Archive for March 2009

By Keat Foong, Executive EditorThese are tough times, and they may get even tougher. Executives at several of the most time-tested apartment companies share strategies on a range of topics—from the importance of technology and customer service to finding hidden opportunities created by the downturn. Associated Estates Realty Corp. Jeffrey Friedman/President and CEOAssociated Estates Realty…

“Despite obstacles, basic multi-housing market fundamentals in San Diego have remained strong,” Grubb & Ellis reports. Area vacancies in September 2008 were at a miniscule 2.3 percent, down from 2.7 percent a year earlier (compared with a national average of 12 percent). Rental rates peak in the area at an average of $1,772 per month…

By Jim Truitt, Forest City Residential GroupFor a slideshow of images go to Mercantile PlaceHistoric preservation can revitalize a community’s economy and renew its downtown core, while preserving the social and cultural character of an area. Although adaptive reuse has its challenges—preserving and restoring artifacts, optimizing apartment space while maintaining the building’s structure and historic…

By Lisa Iannucci, Contributing EditorGlobal warming has already directly impacted weather patterns and reduced fresh water resources. Studies show that submetered properties consume less water than those billing water as part of the rent charge. “Submetering, unlike utility rationing, gives the resident both personal control and incentive to save water,” says Scott Bolin, director of…

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorBuildings account for a large percentage of electricity and potable water consumption—72 percent and 14 percent, respectively. Both resources are not only crucial to the environment, but as Lenora Campos, Ph.D., manager of public relations at Toto USA, asserts, “Water is the new oil. It will be something over which the…

By Christopher Hosford, Contributing EditorThe automobile is like a member of the family. It needs a space of its own so that residents and property owners alike are happy. Luckily there are some nifty technological solutions that, if budget allows or local ordinances require, are likely to maintain that happiness quotient while solving a number…

By Dave Clements, LassoAccording to some estimates, upwards of 100 million spam e-mail messages are sent per day. As that number continues to grow, so also does the effectiveness of spam filters in blocking unwanted mail. Users are also becoming increasingly skilled at deleting spam messages from their inboxes before they can even be read.When…

By Dave ClementsAccording to some estimates, upwards of 100 million spam e-mail messages are sent per day. As that number continues to grow, so does the effectiveness of spam filters in blocking unwanted mail. Users are also becoming increasingly skilled at deleting spam messages from their inbox before they can even be read.When it comes…