MY WEEK
I just got back from a National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) meeting in Dallas, Texas. Drucker & Falk is a member of the Board of Directors for this organization...learn more by visiting their Web site at www.nmhc.org. The meeting focused on the economics of the apartment industry as well as the overall US economy. The overall feeling was we were in a mild recession with a recovery expected in mid-2009. The apartment industry is fairing better than home sales, but rent growth isn't as strong as it as been in the past. However, positive job growth and occupancy rates were strong in Southeast with emphasis put on Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta. Most of the major apartment managment companies (Lane, Lincoln, UDR, Bozzuto, Archstone, etc.) were represented at the meeting, so it was interesting to hear their insights on what's happening in their markets. The meeting ended with a Board of Directors Meeting discussing NMHC's legislative efforts.
Last week, I spent most of the week in Charlotte trying to make sure our new office is running smoothly as well as spent time with a client visiting the Charlotte properties. We've hired a new Regional Property Manager in the Charlotte office and her name is Kelly! Another Kelly!! (different spelling) and she started this week. Shane Abell, the Charlotte Assistant/Office Mgr./Receptionist and I tried going to "The Penguin" last week for lunch...we wanted to taste their famous fried pickles; however, the line was already around the building, so we went somewhere else. We decided we need to get there either at 11:00 am or 2:00 pm. www.penguindrivein.com. I have to go!! Afterall, I saw it featured on The Food Network's Diner's, Drive in's and Dives.
In addition, we are looking for a Commercial Broker for the Charlotte office. We would like to offer the same services as our Raleigh and Newport News Offices on the commercial side. The job is posted on www.dfpeople.com for more information.
I'll finish up my week by clearing off my desk, answering calls, returning emails and getting ready for next week. NEXT week is going to be exciting...traveling to meet with 2 different prospect clients for more properties to manage.
Send me your feedback and/or questions or what you would like to see me "blog" about...until then...have a wonderful holiday with friends and family!
Kellie Falk-Tillett
