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‘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…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Are You Sick of these 5 Apartment Design Trends?
Who knows why things go into style. For a while, everyone wore bell bottoms. Now, you couldn’t find a pair unless you went to a vintage store. But everyone from toddlers to seniors can find a pair of skinny jeans. Do you know what’s cool now? Mustaches and bacon (independently of each other, of course, though I’m sure you could find a fake mustache made out of bacon if you really tried). You could get pillows with mustaches on them. Mugs. Seriously anything. And don’t get me started on bacon. Why are they popular? Who knows. But it seems like…
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: Will Shipping Containers Help Modular Multifamily Construction Take Off?
When I joined Multi-Housing News seven years ago, green building practices were commonplace in the commercial real estate realm but not so in the apartment industry. It didn’t take long for multifamily to catch up and we’ve been covering the industry’s green successes—including, but not limited to, LEED projects—in our bi-monthly MHN Green Building and Design newsletter. I encourage you to subscribe to stay abreast of how the multifamily sector is incorporating sustainability. One of the most interesting trends to watch these days is the use of retired shipping containers in the modular construction process. An estimated 21,000 shipping containers arrive…
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: New Year, New Opportunities
MHN’s January 2013 issue delves into the multifamily investment landscape
How To Stay Safe In Your Apartment During Earthquakes (And Other Calamities)
Here are important tips to stay well-protected in your apartment before, during and after every possible calamity.
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: Let the Model Unit Tell Your Green Story
Eco-friendly building materials and green operations are key to winning over the renter demographic interested in healthier and more sustainable living environments (pretty soon that will be all of us). But are you really conveying your company’s commitment to green in a clear and meaningful way? Consider outfitting a model unit with environmentally friendly furniture and finishes, and provide an attractive marketing take-away that describes the green story behind each of the selections. You not only position your team as the eco-experts in the area, you also tap into a fantastic opportunity to partner with national suppliers and/or local businesses…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: What’s Your Apartment Resolution? 5 Suggestions for 2013
It’s that time of year: Time to start thinking up New Years resolutions. So why not add some multifamily resolutions for your buildings? It doesn’t have to be a big thing, like redesigning the exterior or retrofitting the building so it’s 100 percent sustainable or attracting George Clooney as a resident. And, unlike regular resolutions, such as losing 10 pounds, which people make in earnest but end up abandoning in a few months when it gets too cold to bother and the alluring siren song of chocolate Valentine’s Day candy sings its catchy tune that can’t ever get out of…