Property Manager Jobs

Remember the apartment manager you used to call when your toilet was clogged? He was an entry-level property manager that could be working for a large property management firm, if he has stayed in the field.

Property managers combine real estate knowledge with management skills in administering apartment buildings, office complexes, or shopping malls or as employees of property management firms.

Owners depend upon them to keep the building in good condition, make sure tenants are happy and control expenses.

Real estate agents often excel in this career because their selling skills are useful in finding tenants to lease their spaces.

Property managers perform a wide variety of functions, including creating annual operating budgets, collecting rent, paying bills, preparing financial reports, arranging for cleaning and maintenance, finding renters, analyzing insurance needs, settling disputes with tenants, and if needed, arranging evictions.

Assistant Property Managers

Entry-level assistant property managers (APMs) field calls from tenants and owners and arrange for repairs and maintenance. They also collect rent and assemble reports for the owner. The next rung on the ladder are property managers (PMs), who work tenants and owners too, but their duties are focused upon creating market reports about the current condition and financial patterns of the building and how they fare with competing properties.

Job Requirements

Property mangers often hold bachelors or masters degrees in business administration, finance or real estate. Many positions require real estate licenses and property management certifications, which are certified through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).