AppFolio > Case Studies > Streamlining Property Management: A Case Study on Shaw Real Estate and AppFolio

Streamlining Property Management: A Case Study on Shaw Real Estate and AppFolio

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Education

Applicable Functions

Facility Management

Use Cases

Inventory Management
Time Sensitive Networking

Services

Training

About The Customer

Shaw Real Estate is a property management company based in Wilmington, NC. Established in 2010 by Sherry Kent, the company manages over 470 multifamily and single-family units. Sherry Kent, who started her career managing the books for a friend's business, has grown her company over the past decade with a focus on making a difference and helping others. The company is committed to giving back to the community, managing properties that assist veterans and helping them transition from homeless shelters to positive living situations. The company's mission is to grow and give back to the Wilmington community, and it values solutions that allow it to streamline its workflows and spend more time on its community-focused initiatives.

The Challenge

Shaw Real Estate, a property management company based in Wilmington, NC, was facing significant challenges in managing its growing portfolio of over 470 multifamily and single-family units. The company was struggling with software solutions that were difficult to use and lacked the necessary capabilities for efficient accounting workflows. This led to wasted time, inaccuracies, and frustration. The company's previous software, Yardi Breeze, was particularly problematic, making tasks such as filing 1099s, reconciling accounts, and handling daily tasks difficult and time-consuming. The company's owner, Sherry Kent, was in search of a simpler, more efficient solution that would allow her team to spend less time on tedious back-office tasks and more time on growing the business and making a positive impact in the community.

The Solution

Shaw Real Estate turned to AppFolio, a property management software solution, to streamline its business processes. AppFolio's intuitive design and guided workflows have enabled the company to cut the time spent on accounting tasks in half and nearly double the number of units they manage. The software has also made training new team members faster and more efficient, reducing stress and frustration. The online portal within AppFolio has been particularly beneficial, allowing renters to carry out 90% of tasks with a click of a button, reducing the need for phone calls and providing a more convenient and quick service. For property owners, AppFolio provides easy access to all their statements, 1099s, and invoices, regardless of their location. This has not only improved the resident experience but also exceeded the needs of property owners.

Operational Impact

The implementation of AppFolio has transformed the operations of Shaw Real Estate. The software's intuitive design and guided workflows have made it easier for the team to manage their accounting workflows, reducing inaccuracies and frustration. The software has also streamlined the process of training new team members, making it less time-consuming and stressful. The online portal has modernized the way the company interacts with renters and property owners, providing a more convenient and efficient service. This has not only improved the resident experience but also exceeded the needs of property owners. Furthermore, by automating and streamlining business-critical processes, AppFolio has given Shaw Real Estate the most important thing: time. This has allowed the company to focus more on its community initiatives, such as assisting veterans and making a positive impact in the Wilmington community.

Quantitative Benefit