A Different Look at an Age-Old Problem: Amenities
[{"id": "crvek1w", "text": "In that article, what do you mean by a virtual concierge? Is there an off the shelf package that landlords can use?\n", "replies": [{"id": "crvt6ti", "text": "Virtual, as in, an app used by residents to interact with the concierge, which I would assume when developed fully could allow concierge to work multiple properties", "replies": [{"id": "crvv2qx", "text": "Right. I'm asking if there is a specific package that you could point me at. ", "replies": [{"id": "crvvm40", "text": "Whoops sorry about that.  I don't have that specific information,  I'd suggest contacting them via their website.  Sorry couldn't be of more assistance", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "crvpsxx", "text": "Some of what is listed could definitely be value add, such as coordinating resident functions.  Some, however, would be completely replaced by Google.  I think a major approach should be pet management, like feeding pets while away on vacation.  \n\n&amp;nbsp;\n\nAs for amenities, I think there is a BIG difference between attracting residents and retaining residents.  I wrote a post a few years ago about this issue, and I think it is still relevant today:  http://www.multifamilyinsiders.com/multifamily-blogs/if-your-residents-are-not-continually-buying-they-will-be-leaving\n\n&amp;nbsp;\n\nI think a concierge who coordinates events would not only serve as an amenity in itself, but also boost other amenities so they actually get used.  ", "replies": [{"id": "crvsvjf", "text": "In my conversation with Lynda, coordinating events has been big, especially in communities where you are seeing broad divides in demographics, i.e. empty-nesters living side-by-side with Millennials.  I know quite a bit of the new construction here, in the Phoenix Metro, is seeing this growing trend which they weren't anticipating.  \n\nCould also see a concierge service working for owners who have lots of smaller communities located in a particular region.  Would have to really work out logistics but, if done properly, gives them an edge over their larger counterparts.", "replies": [{"id": "crvtgjs", "text": "Would you mind PMing Linda's contact info?  I think they might be interested in contributing to this resource:  http://www.residentevents.com/", "replies": [{"id": "crvto6f", "text": "Sent", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "crvt7fs", "text": "Also, really great read and thanks for posting the link to the article.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "crw30fh", "text": "Thanks for posting that.  Its pretty interesting.  We talk all the time about making sure our assets are receiving maximized returns in regards to rents etc but that seems so unit centric.  Amenities seem nothing more than a expense to most, which they'd frankly like to minimize.  Looking at it from the standpoint of \"what is my return on this pool/workout center/etc asset and how can I maximize it\" is probably something where nearly everyone could improve.\n\n ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]