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‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 7 Things Renters in Their 70s and Beyond Want in an Apartment (And 1 Bonus)
Whether they’re seniors looking for housing or they’re looking for “seniors housing,” renters in their 70s and beyond have specific wants and needs on their apartment wish lists. And, boy, they’re not shy about letting you know it. Don’t let their age fool you: renters in their 70s and beyond want all the bells and whistles of an apartment that people first looking for apartment want (except, maybe a kegerator. Though, who are we to judge if they do?). 7 Things Renters in Their 70s and Beyond Want in an Apartment (And 1 Bonus) Near Culture. Museums, theater and the…
‘Editor’s Notebook’ with Diana Mosher: JetBlue Thinks Outside the Box
If you ever get stuck at Pittsburgh International Airport, count on having a pretty good time. The restaurants are nothing out of the ordinary, but the retail experience is extensive with brands not found at other airports. Gap, Godiva, Nine West, Rite Aid and Brooks Brothers are just a few retailers in the extensive Air Mall. If you’re not in the mood for shopping, how about a manicure, massage or haircut? In its own effort to stand apart and build customer loyalty, JetBlue’s ultra-cool Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York—designed by Rockwell Group with Gensler—now features…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 9 Things Renters in Their 50s and 60s Want in an Apartment
Because of the mortgage crisis, many people in their 50s and 60s, who would once be proud homeowners, are renting. And some empty nesters feel that their house is just too big for them now (and when they tried to turn your old bedroom into a jacuzzi room, they flooded the second floor), so they want to downsize to an apartment. So what are renters in their 50s and 60s looking for in an apartment? 9 Things Renters in Their 50s and 60s Want in an Apartment Luxury. After years of work and probably cleaning up after the kids, they’ve…
‘Gimme Shelter’ with Daniel Gehman: An Apartment Bubble? Seriously?
Recently I’ve heard murmuring from a couple different quarters that there could be a bubble forming in the rental housing sector. It has been suggested that in some markets, development talent and money started to flow into multi-family projects about a year after the economy crashed because it needed somewhere to go. Consequently, lots of new apartments were constructed (or are in the process of being entitled, designed, and constructed), leading to too much supply, which was having a flattening effect on rent growth. Furthermore, fears were expressed that since renting, in some markets, was now more expensive than buying,…
‘Gimme Shelter’ with Daniel Gehman: Net Zero? Really?
There was recently an article in my local paper about new “net zero energy” houses being constructed in Orange County, Calif. The headline on the piece referenced the homes being “nearly ready for electric cars.” A conversation with the developer (Herb Gardner of City Ventures) ensued, in which some of the nuances of home charging for electric cars was explored. Now that I am a driver of an electric car (thanks, Nissan, I finally got my Leaf and I love it!), I was intrigued. I’ve been following the emergence of the viable electric car for some time, looking forward to…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 9 Things Renters in Their Late 30s to 40s Want in an Apartment
Renters in their late 30s to 40s are like a fine wine: If they’re not housed correctly, their moods will turn to vinegar. These renters want what they want. They likely have careers, families, responsibilities… In short, they’re adults, and would like to live as such, thankyouverymuch. 9 Things Renters in Their Late 30s to 40s Want in an Apartment Near work or transportation. Renters in their late 30s to 40s have probably spent more of their lives working than not working. So time not at work–with their families, friends, or alone with the latest issue of People and a…
‘What Renters Want’ With Jessica Fiur: What Renters in Their Late 20s to Mid 30s Are Looking For
It’s an odd renter group, those in their late 20s to mid 30s. They no longer want the same things that renters in their early 20s want. After all, they think they’re too mature to go out to the bars (they’re not). But they also think they’re too cool for peace and quiet (they’re not). It’s frustrating for these renters, who are both feeling too old for the party scene, and too young to catch a 4:30 supper. Like that Britney Spears’ song “I’m not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” (except, you know, less awful). This diverse age group…
“The Accidental Economist” with Jack Kern: The 12 Days of Rent Growth
As tempting as it is to author a little tune and a set of lyrics that would be a satire on that holiday standard song, there really is what I like to call the 12 days of rent growth. Most of the time, during the year there is a general acceptance of what drives rent and much to the disappointment of renters it isn’t always a supply and demand issue. While for now, the imbalance in availability is slightly tilted in favor of owners, some recent government releases have started to alter the trend just a little bit. So what…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 4 Things Renters in Their Early 20s Want (And 2 They Don’t)
Remember when you were little and considered chicken nuggets and a soda the epitome of fine dining? (Actually, I still do, but that’s neither here nor there.) Tastes and needs change as we get older, and the same principles apply to renting. What people in their early 20s want is completely different from what retirees want. Knowing your renters can help you target the right age group when you’re showing your apartments. In the next couple of blogs, I’ll be exploring what different age groups are looking for when they look at apartment rentals, starting with people in their early…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Anything Goes: What It Takes to Get that Lease Signed
Apartments don’t just sell themselves. You might have tons of natural light, a modern chef’s kitchen and be located near transportation, but, then again, so is your competitor’s place. So then real estate agents and developers must reach in to their bag of marketing tricks. Staging an apartment is probably the easiest, and most effective, way to hook renters. As all writers know, the most difficult thing about writing anything–book, article, grocery list–is staring down that black screen. Once something–anything–is on that page, it becomes a lot easier. Same goes for apartments. Blank walls are terrifying. Add some beautiful paintings,…