Do Some People Even Care?
I received an interesting comment, and exchanged a conversation with the commenter about this very subject. Upon further review, I decided to post my thoughts.
The question I have is whether or not the people developing, selling, managing and trying to get more people downtown really care? Here’s the comment. I am keeping the name secret, just as the commenter hid their name.
The reason I am doing this is that I have a concern. I am planning to move to the downtown area in November. I have called the Vine Street Lofts, the MarketPlace Lofts, Hubbell Tower, and the Court Avenue Lofts to ask about housing for myself. After several calls, I have yet to hear back from any of them! Are they all doing so well that they don’t need or want another resident? I am wondering what would help them get in touch with people that are really planning to move downtown? Any thoughts on this?
Now forgive me for being skeptical, but isn’t your job as the property manager to get people in your building? I know several of these places are full today–but that doesn’t mean that in November they will be full! Having a list of people to call when you have an opening would be a good decision, at least from the way I see things!
I am actually convinced that some (not all) of the people that have property to sell downtown, from the developers, to the realtors, to the property managers–that they hold that title to brag, not to make money! I am positive that there are people that do what they do so that they can brag about their title, rather than use what they’re doing to make money.
“I’m a developer, we have X projects downtown!”
Big whoop. If you’re a developer you’re in the business of making money! If you’re a realtor, you’re in the business of making money! If you’re a property manager, you’re in the business of making money! Heck, if you’re a waiter, you’re in the business of making money! If you’re not in business to make money, what the heck are you in business for?
Now this isn’t all people, I don’t want anybody to be confused. We’ve teamed up here with some forward thinkers that are the types of people we need more of downtown! There are many folks that are doing everything, and some, to make sure that they make money! They really understand what they’re doing this for, and they are working to sell, lease, build and move everything that they can. But there, as sure as I’m writing this, people that either don’t get it, don’t care, or can’t figure it out.
I spend a ton of time here working hard to improve downtown Des Moines, and to show off how great a place it is to live. I want to see more people living downtown, and I want downtown to be the best neighborhood—period. So you can see why this type of stuff frustrates me.
What is your take? Do you think that there are lots of people downtown that don’t get it? Are they too busy to fill their buildings, too lazy, too “stuck in the old way of doing things?” Or am I insane?
Do you have any ideas that would help these folks?
Kat Says:
Yeah, lots of those developments hire your standard who gives a crap about you property managers. It also doesn’t help that those projects are cheaper to rent then the avg downtown development, so they probably think with a price thats lower they should have to work less.
If you look at which buildings filled up fast, and which ones the residents are most happy, you will usually find a great property manager.
Kat
Posted on August 18th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Josh Says:
Exactly. Kat nailed it!
Posted on August 18th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Elaine Frazier Says:
OK, so I was downtown on Saturday. I decided after eating lunch at Legends that I would go to Court Ave Lofts IN PERSON since they haven’t called me…
The door was locked. On the door the hours were posted “Saturday 9-5.” I rang the bell and no one answered. No note on the door–”back in 5 minutes” or anything. We stood there for a while, thinking they were showing someone around, but nobody showed. So now what am I to do? They won’t return my calls and aren’t there when they say… Hmm.
If someone showed up to my workplace during regular hours and I wasn’t there, I would get my rear end canned. Maybe I should give these people a break, but where I work, we are there when we say. If there is an emergency, we would post a sign on the door saying so.
Just a thought.
Posted on August 19th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Trina Braafhrt Says:
Hi - I’m the property manager for the Kirkwood and the Gateway Lofts. I wish your commenter would have called me! The Gateway Lofts just opened and we have availability! Sadly, the Kirkwood is full. :–(
Okay - so from a property manager’s perspective, here are my comments. Josh - you are exactly right. Just because your property is full now does not mean it will be 100% full forever, a good property manager is constantly pre leasing. I try to return all phone calls and all email inquiries with in a timely manner because you never know what kind of time frame someone maybe looking in.
I do know how easy it can be to get a little relaxed once your building is full. During a mad lease up when you are working 24/7 to fill the building as quickly as possible, you do get a little burned out. Taking a break is OK, but be responsible about it. Leave a voice message on your phone stating you are out for a time being and let your prospects know when you will be back. Same thing with the sign on the door. Then actually return calls. What you don’t realize is that you are effecting the reputation of the building and your company.
And then again - I get busy, or forgetful or I accidentally delete a phone number etc etc. That can be human nature and can happen to anyone. So before you write off that property, give the property manager a couple of chances. I say after a few messages and emails with now response….guess you wouldn’t really want to live there in the first place.
I appreciate this subject matter for your blog - it is a good reminder for us to stay on our toes and remember what we are here for…..to make money yes - but to rehabilitate our beautiful downtown!!
Posted on August 21st, 2007 at 10:54 am
Elaine Frazier Says:
I know that most people are doing their best. I have a job where I am required to do many things at once and I fail sometimes. I try to give people a break, because I need one almost every day!
That said, I agree with you…a message on the phone, a quick sign on the door or something like that sure helps to make your future residents know you care and are doing your best. A quick “I’ll be with you just as soon as I can” helps a lot.
I would love to live at Gateway, unfortunately my income doesn’t keep up with my taste in housing. I have to start on the lower end of the spectrum downtown. But I love this: I can. There is a place downtown for all of us and there will be a place for me. I am getting excited to get down there and settle in. I’ll give the managers another chance. Ha ha.
Posted on August 21st, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Josh Says:
Another chance or 5.
I just wonder sometimes if the lack of professionalism isn’t something a little deeper than “I’ve been so busy and I need a break.”
Posted on August 21st, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Tina Johnson (T...Your Downtown Gal) Says:
Hey there……..[edited because we have a proper place for listings here.]
Posted on August 23rd, 2007 at 10:05 am