5 STAR PROPERTIES ATTRACT MORE RESIDENTS.

Our focus on technology is one of our five pillars as an organization. Operationally, technology drives efficiency and profitability. For our customers, great technology is the bridge to their work, entertainment and daily lives.

Most recently, we have leveraged technology to drive virtual tours and leasing. Without it, we would not have been able to keep up our leasing pace. Although we have been doing it for years, our ability to collect payments has made it easy for our customers to transact with the community and has simplified the process for them. And high speed WiFi is a non-negotiable for customers today.

Research, research and more research. There is never a shortage of information and we look at what other communities are doing and how their residents react, we stay on top of market trends and we get to know our residents and what is important to them through building relationships. Retention is a huge part of property management, so keeping our residents happy is especially important to us.

Since the installation of AT&T Fiber, our internet has been lightening fast and has really allowed our on-site teams and construction crews to comfortably communicate, share data and do virtual leasing without the worry of unreliable connections.

A secure building for safety and peace of mind. A reliable and fast internet connection is key because so many more people are working from home with flexible schedules. An Amazon Echo or Alexa that is compatible with other personal smart devices adds a lot of convenience, and time is valuable to our residents.

Don’t get comfortable. This industry is evolving at a rapid pace and keeping up with the wants and needs of residents, market trends and technology to be attractive to prospective residents will always keep you on your toes.

City Club Apartments is proud to call itself a 100 year start-up, through 3 generations of owner/operators going back to 1919.

City Club Apartments currently has 23 operating properties and several in development!

Residents and staff are more connected today than ever. We use our technology all the time to communicate through social media, apps, emails and digital wall media with residents and prospects. Our fitness center and golf simulator amenities are packed with technology making their user experiences top-notch. Residents can receive packages and collect laundry at their convenience due to the respective locker systems. Our provider is an important piece to make sure our resident and prospect connections are strong and reliable.

1) Safer building access – use of fobs to access buildings, keeping building perimeter doors locked and secure. 2) Smart home technology – connecting speakers, thermostats, lighting, etc. inside your apartment home. 3) Apps to provide resident services, for example, schedule a dog walker, house cleaner, car washes, etc.

Asking staff for feedback and evaluating current software, apps, amenities, processes, etc. will likely result in innovative technology decisions to move forward. Connecting with residents through in-person interactions, surveys, social media, and keeping up with your competitors will give you good intel into what technology is important to residents and prospects.

It’s a new property, so our experience is relatively new. The connection is strong and reliable. AT&T is reliable, technician scheduling for install is fast, resident feedback from the interactions is very positive, and the rep servicing our community is very responsive and great to work with.

1. App-Controlled Thermostats/Smart-Home Devices such as Google Home, Dwelo, etc. for convenience and to regulate usage (including occupancy sensors)
2. Cloud/Mesh Wi-Fi in mid and hi-rises (sold as part of a technology package)
3. Seamless access control from the building entry, garage entry, elevators, amenities, etc. including accessing your unit

There are a lot of startups in this space. Vet several partners/vendors. Request case studies and customer references as part of your due diligence. Use an independent research agency to conduct vendor research and provide references.

27 years

In my portfolio, currently 27 properties in GA, FL & KY. As a company, Westdale currently manages and/or owns 173 properties in 13 states.

We are in a forever evolving world. We have to keep up with technology and ensure that we have all the innovative resources to capture the trends in our growing industry. Technology affects everything, no matter the size technology has tangible and intangible benefits that produce results. Technology, truly affects the culture, efficiency and relationships.

Great question! There are so many technological advancements that have evolved just over the last ten years. Being able to communicate with resident via resident portal, and being able to join interest groups such as cooking, exercise and etc. just to be able to relate and communicate from one resident to the other.

Parcel pending is also remarkable! Parcel Pending is a simple, easy solution to the once chaotic process of parcel management. Parcel Pending has created API integrations that guarantee their lockers are ready to work, every day, around the clock and service our residents regardless of their busy schedules our residents can pick up their parcels at any time. That brings a peace of mind to our staff as well as the residents that reside at Satori Flats.

Next, lets nix the keys… we have Latch. “latch gets better every day” is an understatement. Our Latch smart access improves life! Latch is a mobile interface that is easy to understand, incredible powerful and in every pocket, literally. Latch is accessed through a phone app. We no longer have to make keys, deactivate key cards or make duplicates. All we have to do is access the Latch manager, this enables us to make move-ins quick, move-outs easy and add/remove door access quickly right from our fingertips.

Leasing is handheld. Outside of the regular leasing practices we use 3D Matterport, virtual tours, facetime tours and online leasing. This make it extremely simple for our late-night leasers as well as prospects that are out of the scope of business hours. Some prospects prefer to gain information through virtual tours and we have made it easy for them.

We listen to feedback and make extensive efforts to accommodate the need of our residents rather if its GI generation to generation Z. Technology allows the office staff to be more productive and efficient. We share all updates, and keep firmware updated.

Fiber allows information to be transmitted so much faster, and everyone needs faster in this day and age. Fiber offers low power loss, which allows for longer transmissions. With fiber it allows residents and staff to access doors from a distance. With fiber we are able to carry much further than the 328-foot limitation that you get with cooper cables. Fiber is immune to temperature changes, severe weather and moisture, which enables better use of the Latch locks and parcel lockers that will never have an “under construction” sign. The great thing about fiber is, fiber does not carry electric current, so it is not bothered by electromagnetic interference that can interrupt data transmission. All-in-all fiber also gives our residents a peace of mind because it does not pose as a fire hazard like worn copper cables and it allows residents to get photos simultaneously through the Latch app, if there is someone accessing their code.

If I were designing a brand-new property. I would do the following:

Customer satisfaction and retention: Virtual tours and 24-hour self-tours would be a must. I would incorporate this for your not so 9p-5p prospect. This enables you to enjoy a self-guided tour at your convenience. Throughout the self-guided tour, you would also be able to complete the leasing process by using the Pinwheel in the model of choice.

24-hour service concierge: In 2020 everyone wants everything, right now. So why not make that possible. A 24-hour concierge through resident software that allows you to have almost anything you want and need and the click of a button. This will also be a place that residents to find nanny’s, dog-walkers, house cleaners and etc.

Smart-apartment through and through: Smart locks, smart outlets, smart thermostats, smart everything!

Remain open-minded and connected. Listen to feedback, talk to your vendors and learn the process. Once you find your niche you can explain and be excited to share with prospects and residents.

Besides, technology puts you above your competition. Which is a recipe for success.

I have been the apartment industry for about 6 years!

I am the Resident manager for 1, property, Satori Flats. However, my management company and owners CRG Residents have several throughout the mid-west.

I believe committing to technology on our property is important so that we can stay up to date with the constant technology changes around us and bring those updates and changes to our residents. We live in a fast-paced world, and we have stay ahead of the curve to ensure our residents are being taken care of quickly and efficiently and show our prospects why we are so worthy of their time and consideration.

Technology at our property is so important because our residents use it the moment they drive onto our property. We are a gated property, with 311 apartment homes. We use technology to access the gates, whether it is to drive through or to use the call box to page a resident. We use technology via key fob to enter the 24-hour amenities (the fitness center and business center with high speed internet, printer, and cable) We use technology to open any apartment door, as we have a keyless entry system. And those are just basic every day uses!

• Smart Phones and Apps. They have the ability to download an app to pay their rent, put in a work order, view their lease, sign their renewal lease, and message the office. One app does all of that for them! The time it saves, and the convenience for them, is priceless. In the office we even have an app for our printer, so that we can print documents from our cell phone without having to email them to ourselves first.
• Wireless Internet: Whether a resident is at the pool catching up on a last-minute report while the kids play, at the club house watching a show on their phone or browsing the internet, or finishing up a test in the business center, virtually everywhere you go on site has internet access. In our fast paced, technology driven world, the ability to access the internet instantly is a major factor for our residents.
• Our Gate System: As the only gated apartment community in our city our gate system is HUGE for our residents. They receive a gate remote to open the gate, plus a 4-digit code as a back up. In addition, they receive a 3-digit code for their guests to use. The guest enters the code at the call box and then the resident will be called on their cell phone, or land line, on file. Once the resident answers the call they may talk to the guest. If they would like to allow the guest to enter, the resident presses 9. At this time the gate will open for the guest. The extra security step and knowing that guests are not allowed to have immediate access to the property without permission, is a priceless peace of mind for all of our residents.

In Between our staff and our residents, we stay on top of what is important in the way of technology by just having great communication. When we get a new app or have changes in anything, we immediately alert the residents. We have a suggestion box and open-door policy to ensure if any residents have ideas they would like to see put into place we can talk about it. The same goes for our staff. We mainly keep up with changes, updates, and information at our weekly team meetings.

Residents are happier because they don’t have to worry about shopping around for great prices or the best service. We provide all of that to them in a way that is convenient and hassle free. The installation of fiber optic service has made everyone extremely happy, especially those who stream a lot, or work from home.

• High speed/ Fiber Optic Internet: Everyone uses the internet. Either for school work/homework, work, streaming movies or shows, to access social media, play video games, to look up recipes, the list is endless. And there is nothing more frustrating than writing a report, or watching a show, or looking up information and the page doesn’t load quickly, or buffers. High speed internet is a must because we live in a high-speed world.
• Smart locks with Smart Camera’s: While crime knows no address, the safety feature of the smart lock is unlike any other. With cameras that steam to your phone, you never have to question who is accessing your apartment
• Gated Access and Cameras: Again, while we can’t guarantee safety gates and cameras are a great deterrent, and makes living in an apartment community feel safer. I would put keyless entries at every amenity, along with cameras, and cameras at all common areas.

Stay up to date and learn everything you can about new systems, apps, and technology. Your residents, especially the younger ones just getting out of college, getting their first jobs, and getting out on their own need your property to be technology forward; they don’t know any other way.

7 years

One

Our residents expect Greystone to have cutting edge technology in our homes. It is our mission to create sustainable competitive advantages as well as to provide and maintain extraordinary apartment communities as a result of quality construction and "best in class" property management. Greystone Properties has been setting the standard by offering the latest technology and amenities on each occasion we have constructed a new community. Starting with our initial newly constructed apartment community completed in 1994, we have been committed to offering our Residents the latest trends found in apartment homes throughout the United States.

• Smart locks
• Communication between our Residents and Staff
• Internet Speed

In our commitment to the future, we consistently strive to monitor and improve every aspect of our management and maintenance services. We keep our vision on the future needs and desires of our Residents by staying abreast of the latest trends in technology through a combination of attending industry events, monitoring social media & tech news, and collaborating with leaders in the "Smart Home" sector. With these combined efforts, Greystone Properties will continually excel and set the standards that others in our industry will follow!

Ease of use, fast downloads, multiple device capabilities.

• Controlled Access
• High speed property wide Wi-Fi
• Internet Speed

Engage a consultant to assist in navigating this fast-changing business.

35 years

We own 19 existing properties (3,857 Homes) and four additional communities in various stages of development (736 Homes).

Technology has changed every aspect of our lives and daily activities. Having higher speeds allows for increased production for business operations. It provides additional satisfaction for our residents who are the lead component in the multifamily housing business. Technology has also changed the way we operate. We are able to communicate more effectively and allows us to stay up to date in a competitive market.

First, entertainment. Gone are the days of playing outdoors all summer. In today’s world we are able to enjoy the same forms of entertainment without leaving home.

Second, communication. Smart phones and other handheld devices have provided us with endless ways to communicate. We are now able to text, email, and even hold video conferences right from our phone.

Lastly, operations. The never ending paper trail and filing cabinets have become a thing of the past.Technology has allowed us to store such needed information online saving both time and money. The healthcare world has changed considerably with the use of technology. From 3D imaging, non-invasive surgical procedures and the ability to properly diagnose and cure

Finding out what employees and residents find important is found through surveying and face to face conversation. We also attending conferences to stay in the know of the new and up and coming software systems and concepts.

Absolutely. Fiber optic internet allows the renter to choose various speeds suiting their individual needs. It also allows the use of wireless cable boxes and the capability to for multiple devices to be connected at once without slowing down the speed.

1. Smart thermostats. Such devices allow the renter to regulate the temperatures from anywhere in the world. Smart thermostats also decrease energy composition saving the consumer money.

2. Interactive resident portals and leasing tools. Online portals allow prospective and current residents to view availability, make payments, enter work requests and communicate with office staff or management. Interactive leasing tools such as touch screen models and furniture placement tools allow prospects to tour the property without having to visit in person.

3. Smart home automation. Being able to control all of your entertainment devices from one source is not only convenient but a huge time saver as well.

With over one third of the population renting it is clear why the need for multifamily housing is so important. Up to date technology allows management to thrive.

Over 46 years.

Multifamily communities - 10
Commercial and Industrial - 5

It's how we communicate these days. Living without current technology is a big handicap.

• Computers with high speed internet
• Social networking through cell phones and internet
• LED and wireless technologies

Trade journals.

Faster internet and clearer video.

• Fiber
• CAT Cable outlets in all rooms

30 years

One.

We are in an age where technology is used for all things. It impacts the way we do business, the way we exchange information, and eases our daily routines.

• Everything on demand
• Social communication
• Smart home technology

• Listening to the needs and concerns of our residents defines an ever‐on‐going process of change to enhance our operations.
• Following industry trends as well as technology updates to make sure we are ahead and/or in‐line with our competitors.

The increase in the number of residents that utilize their home as a work space.

• Fiber/highest speed internet in all aspects of the community
• Work stations with wired capabilities / group work areas and conference spaces
• Technology in the home – Smart locks, thermostats, blue tooth capabilities etc.

Be open to change and listen to your residents and prospects. They are the people that make us successful at what we do.

As a company over 50 years

In the DFW Region, we have 10 and nationwide over 70.

Technology plays a critical role in the daily lives of our residents. In order to remain competitive in the apartment market it is imperative that our property offers the most up-to-date technological advances.

• Keyless apartment entry systems
• Package Locker Systems
• Smart Features such as app based systems for temperature control, appliances, and community access

Attending technology conferences and trade shows is a great way to stay informed of all of the new products offered in the marketplace. Conducting associate and resident surveys gives us great insight into what technology will make it more efficient and effective for associates to perform their jobs and allows residents to share what makes a difference to them in their personal and professional lives.

AT&T Fiber was installed during the construction phase at our community and therefore our residents have always enjoyed the benefit of the most advanced technology in high speed internet. Many of our residents are able to work from home as a result of the high quality of internet service offered.

Smart phone as a universal remote for smart features. People like a one-stop-shop. Being able to do everything using one device would be the ultimate convenience for our residents.

Robot Concierge. It would make us stand out from our competition and offer a time-saving method to deliver items to resident homes.

Package Room with refrigeration cases. Residents have busy schedules and need the option to retrieve their packages at any time. The room would allow the property to accept a larger quantity of packages and the refrigeration cases would be beneficial for perishable items.

Consider the shelf life of the technology that is introduced to the property and ensure that a cost effective upgrade is possible as the technology advances.

I have been in the Multifamily industry for 18 years.

Windsor Communities manages close to 100 properties nationwide.

Our tenants are technologically savvy, and appreciate anything we can do to make their residential experience simpler and more convenient. Communication between landlord and tenant is enhanced with technology, response times are greatly reduced – sometimes instant – and property management becomes much more efficient.

• Internet Speed and Connectivity
• Online Portal Services for Tenants (service requests, rent payments, general communication, community information and events)
• Mobile Phone Service (remote calling, text messaging, voicemail, and email)
• Keyless Locks and Remote Entry (provides security and convenience)

We listen to our tenants. They’re often ahead of the game, and will let us know what technology is important to them. Our staff is well-connected with industry leaders and service providers, and routinely explores new ways to provide a better tenant experience.

With AT&T Fiber, tenant complaints about internet connectivity have decreased dramatically. Speed is important, and AT&T Fiber delivers. Tenants find the set-up service time to be quicker and easier with AT&T Fiber.

• Fast, Efficient Connectivity
• An Abundance of Communication Channels
• Keyless Locks, Remote Access, and Enhanced Security

Offer as much advanced, cutting edge technology to your tenants as possible.

Twenty years.

Twelve.

We believe technology has changed tremendously over the past several years and more changes are forthcoming. With those changes, the need for faster and more reliable downloading capabilities is a must. With our partnership with AT&T, we were pleased to be included in the installation of and roll-out of fiber to our community.

• Streaming services, fewer “cable” subscribers
• Resident/Prospect contacts via internet, text
• Smart home technology

By conducting monthly resident and prospect satisfaction surveys and constant communication with our staff from our OPS teams.

It was just recently rolled out so too early to communicate any changes.

• Fast, reliable internet to accommodate the ever changing way in which residents watch TV, smart home services and our ability to stay in communication with our residents and prospects.
• Resident spaces such as e-lounge or cyber café to accommodate the growing number of work-from-home and co-working generation.
• BioMetric limited access points for common area spaces, such as the mail centers, clubhouses and building entrances.

Stay informed and choose your MDU partner wisely.

The company has been involved for numerous years. I have been involved in the MDU partnerships as early as 2006.

27 properties, 7,000 units

Today, time is luxury that most people don’t have. We must deliver our messages to our residents and prospects in the most efficient way possible and without advanced technology, this will most certainly keep you out of the running for prospective customers. “Technology has important effects on business operations. No matter the size of your enterprise, technology has both tangible and intangible benefits that will help you make money and produce the results your customers demand. Technological infrastructure affects the culture, efficiency and relationships of a business.”

We are green globe certified and are a paperless community. From the leasing process being fully online and signing all documents online this enables our prospects and residents to be able to get us the info we need timely and efficiently and vice versa. They are also able to check their documents and make payments online with ease.

Other than electronic surveys and research we do our best to stay in touch with our residents and customers needs in addition to our helping make our teams jobs easier. The best way to do this is to streamline processes and use technology to assist in our day to day operations. There is a system for everything including keeping ipads readily available during the touring process that would have everything they would need at their fingertips.

We have the highest speed available to our residents prewired into our building for their use. With this great advancement, it allows for our residents to have internet in their homes that they don’t have to share with others. This will allow them to be able to stream, work or use this for leisure. The largest utility request or concern that anyone these days, has is their internet so we are very proud to be able to offer this to our residents.

Resident concierge software with text enabled properties to be able to easily communicate with residents including automated package updates. Our residents are on the go and now that email is not even as opened as text messages, the ability to communicate and relate to our residents and prospects is the most important thing. We want to be able to make things convenient for our property and being a paperless community from start to finish now, that helps us cater to everyone with making things available to them online on their app.

Think convenience and being everywhere your prospects and residents are. If you brand your properties properly you will need to the use of digital marketing and technology plays a key role In our successes.

10 years

Two Twelve Clayton

Advancements in technology mean advancements in lifestyle for our residents which is our top priority at The NRP Group. Our company specializes in amenities that add a superior level of convenience and ease for our residents. Committing to technology in our communities enables us to not only streamline our business practices but also enhances the quality of living that we are able to create. Technology allows us to increase our communication ability and therefore maximize the service and efficiency we provide for those who live and work in our properties.

Online leasing and resident portals have revolutionized our industry and helped us to streamline processes for our residents. With the internet people can go through the entire leasing cycle without ever speaking to someone. They can submit applications online, sign their leases, and schedule work orders if they need assistance in their apartments.

Technology has helped us to increase the speed of our service, and it’s also helped us to spread our reach. Social Media is another advancement that has helped us to reach more customers. We can now show our properties with photos and videos online through social networks, and online reviews also help people learn about our reputation. Think about how little social media impacted our business 10-12 years ago versus today, and how this impact seemingly grows exponentially year in and year out. Now imagine how this is going to reshape the landscape of our industry 10 years from now!

The final technology advancement that has impacted our business deals with the way technology has made us more efficient operators. Fifteen years ago, many of us were working off of PM (property management) software that was not even internet based. Now we have efficient PM software that allow us to update ILS and other sources with the push of a button, utilize true CRM (customer relationship management) systems for leads, integrate with inspection software, complete paperless maintenance using tablets, order supplies with the push of a button utilizing your national contract vendors and your negotiated products and rates, see comp data real time, eliminate all of that paper in the office, and so on.

That being said, we realize that all of the items noted above are just the beginning. The way we do business is going to be radically changed over the next 10-15 years and keeping up with these ever-changing trends is going to be crucial to the success of our organization.

At The NRP Group, our belief is that technology exists to enhance communication. As a company we’re always watching to see what emerging trends can help increase our efficiency for staff and residents. Typically our operations teams research industry periodicals and conferences to find what new technical advancements we could adapt and use at our properties for residents and staff. Feedback from our site teams is also crucial. When we’re aware of issues that our staff and residents are experiencing, we can search for solutions through technology.

Overall, AT&T Fiber has helped us to provide increased speed and as a result a better service for our residents. We realize that our residents rely on a strong and stable internet connection for work and entertainment and AT&T allows us to provide that convenience in their homes.

The three most important pieces of technology that we would include in our properties would be a fully networked smart home complete with smart access devices (key systems), lights, and temperature control. The demand for these devices seems to grow every day and someday soon they will become the norm. Package lockers are also extremely important. Residents are looking for convenience in their schedules and this system provides both convenience and security. I think we are still in the infancy of this trend as well and expect this to grow dramatically into things such as refrigerated lockers, more oversized storage solutions, and convenience item solutions like dry cleaning. Finally, well-networked and tech-savvy amenity centers are also essential. App based amenity centers where residents can control televisions, lighting, and other features to create an enhanced living experience.

To be successful in MDU ownership/Management we suggest that whatever you design should be centered around making the resident and employee experience better. Designing a building that residents love and employees enjoy working at creates a community that is efficient for the employee to operate and easy for the resident to connect with.

25 years

In 2019 we will have 140 properties.