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The Long Game | Podcasting as Infrastructure in Multifamily

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:18:49 GMT

The Shift Happening Right Now

There is a misconception circulating in multifamily real estate: that podcasting is just another content channel, another marketing experiment to test when there is time or budget to spare. This misreading is understandable. The industry already has no shortage of tactics competing for attention. But it misses something fundamental about what podcasting actually does when it is done well. Podcasting is not a campaign with a launch date and an expiration. It is a compounding asset. Each conversation builds on the last, expanding your network, sharpening your perspective, and creating a body of work that continues to deliver value long after the recording light turns off. In an industry where trust and relationships drive nearly every decision, that kind of sustained presence is not merely helpful.

It is a competitive advantage.

The leaders who are getting the most from podcasting are not thinking in episodes. They are thinking in years. And the gap between those two mindsets explains why some shows build real influence while most quietly disappear.

Content Expires. Assets Compound.

Most marketing efforts carry a built-in expiration date. A social post captures attention for a few hours. An email stays relevant for a day, maybe two. Even well-executed campaigns eventually fade as new messages take their place.

Podcasting operates on an entirely different timeline. It does not disappear. It accumulates.

Each episode becomes part of a growing library: a searchable archive of ideas and insights, a living record of how you think about the industry, a body of work that continues to surface through search results, platform recommendations, and guest sharing months or even years after publication. This is the distinction most people miss. You are not producing disposable content. You are constructing an asset that appreciates with every conversation you add to it.

The Attention Advantage

In a landscape defined by constant scrolling, most brands are fighting for seconds. Podcasting earns minutes. Twenty, thirty, sometimes forty or more minutes of sustained, voluntary attention from a listener who chose to be there.

The Long Game: Podcasting in Multifamily

That depth of engagement does something short-form content simply cannot replicate. It creates familiarity. It builds trust. It establishes recognition not just of your brand, but of how you think, how you ask questions, and how you approach problems. In multifamily, where decisions are driven by relationships rather than transactions, that depth matters far more than impressions ever will.

People do not choose based on a single interaction. They choose based on what feels familiar, on who they trust, on who they remember.

What the Data Tells Us

Podcasting passed the threshold of niche behavior long ago. Globally, hundreds of millions of people listen regularly, and in the United States nearly half the population over age twelve engages with podcasts on a monthly basis. More importantly, the medium’s economics work in the creator’s favor: episodes do not expire the way social posts do. They continue generating downloads and discovery for months or years after release, compounding reach without requiring additional effort.

At the same time, research across content marketing consistently shows that buyers need multiple touchpoints—often seven to ten or more—before making a decision. Long-form content builds deeper familiarity and trust than short-form alone. Podcasting accelerates that process because it delivers high- attention interactions in a format few other mediums can match: extended, intimate, and entirely opt- in.

The Hidden Return: Relationships

There is a dimension to podcasting that rarely appears in any ROI calculation, yet may be its most valuable output: relationships.

Every episode is a conversation, and every conversation is a relationship. If you record two episodes per month with two guests each, that is nearly fifty meaningful industry relationships in a single year. These are not surface-level LinkedIn connections. They are real, substantive exchanges the kind that lead to partnerships, referrals, and opportunities that would otherwise take years of conference attendance and cold outreach to develop.

For guests, the value extends in a different but equally powerful direction. Every listener who spends thirty minutes with your conversation gains insight into how you think and how you approach the industry. That creates a level of familiarity that would normally require repeated in-person interactions to establish. When someone finally meets you at a conference or on a call, it does not feel like an introduction. It feels like a continuation.

The Flywheel Effect

Podcasting does not operate in isolation. It generates momentum.

A single conversation rarely stays contained to the episode itself. It evolves into a series of clips, a handful of social moments, a feature in a newsletter, a talking point at your next event. The content stretches, adapts, and finds new life across channels. With each layer of distribution, it reaches someone new: a future guest, a potential partner, or someone who recognizes your voice before they ever meet You.

Over time, the podcast itself becomes less of the focus. What you are actually building is a system: one where conversations create visibility, visibility creates connection, and connection creates opportunity. That is the flywheel. Once it starts moving, it does not rely on any single moment to deliver value. It compounds.

What starts as a podcast becomes something much larger: a platform.

And platforms, unlike campaigns, do not have expiration dates .

Why Most Podcasts Do Not Survive

The uncomfortable truth is that most podcasts do not fail because they lack quality. They fail because they are abandoned too early.

There is a quiet drop-off that happens around episode seven or ten. Not because the content is not working, but because the expectations were wrong from the start. Too many people launch looking for immediate traction, quick wins, or a clear return in the first few recordings. But podcasting does not reward urgency. It rewards consistency.

The real shift happens later. Around episode twenty, when your voice becomes more defined. Around episode thirty, when your audience starts recognizing you. Around episode fifty, when consistency has quietly transformed into authority. The people who benefit most from podcasting are not necessarily the most polished or the best resourced. They are the ones who did not stop.

Two Seats, One Strategy

The Host’s Advantage

Hosting a podcast means building a platform you own. You control the narrative, you choose the conversations, and you create a recurring reason for the industry’s most interesting voices to spend time with you. Over time, that position compounds: you become the person facilitating the dialogue, which carries its own form of authority. The host’s challenge is sustainability, maintaining a consistent rhythm, investing in distribution, and resisting the temptation to optimize for short-term metrics at the expense of long-term presence.

The Guest’s Opportunity

Being a guest is often underestimated. Most people treat it as a checkbox—show up, record, share the link once, move on. But approached with intention, guest appearances become a distribution strategy of their own. Each conversation places your voice into a new audience, a new network, a new ecosystem.

When you show up across multiple podcasts with a consistent point of view, you create something that isolated marketing efforts cannot: recognition that precedes introduction.

The biggest mistake guests make is not what they say. It is treating each appearance as a one-time event rather than a node in a growing web of industry presence. The opportunity is not simply to be heard. It is to be remembered.

Why Multifamily Is Built for This

Multifamily has always been an industry where reputation carries weight, where familiarity opens doors, and where trust is established long before a deal is ever discussed. Podcasting fits naturally into that dynamic.

It creates a way to stay present without being promotional. It allows people to hear how you think, not just what you sell. And over time, that distinction becomes the difference between being another vendor in someone’s inbox and being a voice they already trust.

When someone has spent hours listening to your conversation, hearing how you approach challenges, how you engage with ideas, and how you show up for the industry, they do not feel like they are meeting you for the first time. They feel like they already know you. In a business built on relationships, that head start is invaluable.

The Real Gap Is Not Creation. It Is Reach.

Starting a podcast today is relatively straightforward. The tools are accessible, the barriers to entry are low, and the technical learning curve has flattened considerably. None of that is the hard part anymore.

The hard part is distribution. Without consistent amplification, even the most insightful conversations stay contained. Without an ecosystem supporting discovery, growth becomes slow, inconsistent, and often frustrating. The gap between a podcast that gains traction and one that stalls is not production quality or guest caliber. It is whether anyone beyond the host’s immediate network ever hears it.

This is precisely why Multifamily Media Network exists—not to help people launch podcasts, but to help them build platforms that actually reach the industry. Through MMN, conversations are distributed to a built-in audience of more than fifty thousand subscribers, amplified across multiple channels, and connected into a broader network of voices spanning leadership, marketing, operations, and proptech.

The long game only works if people are actually hearing you.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, podcasting is not about becoming a host or becoming a guest. It is about creating a space where your perspective lives and grows over time. It is about showing up consistently enough that people begin to associate you with the conversations that matter. And it is about building something that continues working long after each individual episode is released.

In an industry where relationships drive everything, the people who stay visible—who keep

contributing, keep engaging, keep showing up—are the ones who stay top of mind. Not because they were the loudest. Because they were the most consistent.

The people who show up consistently are the ones people remember. That has always been true. Podcasting just makes the showing up scale.

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To explore joining the Multifamily Media Network, visit multifamilymedianetwork.com/Join-the-Network

We Got a Makeover: MMN’s New Look That’s Built for Growth

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:17:16 GMT

If you've visited the Multifamily Media Network website recently, you may have noticed things look a little different around here.

A new logo. A refreshed color palette. An updated site that makes it easy to find the shows, hosts, and conversations you're looking for.

This was a full brand and website redesign, and we're pretty excited to share what went into it:

Why Now?

MMN has grown a lot. More podcasts, more hosts, more industry voices joining the conversation.

We needed a digital home that matched the scale of what MMN had become — and a partner who understood how to build it.

Who We Worked With

We brought in Repli , a proptech company that specializes in building websites for the multifamily industry, whether for boutique apartment operators or property management companies with large-scale portfolios.

From December 2025 through March 2026, the Repli team worked closely with MMN's VP of Marketing & Sales, Jennifer Carter, to take the network's mission and translate it into something you could see, navigate, and feel.

Building a Brand Identity From the Ground Up

The first phase was identity. Repli developed a complete visual system for MMN — new logo, color palette, typography, and design elements flexible enough to live across the website, social media, and promotional materials without losing their cohesion.

The brief was simple: it needed to feel like a media network. Bold, modern, and reflective of the energy behind MMN's programming and the community it serves.

To keep that consistency as MMN continues to grow, Repli also built out comprehensive brand guidelines and templates — so every future show launch, event promotion, or partnership announcement looks and feels like MMN.

A Website Built Around Multifamily Conversations

The bigger shift happened on the website itself. Rather than organizing the site around static pages of information, the new experience is built around discovery — the way audiences naturally move through media.

You can jump from a podcast page to a host profile, follow that host to other shows they contribute to, and navigate back through written content connected to the same topics. Everything flows. Nothing feels like a dead end.

A few things worth highlighting:

Every podcast page now includes direct listening links to Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube — so you can tune in from wherever you already are.
Host profiles spotlight the people behind the conversations and connect directly to every piece of content they've contributed to.
Category filters across both podcasts and blog articles let you find content relevant to what you care about most.
Streamlined contact forms also make it easier than ever for potential guests and partners to reach out and get involved.

Behind the scenes, the site is built on Repli's MultiHub platform – an all-in-one marketing hub that gives the MMN team the ability to add content, highlight new shows, and keep the site up to date without needing a developer on standby every time something changes.

SEO and AI optimization tools are also built in, helping MMN reach a wider audience across the industry.

Want to See the Full Story Behind the Build?

More than anything, this rebrand gives MMN a foundation that can grow while positioning it as the central hub for multifamily media and the industry voices shaping what comes next.

Want to go deeper on what this project actually involved? Repli put together a full case study walking through every phase of the project and the thinking behind it all.

Trust Before Autonomy: Building Agentic AI You Can Actually Trust

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:17:39 GMT

By: Multifamily Weekend Update

At RETCON, Vijay Anand of MRI Software delivered a clear message to the industry: the next wave of AI isn’t just about capability: it’s about trust.

Agentic AI is quickly moving beyond chatbots and copilots into systems that can take action across leasing, finance, maintenance, and customer service. Anand described the moment as a turning point. “We’re at an inflection point,” he said. “In the last six to nine months, agentic AI has gone mainstream.”

But autonomy introduces real risk. Anand warned that once AI moves from assisting people to acting on their behalf, organizations must confront financial, legal, and operational consequences. “These are probabilistic systems,” he said. “They can hallucinate. They’re never going to be 100 percent.”

MRI has been preparing for this shift for years. Anand explained that the company established a Responsible AI framework more than three years ago built on accountability, fairness, transparency, reliability, and security.

Those principles now guide systems already in production. “We have about 20,000 monthly active users of AI features,” he said, noting that MRI has also processed more than two million leases using AI.

Anand emphasized that companies shouldn’t rush directly to full automation. Instead, they should follow a maturity path: AI that assists, then AI that proposes actions for human approval, and only later AI that automates. “For your first workflow, it probably needs to be in the approval phase with a human in the loop,” he explained
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No matter the workflow, strong guardrails must be built directly into the architecture of agentic AI systems. One of the most important is identity and permissions, ensuring that agents inherit the same access rights as the user invoking them. As he explained, “If a property manager cannot approve a budget, the AI agent acting on their behalf shouldn’t be able to either.”

Beyond permissions, companies must carefully control tool actions, recognizing the difference between AI that reads information and AI that writes to systems of record. Once an agent can send emails, adjust financial ledgers, or issue work orders, the stakes rise significantly and human oversight becomes critical.

Finally, auditing and monitoring are essential. Organizations must maintain clear logs showing what actions agents performed, what data triggered those actions, and which systems were accessed, ensuring that any issues can be traced and resolved quickly.

Human governance will continue to play a critical role. MRI operates a cross-functional AI advisory council that reviews new AI initiatives before they’re built and again before they’re deployed. “We ask teams what data they’re using, what models they’re using, what risks exist, and how they’ll mitigate them,” Anand said.

His final takeaway was simple but powerful. The industry has long embraced “secure by design” in software development. For AI, Anand believes the new principle must be just as clear: “Trust by design.”

Beyond the Pitch: How Leaders Are Separating Real Tech Value from Noise

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:21:36 GMT

by: Justin Dilley

At RETCON’s closing session, The Property Manager’s Tech Guide: Vetting, Testing, and Scaling Solutions, a panel of operators and technology leaders pulled back the curtain on how real estate teams are actually making tech decisions today—and what vendors often get wrong.

The discussion featured Emiel Bril (VendorPM) , Bethany Chang ( CIM Group ), Darcy Kennelly-Rutzen (M&J Wilkow), Gina Abbott ( Stockdale Capital Partners ), and Sammy So ( NetSpeed Solutions ).

A core takeaway: strong tech strategies begin with clarity, not complexity. Operators consistently emphasized solving defined pain points first, then aligning internal stakeholders before evaluating solutions. Bethany Chang reinforced that alignment between operations and IT is non-negotiable, noting that without both teams committed, “it will certainly fail.”

Emil Brill brought a vendor-side perspective that resonated across the room—advocating for more direct, transparent conversations early in the process. He shared that asking “hard questions” upfront around decision-making structures, prior tech adoption, and success criteria can help eliminate friction later and leads to stronger partnerships.

That theme of transparency carried into how buyers evaluate vendors. Gina Abbott emphasized the importance of long-term partnership over short-term wins, explaining that teams are looking for vendors who will “be there for the long haul, not just… after the deal gets signed.”

Panelists also made it clear that aggressive sales tactics are more harmful than helpful. Darcy Kennelly-Rutzen pointed to time-sensitive discounts as a red flag, while Sammy So distilled buyer priorities simply: “Is it going to save me time or make me more money?”

Brill also highlighted the importance of pattern recognition in successful partnerships—encouraging both buyers and sellers to look at what has worked before and replicate those dynamics intentionally.

Looking forward, the conversation turned to AI—but with a measured lens. Rather than chasing buzzwords, panelists stressed the importance of integration and interoperability across systems. The real opportunity lies in automating repetitive workflows, freeing property managers to focus on higher-value, relationship-driven work.

The bottom line: winning organizations won’t adopt the most technology.

They’ll adopt the right technology, with clarity, honesty, and purpose.

Speed Is Becoming the Real Advantage in Multifamily Revenue Strategy

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:16:33 GMT

By: Justin Dilley

Multifamily operators have more data than ever before, but that doesn’t automatically translate into better revenue performance. Julie Blanc , Co-Founder and CEO of Rentana , argued that the bigger challenge today isn’t intelligence or analytics. It’s alignment.

Revenue decisions across multifamily organizations are often made by different teams, at different times, using different systems—even though they’re all influencing the same outcome “Owners and operators have more data than ever coming from marketing analytics, pricing dashboards, renewal forecasts—you name it,” Blanc said. “And yet revenue decisions are still made across the organization in different teams at different times.”

Marketing teams generate demand. Leasing teams manage conversion. Pricing teams track occupancy. Renewal teams forecast months ahead. Each group works with valuable insights, but often without a shared operating rhythm.

The opportunity, Blanc explained, is connecting those teams around the same demand signals and acting faster. Many operators still rely heavily on occupancy when making pricing decisions. The problem is that occupancy reflects what has already happened rather than what’s about to happen.

“Occupancy confirms,” Blanc said. “It doesn’t predict.”

Earlier signals in the demand funnel—traffic trends, lead quality, marketing performance, and conversion rates—can reveal shifts in demand well before occupancy numbers move. Those signals give operators the opportunity to adjust pricing and strategy proactively instead of reacting after the fact.

Blanc also pointed to the growing role of AI in bringing these insights together. Rather than simply improving efficiency within one department, AI can connect marketing, leasing, pricing, and renewals into a shared view of demand and help organizations operate from the same information at the same time.

“The real competitive advantage of AI systems today is unlocking collaboration across the organization,” Blanc said.

As discussed in several RETCON sessions, the operators who are winning are the ones focused on shortening the gap between signal and action. The advantage belongs to organizations that can align marketing, leasing, pricing, and renewals around the same demand intelligence—and respond quickly when the data shifts. When teams move in sync, decisions happen faster and opportunities are captured earlier, reinforcing Blanc’s core message: in modern multifamily operations, revenue is a team sport…and speed is the scoreboard.

Centralization, AI, and the New Multifamily Operating Model

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:09:19 GMT

by: Multifamily Weekend Update

At RETCON’s session, “The Centralization Blueprint: Setting Your Organization Up for Success,” moderator Sean Forster , an Industry Principal at AppFolio helped steer the conversation beyond systems and into something more foundational: change.

“Technology is a big part of this [centralization],” Forster said.

But his bigger point was clear—technology alone doesn’t make centralization work.

Centralization today is as much, if not more, about change management as it is about systems. It requires alignment across the organization earlier than most operators expect. Without that alignment, centralization risks feeling like something being done to onsite teams, rather than an investment in them.

That distinction matters.

When framed correctly, centralization becomes a way to remove friction—not autonomy. It creates space for onsite teams to focus on what they do best: building relationships and delivering better resident experiences.

That mindset shift showed up across the panel. CIM Group Vice President of Property Management, Maja Sofic captured the inflection point clearly: “You can tell when leadership stops defending the way things have always been done locally and starts focusing on the enterprise outcome.”

It’s less about tools and more about perspective.

From there, execution became the challenge and Forster reinforced a key theme echoed by others: “Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress.”

Operators who succeed aren’t waiting to design the perfect model. They’re starting small, testing workflows, and iterating quickly. Tasks like deposit processing, tour scheduling, and application approvals become early proving grounds before scaling across a portfolio.

Frank McAdams , VP of Innovation at Veris Residential , underscored that same approach: “Don’t get caught in the minutia. Roll something out, learn from it, and refine as you go.” At the same time, centralization is reshaping how teams think about talent.

Pegasus Residential , CEO Jackie Ware pointed to a long-standing reality: “That unicorn who can do everything perfectly is rare.” Centralization allows operators to separate responsibilities more intentionally—letting administrative specialists handle workflows while onsite teams stay focused on residents.

What’s different now compared to a decade ago is the role of AI. Forster highlighted the maturity of AI as a major inflection point. Tasks that once required centralized back-office teams—or even offshore support—can now be handled through AI-enabled automation. And as Ruchir Baronia noted, operators are now centralizing more than people: “data, processes, and communication channels” are all part of the shift.

But even as AI expands what’s possible, the panel stayed grounded in execution. Ware offered a practical reminder: “AI sounds hands-off, but you still need someone responsible for making sure it’s working.”

Ultimately, the conversation made one thing clear: Centralization isn’t about removing people.

It’s about removing the friction around them. And when that friction is reduced—whether through better alignment, smarter workflows, or AI—onsite teams gain something incredibly valuable: Time.

In multifamily, time turns into stronger relationships, better experiences, and communities that feel more connected.

That’s not just operational efficiency.

That’s a better operating model.

Less Friction, More Service Future of Resident Experience

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:21:33 GMT

At RETCON, a panel titled “Revolutionizing the Resident Experience: Strategies for a Frictionless Future” brought together leaders from across the multifamily and technology ecosystem to explore a question the industry is increasingly grappling with: what does a truly frictionless resident experience look like — and how do operators actually deliver it?

The conversation featured Gigi Giannoni of Gables Residential, of John Carlson Mark-Taylor Companies , Kevin Jacobson of Foxen , and Andrew Dunn of SmartMDU/Calix , each offering a perspective shaped by operations, resident services, and the infrastructure powering modern communities.

Across the discussion, one theme emerged quickly: technology itself isn’t the destination — removing friction is.

Multifamily teams today are navigating an explosion of proptech platforms, automation tools, and AI-powered solutions. But the panel made it clear that simply adding more technology does not automatically create a better resident experience. In fact, many operators are now dealing with what could best be described as tech stack fatigue, where multiple systems create more complexity for on-site teams rather than less.

The smarter approach, according to the panelists, is to start with the resident journey and work backward. Instead of layering technology on top of existing processes, operators should be asking where friction actually exists — and where automation can remove it. When repetitive and administrative tasks are automated, on-site teams gain the time to focus on the work that really drives satisfaction: solving problems, building relationships, and guiding prospects through the leasing process.

Another recurring point was that service still matters more than amenities. The industry often equates resident experience with luxury features, but the panel emphasized that great service can be delivered in any asset class. Responsiveness, communication, and reliability often matter more than whether a property has the newest finishes or trendiest amenities.

At the same time, expectations are being shaped far outside of multifamily. Residents now compare their housing experience to the convenience of platforms like Amazon, Uber, and DoorDash. They want the ability to self-serve when it’s convenient — scheduling tours, completing applications, or moving in on their own timeline — but they also expect a real person to step in when something goes wrong.

Balancing those two expectations is becoming central to modern operations.

The discussion also touched on the growing role of data, connectivity, and infrastructure in supporting the resident experience. Connectivity, in particular, is quickly shifting from a perceived amenity to a basic utility — something residents simply expect to work seamlessly from day one.

Looking ahead, the panel pointed toward a future where resident services become more connected and centralized. Leasing, communications, move-ins, compliance services, and community support may increasingly live inside a unified ecosystem designed to simplify the resident journey from first tour to renewal.

But even with AI, automation, and increasingly sophisticated platforms entering the mix, one point remained clear throughout the conversation:

The future of resident experience may be frictionless — but it won’t be -- faceless.

Centralization Isn’t a Switch—It’s a Culture Shift

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:13:35 GMT

At RETCON 2026, one message came through clearly: centralization in multifamily isn’t a finished strategy—it’s an evolving operational model that requires patience, adaptability, and constant communication.

During the session “One Vision, Many Doors: Scaling Multifamily Through Centralization,” industry leaders shared candid lessons about what’s working, what’s still being figured out, and what operators should focus on right now.

The panel featured Jackie Impellitier, Kimberly Ramsey , Taryn Lewis , and Dan Smith , with the discussion moderated by LuAnne Acton Ross .

Ross guided the conversation while adding perspective from Asset Living’s operational experience, helping frame the discussion around how centralization has evolved across the industry—not just within a single organization. Throughout the session, panelists repeatedly aligned around several key realities that operators are navigating today.

Centralization Only Works When Site Teams Trust It

One of the most consistent themes was that centralization is less about structure and more about people.

Taryn Lewis explained that it often takes “60–90 days for onsite teams to really trust in centralization.” During that early phase, skepticism is normal. But once teams start seeing tangible results—like increased leasing velocity—the model begins to gain credibility.

Jackie Impellitier noted that resistance is often tied to concerns about control. “At one point, our teams were actively working against us,” she said. Property managers worried centralization might reduce their ownership of the asset. To move forward, her team had to stay flexible. “We had to adjust every step of the way… and be nimble.”

Ross reinforced this point during the discussion, emphasizing that leaders must constantly communicate the purpose behind centralization to avoid creating an “us vs. them” dynamic between centralized teams and onsite staff.

Ultimately, the panel agreed: buy-in from onsite teams is the first real milestone of any successful centralization effort.

The Model Must Be Flexible—Operationally and Technologically

Another strong point of agreement was that centralization is not a one-size-fits-all model.

Lewis shared that Avenue5 quickly discovered different communities require different approaches depending on demographics, staffing structures, and operational demands. That sometimes meant redefining traditional roles.

In some cases, centralized leaders support communities without carrying the traditional “property manager” title. What matters most is operational function—not hierarchy.

Technology adds another layer of complexity.

“The tech stack is the most complex it has ever been in multifamily,” Impellitier said. With AI and automation beginning to influence leasing workflows, invoices, and renewals, operators are navigating an increasingly crowded landscape.

Lewis stressed that every new tool must reduce friction.

“Every tool has to work for the team,” she explained. “Don’t introduce complexity.”

Dan Smith agreed that technology will reshape leasing in particular.

“You don’t need teams to respond to certain things anymore,” he said. Automation will increasingly handle routine communication, allowing onsite teams to focus more on resident experience.

Success Is Measured Beyond Cost Savings

While centralization often begins as an efficiency strategy, the panelists emphasized that the real measure of success is much broader.

Kimberly Ramsey shared that KETTLER tracks traditional KPIs like delinquencies, renewals, and leasing performance. But the company also evaluates larger indicators like employee retention and resident experience.

Lewis said Avenue5 initially focused heavily on operational metrics like hours saved and efficiencies gained. Over time, their thinking evolved.

“Employee satisfaction is just as important as resident satisfaction,” she said.

For companies that implemented centralization early and are now struggling to evolve, the panel offered consistent advice: stay flexible and keep communicating.

“Nobody has it all worked out,” Ramsey said.

Impellitier closed with a reminder that resonated across the panel: operators must design their systems with the future in mind.

“Don’t let early wins become the glass ceiling,” she said. “Prepare for what’s next—not just what’s now.”

The Next Era of Real Estate Will Be Won at the Intersection of Technology and Humanity

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:06:26 GMT

At RETCON’s keynote session “High-Stakes & Bold Moves: Strategies for the Next Era of Real Estate,” the conversation wasn’t just about innovation. It was about how much the industry has changed and how much more it’s about to change.

Guiding the discussion was moderator Margette Hepfner, who kept the conversation moving across strategy, technology, operations, and leadership. Hepfner opened with a reminder of something that always been indicative of the industry: “the banter, the conversation, the sharing of information… it’s pretty amazing.”

But as she steered the discussion among the panelists ( Walt Smith , Bill Shopoff , Kendall Pretzer , and David Schwartz ) it quickly became clear that today’s leaders are navigating an industry that feels very different than it did even five years ago.

The pressures are clear: modernize, optimize, and differentiate. But doing that well means more than just chasing the latest tech trend. It requires building an infrastructure and cultivating a leadership mindset to make those smarter long-term decisions.

The Cycle Has Shifted

One of the most direct reflections on the current market came from Schwartz.

He pointed out just how dramatically the industry’s operating environment has shifted in a short period of time. “Five years ago our business was extraordinary. Appreciation had been on a 10-year streak, coming off 15–20% appreciation.”

Today, the equation looks very different. That reality forces operators to return to fundamentals. “We’re trying to grow our net operating income… because that creates value.”

And increasingly, technology is becoming part of that equation. “Technology plays a bigger role in the margins of that operating income, particularly AI.”

Data Everywhere — But Knowledge Is the Advantage

For developers, the biggest transformation may be the sheer volume of information now available. Shopoff reflected on how dramatically site selection and development analysis have changed. “Years ago you went out to do site selection. Now I have all that information on my desktop.”

But the real challenge isn’t gathering data. It’s making sense of it faster than competitors. “How do we decipher all that data and turn it into knowledge?” And speed now determines competitive advantage. “Decades of experience are useless if I can’t process that information faster than my competitor.” To close that gap, some development teams are turning to AI tools in increasingly practical ways.

Technology Is Reshaping Operations and the Resident Experience

While developers wrestle with data, operators are rethinking how properties are staffed and managed. Smith described how technology is reshaping operational models across portfolios. “We’ve evolved to take repetitive tasks off people so they can focus on the resident experience.”

Centralized teams — often supported by AI — can now handle many of the operational tasks traditionally performed onsite. That shift allows onsite teams to focus on service. “We’re selling the dream of the Pretzer brought another dimension to the conversation: how resident experience is increasingly powered by data. Collecting feedback is no longer the challenge. Using it effectively is. “If you build it… it doesn’t mean they will come.”

The next step is ensuring feedback actually drives operational change. “Data and knowledge are important — but it has to translate to action.” Pretzer described systems where resident survey responses automatically trigger training and operational workflows. Just as importantly, residents need to see their voices matter. “Residents need to see that something happens from feedback.”

The Art and Science of a Changing Industry

Value-add strategies are evolving. Traditional renovations (upgraded kitchens, amenities, and fitness centers) still matter, but the economics have shifted. As Schwartz explained, “A renovation now is so much more expensive than it was eight years ago.” That reality is pushing many operators to rethink where they invest.

Instead of heavy capital improvements, technology is increasingly becoming the new form of value-add. Tools like fraud-prevention platforms can protect revenue and streamline operations without the same budget impact. As Schwartz put it, “Technology is a better way to do value-add. It doesn’t hit the budget as much.”

Yet even with the rise of AI and automation, the panel emphasized that real estate will always remain a people business. Shopoff reminded the audience that relationships still sit at the center of successful development.

“There’s an art to real estate,” he said, describing how projects often move forward by working with communities, landowners, and local leaders to build trust and align interests. In his words, “My success comes from a mix of art and science.”

That balance requires constant learning — and unlearning. As moderator, Hepfner asked the panel to reflect on what they’ve had to rethink in their careers, and some of the answers highlighted how quickly the industry is evolving. Smith noted that traditional staffing models are being reconsidered while Shopoff emphasized empowering younger leaders earlier.

The overall takeaway: real estate continues to sit at the intersection of art and science. The leaders who succeed will be the ones willing to keep learning, adapting, and evolving as the industry changes. They will be redefining how people, data, and decisions come together. The next era of real estate will belong to leaders who can modernize operations, optimize decisions, and differentiate experience — while preserving the human relationships that have always defined the business.

Written By: Justin Dilley

MFC and MMN Partner to Accelerate Multifamily Innovation Adoption

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:43:33 GMT

Partnership brings education, real-world frameworks, and insights to help property management companies modernize and optimize their marketing, operations, and technology stacks.

Atlanta, GA - March 9, 2026 - The Multifamily Consortium (MFC), an industry collective focused on helping property management companies adopt innovation through modernized and optimized marketing, operations, and technology stacks, and Multifamily Media Network (MMN), the multifamily industry’s leading media and

content platform, today announced a strategic partnership to expand access to practical education, actionable frameworks, and real-world success stories that drive measurable modernization across the industry.

As multifamily operators face increasing pressure from fragmented technology ecosystems, rising operating costs, and evolving renter expectations, this partnership connects industry education with execution - helping operators move from awareness to action with greater clarity and confidence.

Partnership Highlights

Through this collaboration, the Multifamily Consortium will be featured across MMN’s media ecosystem to:

Drive industry education through exclusive interviews with Consortium leaders and operator panels
Showcase real-world success stories around technology stack modernization and innovation adoption
Amplify insights to decision-makers across MMN’s newsletters, podcasts, and video platforms
Promote practical, repeatable frameworks that help multifamily companies simplify, optimize, and future-proof their businesses

“This partnership unites two organizations dedicated to helping multifamily operators cut through complexity and make smart, sustainable decisions that move the business forward, ” said Jennifer Carter, MBA, VP of Marketing & Sales at Multifamily Media Network. “The Consortium’s StackSmart approach brings a level of clarity and structure to technology and operational modernization that the industry truly needs, and we’re excited to help share those stories at scale.”

From Insight to Impact

A core component of MFC’s work is StackSmart, a software platform and methodology co-developed by Multifamily Consortium and Varro Technologies, designed to visualize, assess, and optimize a property management company’s marketing, operations, and technology stack. StackSmart enables operators to identify redundancies, uncover gaps, align solutions to business outcomes, and build a more cohesive, future-ready ecosystem.

“The Consortium exists to help the multifamily industry adopt innovation with clarity and confidence,” said Robert Turnbull, Managing Partner at Multifamily Consortium.

“Partnering with MMN allows us to extend that mission beyond consulting engagements and into the broader industry conversation, bringing practical lessons, proven frameworks, and real results to operators everywhere.”

Together, MFC and MMN aim to elevate the industry narrative from product-first conversations to outcome-driven modernization, helping operators reduce friction, unlock savings, and deliver better experiences for both teams and residents.

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About Multifamily Consortium

The Multifamily Consortium (MFC) is an industry collective dedicated to accelerating innovation adoption across the multifamily ecosystem. MFC helps property management companies modernize and optimize their marketing, operations, and technology stacks through evaluation, visualization, and strategic optimization.

Through its StackSmart platform (co-developed with Varro Technologies), advisory services, and growing network of operators, technology partners, and innovators, MFC provides practical frameworks that reduce complexity, improve performance, and position organizations for long-term success in an increasingly AI-driven and data- centric future.

About Multifamily Media Network

Multifamily Media Network (MMN) is the centralized media platform for the multifamily industry, amplifying operator voices, educational insight, and expert perspectives through digital content, podcasts, and newsletters designed to inform, inspire, and activate industry professionals.

For more information, please contact:

MFC: Johnny Giangregorio at johnny@multifamilyconsortium.com

MMN: Jennifer Carter at jennifer@mfmedianetwork.com

Multifamily Media Network Welcomes Jessica Pope as Director of Media Operations

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:27:26 GMT

Welcome Jessica Pope

Atlanta, GA – February 24, 2026 — Multifamily Media Network (MMN), the industry’s leading hub for multifamily podcasts, media partnerships, and event amplification, proudly announces the appointment of Jessica Pope as its new Director of Media Operations .

As MMN continues its rapid growth, expanding its podcast network, live event activations, conference partnerships, and national distribution footprint, Jessica will play a critical role in scaling operational excellence across the organization.

In her new role, Jessica will oversee:

Podcast production workflows and host onboarding
Cross-channel content distribution and syndication
Conference media activations and live recordings
Internal systems and quality control
Strategic alignment between hosts, sponsors, and brand partners

As we elevate the stories shaping multifamily, it’s essential that our behind the scenes execution is just as strong as the voices we amplify. Jessica will help ensure our growth is both strategic and sustainable.

MMN has evolved into more than a podcast network. With 20+ industry hosts, conference collaborations across the country, and a growing national subscriber base, the company has become a trusted media platform for operators, innovators, and solution providers alike.

Jessica’s appointment signals MMN’s commitment to:

Building scalable systems for media growth
Strengthening partnerships with industry conferences
Elevating the host experience
Delivering consistent, high-quality content to its audience

“I’m excited to join MMN at such a pivotal moment,” said Pope. “This network is creating real momentum in multifamily. I look forward to strengthening the operational foundation that allows our hosts and partners to shine.”

As Director of Media Operations, Jessica will help power MMN’s next chapter, supporting its mission to be the platform where multifamily voices connect, collaborate, and lead the industry forward.

Multifamily Media Network Unveils New Brand Identity, Expands Industry Influence

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:33:40 GMT

Multifamily Media Network Unveils New Look

Atlanta GA — March 4th, 2026 — Multifamily Media Network (MMN), a leading media platform dedicated to the multifamily housing industry, today announced a comprehensive brand refresh, including a new logo and updated visual identity that reflects its rapid growth and expanding industry impact.

Launched with the mission to create a space where multifamily conversations matter, MMN has evolved into a dynamic media ecosystem serving operators, investors, marketers, and innovators nationwide.

Over the past two years, MMN has grown from a podcast platform into a full-scale industry hub featuring:

20+ active podcast hosts
National conference partnerships and live activations
Virtual summits and editorial storytelling
Sponsored conversations reaching key decision-makers

“This isn’t just a new logo,” said Jennifer Carter of Multifamily Media Network. “It’s a reflection of who we’ve become and the level of clarity, credibility, and momentum we’re building across the industry.”

The refreshed identity aligns MMN’s visual presence with its expanding role as:

A platform for multifamily voices
A connector of operators and innovators
A catalyst for conversations that move the industry forward

Mike Brewer, host within the MMN network, added: “MMN is architecting an industry infrastructure where credibility, visibility and distribution matter. This next chapter positions MMN as a serious influence engine for multifamily leaders.”

As the multifamily industry continues to evolve, MMN’s next phase focuses on expanding national partnerships, launching new shows and voices, deepening conference activations, and elevating brand visibility for its partners.

“The multifamily industry doesn’t need more noise,” Carter added. “It needs clarity, credibility, and connection. That’s what we’re building.”

The refreshed brand is now live across all MMN platforms.

To explore the new Multifamily Media Network, visit: www.mulitfamilymedianetwork.com

About Multifamily Media Network
Multifamily Media Network is a premier media platform serving the multifamily housing industry through podcasts, digital storytelling, live activations, and strategic industry partnerships.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Carter
Jennifer@MFmedianetwork.com

Portfolio Management for Marketers: Structure, Scaling, and Strategy

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:40:04 GMT

Optimized! Season 3, Mini-Series

As multifamily portfolios grow more complex, the role of marketing has expanded well beyond lead generation. Portfolio marketers today are navigating scale, systems, people, and performance—often all at once. That’s why the first mini-series of Season 3 of Optimized focused on one core theme: Portfolio Management for Marketers .

Across three conversations with industry leaders Justin Godwin of Cushman & Wakefield , Julese Dortch , and Josh Hinchley of Sentinel Management , a clear through line emerged: portfolio marketing success isn’t about doing more—it’s about building the right structure, scaling impact intentionally, and stepping into strategic influence.

Structure: Building Systems That Support Portfolios

At the portfolio level, structure is everything. Justin Godwin shared how marketing teams supporting large portfolios must move away from fragmented, property-by-property thinking and toward systems that create consistency across the prospect journey.

Marketing’s role doesn’t end with traffic or lead volume. It includes ensuring the experience that follows—on-site, operational, and human—aligns with what was promised. That requires clear ownership, defined processes, and tight collaboration with operations. Without structure, even the strongest marketing efforts can break down the moment a prospect engages with the property.

Josh Hinchley echoed this reality from a leadership perspective. Even as a one-person marketing department, he emphasized that marketing touches nearly every role in the organization. When portfolios scale, marketing becomes a shared system—not a siloed function. Structure, in this context, is about clarity: who owns what, how teams collaborate, and how decisions get made.

The takeaway? Portfolio marketing requires intentional systems that support scale without sacrificing consistency.

Scaling: Extending Impact Without Burning Out Teams

Scaling marketing impact isn’t about piling more work onto already-stretched teams. It’s about leverage.

Julese Dortch brought a grounded, operational lens to this conversation, rooted in her experience working closely with leasing teams and communities. She reinforced that portfolio-level success still depends on local execution—on relationships, trust, and community presence. The challenge is building systems that allow those local efforts to thrive without reinventing the wheel at every property.

Justin highlighted how focused roles, smarter vendor partnerships, and aligned tech stacks help marketing teams scale without losing effectiveness. When teams are structured to do what they do best—and supported by the right tools—marketing leaders can extend their reach across portfolios more sustainably.

Josh added that scaling also requires shared language. When teams understand metrics, conversion points, and expectations, marketing stops feeling abstract and starts becoming actionable across departments. Scaling, in this sense, is cultural as much as it is operational.

The common insight across all three conversations: scale works when teams are supported, aligned, and empowered—not overwhelmed.

Strategy: Marketing as a Strategic Engine

Perhaps the most important shift discussed throughout the mini-series was marketing’s evolution from service function to strategic partner.

Justin shared examples of marketing acting as a strategic engine—informing organizational goals, identifying friction points in the prospect journey, and shaping how portfolios show up in the market. This level of influence only happens when marketing is trusted and embedded in broader business conversations.

Julese reinforced that trust is built through consistency and collaboration. Marketing leaders who understand leasing realities, community dynamics, and resident expectations earn a stronger voice at the table. Strategy isn’t theoretical—it’s rooted in execution and experience.

Josh brought the leadership lens full circle, emphasizing accountability. When marketing and leasing operate as partners—sharing goals, data, and outcomes—marketing’s strategic value becomes undeniable. At the portfolio level, strategy shows up in alignment: between teams, across properties, and with leadership priorities.

The Throughline: Portfolio Marketing Is a Systems Challenge

Across all three conversations, one truth stood out clearly: portfolio marketing isn’t a hustle problem—it’s a systems challenge.

Strong portfolio marketers build structure that supports scale, create leverage that protects teams, and step into strategy with clarity and confidence. They don’t try to do everything themselves. Instead, they design ecosystems where marketing, leasing, and operations move together toward shared goals.

This first mini-series of Season 3 was designed to reflect that reality—not through theory, but through real-world experience from leaders doing the work every day.

If you’re a marketer navigating growth, complexity, or portfolio-level responsibility, these conversations offer both perspective and reassurance: you’re not alone, and the path forward is built on structure, scaling, and strategy—done intentionally.

�� Listen to the full three-part mini-series on the Optimized podcast.

If these conversations resonated with you and you’re looking to keep exploring challenges like structure, scale, and strategic influence alongside peers who truly understand the realities of portfolio marketing, Cadence Run Club was built for exactly that. It’s a community for multifamily marketers who want thoughtful conversation, shared learning, and support from others navigating similar complexity—without the noise, posturing, or pressure to have it all figured out.

Riding the AI Wave in Multifamily: Insights from RETCON’s Expert Panel

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:12:52 GMT

AI in Multifamily: Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept. It’s here: transforming all industries, including multifamily real estate.

At the recent RETCON conference, the panel "AI Strategies in Multifamily: How to Ride the Wave" explored AI’s real-world impact on leasing, accounts receivable, and customer service. Moderated by Rich Hughes , SVP AI Strategy & Innovation at RealPage , the discussion featured insights from Kyle Nelson ( Snappt ), Anil Singh ( Veritas Investments ), and Nicole Jones ( Veris Residential ).

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AI is streamlining critical business functions, automating time-consuming tasks, and enhancing operational efficiency. In accounts receivable, it speeds up payment cycles by automating invoice management. In customer service, chatbots and virtual assistants provide instant responses, reducing resolution times and improving satisfaction. AI also accelerates leasing and tenant screening, processing vast amounts of data in seconds and improving credential verification, allowing teams to focus on high-value interactions.

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Beyond automation, AI is reshaping the customer journey. Prospects now receive rapid, consistent responses, eliminating long wait times and frustrations. AI-driven personalization tailors interactions, making engagements more relevant, while automated leasing reduces errors and speeds up approvals for a seamless move-in experience. Meanwhile, AI’s ability to analyze massive datasets is a game-changer for decision-making. From fraud detection to predictive analytics, AI identifies inefficiencies, detects patterns, and provides real-time insights that optimize workflows and business strategies.

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As AI adoption accelerates, companies must strike a balance between automation and human interaction. While AI enhances efficiency, human judgment remains essential for complex decision-making, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building. Ensuring AI aligns with a company’s brand identity is equally as important: figuring out how to strike the balance of leveraging AI for efficiency, while preserving the human touch. The panel collectively emphasized that the most successful AI strategies start small, with incremental deployments that demonstrate quick wins and build confidence. The importance of training AI models to maintain authentic, on-brand messaging was often highlighted.

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Looking ahead, AI’s role in multifamily will only deepen. AI agents will soon manage more complex tasks like lease negotiations and financial transactions. Specialized AI solutions tailored to industry needs will continue to emerge, and advancements in computer vision and robotics will reduce the need for physical site visits, making property evaluations faster and more cost-effective.

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"AI is now embedded in the fabric of everything we do. With that, we need to think about it as an efficiency mechanism that drives business outcomes. If we start thinking about it as a category, we lose sight of the problems we were trying to solve in the first place." - Kyle Nelson, VP of Corporate Strategy

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AI is no longer just about automation, it is now a strategic asset that has the power to redefine entire business models. But success depends on thoughtful integration and human oversight. Companies that harness AI to enhance efficiency while preserving the human touch will not only keep pace with innovation but will shape the future of the industry. As the RETCON panelists made clear, the AI revolution in multifamily is just beginning.

RETCON 2025: Where Innovation Meets Human Connection in Multifamily

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:11:56 GMT

The RETCON 2025 Conference was recently held in Las Vegas, and it’s clear that our industry is standing at the intersection of rapid innovation and the need to double down on human connection. Here’s a look at the top takeaways and trends that multifamily leaders are focusing on right now:

1. Blending Tech and Humanity
It’s not about choosing between technology and people — it’s about making them work in harmony. Tech should simplify processes and free up time for your team to focus on what matters most: resident relationships.

2. Centralization is Gaining Momentum
Companies are streamlining operations by centralizing admin tasks, leasing support, and even maintenance troubleshooting. The result? On-site teams can focus on delivering an elevated resident experience and becoming community leaders rather than being buried under admin tasks.

3. Change Management is Non-Negotiable
Technology rollouts require careful planning and communication. Piloting programs, explaining the "why," and involving on-site teams from the start are key to successful adoption.

4. Data + Curiosity = Smarter Decisions
Operators are relying heavily on data, but they also recognize the power of curiosity. Listening to frontline teams and continuously asking questions ensures decisions are both informed and people-focused.

5. AI: The Ultimate Assistant (Not a Replacement)
AI is streamlining everything from lead qualification to maintenance requests. But everyone agrees: human handoffs need to be seamless. Done right, AI is your team’s best assistant — not their competitor.

6. Hospitality is the Future of Multifamily
Your community isn’t just a property; it’s an experience. From concierge-style services to activated amenity spaces, the industry is taking cues from hotels and hospitality brands.

7. Speed is Everything
Leads don’t wait — 45% of opportunities disappear if not responded to within four hours. Two-hour response times are the new norm. CRMs with built-in AI are no longer a luxury.

8. Build a Flexible Tech Stack
APIs and integrations are key. One-size-fits-all solutions won’t cut it anymore. Operators are building customized tech ecosystems designed to evolve with their business.

9. Urban Markets Are Watching Closely
Urban cores are beginning to show signs of resurgence, but there’s still caution in the air. Creativity will be key to navigating the urban-suburban balance in the coming years.

10. Foster a Culture of Curiosity
Curiosity leads change. Companies that encourage learning, experimentation, and open dialogue will be best positioned to lead.

In Summary
The biggest lesson from RETCON 2025? Success in multifamily comes down to balancing innovation with human connection. Thriving in this next chapter will require investment in technology and a shift in hiring strategy to highly trained tech administrators, and skilled customer service teams to master the tech hand-off.

Stay curious. Stay connected. And most importantly, stay human.

The New Discipline in Build-to-Rent: Long-Term Thinking for Uncertain Times

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:08:00 GMT

The real estate market, particularly in the multifamily and build-to-rent (BTR) sectors, is undergoing a recalibration—not a retreat. A recurring message at this year's industry gathering was clear: fundamentals are back in focus. Quick flips and speculative upside have given way to strategic patience, with seasoned players emphasizing time-tested strategies over trend-chasing.

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Despite macro uncertainty, the BTR sector continues to hold long-term promise. The term “missing middle” surfaced repeatedly, reflecting the growing recognition of a structural housing gap between traditional multifamily rentals and single-family home ownership. BTR, increasingly seen as a permanent asset class rather than a transitional one, offers a compelling solution. These developments aren't just a sign of optimism—they're a signal that the sector is maturing.

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DR Horton , the most active seller in the current cycle, has leaned heavily into forward BTR transactions. Their strategy is volume-driven, a function of public-market accountability rather than a harbinger of distress. They’re not running from BTR—they’re monetizing what they’ve built and cycling capital efficiently. That’s a nuance many investors miss. Their activity does not reflect weakening market fundamentals but a corporate imperative to show lot sales volume.

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Capital markets remain in price discovery mode. Inventory for sale is light, and both buyers and sellers appear willing to hold their breath a little longer. Deals are getting smaller—not because opportunity is shrinking, but because developers are moving down the ladder in deal size and unit count to stay active without outsized risk. This is survival through adaptation, not contraction.

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Financing, however, may be the most dynamic piece of the puzzle. A notable number of lenders from the single-family world are showing up with creative structures, often tailor-made for sponsors in the BTR space. The blurring of asset class lines here is both tactical and opportunistic. Lenders are recalibrating as much as developers are.

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For operators, hold periods are being reconsidered—hard stop. Three years isn’t a strategy; it’s a hope. The smartest capital is extending horizon expectations to 5, 7, even 10 years. That’s where stable returns and operational efficiencies emerge, especially as BTR management remains an evolving capability. No one’s cracked the code on managing these assets at scale yet—but whoever does will define the next generation of BTR returns.

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Lastly, geographic diversification is being approached with caution. Instead of seeking the next “hot” market, investors are retrenching into places where they have the deepest insight and networks. Comfort and context are trumping speculation.

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This isn’t a pause—it’s a reset. And it may be the healthiest signal the BTR market could send.

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RECAP from IMN Build to Rent Conference

Focusing on Client Satisfaction Pays Off

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:51:16 GMT

The wake-up call came when his property management company lost two big clients, comprising about 20% of its revenue.
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It was an unsteady time at Howzer Property Management , the company, which manages about 1,000 doors, was transitioning its property management software, and its CEO, Casey Howe, said it lost a sense of purpose. “Our staff didn’t look forward to coming to work,” Howe told an audience during a session at the MXSummit by Property Meld this month in Rapid City, S.D.
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The session, “Customer-Obsessed: The Key to Thriving Property Maintenance Operations,” spoke to why keeping clients happy is a key to successful and profitable management. “As an industry, we are good at process, but our focus on making clients happy can be lacking,” Howe said.

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Howzer received complaints, including poor communication on maintenance, clients' inability to understand the financial statements, excessively long draws, clients' prior notice of issues that the management company did not address, and insufficient explanation of pricing.

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The company refocused, and the results were astounding. It improved its 33% CSAT (Customer Satisfaction) rating to 72% in about six months. “We started talking directly with our clients and that immediately helped us to identify and begin resolving issues,” Howe said. Having that open line helped to put both parties at ease. “There aren’t many ways we can differentiate our businesses in this industry, other than price and service,” Howe said.

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His company’s priorities shifted away from innovation and being an early adopter. “For that, you can let other people fail for you, so you don’t have to,” Howe said. “We needed to have an outward focus: What are our clients asking for, and can we deliver it?” The key is to hire a client success manager, Howe said, a position he was familiar with having previously worked in SaaS technology.

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“There aren’t many in our industry who have them because the responsibilities are often wrapped in the property manager position,” he said

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Other steps that led to revenue per door increases were conducting customer success surveys. It focused on client onboarding, legal issues, client strategy & financial acumen, and tenantnproblem resolutions. He also advised taking a hard look at an existing process. Howzer chose maintenance coordination. “Look at your processes and ask yourself, ‘If I were a client, what would I do differently?” he said, which led to new approaches

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He shared maintenance timelines with clients, he made them aware of costs up front, he offered proactive updates, clarified notations on the financial statements, and involved the lead technician and supervisor when needed. Howzer’s clients varied in the number of units they owned, which influenced some of the efforts.

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“An owner who has 50 units probably doesn’t want to hear about every maintenance work- order that is conducted,” Howe said. “But one who has just three units probably does.” Management companies have their processes, and they tend to stick to them.

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However, by making his clients more aware through information sharing, he achieved success.

Housing Takes Center Stage in Politics and Public Perception

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:52:13 GMT

Housing is no longer a background policy issue. At NMHC, it was clear that affordability, supply, and regulation have moved to the center of political debate and public awareness, shaping how consumers vote, how capital is deployed, and how communities grow.

Former HUD Secretary Hon. Marcia Fudge reinforced the urgency of the moment, noting that the nation faces a severe housing shortage and that increasing supply remains the only durable solution, “we are short housing, and we need a lot more of it.”

NMHC leaders emphasized how years of research and advocacy have helped reframe the national conversation. Data linking restrictive regulation to constrained housing supply has become foundational in media coverage and legislative discussions. Today, policymakers across the political spectrum increasingly agree that affordability cannot be achieved without new development.

At the same time, investors described a rapidly shifting regulatory environment that is influencing where and how capital is deployed. Rent control, climate legislation, and political volatility have made risk harder to price in certain markets, prompting some firms to avoid jurisdictions where outcomes are difficult to underwrite.

For renters and consumers, perception has become just as important as policy. NMHC leaders outlined efforts to modernize the industry’s visual and verbal language to better reflect the role housing providers play in strengthening communities. Changing how rental housing is viewed supports advocacy, improves trust, and helps counter narratives that oversimplify complex challenges.

Coalitions with real estate, finance, homebuilding, and technology organizations are amplifying these efforts through coordinated, data-driven messaging at the federal, state, and local levels. With legislative control and regulatory authority constantly shifting, speakers stressed the importance of proactive engagement.

Housing has become a mainstream issue for voters, renters, and investors alike. The opportunity now is to lead the conversation with clarity, credibility, and unity.

The Next Generation of Leadership Is No Longer Optional

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:46:49 GMT

Leadership evolution emerged as a defining theme at this year’s NMHC meetings. Speakers made it clear that the industry is facing a pivotal moment and that progress will depend on whether housing providers actively shape change or passively respond to it.

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Julie Smith, Chairman of the NMHC PAC and CAO of the Bozzuto Group, emphasized that trust sits at the center of the industry’s future. Building that trust with residents, investors, policymakers, and communities requires consistent language, transparency, and leadership that is willing to engage rather than react.

“If we are not at the table, we are on the menu.”

Initiatives like the voluntary Trusted Housing Provider framework reflect a broader effort to move away from narratives imposed on the industry and toward standards defined by it. Speakers acknowledged that addressing issues like privacy, data security, and public perception takes time, but stressed that measurable progress is already underway.

Another central focus was leadership transition. NMHC leaders highlighted the need to intentionally prepare the next generation to lead in an environment that is more regulated, more scrutinized, and more politically complex than ever before.

New programs are expanding pathways for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and mid-career professionals to engage meaningfully. Enhanced onboarding, deeper networking opportunities, and smaller peer-focused forums are designed to meet members where they are and create space for leadership development at every stage.

“True engagement means real conversations and meeting people where they are.” Sharon Wilson Geno NMHC President

Advocacy funding and participation were also framed as leadership responsibilities. Over the past two years, NMHC has raised more than $4.1 million, including $2.1 million in a non-election year. Individual participation continues to grow, but speakers were clear that advocacy cannot be carried by a small group alone.

As the industry approaches another critical election cycle, the message was unmistakable. Leadership evolution is not optional. The moment to step forward is now.

Beyond the Sessions: The Unexpected Magic of Blueprint

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:28:50 GMT

One of the most striking aspects of last week’s Blueprint Conference was not confined to the sessions or the main stage. It was happening everywhere else. From the hallways to the round tables and the aisles of the trade show floor, attendees found themselves in conversations that felt more organic and unexpected than at many other industry events.

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In conversations with consultants, vendors, operators and owners, one common theme emerged: The diversity of markets, titles and perspectives represented was far greater than anticipated. Many attendees described finding themselves waiting to meet a contact they had arranged with ahead of time, only to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger nearby. With the usual familiar faces and industry cohorts not always present, people naturally stepped outside their comfort zones.

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This dynamic led to a kind of serendipitous networking. I personally spoke with people across the spectrum, including media professionals, software providers, investors, single family owners and operators of large multifamily portfolios. These conversations not only expanded my view of the industry but also revealed a much more interconnected and niche world than what is visible from the main stage.

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While the sessions themselves offered valuable takeaways, the greatest lesson from Blueprint this year was that the most impactful connections happened outside the structured agenda. When diverse markets and titles are combined with a willingness to engage beyond one’s usual circle, it creates space for original exchanges of ideas and perspectives.

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Blueprint demonstrated that conferences are not only about the content on the agenda. They are also about the conversations that occur spontaneously, sometimes with people you might never otherwise meet. By embracing the unexpected and stepping into unfamiliar interactions, many attendees walked away with insights and connections that would have been difficult to find elsewhere. This was a powerful reminder that, in real estate and technology alike, innovation often begins with an unplanned conversation.

From Brand Voice to Business Impact: Rebuilding Marketing as a Strategic Engine

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:39:58 GMT

One of the best parts of Blueprint this year was the chance to host a roundtable on a topic that fires me up: how marketing moves from “support” to being a true strategic engine for multifamily organizations.

We titled the session From Brand Voice to Business Impact because there really is no “one size fits all” in this space. Some marketing teams are lean and scrappy. Others are larger and highly specialized. What matters most isn’t the org chart, it’s the vision and the impact. The leaders who stand out are building teams that drive growth, shape resident experience, and influence the business in meaningful ways.

The leaders who joined me

I couldn’t have asked for a better group around the table:

Shelly Steitz , Consultant at Cadence Marketing Solutions
David Keinert , SVP of Operations at AEON
Laurel Zacher, Consultant at LZ Strategic
Marge Enrique , Senior Director of Marketing, Westhome Property Management
Katie Nelson , Consultant at Lustra Multifamily
Kristy Dale , Leadership & Technical Trainer at Pegasus Residential
Amy Barricelli , SVP at RR Living
Josh Draughn , VP of Marketing & Customer Experience, Weidner

This mix of operators, consultants, trainers, and senior marketers brought perspectives that were both honest and practical. The conversation had real range, from the basics of structure to the bigger picture of positioning marketing as a business driver.

Highlights from the discussion

Future-ready teams : Agility matters. Leaders are cross-training, balancing creative and analytical skill sets, and knowing when to lean on outside specialists.
Systems that work : With tech stacks ballooning, companies are starting to see the need for dedicated marketing ops roles to keep everything moving smoothly.
Marketing as a profit center : The ability to track revenue impact and customer experience outcomes is what cements marketing’s seat at the table.
Talent strategies : Whether you’re scaling from five to forty-seven team members, or running a two-person powerhouse, the focus is the same - deliver today while building for tomorrow.
Seamless brand experience : Marketing sets the tone, but it’s onsite teams that bring the brand to life. Continuous training and tools like Canva kits help ensure consistency.

Why this conversation sticks

What stood out most to me wasn’t just the ideas (though there were plenty!). It was the willingness of everyone at the table to be candid about what’s working, what’s not, and how they’re navigating it all. That kind of collaboration is what makes our industry better.

I left energized, grateful, and honestly a little in awe of what can happen when you put the right people in a room together.

This isn’t the end of the conversation. I’ll be unpacking more of these themes with my fellow roundtable participants on upcoming episodes of Optimized!. If you’re wrestling with how to structure your marketing team, align with operations, or simply make a bigger impact, queue up a podcast episode.

Blueprint Vegas 2025: Executive Summary & AI-Powered Vendor Spotlights

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:42:22 GMT

The Blueprint Conference at The Venetian Las Vegas (September 15-18, 2025) marked a transformative moment in proptech's evolution from experimental technology to mission-critical infrastructure. With 3,000+ attendees, 250+ speakers, and 100+ sessions , the event demonstrated how artificial intelligence, strategic capital deployment, and operational centralization are fundamentally reshaping real estate across all verticals.

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Key Takeaways:

Multifamily operations embracing radical centralization through AI-powered property management
AI transformation from buzzword to operational backbone delivering measurable ROI
Venture capital pivoting toward disciplined deployment with $615M in January 2025 alone
Single-family rentals achieving institutional scale with $40B projected investment over 18 months

The conference's emphasis on measurable ROI emerged as the dominant theme, with technology deployments reporting concrete results: AI-powered security systems achieving exceptional occupancy rates, dynamic pricing tools delivering significant revenue increases, and integrated platforms substantially reducing point solutions while meaningfully increasing net operating income per unit.

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Shelley Robinson Wednesday roundtable on the "Four Pillars of Proptech ROI" generated significant engagement around our framework: Financial (direct cost savings and revenue generation), Operational (efficiency gains and process optimization), Reputational (competitive differentiation and resident satisfaction), and Future Readiness (scalability and technology adoption). This framework provided attendees with a clear methodology for evaluating and justifying technology investments.

Industry Maturation: Moving Beyond the Hype

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Blueprint 2025 revealed an industry at an inflection point, where the excitement around AI capabilities meets the pragmatic reality of operational implementation. Throughout the conference corridors and networking sessions, multifamily owners and operators expressed a healthy skepticism that signals market maturation rather than resistance to innovation.

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The Trust Imperative: Conversations consistently returned to the need for transparent, verifiable case studies rather than theoretical projections. Operators are demanding proof of performance from existing deployments before committing to large-scale implementations. This represents a positive evolution from early adopter enthusiasm to institutional-grade due diligence.

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Strategic Alignment Over Feature Proliferation: The most sophisticated discussions centered on ensuring AI solutions align with specific business objectives rather than adopting technology for technology's sake. Leading operators emphasized the importance of vendor honesty about current AI capabilities versus aspirational roadmaps, fostering partnerships built on realistic expectations and measurable outcomes.

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Future-Proofing in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape: The pace of AI advancement creates both opportunity and uncertainty. Forward-thinking organizations are addressing this by prioritizing platform flexibility and integration capabilities over point solutions. The consensus emerged that while individual AI features may evolve quickly, investing in vendors with robust data infrastructure and integration capabilities provides the best foundation for adapting to future innovations.

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This thoughtful approach to AI adoption—emphasizing proof over promise and alignment over acceleration—positions the industry for sustainable, value-driven technology integration rather than disruptive churn.

Best Practices for Hiring Remote Teams

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:48:10 GMT

Hiring remote workers for property management has become more common over the past decade, and even since the pandemic.

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A remote worker brings significant advantages to the employer, such as a stronger work ethic, the opportunity to hire from a much larger candidate pool, and potentially a lower salary required for the hire.

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In “The Secret to Building and Managing Rockstar Remote Maintenance Teams,” a session at the MX Summit by Property Meld held in September in Rapid City, S.D., Todd Ortscheid, President & CEO , Revolution Rental Management , made the case.

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“If you consider a candidate’s culture, you can find employees who have an inherently greater work ethic based on their culture, especially when hiring from an international worker base, ” he said.

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Remote workers’ work ethic can be stronger because they are happier in their jobs, working from home. Giving them this opportunity also helps to build worker-company loyalty as long as the employer keeps their promise about the working arrangement.

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“You don’t want to promise them remote work and then six months later call them into the office,” Ortscheid said.

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A higher quality of candidates can be found abroad.

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“You can hire the best person for the job, instead of the best one who’s within a 30-mile radius of the office,” he said.

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Hiring remote workers based on geography can help save on salary costs. A worker in San Diego will likely command a lot more compensation than a worker abroad or one in markets with a lower cost of living, such as South Carolina.

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Hiring a worker from abroad could potentially add a multilingual employee, a valuable asset.

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Ortscheid said employers may use a staffing company, a placement firm, or direct placement. Each has its own pros and cons, including costs and the level of involvement required by the HR team.

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Before starting the hiring process, he said a proper job description must be created.

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Its format should include an overview of the position, the tasks that are required, the KPIs that will be measured, and a bonus structure.

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“Many make the mistake during the hiring process of first looking at applicants’ resumes,” he said. “They check the years of experience that the applicant has or their previous salary and try to find the cheapest person they can.”

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Ortscheid strongly recommends that candidates be first asked to take a personality test. If the test results indicate they could be a good fit at the company, based on the position description and the company’s workplace environment, then they can advance to the next step.

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“If you look at the résumé first, you’ll have cognitive bias because you’ll immediately see how much experience they have,” he said. “Having a lot of experience isn’t always the best thing, because maybe they were terrible at the job they were doing.”

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Ortscheid suggested using the AI tool Claude to evaluate job descriptions and suggest personalities that would be the best fit.

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Onboarding and training are crucial, especially in the first 90 days. Every new hire should be given a 90-day employment onboarding plan that includes the job description, KPIs, core values, milestones, goals, and a supervisor check-in schedule.

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“One-on-one meetings should be held regularly so that the employee doesn’t feel that being called into one only happens when they have done something wrong,” he said.

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Employee training will go a long way toward ensuring a successful start for any new hire. It should include three or four days of computer-based training, with quizzes and verbal exams. These new employees should then “shadow” the work of an experienced employee, and then a final evaluation can occur.

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Did they hit their KPI’s? “If they don’t, then it’s probably not going to work out and you should cut bait,” according to Ortsheid.

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Employees also must be provided with “tools for the trade” such as Property Meld, as well as others that address accounting and communication (such as Slack and Microsoft Teams).

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“Communication between workers is better through those channels because it’s better than walking into their office and interrupting them to ask them a question,” he said.

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As for culture and accountability in the office, Ortsheid said employees should emphasize the company’s core values as much as possible.

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Finally, companies should provide for professional development and occasionally hold “social hours” via Zoom calls for remote workers or in-person meet-ups for office workers to give employees every chance to get to know one another.

Property Meld’s MX Summit to Share Innovation, Operational Best Practices

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:53:19 GMT

The Sept. 16-18 event in Rapid City, SD, welcomes leading speakers and instructors.
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Property Meld is set to host its biggest annual industry conference on Sept. 16-18 in Rapid City, South Dakota, for multifamily and single-family owners and operators. With its western theme, the 5th annual event will help attendees “wrangle” their maintenance-based perational challenges, learn from their peers, and gain new knowledge to help them improve their companies.
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We spoke to Anna Torvi, Head of Customer Success at Property Meld, about what to expect and how real estate professionals can learn to “Tame the Mayhem” at the MX Summit.

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Q: What are the most significant 'new trends" that will be discussed at the MX Summit ?

A: AI Calling with “MAX on Call” will be the number one thing customers will see as our latest innovation to help consolidate resident intake and use the best data collection, allowing teams to work faster and spend less time on calls.

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Second, using Property Meld to scale your organization will be a focus. We are finding that mergers and acquisitions are becoming more frequent. This involves combining training and scaling for new employees, as well as data standardization to ensure growth stability. With the data that Property Meld has for property maintenance operations, we can lay out a roadmap for success better than ever before.

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Q: What is the biggest challenge maintenance techs are facing today in managing multifamily and single- family rentals?

A: We find that operators in leadership or those set to manage the technician process are looking for better ways to manage schedules, ensure they are getting enough jobs per day, and getting the correct number of hours to either keep costs down per property or increase maintenance revenue through increased tech utilization. Tech utilization goals continue to grow, with 85% being the average goal of high-performing teams.

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Q: Does Property Meld have any new data or reports about the maintenance industry?

A: We have something fascinating that will blow the industry away, but I am not sure if we can give you access yet!

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Q: What do you think the biggest "ah-ha" moment will be for attendees based on the conference content?

A: It is different for every user, which is my favorite part about the event.

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When customers and prospects alike leave with different feedback on actionable items, strategies to influence organizations back at home, and excitement about future roadmap items, then we know we have won!

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At MX Summit, our consultative customer success teams work to meet and make 1-on-1 meetings with as many users as possible. We strive to make this special, allowing them to shape the product's growth
as we continue to lead the way in property management maintenance.
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We’ll see you there! Register at MX Summit | Property Maintenance Conference

The Leadership Blind Spot: Off Boarding with Intention

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:54:59 GMT

In multifamily, we put so much energy into perfecting the onboarding experience. Whether it’s new hire checklists, welcome lunches, detailed training schedules or new team member orientations, we want people to feel seen, supported, and ready to succeed. Rightfully so. How we bring people in sets the tone for their journey with us.

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But picture this: This same team member has been with the company for four years. They’ve faced challenges, pushed for results, and have overall been an amazing asset to the company and the team. An opportunity for growth outside of your company comes about, or maybe they’ve made a personal decision to relocate geographically, but nonetheless-- it’s time for the partnership to end.

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What’s the off boarding process look like?

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How we guide people out of the company matters just as much as how we brought them in. Sometimes, it matters even more.

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Off boarding isn’t just an HR process. It’s a leadership moment. It’s a chance to show gratitude, to protect relationships, and to close chapters with integrity . When people leave—whether by choice or circumstance, they should feel respected, acknowledged, and valued for the work they contributed. That final impression can carry more weight than their first day ever did.

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As always, let’s break down the why:

People talk. Multifamily is the largest smallest industry we know. The way we treat people on their way out impacts our reputation far beyond one person.
Culture is revealed at the end. Anyone can create a warm welcome. True culture shows itself when it’s time to say goodbye. This isn’t a time to be bitter, but to celebrate the contributions and reaffirm the belief that your team member is capable of amazing things.
Doors stay open. Former employees may return, refer others, or become business partners. How we part ways determines whether that door stays unlocked and maybe even open for future collaborations.
Leaders learn. Off boarding is a chance to listen, reflect, and improve. But not just on the employee experience. It gives an opportunity to explore improvement as a leader.

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Off boarding should never feel transactional. It should feel intentional . When done well, it leaves someone thinking: “I was valued here.”

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And here’s the truth: if onboarding is about building trust, off boarding is about preserving it. Both matter. But in many ways, the exit is the story people remember and retell.

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In multifamily, and truly any industry, great leaders know that how someone leaves speaks volumes about who we are as an organization.

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So, the next time a team member transitions out, ask yourself: Are they leaving with the same (or greater) respect, care, and dignity that they felt when they arrived? Because that’s the mark of a people’s culture.

Navigating the Shift: From Print to Digital in Multifamily Marketing

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:56:43 GMT

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, the multifamily industry is witnessing a significant shift from traditional print methods to dynamic digital strategies. This transition is not just a trend but a necessity for staying competitive and reaching a broader audience. Let's explore how this change is reshaping the industry.

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The Decline of Print Marketing: For decades, print marketing was the cornerstone of multifamily advertising. Brochures, flyers, and newspaper ads were the primary tools for reaching potential tenants. However, with the rise of digital platforms, these methods are becoming less effective. As one industry expert noted, "The reach and immediacy of digital marketing simply can't be matched by print."

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Embracing Digital Channels: Digital marketing offers multifamily properties a plethora of opportunities to engage with potential tenants. From social media campaigns to targeted email marketing, the options are vast and customizable. A property manager shared, "Our digital campaigns have allowed us to connect with a younger demographic that we couldn't reach through print."

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The Role of Data and Analytics: One of the most significant advantages of digital marketing is the ability to track and analyze data. This capability allows multifamily marketers to refine their strategies and improve ROI. "Data-driven decisions are transforming how we approach marketing," said a digital marketing strategist in the industry.

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The transition from print to digital marketing in the multifamily industry is more than a shift in tactics; it's a transformation in how properties connect with their audience. As digital platforms continue to evolve, staying ahead of the curve will be crucial for success. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest trends in multifamily marketing.

When Speed Matters More Than Perfection: How the Multifamily Community Raised $47K in 5 Days

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 22:59:15 GMT

“This wasn’t about getting it perfect — it was about getting it moving.”

That one line, shared by Mike Wolber on a recent episode of the Optimized! podcast, perfectly captures the spirit of a grassroots movement that swept across the multifamily industry in early July.

When devastating floods hit Central Texas, there wasn’t time to form a committee or build a campaign deck. The need was immediate — and the response had to match.

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The Idea

A simple text thread. A Google Form. A shared belief that we can do something. That’s how A-List Runs for Texas was born — an effort to rally the multifamily community to raise funds and awareness by logging miles and sharing a donation link.

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The Reach

Within hours, the movement caught fire. Industry professionals across the country put on their running shoes, made donations, and started sharing the effort. Leaders and teams alike joined in — not because they were asked to, but because they felt the call.

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The Outcome

In just five days, the campaign raised over $47,000 and logged 3,500+ miles . No fancy tech stack. No multi-channel rollouts. Just a clear goal and the will to act quickly.

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The Impact

The funds are now being distributed directly to support families impacted by the flooding in Central Texas. And beyond the numbers, A-List Runs for Texas became a story about what’s possible when we stop waiting for “perfect” and just start showing up.

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Want to hear how it all unfolded?
In this special episode of Optimized!, Janet Rosseth and Mike Wolber walk through the behind-the-scenes of launching the campaign — from idea to impact. It’s a conversation about leadership, momentum, and the power of a responsive community.

3 Reasons NOT to Ask an Employee Who’s Quit to Stay!

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 23:02:36 GMT

I worked for a big company as a Regional VP and was ready to leave. It was just time. My boss, who had always driven Toyotas, bought his first status car – a Jaguar. When I gave my notice, he said if I stayed I could use his brand new Jaguar for a year!
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First, he didn’t have a clue what motivated me, although I’d worked for him almost 10 years. Second my aind was made up. But 3rd and most important, the notice period was very awkward because I wasn’t planning to stay and a good employer/employee relationship soured a little. So don’t do the “Jaguar!” Don’t ask the person to stay, offer them more money, or negotiate, no matter how tempting. Even with your best employee ever. MAYBE there are exceptions to this rule, but generally speaking, it’s not a good practice.

Here are 3 reasons why:

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1. Even the best employee has had to “divorce” you in his/her mind in order to accept another position. In fact, they have had to consider ways the next option is better, and possibly come up with things they don’t like about your company. In most cases, even if they stay, they don’t stay long, so you still have to replace them anyway. I don’t have data, just gut, but I would say 95% of those you convince to stay leave so soon you didn’t gain anything.

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2. If you have to offer them more money to stay, there is always the question in the back of the departing employee’s mind: why wasn’t I worth that before I gave notice? And that can turn it into a “bidding war” between you and the prospective new employer.
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3. If you ask them to stay and they don’t, the notice period goes from helpful and positive to downright AWKWARD!
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So the best thing you can do is to resist the urge and let them leave well! Thank them for the contributions they’ve made. Wish them the best. Let their departure be as positive as it can, so if the grass wasn’t greener they may actually ask to come back. We’ve lost some great employees over the years, and an amazing percent have returned! One has even returned twice! Even if the departing employee never returns, you’ve set a strong example for your team of the right way to treat a departing (or staying) team member and you can greet that former employee without shame the next time you see him or her. So resist the urge to ask them to stay!

Rentana Just Proved the Future of Revenue Management Isn’t a Black Box

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:05:00 GMT

We’ve been waiting for someone to finally challenge the legacy systems strangling the heart of multifamily revenue management. That moment is here, and Rentana brought the receipts. 29th Street Capital (29SC), an institutional player managing over 12,000 units, recently ran a high-stakes, 90-day pilot to choose a revenue management partner that would help them grow their assets, be easy to use, and give them complete control over their data.
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Their options? Eight top software vendors they assessed over two months, and then narrowed to two of the newest leading platforms: One of the latest new entrants from an industry leader vs. a fast-scaling AI-powered upstart named Rentana.
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The results? Rentana won driving higher ROI across the board:

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● $4.6M in added valuation
● 3.5% stronger NRI performance
● 21x faster onboarding

● 36x faster support: 5-minute average response time vs. 3-day ticket delays
● 125 features shipped in 90 days
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Rentana didn’t just show up for the challenge; they outpaced, out-delivered, and out- strategized the competition. I’m calling it a mic-drop moment in Multifamily! But consider this more than just a Proptech cage-match dominating win! It’s a philosophical shift for the industry.
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For nearly three decades, multifamily constituents tolerated black-box revenue management systems that were slow to evolve, difficult to onboard, and downright painful to operate. We accepted them because there was no better alternative.
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That story is over! 29SC’s VP, Robert Waz, put it plainly: “The UI is miles ahead. We trust their data security. Rentana gives us a strategic advantage to grow our assets.” Why does this matter to you?
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Decisions made in the C-suite about pricing, performance, and platform strategy don’t live in the abstract; they become action items that impact every level of your operation. And if your systems are slow, your end-users suffer. Speed to market matters on every level.
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Rentana’s edge? A dynamic AI engine tuned to real-time market shifts, intuitive dashboards, and workflows your team will actually use. The platform analyzes public market trends alongside each customer’s private rental data exclusively for your company’s individual use. It delivers actionable insights tailored to each property and enables leaders to make faster, more, informed decisions.

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This matters more than ever because of the market's uncertainty, resident behavior is shifting, fundamentals are changing at an accelerated pace, and the teams doing the work deserve better tools. The industry has been waiting for a platform that respects speed, transparency, ease of use, and decision-making precision. Rentana won because they were built for this moment!
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It’s time to stop making decisions based on what was “safe” in the first 25 years of the 2000s. Looking back now, that caution cost the industry a fortune regarding value. And if this isn’t your wake-up call, your competitor’s already answering it.

Operational excellence is a decision, and Rentana seems to have become the easiest decision in 2025. Please don’t take it from me, review those receipts again.

Turning Over Apartmentalize 2025 Maintenance

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:10:03 GMT

Vegas was not just a trip—it’s a test of willpower, sweat glands, and your commitment to the multifamily cause. While Apartmentalize 2025 brought the expected flash and sizzle, it also delivered some real substance—especially for those tuned into the often underappreciated world of Maintenance. Between sessions that actually spoke to onsite realities and trade show innovations that made you go “why didn’t we think of that sooner?”, there was plenty to take in. But one thing still felt off: the Maintenance workforce, often called the backbone of the industry, was missing from the mainstage. It’s time we stop treating them like the afterthought and start bringing them to the forefront—because when you pair people-first insights with practical solutions, everybody wins.

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Mark Sharp | Vegas in the summer? Bold move, NAA. Yes, it’s a dry heat, but so is standing in front of a hair dryer set to “broil.” And let me tell you… that’s still violently hot. I lost five pounds just walking from my hotel room to the convention center. Hydration wasn’t a suggestion, it was a survival tactic.

But you know what else was hot? Some of the content.

Big shoutout to Chris Caramanica and Paul Rhodes for bringing the (the good kind) with their Maintenance-focused sessions. Practical, real-world knowledge that actually makes a difference onsite. More of that, please.

And the Trade Show floor? Plenty of “duh” moments; those ideas that make you wonder why we didn’t think of them sooner. Smart people turning everyday problems into real solutions that will actually help properties.

That said… the lack of Maintenance presence overall is still a head-scratcher. We say Maintenance is the backbone of the industry, but it won’t feel that way until we start putting them at the front of the conversation—not as an afterthought.

So here’s to the folks making real moves, the sessions that hit home, and the vendors solving real problems. But let’s keep pushing: next year, let’s turn up the love for Maintenance (not just the temperature).

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Chris Caramanica | Apartmentalize 2025 spotlighted some powerful shifts for maintenance professionals in the multifamily industry. Here are the key takeaways tailored for on-site teams and maintenance leaders:

1. Push for Maintenance-Specific Content : Paul Rhodes from the Maintenance Mindset podcast emphasized the need for more sessions focused on the realities of maintenance work—not just tech and leasing strategies. He encouraged attendees to advocate for more representation and training that speaks directly to their roles.

2. AI and Centralization: While AI often grabs headlines, it’s now being applied to streamline maintenance workflows—think predictive maintenance, automated service requests, and centralized dashboards that reduce time spent on repetitive tasks.

3. Soft Skills Matter : Sessions highlighted the importance of communication, empathy, and team dynamics—especially when working with Gen Z renters and diverse resident populations. Unveiled on the trade show floor was "The Maintenance Academy", a 100% free online resource for the industry that is by maintenance professionals for maintenance professionals!

4. Career Pathing Through Specialization: Companies and the National Apartment Association are rethinking the traditional maintenance ladder. Instead of a one-size-fits-all promotion path, they’re creating specialized roles that let team members grow in areas like HVAC, plumbing, or tech systems—boosting retention and job satisfaction. We are seeing more organizations focusing on maintenance as more of a career for individuals than just a job.

5. Smarter Spending, Not Just Cost-Cutting: With budget pressures rising and tarrif insanity, maintenance teams are being encouraged to adapt tried and true business practices and looking for scalable service plans that deliver impact without breaking the bank.

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Here’s how you can turn each of these Apartmentalize 2025 insights into smart, tangible moves on the ground:

1. Champion Maintenance-Centered Training

Start small: host a monthly “shop talk” with your teams focused purely on field challenges—like troubleshooting tricky HVAC issues or organizing your shops better. Gather feedback and pass it along to your regional or corporate team to advocate for tailored training sessions at your company or at industry events.

2. Leverage AI and Centralized Tools

If your property management software has maintenance tracking or AI-enabled features (like predictive work orders or smart scheduling), dive in! If not, start logging recurring issues manually and look for patterns—you’ll build your own version of “predictive maintenance” even without the tech.

3. Sharpen Soft Skills

Practice people-first communication: when residents submit requests, follow up with a quick message or smile in person to let them know you’re on it. Build trust with your team by sharing insights or even a “win of the week.” These small habits shift the culture for the better.

4. Build Carrer Paths Within Your Team

Talk to your supervisor about learning a specialty—like becoming the go-to for smart home tech or pool systems. Offer to mentor newer techs in return. These moves position you as a leader and open up long-term growth.

5 . Optimize Instead of Cutting

Audit your inventory: are you ordering parts that sit unused? Can you standardize certain supplies across units? Look for solutions that scale—such as multi-site service agreements or modular appliance swaps—to save both time and money.

Want help creating a plan or proposal to share these ideas with your team or leadership? I can help write it up with real punch. Let's make it count.

If you’re part of a maintenance team, these insights aren’t just trends—they’re tools to help you lead change on-site. Want help turning these takeaways into action plans for your property? I’ve got ideas. Let’s build something better.

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Paul Rhodes | At Apartmentalize 2025 I was awestruck by the performance of the the overlooked workforce that ensured successful arrival at every event: The Rideshare and Taxi drivers. These humans were ready to adjust when the technology couldn't find you (often due to it's own limitations) and would allow attendees to escape the 100+degree heat when moving from one event to another. People for the WIN

Four Takeaways from Apartmentalize 2025

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:06:58 GMT

Apartmentalize 2025 wasn’t just a gathering of industry minds—it was a pulse check on where we’re headed and how fast we’re willing to evolve. From unpacking the realities of centralization to challenging outdated screening models, one thing became clear: transformation requires more than intention—it takes structure, clarity, and connection. Whether it was diving into performance-backed strategies, rethinking how we define financial stability, or engaging in the kind of off-stage conversations that spark real momentum, the week served as a powerful reminder that innovation thrives where purpose and execution meet.

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1. Centralization requires more than a strategy—it needs structure, pilots, and proof.

As a panelist on “Centralization: Hindsights and Hiccups,” I had the opportunity to share what works and what doesn’t when operators roll out centralized models. This isn’t a copy-and-paste playbook. Success requires strong leadership, clearly defined roles, and measurable outcomes. Pilots are essential. So is accountability. If you’re not tracking performance data to validate impact, you’re flying blind. Centralization done well isn’t just efficient it’s transformative. But only when it’s rooted in execution and backed by results.

2. Our screening models are stuck in the past and that’s costing us.

I moderated “The Gig Is Up” with Andrew Kuhn and Kyle Nelson, and we took a hard look at how the industry continues to evaluate financial stability using outdated methods. With the rise of non-traditional income, it’s time to move beyond W-2 thinking. Modern operators need better tools and more flexible frameworks to assess risk without turning away qualified renters. The operators who figure this out first will win on both performance and resident experience.

3. Connection creates momentum and we need more of it.

One of the most energizing aspects of Apartmentalize was the quality of the conversations off-stage. I had powerful, unfiltered discussions with operators, tech partners, and leaders who are leaning into AI, automation, and operational change with both curiosity and courage. These weren’t surface-level chats. They were focused, solution-oriented, and real. When we create space for genuine dialogue, we start unlocking new ways to lead, compete, and grow.

4. Podcast Palooza reminded me why we need to keep sharing the stories behind the innovation.

During Podcast Palooza, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Tierney from Verifast and what stood out was how aligned we were on purpose. Her commitment to simplifying verification and reducing friction in leasing isn’t just about compliance it’s about people. That conversation, like so many others throughout the week, reinforced that innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when we connect the why to the how, and when we keep the human experience at the center of the solutions we’re building.

Rewriting the Rules: The Top Trends Shaping Multifamily from Apartmentalize 2025

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 23:13:51 GMT

The multifamily industry is no longer on the cusp of transformation—it’s in the thick of it. At Apartmentalize 2025 in Las Vegas, the message was loud and clear: the future of property management is intelligent, data-driven, and deeply resident-focused. As technology, resident expectations, and operational pressures converge, one truth has become clear—adapting isn’t optional, it’s mission-critical. These key takeaways reveal how the most innovative operators are rewriting the rules—not just to stay competitive, but to lead with impact. Here’s what’s driving the shift:

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1. The Industry is Experiencing an AI Adoption Surge That's Transforming Operations AI adoption in property management jumped from 21% to 34% in just one year, with companies successfully implementing AI-powered leasing assistants, maintenance optimization, and predictive analytics. The conference showcased that early adopters are already seeing tangible results - users of AI tools report saving an average of 10 hours weekly on tasks while improving response times and resident satisfaction.

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2. Resident Experience Has Evolved Beyond Traditional Service to Outcome-Driven Performance The shift from task-based property management to outcome-driven operations was a major theme. According to the 2025 AppFolio Property Management Benchmark Report, the number one concern property managers face is maintaining high occupancy rates, and companies are responding with technologies that deliver measurable performance improvements rather than just managing tasks.

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3. Sustainability and Technology Integration Are Now Resident Expectations, Not Amenities With 65% of renters actively seeking eco-friendly apartments in 2025 and 48% of renters viewing property technology as indispensable, the conference emphasized that modern residents expect seamless integration of sustainable practices and smart technology as standard living features.

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4. Operational Efficiency Through Data-Driven Decision Making Is Becoming the Competitive Advantage Over three-fourths of multifamily industry experts rank operational efficiencies among their top three challenges, and successful companies are leveraging AI analytics to transform everything from pricing strategies to maintenance scheduling, creating significant cost savings while improving service delivery.

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5. Companies Who Harness, Leverage, and Transform Their Operations Through Rethinking How We Live and Work as Well as Harnessing Meaningful Results-Based AI Will Be Providing Very Different Living and Working Experiences in the Next Two Years in Multifamily and Will Win the NOI and Resident Experience Game The convergence of AI-powered automation, predictive analytics, and resident-centric design is creating a new paradigm in multifamily living. Properties using AI for personalized tenant experiences, dynamic pricing, and proactive maintenance are seeing improved retention rates and operational performance. The companies that embrace this transformation - moving beyond traditional property management to create intelligent, responsive living ecosystems - will differentiate themselves in both financial performance and resident satisfaction over the next 24 months.

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These insights from Apartmentalize 2025 aren’t just predictions—they’re a preview of what high-performance property management looks like in real time. The companies leaning into AI, sustainability, and outcome-driven operations aren’t simply keeping up—they’re redefining what success means in multifamily. As we look ahead, one thing is certain: the winners will be those who turn insights into action and technology into transformation. The future isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it showed up in Vegas.

Apartmentalize 2025: Rebels, Ducks, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:49 GMT

What a week at Apartmentalize. I’m still riding the high from all of the energy, connections, and conversations that filled every hallway and stage. I had the absolute privilege of speaking alongside some incredible people and, spoiler alert, the crowd did not disappoint.

First up was Unapologetic Innovators: Wild Ideas for Rebels, Dreamers, and Early Adopters with Jenny Schoellhorn, Christy Rodriguez, and yours truly. We weren’t afraid to go off-script—literally and figuratively. We dove into big ideas like subscription-based leasing models and the importance of failing forward. One of my favorite moments was encouraging the room to go back to their teams and invite people from different departments to shake things up. Diversity of thought is where innovation really begins.

Then came Empowering Property Management Teams: Inclusive, Engaging, and Effective Training Strategies in a Birds of a Feather format. The roundtable format sparked so much great discussion. We talked about everything from integrating virtual teams into meetings to removing the pressure from learners to disclose neurodiversity. I shared how I approach training by looking at scores and behavioral data to truly understand each learner. We challenged the norm of traditional skills tests and proposed using application-based scenarios instead. Because honestly, when was the last time a judge asked you what year Fair Housing became law? Exactly. They care about how you apply it in real-life situations.

Megan Oresar and Drew Hudson brought the energy and then some. Megan even handed out ducks to every table, each one carrying a message: Don’t Use Conversation Killers. It was quirky, memorable, and exactly what you’d hope for from a session like that.

To wrap it all up, Paul Rhodes and I turned the tradeshow floor into our personal stage with Soft Skills in Maintenance: A Competitive Edge. We gave each other a hard time (as expected) but landed a powerful message with Paul’s “5 P’s” of maintenance: Person, Pleasant, Present, Personal, and Provide. It was heartfelt and hilarious, just the way we like it.

And if that wasn’t enough excitement, I made a literal leap off the side of the Strat for Move For Hunger. We raised over $2,800 toward my campaign, and the greater group pulled in $35,000 total. That’s 140,000 meals going to people who need them. Talk about impact.

Apartmentalize gave me everything I needed: great people, bold conversations, and a chance to make a difference. Until next year, keep flipping the script and passing out ducks. You never know where the next wild idea will come from.

AppWork Raises $13M to Transform Property Maintenance

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:07:02 GMT

Ramsey, NJ — April 7th, 2025 — AppWork, a fast-growing software platform purpose-built to streamline maintenance operations for multifamily property management teams, today announced it has secured a $13 million Series A investment led by Resolve Growth Partners , a growth equity firm focused on investing in and scaling leading vertical SaaS companies.

AppWork’s intuitive, mobile-first platform helps property managers, owners, and maintenance teams drive operational efficiency, resident satisfaction, and NOI by automating the entire maintenance lifecycle. Since launching in 2022, the company has experienced rapid adoption among multifamily operators, including NMHC 50 operators and prominent mid-market owners/managers seeking purpose-built tools for maintenance operations.

Read More for the Full Release: https://appworkco.com/press-releases/appwork-secures-13m-series-a-to-transform-property-maintenance/

Innovation Themes That Dominated RETCON 2025: A Post-Conference Analysis

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:19:11 GMT

After attending this year's RETCON conference last week in Las Vegas, it's clear that the real estate industry is undergoing a profound transformation. As I navigated the sessions and engaged in countless conversations between presentations, several key innovation themes emerged that will shape the future of real estate across all sectors. Here's my analysis of what really mattered at this year's premier real estate innovation event.

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Cross-Asset Innovation: Breaking Down Silos

The most striking observation from RETCON 2025 was the dissolution of traditional boundaries between real estate asset classes. Throughout the conference, speakers and attendees regularly referenced solutions that originated in one sector being adapted for others.

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Major institutional investors and property managers shared examples of technologies that are successfully crossing traditional asset class boundaries. We saw demonstrations of predictive maintenance systems from industrial properties being applied to multifamily, hospitality-inspired resident experience platforms showing promising results in apartment communities, and retail customer analytics finding new applications in residential leasing.

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This cross-pollination was everywhere at the conference. The message was clear: innovation excellence now transcends traditional real estate categories, and companies that maintain rigid sector-specific approaches risk missing transformative opportunities.

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PropTech 3.0: The End of "Optional" Technology

If there was one consensus among the attendees at RETCON, it was that property technology has definitively moved from competitive advantage to table stakes. Session after session reinforced how we've progressed from PropTech 1.0 (basic digitization) through PropTech 2.0 (connected systems) into what many industry leaders termed "PropTech 3.0"—where technology is fully integrated into the core value proposition of real estate assets.

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This maturation was evident in discussions where major players shared their internal approaches to technology valuation. Multiple speakers confirmed they now include technology infrastructure assessments in their acquisition due diligence, with some acknowledging they had passed on otherwise attractive deals due to inadequate technology implementation that would require significant capital expenditure to remediate.

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For multifamily operators, the implications are profound: technology is no longer just an operational consideration—it's fundamentally intertwined with asset value.

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The Simplification Imperative: Streamlining the Technology Experience

A dominant theme throughout RETCON 2025 was the growing demand for simplified user experiences in property technology. Industry leaders repeatedly emphasized how today's workforce and residents expect the same intuitive interfaces they experience with consumer technologies like Amazon and Domino's Pizza in their property management systems.

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Numerous conversations centered around the fatigue caused by complex, outdated interfaces that require extensive training and reduce adoption. Technology providers showcased new approaches focusing on streamlined experiences that require minimal training and maximize user adoption.

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This shift reflects a broader recognition that the industry has accumulated too many heavy, disconnected systems that frustrate users and create inefficiencies rather than solving them. The emphasis has shifted from feature proliferation to thoughtful design that prioritizes the most common use cases and makes them effortless to execute.

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The Amazon/Domino's Pizza analogy came up repeatedly—the idea that users should be able to complete complex processes with just a few taps, with the technology handling all the complexity behind a simple interface. For multifamily operators, this trend represents both a challenge to existing systems and an opportunity to significantly improve staff productivity through more intuitive tools.

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New Capital Partnerships: Evolving Funding Models

The financial architecture supporting real estate innovation showed significant evolution at RETCON 2025. Beyond traditional venture capital, the conference highlighted alternative funding approaches gaining traction.

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Corporate venture arms from established real estate companies now account for a significant and growing portion of PropTech funding. These strategic investors bring not just capital but also industry expertise and pilot opportunities that pure financial investors can't match.

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Particularly interesting were discussions around emerging partnership models, where technology providers shared examples of accepting equity in development projects in lieu of traditional fees, aligning their incentives directly with property performance rather than just software licensing.

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Multiple conversations also touched on how public-private partnerships are blending municipal resources with private capital to address affordable housing challenges through technology-enabled approaches.

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For multifamily operators, these evolving capital structures create opportunities to access technology through more flexible arrangements beyond traditional vendor relationships—potentially reducing upfront costs while creating more aligned long-term partnerships.

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Ecosystem Collaboration: The Power of Together

The structure of RETCON 2025 itself reinforced the conference's most important theme: the necessity of collaboration across the entire real estate ecosystem. Unlike more siloed industry events, this year's programming brought together diverse stakeholders in productive discussions.

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The results were evident in both formal sessions and hallway conversations, where the most productive discussions featured diverse participants: developers articulating specific challenges, technology providers proposing solutions, and capital partners outlining funding criteria—all in the same conversation.

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For the multifamily sector, this collaborative mindset represents both an opportunity and a challenge: operators accustomed to vendor-style relationships must adapt to more partnership-oriented approaches, while gaining the benefit of solutions built specifically for their needs rather than adapted after the fact.

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Looking Ahead: What RETCON 2025 Means for Multifamily

As I reflect on my experience at RETCON 2025, several implications emerge specifically for multifamily operators:

Integration will triumph over point solutions . The most successful operators at the conference have moved beyond the "app for everything" approach toward unified platforms that share data seamlessly.
Resident experience has become quantifiable . Discussions presented more sophisticated approaches for measuring and valuing resident experience, moving this previously subjective factor into the realm of financial analysis.
Operational efficiency and resident experience are no longer at odds . The false dichotomy between these priorities has dissolved, with the most compelling innovations demonstrating how technology can simultaneously improve operations while enhancing resident experiences.
Data has become a strategic asset . Leading operators are now treating operational and resident data as a proprietary advantage, with significant attention devoted to extracting actionable insights from previously underutilized information.
Simplicity is winning over complexity . The operators gaining the most traction are those providing Amazon-like simplicity in their technology interfaces, making complex processes feel effortless for both staff and residents.

The energy and attendance at RETCON 2025 confirmed that despite economic headwinds, innovation remains a central priority for the real estate industry. For multifamily operators specifically, the conference highlighted both the risks of technological complacency and the rewards awaiting those who embrace thoughtful innovation.

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As the industry returns to implementation in the real world, the true test will be translating the inspiring conversations of RETCON into tangible results for properties, staff, and residents in the months ahead.

This article was produced by Multifamily Media Network as part of our coverage of RETCON 2025. For more insights from the conference and ongoing analysis of emerging trends in real estate innovation, visit multifamilymedia.net.

Beyond the Main Stage: Emerging Opportunities at RETCON 2025

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:14:25 GMT

The AI Evolution: Moving From Implementation to Experience

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AI was undoubtedly center stage at RETCON this year, with numerous sessions highlighting its transformative potential. In candid conversations with industry leaders, many acknowledged we're still in the early phases of truly integrating AI into meaningful resident and staff experiences.

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Technology leaders shared how they're working through the initial implementation challenges toward more sophisticated applications. Operations professionals repeatedly emphasized the importance of creating systems that blend technological capabilities with genuine human connection.

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There's an underlying current of excitement about determining the next operating model – how people will work in the next 5 years with AI enhancing staff workflows and resident experience. This represents perhaps the most significant opportunity in today's multifamily technology landscape: creating AI systems that feel genuinely helpful rather than merely efficient.

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The companies generating the most interest at RETCON were those designing systems that understand context, recognize patterns in human behavior, and adapt to individual preferences over time. Ultimately, there's tremendous opportunity for proptech companies that focus on high-value service delivery, human connection, and freeing staff from mundane tasks to focus on meaningful interactions.

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Role Evolution: Transformation Rather Than Replacement

One of the most encouraging themes from RETCON emerged in smaller group discussions, where success stories centered not on reducing staff but on elevating existing talent to more meaningful work. This approach represents a positive shift from earlier technology narratives.

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Multiple management companies shared that their most successful technology implementations were those that enhanced their team members' capabilities rather than attempted to replace them. One operations director described how their technology investment evolved from a staff reduction strategy into a role transformation initiative with compelling results: reduced turnover, increased resident satisfaction, and improved NOI.

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The key insight was reimagining traditional roles:

Leasing agents becoming community-focused, spending more time on meaningful resident interactions rather than paperwork
Maintenance staff shifting toward preventative approaches rather than just reactive repairs
Property managers focusing more on community building and less on administrative tasks

This mindset shift—from technology as replacement to technology as enhancement—represents a significant opportunity for the industry moving forward.

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Resident Empowerment: Building Community Through Participation

One of the most intriguing trends discussed at RETCON was the emergence of resident-driven operations models enabled by purpose-built technology platforms.

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Several forward-thinking operators shared their early experiments with creating digital frameworks that allow residents to take on various community roles and offer "side hustle" on-site services:

Experienced residents helping newcomers navigate their first weeks
Residents organizing social gatherings through property platforms
Residents assisting with vendor management
Residents offering services to neighbors – concierge services, dog walking, pet sitting, errands, meal preparation, administrative support and more

"We're essentially creating a micro service economy within our communities," as one operator explained. Residents gain flexible income opportunities without commuting, properties enhance their service offerings, and communities develop more authentic connections.

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This merger of the service economy with residential communities represents an exciting frontier with tremendous potential for enhancing both resident satisfaction and property performance.

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The Simplification Imperative: The Amazon/Domino's Effect

While vendors at RETCON 2025 showcased feature-rich platforms, conversations with property professionals consistently highlighted a different priority: the need for simplification and modern user experiences.

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Many technology leaders expressed a desire for more streamlined, interconnected systems with intuitive interfaces. The comparison to consumer technology came up repeatedly: "Our residents can track a pizza delivery in real-time with Domino's and order almost anything with one click on Amazon, but our staff needs multiple logins and numerous clicks to process basic transactions."

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With a younger workforce increasingly expecting intuitive, mobile-first experiences, the opportunity to bridge this experience gap is substantial. The most compelling approaches at RETCON came from companies embracing consumer technology design principles—building streamlined tools with minimal learning curves that integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

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As one operator succinctly put it: "We're not looking for more features; we're looking for fewer clicks." This focus on user experience represents a significant opportunity for companies willing to prioritize simplicity over feature proliferation.

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Emerging Considerations: Future Focus Areas

Several important considerations emerged during RETCON 2025 that will likely gain greater prominence in future industry conversations:

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Responsible AI Development

As AI systems become increasingly integral to residential operations, thoughtful conversations around implementation best practices are beginning to emerge. Forward-thinking operators and technology providers recognized the importance of considering multiple perspectives when deploying systems that impact resident living experiences.

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With AI increasingly influencing aspects of residential life—from communication to maintenance to amenity access—creating balanced, transparent approaches will become increasingly important.

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Broader Market Solutions

While luxury properties and Class A assets received significant attention, there's growing recognition of the opportunity to develop technology solutions for workforce housing, affordable developments, and middle-market communities where most Americans actually live.

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Some of the most innovative companies at RETCON were specifically focusing on these underserved segments, creating solutions that deliver immediate operational value for properties operating with tighter margins.

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Integration Advancements

Integration between different property technology systems remains a significant challenge and opportunity. While the industry hasn't yet developed comprehensive standards for data exchange, API frameworks, and interoperability, there's increasing awareness of the need for more collaborative approaches.

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Several technology providers demonstrated promising solutions for connecting disparate systems, suggesting momentum toward more seamless technology ecosystems.

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Data Governance Approaches

As properties collect increasingly detailed information about resident behaviors, preferences, and patterns, thoughtful approaches to data governance are becoming more important. Several forward-thinking operators and technology providers discussed their approaches to responsible data usage and management.

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Developing comprehensive frameworks for data governance represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for industry leadership.

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Looking Forward: The Path of Opportunity

As I reflect on RETCON 2025, I'm inspired by the innovative approaches and thoughtful discussions happening throughout the industry. The most valuable takeaways weren't necessarily found in the technologies prominently displayed, but in the emerging opportunities identified through countless conversations with industry leaders.

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The multifamily operators positioned for success in the coming years will be those who recognize these opportunities: creating truly experiential AI, evolving roles rather than eliminating them, empowering residents as active participants, and embracing radical simplification.

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While the industry collectively embraces an AI-enhanced, amenity-rich future, the true differentiators may well be the companies that focus on fundamental questions: What makes residents feel truly at home? How can technology enhance human connection? How do we create experiences as simple and satisfying as ordering from Amazon or tracking a Domino's pizza? And how might we build communities that people love rather than just buildings that people lease?

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These questions, more than any particular technology showcased at RETCON 2025, will guide the next wave of successful innovation in multifamily real estate.

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This article was produced by Multifamily Media Network as part of our coverage of RETCON 2025. The perspectives shared are based on conversations with industry participants and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of conference organizers or presenters.

Blueprint 2025

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:40:13 GMT

Multifamily Media Network attended the 2025 BluePrint Event.

Apartmentalize 2025

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:32:42 GMT

Multifamily Media Network attended the 2025 Apartmentalize Event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

RETCON 2025

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:32:33 GMT

Multifamily Media Network attended the 2025 RETCON Event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Ignored Element of a Healthy Culture

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:50:58 GMT

While many struggle to define what culture is, I clearly define it in three ways: What is expected, what will or will not be tolerated and how we treat one another. I constantly state that every organization has a culture including every home. It doesn’t matter how many people make up a family or business. If there are two or more people, a culture exists.

I also state constantly that a culture isn’t built, but rather it grows. Keep in mind, you don’t need to pay any attention to it for the culture to grow. It is going to grow regardless of effort or lack of effort on our part.

Now think about your family. Every parent has expectations for their children. Most parents have a list, even if it isn’t a formal list, of things they will or will not tolerate from their children. This is what allows the culture to grow in your home. But there is a third element that is often lacking or treated in an extremely arbitrary way and that’s how we treat one another. For many, this is not planned or strategic, but rather emotional. Far too few leaders have a strong code for how people will be treated. Employees, customers, third-party vendors, and others.

It is my belief that leaders often want this element of their culture to be flexible because it gives them a sense of control. As the leader, I get to dictate how I treat others based on how they behave. If they are loyal, compliant, or behave according to expectations I will treat them well.

But, if they are difficult, subpar, immature, I will treat them poorly. I am not suggesting that leaders turn a blind eye to poor performance or behavior. In fact, that should be clearly addressed in the expectations and will or will not be tolerated. What I am suggesting is that a healthy culture treats everyone with respect and dignity.

I can terminate your employment and still treat you with respect and dignity. I might have to terminate someone because they clearly failed to meet expectations or clearly acted in a way that cannot be tolerated. But how I treat the team should never be emotionally charged. Great cultures hold themselves to a standard for how everyone will be treated. When we work at one of these companies or are the customer at one of them, we can feel the difference. The kindness, patience, and attention to detail stands out.

It is impossible to grow a healthy, strong culture without giving this element a lot of attention. Just as much as the expectations and what will or will not be tolerated. The new hire on-boarding and orientation should spend a lot of time on this element, but unfortunately for many it is all about the first two because the emphasis is on how to not get fired as opposed to how to excel and thrive. When leaders are focusing on growing trust, respect, new skills, honesty, dependability, and predictability they are growing a culture that attracts better candidates and more customers.

All three elements of a culture are equally important. Don’t shortchange the third element. You will have less chaos, less harmful conversations (gossip), less employee turnover and fewer customer complaints. Ignore this element and chaos will become your middle name. Don’t believe me? Look at any family where there is no standard in place for how the family treats one another.

Who is evaluating YOU?

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:47:19 GMT

As we approach the new year, it's essential for CEOs, COOs, and entrepreneurs to take a step back from the daily grind and focus on strategic self-assessment and leadership alignment. Often, the demands of running a business leave little time for introspection and strategic planning. However, dedicating time to work "on" the business rather than just "in" it can yield significant benefits. Sometimes, that self-reflection is a window of opportunity to finetune your visionary abilities.

Have you ever done a SWOT on yourself? effective method for finding the blind spots is conducting a personal SWOT analysis and examining your leadership strategy alongside your business strategy. We know what a SWOT is but as a reminder, a SWOT analysis—assessing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats— is a powerful tool not just for businesses, but for personal development as well. Start by identifying your core competencies and unique skills. Reflect on past successes and the qualities that contributed to them. Consider feedback from peers and team members to gain a comprehensive view.

Next, acknowledge areas where you need improvement. Be honest about skills or habits that may be hindering your effectiveness and seek constructive criticism. I know what you are thinking; who is going to take the risk of telling me the truth? Think about your network outside of work. Have a mentor or bestie that will tell you straight? Encourage your team to speak up too. It creates a culture of continuous and non-threatening feedback when your team can see the big boss doesn't get his or her feathers ruffled. Are you still learning about your business and the competitive landscape? Are you attending to your own self-development (because it never ends!) with intention?

Once you've completed your personal SWOT analysis, it's time to align your leadership strategy with your business strategy. This alignment ensures that your personal growth supports the overall direction of your company. Revisit your company's vision and long-term goals, ensuring your personal objectives are in sync with these goals. Set clear, actionable steps to bridge any gaps. Reflect on your leadership style and its impact on your team, adapt your approach to better support your business strategy, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Integrate your personal development plan into the company's strategic planning process, encourage your leadership team to conduct their own SWOT analyses, and create a roadmap that aligns personal and organizational growth. Establish mechanisms for regular feedback and accountability, use performance metrics to track progress and make adjustments as needed, and celebrate successes while learning from setbacks. Did you WIN the Year? What do your results really say about the health of the business.

Taking the time to conduct a personal SWOT analysis and align your leadership strategy with your business strategy is not just a year-end exercise—it's an investment in your future success. By stepping back and working "on" the business, you can ensure that both you and your company are well-positioned to thrive in the coming year. Now, let's start climbing!

The Strategic Value of Outsourcing and Offshoring in Multifamily Property Management

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:38:41 GMT

We can all agree that the pace of change is accelerating exponentially. Our fan-favorite multifamily space is not immune. The pace makes it difficult to predict future growth by looking at past trends. Today’s advancements are driven not by the insights of previous years but by innovations from the last few months, sometimes even weeks.

As new tech, a shifting market, and ever-evolving resident and team member expectations reshape the industry, PMCs are rethinking their operational designs and strategies. While outsourcing and offshoring are not novel ideas, they have reemerged as helpful tools as we look forward to the future.

A New Era in Multifamily Property Management

Recently, at the Blueprint Conference in Las Vegas—an event at the forefront of innovation and technology in real estate—a reinforcing message rang true. Embracing Proptech advancements and leveraging global talent can be a competitive advantage. The discussion from the session titled: The Balancing Act: AI, Specialization, and Outsourcing/Offshoring reinforced how these strategies can help streamline operations and improve resident experiences. It also revealed a how-to for future- proofing multifamily businesses when aligned with the right tech.

Strategic Leverage

Offshoring and outsourcing, once primarily seen as cost-cutting measures for non-core tasks, have evolved into strategic tools for growth and operational efficiency in the multifamily industry. Stephanie Versin , an industry executive leader, emphasizes the distinction between these two approaches. Outsourcing involves partnering with onshore suppliers, enabling managers to focus on high-value tasks while leveraging specialized expertise. In contrast, offshoring taps into a global talent pool, bringing diverse skills to enhance the multifamily management ecosystem. Both strategies can significantly improve operational efficiency and drive growth when implemented thoughtfully. Stephanie, a leader in the multifamily space, captures this shift: by suggesting the focus is no longer just about saving costs. It's about bringing in new perspectives and improving workflows.

Elevating Team Performance: The Power of a Global Workforce

A common concern about offshoring is its potential to disrupt company culture. Stephanie’s experience suggests that offshoring can lift an organization’s overall performance by adding diverse knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Offshore teams, however, must feel like they are part of the company. For example, include them in bonuses and Zoom gatherings. Offshoring appeals to firms looking to remain competitive. Some shared examples include using offshore IT, bookkeeping, and accounting. These teams relieve the onsite property team of repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on resident satisfaction and team member engagement.

Overcoming Challenges: The Need for Seamless Integration

Offshoring is not a perfect solution. To maximize its potential, operators need to address hurdles like time zone differences, cultural integration, and communication barriers—although these seem to be less of an issue than the aforementioned. Successful offshoring involves more than just task transfer—it requires establishing seamless workflows that integrate offshore teams into operations as valued extensions of the onshore workforce. Stephanie Versin highlights the importance of trust and communication: “You must treat your offshore partners as an extension of your team, ensuring they understand your company culture, values, and expectations.”

Centralization: A Command-and-Control Paradigm

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:36:35 GMT

Centralization: A Command-and-Control Paradigm
The strict definition of centralization is the concentration of control under a single authority or, for short, command and control. Centralization can streamline decision- making, increase efficiency, and facilitate organizational strategies in business. However, it is not without its challenges, particularly for small companies. To leverage centralization effectively, a solid approach to organizational design is necessary.

The Foundation of Centralization: Organizational Design
When considering centralization, consider starting with a comprehensive review of your organizational design. Jim Rostel, Chief Operating Officer at Anchor Northwest , suggests mapping every workflow across your company. This includes considering each
process from multiple perspectives: prospects, residents, team members, supplier partners, and investors. Understanding the full spectrum of activities gives you a clear view of where centralization can provide efficiencies.

Mapping Workflows: A Practical Approach
Mapping workflows means documenting the detailed processes that define each operational function. Start with a simple flowchart that visualizes the journey of a customer or partner within your company. By doing this, you highlight redundancies and unnecessary steps. Following the principle of Occam's Razor, the idea is to simplify each process to its most essential components.

Eliminating the Unnecessary
To successfully implement a centralized model, embrace eliminating non-essential elements in every workflow. Think from first principles: what does each process absolutely need to achieve its ideal outcome? Or, in some cases, a good enough outcome. By stripping away excess, you can streamline your processes, achieve ideal outcomes, and as a bonus give time back to your team.

AI and Centralization: Focus Inward
When considering artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of centralization, Jim Rostel advises using it inwardly, not as a forward-facing tool for customers. AI can be a powerful asset for internal operations like data analysis. By using AI internally, companies can automate routine tasks, analyze vast datasets for insights, and control processes more effectively. The key is to keep AI focused on enhancing internal efficiencies rather than complicating the customer interface. We still need humans for human stuff—the soft stuff for business.

Benefits of Centralization: Outcome Control
The most significant advantage of centralization is the ability to control outcomes more effectively. With a single point of command, decisions can be made rapidly and implemented uniformly across the organization. This uniformity ensures that all constituents align with the company’s strategic goals. The impact of strategic initiatives becomes more pronounced when every part of the organization moves in the same direction. It’s exponentially easier to hold people accountable when control is limited to a few instead of many.

The Downsides of Centralization in Small Companies
For small companies, centralization comes with its unique set of challenges. Rostel candidly acknowledges, “it sucks sometimes.” The company often relies heavily on a few key individuals in a centralized model. Maintaining operations falls on top leadership if someone quits, falls ill, or takes a vacation. To mitigate these issues, small companies must have contingency plans, cross-train employees, and be ready to adapt quickly when circumstances change.

The Future of Smart Apartments: What We Learned at Blueprint Vegas 2024

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:31:54 GMT

Thousands of apartment communities have embraced smart home technology, but what have we learned from these widespread installations? At Blueprint Vegas 2024 , industry leaders gathered to discuss the trials, triumphs, and lessons learned from integrating smart tech into multifamily properties.

During the panel “Lessons Learned: Smart Technology Implementations in Multifamily Buildings (Presented by Ambient ),” experts in real estate, tech, and asset management shared their candid experiences, shedding light on what works, what doesn’t, and how property owners can make smarter decisions going forward. Here's what they had to say.

The Appeal of Smart Technology for Modern Renters
Smart technology is increasingly becoming a must-have for multifamily buildings, driven by changing demographics. Moderator and freelance writer Patrick Sisson opened the discussion by highlighting that today's renters, particularly Gen Z and high-income earners, are seeking properties equipped with the latest digital features.

“We have a much wealthier group of renters than we’ve ever had before,” he explained, pointing to data from the Wall Street Journa l , which shows a sharp rise in renters earning $750,000 or more annually. These renters demand more than just a home; they want tech-driven convenience.

For digitally native generations like Gen Z, smart technology is a significant draw. They expect seamless, connected living environments and are often willing to pay a premium for features that enhance their lifestyle. This is especially important as rental markets in cities like Austin, Texas experience double-digit drops in rent, squeezing landlords to find new ways to add value to their properties.

The Early Days of Smart Tech in Multifamily
James Alfandre , Founding Principal of Urban Alfandre , shared insights on his firm’s early adoption of smart technology in urban multifamily developments. He emphasized the company’s commitment to understanding its renters, explaining that they incorporate smart home technology into their designs to cater specifically to residents' needs and preferences.

Even widely adopted tech has its challenges. Pointing to self-guided tours using key fobs as an example, Alfandre asserted that current smart home systems can feel clunky and detract from the resident experience. Instead, smart technology should serve to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the renter’s journey, and this will be more of a focus in the future.

“Smart home is an integral part of our strategy,” he stated, explaining how the right technology can help properties withstand market cycles and remain competitive. Whether it's energy-saving features or security enhancements, tech investments are about ensuring long-term success for property owners and managers.

Navigating the Challenges
While smart technology offers a clear path to enhancing resident experiences and operational efficiency, the road to implementation isn't without its obstacles. Gina Davis , SVP of Asset Management at Trilogy Investment Company , shared her experiences working with Ambient, a company specializing in smart technology for multifamily buildings. From voltage issues with smart lights to navigating insurance claims for leak detection devices, Davis pointed out that the practical aspects of implementation require patience and precision.

The biggest challenge, however, is often training both staff and residents so they know how to use the technology. Alfandre agreed, stressing the importance of choosing the right tech partner and package. He noted that, for owners, it’s a huge burden to navigate which companies have staying power and won’t require rewiring everything within a few years.

Mike Rovito , CEO of Ambient , added that selecting the appropriate smart technology package depends heavily on the type of property. For example, perimeter access control isn’t a necessity for garden-style properties, but it certainly is for an urban high-rise building. With lower-income properties, it’s more about the operational savings instead of appealing to residents with a premium price tag. Ultimately, Rovito explained, some properties can benefit more from functional, “workhorse” systems rather than flashy, high-end features.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Partner

One recurring theme throughout the panel was the importance of partnering with smart tech companies that have a long-term vision. Alfandre mentioned his preference for companies like Fetch , which provide package management services, and Ambient, both of which his company funds partially through amenity fees. “As an owner, we have to make sure there’s staying power,” he emphasized, urging others to look for partners who plan for future growth and innovation rather than those who might sell off or pivot too quickly. Davis shared similar thoughts, appreciating Ambient's transparency in outlining what steps are needed now and in the future to keep smart tech functioning at its best. Rovito cautioned against jumping on new trends too quickly, warning against “shiny object syndrome.” He argued that investing in tech too early can lead to misalignment with the rest of the industry, creating risks for property owners.

What’s Next for Smart Technology in Multifamily?
As smart technology matures, the focus is shifting from simply adding new features to refining and optimizing existing ones. Rovito pointed out that many multifamily properties are now looking to “go deeper, not wider” with their tech investments. Rather than continually integrating new platforms, properties should aim to make their current systems work more efficiently. Alfandre took this idea further, suggesting that smart tech in multifamily buildings will increasingly blur the lines between hospitality and residential living. With smarter systems, owners can not only improve operational efficiencies but also enhance the resident experience to the point where the property feels more like a service-driven hotel than a traditional apartment complex.

Davis wrapped up the conversation by discussing the importance of convenience and flexibility, highlighting how self-guided tours have allowed Trilogy Investment Company to meet prospective residents on their terms. For Davis, smart tech isn’t just about luxury—it’s about providing safety and convenience, particularly for busy professionals.

Final Thoughts
The panel at Blueprint Vegas 2024 made one thing clear: smart technology is becoming an expectation in apartment communities. With high-income renters demanding premium features and property owners seeking operational savings, investing in the right tech can offer significant returns. However, as James Alfandre, Gina Davis, and Mike Rovito all emphasized, success depends on choosing the right partner, making thoughtful, long-term decisions, and ensuring that both staff and residents are fully equipped to make the most of these investments.

PropTech Pulse: Unveiling Insights and Connections at Blueprint Conference

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:31:53 GMT

As I sit down to reflect on my recent experience at the Blueprint Conference, I'm filled with a sense of excitement and gratitude. Thanks to an invitation and ticket from the Multifamily Media Network, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the world of PropTech and connect with some of the industry's most innovative minds. This blog post is a special edition to coincide with the upcoming release of my podcast, "PropTech Pulse," on the Multifamily Media Network, scheduled to launch in early November.

PropTech Takes Center Stage

The Blueprint Conference proved to be a hotbed of PropTech innovation, with several key themes emerging throughout the event:

Optimizing Centralization: A major focus was on streamlining operations and creating more efficient, centralized systems for property management and real estate operations.
AI Revolution: Artificial Intelligence was at the forefront of many discussions, with new applications being developed to revolutionize various aspects of the real estate industry.
Data-Driven Insights: The power of data analytics in making informed decisions was a recurring topic, highlighting the industry's shift towards more data-centric approaches.
Venture Capital Activity: The conference buzzed with VC activity, indicating strong investor interest in PropTech solutions and the potential for significant growth in this sector.

These themes underscore the rapid evolution of technology in the real estate space and its potential to reshape the industry landscape.

Among the many exciting companies emerging in the PropTech space, two stood out with their innovative solutions:

- HIO : This company is tackling a crucial pain point for property teams with their real-time AI text solution for "on-demand policy help." Imagine a scenario where a new leasing consultant is working on a Saturday when the manager is off. With HIO's technology, they can instantly access answers to questions about lease agreements, policies, procedures, and more. It's a game-changer for maintaining consistent, high-quality service even with less experienced staff on duty.

- Clever.AI : Addressing the affordable housing crisis, Clever.AI is harnessing the power of AI to accelerate the approval process for state land use dedicated to affordable housing. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly impact one of the most pressing issues in real estate today. I'm thrilled to announce that the founder of Clever.AI will be my first guest on "PropTech Pulse" - so stay tuned for an in-depth discussion on this groundbreaking technology!

Connections That Inspire

While the technology was impressive, it was the people I met that truly made the Blueprint Conference an unforgettable experience. I had the privilege of connecting with a group of incredibly talented women entrepreneurs who embodied the spirit of "serving it forward." Their warmth, support, and genuine interest in my journey of personal and professional growth left a lasting impression.

Special shoutouts to Elizabeth Braman , CCIM, Naomi Marquez, Jennifer Carter, MBA, Suzanne Hopson, Jen Finn , Cecilia Castillo Cossio , and Sharon Cauthen . These amazing individuals not only shared their insights but also created an environment where we could laugh, relate, and be authentically vulnerable together. It's clear that these connections will evolve into lifelong industry friendships.

A "Secret" Revelation

In an exciting turn of events, I'm thrilled to announce that I've been inducted into the "Secret" book club with Paul Marks. This exclusive group promises to be a source of further learning and connection within the industry.

The PropTech Pulse

As I prepare to launch my podcast "PropTech Pulse" in early November, I can't help but feel energized by the experiences and insights gained at the Blueprint Conference. The convergence of technology and real estate is creating unprecedented opportunities, and I'm excited to explore these topics further in upcoming episodes.

The Blueprint Conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of both technological innovation and human connection in driving the real estate industry forward. As we continue to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, it's clear that success will come not just from adopting new technologies, but also from fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations within our industry.

Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on "PropTech Pulse," where we'll dive deeper into the technologies, trends, and people shaping the future of real estate.

Don't miss our launch in early November, featuring an exclusive interview with the founder of Clever.AI !

Beyond Basics: Lessons from Blueprint 2024 on Transforming Multifamily Properties with AI and Smart Amenities

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 00:34:41 GMT

The multifamily property scene is changing fast, and savvy owners and managers are discovering new ways to boost resident satisfaction while streamlining operations. By using AI and offering top-notch amenities, they're making apartment living better for everyone, residents and team members alike.

The "Smart Living: Leveraging AI and Amenities to Transform Multifamily Properties" panel discussion during Blueprint Vegas 2024 brought together industry leaders to explore how AI is transforming the way multifamily properties are managed, attracting higher-quality residents, and adapting to shifting market demands. Here’s what we learned from the conversation:

The Role of AI in Multifamily Properties
How often have you seen companies claim they use AI, or even call themselves an "AI company"?

According to the panelists, this is something to be cautious of. While AI is undeniably appealing – streamlining operations and enhancing resident satisfaction – there’s a big difference between businesses genuinely integrating AI into their operations and those simply adopting surface- level applications like ChatGPT without fully committing to AI-driven transformation.

Daniel Paulino , VP Digital at Bozzuto , pointed out that simply tacking AI tools onto a website without integrating them into the company’s tech stack can limit scalability. The businesses that succeed with AI are those that see it as more than just a trend, but as an integral part of their operation that must be nurtured. Whether it’s automating routine tasks, anticipating resident needs, or analyzing data, having a long-term commitment to AI is essential for success.

For those unsure about whether to build or buy AI, Paulino emphasized the importance of nurturing the technology. AI is not a plug-and-play tool—it requires constant upkeep and optimization. If you're not prepared for that, it’s better to buy AI solutions from vendors who are ready to manage and maintain the system for you.

Enhancing Resident Experiences with AI
One of the key benefits of AI is its ability to enhance resident interactions, resulting in improved outcomes for leasing teams. Paulino highlighted that most multifamily property leads come in overnight, which often leads to missed opportunities. AI addresses this by engaging leads in real time, significantly increasing the chances of scheduling tours. This has resulted in a reported 15% boost in lead-to tour conversions, providing more opportunities for meaningful, personal interactions.

In this way, AI doesn’t replace human connection; it enhances it. By automating routine tasks, AI allows leasing teams to focus on meaningful resident interactions. Additionally, flat-rate pricing for AI solutions helps property owners manage costs better and avoid unexpected expenses.

Matias Recchia , CEO and Co-Founder at Keyway , pointed out another key advantage of AI: understanding how residents are making use of spaces in the building, such as gyms, entertainment areas, and other shared amenities. This data can help property managers make informed decisions about how to optimize these spaces to enhance resident satisfaction.

AI’s Limits: Data Isn't Everything
While AI is a powerful tool, the panelists were quick to remind attendees that it isn’t always the deciding factor when it comes to where and how people want to live. Recchia used the example of investing in Florida: despite data warning residents of climate change and rising costs, people continue to flock to the state.

This underscores a key point: data alone won’t always be the deciding factor in multifamily investments. Market trends, regional preferences, and even political climates can outweigh what the numbers say.

Paulino likened AI to a high-performance racecar: while anyone can get behind the wheel, only a skilled driver can harness its full potential and win the race. In the multifamily sector, this analogy highlights that although many companies are adopting AI, the true value comes from how effectively it is integrated within their operations.

AI Ethics and Concerns
As AI continues to gain traction, concerns about its ethical use are also growing. Greenwashing has long been an issue in the sustainability world, and moderator Caroline Frith , CEO and Founder at Banksia Advisory , speculated about whether we might see an AI-washing trend—where companies claim to be AI-driven without truly leveraging the technology in a meaningful way.

Another critical concern is how companies handle data. Recchia urged property owners to ensure their data isn’t used to train other AI models without explicit consent, especially as data privacy becomes more and more important.

AI’s Impact on Cost and Efficiency
For many multifamily property owners, cost is a top concern, and AI can play a significant role in controlling expenses. Recchia mentioned how AI can help property owners reconsider their spending on development, coding, and programming. By automating these processes, AI reduces the need for expensive manual labor, freeing up resources that can be invested elsewhere.

Additionally, AI can streamline operations in ways that directly impact the bottom line. For instance, document verification (once a time-consuming task) is now automated using AI. Daniel Berlind , CEO and Co-Founder at Snappt , humorously mentioned letting the "nerds" handle the work of verifying documents, ensuring that leases and other paperwork are legitimate while freeing up time for other essential tasks.

Is AI Right for Your Property?
While AI offers many advantages, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Paulino acknowledged the uncertainty about whether AI is a lasting trend or a passing fad. However, it’s clear that when used strategically and integrated deeply, AI can significantly enhance operations and resident satisfaction.

Ultimately, AI is a powerful tool that you can use to streamline operations, enhance resident experiences, or analyze market data. But just like any tool, its true effectiveness comes down to how you choose to use it. As we look to the future of multifamily properties, we can expect to see more widespread AI adoption. However, the real winners will be those who blend AI's potential with smart, strategic decision-making to create meaningful improvements in their communities.

Transforming Real Estate Portals with Gen AI: Key Insights from Blueprint 2024

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 00:26:10 GMT

The rise of generative AI is making waves across industries. Platforms like ChatGPT attract hundreds of millions of weekly users and Gen AI providers are funneling massive amounts of money into making the tools even easier to use. As AI becomes more powerful, it’s poised to forever change how people search for residential real estate, including multifamily apartments.

In this recap of the Blueprint Vegas 2024 panel “How the Rise of Gen AI Will Transform Real Estate Portals and Search” we’ll explore how top industry voices predict that generative AI will transform real estate portals and search.

How AI is Reshaping Real Estate Search

Kicking off the discussion, moderator Ashley Stinton , Managing Partner at NAR REACH , highlighted the consistency of the search landscape over the years, where algorithms have largely dictated results and customer journeys. Currently, most real estate searches remain manual, but the panel agreed that this will change as more platforms embrace AI-driven methods.

Anthemos Georgiade s , CEO & Co-Founder at Zumper , shared how his company is exploring the integration of ChatGPT to enhance apartment searching capabilities. Although he admits his team is not there yet, he believes that generative AI will soon be a crucial tool for renters, enabling them to find their ideal homes faster and with less effort.

John Berkowitz , CEO & Founder at Ojo Labs , reflected on his early adoption of AI, noting, “We started working with AI and machine learning almost too early.” He pointed out that the necessary infrastructure was lacking at that time, but as AI technology matured, so did the potential for Ojo to apply it in a meaningful way.

Berkowitz emphasized that more people are now using AI platforms like ChatGPT for their searches, moving away from traditional tools like Google. “For the first time since Google, people are searching on other platforms,” he said, signaling that AI is set to play a leading role in shaping the next generation of real estate portals.

Advanced Filtering with AI
Greg Schwartz , CEO & Co-Founder at Tomo Mortgage , expanded on the idea of AI enhancing the search process with advanced filtering. He explained that one of the biggest challenges for homebuyers and renters is narrowing down their options. But with AI-powered filtering, searchers can get people closer to their dream home faster. Beyond that, AI search could streamline everything from leasing multifamily properties to purchasing residential homes. Schwartz envisions AI that understands a user’s preferences in depth, making suggestions not just based on price or square footage but on lifestyle factors like nearby schools, community features, or even the feel of the neighborhood. All of these elements are traditionally hard to quantify, but with AI, the possibilities are endless.

The Role of AI in SEO and Search Volumes
Generative AI isn’t just transforming the way people search; it’s also poised to disrupt how businesses rank on those search pages. According to a Gartner report mentioned by Berkowitz, search engine volume could drop by 25% by 2026 due to AI chatbots and virtual agents. As AI- generated content becomes more prevalent, the search landscape will evolve, and companies will be forced to rethink how they approach SEO. Speaking of AI-generated content, one of the more fascinating applications for AI is creating video content at scale. This would enhance SEO in ways that text-based web pages cannot. Not to mention, as users increasingly prefer watching videos, the ability to generate personalized, SEO-optimized video content could offer a significant competitive edge in real estate search.

Will AI Replace Real Estate and Leasing Agents?
A question that looms large in many industries is: Will AI replace human workers? Berkowitz offered his perspective, suggesting that high-level agents who bring expertise and a personal touch to their clients are unlikely to be replaced by AI. However, mid-to-lower-tier agents could be impacted, at least in terms of on-site job duties. As AI handles more of the routine tasks, the role of agents may shift toward higher-value activities, such as offering expert advice and building relationships with clients.

Generational Shifts and AI Adoption
Another important topic discussed was how younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are embracing AI at a much faster pace. According to a study by PYMNTS Intelligence and ACI Worldwide, 88% of Gen Zers are willing to share personal information in exchange for better online experiences. Unlike older generations, Gen Z views personalization as non-negotiable, and they’ll give up valuable personal information to get it. This shift in attitudes means that real estate portals will need to offer increasingly personalized, AI-driven experiences to meet the expectations of younger users. It’s not just about providing listings—it’s about curating the right ones based on an individual’s specific needs.

Inspiration for the Future of Generative AI
The panel closed with a discussion about the future of AI in real estate, with one theme emerging above all: transparency. As more companies adopt generative AI, there will be growing demand for clarity regarding how AI models operate and what data they use. Not only will real estate companies want to know how vendors are using this critical data, but customers will want to know that their information is safe and that AI is making the right decisions on their behalf.

When asked which industries are currently leveraging AI most effectively, the panelists highlighted travel, healthcare, and hospitality as sectors to watch. These industries successfully combine the human touch with cutting-edge AI technology, offering both efficiency and personalized experiences. Real estate companies could learn valuable lessons from these sectors as they strive to balance AI automation with the personal relationships central to the industry.

The rise of generative AI presents exciting opportunities for real estate. While we’re not yet at a stage where AI manages every aspect of the process, we’re getting closer to a time when real estate portals are commanded by generative AI.

Embracing Change: The Future of Property Management in 2024

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:35:40 GMT

One significant takeaway is the potential for technology to enhance operational efficiency. For example, smart utilities management can identify abnormal water usage, down to, the actual unit in some cases, allowing property managers to address issues proactively before they escalate. This approach not only saves costs but also improves resident satisfaction—a critical metric in today’s competitive market.

Institutional fraud has been a burden for the industry, causing huge losses to revenue and increased expenses from fraudulent tenants who squat in units without payment until the sluggish eviction process plays out. Fraud detection technology is much improved from earlier models in its speed and accuracy. It conducts sophisticated reviews of documents and public data to determine àn applicant’s verifiable identity, income and past rental history in seconds. Facial recognition tech is already in widespread use in other sectors. Applying it to applicant and resident identities has the potential to prevent identity fraud while improving building, amenity, and unit access.

However, resistance to change remains a challenge. Many employees fear the unknown, making executive sponsorship and transparent communication essential. When team members understand how new technologies will enhance their roles, they are more likely to embrace these changes rather than resist them.

As we look ahead, the question remains: how will these innovations shape our industry in five years? With AI-driven self-guided tours and seamless integration into property management systems, the future points toward greater efficiency and improved customer experiences. But to navigate this transition successfully, organizations must prioritize clarity and collaboration throughout the process.

The Role of AI in Transforming Property Management

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:28:27 GMT

As AI tools become more prevalent, property management companies must fist consider their core competencies. The decision to build or buy technology solutions is critical. While some organizations may have the expertise to develop in-house solutions, partnering with specialized AI providers can often yield better results without the burden of managing proprietary data.

One of the most promising applications of AI lies in lead management. By automating the lead funnel, AI ensures that every prospect receives a consistent experience, enhancing engagement and conversion rates. For example, AI can expedite the acquisition review process, analyzing market comps and public documents in seconds—tasks that previously took weeks.

However, trust remains a key component of AI integration. Property management leaders need to be transparent with both employees and residents about how AI will enhance their experiences. By cultivating a culture that embraces innovation while providing support and clarity, organizations can effectively navigate the complexities of this new technological reality.

In conclusion, as we embrace AI and other transformative technologies, the focus must remain on augmenting human capabilities, not replacing them. By leveraging AI effectively, property management companies can improve efficiencies while maintaining the high-touch service that residents expect. The future of property management is bright, but it requires thoughtful implementation and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing Technology in Property Management

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:27:05 GMT

Property management companies are faced with vast amounts of data, yet many struggle with how to effectively harness it. A critical step is ensuring that property management software integrates smoothly with new technologies. Poor integration can lead to inefficiencies, making it vital for companies to seek solutions that work cohesively within their existing systems.

Additionally, understanding customer pain points is essential. By identifying friction in the resident acquisition process, property management companies can implement AI-driven solutions that streamline experiences, moving prospects towards self-guided technology. This not only enhances resident satisfaction but also reduces workload for staff.

However, as with any technological adoption, it’s crucial to avoid the "hype cycle." Property managers should carefully evaluate whether a tech solution genuinely meets their needs before committing resources. With the right data and tools, organizations can build a culture of excellence that leverages technology to enhance both resident experiences and operational efficiency.

Short-Term Rentals, Managed Accommodations, and Evolving Consumer Preferences

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:21:55 GMT

A session with top experts Alex Shtarkman of Revolution Ventures , Young Hill of Greystar Christian Lee of Mint House Eliza Lochner of Airbnb and Lisa Sexton of Marriott International !

The Industry Discussion addressed key topics surrounding short-term rentals, managed accommodations, and evolving consumer preferences. The session began with an exploration of the marketing strategies for short-term rentals versus long-term unfurnished units, highlighting the benefits of Airbnb Friendly Apartments for renters and property owners while ensuring community oversight.

It transitioned to trends in managed accommodations, emphasizing the growing demand for alternative lodging options, such as Marriott's new Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy catering to corporate and family travelers. The discussion further analyzed travel habits, revealing an increase in off-peak travel and the significance of popular amenities, alongside Greystar’s partnership with Airbnb to balance resident needs and rental opportunities.

Partnerships were a focal point, notably Marriott's acquisition of Sonder and its integration into their brand, alongside Minthouse’s commitment to multifamily buildings. The meeting concluded with a debate on managed versus unmanaged rental models, underscoring the importance of catering to diverse consumer preferences, prompting action to create a new survey for updated travel trend data.

It was very interesting to see how Greystar has already capitalized on this win-win partnership and continues to provide an alternative to their clients during higher vacancies and lower returns

Revolutionizing Home Experience: Drew & Jonathan's Trust-Building Innovations and Media Strategy

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:23:58 GMT

Drew , “The home should work for you” It doesn’t matter if you’re buying, selling, renting. These moments are already stressful for owners and renters. Residents should be able to live in a home they enjoy, feel safe and be comfortable. This should be our goal, or mission in multifamily through every interaction with every individual.

When it comes to venture capital experience, the brother’s focus on early stage companies with strong technologies that enhance the home experience. They partner with firms like Groundbreak Ventures and Hopewell to leverage their real estate expertise. They specifically focus on opportunities that are not just flashy and cool, but have a true concrete business plan which can solve a need.

The brothers fully share one of their company policies is a “No Asshole Policy” which they stick too. One can have a very cool product, and be serving a need, but if one doesn’t have a true genuine ability to build a partnership, the opportunity will not come to fruition. Their brand is built on trust and they will never comprise on integrity.

Couldn’t we all lean in and appreciate the core value the brothers live by? Our industry is very large, but small. When we continue to build partnerships with others in the industry we genuinely want to all work with amazing, transparent, trustworthy companies and teams.

Shifting to Marketing and Media

Lessons from Drew and Jonathan media experience include the need for clear messaging, creating engaging content, and staying open-minded to emerging technologies like AI and virtual shopping.

The brothers shared their companies marketing strategy includes and is built on relationships, its about the long term haul. Multifamily can truly understand and agree our industry is closely aligned in terms of a relationships and true partnerships where there is a two way street as well as the long term goal, not serving the need to reach a goal immediately.

Both Drew and Jonathan expressed the importance of maintaining clear business pillars and messaging to avoid confusion among consumers and investors. They highlight the media's role in promoting their message but note that negative events often receive more attention than positive ones. Engaging the audience requires innovative, entertaining content rather than traditional advertisements, adapting to various platforms. Real-time marketing moments are the moments that must be taken advantage of. Remember the Stanley Real-Time moment? The car was on fire, but the Stanley cup survived and went viral.

The two sides to media, specifically social media. Media can help drive the message that a brand wants, which is a positive however the downside of our current culture is people are still really excited about drama. If a service, experience or even product fails, the exposure can get more organic coverage in a perspective that is not positive. The effort should be focused on the roll out prior to releasing.

Consumers want to see and engage with brands that are more than just a “commercial” or an “endorsement” The Brothers share people don't want something long and drawn out. Brands must speak to their audience according to the media channel that fits best. Know your audience and speak their language without shoving a brand message down their throat. Brands must continue to relate their stories to the consumer and emote emotion and humanize the experience. “If you can find content that people want to share, or if you find in a commercial that people want to talk about it, you can't buy that kind of market.” Create these moments where the audience wants to engage; this requires innovation, real time moments and adapting to various platforms.

The Future: Social/Virtual Selling:

AI is a topic that continues to be talked about in every conversation, however no one knows how AI will shake out at this point. We are all continuously learning and watching it develop in from of our own eyes. Virtual selling, real time shopping is where Drew shares his biggest interest. Drew continues to bring the knowledge of other markets like Asia are already dipping their toes into this concept. We have yet to figure out the the intricacies, however when you think about the possibilities, when watching content on TV, how can we shop simultaneously. We currently do this in some capacity, but it is on a separate device where the future is watching content on TV and being able to scan from the TV to purchase directly.

Nobody likes change, change is hard. We must stay open minded, stay passionate, fine good partners, that you can trust and finally make sure there is real business model.

Apartmentalize 2024

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 21:25:26 GMT

Multifamily Media Network attended the 2024 Apartmentalize Event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Blueprint 2024

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 21:40:14 GMT