INDUSTRY NEWS
Mill Creek: Move-Ins Starting at Modera Falls Church
by Paul Willis
Mill Creek Residential has begun welcoming residents to Modera Falls Church, a LEED Gold-certified mixed-use community in Falls Church, Virginia. The community features 280 upscale studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and over 22,000 square feet of retail space. Residents enjoy luxury amenities including a resort-style pool, podcast lounge, coworking spaces, pet spa and state-of-the-art fitness center. Future retail tenants include Tatte Bakery & Café and MyHome Thai Bistro, set to open this year.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Investment Outlook Brightens Amid Stabilizing Rents
by Erik Sherman
U.S. multifamily is showing renewed optimism in early 2025, with stabilizing rents, declining vacancy rates and improved investor confidence. CBRE reports that underwriting assumptions for core assets have improved and buyer sentiment has risen, prompting a forecast of 2.6% average rent growth and vacancy rates below 5% for the year.
YIGBY Creates Innovative Housing Shortage Response
by Landon Erickson
The YIGBY (Yes In God’s Backyard) movement is gaining momentum nationwide, offering an innovative approach to addressing the nation’s housing supply crisis. This legislation encourages the development of multifamily housing on land that has traditionally been underutilized, usually land owned by faith-based institutions and colleges.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Tips to Tackle Employee Burnout
by Jessica Fiur
Employee burnout is a significant and growing issue in the multifamily industry. The sector is uniquely demanding due to its 24/7 nature, high resident expectations and the constant need for responsiveness and multitasking. To address this issue, owners and operators must be aware of the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. Key strategies include fostering open communication, promoting work-life balance and encouraging a supportive company culture.
Read the article in Multi-Housing Journal
How to Create a Productive Coworking Space
by Leah Draffen
Multifamily communities can create effective coworking spaces to meet the evolving needs of remote and hybrid workers by designing flexible layouts that accommodate both collaborative and private work, ensuring strong connectivity with high-speed Wi-Fi and selecting locations that balance accessibility with minimal noise.
6 Strategies That Actually Work in High-Vacancy Markets
by Ross Quade
In high-vacancy markets, traditional leasing strategies often aren’t enough. There are effective—and often underrated—tactics to increase occupancy, such as re-engaging former applicants, offering flexible lease terms and enhancing referral programs. These creative approaches can give communities an edge in filling vacancies.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
John Helm: ‘Centralization is Here to Stay’
by Christine Serlin
John Helm, founding partner of RET Ventures, says centralization has become a permanent fixture in multifamily operations. Amid economic uncertainty and labor shortages, property owners are increasingly adopting centralized technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve resident experiences. Helm emphasizes that these scalable solutions not only streamline operations but also facilitate portfolio growth, marking centralization as a key driver in the future of multifamily proptech.
Read the article in Multifamily Executive
How Digital Tools Change Multifamily Amenities
by Franco Faraudo
Digital tools are reshaping multifamily amenities, transitioning them from traditional perks to essential, tech-driven services. Smart features are now standard expectations, enhancing convenience for residents. This shift reflects a broader trend where technology integration is central to modern apartment living, meeting evolving resident demands.
Barriers to Change in Company Transformation
by Patrick Antrim
Approximately 70% of organizational change initiatives fail, resulting in wasted investment dollars and time. Dr. David White, a cognitive anthropologist, explains that while leaders often focus on values, behaviors and mindsets, the true essence of culture resides in tacit, taken-for-granted knowledge embedded in business practices.