What are the best condo managers really like (hint: They’re World-Class)?

I need to know because I only want World-Class Condo Managers (WCCM) to manage my condo.  After working with many managers over the past ten years, I know first-hand that WCMs make my job as a condo board director much more straightforward.

What makes the best condo manager so amazing? I find it comes down to a variety of core skills that they need to do the job well. Here are nine:

• The best condo managers are People Persons
• They Understand Construction (and Know When to Call the Experts)
• They’re Expert Communicators  (Who Also Follow-Up)
• Lifelong Learners Keep the Best Managers Sharp
• Being Super Organizers is Just What They Do
• They Can Be Both Negotiator and Mediator
• Education Happens Every Day (Whether It’s Their Job or Not) Day
• Financial Know-How Keeps Condo Budgets in Check
• They Embrace Technology—and Actually Enjoy It

1. The Best Condo Managers Are People Persons

Condo living is all about people. WCCMs genuinely enjoy working with owners, directors, contractors, auditors, and lawyers—and they adjust their approach depending on who they’re speaking to.

Owners know their concerns will be handled quickly. Directors trust them to maintain confidentiality. And external professionals appreciate their professionalism and clarity. In short: they get people.

2. They Understand Construction (and Know When to Call the Experts)

Construction is part of condo life—repairs, upgrades, inspections, you name it. The best condo managers have a strong working knowledge of the building systems that make up their properties.

They don’t claim to know everything, but they understand enough to ask the right questions, spot problems early, and bring in specialists when needed.

3. They’re Expert Communicators (Who Also Follow Up)

Condo Managers deal with an overwhelming number of emails, calls, and messages every day. The best ones know how to keep their communication short, clear, and on point—and they don’t let things fall through the cracks.

Being a great communicator also means knowing when and how to follow up—and how to say no with professionalism.

4. Lifelong Learning Keeps the Best Managers Sharp

The world of condos never stands still. Legislation changes. New building technologies emerge. Digital tools evolve.

World-class condo managers embrace continuous learning. They stay curious, keep up with trends, and actively seek out training that helps them serve their communities better.

5. Being Super Organized Is Just What They Do

Top-tier condo managers are masters of prioritization. Not everything is urgent, even if everyone thinks it is.

If the board hasn’t yet defined priorities, a great manager helps establish them. Then they work to meet expectations—and explain when (and why) something might slip. No drama. Just transparency.

6. They Can Be Both Negotiator and Mediator

Conflict happens—between owners, directors, contractors, and sometimes all of the above.

The best condo managers are skilled at navigating tension. One minute, they’re helping two neighbours find common ground; the next, they’re helping the board reach consensus during a tough meeting.

They manage egos, listen actively, and defuse conflict without making it personal.

7. Education Happens Every Day (Whether It’s Their Job or Not)

Let’s face it—not everyone in a condo community understands how condos work. And while it’s not technically in a manager’s job description to educate owners or directors, it’s often the fastest way to solve problems.

The best managers share knowledge freely, helping build a more informed and cooperative community.

8. Financial Know-How Keeps Condo Budgets in Check

A great condo manager can read and interpret financial statements, prepare budgets, and answer tough questions from the board. They come to meetings ready to explain variances, flag issues, and recommend solutions.

When they don’t know the answer, they get it—from the accountant, auditor, or finance team. Quickly.

9. They Embrace Technology—and Actually Enjoy It

Technology is changing how condos are managed. From cloud-based software to maintenance tracking apps, the best condo managers use modern tools to work smarter and save time.

They don’t resist change—they lean into it, always looking for new ways to improve operations and service delivery.

What It Takes to Be a Great Condo Manager

It’s not easy to be one of the best condo managers—but when you find a WCCM, you know it.

So, I’m curious:

What skills would you add to this list of top qualities?

Drop a comment or send me a message. I’d love to hear what you’ve seen in action.