By Amy Alexander

Published Dec 3, 2024

Updated Dec 3, 2024

In the multifamily housing industry, the move-in process is a crucial but often time-consuming aspect of property management. Onsite teams are tasked with handling multiple responsibilities, from lease processing to move-in logistics, all while maintaining high resident satisfaction and operational efficiency. According to a 2022 Updater survey¹, 61% of site teams spend 4+ hours per week processing move-ins, and 30% spend over 6 hours on this task. These inefficiencies drain valuable time and resources, adding to the challenges leasing teams face. However, for Stacey Tafolla, Community Director at Centrepoint, a Dayrise Residential community, the integration of technology—specifically Updater Pro | Onboarding—has transformed how her team manages the move-in process.

Optimizing onboarding operations with Updater

One of the key technologies that Stacey and her team rely on is Updater, a move management technology that standardizes and streamlines move-ins across Dayrise Residential communities. Before the adoption of Updater, Stacey noted, “Everyone had their own version of a welcome letter, and there was no consistency.” The introduction of Updater has not only standardized the process but also significantly reduced the administrative burden on the leasing team.

The importance of streamlining the move-in process cannot be overstated. A 2022 Updater survey¹ of 200 Leasing Agents at NAA Apartmentalize found that 67% of leasing agents say that streamlining move-ins is essential to their operations. Updater helps achieve this by automating several manual tasks, such as sending reminders, collecting required documents, and even notifying residents about pending items.

“Updater is structured the same way at every property, and it saves us so much time,” Stacey shared. By consolidating all move-in-related tasks into a single platform, Stacey’s team can track progress in real-time, communicate efficiently with residents, and ensure that everything is completed on time.

Saving time and reducing turnover

Saving time is critical in a sector where staffing shortages are a significant concern. The property management industry faces an annual turnover rate of 52% among onsite teams, according to a 2023 Swift Bunny report. By reducing the hours spent on routine tasks, technology like Updater alleviates some of the pressure on teams, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities.

For Stacey, these time savings are reinvested in the community. “We use the time saved for customer service and to focus on loving our property a little more,” she explained. By shifting the team’s focus from paperwork to people, Stacey ensures that her community runs smoothly and her residents are well taken care of.

Looking ahead: the future of efficient resident onboarding

As the property management industry continues to evolve, the role of technology will become increasingly critical. With technologies like Updater, the once-cumbersome process of moving residents in can now be managed with the click of a button, ensuring a seamless experience for both staff and residents.
In a fast-paced environment where 61% of site teams are already overburdened with move-in tasks¹, implementing a streamlined, standardized solution is more than just a convenience—it’s essential to long-term operational success.

¹Updater (2022). Survey of 200 Leasing Agents at NAA Apartmentalize

Amy Alexander

A Seattle transplant, Amy is passionate about B2B marketing, having led go-to-market strategies for both Fortune 500 companies and startups. Outside of work, Amy enjoys an active PNW lifestyle which includes kayaking and skiing. She’s also a proud mom to her son, who is currently attending Oregon State University, go Beavs!