THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The Price Tag for Superior Service and Convenience
by Amber Hammond
Multifamily owners and operators are navigating the demand for premium services, like package management, concierge and managed Wi-Fi, which enhance residents’ convenience. However, with the rise of hidden or “junk” fees, the federal government is pushing for transparency through the Junk Fee Prevention Act. The key for multifamily is to ensure fees are clearly communicated and tied to real value, helping residents feel they’re paying for enhanced services rather than unnecessary charges.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Navigating the Complexities of Pet-Friendly Communities
by John Bradford
Multifamily properties face challenges when accommodating pets, such as managing waste, handling assistance animal requests and ensuring fair pet-related fees. By balancing pet-friendly policies with property management needs, owners and operators can enhance resident satisfaction while maintaining operational efficiency.
5 Frightfully Fun Halloween Ideas to Engage Residents
by Ashley McGovern
Holiday events foster community spirit and provide residents with opportunities to connect, making for a festive season while boosting retention. Halloween is a great way to engage residents by hosting a pumpkin carving contest, organizing a spooky hallway decorating competition or setting up a trick-or-treat trail.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
A Convenience Conundrum: The Burden of Same-Day Delivery
by Dan Beary
The surge in same-day deliveries is creating operational challenges for multifamily. Property managers struggle with package management due to increasing delivery volumes, space constraints and potential resident dissatisfaction. While solutions like third-party delivery systems offer scalability, convenience and security, the ongoing shift toward bulk shipping from retailers like Amazon may alleviate some pressure. However, until consumer habits change, managing deliveries remains an issue for multifamily communities.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Bridging the Digital Divide
by Andrew Ruhland
As technology advances, it’s important to bridge the digital divide in multifamily properties by building reliable infrastructure. Communities need strong connectivity to support residents’ reliance on Wi-Fi for work, entertainment and smart home devices. Investing in a solid digital foundation is crucial for future-proofing properties.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Grace Hill Reveals Winners of 2024 Impact Hero Awards
by Darcey Leach
Grace Hill unveiled the winners of the 2024 Impact Hero Awards, recognizing multifamily professionals for their community contributions. Mindi Kissling won the grand prize for her leadership in Windsor Communities’ GIVE program, which supports various social causes. Nancy Gaudet and Kelly Marben were named runners-up for their work in Type One Families and Team Gleason, respectively. The awards celebrate those making a significant impact in their communities through charitable and advocacy efforts.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
More Older Adults Live in Senior Housing Than Ever Before
by Stephen Chasteen
A growing number of older adults are choosing senior housing, with occupancy rates reaching record highs post-pandemic. Data shows an 85.9% occupancy rate in primary markets, driven by strong demand despite rising rental costs. Slower inventory growth and construction have contributed to the steady increase.
Rents Forecast to Rise in 2025 and 2026
by John Triplett
As the supply of new apartments decreases, rents are forecast to increase in 2025 and 2026, according to CoStar Group. National vacancy rates are dropping, and new construction starts have slowed significantly. As the market transitions from oversupply to undersupply, rent growth is expected to accelerate beyond historical averages.