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….
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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…
LED Lighting increases Asset Values
LED lighting can save you 60-80% on your lighting energy costs at a property. This will lead to higher NOI and can significantly increase the value of your asset. However, as this article points out, owners must effectively manage the process and may benefit from partnering with a professional LED installer. https://naahq.org/news-publications/units/january-2017/article/shedding-light-led-retrofits Professional LED installers…
Energy cannot be created or destroyed….but it can be wasted
The first law of Thermodynamics teaches us that energy cannot be created or destroyed. While this is true, it can be wasted. I am thinking specifically of the energy used to condition (heat or cool) a room. Everyone thinks, “Heat rises.” While heat can rise, it doesn’t have to. Heat is lazy. It is going…
How do I play this Sustainability game for my company?
ROI, NOI, increased property valuation, Leed Certification, Green Loans…..how do I find my way through this for the greatest impact for my company? Evaluate what type of company you are? Build and hold, entrepreneurial, flip? How long does your company plan to hold this property? Which properties pay the highest utility bills? Who pays the…