Mariner Grove, a 320-unit, class A multifamily property in Savannah, GA

MIAMI—Commercial real estate roperty management is ever changing, as technology becomes a top priority for operators. New strategies are helping property managers keep up with maintenance, payment and organization, while renters are now demanding everything from free wireless to digital rent payments.

RealShare Apartments East 2018 will offer insight from industry professionals responding to these trends and see product demonstration on how some of the leading tools are being used. Chris Burns, senior vice president of Lincoln Property Company and Beth Butler, president, Florida Region of Compass, will discuss in a panel titled “Tech Spotlight: Must Have Tech for Amenities and Operations” on Thursday at The Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne, FL.

In the meantime, check out these insights from Christine Espenshade, managing director at JLL. She speaks to the amenities side as it relates to Millennials and non-Millennials in this exclusive interview.

“In the multifamily sector, 2018 could very well be the year of the suburbs,” Espenshade tells GlobeSt.com. “We're seeing Millennials move to the suburbs, where there's solid job growth, good schools and an abundance of two and three-bedroom units.”

What about amenities. What does the market want at this stage of the multifamily scene's evolution?

“In terms of amenities, a really interesting feature we're seeing in multifamily buildings is Uber lounges, which provide residents with a cool place on the ground floor to hang out and wait for their Ubers,” Espenshade says. “Pet-specific perks are also on the rise, including pet spas, washing stations and even 'yappy' hours where residents can bring their dogs to meet other pups in the building.”

Of course, there will be challenges even in the hottest multifamily markets. Espenshade sees the bigger picture.

“One of the biggest challenges for multifamily in 2018 will be focusing on generations before and after millennials,” she says. “How can we adapt our spaces to meet the needs of non-Millennial renters?”

Register now for RealShare Apartments East 2018 and get more industry insights from the commercial real estate leaders you trust.

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