The number of U.S. housing markets on the mend rose by five to a total of 263 in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today. The list includes entrants from 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Springfield has a number of noteworthy transactions for the years of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The market correction that occurred in 2008 and 2009 had a significant impact on the number of transactions and the availability of financing for apartment acquisitions. However the demand for multifamily properties has been high as the failure of the housing market has driven demand for apartments as a viable choice for housing. Decreasing vacancy factors, increasing rents and high tenant demand has made apartments a preferred investment property.

What’s the best way to handle move in, move out and billing efficiently?

A: Portland General Electric has several suggestions to make all of these processes easier for multifamily property managers and owners.

Move-in/move-out account transfers
You should contact PGE five business days before a tenant’s move date, so we can record account and meter information. There are two ways to contact us with this time-sensitive information:

The most common competency listed for virtually all job descriptions is good communication. A new white paper just published by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®), explores just what it takes for real estate managers and practitioners in other fields to become effective communicators, and therefore better leaders.

Today property management is a different industry than it was 20 years ago, much different. As managers progress technologically so do their clients. These clients want 24/7 access to their property data and expect constant communication. Managers who are accountable, flexible and work to integrate new technology into their process are poised for immediate and future success

As market conditions change, many leasing consultants are eager to use rent concessions and other incentives to entice people to rent at their communities. Yet even when there are few vacancies, it’s hard to break the habit of readily promoting a “bargain,” rather than the value received for the price. The following concern was recently brought to my attention by a property management company:

Following the strongest cement consumption gains in seven years in 2012, cement consumption growth will continue in 2013 with a 6.2 percent increase. According to the latest forecast from the Portland Cement Association (PCA), the majority of market recovery will occur in the second half of 2013.
"Recessions correct imbalances generated during boom periods," Ed Sullivan , PCA chief economist said. "Few economists doubt the generation of a large pent-up demand during the past several years. The question is, when the economy will unleash its potential for strong growth?"

Highlighting the economic strength of the apartment industry in front of Congress, Tom Bozzuto, Chairman and CEO of the Bozzuto Group, represented the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) before a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee recently.

Can’t attend the 2013 NAA Education Conference & Exposition in San Diego, or are going to miss a great session? Don’t despair—you still can enjoy the best education sessions in the apartment industry, including video!

Last year was a good year for apartment sales in the Puget Sound region. In fact, with $2.6 billion of property changing hands, it was the third best year ever. So let's see how active investors are this year by comparing the first four months of 2012 sales activity with the same period this year.That will tell us whether investors are still serious about this market, or just horsing around.