Describe to me the last property you managed. What did you find to be successful during that time, and what could have been done better?
"The last property I managed was a portfolio of houses rented out to college students. They were very successful at attracting the students to rent there. They had great marketing and the location was convenient.
There were a few areas they could've improved though. For instance, a lot of students left after a semester, so we were constantly scrambling to get new tenants. They were leaving for several reasons. For one, the tenants just weren't suited for each other. You had party-goers who were next door to studious tenants. It just caused a lot of friction. What I would've done differently is to market each house or section to a different demographic. For example, I would market one house to students who are known to be more serious about studying, and another to those who are known to hold more parties. That way, the tenants would be a better fit for each other and they would stay longer, which means we don't have to constantly run new marketing campaigns."
Provide the interviewer with an overview of the property. Describe the physical details of the property, its purpose, the types of tenants that were present (business/residential), and how many tenants there were. Next, share two or three things that were successful with that property, providing a high-level overview of each item, and share why you felt like they were a successes. Finally, mention one thing the company could have done better, as well as the approach you wish would have been taken instead.
"The last property I managed was a portfolio of houses rented out to college students. The company was very successful in attracting students to rent there. They had great marketing materials, and the location was convenient. The company was also known for their attention to detail and quick turnaround time when any maintenance was required in the properties.
There were a few areas they could've improved though. For instance, a lot of students left after a semester, so we were constantly scrambling to get new tenants. They often left because the tenants just weren't suited for each other. There were party-goers who were next door to studious tenants; it just caused a lot of friction. Looking back, I would've marketed each house or section to a different demographic. For example, I would market one house to students looking for a calm space with quiet hours and another to those who were comfortable with noise. That way, the tenants would be a better fit for each other and they would stay longer, which means we wouldn't have to constantly run new marketing campaigns."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
The last property I managed was an Assisted Living community. I was effective in my outreach efforts on getting the community name out there by my networking efforts with health care professionals. What I feel could have done better was corporates help with the branding of the community.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a solid specific example. You mention that corporate's help with the branding of the community could have been better; what exactly do you mean by that? What could you have done to improve that outcome? What would you do differently?
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