Technology Package for Older Apartments?

[John Casmon]

Amongst other value add plays, I'm looking into adding a technology package to a C+/B- complex in a Class B+ area. The location is more family friendly, than millennial focused so want to keep it fairly simple. This would primarily be smart thermostats and light switches. Curious to know what kind of premiums people are receiving and has this caused headaches for the PM staff for residents who are less tech savvy and/or during unit turns. Also, given that it's an older property (1970s construction), I'm trying to determine if the demand and returns would be there. Initial thinking is to have it available for about 20% of the units. 

[Dave Chapa]

I installed programmable t-stats that allowed the tenants the ability to manage their A/C. Biggest PITA. calls all the time on A/C not working only to find out they had it set wrong. 

I installed washers and dryers that use credit cards and connect to wifi in the laundry room, it allowed the tenants to have the ability to check W/D and pay on line. It's was a PITA. Calls, "I can't get the credit card to work!"

We found that the simpler it is to use the less calls we receive. so, we apply the K.I.S.S principle. "Keep it simple, stupid"