Industry Voices

How Alternative Payment Systems Support White House ‘Renter’s Bill of Rights’

by Channing Hamilton July 10, 2023

— By Brian Ball and Revital Gadish, co-CEOs, Qira — Much of the news about property technology (proptech) concerns the physical features of apartment buildings — for example, appliances such as smart thermostats that save energy and money, or keyless entry and monitoring systems that are more convenient and secure. However, proptech also addresses intangible concerns, such as the societal push to give more power to renters in their relationships with owners and managers. The sector is rethinking how renters pay security deposits and monthly rents in ways that support …

July 10, 2023

Estrella Vista in Emeryville, California

Affordable Housing Development Finance Industry Voices

Why Affordable Housing is the Most Needed Investment of 2023

by Channing Hamilton June 26, 2023

Despite many regional and federal efforts, there is a staggering deficit of over seven million affordable and workforce housing units, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). For many, this can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, housing professionals and developers able and willing to navigate the sector’s many nuances have the opportunity to do good while doing well, tapping into insatiable demand while building out their long-term pipelines. Recognizing the Scope of the Problem Location is the most important factor for many builders when searching for and …

June 26, 2023

A chart depicting national disasters across the U.S. Texas has the most disasters.

Finance Industry Voices News Operations

Economic Headwinds Are an Opportunity in Disguise for Multifamily Sector

by Channing Hamilton May 9, 2023

— By Marc Hershberg, Topaz Capital Group — The multifamily industry has grown massively over the past decade. Total transaction volume was up 250 percent from 2012 to 2018, the biggest year on record. For many, 2020 or 2021 were their best years yet. Even when faced with multiple headwinds in 2022 that included ongoing supply chain disruptions, rising inflation and interest rate hikes, the overall resiliency of commercial real estate was on display. Now, however, we are faced with more economic uncertainty than we’ve experienced in the past 15 …

May 9, 2023

A white single-family home with black accents.

Build-to-Rent Industry Voices Midwest Northeast Southeast Texas Western

Why Build-to-Rent is a Win-Win Situation for Renters, Investors

by Channing Hamilton April 3, 2023

— By Adam Wolfson, CEO and CIO, Wolfson Development Co. — The nation’s decades-long housing shortage and the recent rise of the build-to-rent (BTR) sector are inextricably linked. Although some may debate that one is caused by the other — or at least made worse — the important point is that the BTR industry was born out of the housing crisis. The socioeconomic implication of homebuying versus renting may inspire an interesting debate, but it’s not germane to the essential fact that the United States does not have enough housing to …

April 3, 2023

Industry Voices Operations Technology

Property Owners Providing the Latest Wi-Fi Technology Will Attract and Keep Residents

by Lynn Peisner March 13, 2023

The boundaries between work and personal time are becoming increasingly blurred. But, as Thomas Edison once said, “Time is really the only capital that any human has and the only thing he can’t afford to lose.” Apartment owners and operators need to provide environments that support the way their tenants choose to spend their time living and working today. The concept of work-life balance has taken on new meaning because of the constant connectivity provided by mobile devices, laptops, streaming services, voice assistants, gaming and video calls — all combined …

March 13, 2023

Parkside Terrace, a two story brick multifamily building with white balconies overlooking a small green lawn and hedges.

Industry Voices Operations

How Proptech Is Proving to Be a Game-Changer in Class B and C Multifamily Market

by Channing Hamilton February 6, 2023

— By Sylvia Crawford, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy and Planning, Arize — Nationwide, the average apartment rent increased by 14 percent last year, and by as much as 40 percent in cities like Austin and Miami, according to The Washington Post. Renters with low- and moderate-income levels are struggling, as the demand for accessible housing is growing faster than inflation. For years, proptech has primarily been leveraged in luxury homes and high-rises, as only Class A property owners could justify investing in these devices. Meanwhile, Class C properties have traditionally shied away from implementing …

February 6, 2023

Common area in Fremont Station in Flagstaff, Ariz

Industry Voices Leasing & Marketing

How Branding Leads to Higher Occupancy and Retention

by franceadminmfahb February 2, 2023

— By Chad Martin, owner of Weave — When you hear the phrase “property branding,” chances are your mind instantly thinks of logos, color schemes, website layouts — maybe some fun pieces of swag in the leasing office. But nothing more consequential, right? Wrong. While these are all important elements to a property’s brand, they are just a small part of the overall experience that makes a property feel like home. Creating a place that feels like home ensures efficiency, consistency and even tenant retention — all music to a …

February 2, 2023

Lexington at Dilworth in Charlotte, N.C.

Architecture & Design Industry Voices

Pandemic Jump-Starts New Era in Multifamily Design

by franceadminmfahb February 2, 2023

COVID-19 has forced architects to deliver apartment features that are hyper-customized to regional trends and renter demographics. — By Ryan Carver, SGA|NarmourWright Design — As strange as it may seem, the enduring COVID-19 pandemic is creating an opportunity for innovation in the multifamily industry. These days, my colleagues and I at the architectural design and planning firm of SGA|NarmourWright are sharpening our pencils, fine-tuning the services we deliver during this pandemic era and beyond. Our clients need the right product for the right target demographic. We study trends by talking …

February 2, 2023

Development Industry Voices

NMHC Report: Renters Weigh in on Ideal Fitness Amenity

by Jaime Lackey January 31, 2023

Ground-up developers and owners evaluating value-add projects should consider bulking up their fitness amenities to support a wide range of active lifestyles. — By Sarah Yaussi, National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) — The health and fitness industry has undergone tremendous transformation in recent years. Specialized fitness centers like CrossFit gyms and spin studios have challenged traditional fitness centers as the workout destination of choice for many. TRX straps, kettle bells and resistance bands have claimed real estate on the weight-room floor. And the growth of on-demand classes and in-home gyms …

January 31, 2023

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