Selecting software for your property management company is a big decision. Software should save time, not create headaches. However, many providers only offer some of the features you need, requiring you to purchase multiple tools that don’t integrate with one another.
Whether you’re thinking about switching providers or implementing software for the first time, it’s critical to select a platform that addresses the needs of all your communities, saves your team time and money, and ultimately, grows your portfolio. Here are three things your future community management software must have.
1). Seamless In-App Payments
It’s time to say goodbye (and good riddance!) to paper checks and coupons. Find a solution that allows residents to pay dues and fees by credit card or ACH. This will save you time, reduce liability, help you stay secure with PCI and NACHA compliance, and improve your overall resident experience.
What to ask during your demo:
- Does the solution offer integrated payment processing with competitive rates?
- Is the process for residents to make payments intuitive?
- Does the software provide account balance alerts to residents when they owe money?
2). Convenient Self-Service
You’re constantly looking for ways to improve resident experience within your community. It’s important to find software that simplifies manual tasks for residents and is easy for them to use. More importantly, your Portfolio Managers will spend far less time on the phone and replying to emails when you allow residents to submit various requests digitally.
What to ask during your demo:
- Can residents book various amenities throughout the community that managers can approve or deny within the tool?
- Can residents submit work orders when things on their property and within the community break or need attention?
- Can residents issue visitor passes for family, friends, and visitors with ease?
3). Advanced Security
Condo high-rise communities and neighborhoods with guards and gates have more advanced software requirements. Never let these components prevent you from adding a new community to your portfolio. Select a solution that includes modern security features for both large and small communities.
What to ask during your demo:
- Does the software offer key security features such as visitor management, credentialed access, and telephone entry?
- Will the software work with the community’s current hardware, or will we have to go through the expensive process of ripping and replacing components?
- Are more advanced security features available to keep high-end communities secure, such as license plate recognition, license readers, and forensic data?
If you’re currently searching for software, download our complete checklist, 10 Things Your Community Management Software Must Have to help guide your search!
