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New social media stats from SatisFactsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Doug Miller3/2/2010 8:56 AMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedDoug Miller
New social media stats from SatisFacts...Resident Retention: Dare I Say It - Don't Believe the Hype.
Doug Miller
Ranting Apartment Reviews: Do You Get a Say?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee2/25/2010 1:15 PMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Do review Web sites give business owners enough say? The subject popped up again on my radar screen when I saw a story about a California veterinary center suing review site Yelp “for allegedly promising to bury bad reviews in exchange for purchasing $3,600 worth of advertising on the site.”
Electrical Maintenance and Repair: What’s the number one mistake maintenance technicians make while conducting an electrical repair?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Elsa Faust2/24/2010 2:09 PMMaintenance Issues0 ApprovedPablo Paz, CAMT
One of the most common mistakes made by maintenance technicians while working with electrical components is not following proper safety procedures and guidelines.
Pablo Paz
Random Thoughts: The North Face; Oatmeal; Sorry, Cowboys FansUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Elsa Faust2/16/2010 11:28 AMWild Card!0 ApprovedPaul Bergeron
Got empty apartment units in your building that face north?
Paul Bergeron
Not-so-extreme MakeoversUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee2/15/2010 10:28 AMConsumer Expectations; Economic Issues; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
It can be tough to justify costly apartment renovations at a time when most renters are looking to save money, not splurge on new amenities. But that doesn't mean apartment providers must abandon renovations entirely. Multifamily REIT UDR, for instance, has been outfitting some of its apartments with new kitchen appliance packages, which start as low as $1,100.
Forget the Bells and WhistlesUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Doug Miller2/12/2010 3:17 PMConsumer Expectations; Economic Issues; Marketing & Leasing; Operations2 ApprovedDoug Miller
Just read a posting "What Makes Residents Renew"; this included discussing resident events to help with retention.  I am actually going to share my reply here.
Doug Miller
What Makes Residents Renew?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee2/5/2010 9:26 AMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing2 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Retaining residents is a top priority for apartment operators, no matter the time of year or state of the economy. But with falling rent rates, rising concessions and even the extended homebuyers’ tax credit tempting residents to pack their bags for a better deal at the end of their leases, savvy apartment management firms are honing their retention strategies.
Onsite Staff’s Perfect Photo OpUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Elsa Faust2/4/2010 1:53 PMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedPaul Bergeron
How difficult is it to get your child, your pet, your best friend or family member to smile and say “cheese” for the camera. The person blinks, a hair is out of place, their smile looks weird or their shirt has a spot on it. Even when the setting is right, there’s still the chance the camera is out of focus.
Paul Bergeron
No Immunity to Change: New EPA Rule Affects All Levels of Apartment Management, Not Just MaintenanceUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Elsa Faust2/2/2010 1:32 PMMaintenance Issues; Legal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedPablo Paz
Times, as they say, they are a changing… and in our world in the multifamily industry, we are definitely not immune to the changes around us. Apartment industry professionals are expected to stay on top of federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Pablo Paz
HUD Announces Green Retrofit Program Award Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager1/14/2010 3:58 PMGreen Initiatives0 ApprovedScot Haislip
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced this week that nearly 200 apartment units in New York City will become more energy efficient as the result of $3.6 million in funding being awarded to Jonathan Rose Companies, a New York-based property owner and developer. It is the first award to be announced under HUD's new Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing, created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Scot Haislip
From English Major to Maintenance Manager: A Real-Life StoryUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee1/13/2010 9:57 AMMaintenance Issues; Personal Development & Training0 ApprovedJulie Lehman, CAMT
Wyndchase Apartments Service Manager Julie Lehman, CAMT, credits her commitment to education for her advancement through the ranks of maintenance positions in the apartment industry.
Lehman
The Crime-Fighting Apartment OwnerUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan1/12/2010 10:33 AMLegal Issues/Lawsuits; Operations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Brent Sobol is no stranger to crime. He fights it on a daily basis at the 1,100 apartment units he owns and operates in the Atlanta area.
“Hi. Good Morning!”Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Doug Miller1/8/2010 8:07 AMOperations; Economic Issues; Consumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedDoug Miller
The consistently incredible service and attitude I experience when I visit my local Lowe’s hardware store has earned my loyalty. What do they do that is so special? What is the impact? Does your staff have a world class attitude and deliver award winning service? Given today’s challenging market, can you afford to not be providing the greatest level of service ever? No, not given the huge impact turnover has on NOI and asset value...great service protects your revenue!
Community's High-Rise Parking is a PleaserUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee1/6/2010 10:45 AMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Even though Meredith Ginter lives on the sixth floor of a high-rise, she’s only steps from her parking space.

Ginter’s unique situation is the result of an uncommon parking arrangement at her Charlotte apartment community, the 310-unit Ashton South End. The building’s parking garage extends six and a half stories high from the basement level and includes secured-access, double-glass-door entrances on each of the first six floors.
H1N1 Prevention – Risk Mitigation Strategies for Apartment OwnersUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager12/29/2009 8:25 AMRisk Management0 ApprovedDavid Carner
Unfortunately, the H1N1 epidemic is here and everyone needs to be prepared. For apartment owner/operators this means implementing risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans centered on outbreak prevention and sustaining operations. These simple steps can help mitigate the financial risk associated with an H1N1 occurrence at your property.
David Carner
No one will lend us moneyUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee12/28/2009 11:01 AMEconomic Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Do you ever get the feeling that the financial news is coming to you in a different language? Alex Blumberg and Adam Davidson of NPR’s Planet Money recently had a clever take on 2009’s financial news. As Blumberg points out in the story, when a big bank or real estate company borrows millions or billions of dollars, we don’t call it borrowing money. We call it accessing credit or liquidity. But no matter what terms they used, REIT executives and real estate investors this year were really saying one simple thing: No one will lend us money.
Forecasting Rents and Concessions? First Check with Your On-Site StaffUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager12/16/2009 8:53 AM0 ApprovedGuest Blogger Lynn M. Owen
I seem to get asked to forecast one thing or another every day by clients, employees, lenders, appraisers and prospective clients. Sometimes it feels like I need a crystal ball to find an answer. Everyone wants a forecast that fits into his or her particular real estate project: builders want to build, bankers want to lend, condo converters want the market to improve yesterday and onsite staff wants to know when they can expect to get a break from the proverbial hot seat...When I look at our overall multifamily housing portfolio and review the past 12 months, it looks to me as if we are definitely in a recovery phase today.
Lynn Owen
The Big Chill has Arrived: What Maintenance Technicians can expect with the EPA R-410A TransitionUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager12/10/2009 10:50 AMMaintenance Issues0 ApprovedPablo Paz
There’s no argument that maintenance technicians are important players in the game of apartment community management. And when vital regulations are handed down from federal agencies, it is often the staff in the maintenance shop who are the most affected.
Pablo Paz
Are Your Facebook Friends Credit Worthy?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager12/10/2009 10:35 AMRisk Management0 ApprovedDavid Carner
Screening companies have tried to deal with the underbanked by injecting non-traditional credit information such as cell phone bills, utility bills and yes, rental payments, into the screening process...But now there’s a new twist.  I came across an article recently about a company that is now assessing a person’s credit risk by analyzing their Facebook friends!
David Carner
EPA Moves to Regulate Greenhouse GasesUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager12/9/2009 3:37 PMGreen Initiatives0 ApprovedScot Haislip
On Monday the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took steps to issue regulations on greenhouse gases. This would enable the administration to limit emissions across the economy even if Congress does not pass so called “cap and trade” legislation.
Scot Haislip
Health Insurance for FidoUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager11/23/2009 8:23 AMRisk Management0 ApprovedDavid Carner
We know pet friendly communities can attract more prospects considering 63 percent of American households own a pet.  Once those pet-loving prospects become residents, a great retention tool is to offer an amenity for their animal.  And for an extra layer of risk management for the community, why not offer residents a pet insurance policy?
How to Winterize Your Maintenance ShopUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager11/20/2009 12:55 PMMaintenance Issues0 ApprovedPablo Paz
For most of us, winter has already arrived. These low temperatures of the season can affect us all, not to mention the living conditions for our residents. It is a must that maintenance employees have a proactive approach in getting ready for the winter.
Pablo Paz
Restructuring Guidelines Provide Breathing Room, but May Delay Some Mortgage ProblemsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee11/20/2009 11:23 AMEconomic Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Federal bank regulators announced late last month new guidelines designed to provide flexibility for banks to extend or refinance commercial real estate loans rather than foreclose on them. The guidelines are “very positive” for apartment borrowers, including those with construction loans, making it easier for borrowers to refinance or secure extensions on maturing loans even if the value of the property has fallen below the loan amount, says Marc Ross, President, San Antonio, Texas-based Bob Ross Realty.
Real-Life Story: How Ratings Sites Can Hurt a Manager’s ReputationUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee11/16/2009 2:19 PMMarketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
A property manager speaks out against an apartment ratings site, saying the fee model encourages nasty comments that can damage managers’ reputations.
College Enrollment Is Up, But Is Student Housing?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan11/3/2009 3:49 PMEconomic Issues; Operations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
A recent Pew Research Center study released last week and based on newly released U.S. Census Bureau data shows that college enrollment among 18- to 24-year-olds hit an all-time high one year ago--and is expected to have continued growing. Good news for student-housing providers, right? Not necessarily. A growing number of these students are opting to attend community colleges instead because they are less expensive and closer to home, which means no student housing for them.
Do Your Residents Feel Safe?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee10/30/2009 11:51 AMIndependent/Small Owner Issues; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Although it’s already nearly November, I learned this week that October is National Crime Prevention Month. After reading an article that we are publishing in the November issue of UNITS magazine that brings crime prevention to the forefront, I realized it’s a subject apartment managers may need to think about year-round.
Send Lawyers, Guns and Money…Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager10/29/2009 11:36 AM0 ApprovedW. Michael Semko
The Tennessee Attorney General, Bob Cooper, recently authored an opinion holding that property owners in the Volunteer State may ban firearms from the premises through the lease or by posting signs. Owners should consider limitations on firearms when drafting rules for the community.
The Return of Securitized LendingUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee10/28/2009 2:03 PMEconomic Issues; Legal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
In July’s Dipping a Toe in the Securitization Pool, I covered a new program from Freddie Mac designed to bring liquidity and more affordable credit to apartment borrowers. Real estate attorney Timothy L. Gustin discussed the legal issues involved in securing the two types of Freddie Mac financing in an article entitled “The Return of Securitized Lending: Freddie Mac Launches CMBS Loan Product” in the Minnesota Real Estate Journal.
Scary Halloween Retention IdeaUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager10/23/2009 8:35 AM0 ApprovedDoug Miller
I have seen a number of discussion group postings lately about ideas for the Halloween season – things to do for residents.  Being the contrarian that I am, please take a look at the scary idea I have for property teams during the season (actually year-round).
No Wave of Distressed PropertiesUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee10/22/2009 10:24 AMEconomic Issues; Independent/Small Owner Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Distressed assets are a hot topic among real estate investors, with many funds pooling their capital to snap up value-priced properties from reluctant bank owners or borrowers unable to refinance their loans. But while investors may find a couple of deals on the market, they will most likely be frustrated if they’re expecting a flood of assets for sale at cut-rate prices.
How the Laramar Group Optimizes Automated Revenue Management -- With a PersonUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan10/15/2009 12:38 PMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
The idea of using revenue-management programs to streamline business functions and generate funds is not a new one. But hiring someone to act as a liaison between software and staff--and incorporate feedback from Laramar’s property managers into the program--makes the Laramar Group uniquely successful.
Enough Attention to Retention?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Doug Miller10/7/2009 12:23 PMEconomic Issues; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedDoug Miller
Retention Question: Is the industry's focus on leasing/marketing versus retention in proper balance?  I propose that if one really wants to boost performance, even in today's uber-challenging markets, one must adjust focus!

Doug Miller
Smoking Lawsuit Filed Against Management CompanyUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager10/5/2009 3:09 PMLegal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedW. Michael Semko
The Dallas Morning News is reporting that two residents filed suit against a management company in Texas, claiming that smoke from an adjoining townhouse caused them damage.  Despite the fact that the management company offered the residents the chance to move, replaced air filters in the unit, and used an industrial grade roofing sealant to caulk pipes under the kitchen cabinet, the residents decided a money award from a court was the only way to make them whole.
Green buzz is fading, but the business case remainsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee10/2/2009 8:53 AMEnergy – Costs & Conservation; Consumer Expectations; Economic Issues; Green Initiatives; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
I had the opportunity to attend the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA)’s 2009 Green Conference this week, and the event reinforced a belief I’ve held for quite a while. The buzz and fashionable allure of “Green” is fading. But what remains are pragmatic solutions to environmental problems that can benefit any company’s bottom line—including those in the apartment industry.
ADA Litigation UpdateUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager9/29/2009 11:51 AM0 ApprovedW. Michael Semko
The United States District Court for the District of Columbia granted Post Properties Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment dismissing a claim brought by the Equal Rights Center.
No Longer Mouse-Accessible (follow-up to "The Apartment Plagued by Mice...")Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan9/28/2009 10:30 AMConsumer Expectations; Maintenance Issues; Operations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
You might recall a previous post about my friend whose apartment showed signs of mouse/mice presence, but whose management company didn't consider the issue a maintenance priority until my friend e-mailed the management firm's corporate president and copied both of her onsite community managers.
A Receivership Tale’s EpilogueUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee9/21/2009 9:49 AMEconomic Issues; Operations; Legal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
If you’re a frequent consumer of apartment-related news, you may remember reading an MSNBC story earlier this year about the Bethany Group, a real estate management and investment firm. In a high-profile meltdown, the company went into receivership amidst renter complaints of neglect at more than a dozen apartment communities in the Phoenix area and across the country.
UDR Launches Augmented Reality Layer App for Apartment IndustryUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan9/16/2009 2:26 PMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Speaking of augmented reality (AR) in a previous post, I'm now excited to report that apartment REIT UDR went live Sept. 14 with a AR layer specifically geared toward renters.
Bed Bugs Litigation IncreasingUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager9/14/2009 11:11 AMMaintenance Issues; Operations; Legal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedW. Michael Semko
Litigation associated with bed bugs is increasing throughout the United States.  Often, one of the causes of action cited in a law suit based on a resident’s exposure is negligence – the owner did not perform reasonably in light of a foreseeable risk. Here are some guidelines for owners to follow to defend against such a claim.
Ask Mr. CAMT - Preventive Maintenance Tips for Winter TimeUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager9/14/2009 10:34 AM0 ApprovedPablo Paz
Pablo Paz gives his Top 10 tips for preparing for winter time at your communities.
Augmenting Reality to Augment Apartment SearchUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan9/11/2009 8:29 AMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
What's one better than a prospect viewing apartment listings via a smartphone mobile application while walking down the street?

How about pointing a phone down a street, scanning its camera viewfinder past buildings and receiving information about available apartments within blocks of where the prospect is?
The Apartment Plagued by Mice, and the Staff that Didn't CareUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan9/10/2009 8:43 AMConsumer Expectations; Maintenance Issues; Operations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
How does your apartment community deal with work orders and service requests? Here's the real-life horror story, told by one of my renter friends, and how she finally got management to take her apartment’s mouse issue seriously.
"NIMBYISM" in New OrleansUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager9/9/2009 8:34 AMLegal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedW. Michael Semko
“NIMBYISM” (not-in-my-back-yard-ism) is something developers of apartment communities battle from time to time.  Despite the low-cost, affordable choices rental housing provides, local governments sometimes make development difficult through exclusionary zoning practices and other red tape measures.  The most recent example appears to be in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana – a suburb of New Orleans. 
W. Michael Semko
Craigslist: The Messiest, Greatest Apartment-Hunting Site?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan9/2/2009 8:16 AMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Craigslist, a mass of classified ads for everything from jobs to dates to furniture, has a love/hate relationship with apartment seekers and apartment providers alike.
Jump-Starting Affordable Housing DevelopmentUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee9/1/2009 10:39 AMEconomic Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
A couple of new programs created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are providing sorely needed federal stimulus funding to jump-start stalled affordable apartment communities.
NAA Files Amicus Brief in Mold CaseUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager9/1/2009 10:20 AMLegal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedW. Michael Semko
On Aug. 31 NAA filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in an Arizona state appellate court. The brief sets forth legal and public policy arguments that address litigation arising out of a resident’s exposure to mold at an apartment community – specifically, the dearth of scientific evidence supporting a causal link between mold exposure and adverse health effects.
What amenities are your customers searching for?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee8/31/2009 9:00 AMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Apartment Guide released a list of the highest ranking apartment features and community amenities that consumers searched for on ApartmentGuide.com from February 2009 to August 2009.
Apps for Apts: The Latest Technology-Based Marketing Trend Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager8/26/2009 12:27 PMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Many forward-thinking decision-makers in the apartment industry are paying closer attention to mobile apps, believing such technology is what their customers want and need in their search for apartments.
Late leasing season leaves student housing owners foggy on numbersUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee8/20/2009 10:00 AMEconomic Issues; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
The first day of classes at many schools is only a week or two away, but the outcome of the 2009-2010 leasing season is still in question as many students put off their decision until the last minute, leaving some student housing owners and managers waiting until September to see if they will match last year’s performance.
Sourcing as a SolutionUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Raymond Stein8/18/2009 10:34 AMEconomic Issues; Operations; Independent/Small Owner Issues0 ApprovedRaymond Stein
Like most industries today the Apartment industry is facing some real economic challenges.  Small and large operations alike are working to tackle the difficult job of doing more with less. Sourcing parts of an operation up to and including select management functions is a great management option.  Sourcing the analysis and assessment of what to do and how to do it (management advisory services) is perhaps a better management option.
No Kids AllowedUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee8/17/2009 10:17 AMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Discriminatory apartment advertisements are prolific on Internet classified ad sites such as Craigslist because those sites are not held to the same legal standard as newspapers, according to an August 11 report from the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA).
California Green Building Code Goes Into EffectUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager8/13/2009 2:20 PMGreen Initiatives; Energy – Costs & Conservation0 ApprovedScot Haislip
The California Green Building Code officially went into effect at the beginning of this month. Though now in effect, the CalGreen Code does not become mandatory until 2010, giving developers a one year transition period to ensure compliance. Does this represent the future for Building Codes across the country?
Lessons to Learn from the BellmanUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Doug Miller8/12/2009 9:00 AMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedDoug Miller
Exceptional, out of the box service by a bellman last week reminded me of the keys to improving service and reducing controllable turnover - hiring right and maintaining a proper focus. By having the right people focus on what matters most to your residents…the impact on NOI and asset value is clear as you will see costly, controllable turnover drop.
Signage 101Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager8/10/2009 8:34 AMOperations; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedErnest Dwight
Good signage for your community often results in more traffic and lease agreements. Signs should clearly identify, direct and inform customers, visitors and guests. If the signs don't achieve their intended function, people may become disoriented and frustrated – a bad thing for your community.
UDR Occupancy Up, Expenses Down - Here's HowUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee8/5/2009 3:18 PMEconomic Issues; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
UDR’s second quarter earning conference call Tuesday provided an enlightening look at the company’s use of technology to boost occupancy and reduce expenses.
The Un-Tweetchable GenerationUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan8/5/2009 3:16 PMMarketing & Leasing; Consumer Expectations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Are any of you maintaining Twitter accounts for individual apartment communities as a means of marketing? If so, there is something you should know: Teens (and young people up through age 24) don't tweet, according to an Aug. 5 Mashable article.
Horizon Realty and the Tweet heard 'round the worldUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager8/4/2009 9:49 AMWild Card!; Legal Issues/Lawsuits; Operations0 ApprovedLisa Trosien and Eric Wu
When Amanda Bonnen posted the following tweet to her 20 followers on her Twitter account: "Who said sleeping in a moldy apartment was bad for you? Horizon realty thinks it's okay," it was not the “Tweet heard ‘round the world” as it has now become. When Horizon Realty responded with a $50,000 libel suit, it quickly became a Twitter trending topic and a now infamous media fiasco.

Guest bloggers Lisa Trosien and Eric Wu examine the fallout from the Horizon story and share three important reasons the apartment industry should pay close attention.
What else is there an app for?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan7/29/2009 11:33 AMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Smartphone applications are lifesavers for apartment residents and owners alike — they can locate the nearest Chinese restaurant when you don't want to cook, help you pass the time with Tetris, find out what's happening in local entertainment over the weekend... and tell you if there are any sex offenders in your neighborhood?
Is it a profitable time to buy?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee7/28/2009 11:20 AMEconomic Issues; Independent/Small Owner Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
While apartment owners trying to dispose of properties purchased at the peak of the market may be feeling indigestion from all the red ink, investors with cash are licking their chops at the number of apartment communities available for purchase at sizable discounts.
Stand and DeliverUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Christine Young-Gertz7/23/2009 11:09 AMLegal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedChristine Young-Gertz
A Pennsylvania District Judge's  extemporaneous endorsement of  the PAA Landlord/Tenant Lease and Law Handbook, and AAGP's standing to sue on behalf of its members underscores the value of Associations to their members.
Update on Texas State Legislature Bill to Prohibit Mandating Renters’ InsuranceUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager7/16/2009 7:42 AM1 ApprovedW. Michael Semko
Recently, a bill in the Texas Legislature that would have prohibited apartment owners from requiring residents to purchase liability insurance was defeated. Had the law passed, it would have been the first of its kind in the country.  Prohibiting owners from requiring renters’ insurance is bad policy for a number of reasons...There isn’t a bank or mortgage company in the world that would loan money to a home buyer without requiring some sort of hazard insurance. Why should apartment owners and residents be treated any differently?
Free Rent vs. Great MarketingUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Toni Blake7/13/2009 12:33 PMMarketing & Leasing; Economic Issues; Wild Card!1 ApprovedToni Blake
Every day your residents drive by signs offering FREE RENT. In addition, there is a loud well-organized voice speaking through television, blogs, websites and print promoting free rent. We all know that this is has a negative long-term financial impact on our business. How can we respond effectively to this growing market trend?
Make it PersonalUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
NAAMembershipProvider:9299647/8/2009 8:28 AMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedLori Snider
While staying in a brand new Courtyard by Marriott last week in Omaha, Nebraska, my husband and I enjoyed a little coffee-klatch in a comfortable little pod that came complete with its own television.  We could people watch and enjoy intimate conversation in the privacy of our own little nook.  An added bonus - we could choose which morning news show to watch. 
When an Off-Site Manager Goes WrongUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager7/6/2009 8:46 AMOperations0 ApprovedGabriele Preston
My most challenging management issues have generally centered on Property Managers that were either neglecting or poorly performing their job duties, protecting poorly performing employees and/or had a poor attitude. Similar to a Regional Property Manager or Regional Vice President, I am not consistently at a community day in and day out to witness the work and attitude of others. If a problem is suspected, it is like putting pieces of a puzzle together to fully understand the big picture. While there are telltale signs such as declining occupancy, poor leasing performance, low renewal retention, employee turnover, or survey results; problems with the manager are often not obvious.
Tweeting for ProspectsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager7/2/2009 9:57 AMMarketing & Leasing1 ApprovedBrian Owen
Twitter users like to tell everyone what they are doing and some of them are looking for apartments. I typed "apartment Chicago" into the search box and a slew of Tweets came up. As I read through them there was one that really caught my attention:

"Still apartment hunting. Can't wait to fly to Chicago and just GET THIS DONE! Goodness gracious."

...Twitter may be an excellent prospect list and Twitter users may be open to a sales Tweet (especially if they are announcing their frustration in finding a place to live)...Here are some examples of Tweets from the last 24 hours I found with a search for "Chicago apartment" and the approach or Tweet I would send them
Is $60M deal a telling sign?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee6/30/2009 12:27 PMEconomic Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Chicago-based multifamily real estate company AMLI Residential closed a deal this month to sell the 592-unit AMLI at Chevy Chase apartment community for $60 million, one of the largest deals in the country so far this year. What’s your take on this transaction? Is it a sign of bigger deals to come, or just an outlier?
Which states are "magnets" for your residents?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan6/25/2009 5:55 PM0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
You've heard of people with magnetic personalities. For whatever reason, others gravitate toward these types of people. But have you heard of magnetic states -- namely, states in which a high share of the adults who live there now moved there from another state? More importantly, do you have an apartment-community presence in these popular states?
Questions for Tony Hsieh, Jeremiah Owyang, and Pete Flint Anyone?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager6/23/2009 9:57 PMEducation Conference; Wild Card!0 ApprovedEric Wu
As the NAA Conference nears, I've been thinking about questions the industry would want to ask Tony Hsieh, Jeremiah Owyang, and Pete Flint.

What would you want to ask Tony Hsieh, Jeremiah Owyang, and Pete Flint?

Put your questions in the comments below or email me at eric@rentwiki.com and I'll try to ask them during the Thought Leadership panel Saturday morning.
Can restructuring a lease save the planet?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee6/23/2009 3:00 PMEnergy – Costs & Conservation; Economic Issues; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
The benefits of energy efficiency sound great. But when I think about how such improvements apply to the apartment industry, I keep returning to the same problem. It’s the owner who pays to make an apartment more efficient, but it’s the resident who gets all the financial benefits. One Sustainability Coordinator is experimenting with a new lease structure that could address that problem.
We’re not crazy…Here’s the $39,600,000 proof!Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Doug Miller6/19/2009 9:40 AMOperations; Marketing & Leasing; Consumer Expectations0 ApprovedDoug Miller
Those who know me are aware that I am passionate about trying to help shift the industry into making residents the top priority - more important than prospects.  While some view me as a “contrarian” (I can’t disagree), there is a reason behind my passion and points - because there is a clear need for the industry to adjust its focus so as to improve performance for who is really #1 - the owner of the asset.  Be prepared to be blown away by the performance of a long term client - and how they are growing asset value by tens of millions of dollars during the economic downturn.
Listing price: $9.3M. Selling price: $3.9M.Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee6/18/2009 1:46 PMEconomic Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
While the economic downturn is forcing owners of distressed or underperforming apartment communities to make difficult decisions about whether to hold onto the keys or cut and run, the down market also is creating opportunities for aggressive investors to make attractive deals with motivated sellers and reluctant owners.

Nashville-based Freeman Webb Investments and Bill Freeman, co-Founder of Freeman Webb Companies, found just such a deal in June.
Nobody Likes a FakeUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
NAAMembershipProvider:9299646/18/2009 10:58 AMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedLori Snider
Recently, as I strolled down a residential street on my way to a lunch appointment, I stopped cold in my tracks and just had to take a photo of one apartment community’s attempt at curb appeal. The silk flowers had obviously been there awhile – (I think that at one time the leaves had been green), and words can’t accurately describe the overall impact the ensemble had at declaring the community dead, cheap and lifeless.

Lesson of the day: The consumer can spot a fake.
Social Media Debate - Is There Value?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Eric Wu6/16/2009 1:53 PMEducation Conference; Marketing & Leasing3 ApprovedEric Wu, Co-founder of RentWiki
In 1997, I can recall my older sisters saying how cumbersome e-mail was. In 1999, I can recall high school classmates saying that Napster will never replace music CDs. In 2005, I remember friends saying how stupid Facebook is. Today, I have my own friends and peers asking me the value of social media as a distribution, marketing, and communication tool.
Eric Wu
Mold Litigation UpdateUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager6/15/2009 8:39 AMLegal Issues/Lawsuits0 ApprovedMichael Semko
In 2004, the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a study that found that no scientific evidence exists to support the belief that the accumulation of mold causes any significant health risks for persons with normally functioning immune systems. The lack of a scientific link between mold infestation and health problems coupled with favorable court rulings on the issue have lead to a decrease in successful mold lawsuits against apartment communities. Nevertheless, some residents continue to bring actions against owners based on the presence of mold in the dwelling unit.
Leadership: Information & Emotion CompulsionUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Terri Norvell6/12/2009 9:11 AMPersonal Development & Training; Education Conference; Wild Card!0 ApprovedTerri Norvell
One of my favorite books right now is by Marshall Goldsmith titled ‘What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There’. It’s a book for our changing times with powerful ideas to overcome whatever you are doing to hold yourself back. Most noteworthy is a concept all leaders need today. It’s appropriate sharing or withholding of information and emotion. This alone has the ability to amp your team’s performance through establishing greater connection and trust in relationships.
Which Generation Most Consistently Pays Rent During the Economic Downturn?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan6/11/2009 3:53 PMOperations0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
One thing's for sure: it's not your new-to-the-job-market Generation Y residents. Thirty-five percent of the under-30 crowd has trouble paying rent or mortgage or have faced job losses in their households, according to a recent Pew Research Center study.
Student Housing Faces Challenging Test This FallUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee6/10/2009 12:53 PMEconomic Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Enrollment numbers this fall should reveal whether student housing is truly recession-resistant. What's your prediction? How will student housing fare this fall? After the jump, Kevin Larimer, Director of Student Housing for multifamily housing advisory and research firm Hendricks & Partners, provides his take.
You Need an App for That!Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager6/9/2009 3:07 PMConsumer Expectations; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedLori Snider
For those of you that are curious about how many people have downloaded the apartment industry’s first iPhone app, (you have probably seen the app in Apple’s latest iPhone commercials or as part of their nationwide print campaign), Apartment Guide released figures today. Brace yourselves, the numbers are staggering.
Do you fear budgets?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Lawrence Berry, CPM6/9/2009 2:40 PMEducation Conference0 ApprovedHow to sell a budget...and influence your boss!
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself… and budgets! Ok, so maybe FDR said it a little differently. As property managers we wear many hats with one of them being "budgeting expert", or so we are supposed to be. Sleepless nights and long hours with visions of numbers are spent, only to have our hard work changed or questioned. Of all the courses we take and are offered they tell us how to be leaders, how to write and understand financial reports, how to manage risks, how to market our communities, and a host of other areas. One gap in the management fence seems to be in providing the tools in not only how to write a budget, but how to sell one.
Tackling Bed Bug TreatmentUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee6/9/2009 11:20 AMMaintenance Issues; Operations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
When treating bed bugs, pest management companies typically offer a standardized, multi-step treatment protocol. But even if the pest company currently being used is independently owned, don’t assume they can’t do the job, says Paul Bello, entomologist and consultant to the pest management and other industries. Bello share nine questions to ask your pest management contractor about their bed bug treatment.
Coming to AmericaUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan6/8/2009 12:43 PMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Reports stating that the United States' growing Hispanic population cannot be ignored are not new. But did you know that one out of every 10 people born in Mexico is currently living in the United States? How have you altered marketing efforts to appeal to this particular immigrant population -- and immigrants in general?
Go Green By Going LocalUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
NAAMembershipProvider:9299646/8/2009 12:43 PMGreen Initiatives0 ApprovedLori Snider
Just because your buildings aren’t built green doesn’t mean you can’t go green. I stumbled across a resource recently that could be utilized by almost any community across the country to promote green initiatives - www.localharvest.org provides a zip code search to find nearby farmers’ markets, family farms and others sources of sustainably grown food where your residents can buy produce, grass-fed meats, honey products and many other goodies, including gift baskets.
Community Summit Highlights Meth DangersUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee6/4/2009 9:35 AMOperations0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
A Community Meth Summit in Tulsa, Okla., earlier this year drew attention to a dangerous new method of creating methamphetamine or “crystal meth” and the need for education and awareness among property owners and managers.
To Be (Consistent) or Not to Be - That Is the QuestionUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
NAAMembershipProvider:1493916/3/2009 12:02 PMLegal Issues/Lawsuits; Education Conference0 ApprovedNadeen Green
You don’t need me to tell you that times are tough in our industry, with apartments hard to rent and residents hard to retain. And I don’t need you to tell me that, either, as I am hearing a recurring question these days that makes it abundantly clear the challenges that landlords are facing. What is that recurring question? How can I treat prospects/ applicants/ residents differently without getting into fair housing trouble? There are many variations on that theme: Can I offer a different deal to two different prospects? Do all rental renewal rates have to be the same? Don’t I have to be consistent in order to be in compliance with fair housing law?
Dealing with Apartment Ratings Web SitesUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager6/3/2009 9:12 AMMarketing & Leasing2 ApprovedBrian Owen
Apartment ratings Web sites are the tabloids of the apartment industry. They provide an anonymous voice to the general public to speak out against their apartment management and expose their “dirty little secrets”. Unless you are paying close attention to the information posted about your apartment communities, a great deal of misleading and inaccurate information may be posted about your community and, unfortunately, in some cases, about your staff.
From Desktop Veterans to the Tech IndifferentUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan6/3/2009 8:42 AMMarketing & Leasing1 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Are your online marketing efforts age- or demographic-specific?

Are your text messages and mobile alerts lost on a prospective resident base that only accesses the Internet from a work or home stationary computer -- if at all?

The Pew Research Center recently released a survey that finds that although Americans sure love surfing the World Wide Web, a surprising 61 percent of them have not made the leap to mobile communication and information technology.
Q & A with Chris Lee on "The Future of Apartment Living: A Shifting Housing Model"Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager6/2/2009 9:29 AMEducation Conference; Economic Issues0 ApprovedChristopher E. Lee
Referencing his recent white paper “The Future of Apartment Living: A Shifting Housing Model,” Christopher E. Lee, President, CEL & Associates Inc. and Special Advisor the National Apartment Association (NAA), discusses the future of the U.S. housing mix and previews information to be shared at the 2009 NAA Education Conference and Exposition panel “Knowledge is Power – How to Survive These Times."
Search Strategy: How to Improve Your RankingsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee6/1/2009 8:27 AMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
After the jump, Archstone’s Group Vice President of Strategic Systems, Donald Davidoff, and Search Engine Optimization’s Vice President of Business Development, Krish Coughran, provide some general principles for marketers hoping to improve a Web site’s rank in search engine results. What are some of the strategies your company is using?
88 Years Later - Leadership Lessons LearnedUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Russ L. Sandlin6/1/2009 8:26 AMEducation Conference0 ApprovedRuss Sandlin
In today’s difficult economy leadership can make the difference between outrageous success and failure. When you visit a community or corporate office you can feel how the leader of the organization drives the team. You can instantly identify the leader’s style by the way the team responds and reacts to the stimulus in the environment.
Can Social Media Replace Print Advertising?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager6/1/2009 8:17 AMMarketing & Leasing4 ApprovedToni Blake
The lengthy and passionate comments to my blog on print advertising certainly speak to the energy behind this topic. I originally posted the blog in response to a small group of messages, resonating across cyberspace, from a small number of bloggers who are advocating pulling print. Interestingly enough, the first comments posted show the passion of these online marketing leaders who continue to believe that print is dying, if not dead. It’s important that a dialogue with this much passion behind it continues, but it’s also important to me to find out what other people are thinking on the topic.
The One Size Fits All Mentality Costs RenewalsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager5/29/2009 7:49 AMMarketing & Leasing; Operations0 ApprovedGabriele Preston
Treating everyone the same when truly no one resident is the same can cost your community dollars and makes no good sense as a renewal strategy. There are two common problems that occur most often with renewal strategies...To avoid these typical mistakes talk to your residents in person in advance of making any offers. It is important to understand what each resident’s personal circumstances are in any particular month so that a successful renewal offering plan can be developed.
Are you having a fire sale?Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Bill Nye5/28/2009 2:19 PMEducation Conference0 ApprovedBill Nye, Ph.D.  Bill Nye Training
How often does someone walk into a leasing office and rent everything you have available? This rarely happens if ever at all. The leasing business is a one-on-one business. You're leasing one apartment at a time and yet the most widely used practice is to put every floor plan on sale at the same time.
Short Messaging Service Facilitates Connection With Mobile ProspectsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Kerry Anne Sullivan5/28/2009 2:15 PMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedKerry A. Sullivan
Whether accessed by PDA or cell phone, laptop or desktop, Laramar Group's Red Road Commons' Web site is interactive to every prospect that views it, thanks to a messaging platform that integrates mobile Web with short messaging service (SMS) technology.
Green leasing (Part 3): E-signaturesUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
NAAMembershipProvider:9280675/27/2009 3:39 PMGreen Initiatives; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJake Harrington
More than ever, over the next two years, apartment companies need to focus on what they can control. Winning and retaining the right residents will make the difference...The final frontier of online leasing is signing the lease contract and move-in forms.
Wanted: Mktg site, not 2 flashy, $0Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Jeffrey Ryan Lee5/26/2009 4:17 PMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Some apartment marketers say Craigslist has grown to one of their top sources of traffic, especially in urban areas. At Archstone, Craigslist has grown in recent years from being the source of 2 percent of its leads to 10 percent, according to Don Davidoff, the company’s Group Vice President, Strategic Systems. But he urges companies to exercise caution when using Craigslist.
Don’t Believe the Hype! (Or… Somewhere Over the Rainbow)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Doug Miller5/26/2009 8:19 AMMarketing & Leasing0 ApprovedDoug Miller
Around every corner I hear the gloom and doom. Whether it’s properties claiming they can’t compete with the concessions being offered down the street, or crazy surveys claiming that 96% of all residents will be moving this year...Despite challenging market conditions and economic times, a focus on what matters to residents can lead to increased retention - it starts with managing "perceived value."
Apartment Sales Still Slumping, but April Had Largest Transactions of 2009Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager5/22/2009 9:12 AMEconomic Issues0 ApprovedJeffrey Lee
Apartment sales in April were the highest of the year, but the $900 million in volume is still low by any measure, according to a report from research firm Real Capital Analytics [www.rcanalytics.com]. Year-to-date, apartment volume totals $2.8 billion for a monthly average of $700 million.
Green leasing (Part 2): Online ApplicationsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
NAAMembershipProvider:9280675/19/2009 12:02 PMGreen Initiatives; Marketing & Leasing0 ApprovedJake Harrington
Does your community website say “Apply now!” but then link unhelpfully to a static form to be downloaded, filled out and faxed? If so, you’re not alone, but you’re also lying to your customer. Worse, you’re missing out on the majority of renters who prefer to do business online.
Ask Mr. CAMT - Stocking and Organizing Your Maintenance ShopUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager5/19/2009 8:22 AMMaintenance Issues0 ApprovedPablo Paz
Let’s face it. The economy is more than just a buzz word that we hear on the news every night; it’s affecting us all. In fact, the role of the maintenance professional has been impacted as a result. The daily onsite activities, processes and procedures must be reevaluated to become more effective and efficient, especially in this economy.
NYC Proposes Green Building LegislationUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Blog Manager5/18/2009 6:57 AMGreen Initiatives0 ApprovedScot Haislip
In its April 29, 2009 Washington Update the National Multi Housing Council provided a brief summary of recently proposed New York City legislation that would address building energy consumption. As NYC is often looked to by other localities as a model when creating their own legislation on a particular issue I wanted to reproduce NMHC’s brief here just in case anyone missed it in the Washington Update. Any questions regarding this legislation can be direct either to myself or NMHC directly.
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