Tim Blackwell is a long-time publishing and printing executive in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who writes about the multifamily housing and transportation industries. He has contributed numerous articles to Property Management Insider, and worked as a newspaper reporter in the D/FW area. Blackwell is president of Ballpark Impressions, and publishes the Cowcatcher Magazine. He is a member of the Fort Worth Chapter/Society of Professional Journalists.
As the U.S. economy generally continues an upward tick, household debt has eclipsed that of levels in 2008 leading into the Great Depression. Total household debt has increased by $149 billion to $12.73 trillion. Depending on who you talk to, that should cause alarm. But economists argue that the economic condition is now much healthier[…]
The forecast for the future of affordable senior living and assisted living is sure to be analyzed and dissected greater than any sub-market meteorologist. The LeadingAge Annual Meeting & Expo in New Orleans, billed as the largest annual gathering of aging services providers in the country, is sure to have lively discussions on the direction[…]
The accounting, purchasing, and budgeting processes in property management don’t have to be painful. Managing the complexities of a large or small portfolio of apartments and other lease properties requires a keen eye and efficient processes. And as difficult and cumbersome as it may sound to blend all the moving parts of property management into[…]
The blinking, streaming barrage of lights on WOPR in NORAD’s computer room in 1983 was some sight. Flickering green, yellow, red and orange, lights danced and jittered with critical defense information in the science-fiction thriller, “War Games.” When young hacker David Lightman quickly walks by WOPR as its running war simulations over and over until[…]
Contracting with a waste management vendor is the first step toward getting the ball rolling on community recycling. But the presence of recycling bins isn’t always enough to get residents involved in one of the most common earth-friendly initiatives. The success of any multifamily recycling program comes from within. Property managers and leasing staff hold[…]
Good business sometimes relies on playing hunches. A property manager may have a gut feeling that it’s time to increase new rents and settle in for longer-term leases. Or that upgrading floors in each unit will net even higher rents and give the bottom line an extra lift. Great business leaders will tell you that following[…]
Today’s quest for renter leads begs the question whether sales and marketing are working from the same recipe. Quantity mostly trumps quality as metrics tend to focus on activity and outcome. The industry has a wealth of ways to cultivate leads – everything from guest cards to website chats. And according to marketing experts at[…]
Property managers have probably heard over and over the reasons why residents or applicants don’t want renters insurance. “Renters insurance is too expensive,” “My stuff isn’t worth that much anyway,” and “The apartment is already insured, right?” These are some of the common misconceptions, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). While including[…]
One of an apartment community’s greatest assets and amenities is clean, well-kept common areas and grounds. But a green, inviting landscape loses its luster with one step into a squishy mess. A lawn marred by doggy landmines is not only gross but a breeding ground for disease and environmental issues. Dog feces removal awareness has[…]
The old Texas saying “Dance with who brung ya” is very much in line with what Anne Sadovsky has preached in her work as an industry trainer and consultant: retaining existing residents – especially those who have danced the dance with your property for many years – is critical in keeping apartments full.
Earnings matter. This is as true in energy, industrials and consumer staples as it is in real estate...
Congratulations! You have a fantastic product. Newsflash! Your competitor has a fantastic product, t...
Multifamily owners will sometimes find themselves non-compliant because of a misinterpretation of th...
An automated vending machine generating $2,500 in weekly revenue is most likely not selling just can...
When it officially stamps hoarding as a disorder in May, the American Psychiatric Association will c...
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