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 …
Operations
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, …
WASHINGTON, D.C. — William Pulte, director of the United States Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), has replaced several members of the governing boards of government-sponsored entities (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The removals were announced through regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 17. According to The Wall Street Journal, Pulte removed eight members of the board of Fannie Mae. The removed board members were Amy Alving, Christopher Brummer, Michael Heid, Simon Johnson, Diane Lye, Diane Nordin, Chetlur Ragavan and Michael Seelig. Additionally, Pulte appointed Clinton Jones, …
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rising insurance costs are standing in the way of building more affordable housing. According to a survey from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), about 77 percent of owner/developer firms reported rate increases of up to 20 percent or more compared with 2023 costs. NMHC’s 2024 State of Multifamily Risk Report attributes the high costs to a variety of factors, including increased cost valuation, limited capacity within the reinsurance market, shrinking underwriting capacity and restricted availability of guaranteed cost/zero deductible programs. Previous NMHC research, such as the 2023 State of …
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. …
LAS VEGAS — 29th Street Living, the property management division of Chicago-based 29th Street Capital, has taken over management services for The Willows at Town Center, a 188-unit community in Las Vegas. Located at 9145 Echelon Point Drive, the property offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. According to Apartments.com, monthly rates start at $1,479 for a one-bedroom unit. Community amenities include a pool, business center, dog park, fitness center with yoga studio, package lockers and controlled access.