THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Renew Announces Launch and $8M+ in Seed Funding
by Stephen Ursery
Multifamily veterans Rob Hayden and Kevin Murphy have launched Renew, a cutting-edge software platform that automates and optimizes the residential renewal process. The company also secured more than $8 million in seed funding. The platform, which integrates with property management software, is designed to ease the often-ignored process of resident retention, providing residents with tools and guidance on the process.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
How to Prepare for Natural Disasters, Other Crises
by Barbara Ballinger
Recent chaotic and unpredictable weather events have brought an increased focus on the subject of preparedness. In addition to ensuring infrastructure and communication is adequate for major weather events, onsite teams need to make sure they have the tools to deal with any crises that arise.
BTR Operators Prioritize Fraud Prevention, Education
by Diana Mosher
With the goal of preventing a repeat of the fraud that plagued the BTR industry during the pandemic, owner/operators are keeping a very close eye on vacant units. They are also educating renters on spotting online scams to avoid accidentally becoming squatters in a home.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
Top 5 Ways to Optimize Access Control
by Mitch Karren
A necessary component of effective property management is access control, which can affect every segment of the resident lifecycle and allows onsite teams to operate more efficiently. It starts with offering easy access for prospects who prefer a self-guided tour and continues with perimeter and amenities access. Customization can offer smooth-flowing access for residents and teams alike.
Read the article in Multifamily Insiders
Replace Social Perks With Tech Tools to Attract Modern Renters
by Andrew Ruhland
Depending on who you’re renting to, amenities and activities that foster community-building don’t hold as much sway on renewals as they once did. Modern renters are likely more interested in tech tools that simplify their lives as opposed to socializing with their neighbors.
Read the article in Rental Housing Journal
10 Unsexy Amenities That Will Bring in Renters
by Jessica Fiur
Fancy rooftop settings and fitness centers are great for catching eyes during community tours, but there are less appealing features that are necessary to keep residents interested in a property, including online rent payment and maintenance requests, as well as printers and WiFi.
Read the article in Multi-Housing News
INDUSTRY NEWS
Multifamily Owners Squeezed as Values Drop 20%
by Jack Rogers
The decreasing valuations, rising cost of debt, and almost nonexistent opportunities for refinancing that hit office building owners are starting to make their way into the multifamily industry. Apartment building values have dropped 20% from their peak, and owner/operators are also facing slowing rent growth. Properties with large, floating-rate mortgages may no longer be able to meet debt payments, leaving no choice but to hand over the keys.
Columbus Proves to Be Slow and Steady Market
by Christine Serlin
Ohio’s capital, Columbus, is proving to be a beacon of multifamily stability in a region beset by ebbs and flows. The Ohio State University provides a steady supply of renters and the region has seen average rent growth of 5.8%, ranking it 32nd among the top 50 markets.
Read the article in Multifamily Executive
Presidential Veto of WOTUS a ‘Blow to Housing Affordability’
by Vincent Salandro
President Biden’s veto of a Congressional resolution to rescind the Waters of the United States rule of the Clean Water Act will add a layer of regulations to the development of multifamily housing. Opponents say the resulting permit delays will hamper affordability.
Read the article in Builder