Choosing The Best Strata Manager
When you buy a unit in a strata community, you are required to appoint a manager for the complex. Not only is it possible for this person or group of people to be negligent or corrupt, but there’s no guarantee they will show up to fix an emergency. So how do you know if your strata manager is doing their job?
If you want to make sure that the public areas of your building get adequate care and maintenance, choose a property management company with experience in older properties. In fact, try not to hire anyone who isn’t experienced in running “classics” because these buildings have special issues that require special knowledge. If you don’t know what kind of building you have, do some research online or ask the previous owner or real estate, agent.
Most importantly, do not hire someone if you get an odd vibe from them. Trust your instincts; it’s better to start over with new management than deal with poor service years while your body language makes it clear you’re not satisfied with them.
The qualifications for a strata manager depend on the laws of their state or territory; in most cases, they need to be registered with the estate agents board and will have additional insurance. Most strata managers are either self-employed or work for a larger company (of between three and five employees).
Strata management is both a science and an art. The science of managing strata corporations includes the knowledge of legislation, accounting procedures, project management, human resources management, and many other disciplines.
The art of Strata management, which separates good managers from the rest, is the ability to balance people’s needs. A strata manager must manage unit and residents ‘ expectations while remaining within complex legal boundaries. It requires tactfulness with difficult unit owners as well as sound judgment in dealing with challenging issues that arise at meetings or outside of meetings. A successful strata manager not only understands all aspects of running a business through continual professional development but also possesses strong communication skills to deal with unhappy residents. When you are choosing your strata manager, it is important that the company you choose is well qualified.
In addition, a successful strata manager understands that running a strata corporation is not only about the bottom line but also about creating an environment of community among inhabitants of a complex.
In order to become a successful strata manager, one must first understand what it takes to be a good manager and then apply those skills within the context of a strata corporation. This can be achieved by completing relevant courses, gaining experience in the field through part-time work or volunteering for owners’ meetings, and participating in industry-related associations.