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 by Marvin Levin
After distributing Real Estate Tip “Have You Seen a Purple Snowflake?,” we received a large number of inquiries as to whether we would be willing to share more of the same. The answer is “of course.”
You might remember that we were inspired by David Ogilvie, and the idea of a purple snowflake in rental is to do something which is memorable and indelible without spending a significant amount of money. There are eight more purple snowflakes we would like to pass on. The numbering will follow sequentially the eight examples set forth in the earlier Real Estate Idea, as follows:
- Establish a place for a free carwash. (We set up one that charged 25¢, and the money went into the annual party fund.)
- If the property is graced with an interesting collection of trees, consider putting a plaque on each tree with both English and Latin names. (This idea comes from the garden in front of the Capitol in Sacramento. It is a tourist attraction.)
- Place a map of the U.S. in the recreation or other public room and have the residents put a pin on the map indicating where they are from. It is a great conversation piece when touring the property.
- Use a three-piece carbon form for residents to use for repair and maintenance requests. Two parts of the form can be deposited in a box available 24-hours a day. At the beginning of the day, the manager hands one copy to the person in charge of the repair and keeps the other copy as a control. It allows residents to drop off their requests before or after work, allows the manager to control the completion of the work, and eliminates a lot of conversation between the parties.
- If the property is “middle class,” consider installing an open shelf of courtesy items. There are hundreds of items that are relatively inexpensive and residents might not readily have them on hand. Examples include a needle and thread, band-aids, stapler, scratch remover, etc., etc. Residents are encouraged to borrow items needed, and are also invited to add items to the shelf. (Based on our experience at two properties, we can report that the contents on the shelf expanded, although obviously people borrowed and did not return some items.)
- Consider installing a map of the local area and indicate points of interest; i.e., nearby churches, shopping, parks, public transportation, freeways, etc.
- Establish a book and video library in the recreation room. Residents will be invited to contribute surplus books, videotapes and DVDs, with a nearby television for adults and children to enjoy.
- If the property is a family project, consider installing a “mini door” just a few feet high for youngsters to use as their special entrance. (You might have noticed a similar door at toy stores catering to young children.
If you run into an apartment building with substantial vacancy, we would love the challenge. Please contact me.
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