Real Estate News and Market Moves Week 62

Courtney Wilson is a highly accomplished Principal at Auben Capital Partners with over 12 years of dedicated experience in the real estate management industry. Known for her exceptional expertise in investor relations and strategic management, Courtney has consistently proven her ability to lead both domestic and international teams, overseeing and managing assets that exceed $75 million in value. Her leadership is marked by a results-driven approach that has consistently delivered strong returns and operational efficiencies across a diverse portfolio. We sat down with Courtney to ask about her role at Auben Capital Partners, how she invests personally, and what makes her role at Auben different. 

How did you get into the real estate profession?

Growing up, my family owned a real estate and mortgage firm, which gave me my first glimpse into the real estate industry.  While studying business in college, I had an opportunity to work as a leasing agent at a multi-family property, and I haven’t looked back since! 

Who was your first mentor in real estate?

My journey has been shaped by many wonderful mentors, especially strong women who have empowered me along the way.  One of the most influential was Kay Rennison, who gave me my first opportunity in the Single-Family Rental (SFR) space.  Kay was not only supportive, but also constantly encouraged my growth, offering countless opportunities to learn and develop.  She passed away in 2019, but her impact on my career and life continues to inspire me. 

What is your role at Auben now?

As a Principal at Auben Capital Partners, I oversee the Asset Management Department and serve as an Asset Manager.  My role includes managing all aspects of the department’s operations, implementing value-add strategies to boost asset performance, ensuring compliance, and nurturing client relationships.  A key focus is maintaining and building investor trust.  My role has evolved significantly over the years, and I’m proud of the development & growth I’ve had here. 

What is Real Estate Asset Management, and why does it interest you?

Asset management involves overseeing and optimizing investments to maximize their value and return.  This field encompasses a range of activities, including analyzing asset performance, implementing improvement strategies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining strong relationships with investors. 

What draws me to asset management is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on investment performance and value.  It combines strategic thinking with practical execution, allowing the opportunity to implement value-add initiatives that directly affect asset outcomes.  I enjoy the challenge of identifying opportunities for improvement and navigating the complexities of managing assets to achieve both short-term and long-term goals.  Furthermore, I appreciate the opportunity to build and maintain meaningful relationships with investors through fostering trust and collaboration. 

Describe a day in the life of a Real Estate Asset Manager at Auben Capital Partners.

A day in the life of an Asset Manager at Auben Capital Partners varies – which is what makes it so interesting!  It is typically a blend of strategic planning, relationship building, and management. 

How does Real Estate Asset Management with Auben differ from a typical property management company?

It’s our team that truly sets us apart.  Our diverse and experienced professionals bring a unique blend of skills and insights that drive our success.  With expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, and real estate investing, we offer a comprehensive approach to asset management.  Our commitment to excellence, innovative thinking, and focus on strong investor relationships are key factors in our ability to achieve exceptional results. 

What’s the biggest benefit of asset management you see for your real estate investor clients?

We specialize in investments that are often overlooked by larger institutional buyers and too complex for local investors.  We focus on these unique opportunities, which allows us to add significant value through our expertise and tailored approach. 

Is there an asset class that your team primarily works with or that you enjoy?

Our team primarily focuses on value-add asset classes, where we identify properties with untapped potential and implement strategic improvements to increase their value.  By enhancing these assets – whether through renovations or operational efficiencies – we’re able to generate higher returns and create long-term value for our investors.  This approach allows us to transform underperforming properties into thriving investments. 

What makes a good leader?

Good leadership is not static; it evolves with team needs, organizational environment, and context.  However, in any situation, emotional intelligence is a crucial quality of a good leader. 

How do you embody that as a leader yourself?

As I mentioned above, strategies for team leadership are ever-evolving.  I prioritize servant and thought leadership qualities.  This approach allows me to balance support and collaboration with providing clear vision and strategic direction.  This involves offering support where needed, creating an environment for empowerment, and guiding the team through challenges while seizing opportunities to grow. 

What book or figure made the greatest impact on your professional life?

I have a few books!  Those include What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles, How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and The Unspoken Truths for Career Success by Tessa White. 

Are you a real estate investor yourself? If so, why and what are your goals?

I currently invest through real estate bonds.  I prefer to be a passive investor, and real estate bonds allow me to do that.  My long-term goals are to continue to grow and diversify my portfolio.  

Are there groups or networks specifically geared towards women in investing that you take part in or could share?

I’m a strong advocate for networking with local contacts, fostering relationships, and making connections through conferences.  While there’s a noticeable shortage of women-focused groups specifically dedicated to investing, there are plenty of options for management and professional development.  I’ve found value in groups like Invest in Women, which offers great resources.  You’d be surprised at the wealth of opportunities and connections you can discover within your own network. 

If people are interested in starting or growing their real estate portfolio, are there resources (podcasts, books, etc) you can recommend to help with their journey?

If you’re interested in starting or growing your real estate portfolio, I strongly recommend first establishing a clear understanding of your short and long-term goals.  Once you have that foundation, searching for a licensed and trusted advisor is crucial.  There are many resources out there that can help guide you on your journey.  My personal favorite is CFO Brew.  While it’s not specifically about real estate investing, the financial insights and strategies discussed can be valuable for anyone involved in investment decisions. 

Anything else we should know?

Absolutely!  We are excited to share that we’ve recently hired a new Acquisitions Manager to join the Auben Capital Partners team.  He will play a pivotal role in identifying and evaluating new investment opportunities, helping to drive our growth.  Stay tuned for his official announcement coming soon! 

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