DIY Real Estate Solutions

Years ago, I had the option to use a synchronization service to sync my PDA phone with my desktop. The service would first sync the data to their servers and then sync to my PDA phone over the Internet. For some reason, I felt uncomfortable with the thought that my data was being stored on a third party server. Due to my uncomfortable feelings, I opted to not use the service. Now today I use such services to keep my data safe. My thinking has changed, as I got more knowledgeable on how data is kept safe by these third party companies.

I use a service to back up my desktop, which has source code for the programs that I sell, and other data that is non-replaceable. The service has a secure location, solid backup procedures in place, high levels of encryption to protect the subject matter of the data (256 bit and higher, which would take years to break), is easy to use, and is inexpensive (which is very helpful to my budget).

I also use a hosted Exchange service to handle my email, calendar, task, and contact management synchronization to my desktop and PDA phone. They deal with all of the upgrade headaches, support of the software and servers, and have prompt and friendly service when I have issues. And I get all this for just a few dollars a month.

Now I ask the question, why wouldn’t I use a “Software as a Service” company to help me out with my business needs. “Software as a Service” is simply a fancy way of saying that a company handles the hardware and software for a service that we can access remotely. In the real estate property management area, particularly the small owner manager of apartments, it seems to me, that the time spent on installing, maintaining, and upgrading software is a wasted expense, typically being done by people with little or no experience in doing it. Wouldn’t it make sense to have someone else do it, if the cost was reasonable and the data was protected by a secure location, solid backup procedures, and high levels of encryption?

What do other people think?

Steve Lloyd
DIY Real Estate Solutions, Inc.

In May 2007, the Urban Land Institute published the results for its survey gauging how a perceived lack of affordable housing near places of employment impacts U.S. employees and the companies they work for.   Responses varied by part of the country, but there were clear indicators that long commutes negatively affect the employees’ quality of life and diminish their commitment and effectiveness on the job.

Clearly, there is growing demand from both employers and employees for safe, clean, affordable housing in close proximity to job opportunities for teachers, policemen, waiters, postal workers and other social service workers.  Although government and the building industry have invested considerable time and resources in attempting to address this very pressing issue, the participation by the national multifamily developers has been, at best, tepid.  Their foot print is typically a large development, with many amenities to meet their national branding strategy.   Even if they could find the land to meet their development specifications, the cost to develop in a high density area drives the price to rent or own so high that we haven’t solve the overriding issue, affordable housing.

Experience shows that the greatest innovations come from small businesses.  I believe that the independent rental owner/manager offers our best hope for meeting the challenge of affordable urban housing.    A perfect example is Dunn Development Corp., a firm which specializes in affordable housing in New York City.    They took a vacant city-owned lot and transformed it into a 33-unit affordable housing for families.   The project’s design incorporated façade details from the neighborhood, built-in homework areas in the apartments and a play area.   Their approach to solving the need was work within the community, and partnership with non profit housing organization and government agencies.   In every major city and rural community there are housing agency’s and non profit housing organizations that are eager to partner to help fill this national challenge.   I also suggest you check out the internet.  Do a search on “Affordable Housing”.  One site in particular that I would recommend is the Affordable Housing Institute, http://affordablehousinginstitute.org/. SUMMARYBy investing in housing that supports the needs of business and their employees, you have an opportunity to fill a vital need in our communities, and at the same time create an asset that can deliver a positive ROI for you or your client.    For more information on the Workforce Housing Research study, click here to visit the Urban Land Institute website and access the report.