Blog
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 4 Ways to Create a Healthier Apartment Community
We all know it’s important to be healthy—but it’s not our fault that broccoli doesn’t taste like french fries. Getting healthy is hard, but if you go about it as a group, people have support and motivation (or they’re shamed out of reaching for that second cupcake. Either way). So why not have some programs in your community to bolster your residents’ health and morale? Not only will these programs promote good health, but they’ll encourage socialization among residents, which, in turn, could lead to retention. Here are some suggestions for some community health initiatives. Have a community garden. If you…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Can You Back Up Your Community’s ‘Wow’ Factor?
“It has a bowling alley!” my friend told me about an apartment community she and her husband were considering. “That’s awesome,” I said. “You’ll never have to leave.” “It closes at 6,” she admitted. “Maybe I could go bowling some time before work.” “Well, how was the actual apartment?” “Eh, it’s just an apartment,” she said. “Nothing special.” “Would you at least have an easy commute?” “It’s closer for my husband than where we are now…further for me. I guess I’ll see how much they’re charging in rent. If it’s a good deal maybe we’ll still look into it.” Does…
Guest Post: How to Encourage Recycling at Multifamily Communities
By Shelley Davenport, Move For Free Incorporating economically and environmentally friendly practices into multifamily living is a great way to avoid unnecessary waste and improve the community. So when an apartment community actually provides a recycling option, why is it being ignored? Information and motivation are keys on the road to greener living. Here are a few great ways that management can encourage their residents to take advantage of these eco-friendly options. 1. Get the Word Out Some renters may not even realize recycling is an option at their apartment community. Management can reach out with information on recycling, pick-up…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: How Your Residents are Like Family (And How to React to Them)
An apartment community is like a big family, and, like a family, residents often play certain roles. And, just like how, growing up, I knew that during long car trips if I slapped my own leg and yelled “Ow!” I could get my younger brother yelled at, if you know which roles your residents are playing, you’ll know how to react to them and keep them happy in the community. The Baby—This resident needs to be coddled. He’ll call you to change a light bulb. Or to put up a painting. Or if he’s missing a sock from the laundry. So…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 3 Creative Ways to Attract New Renters
You can learn a lot from ’80s movies. Like, when you have the house to yourself, the most productive way to spend your time is to dance in your boxers and Ray Bans. That you can win back the woman you love by blasting music from a boombox in the middle of the night. That if you play hooky, you should stay as visible as possible by performing on a parade float. Yup, ’80s movies are really informative. One of the lessons property managers can take to heart is from one of my favorite movies from the 1980s: Troop Beverly…
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: New York City’s Got Green Game
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stirred controversy when he proposed banning large sugary beverages in an effort to fight the obesity epidemic. If enacted, this ban would be the first in the country. Now, in his final State of the City address, he has raised some eyebrows by proposing a ban on styrofoam food packaging. Not sure why this would surprise any constituents, since we already know the material isn’t biodegradable, and as the mayor’s office reminds us, plastic foam packaging makes up an estimated 20,000 tons of the city’s annual waste. The ban would require approval by the…
Guest Blog: Property Management—No Longer the Stepchild, but Leadership Challenges Continue
There remain significant hurdles in finding forward thinking, impactful people to lead operations, particularly in our industry’s larger organizations. Why is this the case and what is the industry doing about it?
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 4 Things Property Managers Can Learn from Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is here once again—the most polarizing of all the holidays. (Seriously, the only thing that gets equally as much love and hate is the series finale of Lost. Ba-dum ching. Nailed it!) But, whether you’re out romancing your sweetheart, watching slasher films, or romancing your sweetheart by watching slasher films, we can all agree on one thing: At least there’s candy. Anyway, love the holiday or hate it, there are definitely some things property managers can learn from Valentine’s Day. Everyone should be your Valentine. Remember in elementary school how you had to give everyone in your class a…
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: Are Your Apartment Communities Socially Responsible?
Afghanistan is frequently in the headlines, but many Americans know very little about this distant and mysterious land. Connie Duckworth wants to change all that—and she also wants the decision makers in the apartment industry to know that a hand-woven rug from Afghanistan would be a perfect conversation piece in their multifamily communities. Especially in those markets with a socially responsible renter demographic. And also because now there’s a new collection designed by some of the world’s most celebrated “starchitects.” Duckworth founded her non-profit Duckworth launched the project in 2004 with 30 carpet weavers, but since then ARZU has created over…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Micro Units: Yay or Nay?
Some things that are “micro” are awesome. Like, um, Micro Machines, those metal toy cars that really freaking hurt when you accidentally step on them. There are micro minis (which make regular mini skirts look absolutely conservative). Uh, Microsoft Word. And microscopes. Yay for science! And now, micro-unit apartments are gaining popularity. Are you jumping on the micro-unit development bandwagon? There are certainly benefits to renting out micro-units (and there are several ways to market them). Less square footage means you can have more units in your building than you would with traditionally sized apartments. That means more renters, and…