Timeshare Resorts / Vacation Ownership
The services offered by The Helm to manage Timeshare Resorts (Vacation Ownerships), primarily use the combined functions of managing condominiums and hotels. Overall, timeshares are the most demanding and at the same time most rewarding type of property to manage. The Helm provides all the necessary services and personnel to administer the affairs of the Association and operate the Resort and the unique Use program. We hire and train the full staff including, Resort Manager, Front Desk, Housekeepers, Maintenance, Recreation, and Laundry. We process payroll, completed all state and federal reports, administer a 401k program, and health insurance.
On a regular basis, all units are inspected, as well as support areas and common furnishings. Reports are prepared and presented to the Board of Directors. The Helm assesses the general condition of the common area items and supervise the replacement of major work projects.
Managing a timeshare or condominium property requires the familiarity and knowledge of the association’s CC&Rs, By-Laws, and Rules & Regulations. It is our responsibility as managing agent to understand these documents and execute their intent.
Critical to the success of a timeshare property is the housekeeping and laundry departments. It is also normally the largest department regarding employees. The Helm oversees these departments by inspecting, trainings, and providing all necessary tools and equipment so that the personnel can fulfill their jobs. Annually, a thorough cleaning of the facilities is completed during the service period allotted and The Helm coordinates a plan of work to be accomplished.
In addition to the above-mentioned operational services The Helm provides and oversees, we administer the Association functions, which are also inclusive in condominium management.
Hotels
The services provided to hotels managed by The Helm differ in two ways from timeshare and condominium management, in that we do not administer an Association and there is no use program involving thousands of owners. Instead, we have thousands of room nights to occupy. The multitude of services provided to hotels revolves primarily around the sales approach and marketing programs.
Either through the hotel franchise company (i.e. Choice Hotels) or our own staff, The Helm must reach the customers with rate and accommodation information through the internet, local convention bureaus, chambers of commerce, local media, or the use of signage, to name a few. The Helm must be in tune with the economy and the markets: local, regional, and national. Our guests visit from across the nation and over seas. Some stay only one night while others hold special events on-site that more fully require the personal attention of a staff member to coordinate and facilitate the event. Providing the various services of the demanding groups is expected of us and our goal is to satisfy and potentially exceed expectations. Maintaining the condition and units including the FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) is an ongoing process that is one of our primary responsibilities.
Monies are collected and deposited daily, invoices and payroll paid, and owner reports created.
Apartments, Commercial & Office Buildings, Industrial Parks
On a smaller scale, The Helm also manages apartments, commercial and office buildings, and industrial properties. Our services vary based on the type, but overall, the major function is to retain tenants and attract new tenants. By keeping abreast of the latest economical changes, tax laws, and insurance requirements, The Helm can offer its clients better input regarding rents and property value. The services provided to rental properties include advertising of available spaces; initiating, signing and renewing rental agreements and leases; running credit checks; and handling the proper deposition of security deposits.
As we do with the other types of property managed, The Helm repairs and maintains the owners’ investment. In addition, The Helm contracts, hires, supervises, and trains any on-site personnel accordingly. Expenses are paid timely for goods and services, property taxes, loan payments, and insurance. Funds are deposited into a banking institution insured by the U.S. government, and ultimately disbursed to the owner of the property, along with monthly financial reports. As it is with other properties, The Helm must be up to date on the various legislation affecting apartments, more so than office and industrial properties.
The software used by The Helm (Yardi Executive) is versatile enough to format financial information as required. In addition to the typical reports that are expected from a management company, we also provide the owner with a rent increase calendar, vendor lists, tickler files, 1099s, correspondence, and customized reports as required.
In many ways the services we offer are similar to the other investment properties managed by The Helm, but it is the small variances that allows us to be versatile and have the ability to manage a variety of properties. Problem solving, profits, integrity, and professionalism is integral to all, and The Helm Management Co. has successful done this for over 25 years.