Understanding Your Apartment Utility Bill

For many apartment dwellers, “rent & utilities” is the largest line item in their budget. Although it is easy to fill in the rent amount, calculating utilities is another matter. Electricity and natural gas usage often vary a great deal throughout the year. A utility bill in the summer may be very different from one … Continued

Draper and Kramer Announces First “Aspiring Artist” at Aspire Residences in Chicago’s South Loop

Draper and Kramer, Incorporated, today announced it has selected local artist Canary Garcia for a year-long residency as the “Aspiring Artist” at Aspire Residences, the firm’s new 24-story, 275-unit apartment tower that will open in August at 2111 S. Wabash Ave. in Chicago’s South Loop. “Art has become more important than ever in multifamily developments, … Continued

Las Colinas: An Irving, TX Community with a Plan for Prosperity

Designed in the ’70s as an urban paradise for modern professionals and their families, Las Colinas is a stunning planned community in Irving, Texas that is known for innovation and prosperity. Residential neighborhoods blend with green areas, entertainment districts, cultural landmarks, educational institutions, and more, putting everything residents need within arms’ reach. Fine dining experiences, luxurious … Continued

What is a Luxury Apartment?

For tenants who place a premium on comfort, luxury apartments are an appealing option. After all, a luxury property delivers far more than just convenience–it is a destination in and of itself at the end of a long day. It’s little surprise then that the demand for high-end apartment buildings is rising, and the market is responding. … Continued

Why Chicago’s Gold Coast Should Be Your Next Home

The Gold Coast is a small but charismatic neighborhood on Chicago’s north side with a reputation for luxury living. Ever since millionaire Potter Palmer moved to the Gold Coast in the late nineteenth century, the area has attracted many of the country’s wealthiest entrepreneurs, athletes, and cultural icons.  Trees line the Gold Coast’s spacious avenues … Continued

How Virtual Tours Can Help Find Your Next Apartment

Say you’re about to visit an apartment high-rise or a multifamily complex for the first time. What will you be looking for? In the living space, you’ll check out the floor plan. You may take a close look at the flooring, fixtures, and finishes as well. Common-area amenities may attract your attention too. With virtual … Continued

What You Need to Know About Chicago’s South Loop

As the largest city in the Midwest, Chicago provides the ideal blend of coveted restaurants, vibrant culture, enticing art galleries, and diverse career opportunities. The Windy City offers ample public transportation options, stunning skyscrapers, and a bustling urban atmosphere without the exorbitant cost typically associated with city living. Chicago is home to dozens of vibrant … Continued

What Does a Renovated Apartment Mean?

Renovated apartments offer residents a discreet, creative union of the traditional and the modern through updated living spaces with the finishes, fixtures, and amenities that today’s renters value. Renovations also tend to generate better rents, reduced vacancies, higher property values, and better branding for property owners. But what exactly are renovated apartments and what can renters … Continued

Why Texas is Becoming the Next Big Thing for Multi-Family Housing

“Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession.” So wrote John Steinbeck in “Travels with Charley“ following his epic 10,000-mile road trip in the early sixties. Today, Texas is more than a state of mind; it is also an economic powerhouse. Its $1.6 trillion GDP surpasses that of Canada, Mexico and Russia. In … Continued

How to Better Streamline the Leasing Process

Technology utilization in the apartment rental industry is increasing each year, but it is still lagging behind other industries. Fortunately, we are seeing more and more companies begin to adopt tech solutions that streamline the process for renters, real estate developers, and property managers alike. Here are 10 recent tech concepts that are making waves … Continued