MultifamilyMagazines.com June/July 2023

Ziesenis

Hunger In Southwest Texas

1 in 5 adults are food insecure

1 in 4 children are food insecure

Fighting Hunger... Feeding Hope

Founded in 1980, the San Antonio Food Bank takes pride in fighting hunger and feeding hope across our 29 county service territory. We have grown to serve 100,000 individuals a week in one of the largest service areas in Texas.

Ways You Can Support Our Mission

Through your gifts of Food, Time, Money, and Voice, we can help feed hope to neighbors facing hunger in our community. Give help at safoodbank.org

Give Food

Food donations are critical to our ongoing mission of collecting and redistributing millions of pounds of food to individuals and families across Southwest Texas.

Give Money

We can turn your $1 donation into 7 meals or 10 pounds of food. Make a gift by scanning the QR code with your phone.

Give Time

Our volunteer opportunities range from our sorting room, warehouse, community kitchen, distributions, and more. All ages and abilities welcome.

Give Voice

We believe the voice of the community is powerful. Advocate against hunger or share our mission with your network. Connect with us @safoodbank.

Senior Market Analyst at ALN Apartment Data. In addition to speaking at affiliates around the country, Jordan writes ALN’s

Russ is a Speaker/Trainer on all things mobile tech and how to unleash your inner geek! Sessions on emotional intelligence, empathic listening, tech

Beth Ziesenis is Your Nerdy Best Friend. She is the author of several books on technology including “Nerd365: A Year of APP-ortunities to Upgrade Your Life.” An award-winning speaker, Beth travels the country talking to organizations about free and bargain

August/September 2023

- Deadline for submissions, July 1, 2023

October/November 2023

- Deadline for submissions, Sept. 1, 2023

December 2023/January 2024

- Deadline for submissions, Nov. 1, 2023

February/March 2024

- Deadline for submissions, January 5, 2024

April/May 2024

- Deadline for submissions, March 1, 2024

June/July 2024

- Deadline for submissions, May 1, 2024

Jordan Brooks

Russ Webb

Beth Z Senior Market Analyst Speaker, Trainer, Facilitator Author and Speaker

Welcome to MultifamilyMagazines.com, San Antonio Edition!

It is my pleasure to introduce you to our new publication that is dedicated to the multifamily industry. We are here to provide our readers with information and insights that are valuable to properties, owners and suppliers.

Our team is here to provide you with the most relevant information and our mission is to provide a dynamic platform for multifamily professionals to connect, share ideas, and feel inspired.

At MultifamilyMagazines.com, our experienced editors and contributors bring an unmatched level of industry knowledge and understanding to the magazine. As we move forward, we invite you to join our journey as we explore the multifamily industry and provide you with the best information and inspiration to ensure success.

Thank you for being a part of our magazine and community – we look forward to inspiring and empowering the multifamily industry with you!

Enjoy!

Copyright© 2023 MultifamilyMagazines.com. All Rights Reserved. All materials, including content and artwork, found in this publication are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws, and may not be used without authorization. Any use, reproduction, modification, transmission, distribution or republication of any parts of this work is strictly prohibited, unless authorized in writing by publisher. Unauthorized use may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws. Contents of this magazine are strictly for informational and entertainment purposes. In no event shall the publisher be liable for any damages such as direct, indirect, punitive, accidental, or consequential, arising out of the application of any of the contents of this magazine. Opinions expressed are those of the writers or sources and do no necessarily represent the views of the publisher nor do they constitute the endodrsement of products or services herein. Information in this publication has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, however, MultifamilyMagazines.com makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness of the information and/or recommendations.

Our mission is to provide a dynamic platform for multifamily professionals to connect, share ideas, and feel inspired.

MEMBER SAAA, TAA, NAA

Jordan Brooks Senior Market Analyst

ALN Apartment Data

Jordan@alndata.com

www.alndata.com

Jordan Brooks is a Senior Market Analyst at ALN Apartment Data. In addition to speaking at affiliates around the country, Jordan writes ALN’s monthly newsletter analyzing various aspects of industry performance and contributes monthly to multiple multifamily publications. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas in Business Analytics.

I New Supply Pressure

In many markets around the country – particularly those in growth regions such as the Mountain West, Lower Atlantic, and Texas –years of robust and consistent in-migration has led to significantly expanded multifamily construction pipelines. Areas like Raleigh-Durham, Orlando, Nashville, Phoenix, and Boise to name just a few are set to see something of a deluge of new units in 2023 and into 2024 relative to their long-term averages for deliveries.

Interestingly, Texas is currently something of an exception among these regions. Typically a very active state for new development, Texas has taken a fortuitously timed small step back at a time when apartment demand remains tepid at best.

The Greater San Antonio region has, unfortunately, not managed to side-step the broader downward trend in apartment demand. However, the new construction pipeline for the area, while undoubtedly larger than normal, fits the current Texas mold in that it is not quite as bloated as in many markets across these national growth regions.

Deliveries Have Moderated in Recent Years

The average for annual deliveries across the San Antonio region over the last five years stands at approximately 4,800 units. Even so, in 2021 and in 2022, new units introduced totaled less than 4,000 units. The most active years of the last five were 2018 and 2020 – periods in which around 6,000 new units were delivered in each.

Thanks to the explosive apartment demand of 2021, even after suffering a net loss of just more than 4,000 net leased units in 2022, only about 300 fewer units have been absorbed than added over the last five years. The glass half empty version of that stat, though, is that the market can no longer rely on the cushion of 2021 demand to make up for the subsequent (and continuing) shortfall.

Looking at the current pipeline, ALN is currently tracking roughly 9,700 units across the Greater San Antonio market that remain in a lease-up phase. The bulk of these, more than 7,000 units, are in a phase of the pipeline where construction is not yet entirely complete, but leasing is already underway. A further 2,600 units or so are currently in lease-up within properties that have completed construction already.

Taken together, these approximately 9,700 units represent the current new supply impact on the market. They do not include the units cur-

Not as Acute for Greater San Antonio

Final Thoughts

Two things can be true at once: the San Antonio new construction pipeline is not as bloated as in many markets around the country, and also San Antonio is likely to be dealing with new supply pressure this year and next year.

rently under construction that are not yet leasing. These units will be entering the market during the remainder of 2023 and in 2024.

Upcoming Deliveries Set to Increase

In addition to almost 10,000 units in lease-up, there are close to 14,000 units currently under construction but not yet leasing. Submarkets like the Downtown – Riverwalk area and the La Cantera – Dominion – The Rim region are among the leaders in this phase of the pipeline. Indicating the geographic dispersion of activity, however, is the fact that Greater New Braunfels leads the way with nearly 2,000 units currently being built. The Northwest – Helotes – Grey Forest submarket is also an active one with around 1,200 units in this phase of the pipeline.

Removing the outlier years of 2021 and 2022, the three-year average for Greater San Antonio annual absorption in the 2018 through 2020 period was 5,600 net units. Based on projected start dates, 2023 deliveries are anticipated to be between 7,000 and 8,000 units.

The resulting shortfall relative to average demand is probably a bit understated since 2023 net absorption is unlikely to hit that average. In fact, first quarter net absorption totaled a net loss of around 600 leased units. While the fourth and first quarters tend to be the weaker season for multifamily, San Antonio usually does not see negative quarterly absorption in the opening period of the year. In recent years, only 2022 met that ignominious threshold.

The bigger problem facing the multifamily industry in San Antonio is the demand picture. While national demand fell more than 90% in 2022 relative to 2021, San Antonio was among those markets that experienced a net loss of leased units last year. So far in 2023, that trend has continued.

Units in lease-up and projects that have already broken ground represent new supply that cannot be put on hold or otherwise avoided. Slightly more than half of the total pipeline currently sits in a pre-construction phase, meaning those projects can be canceled or delayed. But any winnowing of that phase would not be felt in the market until late 2024 at the earliest, and really, not until 2025.

The sky certainly is not falling in San Antonio, especially relative to other markets. Nonetheless, expect to see concessions on the rise, market-level occupancy further softening, and rent growth become harder to come by. The near term will be more challenging for operators and developers than they have become accustomed to as the market takes time to adjust to the incoming new units.

Q&A with Kara...

Kara Morkovsky Associate Vice President

Portico Property Management

Q. How did you initially become involved in the multifamily industry?

A. I had just rented my first apartment in SA and became so familiar and close with the office team that they said I would be a good leasing agent. The manager at the time told me to apply and I got my first job at one of the sister communities down the street.

Q. What have been the most rewarding aspects of your leadership role in the multifamily industry?

A. Seeing my team members advance professionally and being part of organizations that are moving forward and becoming innovative so I have a voice in helping with the change.

Q. How has the multifamily industry changed since you began your career?

A. Oh, where do I begin…it is constantly changing, that’s what makes it so interesting and fun! The evolving of the industry is the biggest driver in the changes…from going from old paper leases to electronic/digital, offering the good ol’ in person tours to virtual and self guided as

well as all the new cool AI and Digital platforms and marketing techniques.

Q. What advice would you offer someone looking to enter the multifamily industry?

A. Take a chance! If you have a good personality, are friendly and willing to learn, anyone in this industry is willing to take a chance on you. They will invest in you and allow you to become the best person professionally you want to become. This industry allows you to grow and develop in so many other areas and progress forward in a highly sought out, always demanding career.

Q. What do you believe are the key components of successful multifamily management?

A. The basics! Hire great people, provide superior customer service, out perform your sub-market, build great client relationships, retain your team and have fun!

Q. What have been the biggest challenges you have faced in your leadership roles?

A. Making hard decisions comes with the job!

It is never easy nor will it ever be….to have to let someone go. Whether it is within your control or not. But treating someone just as good on the way out as they came in will go a long way and build future relationships! The other challenge is turnover and finding good talent! It has been extremely hard these past couple of years! Lastly, accepting and embracing change.

Q. What has been the most impactful decision you have made as a leader in the multifamily industry?

A. Getting involved with the San Antonio Apartment Association

Q. What measures do you take to ensure your staff stays motivated?

A. Keep work fun and don’t just know them as an employee but as a person and family member of your company. Continue to coach and mentor them so we are always adding value to their professional endeavors.

Q. What do you believe are the key traits of an effective leader?

A. Listen, just not hear. Challenge authority. Be engaging and offer input (speak up). Always coach up, not down. Encourage and Empower. Inspect what you Expect. Lead by Example.

Q. Who inspires you?

A. Do I have to pick just one? This is hard, I have come across so many who have inspired me along the way in the last 26 years of my multi-family career. Working with great companies like I have had the pleasure of, I have always had an inspirational role model with all of them!

TIPS

best life

Be Kind to Yourself

Tipsfor Living Your Best Life!

1. Make time for yourself – Take a few minutes every day to focus on yourself and your wellbeing. That could be through meditation, yoga, reading, listening to music, or whatever else helps you relax and recharge.

2. Eat healthy – Eating healthy foods not only helps you feel better physically, but it can also help you feel better mentally. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

3. Exercise regularly – Exercise not only helps keep your body healthy and strong, it can also help reduce stress and anxiety. So make sure to incorporate some type of physical activity into your daily routine.

4. Spend time with friends and family – It’s important to cultivate meaningful relationships with the people who matter most to you. Make it a priority to set aside time for quality time with your loved ones.

5. Follow your passions – Doing something you’re passionate about can help you live a life of purpose and fulfillment. Make time for activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.

6. Get enough sleep – Getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

7. Take risks – Taking risks can help you grow and move forward in life. Don’t be afraid to take chances and try something new.

8. Set goals – Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and focused. Set both shortterm and long-term goals for yourself.

9. Laugh often – Laughter can help reduce stress and make life more enjoyable. Incorporate humor and laughter into your life as much as possible.

10. Be kind to yourself – Self-care is important for living your best life. Practice self-care and self-love by being kind to yourself and forgiving yourself for mistakes.

Market Line - SAN ANTONIO

The box on the left displays a snapshot of the current market conditions.

History of Effective Price &

89.4%

1,209 $/mo

Rental Rate: 1.40 $/sf/mo

Size: 863 sf Past 12

growth

The graph on the right displays the overall occupancy and effective rental prices over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities. Effective rental prices are calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments.

The table below lists the 5 hottest submarkets in the Greater San Antonio area. There are a total of 15 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past 3 months.

The table below distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification. Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free, or floorplan. ApartmentData.com captures the effect of these specials and prorates them over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents.

Other Texas Markets

Occupancy: 89.9%

Price: 1,265 $/mo

Rental Rate: 1.42 $/sf/mo Size: 891 sf

Past 12 Months: 1.8% Rental Rate growth 3,067 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,078 communities 727,736 units

Occupancy: 91.6% Price: 1,496 $/mo

Rental Rate: 1.70 $/sf/mo Size: 881 sf

Past 12 Months: 0.3% Rental Rate growth 1,945 units absorbed Operating Supply: 3,418 communities 824,265 units

Occupancy: 89.1%

Price: 1,623 $/mo

Rental Rate: 1.85 $/sf/mo Size: 877 sf

Past 12 Months: -2.7% Rental Rate growth 7,204 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 1,204 communities 289,160 units

How to Get Started

If you’re in the multifamily business, then you know that dealing with resident complaints, hiring new staff, writing marketing copy, and creating engaging resident activities can be a real challenge. Fortunately, ChatGPT is here to be your superhero and make your life a whole lot easier.

So, what is ChatGPT?

It’s an AI-powered tool that uses advanced language models to generate human-like responses to a variety of prompts. Essentially, it’s like having a really smart and witty assistant at your fingertips. And the best part is that it can help you with a variety of tasks in the multifamily biz.

Respond with Respect

Let’s start with resident complaints. We all know that dealing with complaints can be tricky. You want to be professional and empathetic, but you also want to make sure that you’re addressing the issue in a way that satisfies the resident. With ChatGPT, you can craft responses that are both professional

and empathetic without breaking a sweat. Simply input the details of the complaint, and ChatGPT will provide you with a response that will make even the crankiest of residents happy.

Interview More Intelligently

Hiring new staff can also be a real headache. You want to make sure that you’re asking the right questions to find the perfect candidate for the job. But coming up with interview questions can be a challenge. Fortunately, ChatGPT can help you generate interview questions that will help you find the perfect candidate. Input the job description and any other relevant details and let ChatGPT work its magic.

Write Better Performance Reviews

Performance reviews are another necessary evil in the multifamily biz. You want to make sure that your employees are performing at their best, but writing fair and insightful reviews can be time-consuming. With ChatGPT, you can create fair and insightful reviews without spending hours staring

Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend

beth@yournerdybestfriend.com

with ChatGPT

at a blank screen. Just input the employee’s name and job description plus a few points you want to make, and ChatGPT will do the heavy lifting for you.

Bonus!

ChatGPT is also perfect for writing your own performance review or recommendation letter because we all find it hard to expound upon our strengths. So let AI do it for you.

Up Your Marketing Skills

If you’re having trouble coming up with the words to describe yet another “sparkling blue community pool” or “well-appointed lobby,” ChatGPT can help.

Ask ChatGPT to “act like a marketing expert” to transform a general facility description into copy that highlights the best features of your property and appeals to potential residents.

Use Your Brainstorm Buddy

Finally, let’s talk about resident activities. Keeping your residents engaged and happy is essential, but coming up with

new and exciting activities can be a challenge. With ChatGPT, you can generate a list of activities that will keep your residents entertained and happy. Input the demographic information of your residents, and let ChatGPT do the rest.

How Else Can ChatGPT Help?

The possibilities are endless, and all you have to do is ask! Simply ask ChatGPT questions such as, “How can you help multifamily professionals be more efficient in their jobs?” and let the tool give you new ideas to start your own AI-powered journey.

Beth Ziesenis is Your Nerdy Best Friend. She is the author of several books on technology including “Nerd365: A Year of APP-ortunities to Upgrade Your Life.” An award-winning speaker, Beth travels the country talking to organizations about free and bargain technology.

Q&A with Dawn...

Dawn Neuman Oldham Francis Property Management

Q. What is your current role in the multifamily industry?

A. Regional Manager

Q. When did you start in this industry?

A. 1987

Q. What do you enjoy most about your role/ multifamily?

A. New experience every day.

Q. What is the best advice you can give someone who is new to multifamily?

A. Stay calm and listen. It is a great industry to be in and you can build lots of relationships with so many different people.

Q. What is the best advice you can give those who have been in the industry for a while?

A. Make sure to take continuing education classes, get involved in industry events, and volunteer your time to good causes.

Q. Who inspires you?

A. Anyone that tries to live in harmony. I believe in cooperation vs. competition.

Q. What do you think the future holds for multifamily?

A. People need a place to live, there will be ups and downs in the industry as in the past, but it is a very stable industry to make it a career.

Q. What do you do to balance your work and home life?

A. Depending on your position in the industry it is hard to be “off work”, but I try to clear my mind by enjoying the outdoors and spending time with family as much as possible.

Q. What are you most thankful for?

A. My family.

Q. Any additional thoughts you’d like to share?

A. You can have a great career in the multi-family industry, and it is fulfilling to help your team members grow.

leasingprofessionals Top 10 Habits of Exceptional | leasing

We all know that leasing apartments can be a challenging and rewarding job, but there are some leasing agents who stand out and consistently exceed expectations. These exceptional agents are more than just rental agents -- they are master negotiators, salesmen, and may even be considered an integral part of the community. In order to be at the top of their game, leasing agents must cultivate a series of habits which will help them stay ahead of the competition and provide superior service to their residents. Read on to find out the top 10 habits of exceptional apartment leasing agents.

1. Knowing the Lease: As a leasing agent, you must be familiar and comfortable with the property’s lease terms and policies. A strong knowledge of the lease and all its details will allow you to better protect residents’ legal rights and advise them on the best options for their particular situation.

2. People Skills: Being a leasing agent is not just about renting out apartments, it’s also about getting to know prospective residents and building a relationship with them. Consequently, agents must have sharp interpersonal skills, so they can not only communicate well with residents and other stakeholders, but can also act with poise and respect in difficult situations.

3. Understanding Your Market: Being an expert in the local real estate market is key for leasing agents looking to land residents for their property. They should be well versed in the market’s trends, rental prices, and rental competition, so they can tailor offers accordingly.

4. Listening: An exceptional leasing agent should always strive to be a great listener - they should take a genuine interest in the people they meet and reflect that interest in the conversation. Openly hearing and acknowledging residents’ needs, desires, and goals will build trust and ensure customers are satisfied.

5. Multi-tasking: Apart from being a good listener, leasing agents must also be able to organize and prioritize their work. They need to be able to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner, and juggle administrative duties, customer-facing projects and maintenance requests with ease.

6. Empathy and Patience: As the front line of customer service, leasing agents must be able to put themselves in residents’ shoes and relate to their situations, all while retaining a level of professional courtesy. Exercising patience in heated situations and understanding residents’ frustrations can help turn a negative into a positive experience.

7. Proactivity: Exceptional agents are never waiting for something to happen -- they are proactive in their approach and think several steps ahead. Being a step ahead of everyone else and having solutions to potential problems before they occur will help agents to stand out in a competitive market.

8. Going the Extra Mile: Making a great first impression is an essential resident-winning tactic. Taking the time to answer all the questions posed, offering additional resources, and hosting introductory tours to showcase the building are all great ways to show residents why they should make your property their home.

9. Honesty & Integrity: Residents rely on agents to be straightforward and truthful in all their interactions. Keeping promises and standing by one’s word sets leasing agents above their peers and creates trust and loyalty in customers.

10. Keeping up With Technology: Most of us know that technology is the way of the future, and this holds true for the real estate industry as well. Being tech savvy and up to date on the latest platforms, products, and practices will help leasing agents provide efficient, modern solutions to their residents.

With these habits in mind, leasing agents can set themselves apart and strive to become industry elites. By putting their residents first and providing outstanding service, they can turn their goals into tangible successes.

Positive thinking can help leaders foster a sense of empowerment and create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth.

POSITIVITY & LEADERSHIPtheygohandinhand

by Russ Webb, Executive Director - Bay Area Apartment Association

OOPTIMISM…it’s the one incredible trait that so many leaders share. The power of positive thinking has been a topic of conversation and research for many years. It is a concept that suggests that the way we think about ourselves, our situations, and our surroundings has a significant impact on our actions and outcomes. This is especially true for leaders who are responsible for motivating and inspiring their teams to achieve their goals.

Being a positive leader means that you approach challenges with an optimistic attitude and focus on opportunities rather than obstacles. It means that you believe in the potential of your team and encourage them to think creatively and take risks. Positive thinking can help leaders foster a sense of empowerment and create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Teams watch their leaders for inspiration, and those that create a positive atmosphere tend to be the ones who make a greater impact.

So is positivity just a ‘feel good’ way of leading? Far from it. Research has shown that positive thinking can have a measurable impact on leadership and organizational outcomes. A study by the University of Michigan found that positive leaders were more likely to create an environment of trust and cooperation, which led to increased productivity and job satisfaction among employees. Positive leaders were also more likely to develop innovative solutions to problems and inspire their teams to take risks and think outside the box. Peo-

ple follow those who create opportunities for taking chances, as with risk comes reward and often recognition.

Positive thinking can also help leaders manage stress and overcome challenges. When faced with difficult situations, positive leaders are more likely to focus on solutions rather than dwell on problems. I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing leaders and one trait they all share is fixing a problem instead of focusing on who or what caused it. Those who focus on answers can see the end result, even with many obstacles in the way. This style of leadership inspires others around to do the same, and their ability to not focus on blame makes their followers even more loyal.

Optimism isn’t always easy, and like any character trait it can take work to become the norm. As a leader, you can focus on the things you are thankful for, and that simple change can shift your perspective from negativity to positivity. Surrounding yourself with positive people and messages will continue to reinforce your optimistic outcomes, and enthusiasm can be the most contagious of all leadership traits.

The first choice you make every day when you open your eyes is what kind of day it’s going to be. Since life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it…choose it make it a great day!

Q&A with Debbie...

Debbie Wiatrek Vice President,

Asset Living

Q. What is your current role in the multifamily industry?

A. Vice President of Operations

Q. When did you start in this industry?

A. When I was 17 as a part-time leasing associate, in 1989

Q. What do you enjoy most about your role/multifamily?

A. Providing homes and changing people’s lives

Q. What is the best advice you can give someone who is new to multifamily?

A. Stick with it. Don’t let the hard times get you down. Remember you are the one making the difference to people everywhere.

Q. What is the best advice you can give those who have been in the industry for a while?

A. Don’t get burned out. Take time off and appreciate all those you have housed.

Q. Who inspires you?

A. My mom was my biggest inspiration. She had a drive like no one I ever saw, she pushed me to always strive to be the best in everything I do.

Q. What do you think the future holds for multifamily?

A. I think some types of smart technology will continue to be at the forefront of apartments. I also think more pet features will help properties to accommodate for all types of renters.

Q. What do you do to balance your work and home life?

A. I try to shut off work on the weekends as much as possible. I like to sometimes take a Friday off to re-energize as well.

Q. What are you most thankful for?

A. I am most thankful for the mentors in my life that have helped me be who I am today, Cindy Ash, Irma Caraway and Hugh Cobb really have shaped my professional career.

Q. Any additional thoughts you’d like to share?

A. Find a team you can work well with and stick with them. Your people will follow you if you take time to take care for each of them. Let them know you care and you value them. Take time to hand write notes, it is a lost art that means so much.

Debbie is responsible for overseeing the operations and activities in the South Texas region of Asset’s multi-family division. She has worked in the industry for over 30 years, gaining experience in affordable housing, conventional LIHTC housing, senior sites, PB Sec 8, 811, CDBG Funds, Public Housing, RAD, value-add rehabs, and all phases of new construction assets, including but not limited to 221D4 and 223F HUD loans. At Asset Living, her goals include making sure each and every employee feels empowered and obtaining the highest return on investment for all of her clients.

Debbie is a certified Public Housing Specialist (PHS) and on the Board of Directors of both the National Apartment Association and the Texas Apartment Association and the San Antonio Apartment Association. She also has Co-Chaired the TAA ONE Education Conference and Vice-Chair of the TAA Affordable Housing Committee. Outside of work, Debbie enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband of 28 years.

Fun Ideas to Make Your Residents Love Where They Live...

1. Free movie nights

2. Provide a gift wrapping station all year around

3. Start a community garden where residents can grow their own food

4. Host regular potlucks and barbecues

5. Install a pet park for residents with furry friends

6. Organize classes on topics like cooking, budgeting, and home maintenance

7. Offer free fitness classes or access to a fitness center

8. Provide a shared bike or scooter rental program

9. Install a community library with books donated by residents

10. Offer free cleaning kits when residents move in

curb appeal

Firstimpressions

As a manager of an apartment complex, it is important to recognize the importance of curb appeal for residents and potential residents.

First impressions are everything, and it’s no different when it comes to the outside of your property. By taking steps to increase curb appeal, you will make your renters and prospective renters feel more welcome and create an attractive environment that your residents can be proud to call their home.

Curb appeal is all about how your building looks from the exterior. The purpose of having good curb appeal is to create a positive first impression for everyone. That first impression can set the tone for a customer’s experience and, ultimately, can make or break whether or not they decide to sign a lease.

Good curb appeal can also make it easier to attract renters. Potential residents will be drawn to apartment complexes with a polished, attractive outward appearance. An apartment

complex that looks neglected will be less desirable and make it less likely that people will want to live there. Not only that, but having good curb appeal can even increase the value of your apartment complex.

Since potential residents will be more likely to move in, they may be willing to pay a higher rent. Additionally, by giving people an inviting environment to come home to each day, residents are less likely to move out shortly after signing a lease.

Luckily, curb appeal does not have to be expensive or hard to maintain. Fresh paint, new landscaping, and simple updates to the exterior will go a long way toward improving the visual appeal of the property. Painting fencing, updating outdoor lighting, and maintaining the lawn can also help to give the property an inviting and well-maintained look. It can make a real difference in enhancing the building’s outward appearance and making it a more desirable place to live where your residents can be proud.

around town |

SanAntonio

FunFacts

San Antonio is the only city to have five Spanish colonial missions recognized as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

about San Antonio! 1 2 3 4

The Alamo is the most popular tourist destination in Texas!

The San Antonio Spurs is the only major professional sports team in the United States to have never changed its name or location.

San Antonio is the birthplace of Coors Beer, the famous Texas Chili, the Margarita and Tex-Mex style BBQ.

Decorating a Small Space

If you have a small apartment and want to spruce it up, you are in luck. Decorating a small apartment with minimal effort is possible. Here are some tips to get you started.

First, declutter. One of the best and easiest ways to spruce up a small space is to get rid of the clutter. Take a few hours to go through your belongings and donate or trash anything that doesn’t bring you joy. This will help you create a more spacious, open feel in your home.

Next, consider lightening up the walls. A simple, light color can help open up the room and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Adding some white trim and a few pops of brighter colors with accents can give the room visual interest without overwhelming it.

Choosing furniture can be tricky in a small space. Choose pieces that are lightweight, like rattan or metal, to reduce crowding. Having some furniture on

wheels can also be helpful in a small space where you need to move items around to make room for guests.

Another great way to enhance a small space is to use mirrors and glass. Mirrors can help bounce around extra light throughout the space, creating an illusion of a bigger room. Glass accents, such as a glass table or a vase with a few pieces of stones, will bring light and interest without taking up too much space.

Finally, opt for minimal yet impactful décor. Keep it simple with plants, artwork, and small accessories. Avoid over-accessorizing, as this will make the room feel overcrowded.

Decorating a small apartment doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a few simple tips, you can create a comfortable and inviting space with minimal effort. So go ahead and make the most of your small apartment space.

Opt for minimal, yet impactful, décor

Five honest tips about social media today?

1. Be conscious of the time you spend on social mediaset limits, take regular breaks, and focus on more meaningful activities.

2. Be mindful of the content you post and be aware of how it may affect others.

3. Block, unfollow, or mute those who make you feel uncomfortable online.

4. Stand up to cyber-bullying whenever you come across it.

5. Consider implementing a digital detox and take time to be offline each week.

Top 5 Marketing Strategies for 2023:

1. Create an Interactive Website: Invest in a website that allows potential residents to explore floor plans, view available units, and get insight into what makes your community unique.

2. Utilize Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are a great way to build relationships with your community and create engaging content to market your space.

3. Feature Interactivity: Consider utilizing virtual tours, digital media and other unique interactive experiences in order to draw attention to your units.

4. Utilize Multi-Channel Marketing: Use both digital and traditional offline methods such as door hangers, postcards, and even signage in order to maximize exposure.

5. Invest in Video Marketing: Use video content to highlight the features and benefits of your units, as well as provide a realistic look into the lifestyle choices available to your residents.

The Maternal Optimist: A Tribute to My Mom

by Sonny Melendrez

Carmen Melendrez spent her whole life encouraging my brother and me.

She was a cheerleader without the routines. No matter the crisis, she’d always find a way to get us through it.

When my mom wasn’t praying for a happy ending, she was taking matters into her own gentle hands.

One Mother’s Day I wrote her the following letter. It best explains what she has meant to me.

Dear Mom,

You always knew what to say when I needed comforting. I’d still hurt, but just knowing you were there made life a little easier.

You always encouraged me to dream, cheered when I succeeded, and urged me to try again when I failed.

You helped me save for my first radio, $19.95 plus tax. A lot of money back then, but you knew I just had to have it.

When I needed Dad’s permission to spend the night at a friend’s house, you lobbied on my behalf.

When I made my First Communion you asked me to make a wish. I wished for a little brother. Nine months later, my brother Rick was born. Was there anything you wouldn’t do for me?

I can still see your face the day I got the measles. You would have gladly traded places with me, just to take away the pain. I would have let you.

You told me we couldn’t afford a bicycle for Christmas. It was true. Yet, there it was on Christmas morning, exactly as I had dreamed it.

You’ve always loved making me happy. How could I have survived my first heartbreak without you? At the time, I was sure you didn’t understand. Looking back, I know you did.

I can still taste the filling you’d leave for us in the pan after putting a lemon meringue pie in the oven. No one can make them like you.

Cub Scout Den Mother, Safety Patrol Mom, PTA, Home Room Mom: You were always ready to help. How could we not be proud? We belonged to you.

My sense of humor, outlook on life, love for children…they all come from you.

You’ve always taught me to give back and to put things in God’s hands through prayer and faith.

Mom, you’ve always been there for me and I am so grateful.

Thank you for all you’ve help me to become. Thank you for giving me your heart and your smile. May I wear them as bravely as you have.

God bless you, Mom. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day! –Sonny.

My mother died on April 6, 2018 at age 97 with my brother and me at her bedside. We pray to her daily, for surely she was an angel on earth.

Sonny Melendrez is an award-winning inspirational speaker, Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author, based in San Antonio. For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit his official site: SonnyMelendrez.com or email: sonny@sonnymelendrez.com