Local Event Impact

Buying property is not just an investment. It’s a potentially lucrative venture that can significantly influence various aspects of life. Let’s explore how the impact of arts, culture, and local events can uniquely influence the real estate market for a promising return on investment. Positive impacts. Popular events draw more visitors and potential buyers to the area, increasing the demand for real estate. For example, New Orleans is a vibrant music city with festivals like Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest, which draw in thousands of visitors yearly and have a notable impact on the city’s real estate market. Jazz Fest has a ripple effect, with property values having a noticeable uptick, increased rental demand, and neighborhood development. It also fosters a strong sense of community pride and identity among residents of Mid-City and Gentilly neighborhoods, creating a sense of belonging and appeal for potential buyers. Successful events. Signature summer festivals, like the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN, have positively impacted local real estate trends and the economy and demonstrate the long-term effects of annual events on the market. These events, which bring in millions of dollars in city-wide profit and create thousands of job opportunities, have a sustained influence on the market, providing a sense of security and confidence for potential investors in their long-term investments. Overall, these successful events are a driving force behind the appreciation of property values within the community. Challenges and considerations. Temporary crowds and noise are potential downsides of living near event locations. Some locals may even leave town due to the increased tourism and traffic events bring with them. Buyers should evaluate these considerations and see if the temporary crowds and noise are worth the ROI. Market volatility in event-driven demand can lead to...

Association for Mental Health and Wellness Jul03

Association for Mental Health and Wellness

Many suffer the stigma and negative perceptions surrounding mental health. However, this association is breaking the barriers so individuals and families do not experience delays, leading to long-term consequences. The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) is committed to empowering and inspiring people of all communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives. Founded in 1990 in Ronkonkoma, New York, the association promotes mental health as a critical part of overall wellness. “We advocate for prevention services for all, early identification and intervention for those at risk, integrated services, care and treatment for those who need them, and recovery as the goal,” said Colleen Merlo, chief executive officer for The Association for Mental Health and Wellness. The Association for Mental Health and Wellness is committed to closing the gap between need and access to care. Unfortunately, more than half of America is living with a mental illness that does not receive treatment. In addition, more than half of America’s youth living with major depression do not receive the proper care. MHAW is distressed by this data and continues to fight disparities faced by individuals living with mental health challenges in connection with timely and appropriate support. To achieve health services to individuals in a reasonable manner, The Association for Mental Health and Wellness aims to expand access to its services by ensuring they have skilled staff ready to accept referrals, build its continuum of services and create pathways for individuals to know about the services available across the system of mental health care and offering quick response and assessments for new clients. MHAW will prioritize:  ·       Program Growth  ·        Program Excellence  ·        Rebranding and consolidated messaging  ·        Bring Crisis Residence online  ·        Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging training and activities   ·        Establish and maintain leadership excellence  ·        Recruit and retain excellent staff  ·        Launch the Central Access department Funding from Yardi helps improve access to care by supporting enhanced public awareness of the signs and symptoms and available services and resources. The first step to accessing care is knowing that help is needed. Funding also helps support enhancements to MHAW’s website to improve and expand screenings for psychological distress. The struggle is real Last year, Jasmine, one of MHAW’s educators, was visiting a local high school when she noticed a young woman stayed behind and seemed to want to talk but was challenging to engage with. When the bell rang, she rushed out of the room. The next day, MHAW received a phone call through its Information and Referral line, and the caller explained she had heard Jasmine’s presentation about the signs and symptoms of emotional distress and was afraid to talk. After taking a screening on its website, she realized she needed help. “The screenings on MHAW’s website have the power to save lives, and with improved functionality, they can expand their ability to reach and connect people to care,” explained Merlo. Since that day, the caller has connected with MHAW several more times, and they came to learn that she had lost a friend to suicide and was struggling with feelings of guilt and shame. Due to the screening she took on MHAW’s website, she realized she was experiencing depression and needed help to navigate her complex emotions.  This screening is a huge step in this woman’s long journey toward healing. “Yardi’s donations help many more people take that first step,” said Merlo. Volunteer Opportunities The Association for Mental Health and Wellness has several volunteer opportunities in their two food pantries, a soup kitchen and an organic healing garden. Volunteer work includes stocking food along with greeting and serving diverse community members. Regarding the healing garden, MHAW welcomes volunteers on Saturdays from 10 am -12 pm to help with planting, watering, weeding and harvesting food for the upcoming week. In addition, MHAW’s Recovery and Wellness Center needs some remodeling. Volunteers can help paint and create enhancements for clients to have a...

Recognizing Vassar Byrd

Ready for insightful stories and advice from a senior living leader? Courtesy of the 2024 Changemakers series, presented by Senior Housing News (SHN) and sponsored by Yardi for the sixth consecutive year, industry visionaries are sharing their experiences through in-depth interviews. Today’s honoree in focus is Vassar Byrd, CEO at The Kendal Corporation. Her Changemaker interview covers her thoughts on diversity, risk-taking and growth — paired with examples from her career. Read on for a highlight.     Say hello to Changemaker Vassar Byrd SHN: Think about a time you implemented a change and things didn’t go according to plan, how did you pivot and what did you learn as a leader? Vassar: There are so many failures. That’s part of not being afraid of change. The beauty of being a single-site is that, at that scale, you can afford to try new things and fail. The most important thing is to never fall in love with your own opinion. You’ve got to look for contrary voices. You’ve got to make sure that you don’t take yourself too seriously or your organization too seriously because we’re all just practicing all the time. I was trying to think of a specific example that would be interesting, and I would say I failed over and over and over figuring out how to make our operations team work well at Rose Villa in particular. I’d get parts of it to work, and then the rest wouldn’t. You have got to keep your eyes open to say, “Okay, that was not successful. Let’s try it this way.” It’s never going to be perfect, but you can get as close as possible. SHN: Changemakers tend to be risk-takers. Do you agree with that statement? And how do you describe your own appetite for risk? Vassar: I think people really misunderstand risk. Doing nothing is as risky as doing something. Doing nothing is a choice. For me, that’s a foundational principle. When you take into account that everything else around you is changing all the time, then doing nothing is even more risky than not changing. Why would you stand still if everything around you is changing? I will say that I have a great appetite for perspective, and that’s the perspective that makes the risk not scary. SHN: In what ways is Kendal is changing for the current times to be able to meet the demand? Vassar: I would say that we are really focusing on how we can partner with different kinds of organizations. I would love to find other interest groups, other affinity groups, other areas where we can make a difference, to do something with that organization that neither one of us could do by ourselves. Partnership is really key to diversifying who we are, diversifying the kinds of services that we offer, and the types of housing that we offer. Certainly, our Kendal at Home Affiliate is a huge part of the future. I’m super interested in growing that. See more from Changemaker Vassar Byrd Read Vassar Byrd’s full SHN interview. Don’t forget to continue visiting The Balance Sheet for the Changemaker interviews to come — released in batches as the series...

Back to the Future at NAA Jul01

Back to the Future at NAA

It was a film buff’s paradise last week at the National Apartment’s Association biggest tradeshow, Apartmentalize. In addition to the Yardi Theater showings, eventgoers had the opportunity to attend a session titled “Leasing: Back to the Future with AI & Human Touch.” Led by Paul Yount, industry principal at Yardi, the discussion featured Anne Baum, director of marketing at Towne Properties; Diana Norbury, SVP of multifamily operations at Pillar Properties; and Tyler Lucas, director of marketing technology at Gates Hudson. (Pictured, right.) Onsite staff were also presented virtually, with Emma Akervold, assistant property manager at Pillar Properties and Leslie Armstrong, area manager at Towne Properties, sharing their thoughts on Chat IQ, Yardi’s virtual assistant that answers to prospects and residents. Back to the future of customer service & technology Yount set the stage with a “Back to the Future” theme, even donning Marty McFly’s iconic vest. The theme highlighted how modern renters want traditional customer service nostalgic of the past, but with the efficiency of cutting-edge technology one could expect from the future. (But the good news is that this kind of innovative technology is available today.) “In the past, hands-on customer service meant compromising staff roles. Great service but very inefficient,” Yount explained. “But today, with the right technology, you can have that great hands-on customer experience and leverage efficiency at the same time.” Yount demonstrated how customer expectations for excellent service have remained constant, but the means to deliver it have evolved. Drawing parallels between scenes from “Back to the Future” and property management, the session emphasized AI and technology’s role in improving human-centered service and overall efficiency. Reshaping & elevating onsite roles The panel discussed how AI and automation reshaped onsite roles to focus more on higher-priority tasks. AI-driven solutions help staff handle repetitive and manual tasks, lightening workloads. This gives teams more time to focus on more meaningful, high-value activities, which leads to better customer experiences and employee satisfaction. Additionally, AI can instantly provide leasing teams with the information they need to enhance performance. “It’s performing faster than any of us can,” Lucas emphasized. But AI’s powerful capabilities can’t completely replace human abilities — it just enhances them. Panelists agreed that AI and automation enable property managers to reallocate their resources more effectively, ensuring that human talent is utilized where it can have the greatest impact. How AI transforms operations Speakers shared their experiences with Chat IQ, highlighting improvements in lead conversion rates and operational efficiency. They noted a significant reduction in the time between lead inquiries and scheduled appointments, resulting in faster lease conversions and reduced vacancy periods. “We’ve seen a huge increase in inquiries being scheduled without us having to initiate that conversation,” Akervold, assistant property manager at Pillar Properties, said. “I can’t emphasize enough the value that I find in it.”  The benefits of AI extend beyond operational efficiency—they also power faster response times and improved lead management, which directly contribute to better occupancy rates and revenue performance. Team & customer reactions to AI Integration While skeptical at first, staff members like Leslie Armstrong of Towne Properties eventually embraced AI for its ability to handle routine tasks, freeing them to focus on resident engagement and customer satisfaction. This change led to improved team morale. “Chat IQ makes our customers feel like we’re always present even after business hours,” Armstrong said. “When I’m at home with my family, I know that my offices are still being supported.”  As staff attitudes shift towards the support of AI, operators can also look towards using AI to combat staffing issues. “I think what nobody talks about when you’re short-staffed are that the people that are left behind. It’s a lot of burnout. They feel a lot of the pressure and so it allows you to be a little bit more flexible with operations,” Norbury noted. Choosing the right AI platform It’s no secret that the multifamily...

Summer Moving Tips Jun30

Summer Moving Tips

Summer is the peak season for moving since children are out of school, and parents want to move before the next school year starts. Here are some moving tips for staying cool and organized this summer. Stay cool. First and foremost, staying hydrated and cool is crucial when moving in the summer. Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte drinks is of the utmost importance. Dress appropriately when moving in the summer, such as in lightweight clothing and a hat to protect from the sun. Use sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt. Schedule wisely and move in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. Plan regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to prevent heat stroke. Checklists. Checklists are the next important thing to have for a smooth moving experience. Preparation phase (eight to 12 weeks before): Declutter the home and donate or sell unwanted items. Research and book a moving company or rental truck. Start collecting packing supplies. Packing phase (four to six weeks before): Begin packing non-essential items such as paintings and wall art. Label boxes with their contents and destination room. Arrange for utility services to be transferred or set up. Final weeks (two to three weeks before): Confirm moving details with the moving company. Pack essential items and valuables in a separate box to keep close by. Clean the current residence and perform any necessary repairs. Moving week: Finish packing and label boxes. Defrost and clean the refrigerator. Prepare a box of moving day essentials such as tools, snacks and cleaning supplies. Moving day: Perform a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Supervise the loading of the moving truck. Double-check that all windows and doors are locked. Look into various checklist apps to help stay organized,...

Seasonality of Real Estate Jun27

Seasonality of Real Estate

The real estate market ebbs and flows with the seasons. Understanding these trends is a key to success for those in the market. And when it comes to prime time, summer takes the crown, offering various benefits for the real estate market. Summer increases inventory, with many properties listed in the spring and summer, leading to a more extensive selection. The market experiences a surge in activity, reaching peak time in June.  Typically, a property will go on the market and within a month, it is sold, whereas in the winter, it averages 50 days on the market. With summer’s better weather, it’s an ideal time for property hunting, inspections and moving. The impact of better weather showcases a property’s natural lighting and landscaping. Summer is also crucial for family considerations since most would want to move during the summer before the next school year begins. June is the peak season for the market since the school year just ended. By the end of the summer, families try to settle before the school year starts. Though there’s still high demand for selling, buyers tend to have less competition and better negotiating power toward the end of summer. Advantages vs. disadvantages. For a seller, summer brings in a surge of demand and activity. Sellers can confidently ask for a higher price, and properties tend to sell faster. Selling in the summer can enhance the property’s curb appeal by showcasing lush gardens and optimizing outdoor spaces—for example, plant lavender or other aromatic plants for instant gratification for those approaching the property. Native plants are a splendid option since they are aesthetically pleasing, practical and ecologically valuable for landscaping. Another tip is to consider adding landscaping lighting to boost curb appeal in the summer with solar lighting and accent lighting that highlights landscaping features. Keeping up with yard maintenance in the summer showcases the potential and stirs the excitement to see the interior. For buyers, summer presents a wealth of options, a diverse range of properties on the market, and the potential for some promising negotiation opportunities in a competitive market. Buyers can feel empowered in the summer real estate market by staying informed about off and pre-market listings, considering strategic concessions and contingencies, and making personal connections with sellers. Of course, summer has challenges in the real estate market with higher prices and competition. Properties can increase in price, so budgeting appropriately and securing financial assistance is crucial. And with such a competitive market, bidding wars are inevitable. That’s why working on negotiation strategies and adding a personal touch when highly interested is vital for summer real estate transactions. The past few summers have been a seller’s dream. However, now, fortunes are changing. Home prices are still rising, but gone are the days of throwing up a for-sale sign, and a mad rush begins. According to Business Insider, sellers around the country face similar circumstances: fewer buyers, and those on the hunt have more options. Now is the time to price properties conservatively and take care of more significant repairs before listing. Since buyers are already battling high interest rates and prices, taking on more expenses as soon as they get the keys is...

Foster Love Jun26

Foster Love

When an organization is deeply rooted in the real-world foster care experience, it transforms the foster care landscape and ensures every child feels valued and supported. Foster Love (Together We Rise) is a Yardi-supported nonprofit organization founded in 2008 in Brea, California. This organization is dedicated to transforming how youth navigate the foster care community. The organization provides critical and unprecedented resources, support and services to current and former foster youth. Programs range from the organization’s Sweet Cases to full-tuition scholarships and mentorship programs. Foster Love is steadfast in its commitment to transforming the lives of high-risk foster youth by providing them with critical resources and advocating for systemic changes that ensure their voices are heard in the realm of child welfare reform. Through powerful social media campaigns, engaging speaking engagements, and collaboration with policymakers, Foster Love champions the perspectives of those with lived experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. This advocacy is so powerful because Foster Love’s board members, leadership, and staff are not just professionals but individuals with personal connections to the foster care system. They are former foster youth, foster parents or have dedicated careers in child welfare, bringing a unique and authentic voice to the table. “Many of us are former foster youth, have been foster parents, or have dedicated our careers to child welfare. This connection provides us with an intimate understanding of the challenges and nuances of navigating the foster care system, enabling us to offer trauma-informed, compassionate services to a population that too often feels overlooked or marginalized,” said Ambyr Barlett, grant writer for Foster Love. Foster Love is gearing up for a series of impactful initiatives and milestones this year to empower system-impacted youth. “Our upcoming second annual Foster Love gala on July 13th in Irvine, California,...

Celebrating Changemakers 2024

It’s time for the annual Changemakers series, a collection of in-depth, insightful interviews published by Senior Housing News (SHN). Each year, the series celebrates a group of senior living leaders driving positive change in the industry. As sponsor for the sixth year in a row, Yardi is proud to join SHN in presenting the 2024 class of honorees. These honorees are trailblazers, innovators, visionaries and more — and their interviews detail how they got to where they are today. We’re delighted to introduce the first batch of Changemakers as the series begins, starting with a dedicated Yardi senior living client: Chris Guay, founder and CEO of Vitality Living. In his interview, Guay discusses how Vitality is evolving in the industry, the importance of staff diversity and how he creates a safe environment across his communities. Read on for a highlight of what he shares — then check out his full interview with SHN. Meet Changemaker Chris Guay SHN: We at SHN think of you as a Changemaker, but do you think of yourself as a Changemaker? Guay: I do see myself as a Changemaker. I believe it was always in me. I started out working with Emeritus, and I think I was a Changemaker there; always trying to push us to do things differently and work things through. Then when I got the chance to start my own company, I had to put a little of that on hold initially, because you’re trying to build an organization and build it forward. We’ve been fortunate that I’ve got a really great team of people. We’ve been able to build a really good company. The last couple of years, I’ve been able to shift back into that Changemaker role. I like to change things. I’m always innovating, always trying to change. That sometimes drives my team crazy. I have to find that delicate balance of pushing us forward, but also making sure we’re not pushing so fast that we’re changing just for the sake of changing. I ask myself, “Is this going to improve the experience for our residents?” I’ve really tried to hone in on if a change is going to improve the experience for our team members as well. If a change makes it harder for a line staff or caregiver, it’s probably not a change we should do. The third customer that sometimes gets forgotten in this business, “Is that change going to have a positive impact for our ownership partners?” I filter everything through those three pieces. Then based on how that comes through that filter, then I decide what we’re moving on. SHN: Do you think that the industry is changing fast enough to keep up with the times? Guay: I don’t. I find myself getting into the same conversations that we’ve had for the last 10 years. There’s opportunity in that because if you are a company that’s innovative, there’s opportunity to excel. However, it’s hard to innovate when you’ve got different weights dragging you down. It’s not an easy time. I don’t think people aren’t changing because they don’t want to. I just think there are some headwinds that keep dragging us back. You’ve got to keep fighting, you’ve got to keep pushing. SHN: The coming year is sure to be a year of growth and evolution for this year’s senior living industry. In what way is Vitality growing and evolving? Guay: One, we’re preparing and we’re building. We like to build a team around what we see, where we think we are. We don’t wait for it to come. We try to get ahead of it. We are really trying to be a world-class sales organization. We also look at the digital space. How we win there and how we get really innovative there is important. We decided to invest on the people side. We’re really shifting into how do we become a...

C.A.R.E.4Paws Jun24

C.A.R.E.4Paws

For over a decade, this organization has been working to save beloved pets’ lives, particularly those in the marginalized areas of California’s Central Coast. Their efforts have brought hope and a new lease of life to these innocent creatures. C.A.R.E.4Paws, founded in 2009 in Santa Barbara, works to reduce pet overpopulation, keep animals out of shelters and improve the quality of life for pet families. It serves a range of resources to low-income, senior, disabled, and unhoused community members in underserved areas through Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. C.A.R.E.4Paws includes free, low-cost wellness services through its Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program. “In 2023, operating out of two mobile veterinary clinics, we assisted 17,500 dogs and cats with vaccines, spays/neuters, dental, mass removals, wellness exams, flea treatment and other critical wellness services,” said Isabelle Gullo, C.A.R.E.4Paws executive director and Cofounder. C.A.R.E.4Paws also provides pet food, supplies, grooming, dog training and foster care for hundreds of pet families in need each year through its Companion Pet Assistance program. In addition, its Safe Haven program supports pet families exposed to domestic violence, and its Paws Up For Pets program works with local youth to inspire kindness for all living beings. C.A.R.E.4Paws regularly gets much gratitude for their services from their clients, which are intended to provide a safety net so that animals stay healthy and with their people for life! C.A.R.E.4Paws programs are not just growing but flourishing at a rapid pace since the pandemic. It envisions adding more clinic days and expanding its outreach geographically by operating Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach. It will also forge partnerships with over 20 vet clinics and emergency care facilities to provide discounts. C.A.R.E.4Paws launched the Albus Fund at the end of 2023, specifically for...

Commercial Briefing Montréal

Yardi Canada recently hosted its inaugural Executive Commercial Briefing at the W Montréal Hotel, setting the stage for an evening of insightful discussions and networking. This event left attendees inspired and eager for more conversations with industry experts. Keep reading to learn what you can expect at our future executive briefing.  A platform for industry insights and collaboration The Executive Briefing series is an invitation-only event that delves deep into property and program management topics. It provides industry leaders and our executives with the opportunity to discuss the latest challenges and technology solutions shaping the real estate and housing markets. These briefings offer a platform for sharing insights, best practices and innovative strategies directly from top experts and decision-makers in the field. Through exclusive networking opportunities, interactive sessions and presentations from leading analysts, participants can forget important connections and gain valuable knowledge. With the rapid evolution of the real estate market and its supporting technology, these briefings are essential for staying ahead of the curve. Key highlights from the briefiing Jason Chacko, senior account executive of Yardi, shared compelling insights into the Yardi Investment Management Suite. He highlighted the efficiency brought by automation, stating, “The example I like to quote is with on of our major clients. On a quarterly close, they were taking 21 days to calculate their waterfalls. They reduced that to a half-day process with Yardi.” By integrating accounting, performance measurement and reporting into one platform, real estate businesses can streamline investment management. This tool provides real-time insights, boosts efficiency and supports data-driven decisions, helping clients like Timber Creek reduce manual work and improve accuracy in financial operations. The client panel also provided valuable perspectives on digital transformation. Olivier Rocheleau, corporate controller of Groupe Petra, emphasized the necessity of a fully integrated solution, saying, “We were looking for a best-in-class solution and a strong partner to establish ourselves with a solid foundation. Once we identified the modules we needed, Yardi’s implementation team guided us through the process seamlessly.” Groupe Petra is a leading real estate investment and management firm known for its extensive portfolio of commercial properties across Québec. They focus on acquiring, developing and managing high-quality real estate assets, ensuring sustainable growth and value creation. By partnering with Yardi, Groupe Petra aims to enhance their operational efficiency and maintain their reputation for excellence in the real estate market. Michael Sutherland, vice president of Canderel, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on Yardi’s impact on their operations. “We saw Yardi facilitate our strategic direction to streamline our service lines. The savings were compelling when we eliminated ancillary software and replaced it with a single Yardi stack. It was a no-brainer for us.” Canderel is a prominent real estate investment, development and management company with a diverse portfolio spanning office, retail, industrial and residential properties across Canada. Known for their innovative approach and commitment to excellence, focusing on creating value through strategic acquisitions, developments and property management. By adopting our solutions, Canderel aims to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency and support their long-term growth objectives. Exploring the future of AI in real estate David Franklin, industry principal at Yardi, captivated the audience with a discussion on our advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in lease abstraction. “This technology is exciting. We are going after the ability to abstract leases, cut time on accounts payable and give [clients] a built-in assistant using technology.” Virtuoso represents a significant leap forward in real estate technology. Virtuoso includes advanced features designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy, such as chatbots for improved customer interactions, smart AP for automating accounts payable processes, smart Lease for lease abstraction and an AI assistant for various operational tasks. By integrating these tools, Virtuoso provides seamless automation and intelligent assistance, helping Yardi clients streamline workflows, reduce manual errors and make more informed decisions. Looking ahead Yardi is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the real estate market in Québec. During the...

The Fishing Foundation Jun19

The Fishing Foundation

The Fishing Foundation, established in 2010 in Berea, Ohio, is enriching lives through the sport of fishing. The program structure includes classroom-style instruction and training in four areas: aquatic education, casting, water safety, and identifying local fish species, as well as fishing from shore in a safe and secure environment. Moreover, The Fishing Foundation is making a significant impact in promoting environmental conservation, a cause that we can all be proud of and take responsibility for. Since its establishment in 2010 and the introduction of free fishing events in 2012, The Fishing Foundation has been a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. It has touched the lives of over two thousand teens, youth, and adults, giving them a unique opportunity to connect with others, commune with nature, and expand their environmental experience. The day is filled with learning casting techniques, rigging, knot-tying, fish species, the importance of sustaining the environment, and fishing from shore, all of which contribute to their personal development and empowerment, inspiring them to reach new heights. At each fishing event, participants receive a rod and reel, bait, tackle, and hands-on training by certified fishing instructors, The Fishing Foundation Souvenir T-shirt, refreshments, and lunch. All organizational staff and essential volunteers are “certified” fishing instructors under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’s “Passport to Fishing” program. The Fishing Foundation’s popular book published in 2022, “Learn to Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers,” co-written by The Fishing Foundation co-founders Dennis Knowles and Gail Grizzell, is a 100+ page instructional resource and is given complimentary at all the free fishing events. Content from the book will be distributed across multiple platforms, including in-person programming, online, web, and social media, to introduce youth and teens to fishing, expand their knowledge of sport and encourage them to enjoy the great outdoors while learning how to fish. “We are continuously innovating and evolving our programs to address the evolving needs and challenges facing our environment and communities. Whether it is through conservation initiatives, educational workshops, or community outreach events, we are committed to making a lasting and positive impact on both people and the planet,” said Dennis James Knowles, president of The Fishing Foundation.  In the Media The Fishing Foundation partnered with Signal Cleveland, an online newsroom in northeast Ohio, to introduce a syndicated-style comic strip titled Hooked. The strip features characters from the book who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland, Ohio. Together, through humorous adventures, they explore ways of becoming better anglers, the environment and conservation and the joy of being outside. “The comic strip premiered in September 2023, and it continues to appear monthly in Signal Cleveland, which has a reach of nearly 10,000 subscribers,” said Knowles.   The Fishing Foundation plans to partner with more community newspapers and online newsrooms throughout the area. In addition, The Fishing Foundation hopes to provide more venues to connect content to the end-user and complete a new coloring book with fish species and their habitat designed for children ages two to eight. Funding from Yardi provides underserved children and families an opportunity for environmental education they usually couldn’t access. “When children are exposed to educational programs and activities like fishing, they will realize the importance of protecting the natural environment and essentially act as ‘ambassadors of nature’ in their communities,” explained Knowles. By teaching young people a new skill or offering a peaceful activity, funds help the foundation spread the love of fishing and the benefits it brings. “The Fishing Foundation is incredibly grateful for the generous donation received from Yardi. Your contribution is instrumental in helping us further our mission at The Fishing Foundation. Your financial support means a great deal to us, and we are excited about the opportunities funding provides to expand our programming reach and make a positive difference in marginalized communities,” expressed Knowles. King W. The Fishing Foundation is there...

CFAA 2024 Recap

The Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations (CFAA) hosted its annual conference in May located in Toronto. This year’s theme, “Building Communities Together,” highlighted the urgent need for collaboration and innovation in the multifamily housing sector. As the industry grapples with longstanding status quo and historically low vacancy rates, stronger partnerships are essential to address Canada’s housing challenges. This event provided a crucial platform for fostering discussions on these pressing issues and exploring prospects for the multifamily housing industry. As a strategic partner and sponsor, Yardi played a pivotal role in the event, contributing to multiple sessions and sharing valuable expertise on various aspects of property management and technology integration. Day 1: Innovations in urban living & industry insights The conference kicked off with a series of building tours, including notable properties managed by Tricon Residential, Minto Apartments and Stackt Market. These tours highlighted new practices in real estate management and provided a practical understanding of how modern technology enhances building operations and resident satisfaction. One standout visit was to Stackt Market, a vibrant community space designed entirely using shipping containers. Stackt Market exemplifies how innovative design can create dynamic community spaces, fostering a sense of community while maximizing the use of urban space. Yardi’s own Parisa Vafaei, director of sales, led a session that delved into the findings of the latest Yardi Multifamily Report, highlighting the necessity for innovative ideas and new partnerships as more units are expected to come into the market to address Toronto’s low vacancy rates. “The vacancy rate in Toronto for Q1 2024 is 2.5 percent, indicating a tight rental market,” Vafaei noted. The report also revealed that Toronto has one of the lowest annual turnover percentages among Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs) at 11.6 percent and a lease-over-lease rent growth for new leases of 15.5 percent. These metrics show the critical need for strategic planning and collaboration to manage demand, improve housing availability and maintain affordability in the multifamily housing sector. Day 2: Thought leadership and technological innovations The second day featured key industry leaders, including the mayor of Toronto. Peter Altobelli, vice president of Yardi Canada, led a session on “Leading the Way: The Next Generation,” focusing on workforce management. This session reviewed aligning company values with new talent, fostering mentorship and offering structured career development. The panel discussion highlighted new expectations of the emerging workforce. “Today’s talent is entrepreneurial and ambitious,” one panelist noted. “They interview employers as much as we interview them. While they have technical skills, we seek soft skills. They want autonomy, decision-making roles and alignment with company values.” The discussion stressed the importance of providing broader perspectives, growth potential and dedicated time for succession and leadership planning. Innovative strategies to attract new Canadians were also highlighted, with Fritzrovia’s rotational program standing out for its unique approach. This program helps retain talent by moving individuals through various roles and departments over a set period of time. Emphasizing resident experience and partnering with firms that share ESG commitments were noted as crucial. “Transparency about these commitments is key to attracting talent,” added Courtney Chisholm, project manager at Fitzrovia. Structured onboarding and new technology were also highlighted as critical for maximizing talent contributions. Evolving property management One of the most anticipated sessions was “The Crystal Ball of AI: Leveraging Data & AI for Predictive Insights in Property Management,” moderated by Meherzad Bakht, senior sales manager for Yardi. This panel discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in the multifamily housing sector. Killam Apartment REIT covered the benefits of generative AI technologies, such as chatbots and automated crm systems, to streamline interactions with prospects and residents, enhancing efficiency and improving response times. QuadReal Property Group shared their use of biometrics to authenticate applicant identities before a tour as a new first step for fraud prevention. simplydbs’ survey of 20,000 Canadians revealed renters want their next unit to be...

Supporting 360°kids

At Yardi Canada Ltd., our commitment to giving back to the community is a core value that drives our actions and decisions. Since 2019, we have been proud supporters of 360°kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth in York Region who are experiencing crises in their lives. About 360°kids 360°kids is a crucial lifeline for young people who are experiencing homelessness, crisis or other significant challenges. The organization provides a range of services designed to meet the immediate needs of youth while also supporting their ongoing development and independence. Through programs such as emergency and transitional housing, counseling, outreach and employment training, 360°kids helps vulnerable youth stabilize their lives, enhance their support networks and build self-sufficiency. The importance of 360°kids work cannot be overstated. By addressing the immediate needs of young people in crisis, they provide a foundation for these individuals to rebuild their lives. This support is essential in preventing the long-term negative impacts of homelessness and instability, fostering a healthier, more resilient community. Our Ongoing Commitment Yardi Canada Ltd. has made significant contributions to 360°kids, assisting in the continuation of their vital programs and services. With the support of caring corporations like Yardi, 360°kids can offer young adults the assistance they need to build a more stable and self-sufficient future. “Yardi is honoured to be able to give back, and we are proud to support 360°kids, helping to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable youth in our community. By providing resources and support, we can empower these young individuals to overcome their challenges and build a brighter, more successful future,” said Peter Altobelli, vice president of Yardi Canada. Making a Real Impact The Yardi Toronto office of is home to 400 employees, with a dedicated committee actively participating...

Beat the Summer Slump Jun15

Beat the Summer Slump...

As the summer heat approaches, many bask in the sun, enjoy longer days, and create lasting memories with loved ones. However, some may find themselves in a summer slump, especially inside the office. Here are some tips to help beat the summer blues and make the most of this season. Goals: Summer can be busy for some and slow for others, but regardless of what is going on, it is a great time to reorganize and refresh from the whirlwind of spring’s new beginnings.  Set some SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely) and write them down. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Sometimes, writing out the goal will be more motivating and achievable in a world of computers. Make goals a priority. Give them focus, energy, and attention daily. Create a specific game plan that drives ROI outcomes. Emphasize attainable goals and set consistent goals for employees with similar responsibilities. Refrain from promoting internal rivalries, which can lead to resentment and devalued morale. Focus on the mindset plan to overcome loathing and step outside the status quo. Summer is a great time to manifest what the end of the year will look like. Sow the seeds in the summer and harvest before winter. Set positive goals only! All well-crafted goals are aligned with more extensive key business strategies. For example, if you want to work on professional development, have employees complete some training courses provided on Yardi Aspire or LinkedIn learning before a performance review at the end of the year. If your company offers upcoming webinars, have employees attend if they are available and then share findings with the team during weekly meetings. Boost office morale: Keep the office happy with team-building exercises, outdoor picnics and themed dress-up...

iPad Update

Apple gadgets and products have improved significantly since their launch. Now, they are more portable and powerful than ever. Let’s explore the latest Apple iPads, Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil upgrades. The iPad’s versatility defines it. The new iPad allows users, from consumers to pros, to take their creations to new heights. It brings lessons and learning to life for teachers and students alike, as well as gaming and entertainment. Light as a feather, the newest iPad Air offers engaging content, gaming, high resolution and Apple silicon, making it versatile for so many. It is available in 11-inch and an all-new 13-inch since many prefer a significant 30% more screen real estate. The 13-inch allows for more participants on Zoom calls. The new camera has a front-facing camera in landscape view, making it perfect for taking notes on the magic keyboard or FaceTime calls. The sound quality of the iPad Air is immaculate, with double the bass. iPad Air includes an Apple silicon M2 powerful chip with a faster GPU, CPU and Neural engine, 50% faster than M1 and better memory with powerful AI and learning features. These improvements in performance and capabilities ensure that the iPad Air is a reliable and powerful tool for any task. iPad Air comes in two new colors, blue and purple, along with space gray and starlight and is designed with 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure. iPad Air also works with the new Apple Pencil Pro to add more capabilities and bring ideas to life like never before. The starting price for the iPad Air is $599. Crush the limits with iPad Pro. The iPad Pro is now so thin and so powerful, with a breakthrough display and amazing pro apps. Available in 11inch, 5.3mm and...

Food Bank of the Rockies Jun13

Food Bank of the Rockies

Serving 32 counties in Colorado and the entire state of Wyoming, Food Bank of the Rockies ignites the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. Since its establishment in 1978 in Denver, the Food Bank of the Rockies has been a steadfast pillar in the fight against hunger. As the largest hunger relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, it is a testament to its commitment and ability to address the enormous hunger challenge. Distributing upwards of 196,000 meals daily, the Food Bank of the Rockies puts the power of the community to work for its neighbors. Providing more than just a meal, this organization gives hope and opens a future for its clients. “Because when you can’t provide for your family today, it’s hard to even think about tomorrow,” said Charlene Moser, corporate partnerships manager at Food Bank for the Rockies. Ninety-six cents of every dollar go directly to distribution. Food Bank of the Rockies has four distribution centers and coordinates with more than 800 Hunger Relief Partners throughout Colorado and Wyoming, acting as a distribution hub for food, essentials and logistical resources. It also operates its direct programs, providing for those in need through its Mobile Pantries, Food for Kids programs and home-delivery services for older adults. The Food Bank of the Rockies is focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, cultural prevalences and expanding its Food for Health program to focus on community members living with chronic diseases such as pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Those suffering from diseases will receive a box of food and produce delivered to their homes weekly for an entire year to help them maintain or restore their health. Every donation makes a difference! The community’s need for food is still higher than pre-COVID levels. The food bank spends more than three times as much monthly to purchase food than before. Thanks to its robust purchasing power, Food Rescue Program, government allotments, donations, and lower bulk pricing, one dollar helps distribute enough food for three meals. Yardi’s funding and volunteer work have made a tremendous difference for the Food Bank of the Rockies. “Since 2020, Yardi has donated more than $110,000 to Food Bank of the Rockies, enabling us to provide more than 330,000 meals throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Your impact is meaningful, and we are grateful! We could not do what we do without amazing partners like Yardi,” explained Moser. Happy Clients The following stories are from some neighbors of the Food Bank of the Rockies who receive food assistance through its mobile pantry or Food for Health program. Sam: Sam is a patient at Denver Indian Health and Family Services receiving treatment for his diabetes. Sam shared that food expenses have been challenging for a daughter to care for, even with SNAP benefits. His medical provider connected him with the Food for Health Program to help with both his diabetes and lessen the burden of food insecurity. “We’ve been living just off the bare necessities lately, and this really helps to prepare meals and stuff on a weekly basis. Sometimes, I have leftovers, use my food stamps, and make a meal out of all that.” Dasja and her mother, Sabrina. Dasja and her mother, Sabrina, live near one another and do everything together. That includes getting food at their local food pantry, a Hunger Relief Partner of Food Bank of the Rockies. Dasja has Chron’s disease, is on disability, and is a stay-at-home mom for her seven-year-old daughter. She shared that the food they get to choose from the food pantry helps, especially when it comes to managing her Chron’s disease with a specific diet. “I’m always trying to cook different meals, so this really helps out,” said Dasja. “The meat is good because you can read the [recipes and instructions they include], portion it, and freeze it. They have fish, which is good because that’s what I...

Dubai92 Radio Jun12

Dubai92 Radio

Team Yardi Dubai was one of the lucky winners of the Dubai 92 radio Office Escape this summer, earning a visit from staffers for the UAE’s Feel Great radio station. The team enjoyed hilarious moments with Dubai 92’s famous radio presenters during an hour of entertainment and friendly competition for prizes. It was the perfect way to break up a normal work day, bond with colleagues, and create unforgettable memories. “We’re taking over five lucky offices, and yours could be next! Enjoy an hour of non-stop entertainment, games, and music with us. Gather your colleagues and get ready to compete for amazing prizes,” states a station promo for the...

Replacing Siloed Software

Siloed software systems often pose major challenges for senior living operators. Since they require navigating various platforms and manually transferring data, these systems waste valuable time, increase the risk of errors and place a burden on your staff. The Yardi Senior Living Suite, on the other hand, is an all-in-one, interconnected solution that unites financials, care, business intelligence and more on a single platform. With one integrated software solution, you unlock everything you need — all in one place. Why make the switch to a single connected solution? If you’ve used disconnected software tools, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of data-entry errors, time wasted digging for answers and the hassle of transferring information from one system to the next. That’s because disparate tools seldom speak to each other as efficiently as single-stack solutions do (or often, they don’t speak to each other at all). Not to mention, siloed systems aren’t necessarily as cost-effective as one fully integrated platform. They usually require varying licensing fees, plus you face the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading each individual system. With a single connected solution like the Yardi Senior Living Suite, you alleviate these challenges, risks and frustrations by accessing every tool needed in one secure place. You empower your teams with an intuitive, easy-to-access platform — all while improving care and enhancing efficiency. What makes the Yardi Senior Living Suite an unmatched solution? The Yardi Senior Living Suite offers more than your average solution. Uniquely designed to meet the needs of senior living operators, the suite of integrated tools is hosted on a cloud-based, HIPAA and SOX-compliant platform. These tools support the full spectrum of senior living — from assisted living to CCRCs to value-based care. We also place a strong emphasis on taking care of our clients and driving growth year-round, which results in a platform that’s ever-evolving, cutting-edge and built to help you succeed for the long term. We’re proud to be a Forbes Cloud 100 software provider supporting our clients for 40+ years. You can explore our full product suite to learn more, but some of the highlights include:    Voyager Senior Housing, our community management powerhouse that combines property management, financials and complete business oversight. Yardi Senior IQ, the only business intelligence solution built for senior living — a system that helps you make smarter, faster decisions with actionable information for your entire portfolio. Yardi EHR, our full-service, interoperable electronic health record solution that helps mitigate errors, limits liability and empowers staff to deliver the best resident care. Senior CRM IQ, our collection of mobile-friendly sales and marketing tools that help you attract new residents, nurture your leads and maximize occupancy.   RentCafe Senior Living Portal, our secure online platform that keeps residents, families and staff connected around the clock. Watch a webinar Integrated software offers advantages that siloed systems can’t match. If you’re ready to see the Yardi Senior Living Suite in action, explore our library of on-demand...

Joint Action Energy

At Yardi, part of our motto is to “take care of our communities.” Many Yardi office volunteer events have focused on food banks and supplying organizations with food, hygiene products and toys for underserved children and their families. In addition, they have helped the environment with trash pickup and planting native plants and produce. Here’s a look back from the past year at some of the offices doing their part in the communities they belong to. Pictured are the offices and nonprofits. Santa Barbara: Direct Relief Oxnard, CA: Food Share of Ventura County Atlanta: Atlanta Community Food Bank, Chattahoochee Nature Center, and OneGoal Summit Dallas/Irving, Texas: Texas Conservation Alliance and Operation Kindness NYC: Feeding New York Cleveland, OH: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Raleigh, NC: SOAR Outreach Denver, CO:  Food Bank of the Rockies Dubai: Al Noor Centre Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving. Yardi is Energized for Good! Visit www.yardi.org for more about our philanthropic...

Summer & Fall Events

Attending any senior living events this summer — and throughout the fall season? Team Yardi looks forward to meeting you, discussing the latest industry challenges and sharing what’s new with our single connected solution. See below for a list of events we’ll be attending, plus book time to meet us at each! ASHA 2024 Mid-Year Meeting Meet us at the ASHA 2024 Mid-Year Meeting in Dana Point, California. Our team is excited to share how the Yardi Senior Living Suite works to empower staff, automate workflows and enhance resident care. Contact us to schedule time to meet at the event. Event details: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach June 17-18, 2024 FSLA Annual Conference Attend the FSLA Annual Conference — Engage 2024 — in Orlando, Florida. Stop by booth 29 to see how our single connected solution helps providers drive success. Book time to connect with our team during the conference. Event details: The Ritz Carlton Orlando July 10-12, 2024 OHCA Annual Convention 2024 Find us at booth 708 at the OHCA Annual Convention 2024 in Portland, Oregon. We’ll show you how our single connected solution helps providers streamline operations and deliver better care. We are pleased to be an Awards Program co-sponsor. Get in touch to schedule time to meet. Event details: Oregon Convention Center September 17-18, 2024 2024 NIC Fall Conference Visit us at the Woodley Park meeting room at the 2024 NIC Fall Conference in Washington, D.C. You’ll learn how our fully integrated technology helps providers unify operations and deliver quality care. We are pleased to be an official NIC Conference partner. Reach out to book a meeting. Event details: Marriott Marquis Washington D.C. September 23-25, 2024 We look forward to meeting you! Looking to explore the Yardi Senior Living Suite prior to these events? Visit our product suite or watch a quick, on-demand...