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Author: Resi

Your Property’s Story: Narratives help attract and retain residents

Your property is more than just a physical space; it’s a living story, and each chapter should entice your audience to keep reading.

To set yourself up for success in the competitive world of multifamily housing, it’s crucial to ensure that your property’s narrative is not only compelling but also coherent to attract and retain residents. Every element, from the smallest detail to the grandest design, should work together seamlessly to guide potential residents from initial intrigue to decisive action, ultimately fostering resident loyalty and reducing turnover by building a sense of community.

Crafting your property’s story

Let’s delve deeper into the key points and implications of crafting your property’s captivating story:

The Power of Consistency

Emphasizing consistency across various digital touchpoints is paramount. Consistency reinforces your property’s identity and tells a coherent story that captivates potential residents. Whether it’s your website, social media profiles, or marketing materials, the message should be harmonious. When prospective residents encounter a consistent and cohesive message, it builds trust and familiarity, making them more likely to explore your offerings further.

The Multifamily Community Experience

In today’s multifamily housing industry, it’s crucial to recognize that you’re not just providing a place to live; you’re crafting an experience for your residents. This experience starts from the very first interaction, whether it’s a website visit, a phone call, or an in-person tour. Every touchpoint should reflect your commitment to creating a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable living experience. Here are a few additional tips on how to implement community-building into your property.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is your tool for shaping your property’s narrative. Platforms like Google Ads, Instagram, your website, and community blogs play a pivotal role in attracting and engaging potential residents. Utilize these channels to showcase the unique aspects of your property, highlight resident testimonials, and create a virtual connection with your audience. High-quality visuals and persuasive content are essential to make a lasting impression. These pieces and platforms play a crucial role in attracting and engaging potential residents.

Communication

Effective communication, both in terms of language and responsiveness, is the backbone of building trust and maintaining resident satisfaction. Warm and timely email responses, as well as easy accessibility to your property management team, can make a significant difference. A personal touch in your interactions can help create a sense of belonging for residents, making them feel valued and heard.

User Experience

Be a champion for the user experience. Ensure that your online applications are user-friendly, and virtual tours provide clarity and immersion. A seamless user experience is crucial in guiding potential residents from intrigue to taking action. Remember, a frustrated user is unlikely to become a long-term resident.

Brand Cohesion

Consistency in branding is key. A cohesive brand identity across all touchpoints reinforces the narrative and makes it more memorable. From your logo and color scheme to your mission statement and values, everything should align to tell a coherent story that resonates with your target audience.

Local Relevance

Keep your property’s information up-to-date and relevant to the local context. Potential residents are not just looking for a place to live; they want a home that fits their lifestyle and needs. Highlight local amenities, schools, parks, and other community features that make your property an attractive choice.

The Consequences of Disjointed Messaging

If any part of your story contradicts or confuses, it can lead to lost interest and a negative reputation. Inconsistent messaging can erode trust and make potential residents question your professionalism and commitment to their well-being.

Every interaction with a multifamily property is a chapter in its story, and these chapters must work together to create a compelling and coherent narrative that helps you attract and retain residents. This narrative should also guide potential residents through their journey from being intrigued to becoming long-term residents. 

In Conclusion:

👉 Craft your narrative with intention.
👉 Align your digital touch points.
👉 Build a story that resonates and retains.

Whether you like it or not…

Your property’s story is unfolding,
make sure it’s one worth sticking around for.

What are some other ways you tell your Property’s Story? Tell us at [email protected].

20 Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer in Your Community

The holiday season is a time of year when the spirit of giving, joy, and togetherness fills the air. It’s a special time to spread warmth and kindness to those around us, and one of the most wonderful ways to do so is by fostering holiday cheer within our communities. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget the power of simple gestures and acts of goodwill. However, these gestures can have a profound impact on creating a sense of unity and happiness among our neighbors and friends. As we embark on this festive journey, we can explore some simple yet heartfelt ways to infuse our communities with the joy of the holiday season. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple yet effective ways to brighten the season for your neighbors, friends or tenants.

1. Decorate Your Home:

Adorn your home with festive lights and decorations. A well-decorated house can uplift spirits and inspire others to join in the holiday spirit.

2. Holiday Cards

Send handwritten holiday cards to your neighbors, expressing your well wishes and gratitude. Personalized cards go a long way in spreading cheer.

3. Baking and Treats

Bake cookies, holiday treats, or a batch of hot cocoa, and share them with your neighbors. Homemade goodies are a delightful gesture of goodwill.

4. Caroling

Organize or participate in a neighborhood caroling group. Singing holiday songs door-to-door can bring joy to your neighbors.

5. Holiday Lights Tour

Plan an evening neighborhood tour to admire holiday lights. Invite neighbors to join, or simply stroll through your community and appreciate the festive displays.

6. Gift Exchange

Organize a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange within your neighborhood. It’s a fun way to exchange gifts and build camaraderie.

7. Toy Drive

Start a toy drive to collect gifts for underprivileged children in your community. Encourage neighbors to contribute and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

8. Outdoor Movie Night

If weather permits, set up an outdoor movie screening in a common area of your neighborhood, showing a holiday-themed film. Provide blankets and popcorn for a cozy experience. Alternatively provide this in an interior common space.

9. Holiday Craft Fair

Host a small craft fair featuring handmade gifts from local artisans or tenants. This not only supports local talent but also offers unique holiday shopping options for your community.

10. Community Potluck

Organize a potluck dinner where neighbors bring their favorite holiday dishes to share. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a festive meal together.

11. Volunteer Together

Spend time volunteering as a community at local charities or shelters. Giving back is a heartwarming way to spread cheer.

12. Chalk Art

Get creative with sidewalk chalk and create festive drawings or messages on the sidewalks or community spaces in your neighborhood. It’s a simple yet effective way to share holiday joy.

13. Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Organize a holiday-themed scavenger hunt for kids and families in your community. Provide clues to find hidden treasures or holiday decorations around the neighborhood.

14. Gratitude Wall

Set up a gratitude wall or bulletin board where neighbors can write and share what they are thankful for during the holiday season.

15. Festive Yard Signs

Place holiday-themed yard signs with cheerful messages or inspiring quotes in your front yard, encouraging positivity.

16. Canned Food Drive

Collect non-perishable food items from your neighbors and donate them to a local food bank to help those in need during the holidays.

17. DIY Workshops

Offer DIY workshops where neighbors can learn how to create their holiday decorations or crafts. Share your skills and knowledge.

18. Holiday Pet Parade

If your community has many pet owners, organize a festive pet parade where pets and their owners can dress up in holiday-themed attire.

19. Window Decorating Contest

Host a friendly window decorating contest, where neighbors can showcase their creativity and spread joy through festive window displays.

20. Random Acts of Kindness

Encourage your neighbors to perform random acts of kindness throughout the holiday season, from shoveling snow for elderly neighbors to leaving surprises at their doorsteps.

In the end, the magic of the holiday season lies not only in the twinkling lights and the festive decorations but also in the bonds we create with those around us. By taking the time to spread holiday cheer in our communities, we contribute to a sense of belonging, unity, and shared joy. Whether it’s through a warm batch of cookies, a heartfelt card, or a shared carol, these simple acts remind us that the true spirit of the holidays is about coming together, supporting one another, and sharing in the delight of the season. As we continue to celebrate and cherish these moments, let’s carry the spirit of community and goodwill into the new year, ensuring that the light of the holidays shines brightly throughout the year ahead.

Investing in Rest: Simple Tips on How to Prevent Burnout

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, often neglecting the importance of rest and self-care. The consequences of this neglect can be severe, leading to burnout – a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that affects both your personal and professional life. However, by investing in rest, you can learn effectively how to prevent burnout and lead a healthier, more balanced life. This is a concept we here at Resi take very seriously as part of our company culture.

Resi’s founder Grady Newman says, “Listening to your body is indeed a crucial aspect of effective leadership and personal well-being. Recognizing the signs of burnout and taking action to address them. For me, it was a creative block. My ideas were lacking their usual inspiration. Taking some time off can give you fresh perspective and renewed energy.”

Let’s explore a few simple ways to invest in rest and find balance.

Prioritize Sleep

Quality sleep is the cornerstone of preventing burnout. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine, optimize your sleep environment, and avoid screens before bed to improve your sleep quality.

Time Management

Efficient time management can reduce stress and create more opportunities for rest. Utilize techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to improve your productivity, allowing you to finish work on time and relax.

Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid taking work-related calls or checking emails during your downtime. Communicate your boundaries with colleagues and supervisors to ensure they respect your need for rest.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness practices to clear your mind and rejuvenate your energy. Learn more about mindfulness and how it can impact you and your team.  

Regular Exercise

Physical activity not only improves your physical health but also boosts your mental well-being. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, or a gym workout. Exercise releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters.

Nutritious Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides your body with the necessary nutrients to function optimally. Avoid excessive caffeine, sugary snacks, and processed foods, as they can lead to energy crashes. Read what a dietitian has to say are the best foods for burnout (they include delicious dark chocolate and salmon!) 

Social Connections

Maintaining strong social connections can be a great source of emotional support and relaxation. Spend time with friends and loved ones, sharing your thoughts and experiences, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Hobbies and Creative Outlets

Pursuing hobbies and creative outlets outside of work can be a powerful way to invest in rest. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, these activities help you relax and unwind.

Regular Breaks

During your workday, take regular breaks to recharge. Short, frequent breaks can improve productivity and reduce stress. Use techniques like the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to rest your eyes if you work on a computer. You can even work in a yoga routine without leaving your desk! Here is a quick 15 minute chair yoga sequence

Seek Professional Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or on the brink of burnout, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance and support to help you navigate challenging times.

Investing in rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining your physical and mental health. By prioritizing sleep, managing your time effectively, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and incorporating these other strategies into your life, you can learn how to prevent burnout and enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step toward achieving your goals and dreams while maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

When did you last give yourself time to truly rest,

and what did you gain from it?

Resi Wins Best Real Estate Website for Moment

Resi is thrilled to announce that the site Moment, a property owned by our client Sherman Associates, has earned the prestigious Gold w3 Award in the category of best real estate websites. This esteemed recognition is presented by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, and it represents the highest honor in the realm of web excellence.

The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts is an exclusive association of top-tier professionals hailing from renowned media, interactive, advertising, and marketing firms. Among its distinguished members are executives from illustrious organizations like Accenture Interactive, Big Spaceship, Conde Nast, GE Digital, Majestyk, Microsoft, MTV Networks, Spotify, Tool of North America, Wired, and many other industry leaders. The w3 awards celebrate excellence across a wide spectrum of visual digital industries, spanning from websites and marketing to social media and podcasts.

This is the third w3 award for the partnership of Resi and Sherman Associates, also receiving Silver in Best Homepage this year and taking home Silver for Best Homepage for their site Aspire in 2022. This Gold W3 award also stands proudly among Resi’s ever-growing list of accolades, which also includes recognition at the 2021 MHA MADACS awards for our outstanding work on Aura, a senior living community located in Fridley, MN.

View Moment’s award-winning website.

View list of other w3 award winners.

Resi is an award-winning digital-first agency with services that include branding, website design & development, SEO strategy and management, 3D renderings, video production, print collateral development and email marketing.

How to add Knockbot events to GA4

Integrating third-party tools, such as chatbots, with your website analytics is vital for a more profound and accurate understanding of the renter journey.

Chatbots, in particular, serve as a rich source of data, capturing direct interactions and queries from customers. They reveal what potential renters are looking for, their concerns, and the issues they face while navigating through the property rental process. By tying this information with website analytics, businesses can have a holistic view of the customer’s experience, their needs, and pain points. This results in the ability to personalize marketing efforts, making them more relevant and effective, and thereby maximizing advertising ROI.

Moreover, the integrated insights obtained can be used to improve the overall user experience on the property website. It can help optimize the website layout, content, and navigation based on user interactions and feedback, making the website more user-friendly and efficient for the renters. This can result in improved engagement, reduced drop-off rates, and enhanced conversion, which can significantly impact business growth.

Since there hasn’t been a published update from Knock, here’s a tutorial on the quickest way to set up your website to receive the data you want into your own analytics:

How to track your Knockbot activity in GA4

First, make sure you have a GA4 property and GTM set up on your website.

Make certain “Send Google Tag Manager Events” is checked in Knock Doorway Admin settings.

Add Knock Doorway code as a Custom HTML tag, if you haven’t already.

Click “new” under user-defined variables to add a category variable.

Click “new” under user-defined variables to add a category variable.

Add a new trigger. Call it “Knock Form Submit Event”. We are going to track just the different (non-resident) form submissions here, by adding the event names of each of the events that contains a label of “Form Submit”. Make sure to use regex matching on the event name.

Now to trigger the remainder of the events, we are going to add all of the potential events names, and simply trigger every time the event category is Knockbot and the event label does not equal “Form Submit”. This will capture every other event that Knock tracks.

📋 Want to know what each of the Knock events means? Check out their full table here.

The next step is to send these events to GA4 whenever they are triggered. So we setup two new tags, one for each event and give them each a custom name that meets the snake case requirements of GA4 (i.e. snake_case, or knock_form_submit) and map them to the appropriate GA4 configuration tag (measurement ID). I called these events knock_form_submit and knock_interaction.

Add the category, event and label of the event to the parameters, so they are passed into GA4 (this is necessary to differentiate the different events provided by Knock).

Now, save and publish these changes. Then go test it out. You should see results start showing in the real time view of GA4.

Last step, is to select your newly created knock_form_submit event as a conversion!


For more detailed events, simply adjust your event triggers to accommodate for the proper Regular Expressions. For example, if you wanted to isolate every time the Schedule A Tour form is pulled up vs how many times it is displayed, you would want to isolate the “Scheduling” Action and create triggers for all scheduling actions except “Form Submit” and then a separate for Form Submit.

If Knock were to update their event titles to use snake case. Then this would help you skip some of these steps.

💡 If you struggle with seeing results in GA4 right away, you can enable debug_mode and view real-time events in the debug viewer.

Lastly, the custom parameters we mapped above (the category, event name and label from the Knock table) are all sent and can be viewed in some of the dashboards in GA4. However, they will not be available in reports and explore as a dimension by default. To enable these parameters within GA4 reports, you will need to create custom dimensions and you can learn all about custom dimensions here.

Enjoy your new data!

The 7 Types of Rest – A Lesson For Your Team and Tenants

As a property manager, it’s important to make sure your team and tenants are getting proper rest. With so much to do and so little time, it’s easy to let things slide. But if your team is not taking care of themselves, they won’t be able to take care of business.

How does the energy feel in your community? Is your team are constantly running on fumes? How does that affect your tenants? Do you struggle to find time to relax and rejuvenate? If so, you’re not alone. Most people are so busy nowadays that they don’t take the time to rest properly. This can lead to a lot of stress and fatigue.

“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.”  

Albert Einstein

What type of rest do you need today? Maybe it’s sleep or meditation, maybe it’s alone time with no screen in sight or even taking 10 minutes out for coffee with someone special at their favorite cafe. In this blog post, we will discuss the 7 types of rest that can help your team and your community feel more refreshed and energized!

1. Physical rest

Physical rest is one of the most important types, and it’s often underrated. When you’re physically tired, your body and mind can’t function at their best. This can lead to decreased productivity, lower morale, and even health problems.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re getting enough physical rest. You might need more or less than the average person, but there are a few basic things all of us need in order to recharge our batteries.

If your body starts to feel fatigued, your eyes heavy, and you find yourself yawning, you may be physically exhausted.  There are two types of physical rest – passive and active.  Passive rest includes what we often think of as rest – sleeping, and napping.  While active rest includes restorative activities like yoga, stretching, deep breathing, and massage.  Try to squeeze in some of these activities throughout your day or week.  You’ll know when you start to recharge as you regain energy.


2. Mental rest 

If your brain feels fried it’s time for some mental rest!  You may also notice yourself mentally checking out or your thoughts turning negative. In order to be productive and efficient, it’s important to take the time to rest and recharge your mental batteries. This means giving yourself time to relax and de-stress, without any obligations or distractions. Unfortunately, most people don’t do this very well. They try to power through their stress and fatigue, which only leads to more problems in the long run.

Allow yourself to take a mental pause away from responsibilities, take short breaks throughout the day to do something you find relaxing and recharging. This can include things like taking a walk in nature, reading for pleasure, spending time with friends and family, or simply taking some time for yourself. When you’re rested mentally, you’ll find that you’re able to think more clearly and be more productive. our emotions and reduce the negative effects they have on our bodies.


3. Sensory rest

Sensory rest is an important part of keeping your team and tenants healthy and stress-free. When our minds are constantly bombarded with stimuli, it can be hard to find time to truly relax. Sensory rest is all about giving your mind a break from stimulation. This could mean disconnecting from technology, spending time in nature, listening to calming music, or doing anything else that helps you to relax and focus on the present moment.

If you’re finding it difficult to wind down at the end of the day, try incorporating some sensory rest into your routine. You may be surprised at how much difference it makes in your stress levels and overall sense of well-being.

By incorporating some sensory rest into your routine, you can help everyone to wind down and relax at the end of the day. If you’re feeling more sensitive to things like online content, TV, lights, sounds, or smells, chances are every one else is too. Do your team and tenants a favor and schedule some office hours outside for tenants to chat with the team, or schedule a brief walk for your building (no phones allowed).


4. Creative rest

Creative rest is essential for anyone who is trying to come up with solutions – this can include things like problem solving or planning a birthday party for a loved one.  Give yourself time to recharge before starting the next project.  It can be hard to create and when you’re sitting behind a screen all day or too stuck in a monotonous routine – enjoy the beauty around you – nature, the arts – get inspired!

“Creative rest is the process of beauty re-fueling your soul.”

We often think of rest as doing nothing, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Creative rest is all about giving your mind a break from the mundane and everyday by doing something creative. This could be anything from painting and drawing to cooking and baking, from writing and journaling to playing an instrument or learning a new language.

Creative activities can help to relax and rejuvenate us in ways that other activities don’t. They give us a chance to tap into our inner well of creativity and imagination, which can be incredibly refreshing and satisfying.

If you just have a few minutes for creative rest, some ideas to consider:

  • Listen to music (dance if you feel like it)
  • Go on a walk and observe nature
  • Do something that brings you joy

For those needing a larger dose of creative rest:

  • Take a day off and do nothing. Take the time to slow down.
  • Take a creative class, such as pottery, writing, or interpretive dance.
  • Go on an adventure you wouldn’t normally take the time for.

It’s very easy to find excuses not to take this type of rest, but the importance of having awe and wonder if our livest should not be underestimated. So next time you’re feeling stressed or burnt out, consider taking some time for creative rest. It may just be what you need to recharge your batteries and feel inspired again.


5. Emotional rest

We all have emotions, and they can take a toll on our bodies if we’re not careful. When we’re stressed, anxious, or angry, our bodies release hormones that can lead to physical problems. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to manage our emotions and take some time for emotional rest.

This can include things like journaling, spending time with supportive people, practicing meditation or mindfulness, and getting regular exercise. These activities can help us to better deal with our emotions and reduce the negative impact they have on our bodies. If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed, try incorporating some emotional rest into your day. You may be surprised at how much better you feel.

If you lived through the recent pandemic, you probably have an idea what it feels like to be emotionally exhausted. Dalton Smith defines emotional rest as the freedom to authentically express feelings and eliminate people-pleasing behaviors. So with this type of rest it’s important to release or share your feelings with a willing listener. Give yourself space to decompress from overwhelming emotions and be courageous and truthful while sharing them with others.


6. Social rest

Those who need emotional rest, often also need social rest.  Needing this type of rest happens when we fail to differentiate the difference between the relationships that revive us and those that exhaust us (sometimes referred to as an “energy vampire”).  To get more social rest, surround yourself with more positive and supportive people – even if that’s virtual – or if needed, take a break from social situations.

In this busy world, it’s easy to forget the importance of socializing and catching up with loved ones. We are so focused on work and other obligations that we often don’t make time for the things that truly matter. However, research has shown that socializing is essential for our mental and emotional health.

One study found that socializing can help reduce stress levels, improve moods, and increase overall life satisfaction. Another study showed that spending time with friends and family can help boost our immune system. So if you’re feeling run down or stressed out, take some time to catch up with your friends and loved ones. You’ll be glad you did!

For those living in an apartment community, there’s no excuse not to socialize! Apartment communities are the perfect place to meet new people and make friends. So take advantage of your community’s amenities and events, and get to know your neighbors. You might just be surprised at how much you have in common!


7. Spiritual rest

Feeling ungrounded or alone? You may be feeling spiritual unrest. It’s the ability to connect beyond the physical and the mental and feel a deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose, that can fulfill this need.

Spiritual rest is important for our overall well-being. It helps us to find peace and calm in our busy lives. It’s a way to connect with something larger than ourselves and recharge our batteries. So make sure to take some time each day to find your own personal form of spiritual rest.

There are many ways to find spiritual rest. For some people, it may mean attending religious services or participating in prayer or meditation. Others may find spiritual rest through nature walks, yoga, or even listening to calming music. Notice what it is that makes you feel more connected, and do more of it. Whatever works for you, make sure to take some time each day to disconnect from the outside world and connect with your spirituality.


I hope this article helped you understand the different types of rest and how important they are to our overall wellbeing. Try to incorporate some of these into your daily routine and see how you feel! Until next time, stay rested my friends.