Secretarial skills have always served me well
My first real estate gig was as a secretary in a small office with 5 to 7 agents…I answered phones, did mailings of listings (pre-computers and MLS), filed listings and transactions. I then segwayed into working for a local real estate developer and then as a property manager * then called an on-site resident manager.
All along this path, I used my secretarial skills learned in a 6 month course at the old Jefferson Professional Institute now National Business College. I continue to use those skills each day in my property management business and those skills have served me well.
Not only can I compose and write a cogent business letter, I know how to search Staples and Office Depot for time-saving and organizational office supplies. “Sign Here” stickers for lease and form signatures, proper weight copy/fax paper as well as laser printer color copies.
I am surprised how many business people and vendors don’t appreciate the use of a smaller size return envelope in their quest for information or payments….our local Realtor association spends money each month to send me a bill for $29 but does not enclosed a SAE (self-addressed envelope) for payment.
For 20+ years, I have always provided self-addressed size #6 envelopes to tenants for the payment of their monthly rent. I provide them in the front pocket our 19+page Resident Handbook that also contains a USPS mail forwarding kit, property condition check-list form and reminder to change utilities, complete the checklist and provide us with their new contact information.
While VAR and NAR have affinity agreements with the likes of UPS and FedEx, I continue to use mailing services of the USPS….our new resident lease packet including our Resident Handbook are sent out Priority Mail and often arrive at the same time if not sooner than a more costly packet from UPS/FedEx.
While many in our profession often thank their first real estate broker or property manager for providing them the skills and education they have used to advance in their profession, I want to express my appreciation for those early secretarial courses that have served me so well over the last 40 years.
