Peter Bubel+ by | Oct 2, 2017 | Blog, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Property, Property Management
Artificial intelligence has risen from science fiction to become the buzzword of the decade. It seems to be disrupting every industry. For property managers, artificial intelligence can be a boon for those who know how to harness it. Ignoring it’s potential guarantees a bust.
As the number of renters continues to skyrocket, investment in the market follows suit. Artificial Intelligence offers property managers an invaluable edge in this dynamic marketplace. New apps utilizing AI, such as ZenPlace and Appfolio, leverage the technology to identify inefficiencies and minimize unexpected expenses. With AI, keeping track of maintenance and renewals is as easy as setting an alarm on your phone.
The future potential of artificial intelligence is even greater. While the industry remains rooted to a foundation of human relationships, most basic functions can become automated. Imagine the savings, of money and energy, if most of your customer service could be completed by a chat robot. Or, if all of your regular maintenance activities scheduled themselves?
When you get down into the details, it seems that every function of property management could be improved through the use of artificial intelligence. But, what exactly is it? This is hard to pin down and still up for debate. However, at it’s most basic, artificial intelligence is just a computer that takes in some information about the environment and tries to make the best decision possible. This broad definition translates into some powerful applications toward almost any task.
The same technology that Facebook and Google are creating headlines with can bring property managers to the forefront of their industries, too. It doesn’t take much technical skill either. There are plenty of companies competing to give property managers the power of artificial intelligence. These include the same companies that have been serving the industry for years, like Yardi, MRI, and RealPage. Taking advantage of the power of AI has never been easier.
It seems clear from how industry leaders are investing in the technology, artificial intelligence is here to stay. Ignoring this technology is ignoring a powerful tool to streamline business and increase profit margins. As this technology spreads it even becomes cheaper. There are applications for property managers with several units to those with thousands. Opportunities abound in every sector.
This is a defining moment for property managers. Those who adapt and innovate with artificial intelligence are at the precipice of a boon. The potential for profit is overwhelming.
Peter Bubel+ by | Sep 4, 2017 | Blog, Peter Bubel, Property, Property Management, Real Estate
Appfolio: Property Manager
Appfolio is a company providing software solutions to property managers and members of the legal industry. Its blog, run by the former property management blog PropertyManager.com, offers advice on everything from creating a team to knowing the law. Subscribe to this blog for a wide variety of informational articles. Or, even though it’s no longer being updated, trawl through the back catalogue of PropertyManager.com, where you can find all sorts of other great links.
Let’s Talk Property Management
Let’s Talk Property Management isn’t just a property management blog. It’s also a place where you can connect with other property managers, ask questions of the experts, and share your own experiences. The blog (located on the site under the button marked “Learn”) has great advice for renters and landlords alike, written by both contributors and blog staff. Start from most recent, or sort the results by viewership, likes, comments, or verification.
First Light Property Management
This isn’t the most user friendly blog I’ve seen. Google searches don’t always turn it up (if you’re having trouble, you can find it at http://firstlightpropertymanagement.com/blog/) and the site itself has a lot of white space that you have to scroll through. But with some poking, you can find articles on anything you could want to know about property management–from how to move when you have kids or pets, and how to save money on your property taxes. For best results, scroll down to the categories list to narrow down your search.
BiggerPockets
Like Let’s Talk Property Management, BiggerPockets is a social network, not just a blog. You can create an account to network with other property managers, seek out advice or experiences, or share your own. Even without a login, you can explore the forums, or read the blog, which offers general money-saving advice as well as property management tips. No time to read? BiggerPockets also has a podcast, so you can enjoy it working out or on your commute.
Property Management Insider
It’s easy to fall into a black hole on this site, which is packed full of blogs, slideshows, and other resources. The blog covers everything you care about, from the market to the impact of the millennial generation, and some things you didn’t know you cared about, like paint technology. In addition to property management, there are also blogs in the categories of Revenue Management, Expense Management, MPF Research, and Apartment Marketing
Peter Bubel+ by | Aug 14, 2017 | Blog, PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Reading, Sports, Travel
Reading, Pennsylvania (pronounced with a short E, for non-locals) is a destination for cyclists, pretzel lovers, and visitors to the Reading Pagoda. But it’s also a good town for sports fans. The two biggest teams in town are the Fightin’ Phils, a minor league baseball team, and the Reading Royals, a professional hockey team.
Fightin’ Phils
The Fightin’ Phils were established in 1967 in Reading under the team name Reading Phillies. They retained this team name until 2012, at which point they officially adopted the team name Fightin’ Phils.
The Fightin’ Phils hold four league titles (from 1968, 1973, 1995, 2001) and four division titles (from 1995, 2000, 2015, and 2016.) Their current manager is Greg Legg and their general manager is Scott Hunsicker. In 2007, the stadium saw its ten-millionth fan arrive for a game.
The Fightin’ Phils are not represented by one clear mascot. Their logo features either a P with a fist coming out of it or an ostrich with its wings held in fists. However, on the field they are represented by the Fightin’ Phils band, which is comprised of Screwball, a baseball-headed creature that plays the drums, Change-Up the Turtle, who plays the bongos, Blooper the Hound Dog, who formerly played tambourine but has since taken up the guitar, Quack the Duck, the singer, and Bucky the Beaver, who plays the electric bass.
Royals
The Reading Royals began in 1991 in Columbus, Ohio, under the team name Columbus Chill under the leadership of president David Paitson and coach Terry Ruskowski, formerly of the Chicago Black Hawks, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota North Stars. Before moving out Reading, they paved the way for professional hockey in Columbus, which now hosts the NHL team the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Well-known former players for the Royals include Yataka Fukufuji, ryan Finn, James Reimer, and George Parros. The Royals have held a past rivalry with the former Johnstown Chiefs (currently the Greenville Swamp Rabbits), the Elmira Jackals, and the Trenton Titans. Currently and are currently rivals with the Penguins-affiliated Wheeling Nailers.
The Royals made it into the 2017 playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round. The team was destabilized going into the playoffs, due to the unexpected firing of head coach Courville the day before qualifying.
The Royals are represented by a roaring lion in the team colors of purple, silver, and black.
Peter Bubel+ by | Jul 13, 2017 | Blog, Peter Bubel, Property Management
As a property manager, this is one of the oldest stories: a property that has a whole lot of potential, but have got a long way to go before that potential is realized. “Fixer-Uppers” can be great investments, and more often than not are, but at the same time, it goes without saying that getting a return on that investment requires a lot of time, effort, and of course money. Before you start working on a fixer-upper, it pays to know what you’re getting yourself into. I recently read a post on the site Zillow, sharing some things you should know if you’re going to work with a fixer-upper. Here they are:
Check out zoning: Municipalities have their own zoning districts, each one with their own specific laws about what’s permitted where. If you want to research the zoning requirements for an area, visit the municipality’s website, or reach out to a staff member with any questions you may have.
Call in an inspector: Home inspectors are great for figuring out any structural issues so they can advise you on what needs to be fixed and/or replaced. Find an inspector that isn’t too biased but also, more importantly, is going to be working for you. Inspectors know to ask about things other people would never even know about, but will save a world of trouble in the future.
Hire a contractor/architect: Architects and contractors can offer a unique take on how you can improve a place, as well as point out if a home’s load-bearing walls can be moved. Look for references when you’re looking for a contractor; you want somebody you can trust and who can offer good insight.
Research tax incentives: Many regions, particularly bigger cities or up-and-coming places, offer tax credits for improving the value of a property. Do your homework and see if there’s anything available for you!
Peter Bubel+ by | Jun 10, 2017 | Blog, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Property, Property Management, Reading
There are a number of job opportunities out there, but what’s important is that when you do find a job, you like where you are. Property management is one such career that you could consider. It includes maintenance of buildings, overseeing the collection of rent, managing statistics for the properties which are under management, helping tenants move out, and essentially everything related to the rental of property.
Now, if you’re wondering whether this is the job for you, here are a few reasons why you should consider it:
1. You will be working with a variety of people
You will be working with clients, tenants, subordinates, supervisors, contractors and a number of other people. Here, you’ll be responsible for resolving conflicts, negotiating contracts and a number of other things. This will help you develop your people skills and give an edge to your professionalism. Also, by working alongside different people, there are great chances that you could run into someone who might have a major impact on your career.
2. Opportunities for growth
If you are a person who wants to take their business to the next level and keep advancing, property management is the right job for you. The property management field is growing with numerous opportunities in corporate sectors and field management. It is a great way to take your career to a higher position and keep progressing.
3. Rewarding income
Are you looking to make some good money? This is totally the industry for you! You’d be pleased to hear that property managers are paid really well. The average annual salary of a property manager ranges between $45,000 to $65,000. It can increase as you gain experience in the field and get more number of properties in your portfolio.
4. You won’t have to sit in your cubicle the whole day
This is the exciting part of the job. Who wants to sit at a desk for a whole 8 hours? Also, consider the health conditions that you’ll be exposing yourself to by doing so. You don’t have to worry about that anymore. In property management, you’ll be making visits to the sites in your portfolio, while also managing administrative tasks.
5. You don’t need any particular degree
You are probably worried whether you have a qualified degree for the job. Well, you don’t need a specific one as such. If you have good communication skills, morals and a good amount of motivation, you’re set to go! The company will be training you anyway.
Peter Bubel+ by | May 18, 2017 | Blog, Health, Peter Bubel
Walk into any gym these days and you will see two groups of people. There are the ones in the cardio room, running on the treadmill or spinning away on the bikes. Then there are the people in the weight room slinging heavy dumbbells around. Ask either group and they will tell you without a doubt that their workout of choice is the best one for weight loss and overall fitness.
There are definitely benefits of both cardio and weight lifting and we are going to take a closer look at each one and see if one is actually better than the other.
Benefits of Cardio
Fitness and medical professionals agree that cardio is king when it comes to increasing overall health and longevity. It reduces the risk of many life shortening conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Some cancers
It has also been shown to reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of depression.
Cardio has other benefits as well. It is a great calorie burner. You can burn up to 10-12 calories per minute when running or cycling. Considering that 3500 calories equals 1 pound of fat, cardio can be very helpful when following a reduced calorie weight loss plan.
Benefits of Weight Lifting
The most important benefit of weight lifting is that it builds muscle. Muscle is crucial to fat loss because the more muscle you have the more calories you will burn even when you are sitting on the couch watching TV. In fact if you build just three pounds of muscle you will burn 120 extra calories per day.
Even though weight lifting burns fewer calories than cardio, it continues to burn calories long after you leave the gym. This is very beneficial to overall calorie reduction.
Muscle is also important because it is what gives you a lean toned physique. Since a pound of muscle is 4 times smaller than a pound of fat, the more muscle you have, the smaller you will be and the better your jeans will fit.
Which exercise is best?
Both cardio and weight lifting are beneficial to any fitness and weight loss plan. Depending on your specific fitness goals, you should make room for each type of exercise in you weekly workout routine. Try to incorporate weight lifting at least two days per week in addition to cardio three to five days per week.
