Last modified on January 8th, 2016
By Aimee Miller

There are an increasing number of businesses that are choosing to abandon their brick-and-mortar locations and set up a virtual office instead. This means that each employee works from his or her own home, and the company comes together online. With today’s technology, it is simple to accomplish this, and can be beneficial to businesses, primarily due to the decreased operating costs.

So what do you need to set up a virtual property management office?

A Great Communications System
You eliminate the need and ability for any resident or property owner to drop by with a request by setting up a virtual property management office. So, a better communications tool is essential. Make sure that you’re accessible either by email or live chat, as well as by phone (for those that are still a bit more old-fashioned). To schedule maintenance on the property, you can simply use a property management system that allows you to communicate with owners and residents online (for example – let residents submit maintenance requests from your website).

Web-Based Software
When you’re operating a virtual business, you need computer systems that are stable and capable of handling the workload that they are responsible for. This might mean purchasing new hardware for your most integral employees, or requiring them to have a newer operating system when they are hired for the job.

Flexible Hours
Property management needs to be available in some format around the clock. Be prepared that just because you’re at home, it doesn’t mean that you won’t need to work on occasion!

A Network Of Contractors
Since you won’t physically be able to be on location at various property management sites if you take on properties that are outside of your local area, you need great contractors. Make sure that you have people that you can trust to go out and get the job done well for you. They are representing your business directly, especially when you’re not personally present!

In the property management industry, a virtual office can work, provided you properly prepare!