Let's talk about something that I recently discovered I am passionate about discussing. Washers and dryers. Specifically sets that are inside an apartment.

First, let me just say that I love it when communities provide them.  It's definitely worth the investment because they help justify paying higher rent and can provide a bigger per unit return when/if the property sells. I'm not sure of the exact numbers, but I know from experience on new development deals that appraisers definitely pay attention to that when establishing value.

For prospective residents who don't already own a washer and dryer this can sometimes be their reason for leasing. On the other hand, for those who already own a set, this can be their reason for NOT leasing. Why? Because we refuse to take ours out of the apartment to accommodate. Sorry folks, that doesn't make sense to me.

What's the big deal with moving a washer and dryer out of an apartment so that a new resident can bring their own? I realize that it's not as easy as just taking them out. You've got to sweet talk your service team into moving them. Then you've got to find a place to put them. Trust me. I get it. At the same time, maybe it is that easy.

My company recently started managing communities in Houston and I was surprised at how many times I was told "no" while I was shopping properties. Part of my "shopper story" was that I already owned a washer and dryer.  As a salesperson, I'm always trying to find ways to say yes to people and I could tell that's what many of these leasing consultants wanted to say.  One suggested I sell them and make some money to help with my moving expenses. Another offered to give me a deal on one of the onsite storage areas (unfortunately, $50/mo isn't much of a deal when I could just put them in my own apartment somewhere else). All great efforts to overcome my objection. Just not enough to convince me.

So, what did I do as soon as I got back to my office? I made sure our properties would be able to move a washer and dryer if a resident requested to use their own. So simple and now we are ready to welcome all of those people who heard "no" when they were at the community across the street.