Apartments.com SVP and GM, Dick Burke, was invited to appear on FoxNews.com to discuss the current state of the rental industry and the direction it’s headed. In addition to addressing the impact foreclosure in the housing market are having on rental units, Burke provides apartment hunters with tips on where they can stretch their rental dollar the furthest.

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The housing recovery rolls on, and the latest reports reveal some very interesting trends for renters. Here are some takeaway figures. Note that these statistics apply to the urban market only:

• 11.5% increase in list price since last year
• 21% decrease in homes on the market since last year

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After a rough few years in the housing and rental market due to the down economy and recent recession, it appears as if everything is beginning to turn around in 2013. While it’s too early to invest everything in the rental and housing market at this moment, there are some emerging trends that are clearly evident so far in 2013 that are important to know if you work in the real estate and property management business. A number of these emerging trends are listed below.

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The market for renters is competitive. Regardless of your rental property’s size, any unit vacancy is revenue going down the drain. High renter retention rates can minimize these gaps, but even the best properties will need a strong approach to recruiting new renters as openings occur. Depending on the demand for your property, there are a number of marketing strategies you can employ to fill vacancies and stir up interest in your rental units.

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Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to spend less time stressed out and more time on things you enjoy? If so, you’re like many others! Some of the top ten New Year’s resolutions include spending more time with family and friends, fitting in fitness, learning something new and getting organized. What is the common denominator in those resolutions? You need more time!

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If you work in marketing for the multifamily housing industry, you may have heard Apartments.com has launched community reviews. And, you most likely sit in one of two camps: nervously optimistic or somewhat ticked off (I heard from both sides at last week’s NMHC OpTech conference in Dallas).

Let me explain why we’re going down this controversial path and why we believe it’s the right thing to do: Read More

The team at Apartments.com had the opportunity to give a recent grad a leg up on relocating for a sought-after job opportunity on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Watch as Ellen surprises a Spokane-resident with her dream job as a production assistant on her favorite talk show. Job hunters should take notice of how the recent grad created a video resume rap showing just how much she wanted to work for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. With a little help from Apartments.com to make the move from WA to LA, Erica Norris’ dream is now a reality!

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Social activities are a great way to build rapport with your residents, encourage them to get to know their neighbors and become involved in your apartment community. If you’re looking for ways to make your property and residents more social, these are some ideas to get you started:

Summer Socials: Take advantage of nice weather and create outdoor activities for your residents. If your property has a pool, invite renters to attend a pool party and grill up hamburgers and hot dogs for the guests. Have an ice cream social one night, or hand out treats to residents as they pass by the leasing office as a nice surprise as they come home from a long day at the office. Read More

The attendees of Heartland Mobile Council’s MobiU2012 Summit, held in Chicago on September 24, expected to learn a thing or two about mobile. Despite the fact that I was one of the presenters, I can humbly say the event did not disappoint.

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An act passed earlier this year – the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act – will open the US airways to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by September 2015. In fact, the FAA will be redefining laws related to UAVs (otherwise known as drones) allowing commercial drones certain privileges.

These new laws will offer several new opportunities for property managers – including high-resolution aerial photography without the expense of hiring manned vehicles. With new laws, however, also come concerns from residents and citizens. Read More