Apartment Talk

Forest Park Apartments Review - “feel right at home”

2010-07-28T15:37:32Z

Rose talks about how easy it was to settle into Forest Park Apartments in Austin, TX.

“I moved into Forest Park Apartments in December and everyone who works on the property has been so welcoming and friendly to me ever since! They always ask if everything is going okay with the apartment and they definitely make me feel right at home. It is a quiet place, which is nice and very well kept. The staff is extremely outgoing and they really care about their residents!”

- Rose S.

Providence Pointe Review - “The office staff is top quality”

2010-07-28T15:33:29Z

Steve reflects on the amazing staff provided at Providence Pointe Apartments in Clovis, CA.

“I could not have had a better experience living at Providence Pointe Apartments! Any request I had, it was dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. The quality of the living space is amazing! You definitely get a lot of bang for your buck. The office staff is top quality and I had zero problems with them while I was living there! I would love to recommend this property to a friend or family member!”

- Steve H.

Aspen Square’s answer to the Mortgage Crisis

2010-07-28T14:58:00Z

Home ownership has long been considered part of the American Dream. But with the economy in a recession and fallout from the mortgage crisis, many Americans are rethinking that equation.

The housing bubble burst was a rude awakening for many Americans -- it reminded them that a home equals debt. Now many home shoppers are taking a fresh look at renting.

The homeownership rate is plummeting and home sales remain weak – they fell to 5.1 percent in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. It’s been estimated an additional 6 to 8 million Americans will default on their mortgages in the next 2 years.

Those numbers translate into big deals for renters! With so many homes and apartments on the market, rents are being held down. The consumer price index inched up only 0.3 percent last year, the lowest yearly increase since the 1940s.

Furthermore, tighter lending standards are making it tougher for people to buy a home. And if you’re so lucky as to get a mortgage, another downturn in the economy could mean you mortgage is worth more than your home.

There are other perks to renting -- like having the flexibility to move. Moving isn’t so easy when you own a home you can’t sell! Homebuyers should plan to keep their homes for at least eight years, according to the National Association of Realtors.

And perhaps the best perk of all – when something breaks, it’s not your problem! A rental budget is more predictable and you won’t have to ante up the cash for last minute repairs.

Renting is a secure move in the uncertain economy. With over 75 rental properties across the country, Aspen Square can get you in to an apartment that’s the perfect fit for you, your lifestyle, and your budget.

COMMUNITY MANAGER (Austin based)-TROUBLESHOOT AND TRAVEL NATIONALLY

2010-07-28T14:40:00Z

Aspen Square Management, one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate investment and property management firms with a fifty year track record of success in the multi-family industry has incredible career opportunities to travel nationally as members of the Startup and Stabilization team. Aspen is an organization where initiative, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit have thrived. If you are a strong on-site manager that thrives on new goals and challenges in a fast paced, ever-changing environment, we want to hear from you!

The Community Manager will travel to assets and play a key role in the success of these communities which includes developing aggressive marketing campaigns, re-branding, repositioning and/or rehabbing of these communities. The Manager will be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving issues to maximize property performance. This significant position offers tremendous opportunity for growth, and is on the fast track to Senior Management.

National travel is required for this career path. One can expect to travel on a 14 day cycle – 11 days on, 3 days off for fifty-two weeks out of the year excluding vacation time. All travel will be arranged, coordinated, and paid for through our corporate travel office. One can expect to work on all types of communities including conventional, student, affordable and unit sizes of 100 to 1500 units.

Responsibilities include:

Traveling to various communities nationally as assigned
Mentoring, training, and motivating associates to meet and exceed the goals
Developing and implementing an innovative, comprehensive marketing campaign to attract residents including direct B2B marketing, on-site events, and community outreach
Achieving maximum occupancy and revenue growth
Creating and executing successful resident retention strategies
Performing administrative tasks as necessary to manage all aspects of the office
Implementing practices to minimize delinquency and vacancy loss
Providing legendary customer service

Requirements:

Five years Community Manager experience
A proven track record in analyzing market conditions and implementing procedures to ensure an edge above the competition
Top notch organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
A strong work ethic and a “whatever it takes” attitude
A bachelors degree (preferred)

Aspen Square Management Benefits Include:

Health Care Blue Cross/Blue Shield (PPO), prescription drugs, dental and vision

401K retirement plan

Paid holidays/vacation

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Discounts

Don’t delay-apply now! Please submit your resume with cover letter to Teresa_Bridges@aspensquare.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Making Your First Apartment Feel Like Home

2010-07-28T14:32:19Z

Whether you are moving away from college or just getting out of your parents house, moving into your first apartment can seem overwhelming. And as someone just starting life on your own, you may not have a ton of furnishings to help fill up the new place. Well we at Aspen Square have found some cheap and easy was to help you make your apartment over, from dreary and bland to a style that suits your personality.

Rental Decorating Digest put together an article which can be used as a helpful jumping off point when planning your move and deciding what you need. They suggest following the 5 ‘S' list for where you’ll need to get some furnishings. “Where you Sleep, where you Sit, where you Snack, Where you Study, and how you will Sanitize.” The list includes everything that would typically come to mind and a few things that should not be forgotten, for example, side tables, mirrors, hangers, coasters, and cleaning products! It may look clean when you first move in but you’re going to need them eventually!

Don’t have all the right furniture quite yet? An article from the Economic Times suggests shopping flea markets, and we couldn’t agree more! This is a great way to stay in budget while still being able to pick things that suit your style. The article encourages you to “mix different styles and periods. If you buy what you love, the pieces always end up working together.”

Remember that although your budget is important, quality and practicality are equally as important. Shop for items that can be brought with you if you change locations and will last you long term. The Economic times admits “it’s hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don’t own—but it’s equally difficult to live in surroundings that don’t reflect your style.”

Make your new apartment into a place you can feel comfortable in and proud to show off to friends! Keep the apartment however makes you happy with it, and most importantly, get rid of the monotony! Most apartments are prepared with neutral colors which can seem to take the individuality out of it, but try and see it as more of a blank canvas. Neutral colors mean you can make just about any style work in a room. Check with your landlord before making any permanent changes, but add something special to each room. “Break the monotony with one rare piece per room that can be put in the focal point of the room. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories.”

Check out great property photos, floorplans, and more at Aspen Square to see your potential new home and start getting ideas about what you can do with it! Although you may feel like you are only going to stay here for one or two years, be sure to make that time enjoyable! Happy decorating!

Maintenance Foreman, College Station, TX

2010-07-28T13:51:00Z

If you are honest, hardworking and skilled in maintenance to include basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry along with HVAC experience and EPA certification, we have the perfect career opportunity for you! This position would allow you to showcase your talent at our established 400+ unit student apartment community in College Station. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leader in the multi-family industry for 50 years!

Reporting directly to the District Operations Manager, the Maintenance Foreman is responsible for:

· Customer Service

· All facets of apartment make ready

· Completing service requests

· Carrying the pager and responding to emergency call

· Trouble shooting HVAC

· Working closely with the property manager to provide a stellar community for our residents

· Grounds maintenance (with vendor assistance)

Job Requirements:

· HVAC experience and EPA certification

· Light carpentry, plumbing, & basic electrical skills

· Willingness to carry the pager for emergency call

· Own tools & transportation

· Strong communication & organizational skills

· Supervisor experience

· Student housing experience of 400+ units preferred

Aspen Square Management Benefits

Competitive salary

Heath Care: Blue Cross/Blue Shield (PPO), prescription drugs, dental and vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays/vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Employee Discounts

To Apply

Don’t delay! Apply in person at Campus View Apartments, 505 Harvey Road, College Station or submit your resume and letter of interest now. In your letter of interest, please include salary expectations as well as an explanation as to why you feel you are a strong candidate for this opportunity. Email both documents to teresab@aspensquare.com. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Where Can Superheroes Turn After Comic-con? Aspen Square Can Help!

2010-07-27T15:02:14Z

So the San Diego Comic-con has officially come to an end, but the buzz surrounding the whole event certainly hasn’t, thanks to updates and new footage from upcoming action films. The life of a superhero must get pretty hectic, fighting crime constantly and all, so we at Aspen Square have taken the liberty of helping these top superheroes find apartments to reside in during their downtime. Hey, superheroes have got to sleep sometime, right?

5) The Green Hornet created a slight buzz at this years’ Comic-con. The story of Britt Reid, newspaper publisher by day, superhero by night, is set to be released in January of 2011. We figured the perfect place for the hornet to rest is at Cambridge House apartments. Located just over an hour from his hometown of San Francisco, the Green Hornet will still be able to keep an eye on his nemesis or visit the office of his old newspaper. Plenty of parking for Black Beauty here of course! The fitness center and the amazing community pool will keep him in shape for his next bout with crime!

4) Tron: Legacy is causing a stir with the sequel to the classic Tron movie, where Kevin Flynn was sucked into a virtual world. In the soon to be released sequel, Kevin's son, Sam, goes after his father to try and save him. We suggest Hawks Pointe for these two! Located in Kansas, a geometrical state for those used to an extremely geometrical landscape! Hawks Pointe has an exclusive high speed internet and cable package to keep the Flynns connected to their virtual world in a much safer way.

3) Orchard Crest apartments would be the ideal place for the heroic Green Lantern. Located in Washington close to McChord Air Force Base, he can get in all the flying practice he wants during his down time! Orchard Crest prides itself on its relaxing and beautiful environment, with well designed one bedroom (or two bedrooms if Carol Ferris agrees to move it!) apartments that are the quality any superhero deserves.

2)Scott Pilgrim has to take on the world for love, and if he succeeds (which I have a feeling he will) he should be content with his new girlfriend in a two bedroom apartment in beautiful Boca Winds, because what couple in their honeymoon stage wouldn’t enjoy a tropical paradise located just walking distance from the beach? Boca Winds also is a pet friendly community, if the couple wants to get a new furry friend!

1) The Avengers coming together for a 2012 movie stole the show and has everyone talking. With a Captain America and a Thor movie coming out as well, The Avengers are sure to generate a lot more hype. While The Avengers are like family, we decided to put them up in Litchfield Oaks to enjoy a few of our spacious three bedroom apartments. When you refer a friend you can save up to $400 off your rent, so this crew will be saving quite a bit of money after saving the world!

If these picks aren’t quite what they were looking for, Aspen Square has many more apartments to choose from that are sure to please!

Community Manager-Floating

2010-07-26T15:19:00Z

College Station, TX

This is a very unique and exciting opportunity to float within the portfolio in College Station and showcase your talent assisting at various communities. If you are a strong on-site manager that thrives on new goals and challenges in a fast paced, ever-changing environment, we want to hear from you!

The Community Manager will play a key role in the success of these communities which includes the flexibility to adapt to various communities and impact the performance of each as assigned. The Manager will be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving issues to maximize property performance.

Responsibilities include:

· Reporting to various communities locally as assigned

· Mentoring, training, and motivating associates to meet and exceed the goals

· Developing and implementing an innovative, comprehensive marketing campaign to attract residents including direct B2B marketing, on-site events, and community outreach

· Achieving maximum occupancy and revenue growth

· Creating and executing successful resident retention strategies

· Performing administrative tasks as necessary to manage all aspects of the office

· Implementing practices to minimize delinquency and vacancy loss

· Providing legendary customer service

Requirements:

· Student Community Manager experience preferred

· A proven track record in analyzing market conditions and implementing procedures to ensure an edge above the competition

· Top notch organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills

· A strong work ethic and a “whatever it takes” attitude

· A bachelors degree (preferred)

Aspen Square Management Benefits Include:

Health Care Blue Cross/Blue Shield (PPO), prescription drugs, dental and vision

401K retirement plan

Paid holidays/vacation

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Discounts

To Apply

Don’t delay! Submit your resume and letter of interest now. In your letter of interest, please include salary expectations as well as an explanation as to why you feel you are a strong candidate for this opportunity. Email both documents to teresab@aspensquare.com. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Assistant Community Manager

2010-07-26T14:40:00Z

Assistant Community Manager

Austin, TX

Join the team at Aspen Square Management in the role of assistant property manager at one of our premier apartment communities in Austin. Whether you are a leasing director with a proven track record in the field looking for the next step in your career or a seasoned assistant property manager looking to join a leader in the multi-family industry with advancement opportunities, we have just the position for you.

The Assistant Community Manager will help lead the on-site management and leasing efforts by assisting the Community Manager. This individual helps ensure the property meets its occupancy and collection goals. The successful candidate will possess top notch interpersonal skills, a strong sales acumen; a positive can do attitude and the ability to develop a sense of community.

Responsibilities Include:

· Help develop and implement a comprehensive marketing campaign to attract new residents to include direct B2B marketing, on-site events, housing fairs, & networking

· Give tours of the apartments and community to prospective residents

· Assist prospective residents throughout the application process

· Collect rents and maintain minimal delinquencies

· Utilize software programs such as Microsoft office, Print shop, and One-site

· Perform administrative tasks as necessary to manage the office

Requirements

The ideal candidate will provide legendary customer service and bring to the team an infectious positive attitude along with a “whatever it takes” mentality.

* 3 to 5 years managerial experience preferred
* A proven track record in meeting and exceeding goals
* Top notch organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
* A strong work ethic and a "whatever it takes" attitude
* A bachelors degree (preferred)

Aspen Square Management Benefits include:

Heath Care: Blue Cross/Blue Shield (PPO), prescription drugs, dental and vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays/vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Employee Discounts

To apply please submit your resume with cover letter to teresab@aspensquare.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

What’s next for the Jersey Shore cast? Aspen Square can help!

2010-07-23T11:26:31Z

“Jersey Shore Season 2: Bienvenido a Miami Beach” premiers in just a few days. Our favorite Guido juiceheads will be back for a second round of fist-pumping beats and drunken hook-ups, only this time their inebriated antics will take place on South Beach.

I have a couple of ideas about how this season will go down: JWow’s breasts will get bigger, Pauly D’s hair will get higher, The Situation will show off his abs, Sammy and Ronnie will get back together, then break up, then get back together, then break up, then get back together, and Snookie will eat a few pickles.

I can’t stop worrying about what will happen to all of our beloved Jersey Juiceheads once taping wraps up. Maybe Aspen Square could help each cast member find an apartment that’s perfect for them and their lifestyle! Aspen Square has luxurious apartments all across the country, so there’s a place for absolutely everyone. I’ll even help out by pointing each cast member in the right direction:

Mike ‘The Situation’ – He’s going to need to work out daily to keep up his abdominal physique which has made him so famous. His new workout DVD simply won’t cut it. Instead, he should work out in the brand new state-of-the-art Fitness center at The Zone at San Marcos, TX. The Zone is the place to be for Texas State University students, so ‘The Situation’ is sure to pick up a few fist pumping protégés along the way.

Snooki – I think Snooki is going to have the time of her life in Miami and she’s not going to want to leave. After Snickers gets a taste of the men in Miami, those Jersey boys just won’t cut it anymore. Not to worry, Snooks! The Boca Winds Apartments in Boca Raton, FL are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from South Beach. The party never has to stop!

Angelina – Angelina who? Nobody cares about what happens to this girl.

Pauly D – He will be in high demand after Season 2 and his DJ career is sure to take off. If Pauly D lives at Fox Hollow in Porterville, CA he could mix and mingle with all the A-List celebrities and still be just a short drive away from Las Vegas where he could be spinnin’ beats ‘til the sun comes up.

Sammi & Ronnie – Think what you want – these two are made for each other! I think this couple should try to avoid all the drama and settle down in domestic bliss at The Terraces in Prescott Valley, AZ. The cozy fireplace and Jacuzzi will be just what these two need to relax and enjoy each other’s company. When they break up in a few days, I’ll work on finding them new apartments that are far, far away from each other.

J Wow – If I had to pick a place for J Wow to live, it would have to be Woodedge Estates in Manchester, N.H. No long explanation needed here – I just think it would be hilarious to see J Wow try to fit in in New Hampshire. You’ll be able to spot those breast implants and trashy hair extensions from a mile away. Live Free or Die, J Wow!

Vinnie – Who am I kidding? We all know Vinnie is going home to live with mom, at least until he’s 40.

Think about it guys and give us a call!