Who uses a utility concierge and for what purpose? A homeowner, common businesses and real estate companies that manage multiple homes, basically everybody at some point. 

Why? Because it’s easier, safer, and it’s cost effective mainly for real estate investors, and property managers.

A utility concierge will meet with you to discuss the services you need, and help you find the best provider for you. A utility concierge can help you connect water, electricity, cable, or any other utility. However, most of them only provide water and electricity options.

Connecting utilities through a third party avoids the company spending time and money in the shape of manpower hours, delays and overpayment because of a bad rate. Those numbers become even more important when we’re talking about a property portfolio of more than 100 properties. 

 

utility management for real estate companies

Then, what is it not a utility concierge?

It’s not a company that focuses on bringing the client savings in time and money to help them reduce costs in the ROI. 

It’s not a company that streamlines a part of operations for real estate investors and property management companies.

It’s not a company that goes beyond connecting utilities, to also provide the option to track and analyze utility expenses and make utility bill payments for the recently connected utilities. 

 

So is Utility Junction a utility concierge company? We go far and beyond that for our clients. Your company can rely on us for all utility management services.

 

Did you know that real estate investors and property managers can save thousands of dollars in time and money by outsourcing their utility management to a third party?

 

If not, we’re here to tell you: It’s true!

 

When the company starts to scale is when issues start to arise, because as the property volume increases, you need to track more details about the bills and properties, more spreadsheets are created and more connections and disconnections are requested in a not so friendly and tedious process that involves dealing for long hours with utility providers. Furthermore, some billing is received via paper bills and others via e-bills or paperless bills, which makes it harder to have full control of the due dates, amounts to pay, and bills to pay.

 

We bring Real estate investors and property management companies savings in time and money like no other company can do.

 

If you are interested in learning more about our services, visit our website or get in touch with us. We can help you save time and money with our utility consultancy services. 

Need utility management services for multiple properties? Schedule a demo with us to receive a custom quote that fits your service requirements.

Utility Management has long been a necessity for businesses and even households. Today, the digitalization of Utility Management has taken the world by storm. Not only businesses and households are relying on it – but individuals are too. 

Are you tracking your utility bills with spreadsheets? It’s an easy solution that works fine for a small number of items, but practicality and efficiency start to fall apart as the number of utilities you have grows.

The use of spreadsheets to track utility and other utility bills can become a real nightmare. Oftentimes, data gets lost or misplaced between numerous tabs, and there’s no easy way to export the data into useful formats. With online platforms available to help you do just that.

We have been able to recollect some examples of situations that real estate companies face based on interactions we’ve had with our clients & working with them closely.

Cases in which spreadsheets were ineffective:

Have you ever experienced a situation whereby a member of your operations team was trying to figure out why a utility at home was disconnected? As it turns out, the payment slipped through the cracks and was missed. A past due balance led to service being disconnected. 

Imagine another scenario, where you need to set up services for a property with the service provider.  Almost 45 minutes later, you are told the service set-up cannot be completed as there are past due balances that need to be paid. Spreadsheets as a means of tracking your utility and other costs is not the right approach.

Some disadvantages spreadsheets may have for a growing real estate business:

  • A decentralized utility bill pay process causes confusion in managing hundreds of utility accounts. Leaving you with questions like: Were the bills paid?
  • The billing data is entered into the spreadsheet and then re-entered into the company’s A/P system so that payment can be made. Consequently, each utility bill is handled twice (sometimes even three times). It is a time-consuming and error-prone process.
  • The spreadsheet-based method does not allow easy comparisons between bills to determine if the company has been overcharged or to identify meter or billing issues.

The solution that has been proven to help real estate company streamline their process is centralized utility bill data.

Utility Junction is a solution that can help any business in the field of real estate to simplify utility & bill management processes. This platform can reduce the amount of time & money spent on administrative tasks and provide an infrastructure for analyzing financial data for both individual property and multi-property organizations.

Get a quick overview of all your portfolio’s utility accounts, keep track of payments and expenses, transfer services painlessly and remotely, get bill due date reminders, and more.

Utility Junction’s platform is the only solution you’ll ever need to manage your utility needs end to end.  So, let’s connect for a discovery call & we can discuss the challenges you are facing in your operations. Know exactly what you need, contact us here or send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com

Ever wonder if there’s a better way to keep track of your utility bills?

Spreadsheets aren’t the most efficient method for managing multiple bill due dates and amounts, and it can be hard to pay bills on time with so many other things going on. That’s where Utility Junction comes in. Our complete Utility Bill Management solution allows you to track all your basic utilities in one place – electricity, water, gas, sewage, and trash, etc – so you can stay organized. And with our Analytics Dashboard, you get access to all the features you need to:

Track bills and make sure they’re paid on time.

utility bill management, bills, electricity, water, gas, utilities, utility provider

What features will help you accomplish efficiency?

  • Bill addition reminders.
  • Bill due date reminders.
  • Pending bills summary notification at the end of the month, and at the beginning of the following month.
  • Pay my bills section
  • My properties section
  • And more

Utility Junction has helped customers like you:

  • Track their utilities in one place
  • Pay their utilities on time
  • Get organized 
  • Analyze their utility expenses
  • Make sure the process of transferring their utilities is taken off their plate

So what happens when there is a change? 

For example, when you move into a new house or apartment, you have to transfer your utilities to your name. Not a big deal, right? But it is for most people! Finding out if these services are available and how much they cost can be a hassle.

If your company deals with connecting and disconnecting utilities because you are a property manager, an iBuyer or a property investment company, you know the struggle firsthand. But you still do it because customer experience defines your success, right? And it does, but this doesn’t have to give you a hard time either.
Utility Junction makes sure that the hassle of transferring the utility services is taken off your to-do list. We manage it efficiently and smoothly for you.


We are passionate about helping companies like yours save time and money through efficient utility management.
Let’s connect for a discovery call & we can discuss the challenges you are facing in your operations.
Contact us here or send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com

By Katie Conroy of advicemine.com.

When the temperature drops, the electricity bill often rises accordingly. Those chilly winter months can make it a real challenge when it comes to staying warm in your house, and most years, the energy bill reflects all that extra effort you have to put into keeping yourself and your family comfortable. At a certain point, however, it might be smart to start looking into ways you can lessen the amount of energy your home consumes so that you can save money on those bills each month.

You might even be surprised at some of the simple ways that you can easily shave dollars and cents off your energy bill. There are tons of strategies that can help you save money, from improving certain parts of your home to swapping out your old thermostat and/or furnace for ones that might be a bit more modern and energy-efficient.

Courtesy of Utility Junction, check out a few top strategies for saving money on your energy bill this coming winter…and perhaps even for years to come!

budget, savings, home, energy, utility management, real estate, realtor, home buyer, property investment

Consider Getting a New Furnace

Many homeowners might not realize that their outmoded appliances can seriously run up those energy bills. Getting yourself a new furnace — something of a major project — can be a seriously effective way of reducing your energy consumption and the bills that reflect it, especially in the long run.

A new furnace, in many instances, can cost you quite a bit of money depending on which type of unit you select. There are also labor costs to consider, of course; sometimes, this can account for a substantial amount of the total budget. You’ll want to look online to find the best contractor in your area who can get the job done. Someone who specializes in HVAC systems is probably going to get you the best results for a new furnace installation.

Something else to remember: certain home improvements, like investing in a new furnace, can also increase your home’s appraisal value. Just make sure you’re keeping and carefully organizing all those receipts!

 

Give Your Home a Spot Check

One of the things that can seriously impact your energy bill is the presence of things like cracks (especially in windows, though you’ll need to hire someone to replace window glass for you), intrusions, or gaps in places that should normally be sealed in your home. During the warmer months, these things might be easy to ignore, but they can contribute to a pretty expensive problem when it starts to get cold out. If you need home window repair, costs average $290 per window depending on the repair and window type. When working with window repair contractors, insist that they’re licensed and insured.

Another great way to lower the utility bills in your home is by finding small ways to reduce your overall energy consumption. Replacing standard light bulbs with LEDs, for example, is one great way to lower your bills.

 

Look into a Thermostat Upgrade

There are many smart thermostat options available now, and this type of upgrade is a great way to save money on utilities. A smart thermostat monitors your patterns throughout the day to learn the best times to increase and reduce temperature, thus ensuring your comfort at the ideal time as well as energy efficiency. Best of all, you can remotely control these thermostats from your smartphone or even via your home’s voice assistant.

There are plenty of ways to reduce your energy consumption and the bills that come along with it, especially as the weather starts to get colder. While this is normally a time of year that incurs extra costs, these strategies will help you save money and enjoy a comfortable living space at the same time, most likely for years to come.

The mission of Utility Junction is to simplify every aspect of your utilities from the moment you get in touch. With us by your side, it is that simple. Call 888-782-7885.

utility management

Need help with utility management? Send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com or reach out to us on any of our social media handles.

By Katie Conroy of advicemine.com.

 

In 2019, it was revealed that real estate had emerged as America’s favorite type of investment. With millions flocking to brick and mortar as a means to grow wealth, you’ll need to research thoroughly and act quickly if you want a high-potential property of your own.

Finding a Property

Unlike buying a property for occupancy, your reasons for buying an investment property are more likely to come down to monetary factors such as appreciation, rentability, or re-sellability. It’s important when looking at a location, to pay extra attention to its commercial appeal and demography – if you’re looking to rent the place out, you’ll want to find somewhere populous, with a good class of tenant, for example. Generally speaking, a property that can produce monthly rent equivalent to 2% of the purchase price is likely to produce a positive cash flow for the investor. 

You’re buying a property to make money but, if done properly, the process should also involve spending some (on top of the purchase itself). Appraisers can help you to identify the objective value of a property and bypass much of the misleading information surrounding real estate, a buyer’s agent (realtor) will act as a source of knowledge, providing suggestions & narrowing down your options and it’s often worth enlisting the help of a home inspector to check structural integrity, plumbing and electricity before you proceed onto the buying stage.

utility management, real estate, realtor, home buyer, property investment

Purchasing

When buying an investment property, it’s important to consider the added costs of property management before you enter into the buying process. Try to consider any added fees that might be spent on landscaping expenses, homeowner association fees, 3rd party property managers, or general maintenance.

If you’re held back by costs, you’ll find plenty of help from loan providers – private lenders often provide more flexible terms than conventional mortgage lenders when it comes to investment properties. Be aware, in comparison to loans for a personal residence, you are likely to pay a larger down payment with percentages around the 20-35% mark. An SBA 504 loan, for example, is perfect for commercial property purchases – with lower interest rates and up to 25 years in repayment terms.

Managing

You’ve found and bought a high-prospect investment property, congratulations! Now’s when the hard work starts. More often than not, an investment property will require renovation to increase its value, this is especially the point of a fixer-upper. If you’re in an area with high competition for renters, it could be worth considering some changes to improve the curb appeal – a new fence for the yard, for example, costs $4,500 on average (depending on materials, size of the fence, and place of installation). Be sure to use a platform like Angi to search for an ‘affordable fence company near me’ to receive a quote, then read online reviews and check for licenses before hiring any contractors.

If you’re taking in new tenants, it’s vital that you read up on your responsibilities as a landlord. Your property is much like a business and will require a few hours per week (minimum) for administration, comms, and maintenance. Unless you want to fork out for a property manager, you should be ready to spend money on repairs, replacements, and time on screening/maintaining tenants.

Properties often prove to be truly lucrative investments but, if you want to earn from them, you should expect to put in some hard work, or pay for the work of others. There’s plenty of competition on the market and landlords who have invested time (as well as money) are the most likely to profit.

Utility Junction is a utility management service on a mission to build utility connections, help you track utility expenses and expense analysis. Learn more about our unique services, at: www.utilityjunction.com

Image by Pexels

utility management

Need help with utility management? Send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com or reach out to us on any of our social media handles.

Every time we get feedback from our users on Utility Junction, how it has made a meaningful difference, we are convinced we did the right thing. So this time, we decided to step out of our comfort zone and get no holds barred feedback from one of our users. We had fun reading this feedback received from Sonal Rajmohan – An investment banker, committed daughter supporting her mother and not to forget – one of our earliest adopters and were equally amazed. Have fun reading!!

Guess what? I was shocked. 

I had just found out about the Utility Junction platform. And just like any other platform would do next, I was expecting to be led to their homepage.

What came next, was nothing I could have ever imagined.

In clear words, I was told ” You need to register first for a plan, please feel free to choose one at the Pricing Table”

Being the first time seeing this, I was a bit perplexed and at the same time, curious. 

The first question that came to mind was; What was so special about their services that I had to go through a pricing table first?

And more importantly, what made them unique? What made them so different from every similar brand out there?

I decided to find out what was so special about them.

And my journey began!

utility management

At the Pricing Table:

The first thing I was offered was;

  •  Peace of mind

 It was as if they knew what I was looking for, and they went for it.

  • And then, I saw the free plan. It seemed so perfect! 

Here I was, still skeptical, but I was being offered a “Try Me” Plan? Who was I to refuse?

I clicked on it and I was led to a signup page. Within a minute, I had filled in the necessary information.

While waiting for my account to be activated, I figured, why not browse around. You know, look closely into what I would be investing into.

And so I went back to the pricing table.

That was when things began to take a turn.

I paid closer attention to the other plans and their offerings were fantastic. In all, they had included everything I needed at that moment. The only thing left was to schedule a meeting, make the proper arrangements, and close the deal.

Next, I checked The Story Page

And one thing resounded with me. 

  • They recognized a problem that was peculiar to mine. And they fully understood that Property Management was more than just rent and repairs.  

I had struggled with these issues for a while, and to finally discover a brand that understood my needs, it seemed too good to be true.

Still elated and doubtful at the same time, I kept on reading

They offered all these solutions under one roof. It was like a dream come true.

I could see my utilities being efficiently managed, thereby giving me more time to focus on other parts of my business that mattered.

Still in the process, I moved on to The Solutions Page

Trust me; It was an Icing on the cake. 

They offered customizable solutions to handle whatever utility management issues I had. 

They had the experience, the tools, and most importantly, offered me round-the-clock support. 

At this point, the only question left was; When can we start?

If you are looking for Reasons To join Utility Junction; some are listed below.

To make sure you do not miss them, I will list them below.

  • Clients are their priority. And that is why they have a 24/7 support system to take care of your needs.
  • On-time service delivery. That is the goal.
  • They offer customizable solutions specifically tailored to manage your utility problems. You have a need; they provide the answer.

Need some more? How about finding out for yourself? Trust me; it is going to be worth your time.

So, what do you think? Tell us by commenting on this blog.

Need help? Send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com or reach out to us on any of our social media handles.

There was a time everyone had to sit down and by themselves, calculate their cash flow – inflow and outflow from their operations. This practice is still very much ongoing. However,  amidst this, there has sprung up a much better way to calculate costs and manage daily utilities.

In a time where technology is constantly evolving, people have begun to make the transition. A transition from the old-school approach to a more organized and automated system of managing utilities. 

It is no longer about the “How”. But more about “Who”. Utility Management. Companies have continued to spring up and people no longer ask the question of “What do we use to solve our problem?” Instead, the question now is, “Who is the best fit to provide the professional services and support needed to help solve our problems?”

In this article, you’ll get step-by-step guidance on how to transition, adapt to this new normal. We’ll also look at proven strategies to curb usage, cut costs, and become more efficient.

Utility management helps you take control of your finances by saving time, money and energy. As a business owner; most especially property owners, it is crucial that you take steps towards reducing your utility management expenses as fast as possible.

To achieve this, the following strategies lead the way – 

 
  • Stay focused on what you do best.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a big company or a startup. Knowing what you want in your business can make it easier to manage the resources you have. And also get the most out of them. If you’re not careful about expenses, they can get out of hand. In fact, the rising cost of inflation can end up hurting your bottom line as well. That is why, instead of trying to manage the utilities by yourself, take the logical step. Go with the utility management company.

  • Research and seek advice where necessary

Utility management companies have extensive knowledge and technical experience in – 

  1. handling issues related to utilities.
  2. Handling issues related to utility costs and other bills. 

Thus seeking advice from such a company on utility matters can help you –  

  1. discover the best approach to managing your utilities.
  2. Monitoring your expenses is easier for you. 

By doing so, you will be reducing costs and saving time as well.

  • Track and manage your spending and find efficient ways for you to spend your money as a business owner. 

You cannot afford to spend lavishly without a budget in place to manage your resources. It is thus advisable that you enlist the help of a utility management company – 

  1. Who can study your business 
  2. Come up with innovative solutions tailored to your particular needs

Utility Management has indeed become the new normal of today. So instead of making use of the old-school method of managing your utilities by yourself, why not consider hiring a utility management company?

With the market packed with a wide array of utility management companies, pick the one who can partner with you. This allows you to focus on the aspects that matter the most. They’ll take on the hard part of managing your utilities. 

We are passionate about helping companies like yours save time and money through efficient utility management.

Let’s connect for a discovery call & we can discuss the challenges you are facing in your operations. 

Contact us here or send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com

When it comes to your utility bills, especially electricity, what are some of the thoughts that you or I or we usually go through – 

  1. Why am I paying so much for electricity?
  2. Why is my electric bill so high?
  3. What can I do to lower it?
  4. Is there a better rate available for my gas connection?
  5. How do I lower my water bill?

These are the thoughts that a regular homemaker goes through and even a utility manager at a real estate company. 

If you are managing “a” home, then you would go about the usual steps –

– turn off the lights when not in use.

– manage the cooling using smart thermostats.

– go on google and look for ways to reduce water & gas usage…

And more, and more, and more.

Still, you will find out that those actions are not enough…

When it comes to a utility manager at a large real estate company, the challenges are different. It’s a portfolio of properties that are being managed with little control over how the utilities are being used. Here, it boils down to – 

– Are we with a service provider that is giving us the best rates?

– Are there leaks at the property?

– Are we managing the utilities in the most judicious manner?

We understand both these perspectives and hence decided to do something about it. How? Well, giving you a few tips and tricks and also telling how we can help you.

So let’s take a look – 

 

Tips on how to lower your utility rate

 

  1. Do your research 

When it comes to utilities, you should do the same research that you do for cars, clothes, and loans. You may ask why? Well because, unlike clothes where you have an option to return them, you don’t have the same choice with your utilities.

We recommend checking for electricity service providers who provide services in your neighborhood. Compare the rates across service providers and check which suits your needs the most. It is okay if your service provider is different from your neighbor or Mrs. Larson who stays 2 houses away as long as you are paying less without compromising the quality of services. 

Pro Tip – All of this sounds like a hassle. Well, then look no further. Utility Junction is your partner in this journey. Contact us and we will guide you through the entire process. 

  1. Be open to seeking help 

One aspect that always stops us from seeking help is the “I got this” syndrome. One always has the feeling that he/she can manage the situation without any help. That holds true when it comes to financial decisions.

This is where everything starts going downhill. When it comes to saving money, it does not matter how much, if you are not sure what needs to be done – ask. If you think you know what needs to be done, validate it – by asking for help.

One way of seeking help is to ask friends and family. However, when it comes to utilities, that may not be of as much help. Here, always seek inputs/help/opinion from an expert. Now, you may think, who really has the time to guide me? Well, that’s on us if you are not aware of it that Utility Junction is always available to help you with these decisions.

How? Track your property on our dashboard and let it help you. Need help in finding a service provider that works best for you – contact us and we will walk the way with you.

  1. Don’t shy away from paying a deposit if it is getting you a better rate 

More often than not we have experienced this. We recommend a provider who is offering a rate that is as much as 40%-50% lower than the existing service provider. To sign up there is a deposit payment needed and the client decides not to go ahead. 

That leaves us aghast. Why??? Especially, when your deposit is safe with the service provider. 

While the general feeling around is – Deposits are not and never good. We say – If the deposit payment helps you get better rates and helps you save money in the long run, go for it! When it comes to saving money on utilities, one has to think long-term. Short-term saves will hurt in the long run.

  1. Always look for campaigns that your service provider is running 

Service providers always run various campaigns to retain their customers. These range from – 

– Providing discounts for signing up for autopay on your bills.

– Running referral programs.

– Subsiding the purchase of equipment like smart thermostats that play an important role in saving money by helping you regulate your usage.

– Additional usage allowance or discounts for switching to green energy like solar.

More often than not we tend to ignore these and not pay attention. Mostly, because we feel either the idea is just too good to be true or we just find it too expensive.

This is where one needs to again think long term. 

If you are happy with your service providers’ services and you are getting rewarded for referring your friends and family to enjoy them as well, why not take the opportunity?

If you have been planning to change your thermostat and now have an offer from your service provider that can help you save money in the long term, why not?

A lot of people shy away from green energy like solar power due to the cost involved in the installation. What they don’t take into consideration, is in the long run, solar power plays an important role in reducing your energy bills. Also, there are programs available wherein any excess energy that your solar setup generates can be added back to the grid and that gets adjusted in your bills. 

Bottom line 

You need to look out for yourself when it comes to saving money. And Utility Junction is here to walk with you on this journey. You are NOT ALONE. 

Have any questions, comments, feedback – contact us here or send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com

Managing utility connections is never easy. We say this from our experience.

Whether you are a homeowner, power buyer, real estate investor, landlord or tenant. This is one aspect of owning/managing/flipping homes that always has you on a back foot. 

Real estate investing is made to sound easy. Make an offer, buy the home, make a few cosmetic repairs, and resell it for a huge profit. And don’t go by what you see on TV shows where investors are lined up making offers making this business of real estate investing seem exciting, fast, and profitable. 

Real estate investing is growing for sure. According to data published by ATTOM Data Solutions in its 2019 U.S. Home Flipping Report, the percentage of homes with flips in the U.S. reached a record high of 6.2% in 2019.

Point made. Now let’s get back to utilities. What they don’t show is managing utilities, even though it is not as glamorous, plays an important role in the process. Imagine this – the purchase is complete and your renovation crews are on the property and there is no power. That stalls the work and adds to the expenses. You have a walkthrough to sell your home & there is no light or no gas. There is a final inspection of the home and the buyer’s inspector is not able to complete the inspection as the lights did not get turned on or the appliances could not be checked.

While some may believe this is too far-fetched, these are practical challenges that we have faced. These are the same challenges that we have seen our clients face and struggle with. 

The problem seems simple, and for the most part, it is. Yet we need to consider how essential service industries haven’t made much progress in digital technology. WHY is it important… well.. Here’s how we can break it down: 

A few overlooked problems in utility management in real estate

  1. Setting up essential utilities is a no-brainer – you think? For the majority of providers, it is. And that’s where things start getting interesting. While it seems to be a no-brainer, don’t forget there is always a Karen everywhere who will make things very interesting.
  2. Service providers do a flawless job – right? Well, not always. Things happen.  Sometimes there is a gas leak, water leak, or a connection that was not started on time.  All these things can lead to delays with your renovation team causing you unnecessary costs.
  3. New homeowners connect their own utilities – not so fast. Don’t be naive. While we want to believe this is the case for 90% of homeowners. That they will call the providers to transfer services into their names, it’s not always the case. And your AP team can be found paying bills for a home your company no longer owns. 
  4. Bills are being paid on time – in the most ideal scenario, it is.  But then, we don’t live in the most ideal world, do we? When bills start piling up and there is no one to remind you to pay your bills (don’t expect your google sheets or excel based trackers to do that), payments are missed. Late fees are paid. Accounts become past due. Utilities get disconnected for non-payment. 

Guess, we’ve made our point.

This is where Utility Junction has your back. With our platform designed on the TAP model (Turn on, analyze and pay) we aim to make this process less cumbersome for you.

Give us the property list along with the desired start dates & we take away the headache of connecting utilities. Don’t mind us asking for relevant information to start services.  Very soon, you will be able to request this from the dashboard itself. It’s our way of tricking you into loving our dashboard. 

Once the utilities are connected, start adding your bills here and the dashboard will ensure you never forget a payment & never forget a bill. It will do its best to get under your skin and will ensure you never miss a payment. We promise.

Sold the property and needed to get the utilities disconnected. Super easy. Just submit the request from the dashboard and we take the rest. Forget the scary scenario of you paying for bills on properties you don’t own. 

We know some of our clients love the DIY approach. The platform is built for you. Simple yet intelligent. Some of our clients want us to do it for them. We’ve got your back there as well. We have a team that will help manage it. 

So, let’s meet and discuss how we can help you. No strings attached. Need some information before we meet? Contact us or send us an email at support@utilityjunction.com