As 2016 begins, the new year will bring new training opportunities for Yardi clients. Yardi is expanding its event offerings to provide more opportunities for clients to learn about our products, address technical challenges, network and socialize. Of course, the extremely popular Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, known as YASC, will return for another year of training, networking, and fun. With 16 years of success as a venue for client education, YASC is now global, with biannual events in North America and annual events in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Learn more about the international conferences here. YASC events in North America will return to Washington, D.C. from June 1-3, and to Anaheim, Calif., from Sept. 21-23. These three day conferences will feature panels, expert speakers, and 200+ sessions on a variety of products and services for all markets. Drop-in labs will offer attendees one-on-one instruction from our product experts. Conference content will be tailored to many professional levels, including executives, IT professionals, accountants, marketers, trainers, and site level property managers. Early bird registration information and conference details for YASC in Washington, D.C. is available now, and can be found here. Details and registration information for YASC in Anaheim will be available soon. New for 2016, Yardi is pleased to launch Yardi Forums, which are smaller and more focused training sessions for specific market segments. Yardi Forums are an opportunity to dive deep into training about the software platform and solutions you use daily. The Yardi Forum events are two day events including sessions on the products and services available for featured markets. Attendees will hear from Yardi experts and industry leaders on ways to best utilize your Yardi software, enhance your business efficiency, and improve employee productivity. The Yardi Forums are designed...

By now we’re sure you’ve heard of Google AdWords, those pay-per-click (PPC) ads that pop up in search results on the largest search engine in the world. Whether you do a Google search from your desktop or mobile device, you’ll see them—serving up the most relevant results to get you to click through to the advertisers’ websites. If you’re interested in learning how to use Google AdWords for search engine marketing (SEM), this blog post will help you get started. First, we’re going to teach you the basic terminology and functions. Then we’ll share three best practices that will help you get results. And finally we’ll introduce you to a service that will help power your AdWords campaigns and deliver measurable results. Ready to learn more about Google AdWords for property marketing? Ok, here we go! Getting Started Get your ad on Google, the search engine that processes over 3.5 billion searches per day. Google AdWords helps you advertise your business or community directly to potential leads at the very moment that they’re searching for the things you offer. Creating Ads Creating an AdWords ad is a three-step process. First you write the ad, including a headline that identifies your product or service, a link to the landing page you want people to go to, and some text with a call to action. Then you choose the search terms that will prompt your ad to appear in Google search results. And finally, you set your daily budget. Ad Groups Ad groups are groups of ads with slight copy, url, or delivery (desktop vs. mobile) differences that target the same set of search terms. Campaigns A campaign is a set of ad groups that have the same budget, location targeting, and more. You might have...

The fifth in Yardi’s series of thought leadership Think Tanks, held in association with Property Week, brought together retail centre owners and managers to discuss their experience and opinions on how to remain successful in a competitive retail environment. London’s retail scene is arguably the best in the world, with billions of pounds spent annually in the capital’s designer stores, boutiques and big-brand outlets. But as fashions in real estate strategy change, today’s retail landlords and property managers must move with the times to keep on attracting consumers. In a series of real estate think tanks, Yardi brought together a panel of retail experts to discuss the burning issues. Jace Tyrrell, deputy chief executive, New West End Company Jordan Jeffery, head of retail management, JLL Robin Dobson, director of retail development, Hammerson Clare Harris, head of group marketing & communications, Shaftesbury Chair: Claer Barrett, Financial Times CB: Let’s start by talking about online retail – have retailers and landlords passed ‘peak disruption’? RD: If you look back 10 years, the property industry was scared; now, I think we’ve come through the eclipse. The opportunity to create the best physical stores is complimentary to the drive to online. ICSC research showed that 90% of transactions still happen in a physical location – customers may have seen the product in a store, then ordered it at home or on a screen, or they might have ordered it at home and gone into the store to collect it. John Lewis recently reported that 50% of its in-store sales are coming from ‘click and collect’. As landlords, we create the platform for others to create the theatre. JJ: Everyone has had to adapt to online changes. Today’s consumers are much more informed and do a lot more research...

Moving to Yardi’s cloud-based Voyager 7S platform was a big leap for Wilson Blanchard Management Inc., a Canadian condominium overseer. With responsibility for nearly 37,000 units in the Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area and offices in Toronto, Hamilton and Cambridge, the company is one of the largest and most respected condominium management firms in Canada. The company’s transition to the 7S platform was a big deal because not only were they moving away from a self-hosted software solution, but they jumped from a much earlier version of Voyager, Voyager 5, to the vastly improved and more intuitive 7S. “That was a big challenge, both from our standpoint and I think from Yardi’s standpoint also,” said Jeff Lack, manager of financial reporting for Wilson Blanchard. But moving to the cloud turned out to be one of the best technology decisions that Wilson Blanchard had ever made since the company began 20 years ago. Not only did it produce nearly immediate cost savings, but it saved time, enhanced productivity, and generated peace of mind. “The cost of being self-hosted, both the cost from a hardware standpoint and a maintenance standpoint, just wasn’t worth it anymore. It didn’t make sense to continue putting out that amount of money for servers, maintenance, software upgrades, and server upgrades,” Lack said. Transferring the responsibility for those items to Yardi created a streamlined system for troubleshooting and eliminated miscommunication between software provider, client and a third party IT provider. But there haven’t been many issues to troubleshoot, Lack relayed. “We really haven’t had any cloud specific issues, at all. There has been no downtime, no data issues,” Lack said. Among the efficiencies generated by Voyager 7S that Wilson Blanchard has appreciated are fast report generation using SSRS reporting. “It’s almost instant....

The Yardi Professional Services Group (PSG) is available to help clients get the most out of their new software as quickly as possible. PSG assists clients with project management, implementation services, needs analysis, data conversion, training and technical support. With the backing of PSG, clients can experience timely, seamless product implementation. JBG Companies is a management firm that supervises 24 million square feet of multifamily, retail, and hospitality assets. After using Yardi Voyager 6 for six years, JBG upgraded to Yardi Voyager 7S earlier this summer. Before conversion, PSG established a testing environment in which JBG managers could execute their daily protocols, edit menus and option settings. Adi Englander, Vice President of Financial Systems at JBG, explains how PSG supported her team during the tests. “We compiled everyone’s issues after each testing period and worked with Yardi to address and manage those processes,” begins Englander. “PSG originally sent a few process experts of their own to sit down with users and give them an overview of some of the changes that might affect their groups so that they knew what to look out for. [The users] were more prepared than just me telling them what I think those things may change.” PSG experts provided onsite, customized tutorials for personnel at JBG. Englander says, “We had the residential group sit with somebody from PSG, the management people, the construction guys, the commercial side, the lease admin– everyone sat with somebody from PSG for a few hours in the beginning.” The thorough testing and individualized attention made conversion a more efficient process for JBG. “We did not have a lot of problems in that area. I expected we’d have a lot of problems, that reports would just not run, but they continued to run,” Englander laughs....

With events in London, Sydney, and Singapore, Yardi’s continued expansion of its worldwide advanced software training offerings was well-received by clients in November 2015. The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, with a strong foundation of support from the company’s U.S.-based clientele, will continue to grow in 2016. “Offering YASC to our overseas clients is a product of our steady global growth and our desire to maintain leadership in software solutions for commercial, residential and investment management,” said Neal Gemassmer, vice president of international for Yardi. “YASC gives users the opportunity to refresh their familiarity with existing products, learn about new ones and build relationships with Yardi employees and each other.” In London on Nov. 7-9, 240 clients joined Yardi product experts for two days of training classes, product roadmap updates, dining and entertainment, one-on-one support, and more. YASC Europe was held at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London and focused on the European commercial, residential, and investment markets. In Sydney on Nov. 16-18, more 110 clients joined to attend 40 classes included advanced training on Yardi’s software suite, presentation of the forthcoming product roadmap, and insight into regional market trends. In Singapore on Nov. 23-24, more than 80 clients joined to attend 20 classes that were offered with similar themes. Classes were tailored for executives, product users, and technology professionals who could learn about Yardi solutions such as Orion Business Intelligence, COMMERCIALCafé, Commercial LeasingPad, and Advanced Budgeting and Forecasting. For the first time, the Yardi Lab, where clients can work one-on-one with technical experts to troubleshoot individual software issues, was offered at both #YASCANZ and #YASCAsia. Clients attending the event shared positive feedback on the programming, as well as the tasty breakfasts, buffet lunches, and tea breaks. With unique entertainment at each venue, the reception events...

It’s that time of year again! Every November since 2009, Yardi has proudly participated in the Santa Barbara Foodbank’s annual Corporate Food & Funds Drive Challenge. By promoting friendly competition among local business, the corporate challenge is a chance to give back and support those in need during this holiday season and beyond. Every day, thousands of people turn to the Santa Barbara Foodbank for assistance. With a commitment to supplying nutritious foods that promote a healthy lifestyle, the Santa Barbara food bank helps one in four local residents keep their larders full and their tables set not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Though the Foodbank receives a steady flow of donations year-round, events like the Corporate Food & Funds Drive Challenge guarantees the organization receives sufficient funds and resources to operate regardless of the season. Yardi has participated in the Corporate Food & Funds Drive Challenge from the beginning, and being part of this annual competition aligns with the company’s overall philosophy of giving back to the community. As part of the competition, over the next two months Yardi employees will work hard donating food, funds and volunteer hours in a bid to earn points that will be tallied against the efforts of the other challenge participants. Once the contest is completed, the Foodbank will use an employee-to-point ratio to crown the winner. Last year, the challenge collectively brought in over 24,000 pounds of food (including 266 turkeys), over 400 hours of service, and more than $47,000 in donations! Though Brown and Brown Insurance may have nabbed the title in the past, this time around, the Yardi team is ready to snag that top spot. “The competitive spirit is alive and well,” says event organizer Kelly Johnson, “and I think...

The Fall 2015 Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, or YASC for short, was successfully held in Anaheim October 7-9, 2015. For the third consecutive year, the Fall 2015 YASC was hosted at the Hilton Anaheim, located in Orange County near the Anaheim Convention Center. YASC Anaheim drew 1,800 clients and 300 staff to Southern California for three days of advanced software training, product updates, learning, and networking. In addition to the 200+ courses, general sessions, and panels, guests enjoyed the YASC Gala on October 9. Attendees danced and sang along to 1930’s jazz-inspired Gala entertainment. The Hilton’s largest ballroom was transformed with lush topiaries, lamp posts, waterfalls, and the iconic sound and energy of New Orleans. We captured some of the evening’s festivities at the Gala photo booth. Enjoy a glimpse of the fun!...

Yardi recently released RentCafe® Senior Living™, the latest addition to the Yardi Senior Living Suite™. This much anticipated tool makes it easier than ever for senior care providers to promote transparency and engagement with seniors and their responsible parties. Imagine one fully integrated site that allows your clients to monitor the care experience and communicate with care providers. Now imagine that the same portal allows residents to make payments and track maintenance requests. With these features combined, you’ve only brushed the tip of iceberg. RentCafe Senior Living is capable of so much more. RentCafe Senior Living fuels customer satisfaction by combining access and convenience. From a desktop or mobile device, residents and their loved ones can take an active role in the care experience. Lengthy wait times on the phone and restricted office hours no long impeded access. With RentCafe Senior Living, users have resources at their fingertips. At any time, authorized users have access to resident health records, prescriptions, activities calendars and participation logs. Residents’ loved ones can rest assured that their senior is cared for and enjoying the amenities that the community has to offer. One of the most popular features of RentCafe Senior Living is the convenient online bill pay tool. Authorized users can access current and past statements. They then have the choice to make a single or reoccurring payment. Withdrawal options include ACH, credit card and debit card accounts. If there is ever a question, users can contact the care provider directly. Problems are reported and tracked in real time. Both users and care providers stay up-to-date on the most recent developments. Another popular feature is the maintenance request option.  Web savvy residents or visitors can report problems and track follow-up efforts from their smartphones. Service requests initiated through...

The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference is being held in Anaheim, Calif. this week, just down the street from the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes, we’re talking about Disneyland. If you grew up in Southern California or are raising a family here, chances are you may have had occasion to visit the flagship Disney theme park a time or two. Now that I’m older and more interested in mergers and acquisitions than Minnie Mouse, Disneyland doesn’t hold the same thrall over me that it once did. But as I thought about the many memories there, the unique sense of place fostered by the park’s attractions was on my mind. Could you find a Sleeping Beauty Castle on the real estate market? How about a Tom Sawyer Island? Even a Haunted Mansion? I went looking for the comparable properties to some of my favorite Disneyland spots. Here’s what I found. Sleeping Beauty Castle Fit for a princess, Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is like a life size Barbie dream house. When I was growing up, it wasn’t open to go inside – apparently it’s now open to visitors for walking tours, though some reviewers complain that there’s not much to do in there. Well, Sleeping Beauty was asleep, after all.. I found a castle for sale in Burgundy, France that might fit the bill of a modern princess (Kim Kardashian?). Two hours from Paris, the 9-bedroom, 7-bathroom home comes with its own lake, two guesthouses, a barn and a stables. But it wasn’t owned by a fairy tale character – French biologist Louis Pasteur, who made milk safe to store with his pasteurization technique, was the original proprietor.  Price is available from international real estate firm Moulin upon request.     Tom Sawyer Island You don’t have...

The Fall 2015 Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, or YASC for short, is coming to Anaheim October 7-9, 2015. For the third consecutive year, the Fall 2015 YASC will be hosted at the Hilton Anaheim, located in Orange County near the Anaheim Convention Center. YASC Anaheim is projected to be one of the largest conferences to date, with an estimated 1,800 clients and 300 staff in attendance. The conference focuses on advanced software training, product updates, and exploring important industry topics. This year YASC will offer clients 200+ courses to choose from including courses tailored for IT professionals, executives, property managers, property owners, office staff, and trainers. Along with the YASC courses, general sessions, and scheduled entertainment, we wanted to share a few local attractions that may interest clients visiting Orange County. Whether this is your first visit to the West Coast, or your tenth, we hope these opportunities will enrich your experience while at YASC. Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park Disneyland Park is celebrating its Diamond 60th Anniversary in style. You won’t want to miss Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, which has been transformed into a Diamond-studded classic. The year-long celebration features special parades, programs, and a dazzling fireworks display in the evening. In addition to celebrating its 60th Anniversary, parts of the park will be in festive fall spirit. Special events, including family-friendly Halloween events, happen throughout the park in the month of October. Head over to the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain to experience spooky and fun seasonal activities. Disney’s California Adventure Park offers the attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment of Disneyland, but with extended park hours. The new Cars Land area is a fun and interactive part of the park where guests can race into the world of Pixar’s Cars movie....

Yardi. has added another comprehensive software suite to its arsenal of tech tools. With the acquisition of Optimus EMR, Inc., announced Wednesday, the company will now provide a single platform for skilled nursing and long-term care facilities as a part of its Yardi Senior Living Suite. The suite offers integrated assessments, care plans and automated minimum data set (MDS), which will provide senior care providers with a seamless business solution for everything from enterprise resource planning (ERP) to electronic health records. Optimus, established in 2001, has grown exponentially since its inception and is currently operational in hundreds of facilities in more than 30 states. Craig Griffin, senior vice president for Optimus, hopes to continue this upward mobility by uniting with Yardi. “Teaming with Yardi creates an exciting opportunity to be part of a new era in electronic health records,” Griffin said. Eric Kolber, vice president of senior living at Yardi, enumerated the many benefits of an end-to-end software solution. “A single-stack solution is the most efficient approach to data management. The benefits include optimal staffing, maximized revenues, and improved resident care,” said Kolber. “Integrating the Optimus clinical suite enables us to broaden our services into skilled nursing, adult daycare, and home health, which are essential to long-term care.” Yardi’s most recent addition joins the ranks of its other recently acquired software services like MCEnergy, Inc., a provider of market insights and energy management services which Yardi acquired in August. In 2014, the company also added Enerliance, an intelligent HVAC optimization system, as well as Centershift, a self-storage management platform. In 2013, Yardi bought like-minded property and market research supplier Pierce-Eislen. Yardi plans to maintain and expand the current Optimus teams in Irvine, Calif. and Mansfield, Mass. This article first appeared in Commercial Property...

Yardi is meeting the data security and infrastructure needs of its rapidly growing client base in Southeast Asia by opening a new data center in Singapore. The Singapore data center adds to a network of more than 10 centers in North America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. Together they form the Yardi Cloud, a secure, scalable and cost-effective software provisioning and data management solution that relieves clients of IT infrastructure, support services and security responsibilities. “This step will help our clients in Asia gain the greatest possible value from their Yardi Voyager, the foundation of a comprehensive back office and front office technology solution. The Singapore data center extends to our growing roster of Asia-based clients the Yardi Cloud’s fast, best practice-based solution deployments, painless upgrades and reduced overhead and capital costs,” said Neal Gemassmer, vice president of international for Yardi. Yardi’s data centers are protected by multiple firewalls, onsite security, video surveillance, biometric screening, real-time offsite replication, fire suppression systems and other electronic and physical protections. Now in its fourth decade, Yardi is committed to the design, development and support of software for real estate investment management and property management. With the Yardi Commercial Suite, Yardi Residential Suit, Yardi Investment Suit and Yardi Orion Business Intelligence, the Yardi Voyager platform is a complete real estate management solution. It includes operations, accounting and services with portfolio-wide business intelligence and platform-wide mobility. Yardi serves clients worldwide from offices in Australia, Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America. For more information,...

Think your landlord insurance is enough? Think again. Recent studies examined renters insurance practices at property management companies throughout the Unites States. Those reports suggest that 45 percent of property managers do not offer insurance to their tenants. Only 25 percent of property managers require their renters to purchase insurance at every property in their portfolio. Of the properties that do require renters insurance, The National MultiHousing Council’s Apartment Cost Risk Survey suggests that only 25 percent had a consistent standard for each property within a state. As a property manager, a lack of coverage and inconsistencies within coverage requirements will leave you vulnerable. By making renters’ insurance compulsory at each and every property, you can minimize costly risks–saving nearly 80 percent in repairs on renter-caused damages! Renters insurance supplements some often overlooked (or inadequately covered) areas in your landlord insurance policies including: flood earthquake residents’ housing after a disaster, while the property is being repaired lost rent while tenants are away during repairs tenants’ high-cost valuables guest accidents and injuries ResidentShield provides renters with the coverage that they need to rebuild their lives after a disaster or take care of a guest who sustains injuries while visiting the unit. This coverage can provide peace of mind for your residents while limiting your costs and liability. If you’re not currently requiring renters insurance, the next natural question may be, “Where do I start?” A gradual transition is essential for maintaining renter satisfaction while increasing your protection. Most property management companies phase the insurance requirement into existing leases as they are renewed. The increased costs will undoubtedly raise concern with some renters. One way to ease the transition is to offer options to your tenants. Some property managers may allow renters to choose their own prepaid policy rather...

Yardi has been recognized for its self-storage technology platform by Inside Self-Storage, an industry publication for storage providers. The company won the Best Technology Innovation category in the 2015 Best of Business awards. It’s the latest honor for the company’s move into the self-storage business, which began in early 2014 with the acquisition of Salt Lake City-based Centershift. Today, that product is part of Yardi’s Genesis2 offering, targeted directly to self-storage providers. Genesis2 is the first single platform, device-agnostic, full suite solution, complete with robust accounting capability and customer management portals. “This is just the tip of the iceberg, from an innovation standpoint, for Yardi in the self-storage market,” said Mark Smith, Director of Self Storage Marketing for Yardi. The company also offers platforms for the industry’s largest storage providers. Yardi Genesis2 is designed for the property manager who wears every hat. Typically managing a small to mid-sized portfolio, they need comprehensive, mobile solution that makes juggling multiple tasks easier. Lauded features include best-practice workflows, all-one-functionality, maintenance, insurance, payment processing, and tenant services. Yardi Genesis2 is available today, and you can get more information...

According to the Association for Talent Development, American organizations spend an estimated $164 billion on employee training on each year. This ranges from 31.5 -56 hours of training per employee. This valuable time is spent simply learning how to optimize performance rather than putting those plans into action. Yardi client Brindley & Associates has cut those costs with the use of one, simple software solution. Accountant Carol Vandenberghe has worked with Brindley and Associates for thirteen years. Overtime, she has seen the company grow its presence in the southeast. To meet it’s more sophisticated needs, the firm recently upgraded to Voyager 7S. The combination of expansion and new software required a more efficient way to pursue employee training. “That was the main reason why we got eLearning,” begins Vandenberghe. “It really helped with the transition, plus we had just hired new employees as well.” Yardi eLearning has helped Brindley and Associates significantly cut costs on employee education and get the most out of Voyager upgrade. “We have so many properties in outlying areas,” Vandenberghe says. “Some of those properties are four hours away. It would take at least eight hours for the property managers to drive back and forth for training. Then to come by the office and have to sit there for two, eight hour days, maybe more.” Those hours are just a portion of the resources wasted on onsite training. “Training event preparation requires a lot of planning. I figure 40-50 hours. That’s an entire week right there,” Vandenberghe says. “Then we have to bring in all of the property managers, pay for their food and hotel, that kind of thing. Plus, it’s inconvenient for the property managers to have to leave when they’ve got tenants coming in to make payments. The...

The National Apartment Association’s annual education conference and exposition brought hundreds of apartment industry professionals to sunny Las Vegas. The week-long event drew a record-breaking 9,000+ attendees to the conference, which was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort from Tuesday, June 23 to Saturday, June 27. The conference kicked off on Tuesday with a celebrity expert “Game Changer” series that focused on personal growth experiences and lessons learned in business. With over sixty industry-focused workshops, the conference offered attendees eight tracks of sessions. The tracks included specialized sessions in Human Resources, Leasing, Legal Issues, Maintenance, Marketing, Operations, Special Needs Populations, and Technology. Particularly helpful, the conference smartphone app allowed conference attendees and exhibitors to view speaker bios, access session descriptions, build customized daily schedules, and find exhibitor booth locations. #NAAEduConf always gives attendees new ideas to consider, and here are three big takeaways from 2015. Generational sub-markets are more complicated than we thought. The housing industry has had a keen focus on the maturation of the Millennial generation, which includes individuals born between 1981 to 1997. A renewed interest in other generations, such as Baby Boomers and Gen Z, was an emerging theme at this year’s NAA conference. The population of aging Baby Boomers in the United States is anticipated to reach 73 million by 2030. The apartment industry is seeing many now senior Boomers selling their homes and searching for tech-friendly senior living communities. Additionally, college-bound Gen Z will be a generation to follow, as they are predicted to become the most technologically advanced and largest college-bound generation to date. Each of these growing populations will have different needs and desires when it comes to housing, and the apartment industry is wise to take a deeper look into the complicated intricacies of each...

LAS VEGAS – Amid the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip, the National Apartment Association kicked off its annual education conference and exhibition at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on Tuesday. According to NAA President Douglas Culkin, this year the event brings together a record-breaking 9,000 multifamily professionals for a week of learning and networking. The conference showcased an expanded educational “Game Changer” series. The six star-studded sessions focused on topics from technology and leadership to business acumen and industry knowledge. Featured experts included Robin Chase, the founder and former CEO of Zipcar, Buzzcar, and GoLoco, and Richard Karlgaard, angel investor and bestselling author and publisher of Forbes Magazine. In addition, the conference boasted over sixty industry-focused workshops and breakout sessions. Attendees heard from experts on everything from sub-market trends and digital marketing best practices to revenue management and prospect conversion. This year, NAA’s conference app allowed attendees to create customized schedules, including the ability to select from a variety of industry tracks. Opening Highlights Thursday morning’s general session opened by revealing the new NAA logo and tagline. The new NAA tagline, “We Lead the Way Home,” was selected for its representation of the industry and mission of its professionals: To create a sense of community among residents and professionals alike. Opening remarks also focused on the continued support of the NAA Education Institute, which according to its website, the committee identified several key areas impacting the apartment industry. These included recruitment, training, leadership development, succession and retention of talent. During the opening session, NAA launched its NAAEI Now capital campaign, which will aim to raise $7.5 million over a multi-year plan to meet these needs. During the launch, conference attendees were invited to contribute to the campaign via text message donation....

If you’re looking for ways to make procurement for your real estate interests faster, easier and less expensive, read on to find out how Yardi and The Home Depot can help. At the National Apartment Association’s Education Conference (#NAAEduConf) this week, attendees to the Las Vegas event can learn how to take their procurement process to the next level. If you are looking for creative ways to better your business, this is one you don’t want to miss. Yardi Marketplace provides a powerful suite of services for owners and operators. We recently had the opportunity to chat with The Home Depot’s Scott Matthews, Director, Strategic Accounts for the home improvement retailer. Read on to get more insight from Scott into how The Home Depot partners with Yardi on a competitive procurement solution. Last year, The Home Depot and Yardi announced an exciting new partnership. How would you describe The Home Depot’s vital role within Yardi Marketplace? Matthews: One of the many great things about The Home Depot and Yardi Marketplace relationship is that customers have full access to all of the products that The Home Depot offers. All participating customers have the ability to access The Home Depot products by using Yardi Marketplace. Full-service Yardi clients have the ability to access The Home Depot catalog through Yardi Marketplace, while enjoying the full Procure-to-Pay experience. In both cases, customers can still purchase directly at the store if needed or order through Yardi Marketplace for free in-store pickup or free delivery.  The Yardi Marketplace is a free program for all participating customers. How do you find the average property manager or maintenance supervisor uses The Home Depot for procurement, and are they missing any chances to shop smarter? Matthews: Property managers using The Home Depot for...

It’s one of the industry’s most-anticipated conferences of the year. Yardi is proud to be a sponsor of the National Apartment Association’s annual Education Conference and Expo, taking place June 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center in Las Vegas. NAA offers attendees to experience the latest innovation in the apartment industry, from best practices for business, to marketing strategy, to new on-site ideas. The takeaways are extensive and the opportunity to learn is limited only by the number of hours in the day. As you’re planning your conference schedule, here are a few sessions that should definitely land on the “don’t miss this list.” “Let’s Get Engaged! 7 Tips to Build Resident Relationships that Last” Technology Booth #2505, Friday, 6/26 1:00-2:00pm Esther Bonardi, Yardi Apartment All Star Esther Bonardi is an industry expert on digital apartment marketing, and retaining residents is one of her specialties. You won’t want to miss her insight on advertising, lead tracking, social media, online search, and much more. “Putting Research to Work: Understand Customers & Outperform the Market” Thursday, 6/25 11:30am – 12:30pm Jack Kern, Multi-Housing News Want to be able to read the minds of your renters? In this session, Multi-Housing News and Commercial Property Executive publisher Jack Kern will outline useful practices to help understand how and why renters make the choices they do, and explain how customer-centric property research can benefit your business. “Pricing to Win: Using Revenue Management to Sign More Leases” Friday, 6/26 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Ian Mattingly, CPM, LumaCorp Inc. Tammy Atkins, CPM, Heritage Apartments Shannon Hayden, Epoch Management, Inc. Mark Haldi, Bridge Property Management This exceptional panel of apartment industry peers will focus on the magic of revenue management. If you have ever wondered about how this...

Do you know how to take the leasing lead in your market? It might be easier than you think! The results of our recent leasing strategy survey revealed that smart multifamily firms have multiple opportunities to increase performance and out-market, out-lease, and out-renew the competition. But to beat the competition, you have to know what they’re up to, right? To that end, we put together these top three takeaways from the responses to our survey of multifamily marketing and leasing professionals across the industry: 87% of property management companies surveyed don’t recognize/reward good follow up activity. Create a strong follow up tracking and recognition program to shape your company culture to instantly outperform 87% of your competitors! 64% of companies have no way to monitor resident relationship activity (interactions with residents). Track and reward resident relationships to prevent the loss of good residents. This will also help you impress new leads coming from other communities who don’t carefully manage the resident experience. 52% of responders don’t set a cost-per-lead goal, and 42% don’t have a cost per-lease-goal. Set concrete goals and measure your performance after one quarter. Is there room for improvement or are you doing better than you expected? Adjust accordingly. “Marketing budgets are limited,” notes Esther Bonardi, industry principal of Yardi Marketing Solutions. “Without standards and measures in place to ensure you are getting enough traffic for your marketing spend, you will easily end up with fewer leads than companies who use ROI reporting to make good marketing decisions.” It’s critical to identify opportunities where you can exceed competitor performance and commit to improvement in those key areas. Establishing standards and tracking results is essential to keeping your team on top of the market. Other interesting survey findings include: 46% of respondents...