Property Management News

For the first time, a Freddie Mac survey included questions about renter perceptions and concerns about utility costs. McLean, Va.—In a recent survey, Freddie Mac found that U.S. renters are more worried about rising utility bills than rising rents, and that nearly half of renters surveyed say they’re willing to pay more for rentals with cost-saving water and energy features. There was also no change in the propensity to rent, with a small majority saying they expect to rent their next home. Compared to earlier surveys, the new research (done in September) shows more renters saying they’re satisfied with their rental experience, but worried about their financial situations. A... Read more

Time was when the idea of sustainability in real estate development and investing was a pretty soft notion. Sure, everyone liked the “idea” of reducing carbon emissions, protecting the environment and exploring alternative energy sources, but few were willing to spend money on it. Today, things are vastly different, and it’s the bottom line that’s talking. A number of factors have driven real estate sustainability into the mainstream, but the greatest influence, whether in the initial design phase or via retrofit, are tenant expectations. According to McGraw-Hill Construction’s report, “World Green Building Trends—Business Benefits Driving New and Retrofit Market... Read more