apm Client Newsletter – October 2023
Posted by apm on October 12, 2023 Company News, News, Newsletter, Property Management
Welcome to the October 2023 Client Newsletter
Experience Peace of Mind with apm’s HomeWatch Service
When you’re away from home, whether it’s for a vacation, business trip, or any other reason, the last thing you want to worry about is the well-being of your property. At apm, we understand the value of your peace of mind. That’s why we offer our comprehensive HomeWatch service, designed to ensure your home or holiday home is safe, secure, and well-maintained while you’re not there.
What is HomeWatch?
Our HomeWatch service is a reliable solution for homeowners who need someone trustworthy to keep an eye on their property. We go above and beyond the standard house-sitting services. We don’t just check for break-ins; we inspect your entire property, ensuring everything is in order. From overseeing contractors to organising necessary maintenance, we handle it all, leaving you worry-free. Have a beloved goldfish? We’ll make sure they’re fed too!
Peace of Mind, Every Step of the Way
Leaving your property in our care means you can relax and enjoy your time away. With our HomeWatch service, you can have confidence that your home is in good hands. Our property managers are vigilant, thorough, and dedicated to ensuring your property remains secure and well-maintained.
Meeting Vacant Property Insurance Obligations
Beyond personal peace of mind, our HomeWatch service helps you fulfil your insurance obligations for vacant properties. Insurance policies often require regular checks on vacant homes, and failure to meet these obligations can result in policy violations. apm takes care of these checks for you, making sure you comply with all necessary requirements.
Why Choose apm?
At apm, we take pride in our reputation for excellence in property management. Our HomeWatch service is an extension of our commitment to ensuring our clients’ properties are safe and well-maintained.
Don’t let worries about your vacant property weigh you down during your time away. Choose our HomeWatch service for unparalleled peace of mind. Let us take care of your property as if it were our own, so you can focus on what truly matters to you.
Contact our HomeWatch team on [email protected] today and experience worry-free travel, knowing your home is in the hands of professionals who care. We’ll provide a comprehensive checklist for you to review so you can tell us exactly what you want us to check on during your absence, and how often.
Kind regards
Bill Highet
Managing Director
apm
A Word from Howard – What to Look for When Buying an Investment Property
Investing in residential or commercial rental properties can be rewarding while offering a steady stream of income and potential for long-term appreciation. Making a successful investment requires careful consideration and due diligence. Howard Morley, apm Director, outlines a few crucial factors to look for when buying an investment property including location, research, and property size/layout.
Kind regards
Howard Morley
Director
apm
Absorbing Increases in Property Management
Over the years we as a property management business have been absorbing increasing costs associated with the day-to-day requirements of property management. Residential Property Management General Manager Celia Burbery discusses the recent Trade Me advertising increase and what that means for rental owners.
Tapi Maintenance System and QR Codes
The implementation of our new rental property maintenance software Tapi has gone well and we now have available property specific Tapi QR Code stickers.
Tapi QR Code stickers will be installed at properties (in a kitchen cupboard) to make it even easier for tenants to request maintenance/advise of any issues. Tenants simply scan the QR Code and it takes them directly to an online chatbot form to complete. Our Property Managers will be rolling these out in our managed rentals over the next 3-4 months.
If you have any questions about the QR Code stickers, please chat to your Property Manager.
Levies and BC/RA/CL Living
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite New Zealand, some focus has fallen on levies and trying to understand if they are increasing, why, and by how much. Steven Garland, BC/RA General Manager discusses how we are seeing increases to budgets of 5 to 15 percent on average and what costs could be contributing to increasing levies.
BC/RA/CL Bank Account Changes
If we manage your Body Corporate (BC)/Residents’ Association (RA)/Cross Lease (CL) , you may have received an email/letter from us advising of the introduction of individual bank accounts for each BC/RA/CL. This change is in line with the latest legislation (114I (2) (c)).
Next time you receive a levy invoice, please make note of the new bank account details specific to your BC/RA/CL. Chat to your apm Manager if you have any questions.
Anti-money Laundering Requirements When Leasing Properties
Anti-money laundering (AML) checks are required on commercial property owners when they are leasing their property to prevent and detect money laundering activities, and to ensure compliance with legal obligations. Specific requirements for AML checks on commercial property owners or their trusts can vary depending on several factors.
James Bangerter, Commercial General Manager, discusses the reasons for AML checks on commercial properties and what owners need to do.
Waiheke Island Holiday Accommodation Available
If you are after a Waiheke Island holiday then chat to us about our accommodation options. We are pleased to showcase our recent holiday homes that have joined our holiday division Waiheke Escapes, and you can view all available properties on our website www.waihekeescapes.co.nz
apm News
Meet our new team members
7 Questions With…
Karen Guttridge, Waiheke Escapes Manager
Q 1.How long have you been working in the travel/holiday accommodation industry?
I’ve been working in the travel/holiday accommodation industry for about 1.5 years.
Q 2. What is important for owners of holiday home properties to prepare for if letting their property for holiday guests?
It’s important that owners be prepared for minor wear and tear of the property over the years. Many guests come and go, and just like rental properties, wear and tear is to be expected.
Q 3. What should accommodation providers do to ensure guests have a good stay?
There are a few things we try to do here at Waiheke Escapes such as meet and greet on arrival, ensure property directions/access is shared in advance, share recommendations on the island, and ensuring guests we are available to assist during their stay.
Q 4. Where has been a few favourite places you have travelled to?
In the world? Portugal, Spain, Thailand. In NZ Waiheke Island ;), and around the North island
Q 5. Are you a morning or night person?
MORNING!
Q 6. What is your favourite thing about living and working on Waiheke Island?
Living on Waiheke helps with work, life balance.
Q 7. What do you like to do outside of work?
Swimming, walking, and exploring new places!