Desmond is talking to Ben Hume Managing Director of Evolve Property & Block Management. They discuss the ways in which block management companies are portrayed and what it takes to be a great block manager. 

They also talk in depth about the challenges of managing new builds, the government’s approach and attitude towards property management and what people in the sector are really like. 

There are way more good companies than bad but in the sector there is a battle going on, If you work in block management this podcast is a must, listen in and find out more. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

Current challenges 

• We have lots of new builds and as property managers we are having to put in lots of warranty claims because things haven’t been signed off properly or the work has been completed to the right standard 

• We are often seen as responsible but we don’t have anything to do with the build we come in after the building is complete to manage it 
• The agent gets the blame but this is completely misplaced 

Staff 

• Clients buy into a brand and its reputation 
• In block  management they buy into the property manager and the person on the end of the phone, they are interested and influenced by how you are as a person 

• They are people loyal not brand loyal 
• It’s really important you get the right property manager and the right accounts staff 
• You need to have staff who buy into the company and enjoy what they’re are doing 
• It’s vital to make sure staff are valued and there are opportunities for progression and how you help them move forward. 
• One skill a block manager requires above all others is patience you are continually dealing with a wide range of people all with their own agendas 

Good and bad 

• There are some bad management agencies out there but there are some great companies and people who are really passionate about what they do. 
• Service standards generally have been the same over the last ten years but social media means we get more information and it can be potentially out of context. 
• In leasehold, we are demonised and it’s completely unfounded and misplaced. 
• Our sector is no different to any other there are good companies and bad but we are being singled out and the question is why? 

LMP 

• Leasehold Management Professionals is an organisation that we began to try and increase standards on the South Coast. 
• As professionals, we are representative of the 4 pillars involved in block management and we work to bring the big names in the sector to us on the South Coast. We are able to bring expertise and knowledge that will improve the professional understanding of agents. 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘Nearly every new build we’ve got we are having to deal with warranty claims’ 

‘The clients will feed off the positive energy and you will get better retention’ 

‘We are in a position where people who don’t have the expertise and experience are the people with the power’ 

‘We have to wear lots of different hats and be knowledgeable about both law and building regulations’ 

VALUABLE RESOURCES 

More With Moreira Podcast 

Evolve Property & Block Management 

ABOUT THE HOST 

I don’t know how this works, but you’re here now listening (hopefully) about my exciting life, so I’m going to try and make this worth your while. I never got inspired at school, I was too busy trying to impress my peers, chasing girls, and being a fool to get inspired. I rejected school. But let me tell you something for free! That was a mistake! I spent the next 15 years in jobs I hated, with no direction, lacked purpose, and motivation for life. Yes, big words, but that was me in a box. A slave to the system! Fast forward to today, and well, I’m not sitting in my ivory tower or anything, but I love life and my career. Yeah, it’s both painful and exciting rolled and wrapped up into one giant subway, and who doesn’t love subway rite? The point is, you only get one life, don’t waste it pursuing things you care nothing for, invest in YOURSELF and grow as a person, be the best YOU by putting YOU first!   

CONTACT METHOD 

http://desmondmoreira.co.uk 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo6eVOt1YEQD0dxNkRXevVg/featured 

https://twitter.com/Desmondmoreira 

https://www.instagram.com/desmondmoreira 

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