Kimberly Varney, Author at Estate Management Network

Kimberly Varney

Kimberly has over 20 years' experience acquiring and operating luxury homes for Sports and Entertainment figures, Fortune 500 Executives, and impact-driven philanthropists. Her experiences cover a broad spectrum of development and management from project planning to property acquisition, construction, and estate management.

Evaluating Vendor Performance: Before You Renew, Review

Do you conduct a year-end review with your vendors and contractors? It’s one of the most effective ways to assess the strength of your service network and make informed decisions before extending any agreement. A proper review looks at services delivered and the outcome of those services on your operations and budget and provides a non-contentious format to approach renegotiation or scope or cost before entering a new contract.

Kimberly Varney

Making a Home for the Holidays

With some remote planning and a set-up playbook, a temporary residence can provide a familiar and welcoming experience for the family and guests. Take what you need from this guide to make your holiday relocation as stress-free as possible so you all can enjoy the season.

Kimberly Varney

Canva for Estate Managers: The Crash Course

We’ve just updated our Canva Guide! This time, it’s more than a guide; it’s now a mini-course, complete with over 90 minutes of video tutorials. The course will walk you through how Estate Managers can use Canva to create polished, professional documents and make the most of the templates we publish at the Estate Management Network.

Kimberly Varney

The Secret Language of Laundry

In many estates, the laundress is handling some of the most fragile and irreplaceable items in the house. One of one couture gowns and suits made by hand on Savile Row require expert care. The skilled laundress knows not only how to interpret laundry care symbols, but has an extensive repertoire of textile reactions to liquids, heat, steam, chemicals, and common care methods.

Kimberly Varney

Setting Digital Standards: Technology and Internet Use Policies

Estate operations rely on trusted people and trusted systems. Computers, phones, cameras, and smart-home platforms are essential tools for managing large properties. A Technology and Internet Use Policy establishes how those systems are used, protecting both the principal’s privacy and the staff’s professionalism.

Kimberly Varney

Thank you for a Successful Estate Management Conference!

The 2025 Estate Management Conference was an exceptional gathering, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took part. The event reflected the strength of our professional community and the generosity of those willing to share knowledge, insight, and time.

Kimberly Varney

Planning Ahead for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, the Estate Management Network has started our strategic planning, and we’d like for you to be a part of that. This community was built for Estate Managers, and it should continue to reflect what you want and need from it. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts.

Kimberly Varney

Strategic Planning for Estate Managers

Our strategic planning guide provides a clear framework for estate managers to define priorities, set goals, and structure long-term operational plans. Includes step-by-step guidance and a full sample plan for reference.

Kimberly Varney

Post-Hurricane Property Inspection

As we face increasingly severe hurricanes due to climate change, it becomes critical to have a plan in place for post-storm recovery. We’ve updated our guide to incorporate new technologies and considerations that have emerged to enhance your efforts.

Kimberly Varney

Building Systems That Work Under Pressure

When Estate Managers put structured systems in place, they gain the ability to lead with intention. Staff work with greater confidence, knowing expectations are clear and support is available when adjustments are needed.

Kimberly Varney

Appraising the Value of Art

Knowing the value of a work of art is essential to properly protect and insure a piece for display, storage, loan, donation, or sale. The best way to get an accurate value is to commission an appraisal.

Kimberly Varney

Chain of Command as a Management Tool

A private estate requires coordinated leadership to maintain continuity, uphold standards, and manage a diverse set of responsibilities. An internal chain of command is the system that defines who gives direction, who receives it, and how accountability is maintained across the property.

Kimberly Varney

Standard Operating Procedures

SOPs provide a common set of expectations for all stakeholders by establishing uniformity in task execution. With clear, step-by-step instructions, SOPs minimize variations in performance regardless of who is carrying out the task.

Kimberly Varney

Asset Management as an Essential System in Estate Operations

When developing an asset management system, Estate Managers should consider whether their current program can grow with the estate, adapt to changes in ownership, and support broader planning efforts.

Kimberly Varney

Summer Staffing: Hiring Temporary Support

Prepare for summer staffing in the same way you plan for property readiness, vendor maintenance, or seasonal upgrades. Build the calendar, allocate the budget, confirm the resources, and have documentation ready before the season begins.

Kimberly Varney

How Much is That Job Really Worth?

For a salaried Estate Management position, there’s a lot to take into consideration when judging the value of the role and whether or not it fits your wants and needs. PRO MEMBER CONTENT

Kimberly Varney

Creating a Space for Your Team

The most important aspect of a break room is creating an environment where your staff feels like they are actually on a break. PRO Content.

Kimberly Varney

Balancing Long-Term and Short-Term Planning in Estate Management

Estate managers who successfully balance short-term and long-term planning create more stable estate operations. A well-structured plan ensures that immediate tasks contribute to the estate’s long-term success.

Kimberly Varney

A Formula for Estate Staffing

Every estate has unique staffing needs. A practical formula helps estate managers evaluate property size, service expectations, and household operations to build a team that keeps everything running smoothly.

Kimberly Varney

Navigating a Profession Defined by Crisis Mitigation

Combating crisis fatigue requires a critical management strategy that prioritizes both efficiency and sustainability. The goal is not just to manage immediate challenges but to create a structured approach that balances urgent demands with recovery periods, strategic delegation, and proactive planning.

Kimberly Varney

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Kimberly Varney

Evaluating Vendor Performance: Before You Renew, Review

Making a Home for the Holidays

Canva for Estate Managers: The Crash Course

The Secret Language of Laundry

Setting Digital Standards: Technology and Internet Use Policies

Thank you for a Successful Estate Management Conference!

Planning Ahead for 2026

Strategic Planning for Estate Managers

Post-Hurricane Property Inspection

Building Systems That Work Under Pressure

Appraising the Value of Art

Chain of Command as a Management Tool

Standard Operating Procedures

Asset Management as an Essential System in Estate Operations

Summer Staffing: Hiring Temporary Support

How Much is That Job Really Worth?

Creating a Space for Your Team

Balancing Long-Term and Short-Term Planning in Estate Management

A Formula for Estate Staffing

Navigating a Profession Defined by Crisis Mitigation

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