Blog
‘The Green Picture’ with Erika Schnitzer: Bringing Sexy Back … to Green
At a two-day brainstorming session about sustainability, it became clear that our industry could be more innovative.
‘On the Ground’ with Eric Brown: When Marketing Becomes Media
How were you spending your marketing budget 10 years ago? Is it really all that different today? It should be.
‘Foong on Finance’: Obama’s Plan Calls for End to Fannie and Freddie within 10 Years
The Obama Administration issued its proposal for the future of Fannie and Freddie today.
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: The Tunnel at the End of the Light?
Inflation might increase at a rapid trajectory, sinking much of what was gained in the past six months.
‘Foong on Finance’: Capitol Hill Opinion Coalescing around MBA’s GSE Framework?
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) proposed plan for the future of the GSEs may be well received by the Obama Administration.
‘On the Ground’ with Eric Brown: Are You Overpaying for Rental Leads?
By expanding your online presence, a lot of your apartment leads can be, and should be, coming to you for free.
‘Foong on Finance’: Affordable Housing Sector Awaits Obama Budget
President Obama’s State of the Union speech does not seem to be a speech that is particularly underpinned by a conservative economic philosophy. One has to watch the President’s actions, and await the release of the Administration’s budget proposal in a few weeks, to see his intentions. At the annual National Housing Conference and New York Housing Conference luncheon in December, speakers were not optimistic about the prospects for funding for affordable housing in the current environment, and were girding themselves for tougher times ahead. More funding cannot be expected; only level funding at best. President Obama, who proposed…
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: NMHC Has Great Parties
I just got back from the National Multi Housing Council’s annual apartment festival, and to tell you the truth, I had a great time. For one thing, I never saw so many ruby slippers on acquisition and development guys, wandering around waiting to click their heels together to end up in Kansas. Apparently off-market and non-core deals are becoming all the rage as yield meets cornfields and the wide-open plains. Being a St. Louis boy (go Cardinal nation), I suppose that it’s only fitting that the Midwest somehow ended up being part of the acquisition binge again. Did I mention…
‘On the Ground’ with Eric Brown: Social Media Marketing for Apartments Is about the Numbers, Part Two: Blogs
Blogger Eric Brown shares insight as to how to get people talking about your community.
‘Foong on Finance’: Rising Interest Rates Torpedo Acquisition Deals
The multifamily acquisitions market became a buyer’s market as early as the beginning of last year. Cap rates for apartment properties have now slid back down to levels last seen in the mid- to late-2000s. For example, cap rates are 5.5 percent in certain California locations and in New York City, says Nathan Collier, founder and chairman of the Collier Companies. Collier spoke at a session last week at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show. Speakers at the session, which addressed the acquisition of multifamily properties, suggested that rising interest rates (which have increased by as much…