PROPERTY MANAGER SPOTLIGHT: Q&A WITH BOBBI NEAL
November 14, 2019
1. What drew you to property management?
You could say property management is in my blood. I was raised in a family of real estate investors, real estate agents, contractors and electricians. Growing up, my weekends were often spent working on our rental homes or shopping for new properties. I know this industry from the inside out and I also know how important the right property manager is.
2. Was this an obvious career path for you?
This was an easy transition for me. I started my career in real estate sales over 30 years ago. One of my favorite parts of the job is working with investors to identify and purchase the best rental homes for their portfolios. My background in construction and connections in the industry can alleviate a lot of the stresses that arise with maintenance and repair issues. Over 7 years ago, I decided to make the leap into property management full time and I have worked with hundreds of owners since then. This is what I was meant to do.
3. What do you love about working as a Windermere property manager?
Let's face it, property management has not always had the best reputation for quality customer service. I knew if I did this job I needed to change that. Windermere
has given me the tools I need to provide my clients with the best support and experience in the industry.
4. What’s the best part of your job?
My clients are the best part of this job. Property management allows me to develop a long-standing relationship with my owners. Many have worked with me since the very beginning. Their trust in managing one of their most valuable investments is something I do not take lightly. There is nothing I love more than owners referring me to their friends and family.
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?
Every day brings a new challenge and sometimes several new challenges. Managing a demanding work flow can be overwhelming and that is why I have built up a team of professionals to make sure I can deliver quality service daily.
6. What’s one surprising thing that homeowners, tenants, and/or colleagues might not know about you?
I was the youngest real estate agent to be licensed in Kitsap County at 21 years old.
7. Name two personality traits that you possess and how they benefit your clients.
I am a multi-tasker. I actually do the best when life is busy. This job requires juggling so many balls at one time. I am also a problem-solver. This is really where I shine for my clients. I love being able to take the stress off of their shoulders.
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 was born in West Seattle and moved to Kitsap County as a child. I love living here and have owned homes in Bremerton, Indianola, and Kingston. I love this area and appreciate the beauty and the community of people I get to work with.
9. How do you try to stay involved in the community?
Being a part of this community is important to me. I have always been involved in the local schools as my children grew up in the North Kitsap School District. Working for Windermere has allowed me to keep up with local charities as well. Our Windermere Community Service Day, Shred Fest, and Kites over Kingston
are just some of the events I have enjoyed being a part of this year.
10. Can you share a recent professional moment that really filled you with joy or gratitude?
Last week I received an email from a long-time owner just to say how much he appreciated me. He said, "You're the best - truly. I would like to clone you! Thanks for taking care of all of this. Your job is not easy (why am I telling you this?). " The best part of this job is the people I work with and I am very grateful.
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