Calendar icon February 6, 2023

How Do I Know What Air Filter To Buy?

Photo of Alec Lower

Alec Lower

Social Media Coordinator - Second Nature

Pleated filter? Fiberglass filter? Electrostatic filter? Which one is for me?

 

 

Pop quiz. What is the best way to rid your indoor air of pollutants like mold, pollen, and bacteria?

  1. Napalm your entire home
  2. Walk around the house waving a disinfecting wipe through the air
  3. Vacuum the air with a shop vac
  4. Purchase the right air filter

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If you chose D, you are correct. If you chose any other option, then we need to have a separate conversation.

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An air filter plays a critical role in keeping the air in your home clean. In fact, it’s the most important item to your home’s air that you can purchase, and since your indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside (and no one likes breathing pollutants), you need a high-quality air filter.

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There are a lot of different varieties of air filters that you can purchase. Given that the average person ranks air filters right around different types of cement and how cardboard is made on the list of things that interest them, it’s not surprising that many don’t know what makes a quality air filter “quality.”

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Luckily, all you have to do is read this one article, and you’ll have the answer to that question. Then all you have to do is sign up for Second Nature once, and you’ll never have to think about some air filters ever again.

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What type of air filter should I get?

Filters can only be made so many ways. For home filters, you have three options. You can buy a pleated filter, you can buy a fiberglass filter, or you can buy a washable reusable filter. Each type has its disadvantages, and two of them have their advantages, so let’s take a closer look at what those are.

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Pleated

Pleated filters get their name from their filter media, which is the material inside the frame that is responsible for the actual filtering. A pleated filter’s media is folded like an accordion to maximize surface area. Previously made of cotton, the pleated filters of today are built with synthetic polymers that allow for effective filtering while minimizing the impact on airflow.

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The advantages of pleated filters include their high filtering efficiency. High MERV filters are almost always of the pleated variety. The pleated filters work to capture an extremely high percentage of large particles and a much higher number of small particles than competing filter types.

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Pleated filters are low effort and high functionality. The only thing you ever have to do is remember to change them out, and they’ll keep pulling gunk out of your air.

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Fiberglass

Fiberglass air filters are the cheapest on the market, sometimes costing less than a single dollar. There is a reason they are so cheap, and it is because they are garbage. Yes, fiberglass filters are garbage. Fiberglass filters are the weakest option and are recommended by the National Air Filtration Association only as “prefiltering” devices because of how ineffective they are. Simply put, they are bad at their job.

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There’s a myth that fiberglass filters are better for your HVAC system because they allow for more airflow. While they do allow for that, advancements in HVAC and filter technology have made the difference immaterial. The extensive amount of pollutants they allow to flow through can actually make them more dangerous to your system than the pleated variety.

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The reason why fiberglass is often recommended is that people don’t remember to change their filter. As a pleated filter loads with pollutants, it can eventually decrease airflow to a critically low amount. Fiberglass doesn’t do this because of how woefully ineffective it is at actually catching particles. So as long as you’re regularly changing your filters, there is not a single advantage to the fiberglass option.

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Washable Electrostatic

Washable electrostatic filters are metal-frame filters that are designed to be washed and reused instead of replaced. The price range for these is wide, with the most expensive ones entering the $90 range.

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The advantage with these filters is their longevity. While they do eventually wear out, they can be reused for multiple years before that happens. The disadvantage is that you do need to wash them routinely and let them dry completely before reinserting. This can eat into your busy schedule as they don’t dry instantly, and if your washable filter doesn’t fully dry, mold growth can be a real issue.

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Washable filters also do a poor job collecting large particles. Because static electricity is really the only filtering mechanism they use, they struggle to attract the larger particles that are more difficult to pull with a charge. Thus, washable filters tend to work in reverse of fiberglass as they let larger particles through and filter out smaller ones.

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What quality of filter should I get?

After you know what type of filter is right for you, you need to know what rating is right for you. Filters can be rated on three separate scales. The scale used by us at Second Nature and the official folks at the National Air Filtration Association is the MERV scale, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value.

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The MERV scale runs from 1-16. Second Nature offers filters rated at MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13, which are our Essential, Essential+, and Health Shield, respectively. Anything below an 8 is something that probably shouldn’t be in your home. Anything above a 13 is not necessary except for maybe in an extreme case, which is why we offer the range we do.

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Other filter scales include FPR and MPR, which stand for Filter Performance Rating and Microparticle Performance Rating. FPR was a scale developed by The Home Depot for the brands that it sells. The scale ranges from 4-10 and includes a color code for each range. MPR was developed by 3M and, it ranges from 300 to 2800. The scale is based on the filter’s ability to capture particles under 1 micron in diameter and is only found on 3M Filtrete filters.


Here we have provided a conversion chart with MERV vs. FPR vs. MPR so you can understand what you’re getting if you decide to purchase from somewhere that rates their filters with one of those less popular scales.

merv, fpr, and mpr comparison chart

Deciding on what MERV rating is right for your home is a decision that must be made based on a handful of personal factors.

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Are you an allergy sufferer?

More than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy. Allergies are everywhere, and if you’re among the millions of Americans who suffer from them, your filter can help you keep those nasty allergens out of your home.

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The severity of your allergies will help determine just how critical filtration is for your home. If you have a significant allergy to something that is prominent in your area, you’re going to want to increase your indoor air quality with a Second Nature Health Shield filter (MERV 13) or equivalent level. More minor allergies or allergies to something that doesn’t exist in massive quantities around your home may allow for a drop down to a Essential+ filter (MERV 11).

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Do you own pets?

Owning a dog or a cat introduces a whole new threat to your indoor air quality: dander. Dander is small flakes or bits of skin that fall off your furry friend when they shed, and some people are violently allergic to it.

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If you are among that group, a Health Shield air filter is a must. Pet dander is small, and a MERV 8 filter is likely not sufficient for you allergy sufferers out there, and that fiberglass nonsense certainly is not. Essential+ and Health Shield will both be effective versus pet dander. If you’re allergic, get the MERV 13 Health Shield. If you’re not allergic, but you own pets, the Essential+ will work well for you.

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Do you live in a polluted area?

Air outside your home will become air inside your home. It is inevitable. No matter how much weatherstripping you install or how well-sealed your home is, there will be particles floating around outside that will get inside. This is particularly important to remember if you live in areas that see a lot of air pollution from things like smog. Those of you in California, as you certainly know already, can get hit pretty heavily with photochemical smog in the summer. The state is often also hit with smoke pollution during wildfire season, which also runs through the summer and fall.

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The particles that make up smoke are itty-bitty, smaller than a tenth of a micron. For perspective, you would need at least 3,000,000 of those particles lined end to end to equal one foot. If you frequently encounter smoke or smog around your home, a Health Shield (MERV 13) is recommended.

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Still not sure what filter to get? Take our short quiz!

  1. Do you have allergies to pollen, dust, mold, or dust mites?

A. Yes, severe allergies (add 2)

  1. Yes, mild allergies (add 1)
  2. No (add 0)
  3. Do you own a dog or cat?
  4. Yes (add 1)
  5. No (add 0)
  6. Are you allergic to pet dander?
  7. Yes (add 1 if answer to #2 is A, 0 if B)
  8. No (Add 0)
  9. Do you live in a polluted area?
  10. Yes, very polluted (Add 2)
  11. Yes, slightly polluted and no smoke or smog pollution (Add 1)
  12. No (Add 0)

Answers

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What size air filter should I get?

As the saying goes, there are three things you can’t pick: your parents, your name, and your filter size. That’s a real saying that we did not just make up eight seconds ago.

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Simply, you need the filter size that fits in your air return. You can typically find that size on the side of the air filter that you already have in use. This size will be the nominal size, which means it is rounded from its actual size. This is the size you click on at secondnature.com.

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If you don’t have a reference point from an old filter, you’ll need to use a tape measure and measure your vent. These measurements will be the exact size, and you’ll need to add ¼” to both length and width to get the nominal size.

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If you have a filter that is four inches thick or thicker, you have a whole house filter. There is no rhyme or reason to how these filter sizes are rounded. Luckily, all you’ll need at secondnature.com is the actual size of the filter.

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Buying an air filter isn’t always easy, and knowing what air filter to buy is the hardest part. However, if you have read this far, you’re good. So congratulations! Here’s an air filter gold star. You can print it out and tape it to your shirt if you want. You’ll probably get a lot of strange looks, but that’s not your problem.

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How to Value, Buy, or Sell a Property Management Company

Putting a precise figure on the value of a property management company can be challenging, given the changeable nature of the market. That’s why understanding what goes into the value calculation is crucial for both investors and business owners. Today, we’ll be discussing how property management company value is calculated, with an assist from Jock McNeill, VP of Acquisitions at PURE Property Management. Jock has completed over 70 property management acquisitions and has tons of insight into valuation models for property management companies. How to Value a Property Management Company: Contributing Factors Several factors help determine the value of a property management company, including revenue, profit margins, average rents, portfolio diversity, growth potential, and more. You can think of these as success metrics in determining “What is my company valuation?” Here are the most important factors to consider. 1. Profitability Before valuing a property management company, you need to determine profitability. Evaluate financial metrics like gross revenue, profit margins, cash flow or EBITDA, and debt-to-income ratios. McNeill explains how they evaluate this at PURE: “We evaluate pro forma financial statements and arrive at a percent profitability based on adjustments we can make by removing ‘seller benefits’ such as vehicle leases, personal expenses, etc.” Two of the biggest red flags in terms of a property management company's valuation, says McNeill, are “low revenue per door managed and low-profit margins. [These] can keep a business on the lower end of the valuation scale. These are often driven by low average rents and high labor costs.” 2. Consistency Consistency is key in valuing a property management company. A company with "lumpy" financial growth is risky. Steady growth in profitability, on the other hand, shows reliability and may provide a reliable basis for projecting potential returns on investment. The same goes for employee turnover: a revolving door of staff suggests instability. Similarly, consistent and well-organized records make a company more attractive to buyers (it facilitates due diligence processes and generally reduces the headache of taking over operations). In sum, consistency across finances, personnel, and records paints a picture of a well-run, predictable business, and that translates into higher value. 3. Portfolio churn Portfolio churn tells a story about the company's ability to keep clients happy, which directly affects its future revenue stream and overall value. High churn (i.e., with rental properties frequently leaving the portfolio) suggests difficulty retaining clients. This could be due to poor service, pricing issues, or a weak rental market. Low churn, with properties staying on board for extended periods, is an indicator of strong client relationships and high satisfaction – which reduces uncertainty for potential buyers. 4. Overhead costs Overhead costs refer to indirect expenses required to keep the business running smoothly, but that are not directly related to managing specific properties. Examples include rent and salaries (excluding those assigned to specific properties), office supplies, marketing, and software subscriptions. Expressed as a percentage of revenue, these overhead costs play an important role in a company's valuation. A lower overhead percentage of total revenue indicates a more efficient company that can generate profit without excessive spending. In turn, this can translate to higher potential returns for investors. 5. Debt-to-income ratio Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a key metric of a property management company's value. It shows the balance between a company's debt (loans and outstanding payments) and its ability to generate income (revenue). Lower DTI is better, as this indicates the company relies less on debt to operate. This suggests financial stability and a lower risk of defaulting on loans. A higher DTI, on the other hand, raises concerns about a company's ability to manage its debt burden. This can make it vulnerable to factors such as economic downturns, and cause investor hesitancy. 6. Customer concentration Customer concentration, or how reliant a property management business is on a single large client, can significantly impact its valuation. If a large portion of the portfolio belongs to a single owner, the company's income virtually depends on keeping that client happy – and if the owner decides to switch property managers, this could represent a severe financial blow. Property management companies with diversified portfolios are essentially spreading this risk thin, which is a plus for potential investors. 7. Transferability Business transferability, or the ease with which a property management company can be sold to a new owner, is a crucial factor in its valuation. A company that has well-documented processes, a strong team, and a healthy client base is easier to transfer to new ownership than a company lacking clear documentation, or that relies heavily on a single key employee. 8. Specialization Companies specializing in a specific type of property (e.g., single-family homes) develop deep expertise in that market. This expertise translates to better service for clients with that portfolio profile, potentially leading to higher client retention and satisfaction. Loyal clients are a valuable asset and boost a company's worth. 9. Contract terms The contract terms of properties under management are another important consideration. Management contracts with longer terms and automatic renewals create a more predictable stream of recurring revenue for the company over a period of time. Property management fees are another important consideration. Stability is attractive to investors, as it makes future income streams steadier and more predictable. Conversely, short-term contracts with frequent renegotiations introduce uncertainty about future rental income, potentially lowering valuation. 10. Future Growth Potential And, of course, signs of growth potential are critical to a property management company's valuation. Many buyers are thinking about company value related to size. According to McNeill, “Growth potential can influence how we approach a deal. If we can grow organically and quickly in a market, that can be very attractive. What a seller may perceive to be a problem in their business can be the acquirer’s opportunity. Maybe the issue is as simple as better systems, we can help with that.” Growth potential can be in the form of the real estate market in the area, but also opportunities to grow the business with existing residential properties. It’s also key to see a demonstrated network within those key markets. Property management is still largely driven by personal contacts and business relationships. Having strong contacts and connections in key markets is an important sign of growth potential. How to Calculate the Value of a Property Management Company: Valuation Multiples Valuation multiples are a key tool for determining the fair market value of a property management firm because they leverage comparable market data to establish a standard for pricing. We’ll cover the basics and provide some examples. Property Management Company valuation multiples to consider Property management company valuation multiples compare key financial metrics such as earnings or revenue, to the market value of similar companies that have recently been sold. When using valuation multiples, the caveat is that it's important to compare companies that are truly similar in terms of size, clientele, and service offerings. Three common types used for property management companies are SDE (seller’s discretionary earnings) multiples, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) multiples, and revenue multiples. SDE multiples for a property management company The SDE (Seller's Discretionary Earnings) multiple focuses on the cash flow available to the business owner after accounting for all business expenses and taxes (excluding owner salaries and perks). The SDE times its multiple is one way of representing the value of a business. A higher SDE indicates a more profitable company, and the SDE multiple applied will reflect that. In the property management industry, a company with a strong track record of SDE might command a higher SDE multiple (say, 2.5-3 times SDE) compared to a less profitable company (say, 1.5-2 times SDE). An established company with steady profitability might be valued at 2.5 times its SDE. If its SDE is calculated at $1 million, this would result in an SDE x 2.5 = $2.5 million business valuation. EBITDA multiples for a property management company The EBITDA multiple is similar to the SDE multiple but excludes non-cash expenses like depreciation and amortization, and also ignores owner compensation. A growth-oriented company might be valued at 6 times its EBITDA. If its EBITDA is calculated at $700,000, this would result in an EBITDA x 6 = $4.2 million valuation. Revenue multiples for a property management company Revenue multiples simply take a company's total revenue and multiply it by a factor to arrive at a valuation. For example, a rapidly growing company with a revenue of $2 million might be valued at 2 times its annual revenue, resulting in a $4 million valuation. What multiple should you consider when valuing a property management company? No one multiple tells the full story. It is, after all, just an indicator, and cannot predict the future. That said, revenue multiples are a less common metric for property management companies compared to SDE or EBITDA multiples, given that revenue alone doesn't reflect profitability. Indeed, this multiple is often used in conjunction with other multiples for a more accurate picture. Valuators of property management companies are more likely to use EBITDA multiples alongside SDE multiples to get a more comprehensive view. Factors That Affect the Value of a Property Management Company A property management company's value is typically influenced by a variety of factors reflecting its operational structure, market position, and potential for future growth. These elements can provide insight into the overall stability and attractiveness of the business. Below is an overview of some key factors that can significantly impact a company's valuation. Owner involvement The role the owner plays in the day-to-day operations is crucial. A business that's heavily reliant on its owner may be less appealing to potential buyers because of the challenges involved in transitioning leadership. If the owner is deeply involved in tasks like managing client relationships or handling property issues, the company may struggle to maintain operations after a sale. Conversely, businesses where the owner plays a more passive role and has a solid management team in place are easier to transfer, which makes them more attractive and valuable. Number of units The number of units under management is one of the most straightforward indicators of a property management company's scale. Larger portfolios generally signal greater revenue potential. However, it’s not just about numbers; the quality of management across these units also matters. Naturally, a company that's managing a significant number of units efficiently, with minimal client turnover and satisfied property owners, is seen as more valuable than one managing the same number with operational inefficiencies. Types and quality of properties The types of properties under management can directly impact revenue and client retention. For example, a company managing high-end, well-maintained properties will typically have more stable clients and higher margins. On the other hand, a focus on lower-quality properties, especially those in difficult-to-manage areas, can reduce profitability due to increased maintenance demands and tenant turnover. Diversifying the types of properties under management can also reduce risk, contributing positively to valuation. Contracts The structure and length of management contracts are another clear indicator of future revenue stability. Companies with long-term contracts in place, especially those with automatic renewal clauses, can offer a more predictable and consistent revenue stream. This makes the business more appealing to buyers who value income security. Short-term contracts or those frequently renegotiated, on the other hand, introduce uncertainty, which can detract from the overall value. Expansion opportunities Any company’s potential for future growth is always a key consideration for buyers. A business located in a growing real estate market, or one with untapped opportunities to expand its portfolio, can be significantly more attractive. Expansion can come in the form of geographic growth into new markets or by adding additional services to existing clients, such as maintenance or leasing services. The ability to grow without significant capital investment inevitably increases the company's appeal and overall value. Location The location of the company can affect its valuation in different ways. Businesses in high-demand real estate markets or rapidly growing areas often see higher valuations, as market conditions are favorable for both current operations and future growth. On the other hand, property management companies in regions with stagnant or declining real estate markets may face a tougher path to maintaining value or increasing it. Business tenure The length of time a company has been in operation is often an indicator of its stability and credibility in the market. A property management company with a long track record is usually viewed as more reliable, especially if it has built a strong reputation for service and client satisfaction. Newer companies may struggle to command the same valuation, as they lack the historical data that provides insight into their ability to weather market fluctuations. Increasing the value of a property management company before the sale For owners of a PMC looking to sell, your first goal is obviously to increase the value of your business as much as possible before the sale, in order to increase the eventual purchase price. Keep in mind, though, that increasing your company value doesn’t need to become a barrier to selling. In fact, McNeill warns not to be too perfectionistic on that front. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that valuation is only based on revenue, and you have to have your business in perfect condition to sell,” McNeill says. “There are many factors that influence valuation, but for PURE, revenue and profit margins are most important. We’ve also seen a lot of potential sellers stall in early discussions because they want to wait to get their shop in order, implement new initiatives, or clean up their books. It isn’t always necessary, and trust me, we’ve seen it all.” Here are some industry tips for increasing your PMC’s value to buyers or property owner investors. Invest in your business infrastructure By this, we mean that you should invest in technology and people. Reinvesting in your business will make it healthier and more valuable to potential investors. On the tech side, you could adopt new property management software, update your current tech infrastructure, or integrate the newest AI-enabled tools. On the people side, you don’t necessarily need to hire more employees. Rather, ensure that the people on your team are as equipped as possible. Invest in excellent recruiting and onboarding processes, ensure you have robust training programs, etc. Integrate ancillary services We’ve talked a lot on our blog about how to develop ancillary programs to drive income. Ancillary fees aren’t just a cash grab – they’re a way to add needed value for residents and investors while driving profit for your PMC. Ancillary property management services can include things like: Renter’s insurance programs Credit-building Supportive services like air filter delivery Resident rewards And more! One of the best value-added services is to integrate a resident benefits package into your program. Develop marketing strategies You should be able to show potential investors that you have a strong marketing plan that has proven to grow your business over time. Your marketing strategy should include a content plan, distribution, social media strategies, networking events, and more. Pay attention to things like your reviews and online reputation as well. Marketing your property management company well will pay off in dividends when you are ready to sell. How to sell a property management company Completing a thorough valuation is just the first step in selling a property management company. If you’ve done the work to value your PMC, the next steps will be much easier. Whether you're looking to retire or simply move on to a new business venture, selling your property management company requires careful planning and execution – with the following steps. Identify potential buyers The next step after valuing your PMC is to identify potential buyers. The field of possible buyers may include other property management firms in your area, real estate investors, or even individual buyers looking to enter the industry. Determine how you want to sell In his article on valuing your PMC, Lohmann outlines the two different transaction types in how a property management company can be purchased: A stock sale. In a stock sale, the buyer will purchase shares of your business. They take on all past liabilities of your company but also get to hold onto your brand, contracts, and vendor relationships. The depreciation of long-lived assets is not reset. Asset sale, also known as Goodwill. In this case, the buyer buys your “book of business.” They’re paying for the property management agreements or contracts your PMC holds. If any of your contracts aren’t assignable, you’ll need to get an individual agreement from those investors. Prepare your PMC for a sale Next, you'll want to prepare your property management company for sale. This may include making necessary upgrades to your facilities, improving your management processes, and ensuring that all financial records are up-to-date and accurate. According to McNeill, the question you should ask yourself is: “How can I best tell the story of my company to a potential buyer? Are my financials detailed, and can I show a buyer I have great margins (or how they can achieve them)?” Work with a qualified broker or attorney Finally, when it comes time to negotiate a sale, it's important to work with a qualified business broker or attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal and financial aspects of the sale. With their guidance, you can ensure that you get the best possible price for your property management company while also protecting your interests and ensuring a smooth transition of ownership for your employees and clients. How to buy a property management company But what if you’re on the buying side? Buying a property management company can be a great investment opportunity, but you can’t sleep on due diligence. Before you start the process of purchasing a property management company, there are several key steps you should take to ensure that you make an informed and profitable decision. Research thoroughly & find a PMC that fits The first step in buying a property management company is–like with anything–to do your homework. Thorough research on PMCs involves identifying potential acquisition targets, analyzing their financial performance, and evaluating their market position. You'll want to look at factors such as revenue growth, profit margins, and client retention rates, as well as any potential growth opportunities that may make the company more valuable in the future. Basically, everything we covered in the sections above! If you already run a PMC, you want to make sure the business model can integrate with your structure. But again, McNeill cautions against being too rigid on this one. “We have yet to see a company that does everything the PURE way after over 60 acquisitions. Our partner integration team jumps in quickly and has a plan in place before we close a deal. If a seller has already implemented similar ancillary revenue models, such as a resident benefit package, etc., it means we can optimize that faster than rolling it out from scratch. Our proven platform includes the people, processes, relationships, and technology to consolidate, tech-enable, and optimize the companies we acquire carefully and thoughtfully. We have an all-star team of industry insiders, innovators, and leaders already in place, so when we bring on new teams, the integration is pretty smooth.” Conduct due diligence and identify liabilities Okay, so let’s say you’ve identified a potential PMC you’d like to buy. Now it’s time for due diligence. This involves reviewing financial records, contracts, and legal documents to ensure that there are no hidden liabilities or risks associated with the company. Additionally, you'll want to evaluate the quality of the company's management team, as well as its operational processes and systems. Determine fair market value After completing the due diligence process, you'll need to determine the fair market value of the property management company. This involves taking into account a range of factors, including its current and projected financial performance, market position, and growth potential. Once you have a clear understanding of the company's value, you can begin the negotiation process with the seller. Work toward a smooth transition Finally, once the sale is complete, it's important to take steps to ensure a smooth transition of ownership. This may involve working with the existing management team to establish clear roles and responsibilities, as well as communicating with clients and stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of the change in ownership. According to McNeill: “A buyer should make sure they have the foundation in place to integrate an acquisition into their existing operation. Look for opportunities to add value for the clients and residents, and that will turn into value for you as a buyer. Anything you can do to create a simple and satisfying experience for clients and residents will help with the anxiety that can come with a sale.” Conclusion Ultimately, the value of a property management company will depend on a range of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to valuation. But the bottom line is that by following a structured and analytical approach, you can feel confident in your valuation, which will help you make informed decisions about buying or selling the business. Whether you're a business owner looking to sell your property management company or an investor looking to make an acquisition, a proper valuation is essential to ensuring a successful transaction.

Calendar icon October 18, 2024

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How to Choose Moving Concierge Services: Personal Touch vs. Automated

Moving is a complex process that can feel overwhelming, from organizing packing to coordinating utility setup. For many, moving concierge services offer a much-needed helping hand. But in a world leaning heavily toward automation, does the personal touch still hold value? In today’s post we’ll explore: What moving concierge services are How moving concierge services work Typical cost of moving concierge services Two approaches: personal touch vs. automation The verdict What Are Moving Concierge Services? Moving concierge services, or relocation concierge services, are designed to simplify the resident's experience of moving to a new location. Relocation services often cover everything related to setting up a new space, primarily focusing on utilities such as electricity, gas, water, high-speed internet, and home security systems. The idea is to provide a seamless and stress-free transition for residents, taking the worry out of the moving process. Imagine stepping into a new home with all utilities up and running, with none of the hassles of making multiple calls to various providers. That’s the promise of a moving concierge service. Some even extend to help with additional tasks like finding local service providers, scheduling movers, and more. These services can work in different ways. Some are complimentary offerings that come as part of a resident benefit package provided by property managers, while others might require a fee if handled separately. A complimentary resident move-in concierge service typically partners with utility providers to arrange everything on the resident's behalf. How moving concierge services work Different platforms offer varying methods for assisting residents with specific needs in their move to a new house. In many cases, the service involves scheduling a call or using an online portal to set up utilities. When included in a Resident Benefits Package, the property manager works directly with a concierge service provider to ensure utilities and essential services are ready by move-in day. (Note that Resident Benefits Packages typically include this service.) Residents are often sent a personalized link or receive a phone call, allowing them to schedule a session to handle their utility setup. This process may include collecting information from residents, like current utility account numbers, to streamline the transition to the new address. Cost of concierge moving services without a resident benefits package Without the project management support of a moving concierge service, residents may find themselves spending several hours managing utility setups on their own, across a number of days or weeks. The process can include contacting each provider individually, scheduling installation or activation times, and sometimes dealing with long-distance calls, as well as unexpected last-minute fees, even in cases of local moves. The cost can vary widely depending on location, the number of services needed, and the providers involved. For some, the time and stress alone can feel like a hefty price. Moving concierge srvices offered through Resident Benefits Packages are typically included as part of the package, saving residents both time and money. Two Approaches: Personal Touch vs. Automation When selecting a moving concierge service, there are two primary paths: a personal touch approach or a more automated process. Let’s take a closer look at two high-quality services in this field: Citizens Home Solutions (CHS) and Utility Profit. Citizens Home Solutions (CHS) Citizens Home Solutions (CHS) offers a personalized experience, aiming to make the moving process as smooth as possible. CHS originally started as a phone-assisted service, focusing on creating a higher level of personal interaction. Their survey data indicated that 59% of residents preferred phone calls over completing online forms, underscoring the desire for human interaction in the moving process. Through its partnerships with providers, CHS seamlessly handles the setup of utilities like electricity, gas, water, high-speed internet, and security systems—all free for the resident (as part of the Resident Benefits Package). Their approach involves reaching out to residents through calls or digital means, offering a choice between speaking with a representative or completing an assisted digital workflow. This flexibility ensures that residents who value a personal touch can have it, while those who prefer self-service still have that option. The process with CHS involves receiving move-out reports in advance, allowing them to research and prepare for the resident’s new utility setup. When it’s time to set up utilities, residents receive a personalized link through email or SMS to a mobile-friendly webpage. From there, they can choose to schedule a call or proceed with the digital workflow. CHS then guides them through the setup process, including account management, so everything is ready for move-in day. With over 200,000 residents served, CHS has proven expertise and positions itself as a one-stop solution for utility needs. Their experience shows in their seamless process and attention to the individual needs of each resident. You can call them or use this form to schedule an appointment. Utility Profit Utility Profit takes a different approach by automating most of the process. As a newer company, they offer a streamlined service that directs residents to set up utilities on their own through a dedicated webpage. This method is designed for those who prefer handling things directly, with less involvement from a third party. Residents can navigate the setup process using Utility Profit’s online platform, entering their information, selecting utilities, and submitting their account numbers. While this method can be efficient for tech-savvy individuals who want to manage things independently, it may lack the personal guidance some residents find comforting during a stressful move. The simplicity of Utility Profit’s system can be attractive to those who desire more control over the process. However, for individuals who are not as comfortable navigating these tasks solo, this option may seem daunting. The verdict Both personal touch and automated services have their merits. However, in the realm of moving, where stress and uncertainty often abound, the comfort of having a human on the other end of the line can make a significant difference. Citizens Home Solutions stands out because of its blend of personalized and digital options, offering residents the best of both worlds. With a track record of over 200,000 satisfied residents, CHS has honed its process to cater to individual preferences. Starting as a phone-based service, they recognized the need for a personal touch, particularly during such a life-changing event as moving. Over time, they've adapted by incorporating digital workflows for those who prefer a more hands-off approach, demonstrating a commitment to meeting diverse resident needs. In contrast, Utility Profit offers a viable solution for those who are comfortable with a more automated approach. While this might work for some, the value of CHS lies in its ability to offer guidance and support throughout the move, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. For many, that extra level of care can transform the moving experience from a daunting task into a smooth transition. Final Thoughts Choosing the right moving concierge service depends on what you value most: personal guidance or streamlined automation. Services like Citizens Home Solutions combine the personal touch with modern digital conveniences, ensuring residents receive tailored support while also accommodating those who prefer to manage things independently. If you're looking for a service that prioritizes a seamless move with a blend of personal and automated options, CHS is worth considering. Their extensive experience and adaptable approach have helped countless residents settle into their new homes with ease. Learn more about what Citizens Home Solutions can offer for your move. For property managers interested in incorporating moving concierge services into their resident benefit package, explore Second Nature’s Resident Benefits Package benefits now.

Calendar icon October 10, 2024

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