Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Maria Smith

Baltimore

Summary

Results-oriented and forward-thinking housing professional with a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency, financial performance, and community development within residential and affordable housing sectors. Expertise in strategic planning, process improvement, financial management (including grant administration and budget oversight), and stakeholder engagement. Adept at leveraging technology and fostering collaborative environments to achieve organizational objectives and improve resident experiences. Holds ARM and CALP certifications, demonstrating a commitment to industry best practices and a deep understanding of property management and affordable housing principles.

Qualified property manager with robust experience in property management consulting, focusing on optimizing property value and tenant satisfaction. Successfully led initiatives that streamlined operations and reduced costs, contributing to higher property performance. Demonstrated expertise in lease negotiations and conflict resolution, ensuring seamless property operations and client satisfaction.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Property Management Consultant

Rock Blue Homes
09.2022 - Current
  • Spearheaded the development and implementation of efficient accounting systems within Buildium for a diverse portfolio of residential properties across Baltimore City and surrounding counties, resulting in improved financial transparency, reporting accuracy, and informed decision-making for asset investors.
  • Streamlined critical operational processes, including rent collection, invoice processing, and database management, significantly enhancing efficiency and accuracy while minimizing potential errors.
  • Provided expert leasing support and guidance to property owners, contributing to effective tenant acquisition and retention strategies.
  • Collaborated on capital improvement projects, assisting with project planning, vendor selection, and budget oversight to ensure timely and cost-effective execution.
  • Supported residential property acquisitions by conducting due diligence, analyzing property performance data, and providing insights to potential asset investors.
  • Contributed to team growth by assisting in the hiring and training of office personnel to support accounting and daily operations.

Director, Housing and Real Estate Development

Cherry Hill Development Corporation
07.2017 - Current
  • Spearheaded a $1.5M row home rehabilitation project for low-income homebuyers.
  • Secured and managed $2.5M in program capital from diverse funding sources, including Affordable Housing Trust, Community Land Trust, and South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, ensuring compliance and maximizing impact.
  • Administered a Baltimore Casino Local Development grant, effectively allocating funds to affordable housing and human service programs in South Baltimore.
  • Directed homebuyer education cohorts (up to 30 participants quarterly) in partnership with GoNorthwest, fostering sustainable homeownership within the Cherry Hill community.
  • Served as the lead representative for Cherry Hill within Share Baltimore, a city-wide coalition dedicated to expanding community land trusts.
  • Developed and executed monthly marketing strategies to promote homebuyer education initiatives, resulting in increased program awareness and participation.
  • Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with local banks and community development financial institutions to secure funding for housing projects.
  • Strategically acquired properties through auctions, research, and networking, aligning acquisitions with the goals outlined in the 2020 Transformation Plan for Cherry Hill.
  • Managed comprehensive project budgets for all development and active construction projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and project completion within scope.

Principal & Owner

MS Rental Income, LLC
06.2015 - 12.2024
  • Founded and currently leads a successful real estate consulting firm providing leasing, asset management, and industry education services to landlords in Central Maryland, managing a portfolio of 8 clients.
  • Successfully mediated tenant-landlord disputes, minimizing legal actions and resolving risks to property viability.
  • Guided clients through the investment process, from initial concept to property acquisition and lease-up.
  • Partnered with Rock Blue Homes to facilitate residential sales and tenant placements, achieving average residential sales of $250k and average monthly rents of $2000 for residential and $3000 for commercial spaces.

Regional Manager

TriStar Group
01.2017 - 01.2022
  • Oversaw all housing operations for a growing portfolio of 400 residential and commercial units, consistently maintaining a high physical occupancy rate of 98%.
  • Directed multiple rental sites in Baltimore City, implementing centralized processes that optimized operational workflow and generated $1.6 million in annual tenant revenue.
  • Procured and implemented enterprise financial reporting systems, providing accurate monitoring of maintenance, unit turnover, and accounts receivable.
  • Led and mentored a team of 12 property management, resident relations, and maintenance professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
  • Successfully implemented cost-saving measures across properties, achieving $60,000 in annual savings in 2018 through strategic contractor utilization.
  • Consistently exceeded occupancy targets, achieving a 30% increase in occupancy year-over-year in one project and improving operations to secure HUD-backed refinancing eligibility.
  • Spearheaded process improvement initiatives in maintenance, reducing vacant unit turnover time by 3 weeks portfolio-wide.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders and co-facilitated the successful acquisition of two rental communities.

Education

Associate of Business Administration -

American Intercontinental University

Skills

  • Demonstrated advanced proficiency with the following tools:
  • Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Bright MLS
  • Experience with housing choice voucher programs
  • Rent Manager, Yardi Property Management Software
  • Residential marketing expertise
  • Investment strategy development
  • Portfolio management

Accomplishments

  • Increased occupancy rates from 75% to 98% in 6 months.
  • Oversaw multiple residential family properties totaling over 1000 individual units.
  • Improved portfolio performance to obtain more assets for investors.
  • Enhanced communities overall appeal to stakeholders while winning MMHA gold star awards.

Certification

  • Commercial & Residential Real Estate Agent - Maryland Real Estate Commission
  • Accredited Real Estate Management Designation - Institute of Real Estate Management
  • National Accredited Leasing Professional Designation - National Apartment Association (formerly NALP)

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Property Management Consultant

Rock Blue Homes
09.2022 - Current

Director, Housing and Real Estate Development

Cherry Hill Development Corporation
07.2017 - Current

Regional Manager

TriStar Group
01.2017 - 01.2022

Principal & Owner

MS Rental Income, LLC
06.2015 - 12.2024

Associate of Business Administration -

American Intercontinental University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Maria Smith