For renters, the economic uncertainty of the pandemic has meant that homeownership plans have been put on hold. According to a recent study from Yardi’s RENTCafé, due to unforeseeable nature of current events, 43% of renters report that they plan to delay homeownership for five years or longer. The survey, which ran at the end of May 2020, asked 7,000 renters about their housing plans before and after the coronavirus hit. Financial worry is cited as the main reason why 21% of the renters surveyed plan to postpone buying a home for at least five years, while nearly one-quarter of renters said they would never be able to purchase a home.

As renters look forward, they are choosing the housing options that gives them the most financial stability until they have the confidence to undertake bigger financial transactions. Homeownership comes with additional—and often unpredictable expenses—including interest, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Apartment living, with its consistent monthly rent and one-time deposit, is more appealing to renters than home buying right now. And, in more than half (59%) of housing markets nationwide — 442 of 755 U.S. counties — renting a three-bedroom property is now more affordable than buying a median-priced home.

“We’re seeing higher renewal rates across our portfolio as tenants remained in their apartments during the lockdown,” said Chris Finlay, founder and chairman of Lloyd Jones, LLC. “Those properties that were well-positioned before the pandemic will continue to perform well, with above-average income growth and property price appreciation.”

Across demographics, while younger generations like millennials are more likely to want to own a home—even if it’s five years or more down the road—half of baby boomers said they wouldn’t purchase a home again. The less costly, more convenient apartment lifestyle may play a role. With renter households over 60 increasing considerably in the past decade, boomers seem to be getting more and more comfortable with renting.

“Tenants who move to buy a home is one of the main reason for vacancies,” said Finlay. “Considering the current market conditions, renting appears to remain the lifestyle of choice for many, including a growing market of seniors. There continues to be a tremendous demand for affordable, highly amenitized rental communities for seniors to age in place, and we believe is this an excellent investment opportunity that offers lower risks and excellent returns.”

On August 12, 2020, Lloyd Jones Multifamily Management communities across the country celebrated Apartment Onsite Teams Day. The holiday, created by the National Apartment Association (NAA), was designed to honor the dedication and sacrifice that property management teams have made to keep our communities running smoothly and our residents safe during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

“The apartment industry does not stop in a crisis,” said Mandy Doucet, EVP/COO of Lloyd Jones Multifamily Management. “Lloyd Jones’ onsite team members have worked tirelessly since the onset of the pandemic to maintain occupancy through virtual leasing efforts, collect rent by working one-on-one with residents struggling with financial difficulties due to COVID-19, and uphold a positive attitude despite these new challenges, all the while keeping residents safe and informed.”

Lloyd Jones was pleased to participate in NAA’s Apartment Onsite Teams Day alongside property management firms across the U.S. The company encouraged property management staff to share photos of their teams on their communities’ social media pages using the campaign’s hashtag, #APTeamsDay.

Most people envision living out retirement years in a home with a paid off mortgage, or downsizing to buy a smaller home. In fact, close to 80 percent of people 65 and older own their own homes. However, a growing number of retirees are reimagining the traditional retirement model. Renter households over 60 have increased considerably—growing 43 percent over the past decade, outpacing owner households and growing faster than other age groups, according to RentCafe. For those retirees who decide they no longer need the space or the upkeep that comes with a large home, renting makes sense from both a financial and lifestyle perspective.

For retirees who decide to sell their home and move into an active adult or independent-living rental community, there are myriad financial benefits. Mortgage payments, property taxes, and ever-rising homeowners insurance rates are all eliminated, along with the sometimes unpredictable repair expenses that come with a larger home. By selling their home, seniors can use the equity to better manage their retirement financially, freeing up funds for investment, travel and future healthcare expenses.

Moving into a rental home or apartment also means fewer estate headaches. Children often disagree over what do with a parent’s house after their death: one might want to move in, while another may want to sell. And selling the family home can be an emotional and complicated process for heirs. The move to a rental community gives retirees an incentive to downsize, declutter and give away family heirlooms and other cherished possessions now, leaving fewer decisions for children and grandchildren to make later on.

Renting can also be a less costly, more convenient lifestyle, giving retirees the freedom to try out new towns, and move closer to children or grandchildren. With a rental home, all the maintenance chores—from lawn care to raking leaves to exterior painting—are now handled by the property management team. And of course, there are the amenities that many active-adult and independent-living complexes offer—from resort-style clubhouses and swimming pools to fitness centers, walking trails, and a full calendar of social events.

Retirees should think long-term when deciding to rent or own in retirement, and talk with their financial advisor to determine the best strategy. Weighing factors like the impact on retirement savings and spending, investment returns, and home appreciation will help determine the best course of action.

The Lloyd Jones’ property management teams’ core values are Passion, Compassion, and Optimism. Careers in property management require a servant’s heart, as our role is to provide quality housing to all our residents.

Volunteering is just one way our staff shows their compassion for others, and we love hearing stories of our onsite teams taking the initiative to give back to their community.

Ventura Pointe Apartments in Pembroke Pines, FL recently spent the morning volunteering at Feeding South Florida, the leading nonprofit food bank in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Ventura Pointe’s front office and maintenance teams helped pack boxes for local food deliveries as part of their community service efforts.

“I truly feel like giving is actually receiving,” said Erin Balta, Business Manager of Ventura Pointe. Erin added that she hopes to pair up with another nearby Lloyd Jones property, Shamrock of Sunrise, for their next volunteer outing.

MIAMI, FL– Ventura Pointe Apartments, a luxury apartment community in Pembroke Pines, FL, recently commissioned Miami-based artist Douglas Hoekzema, aka Hoxxoh, to create a mural at its pool  deck.

The artist is known for his circular, vortex-like pieces featuring an array of colors. Hoxxoh has painted commissioned works at the Miami Marine Stadium, Hyde Hollywood Resort, and several sites in Wynwood, to name a few.

Built in 2018, Ventura Pointe was recently acquired by Lloyd Jones LLC, a real estate investment, development, and property management firm based in Brickell, Miami. While Ventura was purchased in nearly brand new condition with Class A amenities already in place, the firm wanted to add a unique touch to the pool deck with a large art piece.
Lloyd Jones believes incorporating local touches into design elements is a distinctive amenity that real estate developers and property management firms can offer residents.

“We strive to connect with the communities we serve, and one incredible way to do that is to support our region’s artists,” said Stuart Keller, SVP of Asset Management for Lloyd Jones LLC. “Hoxxoh was the perfect choice to design the mural—not only for his talent, but because he’s also part of the South Florida community.”
According to the artist, a percentage of the commissioned proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen and Hospitality Helping Hands, two nonprofit organizations aimed at serving meals to those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and keeping restaurant workers employed.

For more information about Ventura Pointe Apartments, visit www.venturapointe.com. To learn more about the artist, visit www.elhoxxoh.com/.

MIAMI – Lloyd Jones, a real estate investment firm based in Miami, has recently acquired a 292-unit apartment community, Avisa Lakes Apartments. Conveniently located in East Orlando, Avisa Lakes is the third property Lloyd Jones owns and operates in the area.
Built in the mid-1980s, the property features an all-encompassing amenity package including a newly renovated fitness center, resident game room, outdoor summer kitchen, sports court, and two pet parks. Additionally, it is walking distance to AdventHealth East Orlando, a 295-bed facility that was ranked the number one hospital in Florida in 2019.

“The explosive economic growth in the area indicates a strong demand for multifamily properties,” explains Christopher Finlay, CEO/Chairman of Lloyd Jones. “We are thrilled to further expand the firm’s portfolio to support nearby major employment centers including Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, the airport, and various theme parks,” he continues. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Orlando continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, welcoming over 60,000 new residents in the past two years.

ABOUT LLOYD JONES
Lloyd Jones, LLC is a real estate investment and development firm with 40 years in the industry under the continuous direction of Chairman/CEO, Christopher Finlay. Based in Miami, the firm has divisions in multifamily investment, development, management, and senior living. Its investment partners include institutions, private investors, and its own principals.
For more information about Lloyd Jones, visit www.LloydJonesLLC.com

MIAMI, FL – Lloyd Jones, a multifamily investment firm based in Miami, has purchased the luxury Pembroke Pines property, Ventura Pointe.

The 206-unit apartment community, built in 2018, has a state-of-the-art gym, clubhouse, pool, pet park, and outdoor recreation area. Furthermore, it is adjacent to the 301-bed Memorial Hospital Pembroke and has excellent access to nearby retail and entertainment.

Christopher Finlay, CEO/Chairman of Lloyd Jones, says he is thrilled to expand the firm’s footprint in South Florida, a region that has seen explosive job and population growth in the past few years.

“I am excited to grow our South Florida portfolio. We have seen tremendous growth in the area, and we are happy to be able to offer a new, Class A property to support the growing population,” says Finlay.
Lloyd Jones is a real estate investment and development firm with 40 years in the industry under the continuous direction of Chairman/CEO, Christopher Finlay. Based in Miami, the firm has divisions in multifamily investment, development, management, and senior living. Its investment partners include institutions, private investors, and its own principals.

Link: https://www.multifamilybiz.com/news/9005/multifamily_investment_firm_acquires_ventura_point…

MIAMI, FL — Lloyd Jones, a multifamily investment firm based in Miami, has purchased the luxury Pembroke Pines property, Ventura Pointe.

The 206-unit apartment community, built in 2018, has a state-of-the-art gym, clubhouse, pool, pet park, and outdoor recreation area. Furthermore, it is adjacent to the 301-bed Memorial Hospital Pembroke and has excellent access to nearby retail and entertainment.

Christopher Finlay, CEO/Chairman of Lloyd Jones, says he is thrilled to expand the firm’s footprint in South Florida, a region that has seen explosive job and population growth in the past few years. “I am excited to grow our South Florida portfolio. We have seen tremendous growth in the area, and we are happy to be able to offer a new, Class A property to support the growing population,” says Finlay.

ABOUT LLOYD JONES
Lloyd Jones, LLC is a real estate investment and development firm with 40 years in the industry under the continuous direction of Chairman/CEO, Christopher Finlay. Based in Miami, the firm has divisions in multifamily investment, development, management, and senior living. Its investment partners include institutions, private investors, and its own principals.

For more information about Lloyd Jones, visit www.LloydJonesLLC.com

By executing a value-add strategy, many investors have been able to increase returns on their multifamily investments. Value-add investments generally target assets that have existing cash flow, but also offer the upside potential of increasing that cash flow through repositioning and implementing improvements to the property. As a result, the property can command higher rents, attract quality tenants, increase tenant satisfaction/retention as well as increase operating efficiencies.

According to the Yardi Matrix report, U.S. multifamily rents grew 3.2% year-over-year from May 2018 to May 2019. Multifamily operators typically increase rents, but in addition they can achieve an even higher rent premium in assets that have room for improvements.

In multifamily real estate, there are many ways an operator can reposition the property and create value. These includes adding value in the form of interior renovations, exterior improvements to the property, and amenities to achieve higher marketability and resident comfort. Strategic improvements can turn an under-performing asset into a high-performing asset. Such enhancements include interior unit renovations with upgraded appliances, cabinets, flooring, lighting and plumbing fixtures, depending upon the market and level of upgrades warranted. Upgraded community amenities often include an expanded fitness center, outdoor entertainment areas , and clubhouse modernization. Once the operator has successfully executed the value-add program, the property should yield a rent premium in addition to the standard rent growth in the market. Successful value-add opportunities offer cash flow throughout the hold period and capital appreciation at sale.

Lloyd Jones’ top three recommendations can be grouped into: interior renovations, curb appeal, and upgraded amenities
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1. Interior renovations: Upgrading the units themselves typically involves new cabinetry or appliances and perhaps better flooring. This adds value while aiding in keeping turnover low because these changes directly enhance the quality of life of each resident. At the same time, these energy efficient, maintenance-reducing improvements often decrease the operating expenses of the property.

2. Curb appeal: Not only could improving the landscape of the building please the tenants, but it is likely to catch the attention of potential new residents as well.

3. Upgraded amenities: This can result from enhancing existing amenities such as pools or gyms, or creating new amenities like a dog park or Amazon package locker system. Such changes will offer residents benefits that are typically difficult to access in other types of housing.

Renters often oppose rent hikes. They have many choices in multifamily housing so it is crucial for operators to implement strategies that provide unique or in-demand amenities for which residents are willing to pay premium rents. Without resident satisfaction, there are no fruitful yields for the investment.

A few weeks ago the WSJ reported that “U.S. homeownership rate fell for a second straight quarter, as high prices and limited starter-home inventory are steering more households toward renting.”  This coupled with the fact that home prices rose over the last 2 decades while wages have remained stagnant (see chart below) confirms that we are living in a rental economy.

Although the economics of wages, home prices, and supply drive many hopeful homeowners into renting, others prefer renting for mobile flexibility, lack of debt, and access to amenities and advantages that they may not otherwise have in a single family home.

In Freddie Mac’s recent survey of renters and homeowners, 82% of renters stated that renting is more affordable for them (see chart below). This percentage has steadily increased from 69% in January 2016, further affirming the idea that the rental economy is here to stay.