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Property Management Strategies

Enhancing the Real Estate Owner Experience

Build lasting relationships with property owners and investors 
through transparent communication, streamlined workflows, and innovative technology.

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  • Selected: What
  • How
  • FAQs
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A Strong Owner Experience
Drives Long-Term Success

With more choices than ever, property owners expect proactive communication, full transparency, and high-quality service to maximize their investment returns.

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Owners are 3x more likely to leave within the first year due to poor communication with their property management.*

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Nearly 25% of owners are considering switching property managers in the next 12 months.*


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83% of property owners are satisfied or very satisfied with tech-driven property management solutions.*

* 2024 Real Estate Owner Preferences Report

Owner Retention Is Critical for Business Growth

High owner churn disrupts revenue stability and increases acquisition costs, making retention essential for long-term success. Poor communication is one of the top reasons owners and investors switch management companies. This highlights the need to establish a proactive and transparent approach from the start of the business partnership. By delivering clear, consistent updates, handling owner concerns, and fostering trust, property managers can build lasting relationships that drive retention and generate valuable referrals.

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“From our owners’ point of view, having the ability to access information relatively quickly is amazing. When we send out owner reports, it’s super easy for them to log into the app and get day-to-day updates.”

Mark Browning Jr.
Co-Founder, Stone & Browning Property Management, 1,000+ units
Read the Story

Technology Strengthens Owner Relationships

Self-Service Owner Portals

Give owners centralized access to financials, reports, and maintenance updates in real-time. Digital tools for transparency, such as AppFolio’s dedicated portal, empower owners with the information they need — whenever they need it.

Modern Communication Tools

Keep owners informed effortlessly with property management software that provides updates and notifications. Proactive communication via text and email builds trust and reduces the need for back-and-forth calls.

Technology-Powered Maintenance Workflows

Streamline issue resolution with intelligent maintenance automation. AI-driven workflows ensure faster response times, minimize disruptions, and enhance owner satisfaction.

Smart Financial Reporting for Property Managers and Owners

Provide owners with clear, data-driven insights through automated financial reporting. Customizable dashboards and real-time data help them make informed investment decisions with confidence.

Get Started Improving
Your Owner Experience

Download this free guide to learn how to build long-term success with your property owners.

By submitting this form, I acknowledge I have reviewed AppFolio's Privacy Notice.

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Leverage Technology for a 
Seamless Owner Experience

From onboarding to ongoing management, technology simplifies operations, enhances communication, and provides property owners with the transparency and efficiency they expect.

Streamline Owner Onboarding

Setting clear expectations from day one is key to building trust. Digital onboarding tools and automated workflows ensure owners receive all necessary agreements, reports, and insights without delays or miscommunication.

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Provide Real-Time Financial Reporting

Owners expect timely updates on property performance. Financial reporting tools provide real-time insights into income, expenses, and ROI — all while reducing manual work and improving accuracy and transparency.

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Enhance Maintenance Communication

Maintenance concerns can quickly impact owner satisfaction. AI-powered workflows provide real-time updates, notify owners of urgent issues, and enable rapid approval of estimates to streamline response times and reduce frustration.

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Offer Self-Service Access

A dedicated owner portal centralizes all property-related information, from financials to maintenance history. With 24/7 access, owners can find what they need without relying on emails or calls, increasing convenience and satisfaction.

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Maximize Owner Satisfaction and Retention

Prioritize Proactive Communication

Owners shouldn’t have to chase down updates. A dedicated owner portal provides instant access to key information, including rent collection, maintenance requests, and financial reports. Automated notifications keep owners informed in real time, reducing uncertainty and manual follow-ups.

Empower Owners With Real-Time Performance Insights

Owners want transparent property performance reporting without constant back-and-forth communication. A centralized owner portal delivers curated dashboards, financial statements, and key performance metrics — accessible anytime from any device — so they always have the insights they need.

Customize Dashboards for a Tailored Owner Experience

Every investor has unique priorities. Property managers can customize dashboards and reports to ensure owners see the most relevant data while controlling sensitive information. This personalized approach strengthens relationships and enhances the owner experience.

Build Trust Through Transparency

Owners expect clear, accurate, and timely information. By offering direct access to financial reports, maintenance logs, and leasing data, property managers can eliminate confusion, alleviate concerns about undisclosed results, and foster long-term confidence in their management approach.

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Elevate the Owner Experience with AppFolio Property Manager

Enhance transparency, automate key processes, and build stronger relationships with property owners — while saving time for your team.

See How

“Our owners really appreciate the owner portal. They have one centralized location where they can go in and get anything that they need. It’s great for maintaining transparency and building trust.”

Chelsea Busnardo
Owner and Founder, Do Good Property Management, 204+ units
Read the Full Story
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the owner experience in property management?

Owner experience is how property owners engage with and perceive their property management company. It includes communication, transparency, financial reporting, and service quality. A seamless experience builds trust, drives retention, and fuels business growth.

Why is owner retention important for property managers?

Owner retention reduces churn, stabilizes revenue, and lowers acquisition costs. Satisfied owners renew contracts, expand investments, and drive referrals.

What are the top reasons owners switch property management companies?

Owners leave due to poor communication, lack of transparency, slow maintenance, and unclear financials. They expect proactive updates and easy access to property data.

How can property managers improve communication with owners?

Property managers can improve communication by setting clear expectations, providing regular financial and maintenance updates, offering multiple channels like email and text, and leveraging self-service technology for real-time property insights.

What technology helps improve owner experience?

Online owner portals centralize reports, financials, and maintenance updates, while AI-powered tools automate work orders and technician dispatching. Resident experience management enhances service with online rent payments, maintenance tracking, and communication features. Automated communication tools ensure timely updates and minimize back-and-forth.

How does self-service access benefit property owners?

Self-service tools give owners 24/7 access to property data, financial reports, and maintenance updates, reducing micromanagement, minimizing inquiries, and fostering transparency.

How can property managers use data to improve owner relationships?

AI and analytics enable property managers to monitor market trends, occupancy rates, and rental performance, providing data-driven insights to help owners maximize their investments.

What is an owner portal, and why is it important?

An owner portal is a 24/7 digital dashboard offering access to property data, financial reports, maintenance updates, and key insights, enhancing transparency and owner-manager relationships.

How can automation help reduce manual tasks in property management?

Automation simplifies lease management, financial reporting, and maintenance tracking, freeing property managers to focus on customer service and business growth.

Get the Inside Scoop on
All Things Owner Experience

Uncover the latest insights, advice, and strategies to transform your owner experience.

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