Efficient estate management is a critical aspect of maintaining your property and preserving its value. Operational and maintenance tasks around the property may seem small, but they play a vital role in ensuring that your property stays in an ideal condition. However, managing a large property is not easy, and the demands that come with overseeing an estate can leave owners feeling overwhelmed.
That’s where professional estate management comes in. In this blog, we will explore the role of a professional estate manager and the 9 signs that you need an estate manager for your property.
What Is an Estate Manager?
An estate manager is responsible for the comprehensive management and oversight of a private estate. They ensure smooth and efficient operations for every aspect of your property.
Depending on the needs and requirements of the estate owner, the role of an estate manager may encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including staff management, property maintenance, budget management, event planning, and security management.
Unlike property managers, who are responsible for collecting rent and managing tenant issues across multiple properties, estate managers provide more personalised, elevated, flexible, and comprehensive services that usually include catering to the needs of both the owner and the household.
9 Signs You Need a Professional Estate Manager
If you are not sure whether you need a professional estate manager for your property, here are a few signs that will help you make a decision.
1. You’re Overwhelmed Managing Staff
Managing household staff is not easy. It’s not just about hiring and firing but also training, assigning duties, and monitoring the progress of your domestic staff, which is an ongoing task that can be overwhelming. It’s even more difficult when you are working with a large team that includes a butler, chef, driver, and housekeepers.
2. Property Maintenance Is Falling Behind
Owning a large property or an estate comes with specific requirements, such as routine maintenance, timely repairs, and remodelling and renovation as needed. Of course, you’ll need to check in with your household staff regularly to ensure you’re aware of the maintenance and repair requirements.
Additionally, you’ll need the time to contact general contractors, set up appointments, and oversee the processes. These tasks can be daunting and can cause property maintenance to fall behind. A straightforward solution is to hire an estate manager who will proactively oversee property maintenance and upkeep.
3. You’re Constantly Dealing with Vendors and Contractors
Property maintenance, repairs, renovations, landscaping, event planning, and other operations on a large estate require dealing with vendors and contractors. For every task, you will be required to onboard and oversee vendors, ensuring they align with your management style.
Simultaneously, you will need to ensure that your household staff works in coordination with external contractors to facilitate smooth operations. This can mean constant back-and-forth and, sometimes, being present on the grounds to provide oversight.
4. You Own Multiple Properties
Owning multiple properties means dividing your time between them to conduct maintenance, hire staff, and ensure that they all remain in an ideal condition. If you own multiple properties, an easy solution is to hire an estate manager. They are well-versed in property management and upkeep and can look after all your properties.
5. You Lack Time for Day-to-Day Estate Decisions
Owning an estate means delegating and overseeing the day-to-day operations and taking the time to follow up on these objectives. It’s easy for owners to become overwhelmed and not have enough time for day-to-day decisions. An estate manager can oversee everyday decisions and monitor the performance of the employees responsible for the property. They can optimise staff structures, plan schedules, and carry out day-to-day tasks, promoting efficiency and productivity.
6. You’re Concerned About Security and Privacy
Security and privacy are crucial matters for a large estate, particularly if the property has multiple entry and exit points with a large number of people (vendors, contractors, house staff, security guards) coming and going on a daily basis.
To ensure your property is not at risk, you can hire an estate manager to handle the security and privacy of your property. They can supervise shift rotations and security personnel and oversee surveillance around your property to keep it safe and secure.
7. You Want to Increase Efficiency and to Reduce Costs
Repairs, renovations, landscaping, cleaning, cooking, and other tasks around the property take time and money. If your household staff is not performing these tasks properly and on schedule, it may lead to a waste of resources. Hiring an estate manager results in increased efficiency and productivity within the household, conserving your resources and maximising your investment in your property.
8. You Need Better Inventory and Asset Management
If you own a large estate, you probably have it equipped with a large inventory as well as assets like art, decor, a wine cellar, and more. These inventory and assets require efficient management to ensure nothing gets damaged or goes to waste.
Your household staff may not know how to properly utilise and manage the inventory and assets on your property, so the presence of an estate manager can help keep your property safe, protected, and running efficiently. An estate manager fits perfectly into this role. They can organise and manage such inventory and assets, ensuring everything is accounted for.
9. You’re Planning Events or Hosting Often
If you own a large estate, it’s probable that you plan events and host gatherings often. Big or small, these events require efficient planning and organisation. From catering and valet services to guest seating arrangements and decor, each aspect of event planning requires a meticulous approach. An estate manager can oversee all the aspects of event planning.
How an Estate Manager Solves These Problems
An estate manager has a comprehensive role, and their job description is often flexible and customisable. This means that you can hire an estate manager whose expertise aligns with your property’s needs. Estate managers are well-versed in all the aspects of estate management and offer a diverse range of services, including staff management, HR support, property maintenance and upkeep, managing external contractors and vendors, security supervision, inventory management, budgeting, asset management, and event planning. If you’ve got multiple properties, an estate manager can offer complete oversight and manage day-to-day operations for all your properties.
Hire an Estate Manager with Charles MacPherson
Hiring an estate manager can make your life easier and help your household run more efficiently and productively. If you are in the market for an estate manager, Charles MacPherson Associates can assist you. Our placement specialists work with a network of experienced estate managers. We can help you create a customised job description for an estate manager and find the ideal candidate for you. Schedule an appointment today.