By: Cristy Boucher

As we mark the 18th anniversary of RealtyCom Partners’ founding, we reflect on the remarkable growth and transformation of the multifamily technology industry and the many friendships we’ve formed over the years with owners, operators, developers, and service providers.  We are proud of all we have accomplished but remain more committed than ever to evolving with the industry and serving the multifamily community.

When RealtyCom was established in 2007 the multifamily real estate industry was navigating a surge of emerging technologies that would dramatically alter the operations and management of multifamily communities. Personal technology was also advancing rapidly – the iPhone was only a year old, and AT&T had just become the first telephone company to offer cable and streaming services as we know them today did not exist. This wave of innovation meant property owners would need to begin providing an entirely new set of services to attract and retain residents. Amidst the excitement of these technological advancements, there was also a sense of apprehension and uncertainty about how to effectively build, operate, and manage these new and evolving technologies.

Because there is no one-size-fits-all solution that can accommodate the diverse operational styles and needs of owners, managers, and developers, RealtyCom Partners was founded on the principle that each multifamily owner needs a unique management and operations plan in place to effectively leverage technology at their properties. Instead of allowing technology service providers to dictate terms, our founders pulled from their various backgrounds in multifamily and technology and began advising clients and helping them discover and create successful strategies tailored to their communities.

Annie Manfredi, our Founder, leveraged her extensive background in growing cable systems both as a Partner at Trammell Crow Residential’s NuMarket Communications and as a founding member of Castle Cable Services, Inc., where she oversaw the development of private cable television systems across the country. This experience was instrumental in understanding owners’ needs. After Castle Cable’s sale in 2004, former clients sought her help to navigate telecom planning and decipher new agreements and options. “In those early days, we became the only consultants working on behalf of owners,” says Annie. “Being agnostic to the provider of choice has always set us apart from other consulting firms who may focus on specific products or business solutions. We work exclusively for ownership with their unique vision in mind.”

There are even more factors to consider in the value equation than ever before–marketing and revenue share agreements, fiber overbuilds, pre-provisioned internet solutions, Bulk Modem and Managed Wi-Fi, opt-in service, right of entry/easements, P2P rooftop/wireless providers, and other hybrid solutions are just a few of the options now available to owners. Assessing these options often requires specialized resources and can become a burden for owners, who may lack access to these resources, to identify all the technical and financial requirements of their telecom proposals. RealtyCom Partners specializes in the creation of technology and revenue-generating strategies, managing complex agreement negotiations, and addressing infrastructure requirements in a multi-provider landscape. After owner-focused strategies are developed, RealtyCom has many discussions with the service providers about the system requirements and proposal terms, putting the owner in control and ensuring deployed technologies are the most beneficial for their communities and their residents. We truly see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams – exploring new strategies, resolving issues, and removing administrative burdens so our clients can make informed decisions.

Over the years, we have expanded to include advisory and specialty consulting services around internet delivery systems, exploring different business models, specialized low-voltage, design and construction planning, and assisting with infrastructure upgrades to improve connectivity. We have also guided our clients through complex regulatory changes at state and federal levels that have impacted how owners can provide specific services to their residents. As a member of the National Multifamily Housing Council, the Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council, and the National Apartment Association, RealtyCom continually advocates for our clients.

At our core, we remain committed to working in our clients’ best interests to ensure their communities thrive. We are never compensated by service providers. We take a comprehensive approach focused solely on telecom and technology delivered to residents. Each year we complete 300+ transactions in our core specialties:

  • Providing a clear understanding of existing contracts and strategy options
  • Improving new and existing contract terms through skilled negotiations
  • Implementing new products and services to enhance resident satisfaction and add value
  • Supporting your team as an ongoing resource and escalation point
  • Ensuring all contracted revenue is accounted for and collected promptly
  • Advising on technology and property infrastructure needs
  • Providing new development planning, oversight, design, and IoT consulting
  • Speaking on industry topics, including participation in several FCC filings on behalf of our clients and in partnership with the NMHC and NAA, supported by data-driven research aligning with our clients’ objectives

Reflecting on our journey over the last 18 years of business, we are profoundly grateful for the trust and collaboration we’ve experienced. Thank you – our clients, team members, “RCP friends” and educators, and of course the service providers and telecom attorneys we work with daily – for your exceptional partnership and for allowing us to continue to learn and grow alongside you.

Here’s to many more years of growth, innovation, and shared success as we continue to navigate the ever-changing world of multifamily technology together. We look forward to helping our clients navigate their next chapters where telecom and technology intersect and remain steadfast in our mission to adapt, evolve, and lead the industry in crafting technology strategies that enhance your communities.