What Student-Town Rental Cycles Teach Local Landlords | Property Management Company in Columbia

Student rental timing doesn’t wait for owners to catch up. Once keys, move-out condition, deposit questions, and next-lease expectations collide, the clock starts moving fast. Late summer can bring repair surprises, parent questions, cleaning needs, and new applicant pressure all at once.

Our property management company in Columbia helps turn that turnover window into a plan, because the next lease often depends on what gets handled right after the last tenant leaves.

Lesson One: Move-Out Day Starts the Next Lease

Move-out day isn’t just a closing date. It sets the pace for the next rental window. If keys are late, access is unclear, or inspection timing slips, the repair and cleaning window can shrink fast.

Owners need a clear move-out process before pressure builds. Tenant communication, access instructions, inspection scheduling, and next-step planning all affect how quickly the property can be ready for the next lease.

The Walkthrough Should Catch More Than Obvious Damage | Property Management Company in Columbia

A student rental walkthrough should look past the visible mess. Trash, dust, or leftover items may be easy to spot, but the bigger clues can hide in how the home was used.

Check appliances, doors, flooring, fixtures, walls, windows, and exterior areas. Note cleanliness concerns, missing items, and signs of misuse. Separating normal wear from possible tenant damage helps owners set repair priorities before the next applicant or tenant steps inside.

Also Read: How Property Management Companies Handle Difficult Tenants

Parent and Applicant Questions Need Clear Answers

In a student-town market, the applicant may not be the only person asking questions. Parents can be part of the decision too, especially around:

Lease terms and deposit expectations
Move-in dates and access details
Repair status before occupancy
Safety, communication, and response times
How questions or concerns should be handled

Our property management company in Columbia helps keep answers consistent and professional, so the rental feels organized instead of confusing before the lease begins.

The Repair Window Is Shorter Than It Looks

The time between move-out and the next move-in can disappear quickly. Inspection notes, cleaning needs, vendor schedules, and touch-ups all compete for the same narrow window.

Before the next lease begins, owners may need to line up:

Cleaning and trash removal
Wall, flooring, and fixture repairs
Appliance checks
Exterior touch-ups
Photo updates before relisting or confirming move-in

Even one delayed repair can push everything else back, especially when applicants or incoming tenants are already asking for updates. A clear order keeps the property from sliding into last-minute panic.

Documentation Can Calm the Deposit Conversation | Property Management Company in Columbia

Deposit questions can turn emotional fast, especially when students, parents, and owners remember the property differently. Damage disputes need proof, not guesswork.

Photos, inspection notes, repair records, invoices, and communication history can help explain what happened and why certain repair decisions were made. Clear documentation protects owner confidence during deposit conversations.

It also gives you a better record for future maintenance planning, turnover timing, and lease-cycle decisions.

Keep the Next Rental Cycle From Getting Messy

Student-town rentals move quickly, but turnover doesn’t have to turn into a guessing game. Scott Properties of Charleston brings Lowcountry-rooted rental management experience with tenant screening, maintenance coordination, rent collection, reporting, property evaluations, and clear owner communication. Our property management company in Columbia helps owners stay ahead of the next lease cycle. Talk with us about management support.

The Garage Premium in Build-to-Rent Townhomes

Walk through almost any American neighborhood and you’ll notice something interesting: Many garages aren’t filled with cars—they’re filled with everything else that makes up our daily lives. Whether it’s because we’re collectors, hobbyists, or simply like having extra storage, one thing is clear:

Americans love their stuff.

For build-to-rent developers and investors, that’s more than an interesting observation—it’s a business opportunity.

A recent study from Yardi Matrix and Hunter Housing Economics analyzed more than 1,500 rental townhome communities representing over 238,000 units to answer a question many developers have only loosely considered:

What is a garage really worth?

The answer surprised even seasoned industry professionals.

More Than a Place to Park

According to the research, a one-car garage generated approximately $1,680–$2,580 in additional annual rent, while a two-car garage produced $2,940–$4,440 per year in additional rental income. At a 6% exit cap rate, that translates to approximately $37,850 in additional implied value per unit—often exceeding the additional construction cost. 

As the authors conclude, ”The headline findings are unambiguous.” Garages are proving to be much more than an amenity. They’re a measurable value driver for modern build-to-rent communities. 

If you’d like to dive deeper into the research, you can read Brad Hunter’s full white paper and article here.

You can also watch Brad Hunter discuss the findings in this video:

The Hidden Value Isn’t Just Rent

Here’s where the research becomes even more compelling.

Communities with garages don’t simply collect higher rents—they tend to perform better operationally. Residents with garages move less frequently, resulting in lower turnover, reduced make-ready expenses, fewer leasing commissions, and less vacancy loss. The study estimates these operational advantages contribute an additional $350–$650 per unit annually in effective NOI.

In other words, the garage continues producing value long after the lease is signed.

Auben Sees It Every Day

The national research aligns with what our leasing teams experience across our portfolio.

Prospective residents regularly ask one of the first questions before scheduling a tour:

“Does it have a garage?”

Storage has become one of today’s most desired amenities. Whether it’s seasonal decorations, lawn equipment, bicycles, strollers, or simply a place to keep life’s extras, residents consistently place a premium on having additional enclosed space.

“We’ve found that garages do more than provide parking—they give residents the extra storage they’re looking for. The added space is something people are willing to pay for.” -Auben Team Member

These conversations reinforce something the data confirms: garages aren’t just appreciated—they influence leasing decisions.

Cedar Creek Put the Theory Into Practice

At Auben Realty, we’ve had the opportunity to see these findings play out in real time.

During the lease-up of Cedar Creek, homes with attached garages consistently outperformed nearby comparable communities by supporting stronger rental rates while maintaining excellent leasing momentum.

Cedar Creek Results

Average Rent: $2150

Comparable Communities: $1950

Monthly Rent Premium: $250

Lease-Up Timeline:8 months

Occupancy: 100%

Those results mirror the national research and reinforce what we’ve experienced firsthand: residents recognize the value of garages and are willing to pay for them.

A Down Side… The downsides point to dense urban markets and legacy stock-heavy markets where transit and urban density limit the need for garages or “no garage” is often well-established.  These markets have the smallest garage premium (4%-7%) as compared to markets where car dependency is great, demand for enclosed parking, or markets accustomed to garage living have garage premiums of (8-18%).

A Different Way to Think About Garages

Developers have traditionally viewed garages as another line item in the construction budget.

But perhaps that’s the wrong way to look at them.

National research, combined with our own experience leasing build-to-rent communities, suggests that garages do far more than provide a place to park a vehicle. They create additional storage, support today’s renter lifestyle, differentiate communities from nearby competition, and contribute to stronger financial performance.

That doesn’t mean every market is the same.

In dense urban environments and legacy markets where public transit is widely available—or where older housing stock has historically been built without garages—the premium tends to be much smaller. In these locations, the value of enclosed parking is often outweighed by walkability and established housing patterns, resulting in garage premiums of approximately 4%–7%. By contrast, suburban markets where residents rely heavily on personal vehicles and have come to expect attached garages routinely see premiums ranging from 8%–18%. 

For Auben’s markets across the Southeast, that distinction is especially meaningful. Many of the communities we serve are suburban, vehicle-dependent, and attract residents who value both convenience and additional storage. Our leasing teams hear it every day, and our experience at Cedar Creek reinforces what the national research demonstrates: garages consistently help homes stand out in the marketplace.

The garage isn’t simply another amenity to list in a marketing brochure. It’s becoming a structural driver of rental income, resident retention, and long-term asset value. Developers who evaluate garages solely as a construction expense may be overlooking one of the most impactful investments they can make in a build-to-rent community.

Sometimes the highest return on investment isn’t found inside the home.

It’s waiting just beyond the garage door.

This week’s blog post comes to us from Ivan Jenkins!

Augusta: Off the Radar to On the Rise

Augusta gets a bad rap.

Aside from the not-so-small golf tournament that happens every spring, Augusta is rarely on the radar for many people not from Georgia. Even for those from Augusta or within close proximity, the city’s reputation often takes a serious beating.

I have witnessed locals and non-locals referring to it as Disgusta, Atlanta’s Red-Headed Stepchild, Little Chicago (because of historical corruption), close to everything, an epicenter for brain drain and many more unflattering things.

I think Augusta is an incredible place to work and also to live. Apparently so do a lot of other people according to a recent LinkedIn study.

I am not native to Augusta and prior to moving to the city in 2006, if you mentioned Augusta, I would have been as likely to head to Maine as I would have been to head to Georgia.

In 2006, as an aspiring real estate investor, I found myself loading my U-Haul in New York City with books and CDs and moving to the second biggest city in Georgia with a desire to begin my investing career in earnest.

There were several things that caused me to move to Augusta including

Being home to my first mentor
Having a network of other real estate acquaintances
Having an abundance of aged inventory of scatter-site single family homes

But what really stood out about Augusta then and still now, is its affordability. As GlobeSt said in its summary of the recent LinkedIn article:

The metro’s labor market and housing data point to a region trying to balance growth with affordability. LinkedIn reports that 11.9 percent of jobs in Richmond are remote and 11.4 percent hybrid, with a median income of $64,585 and an average home listing price of $553,215.

What Augusta was for me, and what I think it can be for many professionals, is a very reasonably-priced, high-quality-of-life place to earn and learn.

Augusta’s real estate market is affordable now and was even more affordable in 2006. The low price of entry and reasonably-priced labor market proved to be very accommodating of the many mistakes I would make, especially early in my career.

It was much easier to bounce back from losing 10% on the flip of a 150k home than it would be on a million dollar home. As the entire world of real estate imploded several years later, I would also learn how resilient the Augusta market was.

One of the things that I did not realize until many years later was how beneficial Augusta was for setting conservative and practical cash flow expectations.

In my early days in Augusta, it was very common to find cashflowing real estate so I assumed all real estate should cashflow. This thesis allowed me to navigate the GFC with investments intact, bruised and beaten, but not defeated.

As my investments have expanded to other markets, this conservative cashflow philosophy has been tremendously beneficial to ensuring my investments weathered many other tumultuous market shifts consistently prioritizing yield over speculative equity plays.

It’s been 12 years since I lived in Augusta but whenever I go back it still feels like home. It’s where I became a husband, a father and was the perfect environment to build Auben from the ground up.

This week’s blog post comes to us from our Founder, Tyson Schuetze!

Be sure to listen to the latest episode of Real Estate Rewind to hear about what Augusta was like in the early days of Auben Realty and listen to Tyson reminisce on the early days with his father, Bill Schuetze, and Natalie Walls!

Listen now and be sure to leave a review, subscribe, and share it with your friends!

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What Happens After Kansas City’s World Cup Rental Spike? | Property Management Company in Kansas City

After Kansas City’s World Cup crowds move on, some landlords may face a quieter rental market than they expected. Inquiries can slow, short-term buzz can fade, and pricing decisions may feel less certain. Working with a property management company in Kansas City can help you plan beyond tournament traffic instead of reacting after the spike cools.

World Cup attention can create opportunity, but it can’t replace rental fundamentals. Long-term performance still depends on pricing, timing, screening, and follow-through once the crowds leave.

Short-Term Attention Can Hide Long-Term Gaps | Property Management Company in Kansas City

World Cup traffic may bring more eyes to Kansas City rentals, but a spike in views doesn’t always mean steady tenant demand. Some prospects are only searching because of event timing, not because they’re ready for a longer lease.

Once the temporary draw passes, listing traffic can cool quickly. Owners need to separate casual curiosity from qualified tenant interest, then ask the harder question: will the rental plan still hold up after the excitement fades?

Rent Should Reset Around Reality, Not Hype

Temporary demand can make a higher rent feel justified, but the market may look different once World Cup traffic cools. Holding the wrong price too long can extend vacancy and turn early confidence into stress.

As a property management company in Kansas City, we help owners look past the hype and review:

Local rent comparables
Property condition and showing feedback
Lease timing and move-in readiness
Applicant quality, not just inquiry volume
Pricing adjustments based on data, not panic

Also Read: Why Tenants Prefer Renting from Professionally Managed Properties

Lease Timing Can Protect the Months Ahead

A signed lease isn’t only about filling today’s vacancy. The start date, lease length, and renewal window can shape when the property may sit open again.

If owners rush the lease just to catch post-event interest, they may create a future vacancy during a slower season. Early renewal planning helps reduce that risk. A clear lease process also keeps expectations, dates, rent terms, and move-in details from becoming last-minute guesswork.

Slower Demand Is No Reason to Rush Screening | | Property Management Company in Kansas City

When inquiries slow down, it’s easy to feel pressure to approve the next applicant before the rental sits any longer. That pressure can be expensive if the fit isn’t right.

A few extra vacancy days may cost less than late payments, property damage, lease disputes, or constant communication problems. Screening should still review income, employment, rental history, and credit or background details where applicable. Tenant quality matters long after move-in day, especially once the event buzz has passed.

Vacancy Planning Should Start Before Silence Hits

Waiting until inquiries stop can make every choice feel urgent. Before the listing goes quiet, owners should review photos, rent terms, availability, showing access, and any details that may be causing hesitation.

Repairs, cleaning, and small updates should happen before the property feels stale. Track prospect feedback, watch vacancy days without panicking, and use organized reporting to guide the next move with a clearer head.

Plan Past the Slowdown With Better Rental Support

A slower rental period doesn’t have to turn into guesswork. Scott Properties of Charleston supports rental owners with practical management experience, clear communication, tenant screening, maintenance coordination, rent collection, financial reporting, property evaluations, and owner portal access.

If you’re comparing a property management company in Kansas City, our team can help you plan with more clarity. Contact us today to discuss your rental property.

American Homeownership: Does our population actually own 65% of their homes? Not Exactly.

For decades, homeownership has been hovering around 65%.  However, this closely monitored statistic may have a glaring flaw that The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis just uncovered.  The flaw being counting legal adults that still live at home with their parents, as part of the general population that actually own their own home.  Naturally, this inclusion is inflating American homeownership by approximately 12%, or millions of people.  The Minneapolis Fed developed a new way, a more accurate way in my opinion, to calculate homeownership in America.  They dubbed it the Homeowners-To-Population Ratio, or HPOP. 

How does HPOP affect the numbers?

It removes the obvious flaw from this decades old calculation and gives us a much more accurate percentage of homeownership, which is actually hovering around 53%.
This statistic worsens as you further fragment the population, i.e. HPOP for 35 years of age and younger hovers around 22%. 
If traditionally calculated, homeownership is represented as 37%, a swing of 15 points!

This new statistic negatively impacts the optics surrounding American homeownership and, more crucially, elevates the issue of housing affordability to new heights.  It raises the obvious question, why is true homeownership so low in the largest, most robust, most diverse economy in the world?

A silver lining surrounding this topic, until affordability is addressed at a federal level, is individuals seeking homeownership that have some degree of means and/or the opportunity to move states, can find housing that truly fits their needs and their budget.  For example, Hawaii, New Mexico, Delaware, California, and New Jersey have some of the worst percentage drops in homeownership between the traditional calculation and HPOP, while other states like North Dakota, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama have less of a percentage drop between the calculations.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, HPOP is a much more accurate way to calculate American homeownership, and it negatively impacts the optics and the realities surrounding homeownership and housing affordability.  Armed with this new statistic, hopefully the public and private sectors can continue to work and collaborate together and increase American homeownership overall, and at a minimum, provide enough high quality, affordable rental housing to bridge the gap.

This week’s blog post comes to us from Blake Collier!

Connect with our Houston team to learn more about how build-to-rent homes offer an alternative route!

When Summer Events Put Rental Systems to the Test | Property Management Company Kansas City

Summer demand can feel like a win until every weak spot in your rental process starts asking for attention. That’s where working with a full-service property management company in Kansas City can help turn that activity into organized momentum instead of owner-side chaos.

Event-season pressure rarely creates the problem from scratch. It usually exposes the loose systems, delayed decisions, and maintenance gaps that were already waiting underneath.

More Interest Can Create More Moving Parts

Increasing rental interest doesn’t automatically lead to profitable results. Prospects compare options quickly, especially when several homes fit their budget, timing, and commute.

If your listing has unclear details, slow replies, outdated availability, or vague rent terms, good applicants may move on before you even realize they were serious.

Showing coordination can also get messy when inquiries stack up. Before a busier stretch hits, owners need a clear process for answering questions, confirming details, scheduling tours, and keeping each prospect moving forward.

Also Read: How to Handle Property Maintenance Requests

Maintenance Readiness Matters Before the Rush | Property Management Company in Kansas City

Small repair issues can feel much bigger when tenants are viewing, applying, or preparing to move in. Late-June heat can turn weak cooling into an urgent complaint, while plumbing problems, exterior wear, or leftover damage can make renters hesitate.

Before demand picks up, owners should check:

HVAC performance before the first serious heat complaint
Plumbing, leaks, and fixtures that may affect daily comfort
Exterior details that shape first impressions during showings
Repair notes, photos, and move-in documentation
Vendor coordination so every fix doesn’t become a scramble

Pricing Clarity Keeps Demand From Turning Emotional

A busy rental window can make aggressive pricing feel tempting, but higher interest doesn’t always support a higher rent. Overpricing can stretch vacancy, while underpricing can quietly cut into your return.

A property management company in Kansas City can help owners look at market demand, property condition, lease timing, and tenant quality before making rent decisions. The stronger move is pricing with clear data, not panic, guesswork, or event-season excitement.

Careful Screening Protects the Owner After the Hype

A busier season can make owners feel pressure to approve someone quickly, especially when applications start coming in at once. Speed matters, but careless screening can create bigger problems after the market cools.

Income, rental history, background checks, and references should be reviewed where applicable before lease decisions are made. After move-in, lease compliance still needs attention.

The right process helps protect rent collection, property condition, communication, and the owner’s peace of mind beyond the first payment.

Clear Updates Keep Rental Decisions Calmer | Property Management Company in Kansas City

Owners shouldn’t have to piece together updates from scattered texts, missed calls, or late-night guesses. During a busy rental window, clear communication helps you make calmer decisions with less second-guessing.

A better system should give you visibility into:

Showing activity and prospect questions
Maintenance updates and repair timing
Application status and screening progress
Rent collection and lease-related notes
Reports that make distance management feel less stressful

Let the Busy Season Work With a Better System

A busier rental season shouldn’t leave you reacting to every call, showing, repair, or applicant question alone. Scott Properties of Charleston brings rental management experience rooted in Charleston, with owner support built around tenant screening, maintenance coordination, rent collection, reporting, and property evaluations.

With the right screening, maintenance coordination, reporting, and owner communication, our team helps reduce the friction that can cost you good renters. Speak with a Property Management company in Kansas City.

Rent or Buy: Identifying the Best Course of Action

A question we often ask real estate investors is whether they want to “Rent or Sell”? We do this as a way to encourage them to always consider the ideal portfolio composition and calibration. Depending upon the investor’s current goals and strategies, this question often prompts owners to consider their best move forward that they may not have considered at the time. They may realize that the best move is to sell the asset and reinvest the proceeds into a better asset or a better market that Auben Realty operates in.

Similarly, renters should ask themselves whether they should “Rent or Buy” as they are mapping out their financial goals and strategies. This is a key planning decision as a recent study conducted by the National Association of Realtors shows that in 2025, the net worth of homeowners is 43 times greater than that of renters.

For renters who have never owned their own home, the financial costs of owning a home can seem overwhelming. You may think that you cannot afford to pay a monthly mortgage payment, real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance and all of the maintenance and up-keep costs. That could seem to be a financial burden that you cannot undertake.

However, you are already covering all of those expenses and more with every monthly rent payment you make. Your rent payment is paying for the landlord’s mortgage and financing expenses, the annual real estate taxes, their homeowner’s insurance, an allowance that covers all maintenance and upkeep costs plus most likely a monthly profit margin for the owner.

Understandably, a major hurdle for a first-time home buyer is being able to afford the down payment. Many are under the misconception that they must have at least 20% of the purchase price to put down in order to obtain a mortgage. However, there are many programs available for first time home buyers where you may qualify for a no down payment or a minimal down payment mortgage program. There are several lending options available such as FHA with a minimum down payment of 3.5%, VA for qualifying military personnel has no money down options and USDA financing offers 0% down payments for eligible buyers in qualifying rural areas and certain suburban locations. In addition to these programs, there are also creative financing options. One such program is Ownify, which requires only 2% down. Another program is Divvy which is a rent-to-own program that allows buyers time to improve their credit scores so that they can secure a mortgage in the future.

If you want to learn more about how you may qualify for these types of mortgages and determine if the path to homeownership may very well be within your reach, you are encouraged to speak with a trusted real estate agent or directly with a mortgage lender who can explain the various programs available and show you how to begin your journey to home ownership.

This week’s blog post comes to us from Wayne Snyder!

Why Houston, TX Is One of the Most Diverse Real Estate Investment Markets Today

Houston continues to stand out as one of the most attractive real estate investment markets in the United States. Driven by strong population growth, a diversified economy, and relatively affordable housing, the city offers investors a rare combination of stability, scalability, and long-term upside.

A Market Built on Growth and Diversification

As the fourth-largest city in the U.S., Houston’s strength lies in its economic diversity. While energy remains foundational, the market is supported by healthcare, technology, logistics, and manufacturing—creating a stable employment base that fuels consistent housing demand.

This balance allows Houston to perform across market cycles, making it less vulnerable to the volatility seen in single-industry metros.

Strong Fundamentals Driving Demand

Houston’s investment appeal is rooted in a few key advantages:

Sustained population growth driving housing demand
Relative affordability compared to other major metros
Job creation across multiple industries
Expansion-friendly geography enabling new development

For investors, these fundamentals translate into reliable rental demand, multiple entry points, and long-term appreciation potential.

Lifestyle, Amenities, and Livability

Houston’s continued growth is fueled not just by economics, but by quality of life. The city offers:

A diverse and nationally recognized dining scene
World-class healthcare via the Texas Medical Center
Expansive parks and outdoor spaces like Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou
Professional sports, arts, and entertainment
Access to major highways and proximity to the Gulf Coast

These factors support tenant demand and long-term asset value.

A Diverse Investment Landscape

Houston stands apart for its true investment diversity, offering opportunities across:

Single-family rentals
Multifamily assets
Build-to-rent communities
New construction and value-add opportunities

Combined with a wide range of price points, this allows investors to scale and adapt strategies without leaving the market.

A Real-World Opportunity: Willow at Sierra Vista

Houston’s fundamentals come to life in real-world opportunities like Willow at Sierra Vista—a purpose-built rental community located in a high-growth submarket.

This project features new construction, single-family rental homes within a master-planned community, designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality rental housing.

Why It Stands Out

Turnkey, Scalable Investment Model Designed with efficiency in mind, the community allows investors to scale into a repeatable model within a professionally structured environment.

Immediate Cash Flow + Long-Term Upside Homes are positioned to generate day-one rental income, while benefiting from continued expansion and appreciation in the Houston market.

Low Maintenance, Modern Construction With premium finishes, energy-efficient features, and smart home systems, these homes are built to minimize CapEx while attracting high-quality tenants.

Community-Driven Appeal Located within a master-planned development with amenities, the project enhances tenant experience—supporting occupancy, retention, and long-term stability.

Why It Matters

Willow at Sierra Vista highlights what makes Houston unique:

Access to new construction at attainable price points
Ability to achieve both cash flow and appreciation
Scalable opportunities in high-growth corridors

In Houston, opportunity isn’t confined to established neighborhoods—it’s expanding into strategically developed communities designed for long-term growth.

The Bottom Line

Houston isn’t just growing—it’s evolving into one of the most diverse and accessible real estate investment markets in the country.

With strong fundamentals, a balanced economy, and real opportunities like Sierra Vista, the city offers investors a clear path to building durable, income-producing portfolios in a market built for long-term success.

This week’s blog comes to us from Market Sales Manager for Auben Texas, Kristen Brady!

Building Communities, Not Just Homes

Auben Realty’s Partnership with Ellavoz Impact Capital at Cedar Creek Estates

As Jacksonville continues to experience rapid growth, the demand for quality housing options has never been greater. Cedar Creek Estates, a Build-to-Rent (BTR) community located on Jacksonville’s Westside, was created to help meet that need by offering residents the comfort and privacy of a single-family home with the flexibility and convenience of renting.

Owned by Ellavoz Impact Capital and professionally managed by Auben Realty, Cedar Creek Estates represents more than just a new housing development. It reflects a shared commitment to providing attainable and high-quality housing opportunities for individuals and families in Jacksonville.

The Rise of Build-to-Rent Communities

Build-to-Rent communities have grown in popularity as housing needs continue to evolve. Designed specifically as rental communities, BTR developments offer many of the benefits traditionally associated with homeownership,while maintaining the flexibility that renting provides.

For many residents, a Build-to-Rent home serves as the perfect middle ground between apartment living and homeownership. Whether someone is relocating to a new city, prefers not to take on the responsibilities of homeownership, or simply values the convenience of professional property management, BTR communities provide an attractive alternative.

Residents at Cedar Creek Estates enjoy features such as private fenced yards, attached garages, modern floorplans, and the added privacy that comes with living in a detached single-family home, rather than sharing walls with neighboring apartments. Professionally managed maintenance services also provide peace of mind, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their home and community.

For some, Build-to-Rent communities can even serve as a steppingstone toward future homeownership by offering the experience of living in a single-family home while maintaining rental flexibility.

Introducing Cedar Creek Estates

Cedar Creek Estates consists of 45 newly constructed single-family homes designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and household needs. Featuring three thoughtfully designed floor plans, the community appeals to families, working professionals, retirees, and anyone seeking a high-quality rental experience.

Located on Jacksonville’s growing Westside, Cedar Creek Estates offers residents the opportunity to enjoy modern living in a professionally managed community while remaining conveniently connected to employment centers, schools, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities throughout the city.

In recognition of those who serve our communities, Cedar Creek Estates proudly offers discounts for active and retired military members, educators, and first responders.

A Partnership Focused on Quality Housing

The partnership between Ellavoz Impact Capital and Auben Realty combines investment and development expertise with comprehensive property management services.

Ellavoz Impact Capital has built its mission around creating workforce and attainable housing opportunities that positively impact communities. Through developments like Cedar Creek Estates, Ellavoz continues to invest in communities that provide long-term value for both residents and the surrounding area.

As Chris Ferry, VP of Ellavoz Impact Capital, shared in Auben Realty’s most recent Investor Newsletter, Cedar Creek Estates was developed as a thoughtful response to Jacksonville’s growing housing needs. The community was designed to provide high-quality housing while supporting responsible growth and long-term community investment.

Auben Realty supports that vision by providing full-service property management, overseeing leasing operations, maintenance coordination, resident relations, and the overall resident experience. Together, Auben and Ellavoz are committed to creating a community that extends beyond simply providing housing.

This partnership reflects a shared belief that successful communities are built through thoughtful development, responsive management, and a commitment to the people who call these communities home.

Looking Ahead

Jacksonville remains one of Florida’s fastest-growing markets, creating exciting opportunities for continued investment and housing development throughout the region.

For Auben Realty, Cedar Creek Estates represents an important milestone as the company expands its presence in Jacksonville. We are excited to serve Jacksonville residents, build lasting relationships within the community, and support the city’s continued growth through exceptional property management and resident experiences.

At Cedar Creek Estates, the focus extends beyond building houses. It is about creating a place where residents can feel at home and enjoy a high-quality living experience.

Cedar Creek Estates represents what can happen when thoughtful development and dedicated property management come together with a shared purpose. As Auben Realty continues to expand throughout Jacksonville, we remain committed to building communities, creating exceptional resident experiences, and partnering with organizations like Ellavoz Impact Capital that share our vision for the future of housing.

To learn more about Cedar Creek Estates, visit: www.cedarcreekrentalhomes.com

This week’s blog post comes to us from Taylor Moore!

To learn more about our partnership with Ellavoz Impact Capital, check out the latest episode of Real Estate Rewind with Tyson Schuetze!

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Why Rent Payments Finally Matter

And What It Means for Residents, Investors, and Property Managers

For years, renters have faced a frustrating reality: paying rent on time every single month often did little to help them qualify for a mortgage in the future. Meanwhile, one missed credit card payment could significantly impact their credit profile.

That may finally be changing.

Recent updates involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are creating a major shift in how mortgage lenders evaluate borrowers by allowing newer scoring models to consider rent and utility payment history during the underwriting process.

This is a significant moment for the housing industry — especially for renters who have consistently paid on time but have limited traditional credit history.

Why This Matters

Historically, most credit scoring systems focused heavily on:

Credit cards

Auto loans

Mortgages

Installment debt

Rent payments — often a person’s largest monthly expense — typically were not counted unless reported through a third-party service.

The new scoring models, including VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T, are designed to incorporate alternative data such as:

Rent payments

Utility payments

Banking trends and recurring expenses

For millions of renters, this could create a clearer path to homeownership.

According to estimates referenced by housing and lending sources, factoring in rental history could help millions of Americans cross minimum mortgage qualification thresholds.

What This Means for Property Owners and Managers

This shift is not just beneficial for residents — it could also create opportunities for investors and property managers.

Stronger Resident Retention

Residents who know their on-time rent payments may positively impact their future homeownership goals are often more motivated to:

Pay consistently on time

Maintain good standing

Stay engaged with lease obligations

Better Resident Relationships

This creates an opportunity for property management companies to become more than just rent collectors. We now have the ability to help residents build financial credibility while they rent.

That changes the conversation.

Increased Interest in Rent-to-Own Strategies

One of the more interesting impacts is how this may strengthen rent-to-own opportunities. Historically, one of the biggest concerns with rent-to-own programs was uncertainty around whether tenants could eventually qualify for financing.

If rent history becomes a more meaningful factor in mortgage approvals, investors may feel more confident offering pathways to ownership for long-term residents.

The Human Side of the Conversation

This shift also highlights something the industry has known for years:

Many renters are financially responsible — they simply have “thin” credit files.

A resident may have:

Paid rent on time for 5 years

Never missed utilities

Maintained stable employment

…but still struggle to qualify for a traditional mortgage because they lacked enough revolving debt or traditional loan history.

That disconnect has prevented many qualified individuals from becoming homeowners.

This update begins to close that gap.

Important Reality Check

While this is a positive step, rent reporting is not automatic in many cases. Reporting still often requires:

A landlord or property manager participating in a reporting program

A third-party reporting service

Or lender verification through bank statements and lease documentation

Additionally, rent history alone will not offset major financial issues such as:

High debt

Collections

Late credit payments

Excessive utilization

But for renters with strong payment habits and limited credit history, this could be a meaningful advantage.

What Property Management Companies Should Consider

As the industry evolves, property management companies should begin evaluating:

Rent reporting partnerships

Resident financial education

Lease-to-own opportunities

Improved resident communication around credit building

This is especially important in the single-family rental space, where many residents already view the home as long-term housing rather than temporary living.

Final Thoughts

The housing industry is continuing to evolve, and this change reflects a broader shift toward recognizing real-life financial responsibility — not just traditional debt usage.

For residents, it creates hope and opportunity.

For investors, it may create stronger long-term residents and new exit strategies.

And for property managers, it is another reminder that the resident experience goes beyond maintenance requests and lease renewals. Helping residents succeed financially can ultimately strengthen the entire rental ecosystem.

In many ways, the industry is finally beginning to recognize something renters have known all along:

Paying your rent on time should count for something.

This week’s blog post comes to us from Brandie Mejia!