Rent & Reason

Be the Salt and Light of your property.

2011-10-13T12:34:00.000-04:00

Salt gives flavor and preserves; light warms and improves visibility in a situation or location. Property managers that embrace this opportunity daily, can improve the quality of life for their residents, while inspiring their team to deliver their best!

Matthew 5:13-16

¹³“You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people.

¹⁴“You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. ¹⁵No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.

Have Courage to Lead Like A Servant And Faith To Serve Like A Leader

2011-08-01T18:10:00.008-04:00

click here for the narrated story

Deborah a leader in Israel could be found beneath a palm tree, as written in the book of Judges, holding court and settling disputes of neighbors. She was trusted and known for her wisdom and sense of justice. The Israelites sought her insight and direction as a wise woman in-tuned and in-Love with God. Judges chapter 4 explains the power and influence Deborah was blessed with, and describes her as a prophet with the ability to inspire another leader (Barak) with courage and faith. The relationship between Property Managers and Maintenance Supervisors can often draw the same parallel as in Deborah and Barak’s story. Trusting who we serve and believing in who leads us, constantly challenges the ego and the faith we have in serving one another.

When Deborah delivered God’s message, she expected Barak to rush out to do God’s will. But Barak was so enslaved by fear it kept him from fully trusting God to give him victory over his ruthless enemies. And so he( Barak) gave Deborah an ultimatum: “If you will go with me, then I will go: but if you will not go with me, then I will not go” Judges 4:8 Ever hear this from anyone on your team???

Fear Not

2011-07-13T11:26:00.001-04:00

Courage isn’t the absence of fear but the conquering of it, when facing the most scariest circumstances at your property, resist the notion that fear must subside before taking action! Instead remember that your faith is the cure and with it you will win!

Inspired by Psalm 23:4 & Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

"It Ain't No Good Luck, Its A Good God"

2011-06-01T15:26:00.002-04:00

Watch the full episode. See more Tavis Smiley.

Halt the Hemorrhaging of your Occupancy

2011-05-18T13:12:00.001-04:00

The first 1:27 minutes of this auto explain it perfectly that if strong

enough, faith in the right principle can be your healing and halt the hemorrhaging of your occupancy.

Bleeding of residents in property management is common. When you bleed your “life-line” is leaving the body. Now imagine a Property as the body, when its residents vacate it is essentially losing its “life-line” because of the loss in income. The blood loss (if not treated) can be critical or even fatal. It’s the same for an apartment community. A first aid attempt would be bandages to stop blood loss, but metaphorically, our band-aid would be faith in Christ teachings that inspires us to put the needs of our residents and prospects before our own. Do you have faith in the concept of putting the needs of others before your own? Its all about living/touching this principle in faith and not just hoping but knowing that healing will occur. Inspired by Luke 8:43-48.

The Property Mom

2011-05-05T10:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother’s Day! This goes out to all those manager’s (mostly woman) that are tirelessly devoted to nurturing the many facets of their properties. The responsibility and the care that keeps a community operating at its best reflect more of a motherly love than business acumen. We budget with care, compromise with authority, anticipate courageously with the consistency of a new mom nursing her new born.

Emailing before 8am strategizing after 6pm with the simple purpose of keeping a property a home for so many.

Feeling blessed than ever this Mother’s Day and celebrating Proverbs 31:27 -She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Property Manage with a Purpose.

2011-04-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

Property Manage with a purpose, just make sure the purpose helps more than just you! Try to make every decision with an earnest and deliberate approach towards providing excellence. 1 Corinthians 3:8 Explains: The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. Can you see your property as a farm, with the richest soil, Just waiting for you to plant the most promising seeds? That can come in the form of diligence, competence, sincere customer service and a marketing plan that focuses more on giving than receiving. Finally, understand that success is just a reflection of your purpose. If you manage your property with a purpose of just getting through the day and keeping your regional and residents at bay then that’s all you will have. On the other hand if you manage your property with a purpose that delivers superior quality of life in your community then this will be your reward......plus those well deserved renewal bonu$e$. :)

Are You Listening?

2011-04-15T15:56:00.001-04:00

Jesus spoke with such clarity and he listened intently to people as they expressed to him their innermost emotions. The connection to listening and speaking can be best examined when reviewing scriptures that capture conversations with Jesus. John 4:7 demonstrate the masterful way Jesus heard a need within a dialogue.

Property managers are not miracle workers, but if we understand how to listen and discern a need within a conversation the results can seem miraculous. In my experience its not unusual to see a bad, no – a terrible situation instantly transformed when sincere and active listening is evident.

Below I’ve listed a few tried and true tips for active listening:

1. Engage yourself. Ask questions for clarification, wait until the speaker has finished. That way, you won’t interrupt their train of thought. After you ask questions, paraphrase their point to make sure you didn’t misunderstand. Start with: “So you’re saying…”

2. Focus solely on what the speaker is saying. Try not to think about what you are going to say next. The conversation will follow a logical flow after the speaker makes her point.

3. Even if the speaker is launching a complaint against you, wait until they finish to defend yourself. The speaker will feel as though their point had been made. They won’t feel the need to repeat it, and you’ll know the whole argument before you respond. Research shows that, on average, we can hear four times faster than we can talk, so we have the ability to sort ideas as they come in…and be ready for more.

4. Remember to RELAX, open your heart and open your mind.

Why Lie?

2011-04-08T14:35:00.000-04:00

When the truth is so much more profitable, it’s still difficult to understand why lying is such a powerful temptation in our management offices. The motives to lie are countless and of course so are the consequences that follow. The side effects of lying can include but are not limited to the list below:

Temporary memory loss

Embarrassment

Tarnished Reputation

More lies, to cover lies

Habit Forming

Job/Financial loss

Irate residents

Loss of credibility

Proverbs 12:22 ~ The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Proverbs 12:19 - Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

There Is Never A Time When You Should Be Nabal…

2011-04-01T08:22:00.001-04:00

For an audio narrative ~ Click photo

Nabal’s story like Abigail’s begins in 1 Samuel 25 but unlike her example of wisdom, he demonstrates foolishness. The bible describes him as “churlish” or rude and mean spirited. Hard to imagine how he and Abigail connected???

Many property managers here in sunny South Florida often encounter what I’d like to call Nabal-Neighbors. These are residents that have given in to their lesser nature and wear it proudly. The good news is that sometimes they can serve as mirrors for how we are treating our team and other residents. Their behavior can inspire the question …are you a Nabal colleague, a Nabal Manager? Forcing your team to act as Abigail to avert tragedy?

Sometimes in Property Management you just have to be Abigail…

2011-03-25T14:31:00.004-04:00

Abigail’s story begins in 1 Samuel 25 and the example she sets begins in verse 18. It starts with the wisdom of acting quickly to resolve an imminent problem. This was a predicament that she didn’t cause (Nabal’s doing-- her pompous hubby) but would surely impact her and her family in the worse way!

For video discussion about Abigail ~ Click photo

It’s no different when we deal with our renters, prospects or team members that have been treated poorly or is inconvenienced by a maintenance emergency or troublesome neighbor. It’s not just our job but mission to rally up the best we have to offer and present it humbly to an offended party.

Although Abigail is described, as intelligent and beautiful, I believe those qualities are second to her courage and faith. Below is a list from the scripture of what she presented to the anointed David to avert a possible massacre.

two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seah of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs,

WOW! What will you offer the next time you have to smooth things over to prevent a tragedy? My advice. . .Prepare your offerings today so that you can act as quickly as Abigail!

Clever Disguises

2011-03-18T11:58:00.004-04:00

Property Managers want the same things, good occupancy, pleasant residents and occasional recognition from their bosses. I think this is a modest wish list and with just enough faith it can be a real list. But with any desire worth our prayers there’s a process that we usually endure to experience our wish bliss.

The process must be rooted in a selfless focus on others, which can feel so awkward and so counter-intuitive that we avoid opportunities cleverly disguised as headaches. The Advil in this case, is understanding the life nugget of “getting what you give”.

Inspired by: Galatians 6:2 ~ Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Thank you for this Sis... I Love u!

Glean....

2011-03-12T21:59:00.001-05:00

My best friend and I are studying the Book of Ruth. I’m thinking…. this is a story in the Bible that captures the very essence of warm fuzziness and delivers it with eloquence. One of the most interesting points in the story is when Ruth sets out to work or “glean” in a field to feed herself and elderly Mother–in-law Naomi. (Ruth 2:2-4) Impressively, she approached an enterprising mission with a level of humility that inspires me to re-evaluate my own career ambition in the apartment industry. I had to ask myself a tough question when I faced challenges like Ruth & Naomi, through prayer I discovered a strong answer….glean.

Ruth’s Gleaning: To pick up small amounts of crops left in a field after they have been cut and collected by the farmer.

My Gleaning: Approach business with a level of humility that will inspire my team, and residents.

Begin With A Vision & With Faith Paint A Masterpiece.

2011-03-04T14:59:00.000-05:00

You can’t always see what you get when creating a portrait from a vision. Sometimes a Property Manger has to blindly feel her way through the creative process when painting a beautiful rendering of a successful property. Occupancy, retention and low turnover all while staying in budget would be her masterpiece! While we paint, the challenges present themselves daily, but with the right brushes they can be transformed into vibrant paint colors that add dimension and museum quality details. Its all about faith or in the case of the video I posted below…. blind faith.

Don’t fear what you can’t see, instead rely on your vision and faith to paint a Masterpiece.

Inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:7

Better Than Silver or Gold

2011-02-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

Treat your reputation and name like a rare jewel. Better yet treat it as if it’s more valuable than a rare jewel. Protect it better than you protect your home, car and most sensitive financial data. Just as we use locks and alarms on our valuables, use honesty, diligence and wisdom to keep your reputation blemish free and glistening.

Proverbs 22 :1 Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Let Renewals Help Inspire A New You

2011-02-23T11:57:00.002-05:00

Renew your purpose by reminiscing about the day you were promoted or hired! Was there a promise in your heart for unlimited dedication to your new responsibilities? Can you recall when everyday property challenges inspired and didn’t overwhelm you? I can remember when my email inbox didn’t require scrolling, and I handed out my business cards to prospects and residents like homemade treats. Ahhh the good ole days.

It’s likely the way your residents contemplate the decision to renew their leases. I’ve learned that the negotiations surrounding a Renewal, opens the door to much more than the $avings of retention! With the right perspective ~when our residents choose our property all over again, we can decide to commit to do our best for our property ……all over again.

Considering Ephesians 4:22-24.

It always Perseveres......

2011-02-14T11:07:00.002-05:00

Today is all about 1 Corinthians 13!!! There is no better way to Manage, Lease and Maintain your property while serving your residents with LOVE.

Scoring a Goooaaal with The Golden Rule

2011-02-09T12:11:00.001-05:00

Service Requests hands down is the most magnificent opportunity to market your property to existing residents. When delivered with compassion and expertise a routine maintenance call can be as valuable as a mouthwatering concession for a renewal.

Maintenance is the 1^st line of defense & offense, when retention is the game. It gets down to the basic plays in this sport: appearance, manners and skill that turns a leaky faucet into a resident appreciation Super Bowl touchdown! LeBron to Wade Alley-oop! Or World Cup Goooaaaal!

Your maintenance team’s awareness of this crucial role can make all the difference in your resident's decision to choose your property Otra Vez! (Again). I've learned this is best accomplished When & IF you invest in this golden rule: Treat your maintenance teams the way you Want & Need them to treat your renters.

This post is inspired by Matthew 7:12 (Amplified Bible)

So then,whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them…….

The Key to the Make Ready process....Compassion.

2011-02-07T11:44:00.003-05:00

Turning an apartment in the transient South Florida market is all about making the process efficient, economical and ready for show! More often than not getting a unit “Ready” for show becomes the focus with little regard for when the showing translates into a move-in. (Sigh.) This is when an all too common chain of events occur:

Embarrassing Move-in Inspection
Moderately annoyed resident makes 1^st complaint
1^st Service request in a series of avoidable $ervice request$
New resident sees your property in a whole new “dim” light.
'Sigh'….again

Then the questions of Who and Why becomes a temporary obsession and oddly you as a manager become the most desperate to get to the root cause. After all, the buck is stopping with you and the reputation of the property can start with the once moderately but now completely annoyed and disappointed resident.

The lesson here is about Excellence! Excellence that is conveyed to your team in such a way that it becomes the rule not the exception. For maintenance, help them to see it like a handy flashlight in a dark space. The dark spaces usually come in the form of a tripped garbage disposal to the dusty vents that are easily overlooked. I like my maintenance team to imagine that they are preparing units for their best friends or their Moms.

As for leasing, excellence should be like a Master key that can open any door! A key like this is priceless for a busy leasing consultant. Yes, I realize Master keys are controversial, but for the sake of this post and our residents its all about using it exclusively to unlock compassion for those that decide to make our properties their homes

Post inspired by: 2 Peter 1:3 (New Living Translation)By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

Overcoming Acrophobia with Colossians 3:23

2011-01-31T12:43:00.000-05:00

A heavenly view of your property starts from above. Imagine with me the view of the community you manage from a hovering helicopter at about 10,000 feet. For those who suffer from acrophobia (like me) imagine your property from a Google Earth view. What stands out the most? Surrounding nature, streets and Matchbox sized cars? Do you realize that under the many tiny roofs are the precious residents that have decided to make your property their home? What an awesome responsibility we have. From this view its clear God can only truly give this opportunity. Don’t take it lightly, don’t take it for granted, but rather take it seriously enough to embrace the blessing. God has chosen YOU with the task of representing him in all that YOU do to take care of homes that he has blessed so many with.

Consider Colossians 3:23 “Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master.” Lets make a list that not only includes the most obvious components of the property like tennis courts, irrigation, pest control etc. - lets add extras like the condition of door mats? Flowers by units not just at the entrances, leasing office or models? Are your residents in need of bike racks? Or how about leash holders in units rented by pet owners? The idea is to be inspired by our awesome responsibility and deliver extras! As in Mathew 5:41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Go the extra mile! Reach higher! Don’t let a fear of heights limit what you do on the ground; together lets overcome our limited views! Rise above ordinary property management and receive all the benefits that come with managing and serving your residents from The Highest view.

Start your property tour from Within

2011-01-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

Begin with an inner light check! Meaning, how is your mood? Are you grateful for the day? Are you appreciative for your staff and co-workers? Did you thank God for your occupancy, prospects, leases and ideal retention rate? And most importantly are you heading out to tour with a servant heart?

This will only take you moments, but will have a lasting impact on your perspective as you inspect the nooks and crannies of breezeways, patios and your properties overall curb appeal.

A Property Manager with a servant heart has an open heart. Which translates to open eyes, open ears and a nose that can smell into the future. All the traits that your most demanding residents seem to all share…. especially when its time to renew. As I mentioned in my last post the bottom line is love - it never fails…. As in 1 Corinthians 13:7 - It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…. So always remember start your property tour from within.

David Borden Interview

2011-01-22T18:33:00.000-05:00

David Borden Interview: Where is the Rental Listing Pricing Model Heading? from Dave Dugdale on Vimeo.

The Bottom Line… Is Love.

2011-01-17T16:57:00.001-05:00

One of the best Property Management nuggets can be traced back to the ancient idea of Love Thy Neighbor, found in the Bible in Matthew 22:39. You can’t go wrong with this. It can resolve a multitude of problems before they ever reach your inbox, voicemail or leasing office. And as this advice goes for neighbors it can also apply to the property staff and residents - Love Thy Residents. As radical as this sounds, this too is an idea you cant go wrong with. It can transform a properties closing ratio, retention percentage and decrease turn over with the least effort. For example: becoming proactive instead of reactive ~ Instead of waiting for residents to make appointments with us managers to discuss an emerging concern or problem, lets make an appointment with residents to discuss how we can best serve them. The option to decline will be theirs, but I have faith, that the effort if sincere enough will go along way$. Reasonably affecting the bottom line.

I love the example of Octavia Hill, a pioneer in Property Management that I can’t help to be inspired by. Learning about her efforts in the London, multi-housing industry over a century ago has proven to me that when the bottom line meets love everybody win$!

A New Year brings new idea$!

2011-01-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

Home prices are so low it may cost less to buy than to rent?

2009-02-27T10:15:00.000-05:00

As if it were that simple- In a recent story in the Miami Herald the over simplified notion was again examined and as you can imagine the results makes an even stronger case for renting in a uncertain market. Duhhh. Here's some excerpts from the original article By MONICA HATCHER:

The case for holding off:

• There is the risk that home values will keep falling -- especially for condos, analysts have said. The economy may also deteriorate further, threatening job security, and making the thought of taking on a home mortgage even more daunting.

• Rents are also declining.

• By holding off, renters can avoid paying homeowner and condo association fees that have spiked in many communities because of delinquencies and foreclosures.

• Actual property appreciation could be years away.

• Lending restrictions could loosen and down-payment requirements ease, tying up less cash in future purchases.

Still Hunter, a vice president of investment in the Fort Lauderdale office of Marcus & Millichap, a real-estate services firm, attributed falling rental prices to a booming shadow market of condos and homes being rented by investor/owners as well as renters rooming together to save money and a decline in foreign workers -- typically renters -- who have headed home as jobs dry up here.

RENTS ON DECLINE

Hunter said his firm's rental outlook for 2009 shows average rents (for one- to three-bedroom apartments) declining in Broward County by 2.6 percent to $1,094 and in Miami-Dade by 1.3 percent to $1,109.

''From my perspective, it makes sense to rent right now, while rents continue to decline and home prices continue to decline. We're not at the bottom,'' Hunter said.

Still, Hunter said, home prices have adjusted so much, it might make sense to jump into the market.

''It's a tough question to answer,'' he said.

NO BOUNCING BACK

Even when prices hit bottom, it doesn't mean they will bounce back up, said Alan Ojeda, chief executive of the Rilea Group, a Miami-based developer of large-scale rental properties. That makes the horizon for profit even longer and means that a buyer in the current market should be committed to a home for several years.

Ojeda, who said he is trying to fill up One Broadway, a new luxury rental tower in Miami's Brickell area, takes it a step further, saying that unless a renter believes a home's price will appreciate in the next three years, he or she would be better off remaining a renter.

''It's the same theory you use when you decide whether to buy or lease a car. What you are looking for is to use a car. If there's no appreciation in a home, wouldn't you prefer to use a home, since after three years you would have spent more money on real estate taxes and the mortgage. What would your gain have been?'' Ojeda asked.

Still, there are signals the blood-letting in the real estate market may be starting to slow. Sales were up significantly in December, the last time figures from the Florida Association of Realtors were available, and that made a dent -- albeit small -- in the number of homes for sale.

Hardin said it was hard to imagine values would continue to fall at the same rate at which they have since the market peaked. Prices are likely to continue falling, but it'll be by smaller percentages, he said.

Unless renters wholeheartedly believe prices will rise over the next several years, they may want to stay put, he said. Aside from the past seven years or so, real estate has always been seen as a long-term investment, Hardin said, so buying low today and selling in 10 years could be lucrative.

Either way, there's little downside in delaying the decision.

NOW OR LATER?

Romanello acknowledged there would be little difference in buying now vs. later. She said that among her clients who had decided to wait, the worst that happened was they lost several great opportunities.

'I don't think there is any urgency to buying because I don't think in six months' time prices are going to be up 10 percent,'' Romanello said.

Rental Market Can't Escape Pain

2009-02-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

The housing downturn is finally bringing pain to apartment owners.

In recent years, sky-high home prices followed by a wave of foreclosures helped fill rental apartments and buoyed the real-estate investment trusts that own them. But earnings out Friday morning from Apartment Investment & Management Co., the largest publicly traded U.S. apartment owner, could show that rental apartments can no longer escape housing woes.

Already, the credit crunch has triggered write-downs as REITs freeze new developments. Last week, Aimco said it would take an $107 million charge related to falling land values in California, becoming one of several apartment REITs to take a write-down. The Denver-based REIT also said it would pay 71% of its fourth-quarter dividend in stock to conserve cash. Two apartment REITs have pared their dividends.

The housing bust has shattered the psyche of would-be buyers. But home prices are down so far in some markets that it is now cheaper to buy than to rent, though tighter credit has sidelined buyers. Meanwhile, job losses are highest among the age cohort most likely to rent, 20- to 34-year-olds.

Congress is considering a raft of goodies for potential home buyers, including a $15,000 tax credit and federally subsidized 4% mortgage rates. And an effort to allow bankruptcy judges to write down mortgages for struggling homeowners could keep would-be tenants from becoming renters.

—Nick Timiraos--- WSJ.com

2009-01-22T15:33:00.000-05:00

Real estate developer Trammell Crow, who founded the Wyndham Hotel Co. and helped sculpt the Dallas skyline, died yesterday at his family farm in eastern Texas. He was 94.

Crow built his first commercial real estate project in 1948. He also founded Trammell Crow Co., a property manager and brokerage sold in 2006 to CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. in a transaction valued at $2.2 billion.

``The world will remember Mr. Crow as a legendary real estate developer and businessman because of his unparalleled vision and passion for success,'' Jim Carreker, a former chief executive officer of Trammell Crow Co. and Wyndham Hotels, said in a statement e-mailed Monday from Crow Holdings LLC.

Vote Already!

2008-11-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

Renters: the great ignored

2008-10-14T19:20:00.000-04:00

Barney Doran, Delray Beach Opinion originally published in the Sun Sentinel

October 14, 2008

Now that John McCain has proposed that the U.S. government buy up $300 billion in mortgages, write down the outstanding amounts and lower the payments for the homeowners, it is time for the voices of America's 34 million renting households to be heard. Please note this constitutes approximately 135 million people and roughly 65 million potential voters. Americans are regaled daily in the media with the vicissitudes of the homeowners who were "forced" into dwellings by rapacious bankers and mortgage brokers. How about the 7 million rental households with annual incomes under $10,000 who pay over half that income on rent? Haven't heard too much about them in this great national brouhaha, have you? But not only the poor rent in this country. Twenty percent of rental households (6.8 million equating to approximately 27.2 million Americans) make over $60,000 a year.

Back in the heady days of house gambling, don't you think they received calls at dinner time from mortgage brokers offering zero-down, no-income-verification, no-credit-check mortgages? Yes, they did, but they were either reluctant to get entangled, or they realized this was one big casino. In other words, they didn't take the bait, but the fish across the street in foreclosure did and is about to be bailed out by the government. The sober renter, however, is being totally ignored, even though his rent was increased during the housing Vegas days because of "rising property values."

Is it fair that his tax dollars are going to bail out a greedy/stupid neighbor? I don't think America's renters are going to think so. But I do think the politicians representing these renters will ignore this inequity at their peril. These voices will be heard.

The Peeping Landlord

2008-10-06T12:30:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania landlord was arrested for taping female tenants. Thomas Daley, a 45-year-old Phoenixville man whom authorities said owns three apartment buildings in Norristown having a combined total of 16 apartments, is charged with invasion of privacy, criminal use of a communication facility and violations of the wiretap and surveillance laws.

County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said Daley, of the 1000 block of Spring City Road, installed hidden cameras and audio equipment in three of the four apartments in a building he owns in the 500 block of Stanbridge Street.

This equipment, which was hidden in bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms, was hooked up to enable him to spy on the private activities of his clients from his computer at home for his own sexual gratification, according to Ferman.

"This is just creepy at its worst," said Ferman.

The alleged victims "feel completely violated," said Ferman.

"This kind of personal invasion is just harrowing," said Ferman. "These victims just now are finding out that their most private, most personal times in their own homes have been captured on videotape and that somebody else has been watching them for their own personal gratification."

"To say it is unnerving, to say it is disconcerting doesn't even begin to express how upset they are," she said.

Ferman called the charges against Daley for the property in the 500 block of Stanbridge Street just "the tip of the iceberg."

Norristown police have been interviewing past and former tenants of the other two buildings throughout the weekend and on Monday, and "we expect many additional charges," said Ferman. Authorities suspect that Daley may have been engaged in this type of activity for almost 20 years.

Police first learned of Daley's alleged activities on Sept. 18 when one of the Stanbridge Street tenants contacted 911 to report she had found a hidden camera behind the bathroom mirror in her apartment. The woman's boyfriend was changing a light bulb in the bathroom when he spotted a small micro "pinhole" style video camera hard-wired into the wall.

Police said the wires appeared to go from the first-floor apartment down into the basement. The tenant told police that the landlord kept the basement area locked and did not allow tenants access.

While waiting for Daley to arrive at the apartment building, police discovered another camera, similar to the one in the bathroom, in the living room.

When Daley arrived, police learned that there was another camera in the bedroom ceiling fan pointed down at the bed and a fourth one in the bathroom, according to the criminal complaint. They also learned of cameras in two of the other three apartments in the building, the complaint said.

Daley later gave police a statement allegedly admitting that he installed the cameras, some of which were activated when a tenant turned on a light switch. Some of the cameras recorded on a VHS system that was in the basement while other digital cameras fed a digital video recorder, also stored in the basement.

In addition to being able to record what was happening in the apartments, Daley said he could access the DVR system from his computer at home and get a live feed. He also could turn the cameras on and off from his home computer, according to the criminal complaint.

Daley allegedly told police he would save the VHS tapes and, if he viewed an act he liked, he would record the video on the digital recorder and save them, the complaint said.

Police confiscated Daley's computer equipment and electronic taping and recording equipment as well as numerous tapes and DVDs. Some of those tapes showed the four alleged female victims in various states of partial and full nudity while in the privacy of their residences.

"This system was a very sophisticated and elaborate," said Ferman. "Mr. Daley, in the privacy of his own home, could invade the privacy of his tenants."

By Margaret Gibbons, Special to The Mercury

Apartment Guide'sLatest Feature

2008-07-08T11:49:00.000-04:00

Insult to Injury

2008-06-24T15:34:00.001-04:00

The Florida legislature just gave the ok to increase court fees for "removal of tenant action" aka evictions. The court-related fees will go into effect on July 1st. Currently it costs $80 but will more than triple to $270. Whoa! thats gonna hurt.
Be proactive contact your property attorney for details and make sure to consider the increases for your '09 budgets!

To view a copy of the bill, go to www.flsenate.gov/Welcome/ and type in 1790 under the Jump to Bill tab on the left.

In loving Memory

2008-06-10T09:29:00.000-04:00

We can't believe, We don't want to believe, but we must believe that you are gone.

Technology can be cruel. Our in boxes & voice mails have become sacred, erasing your replies & messages is impossible.

We're too sad to move on, but its too painful to remember every conversation, every meal and every laugh we shared.

We cant miss you, We don't want to miss you, but we will miss you.

For more information on how you can contribute to the Sloan Gentile Memorial fund, please email me at Tanisha@RentandReason.com

Understanding Our New Workforce

2008-05-27T09:28:00.000-04:00

Why Risk It?

2008-05-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

The concept of Renters' Insurance is a simple - demand it, or deal with the incredible risk involved with damages ranging from fire to power surges. An article published in the latest edition of NAA's magazine Units - highlights that mandatory renters insurance reduces the financial expenditures related to resident caused damage by 79%.

A 2006 study by Dirk Wakeham CEO of LeasingDesk Insurance Services reported a majority of owners from his survey (82 percent) who offered and required residents to have a renter's insurance policy--and then enforced it--said they would "absolutely" recommend this type a mandatory renters insurance program.

Grant Berkey, Vice President, Capstone Real Estate Services Inc., an Austin, Texas-based fee management firm responsible for more than 50,000 units described an experience of A resident at one of their properties that had a kitchen grease fire which spread to both adjacent units causing damages totaling more than $38,000 in repairs. Berkey explained "fortunately, the resident was insured and we were able to file our claim through their renter's insurance policy."

12th Annual SEFAA Volleyball Tournament

2008-05-06T11:13:00.000-04:00

Friday, May 9, 2008

11:00 am Volleyball Tournament . 1:30 pm Oceanside Buffet BBQ

Hollywood Beach Resort

101 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL - 954-921-0990

Here's a link to a few helpful tips

WOW 12 years! Below is probably what the 1st annual was like:

Opportunities and risks for renters in Broward and Palm Beach counties

2008-05-02T11:05:00.000-04:00

Rental bliss
Sisters Jill and Melissa Melzer in front of Jill's apartment complex, the Mizner Court in Boca Raton, last month. Melissa will also be living in her own apartment in June at Mizner Court.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel BY ROBIN BENEDICK

Finding a place to rent in Broward and Palm Beach counties is easier and in some cases cheaper than it has been in years because more housing is available and the competition for tenants is lowering prices.

"We're seeing a lot more concessions being offered to get people moved in," said Dori Rones, general sales manager of For Rent Media Solutions, which publishes For Rent Magazine and operates forrent.com.

Read full story

Meaningful Amenities : Smoke-Free Apartments

2008-04-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

The momentum in South Florida for smoke free apartments burned out. It was a buzzing topic that gained popularity in mid 2005 and seemed to have had the ears of local industry leadership. But in the fog of the condo boom there were more pressing issues to address, leaving the potential for smoke free apartments to newly formed condo boards.

Three years later. . . and boy how times have changed, property managers in South Florida are performing awe inspiring maneuvers to keep the influx of mortgage refugee residents happy and ultimately retained, but only the most meaningful amenities will make the difference.

According to a survey about smoke-free apartments conducted by the California Apartment Association it may be an issue important enough to spark renewed interest in South Florida.

The Survey Results:

• 69% of renters favored regulations requiring
all apartment buildings to offer
non-smoking sections, where all the
apartments, patios, and balconies
in that section were non-smoking.

• 39% of renters would prefer to live in a
building where smoking is not
allowed anywhere.

• 46% of renters experience secondhand smoke
drifting into their own apartment.

• 70% of survey respondents believed
a tenant should be evicted for
repeated violations of smoking prohibitions
in a lease

1st For Rent ,Then Foreclosed, Finally Forced Out!

2008-04-17T08:42:00.000-04:00

The shock is over, when reading or hearing about renters getting the surprise of their lives in the form of a foreclosure notice. A recent Daily Business Review article indicates that this scenario is becoming more common in South Florida multifamily industry. A Hialeah single mom is the subject in the story published earlier this week that describes her struggle to find a new place to rent as she is forced out of what was typically a safe bet for renters.

Her landlord like so many other smaller investors, collected rent while defaulting on his mortgage -creating a devastating dilemma for the residents.
Click here for the full story

SEFAA Annual Auction

2008-04-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

Wednesday April 16th
Deerfield Beach Hilton
100 Fairway Drive

Sponsored by: For Rent

For more info visit SEFAA.com or follow the links below:

Download registration form and invoice

Download auction donation form

Below are the latest Items Donated for auction!

Rent And ReSearch.com

2008-04-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

Click to visit:

Blackberry Friendly

2008-04-03T17:46:00.000-04:00

I love emails that are Blackberry friendly, polite, brief and to the point. I've heard too many stories from colleagues that are incensed by emails rivaling a novel. At a recent SEFAA breakfast a manager complained "You just keep scrolling until your thumb is soar". I hear ya girl.

My advice -
1. Judge the source before you get suckered into a scrollathon. If its not your boss, maintenance supervisor, etc. let it wait until you get to your desktop.

2. Build a text message network-let your vendors know that text messaging works for you. People are accustomed to space limitations in text messages and have little choice but to keep their message short and sweet!

Here's a few tricks to help train your Blackberry

A Blackberry can be a girls best friend, especially if looks like this one.
Kimora Lee Simmons -Fabulous custom Blacberry .

Xtreme Apartment Guide Promo

2008-03-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

Boca's Missing Bridge

2008-03-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

Last week Boca Raton’s Housing Authority faced a near riot as applicants literally camped out (some overnight) in hopes of securing a housing voucher. This incident shockingly demonstrates that the demand for housing in our region is clearly strong. But- this is the side of the market that is obviously linked to subsidized apartments that cant seem to satisfy a seemingly desperate demographic.

Palm Beach County and in this case Boca Raton is constantly facing occupancy challenges , and will only get tougher during the traditional summer season as the snowbird population migrate north. The evidence is the increased dawning of large bright street signs at “A” rated luxury apartment communities, shouting move in specials. Unfortunately, the signs usually generates the polar opposite of what was set off by a mere announcement of voucher applications- that drew Christmas sale like lines to the doorstep of the city’s housing leaders.

There is obviously something missing here, something that requires a bridge between the two markets.

The riot police, the comments from desperate residents, the shocking video of people swarming makes for interesting media content, but the true story is once the cops and cameras are gone the Boca Raton Housing Authority will remain in the spotlight.

SEFAA Legislative Breakfast Meeting

2008-03-13T10:06:00.000-04:00

Speaker: Jeff Rogo, Florida Apartment Association (FAA) Government Affairs Director

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Deerfield Beach Hilton 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 954-427-7700

Issues impacting the bottom line of Florida apartment communities will be discussed. These include early termination, fire alarm monitoring, rental inspection preemption, mandatory telecommunications access, licensing for apartment personnel, mandatory background checks, sexual offenders, and more. As we approach our annual trip to Tallahassee to speak with legislators, April 2 - 3, we want to share these important issues with you.

Download the registration form and invoice.

Renter's Dilemma

2008-03-10T09:51:00.001-04:00

One night last fall, a process server went to Dan Dixon's house and gave him papers informing him of the foreclosure. Dixon stands in front of the house he continues to rent even though the bank has foreclosed on the owner. He is moving soon.

Tenants: Be aware of landlords facing foreclosure

2008-03-10T09:32:00.000-04:00

BY SCOTT ANDRON MiamiHerald.com

The following headline has become the best leasing point of a rental community-
Landlords have always asked potential tenants about their financial situation. But in today's housing market, renters may need to ask if potential landlords are facing foreclosure.

While South Florida's falling housing prices may favor renting rather than buying right now, the recent real estate bubble is also creating new risks for tenants.

Plenty of homes and condos are available for lease because their owners can't sell them, giving renters a variety of options. The problem is that many of the owners may not be on steady financial footing.

If they end up in foreclosure, tenants can be kicked out -- despite having a lease.

''That's happening. A lot of people are losing their homes,'' said Samira Ghazal, a Miami consumer lawyer. ``They don't know if the landlord is paying the mortgage or not. Then they end up getting evicted.'' Read more

Who's Missing In Florida's Anti-Foreclosure Task Force?

2008-03-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

The threat of homelessness has always loomed over struggling homeowners in our region, and often the only true safety net for families is a well managed affordable rental community. So when I read the credentials of the members of Gov. Crist appointed Anti-Foreclosure Task Force I was at the very least disappointed with the lack of representation from the Multi-housing industry leadership(FAA). Below are ideal candidates for Gov. Crist's consideration- (left to right) Marc Rosenwasser NAA Vice Chairman, Dave Watkins CAPS NAA Immediate Past Chairman of the Board , Mark Ogier, CPM President of FAA.

Task Force Members:
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink
Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp
Sens. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge
Tony Hill, D-Jacksonville
Reps. Franklin Sands, D-Plantation
Garrett Richter, R-Naples
Alex Sanchez, president and CEO, Florida Bankers Association
D. Ritch Workman, president, Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers
Mike Fields, president, Bank of America Tallahassee
Thomas Kuntz, chairman, president and CEO, SunTrust Bank, Florida
Nancy Riley, past-president, Florida Association of Realtors
Bill Newton, executive director, Florida Consumer Action Network
Steve Auger, executive director, Florida Housing Finance Corp.

In 2007, Florida ranked second in the number of home foreclosures, with twice as many foreclosures than in 2006. In addition, one out of every 95 households experienced foreclosure in the state last year, a more than 275 percent jump when compared with 2006. I truly believe that the Multi-housing rental industry has without a doubt served as refuge for so many of the Floridians counted in these statistics and our industry's perspective will be necessary to make this initiative a true success.

Faces In The Crowd At Trade Show

2008-03-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

Property Managers Kathleen & Frank Heather Geraci, Regional Director of Adventir Real Esate Management & SEFAA Exec Board Member

The Apartment Guide Team - Featuring SEFAA Exec Board Member Susan Harding (in white)

For More Faces Click Here

No More Excuses

2008-02-25T22:28:00.000-05:00

By Andy Reid | South Florida Sun-Sentinel

After South Florida's driest back-to-back years on record, a new Web site aims to teach residents and businesses how to save water beyond just turning down sprinklers.

At www.savewaterfl.com, the lessons and tools include adding food coloring to toilet tanks to check for leaks, a "water audit" for users to gauge their water use and tips for planting landscaping less dependent on water.

"What we are trying to do is promote a culture of conservation. This is one of the tools we are going to use," district spokesman Jesus Rodriguez said. The Web site includes pages geared toward residents, businesses, agriculture, government, teachers and the news media.

Another Reason To Rent In Miami

2008-02-14T17:20:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 3:59 PM EST
BankUnited blacklists 191 condo projects

South Florida Business Journal - by Brian Bandell and Oscar Pedro Musibay

Interested buyers looking for mortgages to buy units in Miami's Opera Tower, Everglades on the Bay or Four Ambassadors shouldn't bother approaching BankUnited. The Miami-based bank has included them on a list of 191 condo projects it won't write loans for.

Declining market value was the biggest culprit, followed by high investor concentration -- as much as 70 percent in one case. BankUnited also cited numerous foreclosures, delinquent homeowners association dues, structural-based litigation and the bank's existing exposure in the buildings.

Even buyers with good credit can't get a mortgage for a condo that has an uncertain value, said Lewis Goodkin, president of Miami-based Goodkin Research. He said because sales have been so slow and 35 percent to 40 percent of buyers could pull out of contracts in some buildings, no one knows the real value of these condos. And, if lenders don't know the value, he said, they can't set a loan-to-value ratio with any certainty.

BankUnited's non-permissible condo list

Fair Housing Seminar 2008

2008-02-14T08:29:00.000-05:00

Its always a full house at this event, and this year I can just imagine the range of topics that the Lowenhaupt & Sawyers team must cover. For more info or to register--lowenhauptsawyers@yahoo.com. (305) 412-5636

Friday February 15th 9am

Signature Grand
6900 State Road 84
Davie, FL 33317
Tel: (954) 424-4000
Fax: (954) 423-2400

How TV May Influence S. Florida Cultural Tolerance

2008-02-13T10:36:00.000-05:00

The recent Broward County commission vote that has put Transgender rights in full public view may represent the evolution or influence of tolerance in South Florida. As it relates to gender or the transformation of it, arts and entertainment especially television can provide society a less prejudice perspective. Cultural perspectives influenced by;the Cosby show of the 80's, Margaret Chu's short lived sitcom, Will& Grace, The George Lopez show and more recently ABC's Dirty Sexy Money that has boldly casted an actual transgender character when tastefully done can convince audiences to identify with commonalities of other cultures, rather than confirm prejudices and stereotypes.

Transgender residents protected in Broward

2008-02-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

By BREANNE GILPATRICK
bgilpatrick@MiamiHerald.com

Transgender people and pregnant women are now protected groups in Broward County after the County Commission voted to make it illegal to deny housing or jobs to those two groups.

With Tuesday's vote, Broward joins a growing number of local governments across the nation to include ''gender identity and expression'' in their non-discrimination laws. And the two new criteria will join 11 other categories in the county's Human Rights Act, such as gender, race, color, marital status and sexual orientation.

And Tuesday, one-by-one, more than 20 speakers took the podium and praised commissioners for adding Broward to the list. And many of them arrived before the county to share their own tales of discrimination, like LeAnna Bradley, who talked about what it was like to have paramedics refer to her as ''it'' while riding to the hospital. Or Jacqui Charvet, who lost her job after telling her boss she was going to start the medical process to become a woman. Or Nikki Hatch, who described receiving stares, rude comments and even, at one point, a mail bomb.

There are no statistics that track the number of transgender people. But advocates estimate that between 3 and 5 percent of people in Broward County struggle with gender identity. Many of those who decide to make a transition, say advocates, face trouble with employers and landlords.

While no one spoke against the changes on Tuesday, in the past, critics say the new laws are not needed and say they view it as wrong for transgender residents to try to redefine gender.

Golf Cart Tragedy

2008-02-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

Over the years, I've probably driven the distance of the entire state of Florida on golfcarts. Its simply the way we do most of our business at gardenstyle apartment communities. So, after reading about a woman in Wellington on life support after falling of a golfcart it instantly provided me with a new and more cautious perspective. Below is the story as reported in the Sun-Sentinel By Sally Apgar

February 5, 2008 Wellington - A 43-year-old Connecticut woman is on life support after falling off a gas-powered golf cart following a Super Bowl party Sunday night, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Audrey S. Hanrahan, of South Glastonbury, Conn., was leaving a party at Tavern on the Green restaurant just after 11 p.m. with two friends. Investigators said the cart, driven by Christine McCrea, 29, of Wellington, was traveling east on Equestrian Club Road with Hanrahan in the front passenger's seat and McCrea's husband, Jonathan, 35, riding on the back seat. Near Pierson Road, Hanrahan stood up to wipe off the windshield, lost her balance and fell, striking her head on the pavement.

Hanrahan was flown by Trauma Hawk to the Delray Medical Center, where she was treated for severe head injuries. At 1:36 a.m. Monday, she was placed on life support to preserve her organs for donation.

Vote To Veto

2008-02-04T10:36:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted Sunday, July 1, 2007

A bill proposing double rent that eventually met a single no.

It seems as if Gov. Crist has the final word on the ambitious (HB 1277)Early Lease Termination bill that attempted to give property managers the right to instantly charge up to 2 months rent as a fee for breaking a lease.
Florida Apartment Association lobbyist Ron Book vigorously promoted the infamous "double rent bill" at a recent press conference arguing its benefits to tenants. The current law holds renters responsible for the remaining term of a lease, or until a unit is re-rented.

The legislature favored the new bill so much that in May of '07 the it passed with flying colors through the state senate with a unanimous 37-0 vote. Ultimately, it met a swift veto from Gov. Crist. A well documented but interesting fact is that up until his impressive election victory, Crist was one of the state's estimated 5.4 million renters. "I had to do that(break a lease) when I moved into the mansion. And it was costly - like 900 bucks," Crist said. "I feel the people's pain. I live it."

In its memory here's a clip that I couldn't resist posting that may shed a little light on the short life of an ambitious bill. Enjoy!

A Little Fumble Before The Big Game

2008-01-31T09:48:00.000-05:00

I feel as if my leasing team and I dropped the ball in recent days. Largely because
Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend and I cant help to think that somehow a little bit of fan fare could have helped us standout amongst our competition. I'm not suggesting anything outrageous like a Budweiser keg in the middle of the leasing office or dressing up as NY Giants cheerleaders. Instead I'm thinking more along more the lines of a team spirit theme: wearing football Jerseys, replacing cookies and French vanilla coffee with chips,pretzels and coke while replaying halftime "PG" rated shows of past on the clubhouse TV.

Its hard for any of us to plead ignorance in this case especially when considering last year when South Florida hosted Super Bowl XLI and we all salivated over the estimates of $400 million dollar boost to our local economy. So not only am I surprised at myself for forgetting to resurrect the spirit of last year's bowl- I'm trying to figure out why it seems the entire region (with the exception of Publix) has fumbled too.

Candidates as Residents

2008-01-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning to see the Presidential candidates in ways that just weeks ago I couldn't imagine. I guess its a side affect of paying more attention in preparation to carry out my civic duty in the upcoming primary. . . blah, blah, blah.

Anyway, its really tough to decide, and I'm not just talking about choosing an individual candidate or party, but an authentic person I could believe in to lead our country. So I got to thinking. . . and figured I'm looking at this all wrong. Why not use my highly evolved property management abilities to help me select the right candidate. In fact this method might even make it easier for all of us Apartment Industry/multi housing pro's to vote with clarity.

So I finally asked myself---What type of resident would each candidate make? With this simple question I was able to evaluate each candidate with much more confidence.

P.S. heres my answers, whats yours?

Hillary- Likely to be the resident that insists on being present to oversee a service request (even if Bill is home)

Mitt- Likely to complain about limited parking spaces

Barack- Hangs around the clubhouse after work to watch Oprah

McCain- Typical retiree veteran that walks his miniature poodle every morning like clockwork 0600 hours sharp!

Edwards- Constantly threatens to sue his neighbor McCain for "excessive" dog barking every morning at exactly 0600 hours.

Guliani- Quintessential snowbird/empty nester that cant stop comparing New Yawk to Floridah

Huckabee- Is likely to face eviction for the weekly classic rock jam sessions

Casino Night! SEFAA Does Vegas....

2008-01-23T16:03:00.000-05:00

The best remedy for those holiday credit card hangovers has to be this year's Casino Night brought to you by SEFAA.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

6-10 p.m.

CORT Furniture Showroom, Boynton Beach

Blackjack, Texas Hold Em, Craps, Roulette, with professional dealers and despite what you may have heard their will be NO strip poker tournaments.

Click here for more details.

Cooling Your Heels

2008-01-23T10:49:00.000-05:00

From the golfcart to maintenance shop, walking vacants, and touring perspectives-- the demands we put on one of our most dependable body parts can now relax. Introducing Camileon Heels the convertible and fashionable shoe thats attempting to revolutionize the comfort for women in business.

I find the style of the shoes fresh and modern, but the true beauty is in its ability to convert from a low to high heel. My only hangup,is the price tag that ranges from $200-325, Ouch! At that price I can only hope that the concept of the shoes find its way to our salaries and bonuses .

Home Sellers’ Pain Is Renters’ Gain

2008-01-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

By NICK TIMIRAOS
From the Wall St. Journal January 15, 2008

There’s one bright side to the housing crisis: some lower rents.

The regions hardest hit by the housing downturn have seen ailing builders, rising foreclosure rates and a glut of unsold homes, amid other signs of distress. But there are also stories like Laura Evans’s.

The 38-year-old elementary-school teacher moved to Stuart, Fla., from Orlando with her husband and baby last fall. Looking for a rental apartment, they were pleasantly surprised: There were plenty of choices at lower-than-expected prices, thanks to the multitude of owners trying to rent units they couldn’t sell.

“When we got down here, we shopped and shopped around,” says Ms. Evans, who rented a new 2,200-square-foot, three-bedroom townhouse with a pool and a playground for $1,150 per month. The owners allowed the couple to move in with their dog, despite a prohibition against pets.

To be sure, rents have continued to rise steadily in many markets. And the housing downturn means that more people are looking for rentals as well, increasing demand. Many would-be buyers have become renters because they can’t get a mortgage in today’s tight credit environment, or because they’re sitting tight in hopes that prices drop further.
…
Behind the trend are tens of thousands of unsold condominium units that are being dumped on markets such as South Florida, Las Vegas and Phoenix. While thousands of single-family homes also are coming on the market, renters prefer condos to houses, which typically have more expensive upkeep. “Tenants have to pick up more of the bills,” says Artur Ciesielski, a Phoenix real-estate agent.
…
More than 4,200 units have been pulled out of the for-sale condo market and put into the rental pool in Florida’s Palm Beach County alone, according to Mary Grace Breeding, president of McCabe Research & Consulting in Deerfield Beach. Those units include the 216-unit Aventine at Boynton Beach and the 450-unit Mizner Court at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, where rents range from $975 to $2,000.

Nor are so-called condo reversions limited to the Sunbelt. In Brooklyn, N.Y., two luxury condo developments converted to rental apartments last spring, including 99 Gold Street, which had begun accepting sales contracts less than a year earlier. Rentals at the 88-unit building range from $2,000 a month for 700-square-foot studios to $5,500 for two-bedroom penthouses.
…
Savvy renters in struggling markets are playing landlords off each other. Ms. Evans, of Stuart, Fla., says the same day she and her husband leased their apartment for $1,150 a month, the owner of a bigger home they had looked at called to lower his asking price from $1,500 to $1,200. “If he had called earlier, we would have taken it,” she says.
…
Housing experts predict that many would-be home buyers may be forced to rent for years because the relationship between rents and home prices are out of whack. Rents remained at around 5% of home prices throughout much of the postwar period, but beginning in 1996, home-price growth rapidly outpaced rent growth. By the end of 2006, home prices had more than doubled while average rent was up just 48%, driving down the annual rent/price ratio to 3.48%.

A study by one former and two current Federal Reserve economists suggests that home prices will have to fall by 15% over the next five years while rents increase by 4% a year to return that rent/price ratio to normal.

Rolling Into 2008

2008-01-08T18:06:00.001-05:00

Happy 2008! Its been almost 2 months since my last posting and I blame it all on that avalanche referred to as the holiday season. The shopping, the parties, the food and of course my personal contribution to national debt has made it almost impossible to update this blog and fully launch its sister blog Rent Roll and Recruit. But it’s a New Year and I’m ready to get back to business.

Overall my holiday season was pretty good, and one of the best and most surprising gifts was a noticeable up tick in occupancy throughout our region despite the notoriously slow December market and I’m loving it! Wrapping up a sluggish and unpredictable 2007 on such a positive note. I can only hope its an indicator of what to expect as we roll into 2008. Stay tuned!

Conversion Reversion

2007-11-14T10:59:00.000-05:00

Its finally hitting the mainstream, Saturday's (Nov.10th)Sun Sentinel reported that since '06 over 6,000 units have been switched back to rental from condo. Whew! not an Earth Shattering figure but definently a sign of serious changes to come. Full story

Yes the rumors are true and this is probably the reason paparazzi are beginning to follow me..... I was recently elected to the South East Florida Apartment Association's (SEFAA -pronounced and more commonly known as C-FAH) Board of Directors. This is an organization I have been a member of for over 8 years and I'm ecstatic about my new role!!! So far I've had the pleasure of brainstorming and discussing the state of our industry with some of the most dynamic, interesting and not to mention great looking leaders.

As everyone knows the market is still trying to find itself and as more changes occur so will the skills necessary to keep a handle on things. So keep a look out for upcoming events on the SEFAA calendar, newsletter or check here I'll post events as often as possible!

The Evolution of Leasing

2007-11-08T11:26:00.001-05:00

The Super- This American Life

2007-11-02T10:59:00.000-04:00

I've listened to this radio show for years and it never dissapoints! Earlier this year the program's creator Ira Glass produced a t.v. version airing on Showtime. This particular episode speaks to the secret life of a maintenance supervisor and the moral dilemma of a property manager. Enjoy! Click Here!

An Inconvenient Truth inspires an inconvenient prediction: Property Managers as Green leaders

2007-10-29T09:43:00.000-04:00

Originally posted August 2007

I have yet to see the award winning documentary An Inconvenient truth. Of course I've seen the trailers, promos, debates and heard an unbelievable amount of references to the film. But, I just haven't been able to talk myself into renting a DVD that warns of impending disaster. Besides, it’s nearing the end of hurricane season and I’d like to fully realize the peace brought from such an uneventful season.
I recently watched an episode of Oprah with Al Gore, a rerun, no doubt inspired by Mr. Gore’s winning of a Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month. The episode featured the producer and narrator of An Inconvenient Truth and basically recapped the documentary. The most memorable segment of the show exhibited a scene that featured an adorable polar bear clinging for life as each iceberg that it grasped snaps like sheets of glass, causing the bear to eventually drown. A graphic prediction of global warming is obviously what the animation was implying and yes it got my attention. Which is probably why I don't feel the need to rent the DVD . . .Oprah and Al provided the cliffs notes.

Multi-family developments are obviously one of the largest consumers of natural resources. The vast majority of rental units in this region were not constructed with a focus on conservation and as a result any attempt to create a ‘green’ oriented community will likely be implemented through education of its residents. This notion puts the spotlight directly on property managers. As we coordinate new leases, secure renewals and host resident functions you can bet that managers will be confronted with questions about green living, the answers will undoubtedly be linked directly to the property’s bottom line.
Leadership efforts can range from resident functions doubling as ‘green’ workshops to the use of emailed newsletters in place of the traditional paper types. Ultimately, the most effective way for S. Florida’s multifamily communities to develop a ‘green’ consciousness will be through its managers and their ability to lead the way.

Think Of It As "TiVo Interviewing"

2007-10-25T11:31:00.000-04:00

Hiremenow!.com and other similar sites posts video resumes for the brave and hopefully photogenic job seeker. I love the idea of face to face or more appropriately video to face format for the image conscious S. Florida apartment industry. If we were to embrace this tool it could revolutionize our hiring process.
For example, putting a face, or in this case facial expressions to a resume would allow more freedom to evaluate an applicant without the risk of an interviewer revealing subtle hints. This video to face interview format creates tremendous benefits for the interviewer, allowing the ability to pause, rewind or fast forward, think of it as “ TIVO interviewing”. Colleagues can even participate in the evaluation without overwhelming the candidate.
There of course will be negative side effects, just as there are with most technological advances. Age, race and gender discrimination can likely trend upward, on the other hand the video resume can result in the overall improvement of quality recruiting in property management.

Maintaining The Fairest Housing of Them All

2007-10-25T11:07:00.001-04:00

ORIGINALLY POSTED AUGUST 2007

I recently read a case about a Philadelphia landlord that refused to rent to a couple after learning that they were in the process of adopting a child. According to the couple, the landlord’s explanation for refusing to rent the unit was that it was too small for a family. Ouch! Actual court filing

Fair housing compliance on any multifamily property is a continuous work in progress. As managers recruit new staff and retrain existing staff, maintaining the clearest understanding of Fair housing policies is paramount. I find that a vigilant attitude towards professionalism is the most effective approach when training my team on conducting tours and everyday resident interaction.

The most obvious methods to maintain Fair Housing law awareness are in house workshops, regular dissemination of literature and case scenarios, as well as mandating attendance to NAA/ FAA/SEEFA seminars are a must. But, there is nothing that will have a greater impact than the example demonstrated by leadership. My expectation is that the relationships I maintain with my uber diverse staff will mirror or reflect how they treat our equally diverse current and perspective residents.

Ikea's Connection To S. Florida Multihousing Industry

2007-10-25T10:50:00.000-04:00

ORIGINALLY POSTED 10-16-07
Ikea’s grand opening in Sunrise offers a silver lining to S. Florida’s apartment industry increasing storm cloud. . .occupancy. Ikea's expected success in Broward the "middle" county, suggests that a paradigm shift towards the rental market is occurring in our region. This shift despite the years of relentless campaigning by real estate brokers to shame renters into buying inflated condos and single-family homes.

I’m a fan of Ikea, I spent a substantial amount of the last decade furnishing my NYC one bedroom apartment with Ikea's “do it yourself” pieces and Wal-Mart priced accessories. Its furniture style for the most part appeals to our industry’s core demographic: contemporary tastes on a budget. Translation- college students, young urban professionals, military personnel and downsizing empty nesters will be Ikea’s lifeblood. That makes South Florida’s apartment Industry and this mega furniture retailer blood relatives. This connection is promising, because if Ikea’s is expecting great success in affordable home furnishings, it’s a safe bet that our industry will experience comparable success in providing the affordable homes for the daunting assembly of those furnishings.

Clash of The Consultants:Cannon vs McCabe

2007-10-24T21:22:00.001-04:00

Jack McCabe is a rock star! Not the modern day punky copycat types, but more like the old school Mick Jagar iconic trend setter type. I've followed his analysis over the past couple years as the S. Florida housing market shape shifted and consequently re-difened the apartment rental industry. Each commentary I read, listened to or watched delivered valuable insight that was surprisingly prudent without the overtly biased predictions that became so common from other consultants in the region.

I don't know much about Michael Cannon, so my opinion of him is only based on his attempt to challenge McCabe. Ultimately, as I continue to watch the ongoing debate between the two consultants, I will keep an open mind an appreciate that this region is beginning to foster a climate that allows debate about the future of the housing and especially the multifamily market. Read more about Michael Cannon vs. Jack McCabe

Below is an older video of McCabe providing a simple outlook on condos:

Every Property Manager's Fantasy. . .

2007-10-24T20:48:00.000-04:00

Take A Peek

Killer Concessions

2007-10-24T18:16:00.000-04:00

The Palm Beach County rental market is without a doubt at a crossroad. A recent market survey of several rental communities indicates that generous concessions continue to maintain a firm grip on occupancy with no sign of retracting. My suspicion after several conversations with industry colleagues in the area is that we have fallen victim to a good ol' fashion case of "you first then I'll follow"! If I'm half right then it just might be time to call on our marketing gurus to help facilitate a consensus that will help roll back concessions uniformly resulting in less risk.

If we can't develop a unified market initiative, how long will we allow our budgets to be affected by a "psych out" induced insecurity? I was once told by a progressive mentor never be afraid to lead the market, its a notion I believe in whole heartedly, but should we also be brave enough to let the market lead us?

Looking West To Predict East: What San Francisco Can Tell S. Florida

2007-10-23T13:11:00.000-04:00

Tainted Love: Are managers forced to defend their properties reputations at apartment rating sites?

2007-10-23T09:46:00.000-04:00

First let me began by stating emphatically that I have never done with the title of this post suggests. With that said, I certainly understand it and I clearly recognize the motivation. The postings can be particularly brutal for us property managers. This is mainly because the vast majority of criticisms are from disgruntled, axe grinding renters that too often use the forum for what reads less like constructive recommendations and more like defamation.

So, is it simply inexcusable dishonesty to offset a negative post with a creatively developed positive rating? Or in such a highly competitive industry, can we classify it as marketing self defense at its best?

Mortgage Turmoil Hits Renters

2007-10-23T09:38:00.001-04:00

Tenants Face Eviction
When Their Buildings
Go Into Foreclosure

By KELLY EVANS Wall Street Journal
October 11, 2007

The mortgage mess is claiming a new group of victims: renters.

Across the country, a rising number of landlords are falling behind on mortgage payments, sending their properties into foreclosure, according to legal-services attorneys, local officials and financial experts -- and in many cases, their tenants are being forced out of their homes. Often, the tenants' first inkling of trouble occurs when they get a letter from the bank directing them to leave the premises.

read more

One Word . . . Backup !

2007-10-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

Real estate has its mantra about location x3. Well, I recently learned that blogging has its own haiku: backup backup backup! There was a technical glitch on my site's main page I adjusted-- and. . . presto! Post dating back to August instantly disappeared. The good news is that I'm neurotic about backing up so I was able to quickly retrieve it, even the crucial & ever popular "A Ninja Pays Half My Rent".