posted on June 29, 2015
One of the most critical roles in any real estate organization, whether it’s a commercial office building, an apartment complex or a retail center, is that of the property manager. Not only do they have responsibility for handling onsite operations, they also interact on a daily basis with tenants, customers and, on occasion, the media. To many, these professionals are the public face of the organization. And, when it comes to media, they are the company representative most…
posted on June 15, 2015
Q. As someone who has covered Houston’s real estate market for 30+ years, what do you think sets Houston apart from other major cities when it comes to real estate development? A. Most people would say the lack of zoning is a major difference. That is certainly true but I think what really sets Houston apart is its spirit of entrepreneurship. Other cities are not as accepting or open in welcoming newcomers. In Houston, if you have a…
posted on June 9, 2015
Despite the pervasiveness of social media in our lives, many real estate organizations struggle to utilize these tools to develop and deepen relationships, invite endorsement and create two-way communication with their audiences and stakeholders. Many organizations use social media as a one-way communication vehicle, talking at instead of with people. They miss out on the valuable feedback and validation social media participants can provide, such as what amenities they want in a residential community or which retailers they…
posted on June 4, 2015
As communities throughout the U.S. become more urbanized, new real estate projects are at increased risk of opposition from myriad stakeholder groups. Whether a high-end office building in an affluent neighborhood, an upscale apartment complex in a historic district, or an affordable housing apartment complex in a suburban community, each new project can be objectionable to someone. And, many developments present fair game for “anti-new development” activists. And, unlike some activist groups, these opponents frequently have strong and…
posted on May 25, 2015
It happens all the time in the highly-competitive world of real estate. A new multimillion dollar project is announced with lots of hoopla. Company leadership and elected officials turn the dirt at groundbreaking. Local news outlets cover the story. The developer gets color photos on page one of the major daily and everyone is happy. A few months later – zip. Hundreds of new real estate projects – office buildings, retail centers, hotels, manufacturing complexes, hospitals and master-planned…
