Regions

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorChicago–TransUnion recently rolled out SmartMove, an online tool for renters and landlords to enhance the rental screening process and prevent financial losses.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homeownership fell to 67.8 percent this year, the sharpest decline in 20 years. With an influx of renters, TransUnion says it sees a need for faster ways to approve the renting of an apartment or home. SmartMove provides a new level of security and risk management as consumers no longer need to provide property owners and managers with their Social Security number or credit card information. Instead,…

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorWashington, D.C.—The International Code Council (ICC) has completed its 2009 edition of the international building codes. The codes will be published early next year.The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) had lobbied against some of the proposed changes, and were successful in defeating most of them. NAHB said its Construction, Codes and Standards department worked to identify from a list of about 2,220 suggested changes the ones to which the group would object. Staff members presented their proposals at hearings and refuted proposed changes…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorIrving, Texas–Alliant Capital recently closed an $8,193,500 loan for the refinance of the Reflections at Valley Ranch Apartments in Irving, Texas. The 212-unit garden-style apartment community was built in 1986 and features 13, two-story residential buildings. Alliant’s loan has a 10-year term with a 30-year amortization.Meridian Capital Arranges over $5M in Permanent Financing for 51-Unit PropertyPleasanton, Calif.–Meridian Capital Group recently arranged permanent financing for Culver City-based E&S Ring Management Corp. in the amount of $5,236,000 for a 51-unit, recently renovated, multifamily property.Managing Director Alex J. Katz of Meridian’s Los Angeles office negotiated on behalf of…

Louisville, Ky.–The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recently recognized Ocean Edge Condos (pictured) in Brewster, Mass. and Henry Ford Village in Flat Rock, Mich. with Grand Awards in the condominium or apartment complex category of the Society’s 2008 Green Star Awards competition. Palisades Park in Chantilly, Va. was recognized with an Honor Award in the same category.Ocean Edge Condos on Cape Cod consists of nearly 1,000 residences on 429 acres. This landscape has to stand up to the coastal challenges of salt water and wind. The Henry Ford Village includes an Erickson Retirement Community that is home to 1,200 residents…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorAtlanta–Coro Realty Advisors LLC, the developer of a luxury high-rise rental community called 05 Buckhead, is focusing on service and convenience as a key aspect of this development. To accomplish this goal, the developer has hired several companies to offer a range of lifestyle amenities.The rental community is part of a 13-acre mixed-use development owned and assembled by Coro Realty Advisors since 1984.Located at the intersection of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads in Atlanta’s Buckhead district, the project offers condominium-style construction and design combined with individual services. Condominium Concepts, Atlanta’s luxury condominium management firm has developed…

By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorBaltimore—Enterprise Homes and Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO) recently celebrated the grand opening of Ednor Apartments II, an 85-unit affordable apartment community for seniors.The $12 million four-story Ednor Apartments II is part of the Stadium Place Retirement Community, Baltimore’s newest community for seniors 62 and older designed to provide both market-rate and affordable housing. In addition to the apartments, the community features a YMCA of Central Maryland recreational facility.The majority of the project is targeted for those earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income, with four units reserved for those earning above…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorNew York–With long lines and waits for voting this Nov. 4 across many neighborhoods, the multi-housing industry ensured that their employees got ample time and no penalties for any time they spent out of the office today, casting their ballot.The National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) encourages everyone to vote. Employees are given paid time off to vote in any municipal, county, state or federal political party primary or election. “And judging by the number of ‘I voted’ stickers around the office today, nearly everyone has done so,” a spokesperson for the NMHC tells MHN.The National…

Latex: Sherwin-WilliamsKitchen Cabinet Collections: AlnoEvolution Series Food Waste Disposers: InsinkeratorService:Rental Express e-Forms & e-Signatures: On-Site.comCorporate Initiatives: Gables Residential Inc. “Taking Care of Our Environment” Laramar “Green Team” AIMCO “AIMCO Energy Conservation” Clark Realty “Public-Private Partnership Sustainability”

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorVirginia Beach, Williamsburg, Va.–Harbor Group International LLC has acquired the 458-unit Mariner’s Cove Apartments, located in Virginia Beach, Va., for $46.4 million and the 220-unit Steeplechase Apartments (pictured), located in Williamsburg, Va., for  $22.8 million from an affiliate of Apartment Investment and Management Company’s (AIMCO). “Harbor Group has a vested interest in the Hampton Roads market,” says T. Richard Litton, Jr., president of Harbor Group. “The area has experienced steady growth over the past 10 years and the multifamily market has strengthened. We look forward to adding value to the property through capital improvements and…

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorAlexandria, Va.–Several thousand residents, staff and management of AvalonBay apartment communities all across the U.S. recently participated in “Make a Difference Day,” a national day of service sponsored by USA Weekend.AvalonBay’s corporate office in Alexandria, Va. planned and organized a range of activities throughout the company’s residential communities nationwide. AvalonBay contributed with their time, energy and talents to improve the quality of life in its neighborhoods, towns and counties. AvalonBay CEO Bryce Blair says, “This was a wonderful weekend of sharing AvalonBay’s spirit of caring in many of our communities across the country. It has…