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‘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,…
‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: The Cooking Show Phenomenon, and How It Changed Multifamily
A few years ago, I had no idea what creme fraiche was. I didn’t know beets could be made into foam (or why anyone would want them to be. I’m actually still trying to figure this one out). Actually, to be honest, I didn’t even know how to boil an egg. Seriously. Don’t judge. But all that changed with the influx of cooking shows such as “Top Chef,” “Iron Chef,” “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives”…the list goes on. Suddenly I don’t just know how to cook, but I want to. And it’s not just me. Everyone watches these shows now,…
‘Outside the Box’ with Erika Schnitzer: How Trader Joe’s Can Be An Example to Apartment Managers
Step into a Trader Joe’s store in Manhattan and you’ll be greeted with a madhouse of customers maneuvering the tight aisles, and employees frantically restocking shelves and holding up “End of Line” signs, which keeps getting further and further away from the checkout. Yet the customers keep coming, loading their carts and waiting in line. This scene is not just at the holidays; it’s year-round. The store doesn’t have sales; instead, it offers low prices all year long. But it doesn’t sacrifice in quality, either. The produce is fresh, the baked goods look like something you’d find at a gourmet…
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: Divorce American Style
In the beginning it was great, like true love—so exciting and cozy. I couldn’t wait to get home, to be there, the newness of it all, the way it made me feel, all tingly inside, like a hug after a long journey. Then it started to get to me—the noise, which was a cacophony of chatter, chirps and humming. Oh how I hated the humming, even thinking once that a quick whack with a frying plan would stop it permanently, but the consequences of that were too much to consider. I really don’t know how I got sucked into this…
Effect of Home Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction on Multifamily Real Estate
By: Jeffrey A. Kohn, Esq. There have been a number of proposals to reduce or eliminate 26 U.S.C. § 163(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently allows home mortgage interest to be deducted for federal tax purposes (the “Mortgage Interest Deduction”) subject to certain limitations. Currently, most taxpayers that elect to itemize may deduct the interest on their mortgages on their federal income tax returns. There are two important limitations on the Mortgage Interest Deduction: (1) the deduction is limited to interest on debts secured by a principal residence or a second home and (2) interest is deductible on only the first…