Andrew T. Carswell

Sources of Discontent Residential Satisfaction of Tenants From an Internet Ratings Site

This article presents the first systematic analysis of residential satisfaction ratings from the largest consumer comment Web site for U.S. apartment residents, www.ApartmentRatings.com. Using the 464,281 tenant satisfaction ratings posted from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2007, we examine the relative importance of seven core factors in determining tenant satisfaction: parking, noise level, landscaping, safety, building construction, office staff, and maintenance service. Cross tabulation, ordered logit, probit, and path analysis models all point to tenant relations with management office staff as the most influential factor in tenant satisfaction. The fact that the manager—tenant relationship exists for tenants but not for homeowners may help to explain why the gap in residential satisfaction between owners and renters persists even when controlling for other physical environmental characteristics.

Assessing the Need: The Multifamily Housing Industry, the Universities, and the Next Generation of Property Managers

Abstract Residential property management (RPM) is an academic program offered increasingly more in today’s colleges and universities. Due to the nascence of these programs, there has been no research performed on their overall effectiveness. This case study analyzed the results from surveys provided to both RPM students prospectively entering the multifamily workforce and executives within established property management firms. The student survey examined variables that best prove successful in generating interest in RPM classes or in choosing RPM as a desired field of study. The executive survey determined which types of firms would most support the hiring of university-trained students. In addition, the executive survey provided insights on the types of subject matter for RPM personnel, which is helpful as RPM programs continue to develop. The overall results suggested that RPM programs have more appeal to males, housing-related majors, and those with a positive impression from their own property managers. In addition, exposure to the RPM class created a significant improvement in one s impression of the industry. Meanwhile, multifamily executives with large numbers ofemployees per community supported a university-educated community manager, with pay significantly higher than those without a college degree. Industry suggestions regarding curriculum topics varied across regions.

Home Sweet Apartment: A Text Analysis of Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction with Apartment Homes

Abstract Achieving renter satisfaction is critical for residential property managers who desire to reduce the costs of high turnover. While previous research on renter satisfaction has focused on the use of multiple-choice surveys, this study analyzed the text of 464,280 open-ended comments posted from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2007, on ApartmentRatings.com©, the nation’s largest apartment ratings Web site. Cross-tabulation and ordered logistic analysis of a word frequency coding scheme indicated that several of the most important issues related to residential satisfaction fell into the categories of safety and sanitation. While safety has long been recognized as a critical component of residential satisfaction, issues of sanitation appear uniquely salient for residents of rented apartment housing. The implication for property managers is that a focus on the core issues revealed in this analysis of resident comments may help to achieve greater resident satisfaction and, thereby, reduce resident turnover.

The greening of the multifamily residential sector

Purpose – The green building phenomenon has only recently extended to the residential sector. The purpose of this paper is to provide context on the prevalence of green building within the multifamily residential sector. The decisions on where green apartment buildings are sited are also examined.Design/methodology/approach – A series of comparative analyses are performed on green criteria scorecards provided by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) across property types. Comparisons are made to determine whether the climate and rents differ substantially between green multifamily locations and the area means.Findings – Green multifamily properties underperform other property types in each of the six categories that the USGBC uses in its green scoring criteria. While the siting of green multifamily properties was inordinately located in areas with high heating degree days during the early years of USGBC certification, green apartment buildings have since diffused to communities with more normal temperatur...

Examining the Connection Between Housing Counseling Practices and Long-Term Housing and Neighborhood Satisfaction

Housing counseling can increase homeownership opportunities for economically disadvantaged households. Prior research has generally viewed counseling as a means to reduce risk for mortgage lenders and insurers. This approach, which comes from the industry perspective, ignores important qualitative outcomes essential to a “successful” housing experience. This study focused on the end-user perspective by examining pre-purchase housing counseling agency practices that were associated with better long-term residential satisfaction outcomes of housing counseling clients within their respective communities. Clients from 26 housing counseling agencies in Philadelphia reported satisfaction levels with their dwelling unit and neighborhood at least 5 years after their home purchase. This study examined what pre-purchase housing counseling agency practices were associated with better long-term residential satisfaction outcomes of housing counseling clients within their respective communities. Certain practices, especially those signifying heightened accountability to outside reviewers, as well as initial one-to-one counseling sessions, were related to better long-term satisfaction outcomes.

An Analysis of Tenure and House Structure Type by Household Composition

This study examined the relation of household composition and characteristics with each of two variables, tenure status and structural type of residence. Past research related to tenure status has considered household composition and characteristics in a limited manner, and very little empirical work has addressed the relations of those variables with house structure type. The three structure types assessed were manufactured housing, multifamily site-built homes, and single-family site-built homes. The authors extended past research by considering more complicated household compositions and also identified the importance of knowing more complete information about all the residents of a home to understand both tenure and house structure type. Family composition and the presence of extended family members, an unmarried partner, and other unrelated individuals all explained di ferences in tenure and house structure type. The findings suggest the significance of family and household characteristics when understanding variations in tenure and house structure type.

A Model for Aging in Place in Apartment Communities

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to introduce a theoretical model for an aging-in-place housing specialist for those living in congregate housing facilities. A “needs assessment” tool is outlined to help facilitate the successful implementation of a Health and Aging Residential Service Coordinator (HARSC), both from a research perspective and from implementation of training curriculum for this specialized population. A model that provides both on- and off-site services is hypothesized to be most effective.

Variation in Older Adult Characteristics by Residence Type and Use of Home- and Community-Based Services

Background: The majority of older adults prefer to remain in their homes, or to “age-in-place.” To accomplish this goal, many older adults will rely upon home- and community-based services (HCBS) for support. However, the availability and accessibility of HCBS may differ based on whether the older adult lives in the community or in a senior housing apartment facility. Methods: This paper reports findings from the Pathways to Life Quality study of residential change and stability among seniors in upstate New York. Data were analyzed from 663 older adults living in one of three housing types: service-rich facilities, service-poor facilities, and community-dwelling in single-family homes. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine factors associated with residence type. A linear regression model was fitted to examine factors associated with HCBS utilization. Results: When compared to community-dwelling older adults, those residing in service-rich and service-poor facilities were more likely to be older, report more activity limitations, and provide less instrumental assistance to others. Those in service-poor facilities were more likely to have poorer mental health and lower perceived purpose in life. The three leading HCBS utilized were senior centers (20%), homemaker services (19%), and transportation services (18%). More HCBS utilization was associated with participants who resided in service-poor housing, were older, were female, and had more activity limitations. More HCBS utilization was also associated with those who received instrumental support, had higher perceived purpose in life, and poorer mental health. Conclusions: Findings suggest that older adults’ residential environment is associated with their health status and HCBS utilization. Building upon the Person–Environment Fit theories, dedicated efforts are needed to introduce and expand upon existing HCBS available to facility residents to address physical and mental health needs as well as facilitate aging-in-place.

Reverse Mortgage Fraud Against Seniors: Recognition and Education of a Burgeoning Problem

With the senescent population and the popularity of aging in place, many seniors are attracted to reverse mortgages to plan for retirement and to maintain their existing housing situation. Although theoretically reverse mortgages represent a viable investment product for those considering retirement, several pitfalls are possible for seniors, who can be unsuspecting victims of fraud. This article provides information detailing the etymology of fraud activities within this market through a storyboard that depicts the various stages of the fraud process. It is hoped that such a tool can enhance the education of consumers on this mortgage product.

Residential Satisfaction of Military Households in Privatized Apartment Communities

Abstract The academic community has not extensively researched residential satisfaction of military households possibly because of the uniformity of housing options offered within a military base environment. The recent passage of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) is the latest in a series of Congressional initiatives to improve housing options for the U.S. armed forces. Improvements in job performance and enlistment retention are listed as potential positive spillover effects. With the passage of MHPI, families of soldiers, particularly junior officers, experience more freedom in gaining access to market rental housing. This research examines the resultsfrom a widespread survey administered by one of the military branches. The overall survey results indicate that military personnel living in privatized housing communities did not have a higher overall satisfaction compared to those living in non-privatized housing. An analysis of military households reactions toward residential environment characteristics showed that these households differ somewhat from traditional households. One characteristic, quality of property management staff, was found to be a significant driver of residential satisfaction among military families, consistent with previous findings in other renter populations. The paper concludes with possible reasons for these differences in terms of drivers of residential satisfaction.