Real Estate News

What is an Estate Manager and Do You Need One?

CEO Quynh FLower

Your time is valuable, and your home should be a sanctuary where you can recharge and focus on what truly matters to you. However, managing a complex household can become overwhelming, especially when you have...

Your time is valuable, and your home should be a sanctuary where you can recharge and focus on what truly matters to you. However, managing a complex household can become overwhelming, especially when you have multiple properties, valuable assets, and a team of staff and vendors to coordinate. This is where an estate manager comes in - they are experienced professionals who oversee the day-to-day operations of your home, allowing you to have peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy your life without the burden of managing every detail.

A Seasoned Professional to Manage Your Home

An estate manager is a private service expert with extensive experience in managing multiple properties, staff members, vendors, and projects for a single family or principal. They take care of all aspects of estate operations, including scheduling maintenance, assigning tasks to staff and vendors, overseeing human resources, and reporting back to you on the progress of your estate. They are adaptable and skilled project managers with excellent communication and people management skills. Most importantly, they are passionate about luxury estate management and dedicated to making your life easier.

The Benefits of Hiring an Estate Manager

The goal of an estate manager is to simplify your life. By taking on the responsibility of managing your properties and overseeing the people and processes that keep them running smoothly, they allow you to focus on what truly matters to you. With an estate manager, you have more time, a higher quality of life, and peace of mind knowing that every detail is taken care of. They provide a sense of security and trust, and by creating a healthy and respectful environment for them to thrive, you can foster a long-term and rewarding partnership.

Caption: Luminous modern hall with white and wooden walls, large windows with glass doors, beams on a ceiling and a tiled floor. There is a burning fireplace, sofas with pillows, tables with wicker chairs.

The Responsibilities of an Estate Manager

Every estate is unique, and the responsibilities of an estate manager may vary. However, some common responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing daily operations, both in terms of household management and property management.
  • Managing budgets and expenses.
  • Hiring and supervising staff, managing human resources, and conducting performance reviews.
  • Planning regular maintenance and managing repairs for all properties.
  • Ensuring the upkeep of grounds, gardens, and exterior systems.
  • Managing the estate calendar.
  • Developing and implementing policies and procedures.
  • Reporting on estate operations to you.

Salary Range for Estate Managers

The salary range for estate managers depends on various factors such as the size and location of your estate, the level of experience and expertise of the estate manager, and the scope of their position. According to recent surveys, the average estate manager salary is around $151,830, with those in the 75th percentile earning $181,179. However, it's important to consider the cost of living in your area and consult with a household staffing agency to determine competitive salary estimates.

Caption: Private luxury patio and pool.

Understanding Different Job Titles

Job titles in estate management can vary, but there are some distinctions worth noting. A house manager typically works in a smaller household with one property and a small staff. A property manager focuses on the routine maintenance of a property and may handle multiple properties. An estate manager oversees both household and property management on a higher level. Chief of Staff and Director of Residences have more executive roles overseeing multiple estate managers or house managers and working closely with the family office.

How to Hire an Estate Manager

To find the right estate manager for your household, you can post your job description on private service industry job boards or work with a dedicated household staffing agency. It's also worth considering promoting someone from your existing staff who has the potential to grow into the estate manager role. Trust is key in this position, so ensure clear communication, set expectations, provide the necessary tools and resources, and offer continued education and support.

Setting Your Estate Manager Up for Success

Once you have hired an estate manager, effective communication, clear expectations, and providing the necessary tools and resources are vital. Additionally, investing in their continued education and offering backup support will help them excel in their role. Remember, an estate manager is a valuable asset to your household, and by creating a supportive environment, you will reap the benefits of their expertise and dedication.

Do You Need an Estate Manager?

If you are considering hiring an estate manager and need assistance in making a decision, the team at Nines can provide guidance and support. They can help you create a household manual, connect you with a household staffing agency, and ensure a smooth transition for your new estate manager. Reach out to their team today and sign up for their newsletter to receive tips and insights on household management and living well.

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