A New Age
Over the past year, we’ve had the words burned into our brains. “Social distance”, “wear a mask”, “6 feet apart!” Inherently, it’s become a part of our daily lives. People shy away from crowds in an effort to protect themselves and the people around them. This has certainly impacted apartment communities and has created a shift in demand for what renters expect when choosing a place to live.
Renters have now developed a clearer understanding of their needs in this new age. Fitness centers and dog parks don’t cut it anymore. In fact, 42% of renters say they rarely or never use their apartment’s fitness center (NMHC/Kingsley). These days, renters expect self-guided touring options, blazing-fast WiFi, smart access and control, and essentially anything that translates into…
Ease and Convenience
Let’s start at the very beginning of the leasing process. 85% of prospective renters will check out an apartment’s website before visiting in person. It’s important that your website adheres to the consumer demand of having all information available at their fingertips in an easily digestible manner. One of the easiest ways to meet this demand is by implementing chatbot functionality. 69% of consumers prefer interacting with chatbots due to their ability to provide quick replies to simple questions (Chatbots Magazine). This functionality also frees up front-facing staff and allows them to focus on other needs.
Now that we’ve secured them as a tenant, let’s learn how to retain them. As technology advances, so does the need to create a functional and connected living space. 1/3rd of residents already have voice-activated technology within their homes. Having technology like smart thermostats, locks, and lights all working in tandem with their phone, and other edge devices are becoming increasingly popular in demand among apartment communities.
Building a Bridge
It’s important to know that an increase in the demand for apps and services does not mean the demand for apartment amenities has decreased. While trying to navigate the road to your apartment communities’ success, bridging the two together can be advantageous for both staff and residents. Package management, maintenance requests, rent payments, and community access are just a few common amenities moving toward automation that makes everyone’s lives easier.
