Filling a niche in Wichita - Matching Renters to Owners

[Kristen Williams]

A major decision to launch my own company came recently when I began to study the data I was collecting in the Wichita area and comparing it to the data released from Wichita State University's annual market reports. I noticed a pattern of unmet needs for renters in a clearly booming rental market; that owners are not privy to or getting from their own property management efforts, personal or professional.

I have begun creating profiles that must be visited daily, of renters who desire to lease in the Wichita and suburban area. I collect data from standard demographics, to how many pets they have (and which kind), to amenities desired, such as wanting near bike trails, or having no neighbors, etc.

This has led me to begin searching for owners of properties that meet these needs. This takes me outside the realm of just finding an owner to manage and run my little business. I have pushed back that old model into a networking one that is beginning to make perfect sense for our area. If you can find property managers, owners and partnerships that are willing to work with you, I'm able to get properties leased up with qualified, approved renters, saving owners a lot more money, and getting renters served without losing them. 

What this means is, working together. If you are a property manager, for example, for a known company, and still have sitting inventory, something is wrong. It may have nothing to do with you. What I do, is come in and create a powerful marketing package for that property, including photos and video if needed, and I target those renters who I've been working with, and it seems to be working great! My fee is reasonable, and you still get to keep your owner. 

If you are an owner with no professional management, I can take this same approach as well. I can not only market for you, I can make sure you are getting top market rates matched with great people, and include 24 hour management as well as all fiscal responsibilities. 

I know this sounds like an ad, but it's more of a share to let you know that maybe it's time to take a look at the way you increase your returns, fill up your inventory, and always have people desiring to be in your property. I believe building these relationships with people will take out a lot of the constant turnover, distrust and stagnant movement in the industry, if we can all work together for the bottom line. 

What do you think? Am I off base? My experience with this market is that there is no standard and no real data until now, and it's growing daily. Wichita State could not even provide the information on residential property owners and the leasing footprint, because no one is measuring it right now. 

What is your criteria for property management? Thank you for reading and responding!