Nicole Barone-Walls

Results-driven Leasing Director with expertise in optimizing residential portfolio operations. Enhanced tenant satisfaction and retention through strategic marketing and leasing initiatives, while effectively managing budgets to increase revenue. Led collection strategies that reduced outstanding receivables and maintained high occupancy rates. Skilled in developing high-performing teams and streamlining operations to ensure compliance and foster community engagement.

• Built Leasing Department: Developed the leasing department from the ground up, creating a foundation for successful leasing operations.
• Talent Management: Recruited and trained a high-performing team, ensuring they were well-equipped to contribute to the company's success.
• Autonomous Leadership: Exercised control and autonomy to implement policies, procedures, and programs to enhance company operations and support the team.
• Collaborative Leadership Style: Thrived in a team setting, adopting a non-micromanagement approach that empowered staff to make decisions within their job scope.
• Decision Support: Stood by team decisions, using less favorable outcomes as opportunities for discussions and learning experiences, fostering a culture of growth and improvement.

• Regional Property Manager, Capstone Properties, New York, NY, 10/09/23, Present, Manage a multi-site residential portfolio including a 434-unit community in Suffolk County and six additional market-rate properties, including a mixed-income asset in Westchester County with both market-rate and affordable housing components., Oversee full operational performance across seven properties, ensuring optimal occupancy, revenue growth, and resident satisfaction., Supervise, train, and support on-site property managers, leasing teams, and maintenance staff; drive team performance and accountability., Develop, implement, and manage annual operating and capital budgets; monitor financials to maximize NOI and control expenses., Review and analyze monthly financial reports, variance statements, and KPIs; implement corrective actions to meet ownership objectives., Lead leasing and marketing strategies, including rent pricing, concessions, and competitive market analysis., Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including affordable housing programs (e.g., LIHTC/affordable compliance in Westchester County asset)., Oversee capital improvement projects, unit renovations, and property upgrades from planning through execution., Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure service quality and cost efficiency., Conduct regular site inspections to maintain property standards, safety compliance, and curb appeal., Address and resolve complex or escalated resident issues, maintaining strong community relations., Collaborate with ownership and asset management on strategic planning, acquisitions, and performance improvement initiatives., Ensure accurate reporting, documentation, and adherence to company policies and operational procedures.
• Leasing Director, Heatherwood, Commack, NY, 01/01/04, 12/31/22, Implemented Safe Rent and on-site programs for background and credit check safeguards., Oversaw leasing teams at stabilized and lease-up properties., Introduced dual leasing and maintenance positions at select properties., Cross-trained leasing team members to enhance portfolio knowledge and customer service skills., Established and cultivated a renewals department dedicated to resident retention across a 23-property portfolio (4177 units)., Implemented an online application process and lease fund collection through the company website and resident portal., Worked with the legal department to establish company-wide fair housing training., Cultivated a positive departmental culture with high employee retention., Implemented and trained the leasing team on Yardi CRM module and Big Purple Dot lead management., Developed and executed a comprehensive leasing strategy to maximize occupancy and revenue., Analyzed market trends to determine competitive rental rates., Developed and expanded the leasing department, increasing responsibilities and productivity., Maintained an impressive 0% to 1% vacancy rate for 4 years, with an average of 1300 unit turnovers across the portfolio., Improved customer response time by introducing a leasing call queue, allowing any available agent at any location to handle incoming prospect inquiries., Played a key role in implementing and migrating data from the IBS management system to the Yardi Voyager management system., Automated and streamlined the renewals department through Yardi, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collections Director, Heatherwood, Commack, NY, 01/01/22, 12/31/23, Developed a systematic skip walk and reporting process to enhance operational efficiency., Managed a 3rd-party collection attorney for effective debt recovery., Implemented an ID verification process for applicants to ensure security and accuracy., Established and executed highly effective collection strategies to optimize cash flow and reduce outstanding receivables., Negotiated customer payment plans and successfully resolved payment and dispute issues., Prepared and reviewed weekly and monthly reports on accounts receivable aging., Enhanced debt management by implementing software products for debt visibility, payment tracking, and legal stipulation adherence, reducing portfolio bad debt to approximately 2 million., Streamlined operations and reporting processes for increased efficiency.
• Leasing Director, Brookwood, Coram, NY