She Strengthens

The Unseen Side of Luxury Living

My Brief Stint in Property Management

After graduating from college, I landed a job as a floater for a property management company in New York City. It was a temporary position, or so I thought. I ended up working there for nearly a year, showing apartments to affluent clients and assisting with their lease applications. My experience taught me valuable lessons about the world of luxury living and the people who inhabit it.

The Ups and Downs of Working with the Wealthy

On the one hand, I enjoyed working with my colleagues, who were all in similar situations. We would often commiserate about the absurd displays of financial privilege we encountered daily. On the other hand, it was sometimes depressing to witness the vast disparities in wealth and lifestyle. I began to appreciate the hustle required to succeed in real estate, especially in a city as expensive as New York.

Lessons Learned

Money Talks, But It’s Not Everything

I saw firsthand how having money can simplify the apartment-hunting process. Wealthy clients could pay the entire year’s rent upfront, bypassing the usual application process. However, even they weren’t exempt from following rules and regulations. The penthouses in our luxury buildings came with strict policies, and damage to the property could result in lost security deposits.

The Drawbacks of Dealing with Entitlement

Some clients would try to teach me about their area of expertise, often coming across as condescending. One memorable encounter involved a man who lectured me on the benefits of zen Buddhism and a raw diet while carrying a Gucci bag.

The Harsh Reality of Credit History

I witnessed deserving individuals get turned down for apartments due to imperfect credit scores. This was a sobering reminder that the “real world” can be unforgiving when it comes to past financial mistakes.

Avoiding Broker Fees

One important takeaway was that it’s possible to find an apartment without paying exorbitant broker fees. By approaching buildings or property management companies directly, renters can save themselves a significant amount of money.

The Power of Couple Privilege

Working in leasing offices opened my eyes to the advantages that come with being in a relationship. Couples had more options available to them, thanks to their combined incomes. I realized that I value personal space and wouldn’t sacrifice it for the sake of living in a trendy neighborhood.

The Sacrifices People Make to Appear Wealthy

Some renters would convert one-bedroom apartments into makeshift two-bedrooms to save money, sacrificing privacy and comfort in the process. This highlighted the lengths people will go to in order to project a certain image.

The Dark Side of Easy Jobs

Our company policy prohibited overtime, and replacements were easily found, which meant our wages remained stagnant. The lack of opportunities for advancement and additional compensation made it difficult to view the job as anything more than a temporary stepping stone.

The Importance of Cashier’s Checks

I was surprised by how many people showed up to lease-signing appointments with personal checks, unaware that cashier’s checks were required.

Standing Up for What’s Owed

Finally, I learned that it’s crucial to advocate for oneself in the workplace. When brokers failed to provide necessary information for invoices, it was up to us to follow up and ensure we received what was owed. This experience taught me the value of being proactive in getting what I deserve.