Blog
‘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…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: The Super Bowl Blackout and Generating Ideas for your Multifamily Community
So, did anyone watch anything interesting this weekend? (And, no, Girls doesn’t count because I don’t like that show, and Downton Abbey doesn’t count because I don’t watch it.) You know what I’m getting at: It was the Super Bowl! And, while from a commercial standpoint it was a little disappointing (besides a clydesdale that made me cry), it was a pretty exciting game. The 49ers came back in the second half and put up a good fight. And Beyonce—and the Destiny’s Child reunion—were awesome. (Side note—how do you dance in 5-inch heels? I can barely avoid tripping while I’m…
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: Connecting with Lenders Online
Simply put, they are more willing to take a risk on those operators that have embraced technology. Is your team working smarter—not harder? The apartment owner with a robust platform has more time and money to spend on the asset.
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: A Practitioner Transcendent
The 2013 meeting of the National Multi-housing Council in Palm Springs just ended, amid the specter of packed conference rooms, a multitude of free flowing cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and more parties than one could conceivably attend, though I tried my best. Cocktails and memory are archenemies, and ultimately the vistas began to look eerily similar, perhaps because of a visit through a different door. The magic of the attendee badge essentially assures that all are on a level playing field—high-level executives standing aside new entrants to the profession. In many ways, the NMHC conference serves more than any other…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Splurge or Save? Advice for Developers and Property Managers
Sometimes buildings are constructed quickly so that people can start renting as soon as possible and owners can start seeing a return on their investment, and, hopefully, a profit. But sometimes when people move too quickly they end up making mistakes or cutting corners that could end up costing them down the road. (Seriously, do you think Superman would actually have worn his underwear on the outside of his tights if he had slowed down and thought a little bit when he was getting dressed?) Though you might see faster results when you do certain things by the book when…
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: Should Developers Pay More Attention to the Arts?
The definition and boundaries of art are ever-changing. We might not all agree on what constitutes art—good or otherwise—but most would recognize a thriving neighborhood when we see one. It’s the place that’s bustling with activity and energy, where leasing and occupancy take care of themselves, and urban infill developers are competing for the last remaining opportunities. According to ArtPlace, a collaboration of national and regional foundations, banks, and federal agencies committed to “accelerating creative placemaking,” the arts are central to creating neighborhoods where people (such as renters) want to be. In other words, having artists live in the vicinity—and…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: The Importance of Managing Negative Online Apartment Reviews
Something just seemed…off…about an apartment community my husband and I recently looked at. And not just the fact that it was located in Jersey. Sure, the apartments we saw were pretty big. And there were in-unit washers and dryers. And a nice gym. But still… “I know you allow pets here,” I said. “Have there ever been complaints about hearing dogs barking all night?” “The walls aren’t soundproof,” the leasing agent admitted. “But there’s carpet! And we have quiet hours in the building from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.” My Spider Senses started tingling. Quiet hours? Instead of my Ford,…
Guest Post: The Next Development Frontier—Extraterrestrial Real Estate
This is the future. Not us—and maybe not our children—but possibly our children’s children will one day make such a trip with their families, a one-way trip that might just end with an apartment or house on the Moon. It will be one of many homes. Entire neighborhoods will be developed.
Guest Post: A Guy’s Guide to Staging Apartments
By Dale Blasingame, Move for Free I’ve lived in my current apartment for two years now. All of the things that should be hung up are still leaning up against the wall, neatly arranged in stacks of two. Ladies, welcome to the guy’s world of apartment decorating. I actually do take pride in a well-decorated apartment, believe it or not. I just never assumed I would be in my current apartment long enough to justify hanging everything up. (Two years later, I now realize I made a huge mistake.) Every time my girlfriend steps foot in my apartment, I can…