The workforce housing sector is often neglected when it comes to smart home technology. In fact, the most misunderstood aspect is affordability for residents.

Stoneweg enhances workforce housing with smart home technology

Meet workforce housing developer, Stoneweg US

Stoneweg US, a leading owner-operator and developer of multifamily properties across all asset classes (A, B, and C) with a primary focus on workforce housing, is redefining this narrative. The firm leads the multifamily industry with a strong emphasis on sustainability, asset optimization, and energy efficiency.

“We are extremely pleased with our return on investment. We have numerous financing options and can billback residents for this amenity in a way that suits both the market and the property,” said Palmer.

Innovative solutions make this system easy to implement

In its pursuit of a smart home solution, Stoneweg aimed to find a system that is implementation-friendly accross their workforce housing portfolio. By integrating the IoT hub for connectivity into the thermostat, it eliminated much of the “noise” around trying to make sure the system would work universally at each of their properties. This standardization makes training easier and enables usability for staff, no matter which property they work.

iApartments that not only enhances operational efficiencies but also serves as a revenue generator. “We wanted a smart home solution that addresses both operational efficiencies and generates revenue,” explained Sam Palmer, EVP of Asset Management & Development at Stoneweg.

To achieve this, Stoneweg US partnered with iApartments, forming an alliance that brings a smart home living experience to workforce housing residents while generating additional revenue for each of its 12,000+ unit workforce housing communities. Stoneweg markets these units as “smart apartments” to attract more millennials seeking new homes.

The iApartments smart home platform enables asset managers to improve operational efficiencies through keyless building and residence access, smart water leak sensors, and automated energy management of vacant units. By offering smart amenity packages, Stoneweg can generate $35-45 per month in ancillary income for each community. Each workforce housing residence is equipped with a smart thermostat, smart lock, water leak sensors, and a smart home app for residents.

Smart apartment data for workforce housing

Data reveals that vacant unit HVAC runtimes are reduced by 52% compared to occupied units. Occupied units benefit from a 35% reduction in energy consumption when using iApartments’ smart thermostats. Maintenance teams no longer need physical keys, as they can use a pin code on the smart lock to access units for work orders.

Additionally, Stoneweg teams have saved over 450 hours per community on average since installing the iApartments smart home system. Leasing teams have saved over 193 hours per community on average when “turning units,” as they no longer need to re-key locks and cut keys.

This partnership between Stoneweg US and iApartments showcases how smart home technology can be effectively integrated into workforce housing, providing significant operational efficiencies and generating additional revenue, all while enhancing the living experience for residents.

Smart home devices for workforce housing

iApartments smart apartment solutions includes:

1. Smart thermostat / Smart Hub
2. Smart water leak sensors
3. Smart lock (Yale, Kwikset or similar)
4. Resident smart home app
5. Management portal software

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iApartments, innovator of enterprise-level smart apartment solutions, welcomes Dustin Lacey, Vice President of Marketing and Technology at Mark-Taylor Residential, for a 3 year post installation review of the iApartments system.

Watch Our 3 Year Post Installation Interview with Dustin Lacey

Get to know Mark-Taylor Residential

Mark-Taylor Residential ranks as the largest apartment developer in Arizona’s history, the second largest owner of rental communities in the state and is the investment managers to over 22,000 units.

iApartments’ smart home solution was installed into Mark-Taylor communities starting in 2021 as a operations solution to staffing challenges, the need create specialized roles and to meet the post-pandemic shift to self-service.

Smart tech solutions provide new efficiencies for property operations and leasing

Today, centralized teams have enabled Mark-Taylor to serve residents 1 personnel to 1500 residents’ ratio vs. the traditional 1 to 100 residents’ ratio. This has provided a pathway to payroll efficiency and performance improvement. Mark Taylor achieves cost savings and provides more efficient service to residents by sharing personnel between properties. “Smart lock access has enabled maintenance teams to shave off 10-15 minutes per unit access.” Across Mark-Taylor smart apartment communities, smart access has been used over 39,000 times over the past year, providing more than 246 hours of access efficiency per community.

As a keyless solution, teams no longer need to re-key and generate new keys for door locks. Now leasing can “turn units” more efficienctly. Data shows Mark Taylor communities are saving more than 2,500 hours in “unit turn” efficiency.

“Our collaberation with iAparments represents a pivital step within our strategic game-plan as we pioneer a centralized operations model that sets a new benchmark for resident service excellence.”

What types of smart home devices are installed?

iApartments smart apartment solutions includes:

1. Smart thermostat / Smart Hub
2. Smart water leak sensors
3. Smart lock (Yale, Kwikset or similar)
4. Resident smart home app
5. Management portal software

How do property management teams benefit from these smart devices?

Smart thermostats optimize energy usage, reducing utility costs. Smart locks streamline access control, improving security and convenience for both managers and tenants. Smart water leak sensors detect and alert to potential issues early, preventing costly damage and repairs. Smart automations help them reduce energy cost in vacant units, streamline the move-in/out process with smart lock access control, and detect water leaks and critial HVAC issues in resident units.

Together, these technologies enable more proactive and responsive property management, enhancing tenant satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

Maintenance teams receive automated alerts:

1. High humidity alerts
2. 24/7 water leak detection
3. HVAC system failures ( float switch or outage)

As a keyless solution, smart locks help turn units more efficienctly and improve the response time for staff when needing to access a unit, as opposed to managing hundreds of physical keys.

Self-guided tours has been a phenominal success at Mark-Taylor

SGT (self-guided tours) has enabled Mark Taylor to operationally transform their business. From a leasing prospective, “self-guided tours has been a fenominal aspect of Mark-Taylors shift to a centralized leasing model,” according to Dustin. “It has enabled immediacy for our Class-A prospects by giving them the ability to tour our communities on their schedule, not having to reconsile their personal schedule with our leasing team appointment schedule. It’s reduced the work load put on leasing teams and improved our ability to convert them from a lead to a resident at a Mark Taylor community.”

“Self-guided tours has saved our leasing teams almost 2,500 hrs in ‘in-person’ touring time and helped us realize our centralized leasing pivot.”

Offering smart home is a market differentiator

After extensive polling and surveying residents, Mark-Taylor concluded that smart technology is a differentiator in the decision around a new apartment to call home. “It’s a distinction, if don’t have it – they note it, but if you do have it, it become a value add, helping drive the ‘yes’ when deciding to live at one of our properties”

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We’ve put together a short list of standout podcasts that discuss new innovations, economics of the industry, and where things are going. These podcasts are perfect to listen to in the car on the way to the office.

Multifamily Operators Should Listen to These Top 5 Podcasts

#1 Multifamily Forward Podcast

From insights to innovation, Multifamily Forward helps you navigate real estate economics. Unlock the future of multifamily real estate with your hosts John Carlson, President of Mark-Taylor, and Adam Greco, Director of Portfolio Development at Mark-Taylor. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the sector, Multifamily Forward is your compass for staying ahead in the game.

Centralization Mania – is it Here to Stay?

Guest: Dustin Lacey, VP of Marketing and Technology at Mark-Taylor

What’s discussed:
What is centralized leasing? And is it here to stay? The Multifamily Forward pod cast answers these questions and more with guest Dustin Lacey. As John Carlson so eloquently put it, “the old apartment leasing model is dead”. How do we leverage technology to satisfy the public’s demand for self-service? Discover how Mark-Taylor has introduced a hybrid solution that is a win for residents, operations, and ownership.

The Smart Home Tech Revolution

Guest: Scott Stamilio, Chief Revenue Officer at iApartments Inc.

What’s discussed:
Innovate today for an exceptional tomorrow. It’s a motto that fits well into a discussion on investing in smart home technology. Residents don’t want to carry physical keys; they want to use their phone to control everything. Discover the impact of smart home tech on resident living, operations, leasing, and energy management of vacant units with guest Scott Stamilio.

#2 The Lease Up Podcast

Brought to you by Multihousing News, this multifamily specific podcast features many notable industry leaders diving deap into operations, leaseing, property management, and marketing strategies.

Management Diaries: How the Right Upgrades Elevate the Resident Experience and ROI.

Guest: Miguel Gutierrez, COO at CAPREIT.

What’s discussed:
Gutierrez leads business strategy for CAPREIT’s multifamily portfolio, with more than 100,000 residents. When considering value-added enhancements, resident experience is front and center, according to Gutierrez. Smart home technology is an upgrade that is sought after by residents and provides a return on capital. Miguel also notes that smart tech helps protect assets and makes operations more efficient.

#3 AZ Big Podcast

Hosted by AZ Big Media Editor in Chief Michael Gossie and Publisher Amy Lindsey, The AZ Big Podcast features guests from a variety of industries, including legal, multifamily, hospitality, athletics and more.

Talking All Things Multifamily Housing with Special Guest John Carlson

Guest: John Carlson, President, Mark-Taylor Companies

What’s discussed:
John Carlson’s journey with Mark-Taylor Residential is as unique as they come. He began as a resident at Mark-Taylor’s San Cervantes apartment community where he later took a position as a leasing agent and 20 years later found himself President of Mark-Taylor Companies. Listen for his insights on Arizona rent demand, challenges for multifamily housing, how to develop principles for success, and outlook for multifamily industry over the next couple years.

The Arizona Build-To-Rent Boom with Josh Hartmann

Guest: Josh Hartmann, CEO of NexMetro Communities

What’s discussed:
Josh is an innovator in Arizona real estate. His concept of communities that rent like an apartment live like a home was sparked by the housing crisis in 2011. As CEO of NexMetro communities, Josh and his team has grown the portfolio into 8 markets throughout the sunbelt of the United States. Listen to hear more on BTR sector growth expectations and two important foundations that give back to Arizona families and young professionals looking to get exposure into the real estate industry.

#4 Multifamily Talks Podcast

A property managemet podcast focusing on personal stories from multifamily leadership, insights on the industry, and what they see on the horizon.

Handling Change & Centralization in the Multifamily Multiverse

Guest: Tina West, EVP at Sares Regis Group

What’s discussed:
Real Page brings together Andrew Bowen and SRG’s Tina West as they discuss how to handle change — expected and unexpected — in the world of multifamily and how to ensure your centralization efforts effectively leverage your team’s strengths to significantly upgrade your resident experience.

#5 Modern Multifamily Podcast

Modern Multifamily is an interview-style podcast where we talk with leaders across the Multifamily industry about ways we can keep moving it forward. Topics include and are not limited to: technology, innovation, proptech, and improving renter experiences with a focus on positive impacts on both industry operators and suppliers.

Erick Clark on Multifamily Outlook, Technology Selection, and  What’s Next

Guest: Eric Clark, VP of Property Management Business Operations at BMC Investments.

What’s discussed:
We talked industry outlook, how to select and implement technology, what centralization means to him, and most importantly – what he’s looking for next in his Multifamily career.

Julie Butler Talks All Things Sentral

Guest: Julie Butler, Senior VP of Operations Launch at Sentral

What’s discussed:
Get the scoop on Sentral’s unique operating model as they adjust for today’s modern renter. Amenities that the team is thinking about. New Markets of focus and Sentral’s efforts to impact ESG.

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Keyless Entry and Smart Thermostats for Nashville Apartment Communities

Elevate your Nashville apartment community with innovative smart technology by iApartments, offering convenient keyless access, intelligent temperature regulation, and seamless integration with your property management software. Our smart automation solutions empower your team to simplify resident move-ins, accelerate leasing procedures, and optimize energy consumption intelligently. As trusted smart technology providers serving Nashville communities, we take care of every facet of installation, provide comprehensive training for both residents and staff, and offer round-the-clock dedicated support for your peace of mind.

Differentiate Your Nashville Apartment Community

Nashville is an increasingly competitive MDU market. Integrating smart technology into your apartment community can serve as a powerful differentiator. By offering amenities such as keyless access, smart temperature control, and seamless property management integration, residents experience enhanced convenience and efficiency in their daily lives. Moreover, advanced automations streamline processes for both residents and management, from move-in procedures to leasing operations, while promoting sustainable energy practices. This forward-thinking approach not only attracts discerning tenants but also fosters a modern and progressive reputation for the community, setting it apart from the competition in the eyes of prospective renters.

Perimeter Access Control Integration for Nashville Apartment Buildings

Enjoy seamless integration of perimeter access control technology, enhancing both security and accessibility for residents and guests alike. With top-tier touchless access readers from Avigilon and comprehensive access control solutions from ButterflyMX, the iApartments app becomes your central hub for unlocking gates, perimeter doors, and garages. Say goodbye to the hassle of juggling multiple apps; everything seamlessly converges into one cohesive and user-friendly experience.

• Get Realtime Visibility for All Access Points
• Easy Management for Administrators
• Customization for Your Communities Needs
• Residents Appreciate the Level of Security

Get the details on Smart Apartment Solutions

What types of Smart Devices and Software Are Included?

iApartments smart home package includes smart devices specifically designed for multifamily and build-to-rent communities. Let’s look at the hardware and software included in a best-in-class platform solution.

Technology Platform

A smart technology platform is like a musical conductor who orchestrates all the digital services that enable hardware and software to connect and function in a workflow. It enables you to add additional amenities, like garage access control or self-guided tours. It keeps thing tidy and under one roof.

Smart Hub Thermostat

A smart hub acts as the centerpiece for communication to all devices throughout the home. When a resident uses the iApartments resident app to lock the front door, the signal goes to the cloud, then to the smart hub, and finally to the smart lock. Control of each smart device works in this manner. iApartments keeps things simple by including a hub in their smart thermostat.

Front Door Lock

A Smart Lock provides keyless entry for residents and management teams. These types of digital locks greatly reduce costs when compared to traditional key management.

Leak Sensors

Water leak sensors are placed in strategic areas of a home or apartment. Typically, under washing machines, garbage disposals and water heaters. If a leak is detected, an alert goes out to the maintenance team.

Resident App

Residents download the iApartments app to easily control all facets of their smart home. They adjust temperature from the couch, can assign guest smart lock access, and turn off lights from bed.

Schedule a Demo Today

The best way to learn about our innovative smart home technology for Phoenix apartments is to request a demo so you can see exactly how our system works. We are ready to answer all of your installation questions and provide professional guidance.

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Professional Smart Home Installers Serving Phoenix Apartment Communities

Elevate your Phoenix apartment community with innovative smart technology by iApartments, offering convenient keyless access, intelligent temperature regulation, and seamless integration with your property management software. Our smart automation solutions empower your team to simplify resident move-ins, accelerate leasing procedures, and optimize energy consumption intelligently. As trusted smart technology providers serving Phoenix communities, we take care of every facet of installation, provide comprehensive training for both residents and staff, and offer round-the-clock dedicated support for your peace of mind.

Differentiate Your Phoenix Apartments

In an increasingly competitive market, integrating smart technology into an apartment community can serve as a powerful differentiator. By offering amenities such as keyless access, smart temperature control, and seamless property management integration, residents experience enhanced convenience and efficiency in their daily lives. Moreover, advanced automations streamline processes for both residents and management, from move-in procedures to leasing operations, while promoting sustainable energy practices. This forward-thinking approach not only attracts discerning tenants but also fosters a modern and progressive reputation for the community, setting it apart from the competition in the eyes of prospective renters.

Access Control and More for Phoenix Apartment Buildings

By employing the iApartments platform, your apartment community gains effortless integration of perimeter access control technology, enhancing both security and accessibility for residents and guests alike. With top-tier touchless access readers from Avigilon and comprehensive access control solutions from ButterflyMX, the iApartments app becomes your centralized hub for unlocking gates, perimeter doors, and garages. Say goodbye to the hassle of juggling multiple apps; everything seamlessly converges into one cohesive and user-friendly experience.

• Get Realtime Visibility for All Access Points
• Easy Management for Administrators
• Customization for Your Communities Needs
• Residents Appreciate the Level of Security

Get the details on Smart Apartment Solutions

What types of Smart Devices and Software Are Included?

iApartments smart home package includes smart devices specifically designed for multifamily and build-to-rent communities. Let’s look at the hardware and software included in a best-in-class platform solution.

Technology Platform

A smart technology platform is like a musical conductor who orchestrates all the digital services that enable hardware and software to connect and function in a workflow. It enables you to add additional amenities, like garage access control or self-guided tours. It keeps thing tidy and under one roof.

Smart Hub Thermostat

A smart hub acts as the centerpiece for communication to all devices throughout the home. When a resident uses the iApartments resident app to lock the front door, the signal goes to the cloud, then to the smart hub, and finally to the smart lock. Control of each smart device works in this manner. iApartments keeps things simple by including a hub in their smart thermostat.

Front Door Lock

A Smart Lock provides keyless entry for residents and management teams. These types of digital locks greatly reduce costs when compared to traditional key management.

Leak Sensors

Water leak sensors are placed in strategic areas of a home or apartment. Typically, under washing machines, garbage disposals and water heaters. If a leak is detected, an alert goes out to the maintenance team.

Resident App

Residents download the iApartments app to easily control all facets of their smart home. They adjust temperature from the couch, can assign guest smart lock access, and turn off lights from bed.

Schedule a Demo Today

The best way to learn about our innovative smart home technology for Phoenix apartments is to request a demo so you can see exactly how our system works. We are ready to answer all of your installation questions and provide professional guidance.

Read More on Smart Technology for Multifamily

Creating Value for Residents and MDU Ownership

In today’s rapidly evolving real estate landscape, Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) properties are leveraging smart technology to enhance the living experience for residents while simultaneously adding significant value for property ownership. The integration of smart MDU platforms revolutionizes the way residents interact with their living spaces, while also empowering property owners with valuable insights and operational efficiencies. From enhanced convenience and security to optimized resource management, these platforms are reshaping the dynamics of modern living and property management.

The common misconception is that community wide smart IoT is exclusive to A and B class properties, “citing the high cost of connectivity as a barrier for smart home adoption,” explains Steve Fiske, Chief Product Officer, and inventor of the first smart lock. Today, companies like Stoneweg US have partnered with leading a smart apartment platform to optimize efficiencies for all its A, B, and C class communities.

“We’re able to generate a nice revenue stream due to operational efficiencies and marketing of ‘smart home tech packages,’ irrespective of apartment class or market. It’s working on my Class A assets in Charlotte as well as my C Class assets,” added Sam Palmer, Executive Vice President of Asset Management and Development at Stoneweg.

Intelligent MDUs Bring Value and Revenue

Parks and Associates reports “smart devices can generate 10-30% higher rents, with 80% of property managers intention to install internet-connected devices in the next 12 months, and a narrow timeframe to achieve ROI.”

Smart MDU platforms offer substantial value propositions for property ownership by optimizing operational efficiency and asset performance. By integrating additional smart services like self-guided tours, management can curb the manual labor cost of scheduling and walking tours, instead focusing on closing prospects with high leasing intent.

Smart MDU Platform Support Centralized Services

Management companies like Mark-Taylor are revolutionizing property management through a centralized maintenance and leasing services approach, the model is supported by a smart technology platform.

How Smart MDU Platform Can Create Value in Centralized Leasing & Maintenance Model
• Supports a shared property personnel or “POD” model
• Automates self-tour scheduling and access to vacant or model units
• Seamlessly integrates with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
• Alerts remote maintenance teams to promptly act on water leaks or HVAC issues

Learn More About Smart MDU Solutions

Residents Are Benefitting

The smart MDU revolution offers residents unprecedented control and customization within their homes. Through intuitive smartphone apps or voice-activated assistants, residents can remotely manage various aspects of their living environment, including lighting, smart lock and temperature.

Arizona residents like Deborah who rents a 1,000 Sq.Ft one bedroom apartment lives in community outfitted with these smart devices. “I appreciate technology that brings convenience and simplicity to my daily rituals. Things like turning off lights and making sure the front door is locked from bed at night are simple conveniences I started to appreciate. I’ve even adjusted my thermostat at the airport before, why waste while I’m away?”

This level of convenience not only enhances the daily lives of residents but also fosters a sense of empowerment and engagement with their living space. Whether adjusting the thermostat on their commute home or monitoring package deliveries while away, residents benefit from a newfound flexibility and peace of mind afforded by smart MDU platforms.

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