By Mike Manfredi

Most of the new construction projects RealtyCom is involved with are rich in amenities – enormous fitness centers, clubhouses with movie theatres, rooftop decks and social spaces, pools, coworking spaces, dog parks, and game rooms are but a few of the most popular amenities we see.  Residents expect these community spaces to be connected and a place for entertainment, so it’s not a surprise we spend the most time with assisting our clients with respect to High-Definition TV screens located in these areas.  Some of the projects we are currently involved with have 20+ televisions!  For an owner, the costs to provide these services can add up quickly.

When it comes to providing live television service to these screens, RealtyCom works with the telecom providers to minimize materials, installation and recurring expenses to our Clients.  This involves negotiating as many complimentary accounts as possible into the agreements, as well as allocating these complimentary accounts based on where the wiring for the televisions terminate.  For example, Provider #1 might offer complimentary live television to eight (8) screens; provided however, that all these screens are wired back to the same IDF Closet or AV Room. Provider #2 might offer two (2) […]

By Kelly Larsen

Wi-Fi is truly the unsung hero holding the modern household together. From streaming TV and working from home, to powering your smart thermostat or Roomba – Wi-Fi is a must-have. Under a traditional choice model where the owner may or may not have a marketing agreement in place with the telecom provider, each resident is purchasing their own wireless modem or renting it from the provider themselves. However, there are three other categories of owner-sponsored Wi-Fi that help your properties and residents stay connected:

• Internet Ready – a no-cost option, this is a Wi-Fi router setup in the apartment for convenience when a new resident moves in, so they can connect and sign up for services in minutes without a technician appointment or picking up equipment.
• In Unit Modem-Based Wi-Fi – traditionally referred to as bulk Internet, with this option there is no construction, in-unit access or capital expense to owner. The owner can either include this service in the rent or pass on a reduced Internet rate to residents, in exchange for buying service for the entire property. There are various ways residents can obtain equipment and their Wi-Fi network is limited to their home only.
• Property […]
  

By Laura Quirarte

In just a few short years, we have seen Cable TV become more and more obsolete as people decide to “cut the cord” and move to streaming options, that can be more affordable and personalized. Across all the assets RealtyCom manages we currently see an average of 35% of residents subscribing to a traditional Cable TV product, with the rest choosing streaming or over-the-top content options.

Consequently, RealtyCom has been proactive in speaking with many asset managers and operators who are specifically providing a Bulk (owner paid) Cable service, to help them develop a plan to eliminate or augment that service to Internet so residents continue to feel they are getting a good value from the owner.

While not everyone has decided to remove Cable service immediately, here are some practical things to consider when contemplating this decision:

Community Demographics. Collegiate housing and Urban communities are more comfortable not having a traditional Cable product as most residents are comfortable with only streaming content. Conversely, many Active Adult or Senior communities prefer to keep these services in place, as their residents may still value Cable TV. Before you make changes, consider a resident survey to learn how residents might receive this news […]