As president, Courtney Gaines champions the CLEAR Property Management business. Her responsibilities include overseeing the operation of the company’s managed portfolios; spearheading new business development initiatives; leading the CLEAR marketing, training, and human resource departments; and piloting the comprehensive operations of CLEAR. As a member of the company’s executive committee, Courtney plays a prominent role in establishing CLEAR Property Management’s long-term strategic direction, and is integral in positioning the company as a premier real estate services firm and a leader in the multi-family housing industry.
Courtney is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience successfully managing all types of communities within every asset class throughout their entire life cycles. Courtney brings top-notch organization techniques, exemplary communication skills, and outstanding leadership skills to the table. Courtney was a recipient of the Riverstone Residential Group’s National Platinum Achievement Award and Group Ownership Value Award in 2013 and is a member of the National Apartment Association, Texas Apartment Association, and local apartment associations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
What made you decide to get into property management?
Entering property management wasn’t something I planned, but rather fell into by happenstance. Fresh out of college with political science and history degrees, I found no viable job opportunities in these fields. A close friend already in the industry recommended I apply for a leasing job. She said I may not have experience, but my personality, drive, excitement and passion would make me a natural. I got the entry level job, and here I am now celebrating my 20th year in the industry as president of CLEAR Property Management.
What are the hottest areas in the country for property management right now?
Five of the hottest multifamily markets in the country are Seattle, Nashville, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta. These are trending metropolitans that continue to expand. Additionally, they boast high rates of absorption and rising rental rates.
What is an important risk management issue that you are dealing with in real estate today?
Recently, we’ve seen a significant uptick in requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Property managers must know their legal responsibilities under the ADA and be prepared for requests, or otherwise risk lawsuits. Here are a few examples of requests I’ve seen: the allowance of service animals in the pool area, widening of a doorframe to accommodate a wheelchair, and adding more handicap spaces.
What is your favorite project that you have worked on?
The most unique project I ever worked on, and my favorite, was Aviator at Brook City Base in San Antonio, Texas. We converted old barracks on the former Brooks Air Force Base into a master planned apartment community. It was a blast to be a part of the revitalization of such a historic space! The highlights: This was one of President Kennedy’s Texas stops in ’63; the former mess hall is now our 8,000-square-foot clubhouse; and we incorporated aviation elements throughout the common areas.
What is your secret weapon for sealing a deal?
Authenticity. The owners of multifamily properties want a direct, no-nonsense approach. I have a high success rate of closing deals because I do my homework before talking to clients, and know their business inside and out; I focus on how I can meet their goals and back up my plan up with data; and I listen more than I speak — it should be all about the client.
Why did you choose to work in Austin? If you had to work in a different city , where would it be? Why?
Austin is where my heart is — I love the city, the lakes and the Longhorns. And, as far as property management is concerned, Texas is perfect! It has strong laws in favor of landlords, the real estate economy is booming and it boasts an expansive network of apartment affiliations
If I had to work in another city, I would choose Seattle or Nashville. The Nashville multifamily market is booming and it’s an amazing city. Seattle also has a happening market, however, its laws are tough on landlords.
CLEAR Property Management
www.CLEARpm.com
9050 Capital of Texas Highway,
Building 3, Suite 320,
Austin, TX 78759
cgaines@clearpm.com
512-501-3635 ext. 931
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