PROPERTY MANAGER SPOTLIGHT: Q&A WITH BOBBI ALGER
August 27, 2019
Bobbi Alger has a range of experiences in the real estate industry and she’s known as an organized, hard-working property manager. Homeowners and tenants who work with her often describe her as “thoughtful and knowledgeable” and “top-notch”. Curious about her professional background and how she addresses challenges? We connected with Bobbi to find out more for our property management Q&A series.
1. What drew you to property management?
It was sort of an accident. I have worked at the Silverdale Windermere office since 1996, the office administrator for 13 years. Then I went to help my family with their own property management office for 4 years. I came back to Windermere helping in the accounting department and I slowly progressed to admin/bookkeeper for property management. After that, I became a property manager.
2. Was this an obvious career path for you?
Yes, pretty obvious. Because of my experience working with real estate agents and in bookkeeping, I was very familiar with how property management works and have listened to what people, both real estate agents and owners & tenants, liked and disliked about the property management services that they received.
3. What do you love about working as a Windermere property manager?
I love the interaction that I get with both homeowners and tenants, getting to see all of the properties, and most of all the team of people that I work with.
4. What’s the best part of your job?
My most favorite parts are when I am able to place a new tenant into a home that they love! And when I hear back from owners that they don’t have to worry about their homes anymore because they know that they are taken care of.
5. Every job has its challenges. What is one of the challenges of being a property manager and how do you try to prevent or address it?
There are so many challenges, but the biggest one is probably keeping my owners happy which basically means “no surprises”. I try very hard to keep communication open so they always know what is going on. That way, when they get their monthly statements, there are no surprises (such as the cost of a maintenance fee or repair).
6. What’s one thing that homeowners, tenants, and/or colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
Most people are pretty surprised to know that I have so many grandchildren, who I absolutely adore, by the way 😊
7. Name two personality traits that you possess and how they benefit your clients.
I am very detail-oriented and organized. This helps me keep things from slipping through the cracks.
8. Windermere Property Management/West Sound manages a variety of properties across Kitsap County. How long have you lived here and what do you think is one of the best parts about the Kitsap Peninsula?
I have lived here since 1995. I think everything about Kitsap is great! We live so close to Seattle so it’s easy to get to the city, but we are in a bit of a slower community. I love that I raised my kids here and that they were able to attend the schools here.
9. How do you try to stay involved in the community?
I’m so busy with work that I don’t get a whole lot of time for community projects but do try and participate in Windermere’s annual Community Service Day. When I am not working, I am spending time with my family.
10. Can you share a recent professional moment that really filled you with joy or gratitude?
I am often filled with joy when new owners, who are getting ready to move, realize that I will help them get their home ready to rent by hiring the cleaners and paying the bills from rent proceeds. Moving is such a hectic time and they are often very relieved and appreciative that I can do this for them.
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