From the Editor

Shabnam Mogharabi, Editor

This is a story about how insulation saved the day. Last year, one of our contributing writers, Jennifer Popovec, was researching products made from recycled materials for the Product Studio section of MULITFAMILY EXECUTIVE. During her search, she came across an insulation product made of recycled newspapers.

Jennifer was so intrigued by the product that she called the manufacturer, Applegate Insulation, and solicited a bid. She ended up buying and installing the product at her historic home in Fort Worth, Texas, and immediately noticed a drop in her electricity bills.

Great news, right? It gets better. A few months later, the city was hit with terrible thunderstorms. Lightning struck Jennifer’s house and traveled through her satellite dish and into the attic, which immediately caught on fire. The insulation, unbeknownst to Jennifer, happened to be a fire retardant—it literally fizzled out the fire and saved her Prairie-style home.

This week, I’m at the International Builders’ Show, and I’m struck by the number of innovative, quality products available to single-family and multifamily builders. To check out some of the products that the editors of Hanley Wood (MFE’s parent company) find interesting, click here. You never know—one of them might turn out to be a lifesaver.

MULTIFAMILY INDUSTRY NEWS

Quick & Quirky

MULTIFAMILY EXECUTIVE Senior Editor Chris Wood rounds up interesting and intriguing news tidbits. This week: servants’ quarters, deadly deeds, and the world’s best virtual roller coaster.

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Lenders Express Concern at Annual MBA Conference

The mood at this year's Mortgage Bankers Association CREF/Multifamily Housing Convention was one of concern, as the lack of investor confidence in the capital markets continues to slow the pace of business.

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IBS 2008 Coverage: Multifamily Market a Mixed Bag

Rentals, condos, and affordable housing present opportunities and challenges in the coming year.

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IBS 2008 Coverage: Cities Might be to Blame for Affordability Crisis

Land experts blame local governments for housing affordability, question municipal metrics.

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International Builders' Show 2008

Complete coverage of the International Builders' Show taking place in Orlando, Florida this week.

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MFE FEATURE ARTICLES

Globe Trekkers

Facing soft markets at home, a growing number of U.S. multifamily developers and investors find fresh opportunities on foreign shores.

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Product Studio: Exercise Equipment

The right equipment makes working out less of a chore. Check out this month's Product Studio gallery.

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Sponsored Webinar: The Look for Less

As home building slows nationwide, builders are seeking ways to reduce costs while attracting more buyers. Writer, editor and professor of journalism, Sharon O'Malley shares how to select specific building products that create hot looks for less. Deliver to clients the house of their dreams – at a slightly lower cost – while maintaining profit margins.

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MFE Business Update

News and resources for owners, operators & developers of multifamily housing.

CURRENT ISSUE ONLINE NOW

Secure Your Top 50 Spot

The MULTIFAMILY EXECUTIVE Top 50 issue is just around the corner. This May, we will highlight the country's Top 50 Owners, Managers, and Builders. Think you qualify? Then get your entry surveys in today. For more information or to obtain a copy of the survey, please click here to email associate editor Rachel Azoff.