INDUSTRY NEWS
Engrain Announces the Next Generation of TouchTour
by Andrew Ruhland
Engrain has launched the latest iteration of the TouchTour Flex platform for senior living communities, offering an interactive sales and leasing tool. It features color-coded floor plans, mirrored unit comparisons, printable layouts and customizable digital brochures, tailored to seniors and their families. Simplifying visuals and streamlining information helps to enhance the decision-making process.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Grace Hill Enhances Realync With Powerful Intelligence
by Darcey Leach
Grace Hill announced a significant upgrade to its Realync solution with the addition of Live Video Intelligence, an AI-powered advanced analytics and tour performance tool. The upgrade provides multifamily teams with deeper insights into leasing tours, enabling more informed decisions and improved engagement.
Washington Set to Become Third State With Rent Control
by Erik Sherman
Washington is poised to become the third U.S. state with statewide rent control, following legislative approval of a bill capping annual rent increases at the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10%. A stricter 5% cap applies to manufactured housing. Critics warn it may deter new construction projects in the future.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Fee Transparency Is The Future of Apartment Search
by Brent Steiner
There is a growing demand for clear disclosure of rental fees in the apartment search process. Regulatory pressures and consumer expectations are pushing owners, operators and listing platforms toward greater transparency. Hidden fees can erode trust among residents and potential residents, emphasizing the importance of providing upfront cost information to foster a more equitable rental market.
Resident Comfort: Wellness Takes Center Stage
by Barbara Ballinger
Multifamily is placing a growing emphasis on wellness and resident comfort in housing design. Developers are integrating features like sound rooms, meditation spaces, flexible fitness studios and outdoor amenities to cater to health-conscious residents, reflecting the industry’s response to the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy.
The Tax Strategy Every Owner and Operator Should Know
by Sean Graham
Cost segregation is a tax strategy that allows multifamily property owners and operators to accelerate depreciation by reclassifying building components into shorter asset lives. This can lead to substantial tax savings and improved cash flow. This strategy is particularly beneficial for new acquisitions or major renovations.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
Why Rental Housing Operators Must Diversify Marketing Channels
by Kevin Juhász
As renters actively seek multiple sources for their apartment searches, multifamily housing operators must diversify beyond traditional methods. By strategically integrating various digital channels—including paid search, social media, digital display and geofencing—marketers can reach prospects at multiple stages of their search journey, enhancing community visibility and maintaining a competitive edge.
Read the article in Multifamily Executive
5 Ways AI Tools Advance Multifamily
by Robyn Friedman
Artificial intelligence is transforming multifamily operations by streamlining tasks and enhancing resident experiences. AI tools are being utilized for chatbots, fraud detection, content generation and leasing predictions. As AI technology rapidly evolves, its adoption is becoming essential for competitive property management.
VR Is Transforming the Future of Building Safety Training
by Franco Faraudo
Virtual reality is revolutionizing building safety training by providing immersive, realistic simulations that enhance hazard recognition and emergency preparedness. These VR-based programs offer cost-effective, scalable alternatives to traditional methods, allowing practice in lifelike scenarios without real-world risks.