As bookkeepers trained to specifically serve property managers, we are always on the lookout for tools to make your lives and jobs easier. We are going to take a deep dive into each of the most popular property management softwares, so that you can make an informed decision on which platform to choose, compare the unique benefits of each, and learn a trick or two that you might not have known before!
First up is a fan favorite, Appfolio. According to their site, Appfolio “gives you the clarity to focus on what matters most.” Its intuitive design and smart automation helps give you more time back to put into your business and scale, and the modern technology is very intuitive and easy to use.
Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features:
What it Offers:
Communication & Service
Communication and customer service is a breeze with Appfolio. With an online portal, clients have everything they need at their fingertips, and can make requests and online payments all in one place. Plus, it’s easy to contact residents via text or email right within the mobile app.
Accounting & Reporting
You can’t go wrong with Appfolio’s robust account system and real-time reporting. With Smart Bill entry, the AI-powered technology automatically reads, identifies key information, and assists with processing. Plus, with automated accounts payable, you’ll be able to save your business time and money with the increased accuracy and efficiency.
Maintenance & Efficiency
Make your operations run even more smoothly through one powerful platform. Through the digital maintenance experience, you can track the status of a work order and communicate progress directly with residents. Plus, you can pay your bills, owners, and vendors anytime, anywhere through a streamlined payment process.
Staffing & Training
Onboarding new hires? Get them up to speed in no time with standardized processes and automation. Through various workflow automation features, you can centralize policies and procedures, shorten onboarding by embedding your training manual into your software, and so much more.
Marketing & Leasing
Continue to grow your book of business with state-of-the-art marketing tools. Something unique is Appfolio’s AI assistant, Lisa. She handles the more routine tasks such as scheduling and data entry, so that you can spend more time converting qualified leads into residents. Plus, you can schedule and run live virtual showings in the app, providing more flexibility and convenience than ever.
Management & Growth
Appfolio helps you plan for the continued success of your business well into the future. Keep your team on the same page by standardizing processes across all of your properties. Get up to date data and insights and stay ahead of market shifts. Free up more time for your team by automating routine tasks, and boost productivity with seamless integrations with top tech tools.
Pros
According to user feedback, there are a few benefits that make Appfolio really stand out, including:
Robust amount of features and intuitive dashboard
Their all-in-one system allows you to retrieve documents, make payments, track payments, and submit inquiries/issues with ease
Excellent customer service and tutorial videos for getting started
Serves residential and commercial properties and community associations
They are constantly upgrading and adding new features
Cons
On the flip side, here are a few things to look out for:
If you’re trying to use the software for something specific that may not line up with its general use, it might be tough to figure out how to modify it or receive clear answers from Appfolio support.
The accounting side can get confusing and be difficult to troubleshoot
There are ACH fees for payments, and if you want to remove them, you have to upgrade to Appfolio premium, which is an additional added cost
Some users complain about the quality of service with customer support, which has moved to a chat based system rather than phone support
Does your team use Appfolio? Are you looking to make a software switch? Whatever the case may be, our team at OJO Bookkeeping are experts in Appfolio and can navigate all of its robust features for you. Once you sign up for bookkeeping services, all the heavy lifting is out of your hands!
Learn more about how we work with Appfolio and integrate into your business with ease.
