Century Sales & Management, LLC was formed in 1980 by John Watson & Paul Kardell. Paul Kardell had started Century Realty in 1974 after several years of selling real estate part time for another Lincoln real estate company. John Watson began selling real estate part time in 1972 while in law school. In 1974 after graduation, he worked full time as general manager of a local real estate firm and was involved with property management, apartment acquisition, and new construction.

Century Sales & Management, LLC began operations with a few rental properties under management. Additional properties were gradually added and in a couple of years, a part time manager was added to the staff. A part time bookkeeper was also employed. Soon, both positions became full time, along with a full time maintenance position.

In 1983, the Company decided to computerize all management reports and carefully investigated a number of property management programs. This proved to be a wise choice as all records are computerized today including checks, reports, late rent notices, commercial rental invoices and pass-throughs, as well as word processing needs and computerized access for on-line credit reports.

In the years that followed, the property management business continued to grow. The company continued to take on more properties including larger apartment complexes, various commercial buildings, a storage facility, and a retirement community association in Lincoln. In 1998, John Watson decided to add a commercial sales and leasing division to Century Sales & Management, LLC. 

Today more than 20 people work full time for the Company. In addition, we have part-time help year round and hire additional staff during the busy summer months. Currently, the Company manages over 1,500 apartment units around Lincoln.

Working exclusively in Lincoln, Century Sales & Management, LLC has a thorough understanding of the Lincoln market. The Company’s command of the market provides helpful expertise to both owners and sellers of multi-family properties. Each year, Century Sales & Management, LLC consistently maintains an occupancy rate higher than the city average. The Company strives to keep units occupied at current market rents, while keeping vacancy and collection losses to a minimum.
It is our mission to provide the best and most innovative property management services in the most efficient and effective manner possible. We accomplish this by seeking owners committed to a strong management and maintenance philosophy for their properties. The final element of our mission is to attract and select residential and commercial tenants who share a commitment of pride and appreciation for quality buildings and services.

Management

Our property managers supervise all aspects of managing your property. They oversee various tenant situations and the upkeep of buildings. Our managers have excellent working relationships with various vendors. Twice a year Century Sales and Management, LLC will conduct a thorough maintenance inspection to ensure your property stays well maintained, up-to-date, and attracts and retains quality residents. Rents will be projected annually and adjusted at turnover or during strong market conditions. In addition, a manager is on call 24 hours a day to ensure problems are handled immediately.

Special Features:
• Knowledgeable and experienced staff
• Determine and implement market rents
• Coordinate and promote rentals
• Improve collections
• Hands-on management

Leasing

Our leasing staff consists of professionally trained leasing agents, with additional agents added during the summer months to handle increased rental activity. If necessary, our property managers serve as backup agents to keep up with rental demand during busy times. Applicants are screened using credit reports and reference checking. Our centralized approval process provides for better uniformity in screening applicants and reduces the risk of discrimination complaints.

Special Features:
• Avoid unnecessary vacancy loss
• Increased cash flow
• Centralized approval process to ensure fair housing compliance
• Thorough tenant screening

Accounting

Reports on income, expenses, and a balance sheet are generated monthly and provided to each property manager. We have a variety of other reports that can be printed to meet the needs of your accountants or lender. Bills and mortgages are paid monthly after the owner or property manager has approved them. If you have certain expenses that you have paid, we can journal in the expense to provide a complete set of annual reports for tax purposes. Century Sales and Management, LLC uses, Yardi Voyager, an internet based accounting and database software program. Tenant and owner information is entered as well as receipts and expenses. Our network allows the management staff to have immediate access to data on tenants and property performance.

Special Features:
• Full service computerized bookkeeping
• Monthly Reporting provided at end of current month
• At years end, complete accounting records for tax purposes
• Friendly staff to answer your questions

Maintenance

Full time professional maintenance technicians handle most routine repairs and maintenance. We handle regular maintenance tasks 8-5 Monday through Saturday, and take care of emergencies 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to ensure quality service to our residents and clients. Our maintenance fees do not carry a trip charge or a minimum. Service rates depend on the skill level of the job.
Century Sales and Management, LLC also provides preventative maintenance such as servicing furnaces and air-conditioners on a regular basis to prolong the life of the equipment. Lawn and snow service are hired from outside vendors. We get competitive prices for our owners due to the quantity of living units maintained by our company.

Special Features:
• 24 hour service, 7 days a week
• Certified locksmith
• Certified air-conditioning technician
• No service or trip charges
• Knowledgeable personnel
• Specialized skills
• No overtime charges

Commercial Sales & Leasing

John Watson heads up the commercial sales and leasing department of the company. His 30 years of experience in Lincoln’s real estate market are an invaluable asset to the sales team. The sales staff markets properties using MLS, Loopnet, the Century Sales & Management, LLC website, and direct mails. To help understand more complicated investment opportunities, the Century Sales & Management, LLC sales team has been trained to utilize PLANease Software a thorough investment analysis software. Being connected with property management, the sales team specializes in the selling of multifamily properties.

Special Features:
• Experienced, Knowledgeable Staff
• Strategic Marketing
• A command of Lincoln’s Multi-family market