Having recently returned from an extended vacation which included a cruise, I thought I’d share some of my musings while on board our ship and visiting new, interesting locations. One thought struck me somewhere between the buffet and the shuffleboard courts: Hiring a professional property management company is a lot like this cruise.
Think about it! When you make the initial reservation and then pay the balance due you are agreeing to that little cruise contract—terms and conditions, what to expect, and maybe even some fine print you skimmed over. It’s a lot like a property management agreement. Sure, the paperwork can seem a bit daunting, but once it’s signed, you’re set for smooth sailing. It’s all about clarity—what the captain (or manager) handles, and what you, as a passenger (or property owner, can just kick back and relax.
First, there’s the trust you place in the cruise line and cruise staff. You rely on them to keep your room secure with new key cards issued for every voyage, to guide the ship safely through open waters, to manage emergency situations, and to ensure every port is safe and every schedule on track. A professional property manager inspires the same kind of trust. Whether it’s protecting your property with thorough tenant screenings, handling unexpected repairs, or making sure everything runs according to local regulations, you can count on them to safeguard your investment with the same care as a skilled crew on open seas.
As a passenger, you wouldn’t dream of micromanaging the ship’s captain, right? You trust them to steer, navigate, and make expert decisions about the journey. It’s the same with a professional property manager. Constantly checking in on every detail or second-guessing every choice could create more stress for everyone involved. Just as a captain needs the freedom to make timely, informed decisions for the good of the whole ship, a property manager needs the trust to manage your property efficiently and effectively. When you let go, you can truly sit back and enjoy the ride.
Of course, even the smoothest cruise can hit rough waters. Whether it’s a sudden storm or unexpected high seas, the experienced crew knows just what to do to keep everyone safe and calm. Property management is no different. Maybe a tenant breaks a lease or there’s an emergency repair needed at 3 a.m.—these are the rough patches that inevitably pop up. But with a skilled property manager at the helm, you can trust they’ll navigate the situation smoothly, protecting your investment and handling issues without you having to lift a finger. Just like the best cruise captains, they’re experts at steering through turbulent times.
Then there’s the casino. Yes, the place that only opens once you’re in open waters. It’s not that the casino doesn’t want your money, or that they don’t want to see you having a great time; it’s simply a matter of laws and regulations. If a particularly determined passenger insisted that the casino open while still in port, the host might be sympathetic but couldn’t legally oblige. And even if the casino host caved in and opened early, that wouldn’t remove any liability from the cruise line—or the passenger for breaking the law.
A good property manager has similar boundaries and guidelines. They ensure your property operates within the law, with rules and procedures that protect both the owner and the tenants. Even when you get a tricky tenant request, the property manager ensures that things are handled professionally and legally—just like our casino host at sea.
Another valuable lesson from the cruise: treating the staff with kindness and respect goes a long way. When you’re courteous to the crew, they’re more than willing to go above and beyond to make your experience unforgettable. It’s the same with property management. Building a positive, respectful relationship with your property manager means they’ll be more motivated to work hard for you and to ensure everything runs smoothly. Everyone’s happier and more efficient when there’s mutual respect—just like on board, where the friendly vibes make the whole journey more enjoyable.
So, come aboard! We’re expecting you… Life’s sweetest reward flows back to you… when you let a professional property manager take the helm. Relax, enjoy the journey, and watch as the smooth sailing brings all the long-term rewards back to you.
