By Amy Alexander

Published Dec 4, 2024

Updated Dec 4, 2024

In today’s property management landscape, technology is no longer a supporting player—it’s a driving force behind resident satisfaction and operational efficiency. At Boathouse, a 133-unit community in Portland, Oregon, Assistant Property Manager Bill Brantley has witnessed first-hand how proptech solutions streamline operations, enhance resident experiences, and create lasting impacts for both residents and property management teams.

Boathouse, managed by Avenue5 Residential, is on the cutting edge of this evolution, using technology like Updater Pro | Onboarding to transform how move-ins are handled. For Brantley and his team, technology is an enabler that reduces friction and saves time while allowing them to focus on building meaningful relationships with residents. “Updater helps us efficiently manage all the moving parts of a resident’s onboarding. It simplifies everything, allowing us to track progress in real time without having to chase residents down,” Brantley explains.

Streamlining the move-in process

The complexities of moving—organizing paperwork, setting up utilities, and navigating leases—can overwhelm new residents, particularly in multifamily communities. Boathouse uses Updater to alleviate these challenges, delivering a more seamless, welcoming move-in experience. “With Updater, we can onboard new residents more efficiently. Everything is right there in the platform, from utility setup to document uploads,” Brantley says. This streamlined process allows residents to complete essential tasks within a matter of minutes, freeing up time and reducing stress. This approach supports an Updater study from 2023 that revealed 70% of renters believe “settling in quickly” is the most vital element for a happy move.

Technology like Updater doesn’t just benefit residents; it also makes life easier for property management teams. Brantley highlights how Proptech frees up valuable time: “Instead of spending hours walking residents through every step of the move-in process, we’re able to direct them to [Updater], where it’s all laid out for them. That gives us more bandwidth to focus on resident events, maintenance, and other critical tasks.” This efficiency boost helps Boathouse run smoother and keeps residents happier.

The future of property management: data-driven decisions

In addition to simplifying move-ins, Proptech empowers property management teams with data-driven insights that enhance decision-making. Brantley notes that systems like Updater provide real-time information on resident move-in progress, making it easy for teams to identify potential bottlenecks and proactively address issues. This proactive approach, supported by technology, is crucial for maintaining high levels of resident satisfaction.

As the industry moves toward a more tech-driven future, technology like Updater is becoming integral to operations. A recent study conducted by Dimensional Research, reveals a critical insight into this challenge: 97% of renters are more likely to choose an apartment that offers a streamlined moving process. According to Brantley, the integration of Proptech into the daily workflow helps build trust with residents. “When residents see how efficiently we handle their move-ins, it sets a positive tone for their entire experience at the community,” he explains. “It’s about creating a frictionless process from the moment they sign the lease.”

Proptech’s broader impact on the industry

The property management industry is increasingly adopting technologies that automate processes and enhance operational efficiency. Boathouse is a prime example of how these innovations can drive improvements at the community level. “Avenue5 is forward-thinking in terms of implementing new technology,” Brantley notes. “They’re always rolling out something new that helps us manage our properties more efficiently.”

Industry-wide, the adoption of Proptech solutions like Updater is creating a competitive advantage for early adopters. Brantley points to how these platforms improve resident satisfaction, streamline operations, and reduce workload. “It takes the pressure off our team and allows us to focus on creating an exceptional resident experience,” he adds.

While some might view technology as a replacement for personal interaction, Brantley believes the opposite is true. “Proptech allows us to focus more on the human aspect of property management—on building relationships and fostering community,” he says. By automating administrative tasks and offering real-time data, technology like Updater gives property managers the solutions they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.

Moving toward a more connected future

As more communities embrace Proptech, the resident experience will only continue to improve. From virtual tours to automated lease signing, the future of property management is becoming more connected, efficient, and resident-focused. “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible with Proptech,” Brantley remarks. “As these platforms become even more integrated into systems like Yardi, the process will be even more seamless.”

For Boathouse, the goal remains clear: use technology to simplify operations and create a better experience for residents. By leveraging technology like Updater, Brantley and his team are setting a new standard for how communities can harness Proptech to drive efficiency, reduce friction, and ultimately enhance the resident journey.

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!