Earlier this week, Patty Friedman traveled to Chicago, IL, to attend the 2023 IREM Chapter Leadership Retreat. In addition to being one of our property managers, Patty serves as Treasurer of the IREM Greater Raleigh-Durham Chapter and Friends of IREM Board Liaison.

The 3-day retreat was held at the Loews Hotel Chicago, where Chapter Presidents, President-Elects, Chapter Board of Directors, Chapter Committee Chairs, IREM Association Executives, IREM’s Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and RVPs were all in attendance.

The purpose of the retreat was to give real estate managers an opportunity to grow their leadership skills to enhance their chapter roles and professional careers. Among those events scheduled were an IREM Association Executive Workshop, Chapter Management Bootcamp, and IREM HQ Offices Tour.

Both the Greater Raleigh-Durham and Western North Carolina chapters achieved top rankings as Premier and Evergreen contributors to the IREM Foundation for the organization’s 2023 Chapter Giving Campaign.

With outdoor temperatures rising, it is even more important than usual for building owners to make sure they are taking the right steps to maintain their property. Taking care of a building in warm weather is important to ensure the comfort and safety of occupants, as well as to maintain the building’s integrity. We have compiled some tips on how to take care of a building during warm weather.

Exterior maintenance:

• Inspect and clean the building’s exterior, including walls, roof, and windows, for any signs of damage, wear, or leaks that may have been caused by extreme heat or sun exposure.
• Check and clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or thunderstorms.
• Inspect and repair any cracks or gaps in the building’s foundation, walls, and sidewalks that may have expanded due to heat or dryness.
• Trim trees, shrubs, and bushes away from the building to prevent overgrowth and potential damage to the structure, and to allow for proper air circulation and shading.
• Check and clean HVAC outdoor units, including coils and fins, to remove any debris or obstructions that may have accumulated during warm weather, and schedule professional maintenance or repairs as needed.
• Check and repair any damaged or worn roofing materials, such as shingles or tiles, that may have been affected by prolonged sun exposure.

Interior maintenance:

• Inspect and clean HVAC systems, including air filters, coils, and vents, and ensure proper functioning to maintain optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency during warm weather.
• Test and adjust thermostats to ensure proper temperature control and energy savings, and consider implementing energy-saving measures, such as programmable thermostats or shading devices.
• Check and clean all interior lighting fixtures, replace bulbs as needed, and ensure proper functionality.
• Inspect and test emergency exit signs and lighting to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to maintain visibility during emergencies.
• Check and repair any plumbing leaks or dripping faucets that may have been exacerbated by increased water usage during hot weather.
• Ensure proper insulation and weather stripping on doors and windows to prevent air leaks and reduce cooling costs.
• Review and update emergency preparedness plans, including heat-related safety measures, such as providing adequate ventilation, shading, and hydration for occupants.

Luckily, here at York, we have both a landscaping and maintenance division that can handle all these needs and more for you.

Give our landscaping team a call today (919-835-2113) or contact our maintenance division (919-863-8068) for more information.

Patty Friedman, one of our property managers, recently traveled to DC to attend an IREM advocacy meeting in hopes of helping create positive change in the property management industry.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss pressing real estate issues effecting the business with our congresspeople and legislators. Among those topics discussed were the Choice in Affordable Housing Act and the Respect State Housing Laws Act. The Choice in Affordable Housing Act establishes programs and grants to incentivize landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program. The Respect State Housing Laws Act seeks to amend the CARES Act to remove a requirement on lessors to provide notice to vacate. Both acts have many implications for stakeholders and tenants.

Patty was grateful to have the opportunity to meet in person to discuss these topics. As Treasurer of the IREM Greater Raleigh-Durham Chapter and Friends of IREM Board Liaison, Patty’s hope for the meeting was to inform our representatives about these bills and help them hear from both sides to make an informed decision when it comes time to vote.

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is an international institute for property and asset managers that provides complete knowledge to take on real estate management’s most dynamic challenges. Their mission is to advance the profession of real estate management. They offer education and courses, certifications, and networking opportunities for IREM members.

For more information about IREM, visit their website.

York is proud to have recently picked up a portfolio of properties for an institutional client who is utilizing our Accounting-Only services. Our seasoned accounting team has years of combined experience organizing, reporting, and analyzing financial transactions.

Outsourcing your property accounting can be very useful for asset management, financial reporting, and day-to-day operations.

Some of our services include:

• Invoice approval workflow
• Payments to vendors
• Deposit and track monthly revenue
• Produce monthly financial reports both timely and accurately
• Maintain online tenant portal
• Provide lease administration; abstracting and maintaining lease information
• Work with asset managers and outside property management companies

To learn more, contact:

Ryan Beacham – Property Accounting Manager

(919) 863-0812

Business and building owners know how important it is to keep a commercial building running smoothly. From plumbing and electrical systems to HVAC and roofing, there are many components that require regular maintenance and upkeep. One of the best ways to ensure your building is always in top condition is to hire a commercial building maintenance company and invest in a monthly maintenance routine.

Here are just a few of the many reasons why this is such a smart investment:

• Regular maintenance saves you money in the long run. When you invest in a monthly maintenance routine, you are able to catch problems early on before they become major issues. This means you will spend less money on emergency repairs and replacements down the line. Plus, a well-maintained building is more energy-efficient, which can save you money on utility bills over time.
• A professional maintenance company offers expertise and experience. Trying to maintain your commercial building on your own can be a daunting task. A professional maintenance company, on the other hand, has the expertise and experience necessary to keep your building in top condition. They can identify potential issues before they become major problems and provide high-quality repairs and replacements as needed.
• Regular maintenance ensures the safety of your building and its occupants. From backflow preventer testing to electrical inspections, regular maintenance helps ensure the safety of your building and its occupants. When you invest in a monthly maintenance routine, you can rest easy knowing your building is up to code and potential hazards are being addressed promptly.
• On-call emergency services provide peace of mind. No matter how well-maintained your building is, emergencies can still happen. This is why it is so important to have access to on-call emergency services. With a commercial building maintenance company, you will have peace of mind knowing help is just a phone call away, 24/7.
• Preferred client scheduling to ensure your building is always a top priority. Here at York, when you invest in a monthly maintenance routine, you become a preferred client of the maintenance division. This means your building will always be a top priority, and you will receive the highest level of service and attention.

In summary, investing in a monthly maintenance routine with a commercial building maintenance company is a smart choice for any business owner. From saving money to ensuring safety and peace of mind, the benefits are clear.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive maintenance services and how we can help keep your building in top condition.