Last month Property Solutions conducted a survey of property management professionals to get a feel for how they used their 2010 marketing budget, and how they anticipated their budget planning would change for 2011. Not surprisingly, the focus on web-based marketing tools continues to gain ground with property managers while traditional methods, such as newspaper and direct mail, are dwindling. Respondents also ranked the marketing efforts, both traditional and online, that were most effective in 2010. View the attached report for detailed results.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey. All participants were entered in a prize drawing. Congratulations to Mike Brewer from Mills Properties for winning an Apple TV.

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A lot of paper goes into a traditional leasing process, but technology is making it possible to move away from stacks and stacks of guest cards, applications, and leasing forms. At the same time, streamlining the entire application process saves valuable time for property managers. If you use Property Solutions’ websites, you have access to one of the most robust online leasing application systems available. Our newest product video gives you a quick overview. Features include:

• Real-time availability. Prospective renters can identify which units will be available when they want to move in, and where the unit is located on your property.

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We’ve had a little time to reflect on the last twelve months and realized that a lot can happen in a year. Property Solutions saw a lot of growth in 2010 as we made improvements to our services, so much that many of you who are already using our products may not know all of the features now available to you. In order to get you up to speed, we’re offering a free Product Overview webinar on Jan 25 to show you how our newest tools and features can be used. In the meantime, here are a few of the major changes we saw over the last year.

• Jan / Feb: ProspectPortal™ and ResidentPortal™ get a facelift. New interfaces are implemented to improve ease of navigation for website visitors and make transactions simpler and more efficient.

• March: New Craigslist Posting tool allows property managers to post appealing, detailed ads to Craigslist with just a few clicks while staying compliant with Craigslist’s Terms of Use.

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Ever wish you could get a quick snapshot of your property’s website traffic and marketing efforts? Well, your wish has come true. Starting next month Property Solutions will implement a free reporting tool that sends weekly and/or monthly emails informing you of the traffic to your properties’ websites as well as lead sources. These reports will include the following.

• ProspectPortal Traffic: Curious how your website traffic is performing? See how many times your properties’ websites have been visited through desktop or mobile devices and keep track of page views, guest cards, applications (completed or partially completed), and leases.

• Guest Cards by Source: Want to compare ILS guest cards? Measure how many guest cards are generated from all of your apartment listings (rent.com, apartmentguide.com, etc.).

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Sick of a website that just sits there? The new Obelisk template from Property Solutions provides a sleek, dynamic interface that elevates the browsing experience for your web visitors. Three images rotate through the home-page along with dynamic links for prospects and residents. A handy top-navigation bar provides drop-down menus for easy access to property information and custom pages. The Obelisk template offers a clean, neutral backdrop that lets you set the visual tone with strong images and movement. If you’re interested in applying this template to your ProspectPortal Website, contact your account manager today.

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Along with the holiday rush, December brings cold and snow to the mountains Property Solutions calls home. This year, as the snow fell, Property Solutions found a way to bring a little warmth to the season. Executive Assistant Lindsey Lewis spearheaded a Blanket Drive and helped collect nearly 200 blankets for local families in need. “The Community Action Services food bank is right around the corner. I’d drive by it every day on the way to work,” Lewis said. “Community Action assists over 130 needy families in Provo every day and during winter months they put out a call for new or gently used blankets.” Lewis worked with the Community Action volunteer coordinator to organize the drive that would collect blankets, sheets, and coats for families who came to the food bank for assistance.

Lewis placed collection boxes in each of the Property Solutions offices and got permission to place other collection containers at local gyms and student housing communities.

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