Industry Voices

The Economic Ripple Effect of Affordable Housing

by Lynn Peisner April 14, 2025

By Jose Torres The United States is in the grip of a deepening housing crisis. Across the country, there is a shortage of 7.3 million rental homes that are both affordable and available to lower-income renters. While affordable housing initiatives and development are primarily geared toward addressing this gap, the impact of the shortage extends far beyond shelter. Affordable housing doesn’t just provide stable, accessible homes, it is a powerful engine for economic growth and prosperity, fueling long-term job creation, supporting local businesses and strengthening stability. A Powerful Job-Creation Cycle …

April 14, 2025

Industry Voices Leasing & Marketing Operations

Practicality is the Name of the Game for ROI on Amenities

by Channing Hamilton April 4, 2025

By Jonathan Treble, founder and CEO, WithMe Inc. Amenities shape the daily lives of a property’s residents. They are not simply marketing tools or leasing incentives, but a crucial component of what makes an apartment community feel like a home. However, not all amenities hold their value. For example, a luxury golf simulator can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $150,000 to install. A rock climbing wall runs between $30 and $40 per square foot, meaning a 1,000-square-foot wall could total $30,000 to $40,000. Rooftop lounges and theater rooms can push costs even higher with maintenance …

April 4, 2025

Industry Voices Leasing & Marketing Operations Technology

Five Ways to Use Data to Maximize Marketing ROI

by Lynn Peisner March 26, 2025

By Annette Valle, founder and CEO, Social Kapture In today’s competitive multifamily housing market, property owners and managers who rely solely on intuition to guide their social media and digital marketing decisions are leaving significant leasing opportunities on the table. While industry experience is valuable, the most successful multifamily professionals are turning to data analytics to inform their strategies and maximize return on investment. As the founder of a social media agency specializing in the multifamily industry, I’ve seen how shifting from gut-based decisions to data-driven strategies can transform marketing …

March 26, 2025

Industry Voices Investment Sales Operations

Four Ways to Scale Your Portfolio and Four Trends to Watch

by Lynn Peisner March 25, 2025

By Eric Thorsen, chief investment officer, Atlas Real Estate The real estate investment landscape is evolving rapidly, and investors who wish to thrive must go beyond simply acquiring properties. Success requires a strategic approach, one that prioritizes efficiency, scalability and operational excellence. The key to sustainable growth in real estate investing lies in developing robust systems that optimize asset performance, streamline operations and enhance the tenant experience. At Atlas Real Estate, we have built a foundation that enables institutional and individual investors to scale their portfolios with precision and maximize …

March 25, 2025

Industry Voices Operations Technology

Beyond the Treadmill: The ROI of Sustainable Fitness Spaces

by Channing Hamilton March 24, 2025

By Lisa Kendall, LIVunLtd Fitness centers in multifamily communities have evolved beyond providing residents with basic treadmills and weights. Today’s renters are increasingly expecting wellness-oriented spaces that combine functionality with sustainability and convenience, enhancing their lifestyles and living environments. A survey from property management software provider RentCafe found that roughly half (47 percent) of renters are interested in their apartment building having a gym. Furthermore, 28 percent of apartment residents also stated that not having a gym is a dealbreaker. As property developers, owners and managers aim to meet these demands, …

March 24, 2025

Industry Voices Investment Sales Texas

Lessons Learned from 40 Years of Investing in Dallas Multifamily

by Lynn Peisner March 21, 2025

By Scott Ferguson, Westmount Capital The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) multifamily real estate market remains one of the most dynamic and resilient in the nation. Driven by strong job creation, population growth and a business-friendly environment, DFW continues to attract investors and developers alike. As demand for rental housing evolves, it is essential to assess current trends and anticipate future opportunities. At Westmount Realty Capital, we have been actively engaged in the DFW multifamily sector, leveraging our four decades of experience to identify high-potential assets and execute strategic value-add initiatives. Our …

March 21, 2025

Industry Voices Operations Technology

Does Your Access Control System Meet These Three Basic Standards?

by Lynn Peisner March 17, 2025

By Nicolás Aznar, Vingcard The most powerful innovations are those that solve real problems for real people. Throughout my decades-long career in access control, I’ve seen firsthand how focusing on fundamentals creates more value than chasing every new trend. In multifamily and affordable housing especially, success doesn’t come from implementing the most advanced technology available. It comes from understanding what residents and property managers truly need, then delivering solutions that address those specific requirements with excellence. The most successful access control technologies excel at three fundamental elements. They prioritize safety. …

March 17, 2025

Affordable Housing Development Industry Voices

Why Developers Shouldn’t Gamble When it Comes to Accessibility Compliance

by Lynn Peisner March 7, 2025

By Mark English, E&A Team Inc. Every short-term decision contributes to a long-term goal. In multifamily housing construction, the consequences of short-term decisions are particularly evident when an owner hires an architect, contractor or a superintendent who lacks a full understanding of accessibility compliance. It all comes down to two key questions: What regulations apply to the property, and what are the technical standards each regulation requires you to apply? The answers to these questions determine the applicable accessibility requirements for the property. In 2007, I was shocked to learn …

March 7, 2025

Affordable Housing Industry Voices

How Tariffs Could Reshape Affordable Housing

by Lynn Peisner February 24, 2025

The Trump administration has reshaped global trade dynamics with sweeping tariffs targeting imports from Canada, Mexico and China. As the CEO of a firm that provides capital to experienced CRE professionals including dozens of multifamily housing developers, and who has also owned and/or managed over 4,700 affordable housing units, I see these policies as a watershed moment for the U.S. housing market. The confluence of 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, effective March 12, the potential for 25 percent duties on Canadian and Mexican goods and 10 percent …

February 24, 2025

Development Industry Voices Operations

How to Ease Billing and Compliance Headaches During Development

by Lynn Peisner February 11, 2025

Any number of issues can keep multifamily developers and owners awake at night. I’ve identified the following four top problem areas for developers when it comes to billing and compliance based on my experience working on new construction projects. The following tips can help minimize unnecessary delays, reduce staff frustration, avoid fines and lower costs all while allowing for a smooth transition into operations. 1. Deposits Setting up deposits for multifamily developments is a challenge that requires careful attention to details such as regulatory compliance, financial management and tenant relations. …

February 11, 2025

Newer Posts

Older Posts