more than ever, is the time to make sure your community’s pool and decking are in great shape.

Property Management

Teenage Mutant Ninja Frogs

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

July 2, 2020

I thought about this when a property manager in Austin sent in a story about a young woman who showed up to tour the community one day. The peculiar prospect was quick to share her ranidaphobia—or, in layman’s terms, fear of frogs, with the manager.

Property Management

Are Residents "Monkeying Around" Your Pet Policy?

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

June 30, 2020

Every community has pet restrictions. While dogs and cats are usually accepted at most properties, occasionally onsite personnel will come across an “occupant” that catches them off-guard.

Property Management

Whatever Floats Your Boat (When Residents Start to Abuse the Pool Policy)

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

June 22, 2020

Ah, the community pool! Not only is this amenity the crown jewel of most apartment communities, it’s also where all the action is during the long, Texas summers. Here’s a fun story submitted by a frustrated property manager in Dallas about a resident who had a hard time following the pool rules.

Property Management

8 Hilarious Leasing Office Calls That Only Industry Professionals Can Truly Appreciate

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

June 15, 2020

Sometimes our favorite people are those with the most “colorful” personalities! Here, a property manager in Fort Worth shares some stories about one of her most memorable residents.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

The Power of Professional Landscaping

By

Jacob Evan

|

June 12, 2020

It’s important to understand that the highest levels of curb appeal are almost exclusively reserved for those who utilize the best landscapers available. Here’s a short list of what to look for in a landscaper as well as advantages that come with working with a professional landscaping service.

Multi-Family and Commercial Business

The Overlooked Factor That Can Make or Break Your Property

By

Jacob Evan

|

June 9, 2020

The parking lot can be easy to overlook when considering the presentation of your property. Oftentimes managers will go to great lengths to ensure things like landscaping and paint are well maintained, but they should also take care to keep their parking lots from falling into disrepair. Curb appeal is among the first concerns when attempting to present your property in the best light.

Marketing

How My Car Became Our Marketing Vehicle (AAGD Salute To Property Management Parade)

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

June 3, 2020

Recently, TVG Marketing Services was proud to participate in AAGD’s (Apartment Association of Greater Dallas) first ever “Salute To Property Management” parade.

Property Management

The Exhibitionist: How an Onsite Property Manager Saved This Resident's Marriage

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

June 3, 2020

Management professionals who work onsite certainly see more than their fair share of “interesting” individuals! When I received this story about a bold female resident who fancied showing off her “attributes” for a nearby neighbor, I had to laugh. Things heated up as a jealous spouse insisted it was time to close the blinds. Check out the predicament it placed this property manager in.

Property Management

Property Managers: Consider the Consequences Before Updating the Pet Policy

By

Monica E. Simmons

|

May 26, 2020

Working alone in a leasing office can get pretty lonely. Check out this story from a cat-loving manager who decided to bend the rules and allow a fat cat named Trixie inside.

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