PROPERTY MANAGER SPOTLIGHT: Q&A WITH DAWN CLAY

Oct 14, 2019

Dawn Clay keeps homeowners and tenants’ needs a top priority, communicating effectively and showing she genuinely cares. She has been a broker for 8 years and a property manager for 4 years. Clients have called her “terrific” and Tori Dotson, the owner of Windermere Property Management/West Sound, says, “Dawn Clay works hard to help homeowners and tenants in every way that she can.” Dawn took time out of her busy day to tell us more about her professional experiences, why she loves working with Windermere, and more.

1. What drew you to property management?

A real estate professional suggested that I become a property manager. Now that I am a property manager, I am thankful that they considered me for such a position with this scope of work and the details involved. I take it as a compliment.

2. Was this an obvious career path for you?

Yes, although it was not as obvious at first. I knew with my previous experience as a licensed broker working with buyers and sellers, it would be a familiar path for me. However, since starting, I have realized that so many of my past experiences, such as my familiarity with the area, customer service, and attention to detail have really played a role in just how fulfilling this career path has been for me.

3. What do you love about working as a Windermere property manager?

I am proud to be a part of Windermere and our commitment to low-income housing and addressing homelessness through the Windermere Foundation, and of course, being the official real estate company for the Seattle Seahawks.

4. What’s the best part of your job?

I love it when I can match qualified tenants with their dream home. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing you have found a tenant who will love and take care of a home as if it were their own. This provides me, the owner, and the tenant with complete confidence in working well together throughout their lease and increases the likelihood of a long-term tenant.

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?

My most difficult challenge is effective time management between multiple parties. Essentially, I am the liaison for all owners, tenants, and vendors. With that being said, it can be very challenging to have certain issues resolved or to get jobs done as efficiently as I would prefer. Each situation has to be arranged and communicated between all parties before decisions are finalized. The best solution for this challenge is to ask and/or answer all questions and other communication through email correspondence. This reduces misunderstandings between us and creates a clear way to communicate.

6. What’s one surprising thing that homeowners, tenants, and/or colleagues might not know about you?

I am a big fan of anything Mickey Mouse and have been to Disneyland more times than I can count and Disney World three times.

I also begin listening to Christmas music on November 1st.

7. Name two personality traits that you possess and how they benefit your clients.

I am very customer service oriented. I strive to have excellent working relationships with our vendors, knowing all of their specialties. This benefits our owners as we always know just who to call with each different scenario as well as receiving great repeat business.

Also, I’m dedicated to my clients. I do everything that I can to provide homeowners with the best service as if their property were my own. While working on their behalf, I strive to maintain their property. I ensure everything is in good working order and I keep their expenses in mind.

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 in this beautiful county for over 40 years. What I love the most is the hometown feel while still being only a ferry ride away from the big city of Seattle. Our area is truly the best of both worlds with so many adventures to explore within a day trip.

9. How do you try to stay involved in the community?

I participate in Windermere’s annual Community Service Day and other events that we host to benefit the community. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Our Windermere offices always participate by providing donations to make a less fortunate family have a more memorable holiday.

10. Can you share a recent professional moment that really filled you with joy or gratitude?

When I receive a thank you card, a nice email or a phone call from a tenant expressing their gratitude, it makes me smile. I enjoy the continued communication with owners of properties that I have managed for years. Also, I really appreciate their referrals to other homeowners who need our services.

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