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Remaining a leader in real estate management: Lessons from Hurricane Helene

By   ·  2 minute read
Remaining a leader in property or facilities management in today’s real estate environment is more challenging than ever. Professionals in this field must navigate priorities such as:
  • Sustainability
  • Talent management
  • Building operations
  • Asset and finance management
  • Personal and professional development
All this while maintaining a commitment to standing out from competitors and excelling in real estate management.

Navigating challenges amidst uncertainty

Real estate management professionals often get caught up in daily operations and routine plans. But when unexpected events occur, preparation—or the lack thereof—becomes glaringly evident.

This past September, the Southeastern United States experienced Hurricane Helene. Forecasted well in advance, communities had the opportunity to prepare. But how well did those plans hold up?

Were you among the fortunate who escaped unscathed? Or did you face firsthand the gaps in planning or execution?

As a resident of the Western Carolinas and a professional supporting real estate and risk management efforts, I witnessed the power of preparation—and, equally, the challenges of inadequate plans.

Imagine building owners and tenants working together to safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively reoccupy spaces following widespread damage. Infrastructure was compromised. Water supplies, communications, and transportation networks were impacted. In moments like these, effective planning proved critical to reopening communities.

The importance of proactive planning

In disaster scenarios, property damage is inevitable. But disasters don’t have to derail you. With proper preparation, recovery can be streamlined. You can stay a step ahead of unexpected events by having a plan of action in place with an Emergency Ready Plan. Having an immediate plan of action can help minimize the downtime to your business in an emergency.

This plan should provide the framework to:

  • Minimize disruptions
  • Have critical information ready at hand, i.e. contact information, facility details, and insurance provider details
  • Control costs
  • Accelerate recovery after damage by identifying the chain of command for work authorization

The next time disaster strikes, will you and your properties be ready?

Call to action

To support property managers, tenants, and clients, SERVPRO developed the Emergency Ready Plan. To learn more, visit www.servpro.com/services/commercial-services/emergency-ready-plan for critical information about preparing for emergencies. Don’t wait until the next storm is on the horizon. When it comes to recovery, preparation makes all the difference.

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Blog Author Bio: Steven deBlois

Steven deBlois is a Continuing Education Specialist and Thought Leader at Servpro Industries, Inc., where he designs and delivers educational programs to enhance the knowledge and professionalism of licensed community association managers, property managers, real estate agents, and insurance professionals. His efforts help these professionals better understand their responsibilities, improve their public image, and align with industry standards and regulations.

With over 30 years of experience in property damage mitigation and repair, Steven brings a unique perspective to his work. He recognizes that many licensed professionals lack a full understanding of the roles of property owners, tenants, insurance contracts, and real estate disclosure liabilities when addressing property damage. Through his engaging courses, Steven equips attendees with the knowledge they need to navigate these complexities and elevate their service standards.

Steven has delivered over 1,000 continuing education events across 30 states and internationally, consistently earning praise for his commitment to excellence. As an IICRC Master-Level Restorer (#37178) and a professional speaker and trainer for over 20 years, he ensures his programs remain up-to-date with industry best practices and educational standards.