How to Become a Property Manager

Do you want to become a property manager but have no idea how to kick start your property management career? Then let us show you the important steps for becoming a property manager right now:

1. Study a Related Subject in College or University

While having a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant course is optional for becoming a property manager, it will come in handy if you are applying for a job with a property management company. Some companies will require a college degree as a minimum requirement for the starting position of an assistant property manager.

If you want to be a property manager when you graduate, you should consider taking a course in relevant subjects such as real estate, civil engineering, architecture or accounting.

If you are wondering, "How do I become a property manager without a college degree?" - Click here to learn what are the different property manager positions. You can always begin your property management career without a degree but you may have to work your way up from a lower position such as a on-site property officer.

2. Sign up for a Local Property Management Course

While it's certainly possible for you to pick up the know-hows and learn how to be a property manager from actual work experience, taking a property management course is a shortcut for learning the long list of skills required to become a property manager.

Most local vocational institutes such as polytechnics or real estate associations do offer courses in property management so they will be an excellent place for you to pick up essential skills and earn a recognized certificate at the same time.

If you are strapped for time, you can also consider registering for an online property management course that allows you to learn how to become a property at your own pace. Depending on the level of the course and your work experience, it can take anywhere from 3 months for a beginner's class and up to 3 years for a full fledged master's degree.

3. Become a Property Manager to Gain Work Experience

While formal education and training does give you a solid foundation to kick start your career, there is still nothing quite like hands-on experience when you are learning how to be a property manager.

Running rental properties involves having to deal with different people and unexpected situations. You will have to handle your tenants, please your landlords and work with 3rd service providers such as contractors or landlord tenant lawyers. If you are becoming a property manager, having good people skills will make your life a lot easier.

You will soon realize that there are a lot of real life situations that you can't just solve by flipping through a textbook. It takes real-life experience to handle a burst water pipe or wayward tenants who are secretly stashing illegal occupants.

4. Work Towards Becoming a Certified Property Manager

When it comes to property management certification, there are several types to choose from but few enjoy the recognition that comes with a Certified Property Manager (CPM) status.

This certification is offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). To qualify as a CPM, you will need to pass courses on real estate marketing, real estate financing, property maintenance and human resource management. You can choose to study for these courses in a classroom setting or at home.

On top of that, you will have to adhere to IREM's code of ethics and provide them with your professional references as proof of your work experience. You will be granted CPM status once IREM is satisfied with your training and experience level.

Unfortunately the CPM property management certification course has high entry requirements and demands a high level of dedication to complete. If you don't meet CPM requirements or lack the time for it - Click here to see what are the other well recognized certified property management courses.

5. Join a Reputable Property Management Association

Once you become a property manager, then you should consider joining an established property management association such as the Institute of Real Estate Management IREM, National Association of Residential Property Managers NARPM or National Apartment Association NAA.

In addition to gaining access from advice and support from the senior members, being a member of a respected association also makes you more credible to employers (since association members will have to uphold a stricter code of ethnics).

To learn what property management associations can do for you, Click here to see what are the top certified property manager associations.

Property Manager Career

Property Manager Career

Property Manager Career