Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Resident Interactions

The best of both worlds — empowering residents while increasing engagement Without question, technology has revolutionized property management by simplifying processes and improving efficiency. One of the most significant advantages is the empowerment of residents through self-service options that allow them to quickly and easily access essential services, such as paying rent or submitting maintenance requests from the comfort of their homes. This level of convenience not only saves time but also enhances the overall resident experience. Another key advantage is the enhancement of streamlined communication between residents, onsite teams and fellow community members. With the use of online portals, residents can receive important announcements, community updates, event notifications and engage in community forums. As residents engage more through the technology offered at their community, satisfaction and loyalty is built. For property managers, self-service technology increases online payment adoption, drives more renewals and monetizes community amenities, events and rentable items — all while improving staff efficiency. However, as with any new advancement, there are new things to consider. Specifically, around how to find organic and genuine ways to interact with residents when rent checks are no longer being dropped off at the office every month, maintenance requests are made through the resident portal rather than in person and packages are picked up at a package locker instead of from behind the leasing desk. While residents nowadays want (and expect) to be able to do such activities at their own leisure, property management teams need to find ways to mitigate the impact of reduced face-to-face interactions by making personal communication a priority. This includes maintaining open lines of communication, being responsive to resident inquiries and actively seeking opportunities to engage with residents in person or virtually. Use technology to...