Home Is Where Your Apartment Is: Building Community to Enhance Resident Retention

As property owners and managers face the ongoing challenge of retaining residents in competitive housing markets, cultivating a strong sense of community has emerged as a powerful and effective solution. 

From setting the stage at move-in to hosting engaging events that continually foster a sense of belonging, turning four walls into a home requires ongoing and intentional effort on the part of on-site teams. 

WithMe recently brought together a panel of multifamily experts to explore this important topic, and we have created an engaging and informative e-book inspired by the dynamic conversation that took place. This valuable resource offers a wealth of effective strategies for building community in multifamily properties.

Here's what's covered:

Combating the Epidemic of Loneliness

Beyond enhancing resident satisfaction, community building addresses a societal issue: loneliness. With loneliness linked to a wide variety of significant health risks, property managers have a unique opportunity to combat the “epidemic of loneliness” by fostering environments of belonging and acceptance. Discover how prioritizing community engagement can contribute to holistic well-being and societal resilience.

Making a Great First Impression

Relationship building should begin at the very first interaction with a prospective resident. Find out how to develop an inviting and engaging tour that not only helps prospective residents envision themselves living in your community, but makes them feel at home before they ever sign a lease. 

Moving into a new apartment can be a transformative and sometimes stressful event, so providing a positive and seamless move-in experience is crucial. Uncover tips for personalizing the process and establishing a strong foundation for a lasting resident-property manager relationship. 

Planning and Executing Memorable Events

Events serve as catalysts for fostering connections among residents. Through careful planning and engagement, property managers can curate events that resonate with a wide array of residents, ultimately contributing to higher satisfaction and retention rates. Discover a host of diverse concepts and themes you can use to plan your own events, as well as incredible third-party vendors that can assist you in taking your planning and execution to the next level.

Building an Online Community

In an increasingly digital world, online platforms serve as invaluable tools for communication and engagement. From texting critical updates to maintaining an active social media presence, on-site teams can leverage digital channels to facilitate connection and collaboration among residents. Find out which platforms today’s tech-savvy residents expect to be able to find you on, as well as valuable third-party vendors that can help you streamline your communication efforts and enhance the resident experience.

Measuring Success 

While quantifying the impact of community-building efforts can be challenging, the positive "halo effects" are undeniable. From increased retention rates to improved online reputation, thoughtful programming yields tangible benefits for multifamily properties. Gain insight on how to effectively gauge the response to your efforts and refine your strategies to ensure ongoing success in enhancing community living.Through personalized experiences, engaging events and digital connectivity, multifamily properties can foster environments where residents thrive.

By embracing the principles outlined in this e-book, property managers can elevate community living and drive long-term success.