Bed Bugs Multifamily owners are trying not let the bed bugs bite ... their residents. The entire housing industry is dealing with a resurgence of the age-old pest, which has likely resurfaced due to the elimination of certain pesticides coupled with increased global travel. Owners should immediately contact a professional exterminator upon sight of these unwelcome guests and can expect multiple pest control treatments over several months. For more information, visit the National Pest Management Association at at www.pestworld.com.—R.Z.A.
Salary Scale Wonder if your company pays employees enough—or too much? Get the answers by contributing to NMHC's annual apartment compensation and benefits survey, which compiles pay and related statistics for 60 corporate/regional positions and property management jobs. Participating companies receive a 70 percent discount when purchasing the final report, which includes information on health benefit coverage, deductibles, co-pays, flexible spending accounts, domestic partner coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, leave policies, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, and bonuses and incentives. To participate, visit www.WWDS.com/iSurvey/NMHC. Surveys are due by Friday, April 27. —Alison Rice
Tokyo Luxury International property developer Grosvenor broke ground in January on its inaugural project in Japan. Each of the 45 units in this luxury apartment building in downtown Tokyo features views of historic Yoyogi Park. The project was designed by British architect Paul Davis. —M.C.L.
'Net Gain According to a recent independent survey, 90 percent of people researching rental information use the Internet as a primary resource. To help them, Apartments.com created a new interactive lifestyle center, Apartment Living (www.living.apartments.com). The site includes advice on energy efficiency, pets, financial management, and leasing. —M.C.L.
Star Treatment Regalia Holdings rolled out the red carpet for the premier of “King of California” at the Sundance Film Festival in January, with celebrity attendees such as Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood. The event marked the opening of the company's newest property, the Regalia, a high-end oceanfront condominium in Sunny Isles, Fla., where units start at $6.2 million. —M.C.L.
Executive Feedback Q & A How are you gearing up for the spring and summer leasing season?
A: “Trillium's innovative marketing approach will incorporate fresh ideas that complement the season, such as drive-in movies, poolside yoga, a boating program at the lake, and shuttle service to outside café dining and recreation.”—Lesa LaRocca, vice president of operations, Trillium Residential
A: “Through careful integration of vendors such as a call center, [an] online lead management system and online availability, and our property management system, we are expecting to see improved use of our marketing dollars by attracting more qualified prospects and increased closing ratios.”—Mark Richards, director of marketing, CAS, Riverstone Residential/Banyan
A: “The Gotham's City properties will have the welcome mat out. ... We plan to continue our popular Barney's New York gift certificate referral reward program, and we'll celebrate the season with our annual Atlas New York sky terrace events, which include sushi tastings, an annual concert series, and spa days.”—Katherine Sabroff, vice president, operations and marketing, Gotham Developers
