Oct 23 No Comments

The Ultimate Apartment Management Companies’ Guide to Renting to College Grads: 10 Tips

Author: cl@ss

Categories: Property Management Tips,Property Marketing,Sustainable Living

Image of a recent college graduate lifting his diploma in a salute to the city skyline in the background, an image for the apartment management companies guide to renting to college grads.

Marketing apartments to recent college graduates poses unique challenges and opportunities for savvy apartment management companies. Fresh grads are members of the fastest-growing contingent of renters nationwide, with 4.5 million entering the rental market in the past 5 years.

Gen Z renters have specific preferences, communication styles, and even shopping styles to consider. If you’re going to attract them in this competitive market, you must know how to speak their (online) shopping language and appeal to their social life and values.

These are our favorite top 10 trending tips for marketing apartments to recent college graduates.

1. List Properties on the Right Sites

Two highly popular apartment listing websites among Gen Z renters are Zillow and Apartments.com.

Zillow, with its user-friendly interface and extensive apartment inventory, allows grads to browse various listings, filter according to location and budget, and contact property managers directly. Apartments.com, known for its modern design and detailed listings, provides comprehensive information on amenities and nearby attractions, making it a preferred choice for Gen Z.

Apartment management companies without a large management portfolio and self-listed rentals should consider investigating which listing site is the most popular with younger renters in their market.

2. Emphasize On-Site Amenities in Ways That Connect

Younger renters want apartment communities that offer more than just living spaces. When you create ads or website content, add virtual tours of highly desirable community features such as fitness centers, study rooms, rooftop lounges, and communal spaces.

3. Prioritize Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Features

Gen Z graduates are increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability. Promote your community’s green initiatives, such as renewable energy sources, recycling programs, and energy-efficient appliances. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability will strongly resonate with this environmentally conscious demographic.

4. Market Apartments with Open Floor Plans to Younger Renters

Young tenants prefer open floor plans that promote a spacious and modern living environment. Focus on listing images and virtual tours that emphasize open-plan flexibility and a seamless blending of living, dining, and kitchen areas. This layout caters to Gen Z’s desire for multifunctional spaces that can be used for work, relaxation, and entertaining friends.

5. Optimize Your Community’s Social Media Presence

To effectively engage with first-time renters, establish a strong social media presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Post visually appealing content that showcases your community’s unique features, events, and resident testimonials. Be responsive to inquiries, encourage user-generated content, and use these platforms to build a sense of virtual community.

6. Highlight Local Attractions and Connectivity

Recent college graduates often prioritize lifestyle amenities and proximity to entertainment, restaurants, and public transportation. Illustrate your community’s convenient location, walkability to local attractions, and easy access to public transit routes. Showcasing your apartment community’s connectivity will resonate with Gen Z’s desire for an active social life, with or without a car.

7. Know if Your Property is in a High-Growth Market

When marketing to those who’ve just taken their first job out of college, high-growth markets will offer the most opportunity to target recent graduates who are moving to where the jobs are. Cities such as Austin, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, and Nashville provide vibrant job markets, cultural opportunities, and a youthful atmosphere that appeals to young renters. If your property is in a similar location, focus your marketing efforts on attracting Gen Z graduates moving to the area.

8. Leverage Virtual Tours and 3D Visuals

We can’t say this enough: offering virtual tours and captivating 3D visuals of your apartments is essential for connecting with today’s online shoppers. Provide potential residents with an immersive experience by showcasing floor plans, amenities, and community spaces. Utilize technology to cater to Gen Z’s digital expectations and empower them to explore your community remotely.

9. Facilitate Seamless Digital Communication

Young renters prefer seamless digital communication methods such as online chat, email, and text messaging. Ensure your community’s website and online portals are user-friendly and mobile-responsive. Streamline communication channels to maintain prompt and efficient communication, ultimately enhancing their renting experience.

10. Offer Flexible Lease Terms and Move-In Incentives

Younger renters value flexibility and control. Consider offering flexible lease terms and move-in incentives like reduced security deposits or waived application fees. Flexibility and affordability are key considerations for this demographic, and these offerings can help attract and retain Gen Z renters.

The Right Apartment Management Companies Create Vibrant, Youthful Communities

Effectively marketing apartment communities to recent college graduates requires an understanding of their specific preferences and needs. By leveraging popular listing websites, highlighting desirable community features and amenities, understanding ideal apartment layouts, targeting high-growth markets, and embracing digital communication preferences, property managers can attract and retain Gen Z renters successfully.

Meet them where they are and show them the home and community where everyone their age will want to live. Follow these tips, and you won’t have any problem improving occupancy with the latest generation of energetic young professionals.

Oct 01 No Comments

Rental Property Management: The Top 10 Amenities Renters Want (Survey)

Author: cl@ss

Categories: energy-efficient living,Property Management Tips,Property Marketing,Sustainable Living

Rental property management top 10 amenities list image showing a smartphone looking for a wifi signal.

At Class A Management, we know it’s crucial to stay ahead of current rental property amenities trends and understand the evolving expectations of renters. According to the results of a recent survey by Apartments.com, here are:

The top 10 apartment community amenities renters are looking for in 2023 and beyond

Reliable Cell Reception. More residents than ever work from home, so a great cell signal and wi-fi are necessities for most. With 86 percent of respondents ranking this as a top priority, it is crucial for apartment communities to have strong cellular connectivity. Property owners should consider implementing technologies that enhance signal strength, such as distributed antenna systems (DAS) or wi-fi calling options, ensuring no resident faces dropped calls or connectivity issues.
Secure Self-Service 24/7 Package Access. The convenience of online shopping has skyrocketed in recent years, making secure, self-service, 24/7 package access a crucial amenity for renters. By providing dedicated lockers or securely monitored package rooms, property owners can alleviate concerns about missed deliveries, theft, or inconvenient pick-up times.
Swimming Pool. More than 73 percent of renters surveyed said a swimming pool is still important. This classic amenity remains highly sought-after in Dallas-Fort Worth communities. Including a well-maintained pool area with comfortable seating, shaded lounges, and a vibrant atmosphere can attract potential renters, particularly during summer months when residents seek relief from the Texas heat.
Controlled Property/Amenity Access. Safety and security are paramount for renters in Dallas-Fort Worth. Implementing controlled access systems, such as key cards or secure digital codes, for entry into the property and its amenities is vital. More than 70 percent of residents surveyed agree.
Non-Smoking Buildings. In an era focused on health and wellness, 70 percent of renters surveyed prioritize non-smoking buildings. Offering a smoke-free environment contributes to a cleaner living experience and ensures non-smoking residents are not affected by second-hand smoke.
Fitness Center. With an increasing emphasis on personal fitness, a high-quality fitness center is an essential amenity that appeals to 70 percent of renters. Outfit your fitness center with modern equipment, weight rooms, and dedicated spaces for yoga or group classes to cater to the diverse needs of your residents.
Property-Wide Recycling. Environmental consciousness continues to grow, with 69 percent of renters desiring property-wide recycling services. Providing easy access to recycling bins scattered throughout the community encourages sustainable practices, reduces waste, and attracts eco-conscious renters.
Covered Parking. Covered parking was listed as a desirable amenity for almost 70 percent of renters surveyed. For renters dealing with the Texas heat and unpredictable spring weather (or even ice storms), having covered parking in DFW shields vehicles from harsh elements, improving residents’ overall experience. It could be a great selling point for your property.
Dedicated Visitor/Guest Parking. Sufficient visitor/guest parking is crucial to maintaining harmonious relationships between residents and their guests. Allocating dedicated parking spaces for visitors ensures convenience and prevents potential disputes over limited parking availability.
Controlled Access Parking. Renters value the added security of controlled access parking, with 68 percent expressing interest. Gated parking areas, keycard access, or even license plate recognition systems contribute to higher tenant satisfaction and peace of mind.

Rental Property Management Requires Knowing What Renters Want

Staying attuned to the ever-changing preferences of renters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is essential for property owners looking to attract potential residents and retain existing ones. By highlighting rental property amenities such as reliable cell reception, secure package access, and swimming pools, apartment communities can tailor their marketing efforts to appeal to what renters are looking for in a community. Contact Class A Management if you need a team that can provide you and your residents with all the services and top amenities they want and deserve.

Sep 18 No Comments

Apartment Reputation Management: Nurturing Positive Online Interactions

Author: cl@ss

Categories: Blog,Property Management Tips,Property Marketing,Services

Apartment reputation management blog image of someone using a smartphone to read reviews.

Apartment reputation management is more important than ever. Did you know that an impressive 69 percent of prospective renters rely on online reviews and ratings to guide their housing decisions?

In today’s digital age, apartment hunters turn to online platforms to gather insights, make informed decisions, and ultimately choose their next home. We’ve put together a comprehensive 5-step guide to help you navigate the fast-changing world of online reputation management.

5 Essential Reputation Management Tasks for Apartment Managers

Task 1: Monitor and Respond to Reviews Promptly

The first step toward successful reputation management is regular monitoring of your online presence. Actively track various review websites, social media platforms, and online forums where tenants may discuss their experiences.

By being diligent, you can quickly address any negative sentiment and respond promptly, showcasing your dedication to resolving issues. Engage in meaningful conversations, provide solutions, and demonstrate empathy while handling feedback professionally.

Task 2: Encourage Positive Reviews

Create opportunities for satisfied tenants to share their positive experiences. Implement a streamlined process where tenants can easily leave reviews on websites such as Google, Yelp, or specific apartment listing platforms. Consider providing a QR code in the office, on social media posts (in some cases), and on property manager business cards.

Encouraging these reviews can not only enhance your online reputation, but also serve as an effective marketing tool to attract potential residents. When you know you have a loyal and satisfied tenant, just ask them for a review! You’ll be amazed at how many will be willing to leave a great, five-star review for an apartment community they love.

Task 3: Engage with Tenants on Social Media

In today’s digital landscape, a strong social media presence is indispensable. Dedicate efforts to nurturing social engagement through strategically crafted content. Share engaging stories, insider tips, updates on community events, and highlight tenant success stories.

Active social media management helps create a sense of community amongst your residents, fosters a positive online conversation, and showcases your apartment community as a desirable place to call home. It’s an essential element to add to you apartment reputation management daily checklist.

Task 4: Leverage Testimonials and Success Stories

Harness the power of tenant testimonials and success stories. These narratives provide prospective renters with real-life examples of positive experiences within your community. Showcase these testimonials on your website, marketing materials, and social media platforms to build trust and credibility.

By sharing compelling stories, you strengthen your online reputation and encourage potential residents to visualize themselves as part of this thriving community.

Task 5: Keep Improving Apartment Reputation Management Practices

Reputation management is an ongoing effort. Utilize the insights gained from online feedback to continually improve your services. Actively address recurring issues to show potential renters you care about maintaining a high-quality living experience. By demonstrating your commitment to resolving problems, you build a strong reputation and create a foundation for long-term tenant satisfaction.

Exceptional reputation management goes beyond just maintaining a positive online presence; it reflects your commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming community. With diligence, responsiveness, and dedication to continuous improvement, you can enjoy long-term success and foster lasting relationships with your residents. Improve your reputation, and great tenants will start seeking out your in-demand property.

Class A Management handles the day-to-day operations of your multifamily investment property, including apartment reputation management and effective marketing solutions. Let our team of seasoned pros start building relationships with your tenants to improve and maintain your property’s reputation.

Apr 03 No Comments

How Online Videos Can Increase Occupancy Rate

Author: cl@ss

Categories: Property Marketing

How Online Videos Can Increase Occupancy Rate

Rental property video tours are highly undervalued. In reality, they’re the workhorse of around-the-clock marketing plans that can create buzz about your property and make it the hottest place to live in your town, boosting your occupancy rate.

Don’t have any videos of your property doing all the work for you? Here are three reasons why that’s a mistake.

1. Visual appeal

A bulleted list of amenities can appeal to some rental property shoppers, but a video tour or simple slide show is far more persuasive. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video adds much more value to someone who can see inside their new home.

2. Timely

Prospective tenants can get much more information from a three-minute video tour than by reading through a lengthy list of amenities. Their eyes can see details that your words might not describe as well, and it’s a quick way to give them all the information they need about your property while respecting the value of their time.

3. Searchable

Search engines love videos. If you’re not using video tours of your properties, you’re missing out on a lot of exposure. Link to your videos from articles, social media posts, and a YouTube channel to cast the widest possible net for new renters. It’s important to promote your videos properly to maximize your audience.

Videos are popular online because they’re engaging and convey a lot of information. They’re a real estate sales tool that works just the same for rental properties. If your property’s video shows up near the top perspective tenant searches, that keeps your property top-of-mind and occupancy rates high.

Boost your occupancy rate with Class A Management

Creating visually appealing images and videos to promote your investment property is essential to attracting tenants. Class A Management can help you create videos and other marketing tools to attract tenants, then provide excellent property management services to keep them.

Learn more about our comprehensive services.

Feb 28 No Comments

Market Your Property on a Shoestring With 8 Free Options

Author: cl@ss

Categories: Property Marketing

Market your property on a shoestring budget

Multifamily is one industry that is especially dependent upon integrated marketing. But, it doesn’t have to be a budget-busting endeavor. Use technology to market your property at little to no cost with the following productivity-boosting tools:

Websites used to cost big bucks. But these days, WordPress offers free themes that are easy to set up and maintain. Plug photos and text into your chosen template, and your site is ready to go. (Pro tip: Using a pro to build a professional WordPress site means less time and effort on your part, and doesn’t have to be budget-busting.)
Set up a free Twitter account and send short-and-sweet messages to your target audience(s). Build your profile carefully, and customize with great pictures of your properties. Follow industry leaders like Multifamily Housing News and connections in your local community. Use hashtags that include the name of your city to keep your message circulating locally.
Post photos on Instagram, but link your account to Facebook so it automatically posts to both social media accounts. Use photos that build your brand message: highlighting your property, staff, and the “day in the life” type photos.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, just imagine how valuable great videos can be. Create video tours of your property, post them on your YouTube channel, and watch your foot traffic increase exponentially. You can even make your videos with a cell phone; just make sure they’re good quality and to the point.
Establish a Facebook presence to capture the local who will look for your property there, but don’t expect a lot of reach unless you’re willing to pay to promote your posts. Facebook has become an ad-based platform, so as free promotional tools go, you need an account; but don’t lean on it too heavily for messaging.
1-2-3 Press. Write great press releases about property improvements and promotions. Tag your property name and city, and publish to a site like 1-2-3 Press for some extra publicity.
Mail Chimp. Use a free online email platform to communicate with as many as 2,000 recipients. Mail Chimp is one that has a full, free library of customizable themes. With a one-click unsubscribe link in every e-mail, using the service will keep you within the letter of the law that prevents spam.
Volunteer. Have your staff organize a team of volunteers to build a Habitat for Humanity home, or run a race to raise funds for a charitable cause. Volunteerism is the total package: free publicity, relationship-building, and branding, all in one.

The take-away from this list is that it doesn’t have to cost a lot to get your market your property to the best tenants. Instead of being great options, these tools are essential to your marketing mix, and to your bottom line.

The professionals at Class A Management know marketing. It’s our passion. Let us go to work for you and your property. Call us today at 817-295-5959 or send us an email to info@classamanagement.com.

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The Ultimate Apartment Management Companies’ Guide to Renting to College Grads: 10 Tips