Property Manager Spotlight: Q&A with Desirae DeMars

1. What drew you to property management? 

What initially drew me to property management was my experience working alongside my sister as her assistant for several years. Being closely involved in the day-to-day operations gave me a strong foundation and a firsthand understanding of what it takes to manage properties effectively. That experience naturally led me to pursue property management as a career.

2. Was this an obvious career path for you?

No, it wasn’t an obvious path initially. However, once I began working for my sister, I found that I truly enjoy the work and the balance of organization, problem-solving, and relationship-building that comes with property management.

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

What I love most about working as a Windermere property manager is seeing the positive impact my work has on everyone involved. I enjoy helping owners feel confident and relieved knowing their homes are being cared for and their concerns are being handled. At the same time, I take pride in helping tenants have a positive rental experience by being responsive, fair, and genuinely caring about the home they live in.

4. What’s the best part of your job?

5. Every job has its challenges. What is one of the challenges of being a property manager and how do you try to address it?

One of the more challenging parts of being a property manager is having the hard but necessary conversations when things aren’t working out, particularly around rent or lease compliance. I approach these situations with honesty and empathy by opening the conversation, asking what’s going on, and seeing how I can help. My goal is always to find solutions early and avoid escalation whenever possible. We want to avoid evictions, and when needed, work toward respectful outcomes that are best for everyone involved.

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

One surprising thing people may not know is that I enjoy interactive problem-solving activities, which I find help me stay focused and balanced outside of work.

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

I stay persistent in following up, solving issues, and seeing things through so my clients don’t have to worry. I’m also honest and transparent in my communication, which helps build trust and allows owners and tenants to make informed decisions.

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’ve lived here for about four years, and one of the best parts of the Kitsap Peninsula is the incredible access to the water. Whether it’s fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the shoreline.



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

I stay involved by participating in community efforts such as clothing drives and supporting initiatives that help meet local needs. Giving back in practical ways is important to me and allows me to stay connected to the community I serve.

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

One moment that really stood out was when a home I manage had a roof leak and, at the same time, a separate issue with flooding in the garage. I was able to act quickly, coordinate repairs, and protect the home and tenants. The owners were incredibly grateful for the responsiveness and care, and that trust means a lot to me.

Thank you, Desirae! We would like to point out that the owners, whom Desirae mentioned above, actually wrote us an email praising Desirae's efforts during that situation, saying, "Thanks to her diligent and tenacious efforts, both emergency situations were addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. We have worked with several property managers over the years, including one here on Bainbridge Island, and we are very grateful that we wound up in Desirae's capable hands. We are all lucky to have her on our team."