Organization Analysis

865 East Background and History

865 East the Residences is a student-housing complex for James Madison

University students. 865 East is located just of a mile from James Madison University
and therefore offers students proximity to campus and the means to escape the stress
of student life. 865 East is managed by Hammond Asset and was opened in 2009. The
lease period for residents is 11.5 months. 865 East offers multiple amenities including:
Fully concrete and steel non-combustible building, closed- circuit video surveillance of
parking lot and all common areas, electronically controlled access to lobby and
residential corridors, courtesy officers duty during peak hours, residential staff on-call 24
hours, several restaurants conveniently located in the complex, game room, rooftop
terrace, 24 hour fitness center, computer room with free- printing, wireless internet
throughout the building, bicycle storage, contemporary- style furniture in all apartments,
full-size washer and dryer in each apartment and private bathroom in each bedroom.

Job Descriptions
Leasing Consultant:
Shows and lease apartments to prospective residents and supports property's
marketing plan. Responsibilities include courteous, efficient handling of resident
requests and complaints, being fully informed of current rental rates, sizes, locations
and all amenities of property, completion of lease form or agreement and collects rental
deposit, developing full knowledge of application information required, screening
processes and policies regarding rentals, responsible for proper maintenance of all
resident and property files, and responsible for residents packages.
Maintenance Supervisor:
Responsible for maintenance and repair work for the building, evaluating problematic
systems or facilities and determining what installation or repair services need to be
performed, requires light trouble shooting abilities for a variety of different types of
machinery and equipment like HVAC, electricity, plumbing and occasionally janitorial or
lawn maintenance.
Manager:
Collect rent or association fees, look after the building, arrange any needed repairs, look
after ground/ housekeeping, pay any municipal bills, answer complaints and concerns
from tenants, create budgets and make sure the building complies with all laws, and
supervise leasing consultants through the leasing process.

Organizational Structure

Dain Hammond:
Hammond Asset Management

865 East the Residences

Christopher Hodge: General

Manager

Maintenance
Supervisor: John
Keller

Leasing Consultants: Ali, Caroline,

Erin, and Hind

SWOT Analysis
Internal

Strengths
Good communication with
residents via e-mail
Maintenance
Location
Security

External Opportunities
Close to campus
Access to restaurants
underneath building

Positive

Weaknesses
Parking Locations
Tenant involvement with 865
Lease training
Security

Threats
Cheaper apartment buildings
Many apartment locations
nearby

Negative

SWOT Analysis Explanation

Strengths: The leasing consultants of 865 East successfully communicate with their
residents through e-mail. They reach out to residents to let them know if they have a
package and important announcements and notices about the building. Another
strength of the building, is the maintenance fixes problems in apartments in a timely
manner. The building of 865 East is very safe and secure. The building contractor that
made the building designed it as a place he would feel safe with his daughter living at
college in. On weekends there is a security guard and you need a key to get in every
door of the building including your own bedroom. Lastly, 865 East is located on the top
of Port Republic Road which is very convenient for students living off campus.
Weaknesses: One of the biggest complaints of residents is the parking available at
865. There are 6 different tiers in the parking lot that are assigned to residents. If your
parking spot is on the 5th or 6th tier it is quite a hike to get to the building from your
spot. However, if you renew your lease for another year you are guaranteed a parking
spot next to the building. Many tenants are not involved in the community of 865. When
865 holds certain events like tailgates and poker nights for residents, the attendance
rate is very low.
One of the biggest issues in the employment process of 865 East is lease
training. None of the current employees have been through the leasing season and
therefore are very uncomfortable with the leasing process. They are unsure of how to
complete lease signing, apartment switch agreements, subleases, etc. They did not
receive enough appropriate training for the leasing process. Lastly, the security of the
building poses a weakness because guests are not able to enter the building, get on the
elevator, etc. without a key. Consequently, every time a resident has a guest over they
have to go to the lobby to let them in. The front desk is not allowed to let guests in or
onto the elevator.
Opportunities: 865 East has a perfect location for students living off campus. It is
approximately 1.4 miles from campus and there is a bus stop right outside of the
building for students without transportation to class. On top of that, there are many
convenient restaurants underneath the building that are available to the public. Also,
residents are offered discounts at the restaurants if they show their key to their building.
Threats: 865 East Rental Fees per month are very expensive and range depending on
what kind of bedroom and floor youre on. Compared to other apartment complexes,
865s rates seem ridiculous for college living. In addition 865 just raised their prices for
their apartments for the 2016-2017 leasing year. Another external threat to 865 is that
there are multiple competitive apartment complex close by. Most of these apartment
complexes offer the same amenities as 865 except at cheaper prices. Therefore, 865
needs to find a certain thing that makes them stand out above all the other surrounding
housing options for students.