At this year’s NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers) conference in Dallas, Texas, six of our team members gathered great insights into emerging trends, tools, and strategies in property management. Here’s a recap of the standout experiences and learnings from the conference, as shared by our team members, and the added benefits of NARPM membership for property managers.
Keynote Highlights and Personal Reflections
Portfolio Manager Brittany McFadden expressed her admiration for the opening session, particularly the keynote by Dr. Mary Kelly. Dr. Kelly, a former naval intelligence officer turned economist and leadership expert, shared insights rooted in her extensive experience. Brittany noted that Dr. Kelly used real-world examples to emphasize the economic resilience of property investments, even amid challenges like inflation. As she explained, Dr. Kelly presented compelling data, such as millennials’ growing share of rental markets, and strategies for maximizing productivity, including her “5-Minute Daily Productivity Plan,” which Brittany is excited to implement in her day to day.
Project Manager, Bree Leisure found a strong connection with Alex Sheen’s talk titled "Because I Said So." Alex’s message focused on the power of making—and keeping—promises and setting boundaries. As Bree reflected, his insights highlighted the importance of being honest with oneself and others, valuing “No” as a commitment to integrity rather than making promises one can’t uphold.
Transformative AI Tools for Property Management
This year’s conference showcased innovative AI tools that are set to transform property management. The team discovered two particularly promising tools:
1. Fraud Prevention for Rental Applications: An AI-driven tool designed to detect fraudulent documents, specifically pay stubs, submitted during the rental application process. This tool aims to protect landlords from accepting high-risk applicants based on false income documents, strengthening tenant screening processes.
Julie Mullinax, COO, found particular value in the sessions discussing fraud. Julie shared, “One of the sessions I did attend was about fraud. It’s incredible how people can manipulate documents, and this trend may worsen. We spoke with a vendor specializing in a new screening company that shows great promise in addressing this issue. I’m excited to look into it further!”
Director of Property Management, Bethany Shoffner shared her perspective on this critical issue: "Fraud is a big and growing issue in property management. It’s wild how people use their smarts for fraud instead of good things! We’re seeing fake pay stubs, IDs, rental references, ESA documents—you name it. Some of these fakes look so real that they’re tough to spot at a glance. That’s why more property management companies are partnering with third-party vendors who specialize in spotting these things. It’s a crucial step for protecting our clients’ investments and keeping everything running smoothly.”
2. AI for Virtual Staging: An AI tool that can virtually insert furniture and decor into property photos, enhancing marketing materials before they go live. This feature enables managers to showcase a furnished look, making it easier for prospective tenants to visualize themselves in the space, ultimately helping properties rent faster.
Building Relationships and Trust
In Bethany’s view, the foundation of effective property management is trust and relationship-building: “To really stand out, it’s all about building real relationships and trust with clients and residents. Listening carefully—not just to answer, but to understand what people truly need—is a powerful way to build that trust. Each interaction is a chance to go beyond the basics and show your expertise in ways that make people feel valued. When you consistently demonstrate your unique skills and experience, you’re not just closing deals; you’re creating long-term relationships. In this industry, those connections mean everything.”
Vendor Innovations
Bethany also highlighted the influx of creative vendors entering property management, stating: “We’re seeing more vendors jumping into property management, and it’s awesome! Some offer benefits that really improve the resident experience, like flexible rent payment options. For property management needs, there are even vendors providing dumpsters with built-in portable restrooms for renovation projects. It’s exciting to see these creative solutions making life easier for residents and streamlining property operations!”
Team Bonding and Networking Insights
For Chris Mullinax, CEO, the conference was an invaluable opportunity for team bonding and networking with colleagues across the country. Chris observed, “My most valuable takeaway is seeing our team learning about professional property management and networking with managers nationwide. I didn’t attend many sessions, but I was inspired by a session on empowering leadership, which provided some useful insights for personal improvement.”
The NARPM conference also proved to be an excellent venue for reconnecting with clients and meeting industry peers. The camaraderie and conversations fostered collaboration and sparked ideas that may bring future innovation to property management practices.
Why NARPM Membership Matters
Becoming a NARPM member offers substantial benefits for property managers, as the organization provides ongoing education, a support network, and access to the latest tools and industry best practices. By being a part of NARPM, property managers can ensure they’re equipped with up-to-date knowledge on regulatory changes, advanced technology, and strategies for managing properties efficiently.
For our team, attending the NARPM conference underscored how membership brings unique value to property managers who are keen to refine their practices, network with peers, and leverage the latest tools. The takeaways from this year’s conference will undoubtedly enhance our property management approach, setting us up for success in a continually evolving industry
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