Harnessing power of resident reviews isn’t as hard as you might think. And it’s definitely worth the effort. Recent studies* indicate a power shift when it comes to factors influencing a purchasing decision: away from big marketing budgets and message repetition and in favor of company/product ratings and reviews. And the internet makes consumer reviews easier than ever to find.

Consider these findings from Lightspeed Research in a March 2011 study: Over 60 percent of people read product or business reviews online before purchasing, and more importantly, trust other consumers’ opinions about the purchase in question. This number is likely much higher for ‘considered’ purchases (such as their next apartment). The study also shows that as few as two or three negative reviews can cause consumers to change their mind about a potential purchase.

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It’s that time of year: Social calendars get hectic. Weather gets brutal. And people get generous. DEI Communities has found a way to bring communities together and involve residents in a giving tradition. Ashley Tatum, Marketing Director at Vista Shadow Mountain in Tulsa, Oklahoma explained how it works.

Make it important: “Every year DEI sponsors a company-wide food drive,” Tatum said. “Even corporate gets involved. There’s a friendly competition between properties to see who can collect the most non-perishable food items by weight.” While properties have the option to choose which charities or causes to support, having the backing of the corporate office helps strengthen the culture of giving across all of the DEI properties.

Choose your cause: “Every year a new resident will come into the office and ask if they can organize a food drive,” said Tatum. “We’re happy to be able to work with them on a cause that really resonates.”

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Renters insurance is becoming more and more popular—and mandating it is quickly becoming the standard, but is it worth it? Damage is inevitable, and we all know that it’s better for your property—and your bottom line—when your residents have insurance. But how much better is it?

Every Uninsured Unit is a Potential Time Bomb:

Nearly half of properties will suffer a small loss (less than $25,000) every year, and eight percent of properties will suffer a large loss; the average large loss is $77,250. If your resident is uninsured, your property will bear much of the burden, or get tangled in a long legal battle.

Renters Insurance Lowers Your Risk:

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Property Solutions has had some of the hardest working property websites in the industry for years. ProspectPortal is the undisputed leader in multifamily websites, offering better integrations and more functionality than any other multifamily website options. “Yes, but how do they look?” you ask. The answer: Better and better!

This month our design team is unveiling the newest theme available for websites, mobile sites, and our iPad SiteTablet app: Showcase. This website makes you look stylish and smart at the same time. With an abundance of photo-slots you can truly show your community’s best side, while captions give your prospective renters lots of valuable information. This website has a lot of movement to keep the attention of even the most distracted browsers. Plus, with multiple calls to action and clear links to social media and property information, it’s very easy to navigate.

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