Jessica Fiur is the editor-in-chief at Multi-Housing News and Commercial Property Executive and writes the award-winning blog What Renters Want.

Jessica has been with the company since 2011 and previously was with Weekly Reader and IQPC. Contact Jessica at jessica.fiur@cpe-mhn.com, on Twitter @jfiur or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicafiur/.

Editor’s Note: Back to School

Virtual or face-to-face, education is key at all career stages. E-learning solutions enable apartment companies of all sizes to implement new employee training on Day One. They also allow management to leverage the talent pool and facilitate promotion from within. Tracking tools simplify staying abreast of performance details for large numbers of employees across a far-flung portfolio—and since you can see which employees are struggling with specific skill sets, costly in-person training can be deployed only when and where it’s needed.

MAA Acquires Texas Multifamily Community

MAA, a real estate investment trust, has completed the acquisition of Haven at Blanco, a multifamily community in San Antonio.

Alternatively Built Multifamily Development Uses Upcycling as a Hook

South Africa is the latest country to embrace the emerging trend of alternative building for multifamily developments.

Economy Watch: Personal Income, Spending Up

While investors were anticipating Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s pronouncements from Jackson Hole the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that personal income increased $42.3 billion, or 0.3 percent.

Guest Blog: Business Development 101

Business development excellence is based on four main principles: ethics, planning, appearance and appreciation. Part 1.

Two NYC Apartment Properties Win HUD Financing

Greystone Funding Corp., a multifamily and commercial property mortgage specialist, has originated $72.7 million in financing for two multifamily housing projects in New York City. HUD provided the financing for the properties.

Riverfront Residential’s Luxury Community 25 Percent Leased After Two Weeks

Riverwalk, a multifamily community in Elmwood Park, N.J., is already 25 percent leased after only being open for two weeks.

Phase II of Winner’s Circle at Saratoga Complete Thanks to $13M Freddie Mac Loan

The Community Preservation Corporation has closed on a $13 million Freddie Mac construction loan to refinance the recently completed Phase II of the Winner’s Circle at Saratoga apartment complex.

Rapid Realty NYC Makes Inc. 5000 List In Under Three Years

In less than three years after launching its franchise operation, resulting in an incredible wave of expansion, apartment rental firm Rapid Realty NYC has been awarded a coveted position on Inc. Magazine’s 2012 list of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the United States.

Barratt Developments Announces $396 Million Affordable Housing Regeneration Project in England

Barratt Developments, one of the largest house builders in England, has landed one of the most sought after housing-led redevelopment opportunities in the London boroughs.