Career & application guide

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

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What do property, real estate, and community association managers do?

Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Apartment Manager
  • Commercial Property Manager
  • Community Association Manager
  • Community Manager
  • Lease Administration Supervisor
  • Leasing Manager
  • Onsite Manager
  • Property Manager

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Manage and oversee operations, maintenance, administration, and improvement of commercial, industrial, or residential properties.
  • Direct collection of monthly assessments, rental fees, and deposits and payment of insurance premiums, mortgage, taxes, and incurred operating expenses.
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate general maintenance, major repairs, and remodeling or construction projects for commercial or residential properties.
  • Prepare detailed budgets and financial reports for properties.
  • Act as liaisons between on-site managers or tenants and owners.
  • Solicit and analyze bids from contractors for repairs, renovations, and maintenance.
  • Meet with clients to negotiate management and service contracts, determine priorities, and discuss the financial and operational status of properties.
  • Clean common areas, change light bulbs, and make minor property repairs.
  • Inspect grounds, facilities, and equipment routinely to determine necessity of repairs or maintenance.
  • Direct and coordinate the activities of staff and contract personnel and evaluate their performance.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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