CHICAGO — The Apartment Source (TAS), a real estate firm specializing in multifamily leasing, has merged its property management division with Westward360, a property manager for rental asset owners and community associations. The merger brings together two companies in the Chicago real estate market. According to a release, Westward360’s reputation in property management will help TAS expand into new Chicago and suburban markets, while Westward360 will broaden its portfolio.
BERKELEY, CALIF. — RealPage has filed a lawsuit against the city of Berkeley, California, over an impending ban on the use of rent pricing algorithms. The firm is seeking a judgment and injunction against the ordinance, which RealPage argues violates the First Amendment right to lawful speech. The company also asserts that the ordinance was adopted based on false claims regarding its revenue management software. The Berkeley City Council voted to ban rent pricing software on March 25. The ordinance will go into effect on April 24, unless it is …
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Economic uncertainty has continued to be a primary concern for multifamily construction and development firms. More than half say current and future projects have experienced construction delays, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) Quarterly Survey of Construction & Development Activity. Fifty-eight percent of respondents stated they had experienced construction delays between January and March in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The most frequently cited causes for delays were economic uncertainty (68 percent) and economic feasibility (68 percent); followed by permitting, entitlement and professional services (58 percent); availability of construction …
DALLAS — JPI, a developer and builder based in Dallas, has hired Jay Parsons as economic advisor. Parsons will advise the company on economic trends and market dynamics. He will serve in a part-time role. Parsons has held executive and senior leadership roles at Madera Residential and RealPage. He also serves on the board of advisors for Apartment Life, a faith-based non-profit organization that offers community building programs.
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 …
Property owners are learning how to provide fast internet at their communities for good reason. According to a 2024 renter preferences survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and Grace Hill, high-speed internet is one of the top requirements for renters today. Ninety percent of respondents said they would not rent without it. Lisa Clark, senior director, MDU sales, with Lumos goes a step further, calling internet the “fourth utility,” behind water, electricity and gas. Consistently strong internet doesn’t just power remote work and streaming services, it’s the fuel …
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 …
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 …
SAN RAFAEL, CALIF. — EAH Housing has appointed Kasey Archey to the role of senior vice president of real estate management. In this position, Archey will oversee EAH Housing’s property management department and ensure the viability of the organization’s affordable housing assets in California and Hawaii. Before joining EAH Housing, Archey served as senior vice president of property management for MidPen Housing. Additionally, she served as vice president of property operations at Eden Housing Management. Across her previous roles, she was responsible financial reporting, government and community engagement, capital improvement …
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, …