National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) – Chesapeake, Virginia

October 30, 2024

National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM)

Leading the Way in Professionalizing Residential Property Management

Helping to shape the future of property management through education, advocacy, and a strategic vision for excellence.

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) has been the cornerstone of the residential property management industry since its inception in 1987. Focused exclusively on the needs of the single-family residential property management industry, NARPM provides education, advocacy, and networking opportunities previously nonexistent for managers in this niche. Over the decades, NARPM has grown from a modest membership to a robust network of 6,000 professionals, serving as a critical resource in an ever-evolving field.

Melissa Sharone, NARPM’s President, explains the association’s unique role in the industry. Education is one of NARPM’s greatest strengths. Before the association’s founding, there was a notable lack of external educational resources for property managers looking to enhance their effectiveness and success in the field. “NARPM provides that,” she says confidently, underlining the association’s commitment to offering comprehensive learning opportunities that keep members abreast of governmental and HUD guidelines.

Beyond education, NARPM also strongly emphasizes advocacy for those managing single-family rentals. The association actively works to ensure its members are well-informed about legislative changes and best practices, enabling them to navigate the complex regulatory landscape confidently. Sharone mentions that part of NARPM’s role is “really providing good resources for our members to be able to combat the industry that we’re in today,” highlighting the organization’s proactive stance in protecting and advancing the interests of its members.

Sharone also sheds light on the evolving structure of NARPM’s membership. “We started out in 1987, with about 13 members. And we’re up to about 6,000,” she notes. This includes professional members and support staff. In response to industry changes, the NARPM board has recently approved modifications to membership classifications. Sharone explains that the association is moving towards a more inclusive, “one class type” of membership that accommodates property management firms and their support staff, including remote team members. In addition to its primary members, NARPM also embraces affiliate members, or vendor partners, who play a crucial role in the association’s ecosystem.

Advocacy and Government Relations

NARPM’s education efforts are only part of its broader mission. As the residential property management industry evolves, the association’s role in government relations and advocacy has become increasingly significant. “We have a huge role in this activity. And it is getting stronger and stronger every year,” says Sharone.

NARPM has recognized the necessity of having a seat at the legislative table and has taken steps to ensure representation in policy discussions that impact the industry. “Our management company that helps run NARPM has two people that are at the advocacy table for us,” she explains. These individuals work tirelessly on behalf of the association, from engaging with bills to finding practical solutions for emerging challenges.

The importance of this advocacy work became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharone recalls the challenges surrounding the CARES Act and the moratorium on notices to vacate, which created tensions between landlords and tenants. “We really relied on our advocacy team to help with some of the regulations that were being put in place,” she notes. NARPM monitored these developments and actively participated in the legislative process by sponsoring a bill that has recently gained momentum to address these issues.

NARPM’s advocacy efforts extend beyond the federal level, as it also plays a crucial role in varying legislative arenas across states. “We have some states that are a little bit harder to combat,” Sharone says, pointing to areas like California, Washington, and Oregon, where regulatory challenges are more pronounced. Conversely, states like Idaho, Georgia, and Florida are more “landlord-friendly.” NARPM serves as a resource for members across these diverse jurisdictions, offering guidance on how to either support favorable legislation or combat proposals that may pose difficulties for property managers and their clients.

Engaging Members Through Events and Education

NARPM recognizes the importance of bringing its community together and offering continuous education. To meet the diverse needs of its members, the association hosts several key events throughout the year and provides a range of educational resources. Sharone outlines NARPM’s three major annual events, each tailored to different industry segments.

“We hold the Capitol Summit,” she begins, describing the event held in Washington, D.C., which coincides with their “Day on the Hill.” This event, usually scheduled for late January or February, is focused on education, advocacy and allows members to engage directly with policymakers. Next on the calendar is the Broker/Owner Conference in April. “That’s a higher-level conference for those running businesses,” she explains, catering to major brokers, owners, and decision-makers within property management companies.

The year’s highlight is NARPM’s National Convention every October. Unlike the more specialized events, this convention offers “tracks for everyone,” according to Sharone, making it accessible to members across the board. While the Capitol Summit remains a fixture in D.C., the other two events change locations throughout the United States to accommodate NARPM’s widespread membership. Sharone emphasizes the value of these in-person gatherings: “We love being together. We love providing people with opportunities to be with like-minded individuals in their industry.”

In addition to national events, NARPM has a solid regional presence, with 59 local chapters across the country. These chapters operate independently but hold charters that align with the national organization’s mission. They offer state-specific conferences that can examine local legislation and issues more deeply than national events. Sharone points out the importance of this localized focus: “It’s nice for our members because they can get a little bit more specific about state legislation and things that are different at the national level.”

Regarding education, NARPM has taken a multifaceted approach to cater to various learning styles and schedules. “We have our NARPM education offerings as virtual classes,” Sharone says, noting that they have recently revamped their program to offer more flexibility. These three-hour courses are available online and cover a comprehensive range of property management topics. Members can participate in virtual Zoom classes, allowing interaction with peers nationwide, or attend in-person sessions during NARPM events. For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, an online training program is available through an online portal.

Beyond formal education, NARPM keeps its members informed. “We provide weekly blasts about things that are happening around the United States,” Sharone says, helping members stay ahead of emerging trends and potential legislative changes. Additionally, NARPM hosts a series of webinars on various topics, ranging from leadership and technology to governmental advocacy efforts. This variety of educational and informational resources ensures that members have ample opportunities to expand their knowledge and stay connected to the industry.

Adapting to Market Shifts and Elevating Professional Standards

The residential rental market has seen significant changes over the years, but one constant remains: the demand for rental housing. Sharone speaks to the sector’s inherent stability, noting, “There are always people that will be renting.” Property management presents challenges and opportunities, whether the market is booming or in a downturn. This resilience is what makes the industry so engaging for many professionals.

Sharone observes that market fluctuations bring unique challenges that require adaptability and support. “When the market’s high, it comes with different challenges and great things. And when the market’s low, it’s a different set of challenges,” she explains. NARPM helps its members navigate these shifts through networking and education. This is where the association’s resources become invaluable, offering strategies and solutions to the hurdles property managers encounter. “We’re always battling some sort of hurdle,” Sharone adds, describing the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the industry.

Holding its members to a high standard, NARPM requires adherence to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct. This is emphasized through the association’s certification programs, designed to elevate the professional stature of property managers. “We offer two personal designations,” Sharone details, referring to the Resident Management Professional (RMP) and Master Property Manager (MPM) designations. The RMP serves as an entry point, requiring volunteer hours, letters of recommendation, and a demonstrated commitment to the industry. This designation is a significant step in a property manager’s career, marking them as knowledgeable and dedicated professionals.

The MPM is the next level for those seeking to reach the profession’s pinnacle. This advanced certification requires more education and deeper involvement in the industry and NARPM itself. In addition to individual certifications, NARPM also offers a company designation, the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC). This extensive audit process examines every aspect of a company’s operations, from policies and procedures to safety mechanisms. “It’s very far and few between,” Sharone admits, noting that only 41 companies hold this prestigious designation. NARPM is actively working to promote these designations, believing they provide essential recognition for professional managers and set a benchmark for the industry.

Projecting the Path Forward: Strategic Planning and Personal Drive

As NARPM looks ahead to the second fiscal quarter of 2025, the association is firmly focused on executing its strategic plan. Every year, NARPM reviews its long-term strategy, with a complete rewrite every two years, to ensure it remains aligned with the evolving needs of its members and the industry. Sharone explains that the most recent plan was initiated at the start of her presidency in September. “We have a new plan,” she says, adding, “We’re just in the beginning phases of this plan.”

This two-year roadmap sets the stage for NARPM’s priorities, centering on enhancing member benefits, elevating the recognition of its professional designations, and expanding advocacy efforts. Committees have been established within each pillar of the plan to drive these initiatives forward. “They have two years, but we will gather together again in September,” Sharone says, indicating a structured yet flexible approach to the plan’s execution. This annual review process allows NARPM to assess progress, make necessary adjustments, and refine its focus for the remaining plan duration.

Beyond the organizational strategy, Sharone’s journey is one of growth and opportunity within the industry she now leads. “I was an employee once of a property management company. In fact, the one I own now,” she shares. Starting as an employee at the company she now owns, Sharone credits her predecessor, who is a Past President of NARPM, for believing in her and offering opportunities to develop her leadership and professional skills. This mentorship and subsequent growth have deeply influenced her passion for the field.

Sharone’s commitment is also a family affair, with her husband being her business partner and supplying immense support during her NARPM journey. This shared dedication has fueled her desire to give back to the community that shaped her career. “It is my passion and fuels everything about me,” she says, describing how her role allows her to support others on their journeys to becoming better property managers and leaders. For Sharone, leading NARPM is about more than just guiding an organization—it’s about empowering others to succeed in a profession that she has found immensely rewarding.

“It’s been a long-time dream of mine to serve as the national president,” she reflects, now living out that dream with a profound pride in NARPM’s members. Her drive to elevate the profession and shine a positive light on property management is evident in every aspect of her leadership. As NARPM moves forward with its strategic goals, it does so with a leader whose personal journey illustrates the power of opportunity, mentorship, and a vision for excellence in the industry.