First Tenants moving into Cedar Creek Estates in Jacksonville, Florida

Ellavoz Impact Capital (EIC), a leading real estate impact investment and management firm, together with Auben Realty, a multi-state management firm specializing in single family rentals, announced today that the first tenants are moving into their new community, Cedar Creek Estates.

The project began vertical construction this April. Located within an Opportunity Zone in Jacksonville, Florida, this innovative build-to-rent single-family residential community will help satisfy the growing demand for affordable, high-quality housing in Jacksonville. The project, with an estimated cost of $14 million, is transforming nine acres into 45 comfortable, single-family homes. EIC is committed to creating a living environment that not only provides much-needed housing but also encourages a strong sense of community for its residents.

“The progress on this project has been tremendous,” said Chris Ferry, Vice President of Ellavoz Impact Capital. “We are excited about our first tenants moving into Cedar Creek Estates and by the positive reception of the Jacksonville community.”

“With our first residents now moving in, Cedar Creek is quickly evolving from a construction site into a vibrant community,” says Taylor Moore, Auben’s Resident Experience Manager. “It already feels more like a true neighborhood than a typical rental development — a testament to the thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, and collaborative vision with the Ellavoz ownership group.”

Key highlights of the Cedar Creek Estates project include:

Diverse Home Sizes: The community features a variety of living spaces to suit the needs of different families and individuals. The single-family homes range in size from 1200 to 1650 square feet, offering residents flexibility and choice in their living arrangements.

Popular Build-to-Rent Model: Ellavoz Impact Capital recognizes the rising popularity of the build-to-rent model and Cedar Creek Estates is designed to meet this demand. This approach offers renters the opportunity to enjoy a modern and well-maintained living space combined with the flexibility of leasing.

Commitment to Community: Ellavoz Impact Capital is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all residents within Cedar Creek Estates by incorporating energy efficient features and well-designed public spaces with the goal of fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Homeownership Assistance Program: A unique home ownership assistance program will give long-term veteran and first responder residents the opportunity to earn a downpayment assistance grant from Ellavoz when these families purchase their homes.

About Ellavoz Impact Capital:

Ellavoz Impact Capital, LLC, (EIC) is a social impact investor, advisor, asset manager, and real estate developer focused on creating and preserving workforce and affordable housing and other community-oriented real estate properties. EIC’s strategy concentrates investments into price-attainable housing and economic development projects by working with socially aligned operators, local nonprofits, and governmental agencies to deliver positive community outcomes and double bottom line returns.

With locations in Florida, New Jersey and the Carolinas, Ellavoz currently has total managed and controlled assets with a value approaching $300 million. EIC is comprised of certified public accountants, attorneys, as well as real estate, finance, and economic development professionals. The team has both private sector experience and decades-long experience leading large community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations. Collectively, the management team has led transactions with a total capitalization value of nearly $3 billion.

For more information about Ellavoz Impact Capital, visit our website at Ellavoz.com

For media inquiries, contact Chris Ferry @ 732.616.8847

About Auben Realty
Auben Realty is a vertically integrated real estate investment and management firm specializing in single-family rentals (SFR), multifamily (MF), and build-for-rent (BFR) communities. With operations in Augusta, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Columbia, Greenville, Kansas City, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Jacksonville, Auben combines deep local expertise with a resident-first approach to create long-term value for investors and residents alike. Learn more at www.aubenrealty.com.

To Schedule a Tour or Contact Auben Realty, click the links below:

TOUR:

https://www.cedarcreekrentalhomes.com

CONTACT:

https://www.cedarcreekrentalhomes.com/contact-us

Announcing Auben’s Expansion into Jacksonville

and a First Post in the Build-to-Rent (BTR) Series

At Auben Realty, we believe in creating places where people thrive, where homes are more than a roof overhead, but a stepping stone to a better future. That’s why we’re proud to announce our official expansion into Jacksonville, Florida as the professional property manager for Cedar Creek Estates, a new Build-for-Rent (BFR) community developed by Ellavoz Impact Capital  (article here).

This milestone marks more than just geographic growth—it reflects a shared goal: to meet the growing demand for workforce housing and drive long-term value for investors.

Cedar Creek Estates, located in Jacksonville’s Westside, offers 45 brand-new single-family homes with private yards, garages, and modern finishes—features often out of reach for renters in today’s market. Even in a city like Jacksonville, where the BTR sector is growing, the supply of new, single-family homes for lease remains limited compared to demand. 

In fact, at the recent IMN East conference, it was reported that while there are approximately 168,500 existing BTR units nationwide, they account for less than 1% of the total multifamily inventory—an estimated 19 million units.

The takeaway? BTR is a growing segment, but it’s still just getting legs. There’s a significant opportunity to deliver high-quality residential rentals for the workforce—especially in cities like Jacksonville, where options like Cedar Creek Estates bring the benefits of homeownership (space, privacy, community) within reach of renters today. At Cedar Creek, long-term residents also have the unique opportunity to earn incentives that support their path toward homeownership.

For Auben, this project is the perfect alignment of our expertise and mission:

1. Stewarding high-quality residential rentals for workforce housing
2. Providing responsive, professional property management that builds long-term value
3. Partnering with visionaries like Ellavoz Impact Capital to make an impact where it matters most

As Robert Hutchins, Founder and CEO of Ellavoz, shared with the Jacksonville Business Journal:

“We need to invest in communities that help working families thrive.” (article here). We couldn’t agree more. 

This announcement also kicks off our BTR series—where we’ll explore:

The market trends behind BTR

• How BTR fills a critical gap in the housing ecosystem

• How impact-driven BTR investments can deliver long-term value for investors and residents alike

• Stay tuned as we explore what makes BTR a compelling investment strategy—and how Auben is your local expert in managing these communities across the Southeast and Midwest.

Interested in learning more about Auben’s services or how we partner with investors to maximize value in BTR communities? Let’s connect. Together, we can build something that lasts. 

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Building Connections and Gaining Insights in Kansas City

This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending both the ACA and MAREI meetings in Kansas City. It was a full day packed with valuable conversations, insightful takeaways, and incredible networking opportunities.

At ACA, I connected with a wide range of investors, vendors, and industry experts. It’s always energizing to be surrounded by professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of real estate—especially those who are eager to collaborate, share knowledge, and grow together. The conversations were not only informative but also inspiring, reminding me of just how many different paths and strategies exist within this dynamic industry.

The evening MAREI meeting was another highlight. The roundtable setup was both innovative and highly effective. Each table featured an expert in a specific facet of real estate investing, creating a dynamic environment where attendees could ask targeted questions, share their goals, and receive real-time guidance from seasoned professionals. Whether you were just starting your investing journey or looking to scale your portfolio, there was something to gain at every table.

What stood out most from the day was the quality of the networking. I made many new connections, each one opening doors to potential partnerships, shared resources, and business referrals. It was more than just a chance to exchange business cards—it was about building meaningful relationships with people who are aligned in values, goals, and vision.

As always, I left feeling grateful to be part of such a collaborative and forward-thinking community. I’m looking forward to staying in touch with the many new friends I met and seeing how we can support one another in the months to come.

Connect with Alli if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Kansas City or Texas region!

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Alex’s Takeaways from IMN’s 2025 Build-to-Rent Forum East

The Build-to-Rent (BTR) industry has garnered considerable attention recently, with significant discussions about its growth and challenges. The Build-to-Rent East Conference provided an excellent platform for exploring the key trends and challenges shaping the industry. Let’s explore the highlights from the event and what lies ahead for this rapidly evolving sector.

A Positive Outlook for the Future of Build-to-Rent

Despite the current challenges, there’s an overarching sense of optimism surrounding the future of the Build-to-Rent industry. Developers, investors, and operators at the conference all expressed confidence in the long-term potential of BTR. The demand for rental properties is expected to remain high, particularly in urban areas, making the sector an attractive investment opportunity.

However, the path forward isn’t without its hurdles, and these challenges must be addressed to ensure the industry’s sustainability and profitability.

Challenges: Rising Costs and Market Conditions

The current market conditions are testing the resilience of Build-to-Rent projects. With rising interest rates, increasing building costs, and climbing insurance rates, many developers are finding it harder to make projects financially viable. In particular, these factors are making it difficult for some to get their projects “to pencil”—a term used to describe a project that is financially feasible and able to generate the desired returns.

While these conditions may present short-term obstacles, they also highlight the need for strategic planning and innovation in the development process. BTR operators are compelled to be more creative and efficient in their project approach, focusing on cost-control measures and operational efficiency to deliver value.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Control: The Key to Success

In the current climate, operational efficiency and cost control are more important than ever. For operators and investors to see results and meet their return expectations, focusing on these elements is essential. This means adopting smart building technologies, optimizing management processes, and ensuring that the entire lifecycle of a property—from development to day-to-day operations—is as cost-effective as possible.

In an environment with slim margins, the ability to run a tight operation can make or break a project’s success. Efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s also about delivering quality to residents while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.

Hot Markets: The Midwest and Kansas City

One of the most exciting takeaways from the conference was the emergence of Midwest markets, particularly Kansas City, as hotspots for Build-to-Rent projects. These markets have become increasingly attractive due to their affordability, steady population growth, and job growth, as well as promising return metrics.

With many East and West Coast cities becoming saturated and expensive, developers are turning their attention to more affordable markets that still offer strong growth potential. Kansas City, for example, has seen a surge in interest from both investors and operators looking for areas with lower upfront costs but strong long-term potential.

The Midwest’s appeal lies in its balance of affordability and growth, providing a great opportunity for BTR projects to flourish while delivering solid returns.

Rethinking the Traditional Multifamily Model

The traditional multifamily pricing structure and operational model are increasingly proving to be obsolete and too expensive for current operators. As the market evolves, so too must our approach to pricing, property management, and returns.

The traditional approach to pricing rents and managing multifamily properties may no longer meet the demands of today’s market. Instead, more innovative approaches are needed, especially for operators looking to compete in a tightening market. Operators are under pressure to reduce overhead and increase operational efficiencies while still providing quality living spaces for residents.

Auben Realty’s Innovative Property Management Pricing Structure

One company leading the charge in adapting to this new environment is Auben Realty. The company has developed an innovativeproperty management pricing structure that minimizes owner expenses while still ensuring that performance targets are met. Their approach aims to provide a sustainable and efficient model for operators seeking to maximize returns while maintaining high standards of service and quality for residents.

Auben’s solution could be a game-changer for the industry, helping operators navigate the current challenges and optimize their financial outcomes without sacrificing quality or performance.

Conclusion

While the Build-to-Rent industry faces some headwinds, there is no doubt that the future holds great promise for those who can adapt to current market conditions. With a focus on operational efficiency, cost control, and innovative pricing structures, the industry can overcome current challenges and continue to thrive in the years ahead.

The Midwest, particularly Kansas City, represents exciting new markets for BTR development, offering affordability, growth, and strong returns. As the industry evolves, companies like Auben Realty are setting the bar for smarter, more sustainable property management practices, proving that there is always room for innovation—even in a challenging market.

The future of Build-to-Rent looks bright, and those who can navigate the current landscape with strategic foresight will be well-positioned for success.

Connect with Alex to keep up with his thoughts, insights and business expertise!

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Insights, Innovations, and Networking

Attending the NARPM conference was an incredible experience, filled with learning opportunities, meaningful networking, and exposure to the latest industry innovations. Whether it was engaging with peers, discovering new technologies, or gathering practical tips to enhance operations, this conference proved to be a valuable investment in professional growth.

One of the greatest benefits of attending NARPM is the chance to connect with like-minded professionals. From management company leaders to supplier partners, the conference provided a platform to discuss challenges, share successes, and build relationships that can foster long-term collaborations. 

The conference featured a lineup of insightful sessions covering a wide range of topics relevant to property management. These sessions provided actionable takeaways, including best practices for operational efficiency, resident retention strategies, and compliance updates. It was particularly beneficial to learn from experienced industry leaders who shared their successes and challenges, giving real-world examples.

Another great part of the conference that we enjoyed was discovering the latest technology solutions offered by vendor partners. The innovations presented at the conference underscored how technology continues to transform property management. Staying ahead of these advancements ensures that property managers and owners can optimize processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the resident experience.

The NARPM conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous learning and industry engagement. The insights gained, the relationships formed, and the technologies explored all contribute to the ongoing evolution of property management. Taking the time to step away from daily operations and immerse in a learning-focused environment is an investment that pays dividends in knowledge, efficiency, and industry leadership.

For those who have never attended a NARPM conference, I highly recommend making it a priority in the future. The value of learning from peers, gaining new insights, and staying on top of industry trends is immeasurable.  I’ll be applying the lessons learned and staying connected with the amazing professionals I met along the way!

Connect with Alli if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Kansas City or Texas region!

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Key Takeaways from IMN’s 2025 Build-to-Rent Forum East

The 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent (BTR) Forum East, held at the Grand Hyatt Nashville on March 17-18, convened over 1,000 professionals from the BTR, land, and homebuilding sectors.

Recent trends in the build-to-rent (BTR) market reveal evolving renter preferences as we move through 2025. A notable shift is the increase in renters who choose to rent by preference rather than necessity, rising from 27% in 2023 to 36% in 2024. Despite this growing preference for renting, cost sensitivity remains high among BTR residents. Approximately 43% of these residents indicated they would relocate if they found a better deal or lower rent elsewhere.

Key Highlights from the Conference:

1. Market Sentiment and Networking: The forum provided attendees with valuable insights into market dynamics and facilitated networking among industry leaders. Participants emphasized the importance of these interactions in staying abreast of market trends and forging strategic partnerships.
2. Focus on Financing Strategies: Discussions centered on private equity, debt structures, and joint venture financing within the land and homebuilding sectors. These conversations highlighted the evolving financial landscape and the need for adaptable strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
3. Technological Integration: The integration of technology in property management emerged as a significant theme. Innovations such as AI-driven predictive maintenance tools, smart home features, and advanced resident engagement platforms are increasingly essential in enhancing operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
4. Product Diversification: The conference highlighted a shift towards more diverse BTR offerings, including attached products like townhomes. This diversification aims to address varying consumer preferences and affordability concerns, thereby broadening the market appeal of BTR developments.
5. Economic Outlook: Experts discussed the potential impact of anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve on the BTR sector. A lower cost of capital is expected to stimulate development activity and attract increased investor interest, contributing to the sector’s growth in the coming years.

The individual panels had much to say about AI’s role in transforming the BTR landscape, emphasizing its potential to drive innovation and create value for both operators and residents.
However, 35% of landlords cite cost as a barrier to adopting new tools, indicating a need for affordable tech solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

1. AI-Powered Smart Leasing & Renewals
   • AI-driven chatbots and virtual leasing agents handle inquiries, schedule tours, and process applications in real time.
   • Predictive analytics optimize rental pricing based on market trends and tenant demand.
   • Personalized lease renewal offers are generated based on individual tenant behavior, improving retention rates.
2. Automated Property Management & Predictive Maintenance
   • AI-enabled systems detect maintenance issues before they become costly repairs, such as HVAC failures or plumbing leaks.
   • Smart scheduling assigns maintenance requests to technicians efficiently, reducing response times.
   • AI-powered cameras and sensors enhance security, monitoring unauthorized access and detecting anomalies.
3. Smart Home Integration & Personalized Living
   • AI adjusts lighting, heating, and cooling based on resident preferences and occupancy patterns, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
   • Voice-activated AI assistants manage smart home features, from appliance controls to entertainment systems.
   • Facial recognition and biometric access provide secure and seamless entry to homes and shared amenities.

Overall, the 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent Forum East underscored the sector’s resilience and adaptability. By embracing innovative financing, technological advancements, and diversified product offerings, the BTR industry is well-positioned to meet evolving market demands and continue its growth trajectory.

Connect with Jason if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Chattanooga region!

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Opportunity in Uncertainty?

There have been numerous developments in the news recently, all of which could have a significant impact on homeowners, investors, and residents. But while the current environment may be uncertain, Auben firmly believes that uncertainty can present opportunities for learning, knowledge and investment growth.

Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to consistently building a strong foundation of comprehensive property management (and coming soon asset management!) services that empower the people in our organization to serve our clients effectively-regardless of market conditions. We’ve learned from our mistakes and we’ve continued to do the hard work to improve our operations and team to benefit our residents, our clients and our communities.

Especially during volatile times, we believe it’s vital to stay informed and this is the purpose of us curating these weekly news articles listed below. Equally important to information is for investors to align with a multi-market cycle, battle-tested manager experienced in always harvesting yield and equity growth. Challenging markets require experienced managers and our rapidly expanding team has been operating residential rentals for decades.

We are committed to continuing to search for the best market-neutral, value-add opportunities in the country in the most stable markets, so we can better support our clients throughout their investment journey. Unlike other property managers who focus on ensuring their managed units don’t leave management, our goal is and has always been to help investors achieve the best returns and navigate current market conditions simultaneously uncovering opportunities to optimize their rental asset/s and/or migrate their capital to better markets.

For expert guidance through this evolving landscape in the markets we serve, reach out to Auben — your local real estate investment specialists.

We’re also excited to announce that two of our team members will be attending IMN’s BFR East next week in Nashville! We look forward to sharing their insights on the conference upon their return next week!

The Developments

Cost-Cutting Measures from the Top Down

The Trump administration has announced intentions to cut costs across various federal programs. This move has resulted in impending closures of HUD offices and the termination of certain contracts, raising concerns about the support available for low-income housing and affordable housing initiatives.

Midwest: The Bright Spot for Growth

Amidst these challenges, the Midwest is emerging as the top market for growth. With its combination of affordable living and job opportunities, the region is expected to attract more investments and residents looking for stability.

Interested in tapping into the strategic investment potential of the Midwest? Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this thriving landscape. Contact our Kansas City expert, Alli Malliton, today to discover how you can take advantage of the opportunities waiting for you in the Midwest.

The Issue of Supply vs. Demand

Contrasting the growth potential, new apartment supplies are currently sitting idle, indicating a mismatch between supply and demand. Despite a rise in asking rents, the market appears saturated in some areas, posing a dilemma for developers and investors.

Tariffs: Double-Edged Sword

Tariffs are also making waves in the housing sector. While some tariffs are boosting real estate by incentivizing domestic production, others are increasing material costs, contributing to the overall expense of construction and renovation.

Investor Interest at a Low

Interestingly, investor home sales are currently low, which may reflect broader economic uncertainties or a strategic pause by investors waiting for market conditions to improve.

Orlando Stands Out

In contrast to the national trends, Orlando has cemented its position as a top multifamily market. With its appealing lifestyle and consistent demand for rental properties, Orlando is a beacon of opportunity.

Millennials Feeling the Pinch

Finally, the ongoing housing shortage is having a significant impact on millennials. Many are struggling to find affordable housing, which affects their ability to purchase homes and integrate into the housing market.

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