Multifamily Review Podcast

In this episode of The Multifamily Review, we break down one of the biggest unseen shifts impacting the industry in 2026: The Great Review Purge. Over 2 million reviews have disappeared. Platforms are consolidating. And AI is now deciding what prospects see before they ever visit your property. Most operators still think reputation is a static asset. The data says otherwise. We dive into: Why your online reputation is more fragile than ever How "review velocity" became your only real protection Why Google now dominates multifamily reviews How AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are shaping renter decisions The rise of "Daily Friction" and why small operational issues matter more than ever In today's environment, reviews aren't just about conversions, they determine if you even show up. If you're not actively managing your reputation, you're already behind.

Spring leasing season is here, and the multifamily market is starting to stabilize. After reviewing recent REIT earnings, the industry is clearly shifting out of the supply shock phase. In 2025, the U.S. delivered over 547,000 units, but that wave is now fading as new construction starts drop sharply. Early 2026 data shows rents beginning to level out. Performance is split. Coastal markets like San Francisco are seeing strong rent growth, while Sun Belt markets like Austin are still dealing with oversupply and declining rents. In response, operators are focusing on retention. With mortgage payments still significantly higher than rent and turnover costing around $4,000 per unit, keeping residents has become the priority. Most REITs are stabilizing and buying back stock, but one stands out. Aimco is liquidating its entire portfolio and returning capital to shareholders. The takeaway is simple. Supply pressure is easing, location matters more than ever, and retention is driving performance.

Renting is no longer a stepping stone. In our latest episode of The Multifamily Review, we unpack new research on the rise of the "Deliberate Renter," why homeownership is losing its cultural pull, and the $4,000 cost of getting retention wrong in 2026. From the Upgrade Matrix to the Resident Disconnect, this is your roadmap for competing in a market where experience, not occupancy, drives performance.

Star ratings are no longer enough to win over today's renters. In this episode of The Multifamily Review, Marcus Armstrong explains how economic anxiety, review content, and AI-driven search behavior are creating the "Veto Effect" and reshaping leasing decisions in 2026. Discover why J Turner Research is redefining reputation measurement and what operators must do to stay competitive.

If you work in multifamily today—whether on-site or in the C-suite—you're feeling the pressure of the final and most intense phase of the supply wave. Elevated concessions, slowed rent growth, and fierce competition for residents are dominating the 2025 landscape. But while today feels heavy, the real story is already shifting beneath our feet. The pipeline for new development has collapsed, with multifamily starts down more than 70% from their peaks and construction activity falling to levels not seen since 2012. High interest rates, insurance costs, and construction expenses didn't just slow development—they shut the factory down. This sets the stage for a dramatic supply drought beginning in 2026. With completions projected to fall sharply over the next two years, analysts across CBRE, CoStar, Yardi Matrix and others agree: the shrinking pipeline will push rent growth back up as demand continues to outpace new supply. The operational pain of today is temporary—but your 2026 strategy needs to be built for a very different reality.

AI isn’t here to replace property managers—it’s here to make communication smarter and easier. In this episode of The Multifamily Review, Marcus Armstrong and Mya Hayhurst explore how the CRAFT method helps property managers use tools like ChatGPT to write review responses, resident emails, and social posts that are professional, personalized, and efficient. Tune in to learn how AI can save you time while keeping your voice authentic.

Forget what you think you know about property management. The real story isn’t written in boardrooms; it’s lived in the leasing office, where a single day can range from celebrating a team win to navigating a crisis that feels like a "war flashback." So what separates a thriving, energized team from one that’s burning out? On The Multifamily Review, we’re getting real. Host Marcus Armstrong brings in coworker Kelley Lockaby to share candid stories and powerful lessons from her years on the front lines of multifamily. They explore the human side of the business, the relationships that forge unbreakable teams, the leadership actions that build unshakeable loyalty, and the emotional weight that onsite staff carry every day. This isn’t just another podcast. It’s an inside look at the heart of your operations. Whether you’re an executive trying to connect with your teams or an onsite professional who wants to feel seen, this episode is for you. Listen now for a dose of reality, humor, and a new perspective on what it takes to build a winning on-site culture.

The key to the future of multifamily wasn't found at the slot machines in Vegas—it was on the stages and trade show floor of NAA Apartmentalize. If you're feeling the FOMO, don't worry. This podcast cuts through the hype to give you the essential insights that will define the next 12-24 months. Tune in to hear our breakdown of the biggest takeaways, from AI hacks that are changing operations to the surprising new focus on emotional intelligence in leadership. Plus, stick around for three bold predictions that might just change how you plan for the future. Don't get left behind. Watch now and get the insider scoop in under 30 minutes.

Is your social media strategy truly connecting, or just collecting dust? Marcus Armstrong is back on The Multifamily Review, armed with the groundbreaking new "From Clicks to Keys" report by J Turner Research! Get ready to dive deep into how social media is revolutionizing apartment searches and resident engagement across every generation. This isn't just about pretty pictures; it's about turning digital interactions into signed leases.

He's known by many names – Lux, Scotty Boy, The Kid, Scott Dog – but you know him as Scott! The man, the myth, the legend finally joins Marcus on The Multifamily Review as the dynamic duo reunites. Get ready to climb the multifamily rankings! This episode is your masterclass in achieving top-tier status. Scott, a driving force behind client success at J Turner, breaks down exactly what it takes to make the coveted Elite 1% list and the company-wide Division rankings. Discover the actionable strategies, from property-level tactics to executive-level approaches, that separate the best from the rest. Scott emphasizes why every single interaction is critical for your scores and shares the powerful technique of "living in the moment of gratitude" when asking residents for reviews. He explains how effectively leveraging feedback and data, like insights from the dashboard, fuels improvement, and discusses the necessity of a top-down commitment and accountability for achieving company-wide success. Delving deeper, Scott reveals the secrets to excelling in specific areas recognized by the "Einstein Best Of" Awards, like customer service, communication, and maintenance, ultimately reinforcing that mastering the fundamentals – yes, even simple acts like answering the phone! – is the ultimate key to success. Whether you're on the cusp of elite status or building a strategy from the ground up, Scott provides the insider playbook. Stop chasing scores and start building a foundation for real, sustainable ranking success. Listen now and learn how to truly move the needle!

In this episode, we're providing your guide book on all things virtual apt searching! Unearth how to ace your online reputation, and respond thoughtfully to digital feedback. If you're new to the digital game or you're a tenured legend, discover some new insight here on The Multifamily Review! We're diving into a brand new review of data from J Turner Research, as well as more about how to show renters that your property is the real deal. It's time to make your community the destination of choice on every apartment hunter's quest!

Ever dreamed of robot butlers and smart-home nirvana? Hold up! Before you picture a droid takeover of your apartments, let's get real about AI in multi-family. Forget sci-fi – this episode of The Multi-Family Review dives headfirst into the now of AI and tech, revealing how it's revolutionizing leasing, maintenance, marketing, and even boosting your bottom line. Join Marcus as he explores the smart ways properties are becoming resident-centric powerhouses. Buckle up because the future of multi-family is closer than you think!

This week's Multifamily Review dives deep into the critical topic of mental health within the multifamily industry. Join host Kevin Guo as he interviews Marcus Armstrong about the groundbreaking mental health survey conducted for the National Apartment Association (NAA). Marcus reveals surprising findings, including high levels of distress among leasing professionals and C-suite executives, and discusses the often-overlooked impact of workplace trauma. The episode explores the significant costs of "presenteeism," where employees are present but not fully productive due to mental health challenges. Learn practical, actionable steps that companies can implement to support employee well-being, from establishing clear mental health policies to fostering a culture of hope. Marcus also shares powerful anonymous responses from survey participants, offering a raw and honest look at the current state of mental health in the industry. Tune in for valuable insights and resources to help build a healthier, more supportive multifamily workplace.

Join Marcus Armstrong on this week's Multifamily Review for a dynamic recap of the Blueprint Conference. This year's event was electrifying, with the Fed's interest rate cut setting a positive tone and technology taking center stage. Marcus discusses the shift towards tech-driven efficiency, the surprising influx of investors, and predictions for the future of property management companies, including the potential decline of mid-sized firms. He also dives into the hot topic of repurposing empty office buildings and the potential impact on urban landscapes. Plus, get an inside look at the bustling trade show floor, where practical AI solutions stole the spotlight. Tune in to hear how Blueprint is shaping the future of the multifamily industry.

This week's Multifamily Review features Marcus Armstrong's interview with Snappt CEO Dan Berlind on rampant resident application fraud. Berlind exposes sophisticated schemes, including "inception fraud," and the challenges of digital applications and the gig economy. Learn how property managers can use technology like Snappt's platform to combat fraud, and discover the meaning behind the Snappt squid logo. Don't miss this crucial discussion on a major multifamily industry threat.

J Turner Research has released their 12th Edition of Online Review Insights! This report dives into the evolving landscape of online reviews and explores how to leverage them for multifamily success. Join us on The Multifamily Review as we explore key trends, discover the impact of AI, and understand how to create a positive online reputation.

The buzz at RealPage's RealWorld conference in Las Vegas was undeniable: AI is here to revolutionize the multifamily industry. Ryan Raser joined The Multifamily Review to recap his experience, highlighting the launch of exciting new AI-powered products like Lumina and the innovative resident experience platform, Loft. Tune in to hear how RealPage is leveraging AI to streamline operations, overcome language barriers, and enhance resident satisfaction, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in multifamily.

Is your resident retention strategy stuck in the past? In today's competitive market, building lasting relationships with residents is more crucial than ever. Join us on The Multifamily Review as Bendix Anderson, expert in resident retention, challenges the "collect rent and forget" approach. He reveals the importance of early, proactive engagement, the power of memorable touchpoints, and how technology can actually enhance human connection. Tune in to discover actionable strategies to boost your retention rates and create a thriving community.

Hurricanes, power outages, and other natural disasters are a reality for many multifamily communities. How can property managers effectively communicate with residents during these stressful times? Join us on The Multifamily Review as we talk with Michael O'Shea, a property manager who recently navigated a hurricane and its aftermath with incredible communication skills. Michael shares his philosophy on clear, empathetic, and proactive communication, revealing how he kept residents informed and calm throughout the ordeal. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable strategies for effective communication in the face of natural disasters.

Is rent control truly a solution for housing affordability? Leah Cuffy from the National Apartment Association (NAA) joins Marcus Armstrong on The Multifamily Review to challenge conventional thinking about rent control. Drawing from an NAA-sponsored empirical study, Leah reveals the unintended consequences of rent caps, including a 16% increase in severely inadequate housing where rent control is doubled. Tune in to discover how rent control deters new housing development and investment, ultimately exacerbating housing shortages and harming neighborhood quality.

Is Houston's apartment market heading for a supply bubble? Brace yourselves as Bruce McClenny, with MRI Real Estate Software, joins Marcus Armstrong to analyze the unsettling trends in Houston's multifamily landscape. Bruce unveils a 50-year high in new supply, fueled by pandemic-era demand and low interest rates. But with single-family rentals booming and job growth slowing, is a market correction on the horizon? Tune in to get Bruce's expert insights and prepare for the potential challenges ahead.

Are you stuck in the past with your social media strategy? Gen Z increasingly uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram as their primary search engine, favoring quick, engaging video content. Join Marcus Armstrong and social media expert Angeline Pham as they delve into the changing landscape of social media. Learn how to diversify your content using the 50-30-20 rule, leverage the power of humor and relatability, and showcase the authentic personality of your community.

Consumers would never buy a pair of Nikes off Amazon without knowing the price, availability, or seeing pictures—so why should leasing an apartment be any different? Sadly, limitations in technology and personnel continue to make the leasing experience frustrating for prospects, and Zeke Lucas has some ideas for how we can improve upon consumers’ most significant financial decision. Listen in to hear his insights for technology adaptations, personalized follow-ups, and high-level training for leasing agents in order to better serve prospects and convert them to satisfied residents.

Chelsea Kneeland and Marcus Armstrong team up in this episode of the podcast to discuss insights from the 2023 Multifamily Leaders Survey conducted by J Turner Research. As rent growth levels out and staffing shortages persist, ensuring your residents and employees remain satisfied continues to be a priority. Listen in to glean ideas for listening to your employee and resident feedback, making connections, and standing out from the rest.

Ashley Jenkins is a multifamily rockstar and recent winner of NAA’s 2023 20 in their Twenties Award. She sits down with fellow 20’s recipient Marcus Armstrong to discuss their perspectives on property management best practices and the importance of communication. Listen in to hear their thoughts on the merits of technology, responding to reviews, and simply answering the phone in enhancing your resident relations.

At the 2023 J Turner Research Summit, Anna DeGuzman wowed participants with her mesmerizing cardistry and illusions. Chelsea Kneeland sits down with her to reflect not only on her time at the summit, but also on her evolving career. Listen in to hear how she got started in the world of magic, how she has handled criticism, and what inspires her unique talent.

In this next episode of our Summit Series, Chelsea Kneeland chats with Dr. Ron Friedman about his research on what motivates excellence in the workplace—and it isn’t money or titles. Dr. Friedman’s book, The Best Place to Work, offers actionable insights based on research into the psychological needs of employees and how to fulfill them. Listen in to gather tips for elevating your employees’ satisfaction and performance while decreasing burnout and increasing profits.

A highlight of the J Turner Research Summit in December 2023 was a presentation by Dr. Shawn Andrews which centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. In this episode, Chelsea Kneeland sits down with Dr. Andrews to reflect on the insights she shared at the Summit and discuss steps that multifamily leaders can take to enhance their company’s culture. Listen in to gather inspiration and key takeaways for attracting and bolstering talent to make your communities more diverse, inclusive, and strong.

In this episode, Chelsea Kneeland sits down with Jay Baer for a conversation about his presentation at the J Turner Research Summit in December 2023. As the author of the book The Time to Win: How to exceed customers’ need for speed, Baer shares key research findings that show why speed and responsiveness are more crucial than ever in serving customers. Listen in to hear his reflections and key takeaways on how this new research can help your community stand out from the competition.

The 2023 ORA Elite 1% list was recently released, and Hanover Companies came out on top for the second year in a row. With 71% of their properties making the list, they are clearly doing something right, and Jim Fenwick, President of Property Management, believes it comes down to their on-site teams. Listen in to hear his insights on the importance of hiring people who understand the importance of the customer experience and working to build trust through genuine care.

In this new episode from our Summit Series, Mindy Price chats with Turner Batdorf and Peyton Box about their presentation, Multifamily Mythbusters, at the J Turner Research Summit in December 2023. In their session, Peyton and Turner highlighted three myths relevant to the multifamily industry and presented data to demonstrate whether those myths are confirmed, plausible, or busted. Listen in to glean insights for your own community when it comes to enhancing your online reputation and resident satisfaction.

How do you provide the best resident experience? J Turner Research’s ORA Power Rankings can answer that question and more. Joseph Batdorf and Nitin Agarwal explain what an ORA score reveals, how companies and properties can use the scores to improve resident satisfaction, and what new awards properties can win for outstanding resident feedback based on category.

The Multifamily Leaders Podcast kicks off 2024 with a series of episodes reflecting on insights from the J Turner Research Summit. First up, Chelsea Kneeland and Marcus Armstrong discuss their research and findings related to prospective renters and the latest trends in their housing search. Listen in to hear what priorities have shifted for prospects, what managers can do to make their communities stand out, and key takeaways for better serving prospective residents.

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, join us in revisiting the year's most listened-to podcast episode, 'Insights from the #1 Student Housing Company five years in a row.' Join Mindy Price, Clay Hicks, and Aryne Bailey for an engaging discussion on the strategies that set The Dinerstein Companies apart in the world of student housing and learn how they continue to redefine excellence year after year.

Steve Sorkin’s career has taken him from Ivy League football to international sales to disaster recovery. As the CEO of 24 Restore, he also became a delegate to the National Apartment Association and Chair of the National Suppliers Council. Steve has great insights into how the NSC can benefit owner-operators, and he offers advice for jumping in with both feet to get involved in associations and build your own career.

In January 2024, the Elite 1% ORA Power Ranking of multifamily properties with the best online reputation in the nation will be announced. In this podcast, Turner Batdorf and Marcus Armstrong discuss this prestigious ranking and what properties who aspire to be featured in it can do to increase their ORA score. Listen in to hear their insights on the importance of transparency, decreasing negative feedback, and training team members to communicate effectively.

For those who work and serve in the multifamily industry, passion matters. Kadi Mancuso Rice calls our work honorable when that passion meets purpose, because we are providing people with homes and building community. But she notes that passion can lead to burnout and fatigue when not implemented strategically. Listen in to hear her insights for executing our passion projects with a plan—and adapting for the success of yourself and your team.

Ronda Puryear has spent her career learning from and leading people in the multifamily industry. As the president of MSC and chair of the NAA, she has a wealth of insights to share with those who seek to grow in their own careers and better support their team members and residents. Listen in to learn what she considers the greatest challenges our industry faces today and the great opportunities available for career advancement and satisfaction.

A news article examined a study on what drives resident satisfaction. Turner Batdorf agrees with many of the findings but has a slightly different perspective on the significance of others. Listen in to hear his thoughts on why excellent maintenance service and communication are so crucial to attracting and retaining your residents.

Todd Thorpe has had a front-row seat to the evolution of TV, internet, and other developing technology in the multifamily space. His insights are helping to shape the future of rental communities, new construction, and value-added properties when it comes to the PropTech features that all generations and demographics want—and expect. Listen in to hear his thoughts on making technology in your communities a feature that attracts and retains residents while boosting your bottom line.

For the fifth consecutive year, The Dinerstein Companies has been named the No. 1 student housing company in the nation for online reputation. They owe their success to a keen focus on human connections, and Clay Hicks and Aryne Bailey break down the steps they have taken to ensure their residents remain so satisfied. Listen in to understand how student housing needs differ from conventional housing, why the customer experience should be valued above all else, and the importance of hiring genuinely nice people.

Wendy Rae Walker is a partner with TAM Residential, a 2022 winner of NAA’s Top Employer’s Award. Wendy visits the podcast to share her insights for attracting and retaining talent in these challenging times. Listen in to learn tips for creating a culture of fun, the importance of training, and the one thing you’ve got to be doing to manage talent in your own organization.

In the first episode of 2023, Marcus Armstrong visits the podcast to discuss the qualities that enable communities to make the ORA Power Ranking’s Elite 1%. As competition tightens around this esteemed list, communities must focus more than ever on exceptional customer service and positive reviews. Listen in to gain insight into national trends and strategies to help increase your property’s ORA score in the coming year, along with details on the 2022 Elite 1% announcement on January 23.

In this podcast episode, Nicole Patterson discusses J Turner Research’s monthly ORA power rankings. Highlighting the top-performing properties nationally in terms of online reputation, the ORA scores present great opportunities for management companies both on and off the list. Listen in to hear Nicole’s insights for common practices that can help your company excel in online reputation and shine in your specific market.

Priyanka Agarwal and her team have responded to over half a million online reviews for multifamily communities. Through her years of industry experience, she has identified key skills for maintaining her clients' reputation and improving resident satisfaction. Listen in to glean insights regarding trends in online reviews, how to respond effectively, and how to embrace the information provided within reviews to help grow your company.

Christina Rodriguez is the creator and founder of Latinas with Masters, as well as a former marketing manager within the multifamily industry. Her mission is to be a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion as she empowers future generations of leaders to be their authentic selves. Listen in to hear her insights for how companies can embrace and implement a culture of diversity, how to respond to racially charged reviews, and the benefits of mentorship.

Don Brunner is a multifamily leader. As the current NAA Chair of the Board, he understands both the supplier and management sides of the industry from a career devoted to both. Listen in to hear his reflections on challenges he has encountered in his various roles, the importance of mentors, and how to continue evolving and sharpening your skills.

Jay Lopeman serves as the 2022 NAA National Supplier Council (NSC) chair. He deeply believes in the impact that involvement with the NSC from both the supplier partner and the owner-operator perspective can have. Listen in to hear Jay's thoughts on the benefits of the NSC and why making connections at the local, state, and national level is so important.

Kate Good is an Apartment All Star, emcee, and development and marketing professional. She has a great passion for designing communities to create a unique and meaningful sense of home. Listen in to glean ideas for embracing challenges and trends in order to stand out in the market.