The post Resident Satisfaction Results for June 2023 appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
In June, we had 775 survey responses. Let's take a look at the results!
RESIDENT SATISFACTION RESULTS FOR June 2023
Overall Satisfaction: 3.56
Overall Satisfaction with Move-In: 3.80
Overall Satisfaction with Management: 3.75
Overall Satisfaction with Maintenance: 3.95
We'd also like to recognize our best-ranking apartment community offices in each of these categories for June.
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION
- 29 West Apartment Community in Fargo, ND scoring 4.70
- Sterling Pointe Apartment Community in Grand Forks, ND scoring 4.28
- Amberwood Court Apartment Community in Grand Forks, ND scoring 4.09
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH MOVE-IN
- Stonefield Apartment Community in Bismarck, ND, scoring 4.83
- Sierra Ridge Apartment Community in Bismarck, ND, scoring 4.50
- River North Apartment Community in Fargo, ND, scoring 4.33
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH MANAGEMENT
- 29 West Apartment Community in Fargo, ND scoring 4.67
- Parkview Estates Apartment Community in Coon Rapids, MN, scoring 4.67
- Parkwest Gardens Apartment Community in West Fargo, ND scoring 4.60
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH MAINTENANCE
- Sterling Pointe Apartment Community in Grand Forks, ND scoring 4.78
- 29 West Apartment Community in Fargo, ND scoring 4.71
- Deer Park Apartment Community in Hutchinson, MN, scoring 4.71
*Apartment Community Offices must receive at least 5 respondents for the month to qualify for the recognition lists.
Surveys are sent by our partners, Kingsley Associates, after move-in, at the completion of a maintenance request, and annually during the middle of a resident's lease. This month we'd like to congratulate Elizabeth D. of our North Sky 1 Apartment Community on being our lucky winner! If you currently live with us but are not receiving our surveys, please contact your community office with an updated email address – we'd love to hear from you too!
The post Resident Satisfaction Results for June 2023 appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post Thrive Drive Starts June 15 in the Grand Forks Region appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Goldmark is excited to kickoff the Grand Forks region's Thrive Drive campaign! The Thrive Drive is an opportunity for us and our residents to give back to our Grand Forks community partner, Circle of Friends Animal Shelter, by donating these critical need items, which can be dropped off at local Goldmark on-site rental offices:
We are proud to be partnered with these great organizations in the Grand Forks community:
The Thrive Drive, formerly known as the Goldmark Giving Tree, focuses on helping collect and provide critical need items for various non-profit organizations throughout the year in the communities we serve.
Are you interested in a career that gives you the opportunity to give back to your community? View our Career Opportunities!
The post Thrive Drive Starts June 15 in the Grand Forks Region appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post Resident Satisfaction Results for May 2023 appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
In May, we had 1039 survey responses. Let's take a look at the results!
RESIDENT SATISFACTION RESULTS FOR May 2023
Overall Satisfaction: 3.57
Overall Satisfaction with Move-In: 3.97
Overall Satisfaction with Management: 3.79
Overall Satisfaction with Maintenance: 3.97
We'd also like to recognize our best ranking apartment community offices in each of these categories for May.
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION
- Stonebridge Apartment Community in Fargo, ND scoring 4.28
- Covington Court Apartment Community in St. Paul, MN scoring 4.57
- Valley View Apartment Community in Golden Valley, MN scoring 4.50
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH MOVE-IN
- Rosedale Estates Apartment Community in Roseville, MN, scoring 4.67
- Highland Meadows Apartment Community in Bismarck, ND, scoring 4.56
- University Square Apartment Community in Fargo, ND, scoring 4.40
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH MANAGEMENT
- Covington Court Apartment Community in St. Paul, MN scoring 4.60
- Highland Meadows Apartment Community in Bismarck, ND, scoring 4.45
- Stonebridge Apartment Community in Fargo, ND scoring 4.38
BEST IN OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH MAINTENANCE
- Amberwood Court Apartment Community in Grand Forks, ND, scoring 4.88
- Valley View Apartment Community in Golden Valley, MN scoring 4.83
- Maple Ridge Apartment Community in Omaha, NE, scoring 4.83
*Apartment Community Offices must receive at least 5 respondents for the month to qualify for the recognition lists.
Surveys are sent by our partners, Kingsley Associates, after move-in, at the completion of a maintenance request, and annually during the middle of a resident's lease. This month we'd like to congratulate Shari S. of our Lake Crest Apartment Community on being our lucky winner! If you currently live with us, but are not receiving our surveys, please contact your community office with an updated email address – we'd love to hear from you too!
The post Resident Satisfaction Results for May 2023 appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post Prepare for Your Pet appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Preparing for a puppy or kitten is a must and caring for them is no walk in the park! Making sure you have the right items to get you through potty training, teething, and teaching them tricks is important. Check out the following items that are great to have before bringing a pet into your home.
- A crate or kennel – blanket or dog bed to go inside of it
- Food and water bowls
- Dog food – talk to your veterinarian about what food they think is best for your pup
- Small dog treats
- Collar and ID tag
- Harness and leash
- Toys – Chew toys, plush toys, and fetching/active toys
- Dog toothpaste
- Dog shampoo
- Brush or comb for grooming
- Cleaning supplies – urine stain remover, vacuum for shedding dogs
- Dog waste bags
- Potty training pads
- Food and water bowls
- Cat food – Talk to your veterinarian about what food they think is best for your kitten
- Treats
- Cat bed
- Carrier
- Litter box and litter
- Cat scratcher
- Toys – interactive toys and Catnip toys
- Cat tree or perch
- Collar and ID tag
- Cleaning supplies – urine cleaners, odor eliminators
Be sure to puppy/kitten proof your home! Keep your pet out of areas that might contain hazardous materials such as chemicals under the kitchen or bathroom sink, or things that could lead to an unsafe situation such as a stair case or wires behind the TV. Baby gates are great to use to block off areas that you don't want your pet to enter.
The post Prepare for Your Pet appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post How to Maintain the Drains in Your Apartment appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Do you hate the smell that your kitchen sink disposal has? Are you finding water sitting in your bathroom sink? Are you standing in a puddle in your bathtub? If the answer is yes to any of these, keep reading to fix it! If a drain gives off an unwanted odor, you may want to consider cleaning it and checking for clogs.
WHAT CAN'T BE PUT DOWN DRAINS?
BATHROOM: Hair, hygiene products, cotton swabs, floss, nail clippings, flushable wipes, kitty litter
KITCHEN/DISPOSAL: Grease, oil, butter, fat, pasta, stringy vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO CLEAR MY DRAIN BEFORE CONTACTING MAINTENANCE?
Yes! There are several homemade drain cleaners you can use to try and clear the blockage. Please only use the following cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes and cause immense damage to our plumbing systems.
BATHROOM: Vinegar
KITCHEN/DISPOSAL: Baking soda & vinegar, hot running water & Grease Lightning Dish Liquid, and vinegar & water ice cubes to grind in the disposal
DO NOT USE CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANERS. If the technician has to use a drain snake or remove a section of pipe to clear the clog, they are at risk of getting a chemical burn from these cleaners. Some cleaners can react with aluminum and give off an unhealthy gas, others can solidify inside the pipes and cannot be removed. If mixed with other household cleaners, the combined liquid can burst the drain and damage your pipes.
HOW DO I PREVENT FUTURE DRAIN CLOGS?
1. NEVER pour grease down your drain.
Grease is the number one cause of clogged drains. Even when the grease is in liquid form, it will eventually harden over time and will clog your drain and can cause sewer clogs too. Be sure to wipe down the greasy dishes with a paper towel before rinsing them with hot soapy water.
2. Use drain screens
These allow water to pass but blocks out hair, food, and other larger particles. These are ideal for kitchen sinks and bathtubs.
3. Run a handful of baking soda and hot water through your drains
This helps the oils in food keep running down the drain rather than building up. This mixture also prevents odors from developing.
4. Only two things should go town the toilet
Human waste and toilet paper.
5. Perform regular maintenance on drains and stoppers
Pouring a few pots of boiling water down your sink once a week and cleaning your stoppers can help maintain the flow of your drains.
WHAT DOES THE DRAIN CLEANING PROCESS LOOK LIKE FOR A MAINTENANCE TECH?
When drains are clogged, Maintenance Techs take out the pipes or send a "drain snake" down to clear the blockage. It can take multiple attempts to clean whatever is creating a clog.
Drain cleanings are done by our Maintenance Team. If water starts draining slowly, let us know. Do not wait until water is overflowing to request maintenance. Overflowing water can lead to mold, damage, and flooding.
The post How to Maintain the Drains in Your Apartment appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post How to Keep Your Apartment Warm and Costs Low During the Winter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
It’s no secret that our Midwest winters can get brutally cold. With that comes a decrease in your apartment’s room temperature and an increase in your utility bill. We’ve put together a few steps you could take to keep your home feeling warm and cozy this season.
- Let the sunshine in
Although the sun may seem like it’s not doing much when the temperature falls below zero, it can actually help heat your space. Let natural light come into your home through the windows during the day and then pull down the shades at night to preserve the warmth.
- Cover your air conditioning unit
Wall mounted air conditioning units can sometimes let out your heat. The easiest way to keep your unit from doing this is to place the air conditioning cover on it inside your apartment during the colder months.
- Increase the humidity
Humidity can make your apartment feel warmer and can keep the air from becoming too dry. You can increase your space’s humidity by purchasing a humidifier, leaving the bathroom door open while you shower, or placing containers of water on elevated surfaces.
- Bundle up
One of the simplest ways to stay warm during the winter is to throw on your warmest sweater, some fuzzy socks, and cuddle up with your favorite blanket. Dressing warm is obvious when leaving your house, but why not give it a try indoors.
- Keep furniture 6 inches away from heaters
Make sure all furniture is at least 6 inches away from heaters to allow the heat to properly fill your rooms. Furniture can often block the heat from travelling away from heaters and prevent them from thoroughly heating. If your heater is not working at all or unable to maintain temperatures near 70 degrees, call your office to request maintenance.
Do you have any tips on keeping your apartment warm during the winter? Share them with us by tagging @GoldmarkPropertyManagement on Facebook!
The post How to Keep Your Apartment Warm and Costs Low During the Winter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post How to Clean Your A/C Filter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
It’s finally summertime, and that means warmer weather! There’s not much that can ruin a beautiful summer day when you get to spend time outside, go to the pool, or enjoy barbecues, except walking into your apartment to find your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly. When you can’t cool off, it can ruin even the best of days.
There might be an easy fix when your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be cooling your apartment. One of the first troubleshooting steps is to make sure the A/C filter is clean. If the filter has become clogged with dust, it does not allow sufficient air flow through your machine.
Most air conditioners have a removable filter with a screen similar to a dryer vent. (If you have a foam filter which is clogged, you may need to call your office for a replacement filter.)
Follow these quick and easy steps to get your air conditioner running efficiently and properly:
1. Turn off your ac unit, and remove the filter.
2. Rinse with water. You can use a sponge or a toothbrush to gently clean the dust and dirt buildup.
3. Let filter air dry. Don’t use your air conditioner while the filter is out or when it is wet.
4. Insert filter, and turn on!
It’s that easy!
There are a few other things you should know to maximize the use of your air conditioner. For more information and helpful tips, read “7 Easy Tips to Maximize Your AC This Summer”.
If this initial troubleshooting step does not resolve your issue, contact your community office to request maintenance service.
The post How to Clean Your A/C Filter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post Ask an Expert: How to Potty Train Your Dog appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Potty training a dog of any age can be overwhelming, frustrating, and emotional for both you AND your pup. When you add living in an apartment as a factor, potty training can be downright stressful. We talked to Kish from Down Dog Studios, a dog training center in Fargo that focuses on positive reinforcement to help dogs and dog owners live a happier life together.
We asked Kish a few questions about potty training and some tips and tricks she’s learned (and taught) over the years.
WHY DO DOGS HAVE ACCIDENTS?
A new puppy or dog doesn’t inherently know where it is expected to potty. It is up to the humans to monitor the pup or new dog at all times and take the pup out to the designated potty spot on a frequent and predictable schedule.
Even dogs you’ve had in your family for awhile can become confused when you move to a new home or apartment. A little retraining might be necessary to let your pup know when and where they need to go.
WHERE TO START WITH POTTY TRAINING?
Step one is prevention of the potty accident. This means keep your doggo in a confined, yet comfortable area or kennel when you can not fully supervise the dog. Even if it is just for a minute.
At first, this requires a lot of time and patience, but it will all pay off! The more consistent and predictable you are, the faster and easier potty training will go!
Keeping the pup on a consistent feeding, potty, and exercise schedule will help you predict when the dog has to go to the bathroom, and help the puppy get used to when and where it is supposed to potty.
WHEN AND HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO TAKE MY DOG OUTSIDE?
A pup can hold their bladder/bowels for one hour per month of life, plus one. For example, a two month old dog can “hold it” for at most 2-3 hours. However, if a dog is very active, they will need to go potty sooner. An active body means an active bladder.
Young pups often don’t know their bladder is full until it is too late. So happily interrupt a play session and get your pup outside for a potty break instead of waiting and wondering if they need to go. When they wake up from a nap, even if it was a short nap, quickly take them outside for a potty break.
If you notice any body language indicating your pup is looking for a place to potty (sniffing the ground, circling, leaving the room), praise them for these indications as you quickly encourage them outside.
If your dog routinely comes inside after going to the bathroom and has an accident a few minutes later, do not take them off leash or let them out of your sight after you come inside. Take them back out a few minutes later and offer another potty break.
HOW LONG DOES POTTY TRAINING NORMALLY TAKE?
Puppies are not normally 100% potty trained before 6-8 months of age. Each week, you should see progress, but expect some potty accidents.
Potty training regression happens when the humans become more relaxed with monitoring of the pup’s feeding and potty schedule. If potty training takes a step backward, don’t panic! Go back to the basics of strict monitoring and frequent and regular potty breaks.
If there is still no improvement consult with a Veterinarian to rule out medical concerns that may be causing issues.
Also consider when the accidents are happening. Stress, fear and over excitement can cause pups to have accidents.
DO YOU AND HOW DO YOU DISCIPLINE A DOG THAT HAS POTTIED INSIDE?
Punishing a dog for having an accident inside does not help the pup understand where and when it is supposed to go. In fact, this can hurt your potty training progress and relationship with your dog. It most likely will make the dog fearful of the person reprimanding them. This can cause the dog to be scared of going to the bathroom in front of the human, no matter where they are.
Punishment does not help teach the pup what the SHOULD be doing. We want our pups to trust us so they feel comfortable communicating with us. If a dog is scolded for a potty accident the dog may try to hide the next time it has to relieve themselves, instead of trying to tell you that it has to go potty.
It’s always best monitor the pup and happily cue them outside of you see any signs that they need to potty. If a pup starts to potty in front of you, simply make an upbeat, interrupting sound, “oopsie”, as you direct the pup outside.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PRAISE A DOG THAT POTTIES OUTSIDE?
Take your pup outside and monitor them so you can see if they potty or not.
Be “boring” and limit the amount you are talking to them so you don’t distract them.
Once they start to potty, remain quiet and calm until they are completely done, and then immediately praise them and offer them a treat.
Praise and treat timing is important. Praise as soon as the pup has done their business. If they like to romp outside, give them some time to play after they potty. Some people quickly direct the dog inside but this can be a punishment for some pups who want more time outside. Dogs then might start to hold their potty longer because they know when they potty they have to go right inside. For those pups celebrate a few more minutes outside and then happily call them in.
WHAT BOOKS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Puppy Primer by Patricia B. McConnell
How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin
DOG TRAINING AND CLASSES
If you have other behaviors you want to focus on, or need help correcting, Down Dog Studios offers individual and group classes on topics ranging from leash training, public setting behavior, and basic manners. You can visit them online at www.fmdowndog.com, or call 701-367-8217
The post Ask an Expert: How to Potty Train Your Dog appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>