ENERGY STAR was launched by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 as a voluntary program but it’s now co-managed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and EPA. This program has become a symbol for energy efficiency in the country, helping individuals and businesses save money as well as protect the environment through…
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What Recent Paper Price Increases Mean for You
In 2019, paper costs are expected to increase 3%-5%. So, what does that mean for business owners and multifamily professionals? Here are some of the way you and your organization may be impacted: • Higher prices when you order office paper (obviously} • Higher prices for other items that use paper pulp such as toilet…
Sales Tax Exemption – $ savings = to state sales tax !
Many states exempt sales tax on utilities for multifamily properties. Check with your Department of Revenue to confirm the exemption. If your property is exempt and your property is currently paying sales tax you may file for the exemption to be effective at the next billing cycle. This could save 5% of your water/sewer expense. …
Walk Scores Explained
With some Internet Listing Services and property websites now including a community’s walk score, its important to understand just what this means and how it impacts the marketability of the community. There is even an app that potential renters can download that allows them to find apartments in their desired area based on walk score….
Plogging – the new craze for a good cause
Many of us share similar aspirations: to stay in shape, to be more active, to do what is best for our environment, to have fun, and to be involved in our community. Well, there is a new trend out there that helps you do all of these things! Friends – let me introduce you to…
Do you know why revolving doors were invented?
Super fun fact time! Do you know why revolving doors were invented? Not because they look cool, but as a way to open the doors in a building with pressurization issues. Have you ever been a building where doors slammed by themselves, or you noticed a door that seemed hard to open, or would not…
How do I work through my utility company to determine programs that are available for my company?
How do I work through my utility company to determine programs that are available for my company? Check desireusa.org: provides listing of programs for each state and each utility company (these may be dated, but provide good guide) Check utility website: there are typically resident programs and business programs. Some utilities classify multifamily as resident…
Everything is SMALLER is Texas?? My experience living in a tiny house
When planning a recent trip to Dallas for the weekend, I was searching vacation home rental sites when I came upon something pretty cool – a tiny home made from an old shipping container! I knew I needed to stay there for the experience alone! The shipping container tiny home was lovingly called “Blue Steel”….
Smart Apartments….you need to look under the mat
Everyone is talking about Smart Apartments. Smart this. Smart that. I think that it is important to consider, when you are evaluating either building Smart Apartments or retrofitting existing apartment building that you first start by looking at your infrastructure. That means the cable wiring. How will the smart locks work? What happens if you…
Insider tips to stop trash issues from piling up
More packages mean more garbage, especially in fast-growing cities where the bulk of waste is generated, putting pressure on multifamily owners and managers to deal with rising costs and environmental impacts. While programs like ENERGY STAR® include waste-tracking tools, there is no benchmark in place by which owners can compare waste management measures. During the…