3 Reasons Why LeBron James Is Like A Superstar Tenant

 

“LeBron James Picks Heat; Cavs Owner Erupts”

(ESPN headline on 7/9/10 after “The Decision”)

 

When LeBron James, the best player in the NBA, chose to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and sign with the Miami Heat in the off season before the 2010 season, it had big consequences for the rest of the league.  No one knew this more than Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cavaliers.   His team, which had been one of the best teams in the league with James, was now left decimated and would wind up becoming one of the worst.

Gilbert was so upset that James left he couldn’t hide his disgust, disappointment, and anger in his letter to Cavalier fans.  "This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his 'decision' unlike anything ever 'witnessed' in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.  Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.  The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you."

Gilbert’s reaction after losing his team’s superstar was raw, genuine, and understandable.

 

Good tenants are property managers’ superstars.  To be a successful property management company, superstar tenants need to stay put!

 

LeBron James is like a superstar tenant because he:

 

1.  Makes (property) management look good.  (Pays on time, takes care of repairs on their own, and get along with people in their community- no headaches)

 

2.  Brings more fans to the game to make the team more money.  (Happy owners bring referrals to the property manager)

 

3.  Makes winning look easy.  (“There never seems to be any issues and we’ve used this company for years!”)

 

4.  BONUS +1: Needs to be retained!

 

I can feel for Dan Gilbert.  As a property manager, I feel uneasy and disappointed when a good tenant leaves us to rent with another property management company too.  We are only as strong as the tenants on our team.  I want to make sure they know they are appreciated and that we want to keep them forever.

 

For organizations to be strong, they need superstars (like LeBron), be it in the NBA or a property management company in Charlotte, NC.  We should “erupt” too if someone poaches one of ours!   

 

Brett Furniss is President & Owner of BDF Realty (Charlotte Residential Property Management), the trusted real estate advisor for Charlotte landlords, managing single-family homes, Uptown condos, and town homes in the Charlotte-Metro Area.   BDF Realty’s services include property management, home fix-ups, and home sales, including Rent-To-Sell (“When You Need a New Solution to Sell Your Home”).  His newest book is A Real Estate Agent’s Complete Guide to Representing Rent-To-Own (Lease Option) Tenants (Delight Clients, Fill Vacant Homes, and Earn $2,250* Upfront! (*Minimum!) which is available on-line now.