MOBILE APPS FOR MANAGEMENT, P.2

4) Voicemail Broadcasts

Need to make an announcement to all residents? This app allows you to create a voice recording and broadcast using a robo-dial feature.

Start by building a call list of specific residents — simply drag and drop from your database — then hit "go" to mass-dial all of them.

This app is handy for making general announcements, lease renewal notifications and emergency alerts. If it were a little more sophisticated, it could automatically create and dial call-lists for you. For example, the app could identify residents in 30-day arrears, build a call list, then send your standard arrears reminder.

A version of this is available from SayNow. That company's same-name app allows you to broadcast voice and text to a group of people. But there is a drawback; SayNow has the right to put ads in those messages.

5) Residents Portal

A great app for managers and residents alike. Managers could use the app as an online bulletin board, while apartment-owners could use it to pay rent or communicate directly with property managers. For example, after logging in, residents would see a bulletin board of daily notices (e.g. pool closures, crime alerts, new office hours, parking announcements, etc). From there, residents could perform a number of activities such as paying monthly charges or putting in maintenance requests.

This app would also be useful for community development. Managers could send out invitations to social events or make recommendations about local restaurants and retail shops. Tenants could use it to meet other residents, post event announcements or buy and sell furniture and books.

A sophisticated version of this would allow residents to opt in to a GPS sync. When they arrive at the property, their smartphone will recognize the location and load up any of the day’s alerts.

Share Your Ideas

We could go on listing many other uses, but we’d like to hear your ideas instead. What app would you like to see developed? Leave a comment. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see your idea posted in an app store!

Houston Neal  is the director of business development for the technology consultancy Property Management Software Advice . A 2005 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University , he was former a media producer for a Chicago provider of outsourced web solutions, focused on the musical instruments/equipment industries. This is adapted from his Aug. 11, 2009, article " 5 Amazing Mobile Apps for Property Management ."