Why Kansas City Works: History, Culture, and Long-Term Stability

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Alex Larson!

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Why I Came Back and Why I Stay

I returned because Kansas City made sense for the life I wanted to build. I could afford a home. I could build a career. I could have time for things besides commuting and surviving.

I’ve stayed because those things remain true.

Kansas City isn’t perfect. No city is. But it’s practical, balanced, and real. You can build a life here without sacrificing everything else.

What This Means for Buyers and Relocators

If you’re considering Kansas City, here’s what matters:

You can afford to buy. Entry points exist across multiple neighborhoods and price ranges. You’re not locked out by runaway prices.

You can afford to live. Monthly costs beyond your mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, remain reasonable. You’ll have margin in your budget.

You won’t lose hours to commuting. Most jobs are within 30 minutes of most neighborhoods. That time adds up over years.

You’ll have options. Urban, suburban, historic, new-build. The market offers real diversity. You can find what fits your stage of life.

You can participate in city life. Culture, sports, parks, dining, it’s all accessible without planning months ahead or spending a fortune.

You can stay. The market supports long-term ownership. You’re not forced to move every few years because of rising costs or market volatility.

Kansas City works because it’s built on fundamentals, not hype. Jobs support housing. Housing supports communities. Communities support quality of life.

That’s livability.

A City That Still Makes Sense

Kansas City isn’t trying to be the next Austin or Denver. It’s not chasing trends or marketing itself as something it’s not.

It’s just doing what it’s always done: providing a solid foundation for people who want to build real lives.

The same qualities that made it the gateway to the frontier, central location, strong infrastructure, practical mindset, still make it work today.

I returned in 1993. I’m still here. That’s the best endorsement I can give.

Kansas City works. For real life. For the long term. For people who want more than hype.

Considering a Move to Kansas City?

If Kansas City is on your shortlist, the next step isn’t guessing, it’s getting clarity.

Relocating well means understanding which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle, how pricing really works at different levels, and what tradeoffs matter most based on how you live day to day. That’s not something a listicle or national ranking can tell you.

I work with buyers and relocators who want:

• Honest guidance on where Kansas City actually works for them
• Clear expectations around pricing, taxes, and monthly costs
• A plan that balances lifestyle, commute, and long-term stability

If you’re early in the process or already narrowing things down, I’m happy to walk through your goals, timing, and options, no pressure, just a practical conversation.

If Kansas City makes sense for the life you want to build, the details matter.
Let’s make sure you get them right. Contact me today to get started on your Kansas City move.

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Why Kansas City Works: Neighborhoods, Commutes, and Daily Life

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Alex Larson!

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Up next: Livability isn’t just about where you live, it’s about why a place holds together over time. In Part 3, we’ll explore Kansas City’s culture, history, price resilience, and why this city supports people who want to stay.

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Why Kansas City Works: Cost, Livability, and Buying a Real Life

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Alex Larson!

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I was born in Kansas City, but I didn’t grow up here. Not exactly.

As a kid, I spent summers here with my dad and grandmother, plus the usual orbit of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those summers stuck with me. Kansas City had weight, history, character, a pace that felt grounded. Even then, it left an impression.

I returned to KC in 1993. That’s more than three decades ago now.

And I’ve stayed because Kansas City works. Not in a flashy way. Not in a “top 10 trendiest cities” way. It works in the ways that matter when you’re trying to build a real life: buying a home, keeping your commute reasonable, finding neighborhoods that fit different seasons of life, and doing it without stretching every dollar until it snaps.

That combination is rare. It’s also why people keep choosing Kansas City.

Cost of Living That Actually Works

The strongest reason Kansas City remains livable is simple: your money goes further here.

Not “cheap.” Not “exclusive.” Balanced.

Housing You Can Actually Afford

Compared to places like Denver, Nashville, or Austin, Kansas City still offers a path to ownership that doesn’t feel like a constant emergency.

• More attainable price points across a wider range of neighborhoods
• Fewer “every home is a bidding war” scenarios as the default
• More options for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and downsizers

When I returned in 1993, being able to buy mattered. Today, it matters even more—because in many cities, the first rung on the ladder got pulled up.

In Kansas City, first-time buyers still have entry points. Young families can still find homes with yards. Professionals can still own downtown condos without needing three roommates. And for buyers who want stability, Kansas City tends to move with fundamentals, not mood swings.

For investors, the math can still work in a way that supports stability rather than pure speculation. Rent-to-price relationships often remain more realistic than “hotter” markets, which helps keep neighborhoods from being whipsawed by hype cycles.

Kansas City doesn’t rely on buzz to grow. It grows through jobs, households, and steady demand. That’s a big deal.

Everything Else Costs Less Too

Livability isn’t just the purchase price. It’s what your monthly life costs after you move in.

In much of the metro, you’ll typically feel relief in categories that quietly control your budget:

• Utilities that don’t punish you year-round
• Groceries and services that are generally more manageable than coastal metros
• A lifestyle where entertainment and dining don’t require constant financial gymnastics

When fixed costs are lower, you gain margin. Margin is underrated. Margin is what lets you save, invest, travel, handle repairs, and breathe.

Kansas City still leaves room.

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Up next: Cost of living is only part of livability. In Part 2, we’ll look at how Kansas City’s neighborhoods support different stages of life, from downtown living to family-focused suburbs, and why that flexibility matters long term.

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Trump’s Call to Ban Some Institutional Investors From Buying Single-Family Homes

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Miles Barkley!

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On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump sent out a message calling for a ban on “large institutional investors” buying single-family homes. For this to have any legal standing, Congress would need to act and codify it. We will have to wait and see whether any of this comes to fruition, but it certainly has people within the industry talking. Of course, there are many questions that need to be answered such as: What counts as a single-family home? Does it include building to rent? Who counts as a “large institutional investor?” And the most pertinent of all: How does this impact Auben?

To start with, the most glaring question is: what qualifies a company as a “large institutional investor?” There are many definitions that one can cite, such as the definitions provided by the American Enterprise Institute’s Housing Center and Cotality, a data analytics site. Cotality defines investors in four groups with the largest being Mega, or having 1,000 or more units owned and large with 100-999 units. The American Enterprise Institute’s Housing Center calls a large investor one that owns at least 100 properties. Auben would fall into the “large” investor category by each of these definitions. In the lawmaking process, there is opportunity to further differentiate who qualifies.

The main follow-up question that anyone would naturally have is: will this have any impact on the housing market? The short answer is we will have to wait and see. Of course, many are skeptical this will achieve the desired outcome. This Globe St article cites the 24 largest owners as holding roughly 520,000 homes – less than 1% of US single family dwellings¹. Blackstone has said they are a net seller of homes over the past decade. 

Institutional investors are an easy target to pin the blame on as people continue to see home prices continue to increase. To add insult to injury, that is paired with higher mortgage rates. Viewing the issue from this lens, would it seemingly do much to ban institutional investors? They have more access to capital and can certainly deploy it easier, but banning them will not solve one of the main issues for individual buyers: getting them the access to capital they need at an affordable rate. 

Inventory is also part of the conversation with housing prices increasing. Homes on market have not kept up with the number of homebuyers. As more products enter the market then prices should adjust as they will have more housing than demand, creating a softening of prices. There are certainly more direct approaches that local authorities can take that could have a lasting impact to create opportunities for families and individuals looking to buy homes. These could be adjusting the permitting process, allowing higher density and building smaller homes. 

Whether Congress acts will determine if we see anything stem from this idea. In the meantime, Auben has done a good job of positioning itself as a community-involved company that has scaled operations responsibly and remains a strong investment vehicle. 

¹ Trump’s Call to Bar Institutional Homebuyers Faces Legal, Market Uncertainty

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Together, We Are Building Something Truly Extraordinary

As we reflect on all that Auben has achieved in 2025—and all that we’ve overcome, learned, refined, and recommitted to—it becomes clear that our story is not just about growth. It’s about transformation. It’s about who we are becoming together. This past year has reminded us that our mission is lived out daily in the choices we make, the people we serve, and the culture we protect. It has shown us what is possible when a team leans into its values, leads with heart, and stays focused on the work that truly matters.

Together, we are building something truly extraordinary.

Not just a company.
Not just a portfolio.
Not just a collection of properties spread across markets.

We are building a movement—one grounded in the belief that improving people, property, and places is more than a mission statement. It is who we are. It is what we show up for. It is the promise we make to every resident, every investor, and every team member who puts their trust in Auben.

From Underdog DNA to an Intentional, Multi-Market Organization

Over the last five years, Auben has grown from a small, determined team with Underdog DNA into a multi-market organization fueled by intentionality, humility, accountability, and a relentless desire to learn.

We’ve proven that when you combine smart strategy with servant and heart-led leadership, remarkable things happen.

• We’ve seen teammates rise from entry-level roles into leadership.

• We’ve seen teams navigate challenge after challenge with resilience.

• And we’ve seen a culture built not on ego, but on service.

In the past two years alone, we have acquired three management companies (while consulting on two others) totaling more than 2,300 new doors, bringing our AUM to over 3,500 doors—all while onboarding 25 new team members into the Auben family.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. And it doesn’t come without growing pains, missteps, and failures. It happens because people believe in what we are building.

Investors believe in us.
Residents rely on us.
And our internal teams—seasoned veterans and newly hired teammates alike—continue to give their best in pursuit of something bigger than themselves.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and the Chapter of Elevation

As we look ahead to 2026, we begin a new chapter.

A chapter defined not only by expansion, but by elevation.
Not just by numbers, but by nurturing—nurturing our people, strengthening our processes, reinforcing our operational foundations, and recommitting to the essentials that ensure we grow with integrity, purpose, and excellence.

In short: Back to the Basics.

Extraordinary things are never built overnight. They are built through steady effort, courageous leadership, shared vision, and teams who care deeply about the work they do and the people they serve.

And that is who we are at Auben.

Our Values: The Blueprint for What We’re Building

We are forever learners.
We are intentional and team-first.
We are humble yet confident leaders.
We seek constructive criticism.
We push to completion.
We are never deterred by obstacles or interruptions.

These values aren’t just words. They are the blueprint of something extraordinary unfolding right now.

As we prepare to welcome another 5,000 AUM in 2026, we stand on the shoulders of every moment that brought us here—every long night, every problem solved, every handshake, every property turned, every resident helped, and every teammate who chose to grow with us.

Extraordinary, Together

So yes, together, we are building something truly extraordinary.

A company where people thrive.
A team that leads with compassion and clarity.
A portfolio that reflects quality, stability, and care.
A mission that improves lives in real and lasting ways.

And one day, when we look back, we won’t remember the spreadsheets or the KPIs or the acquisition timelines.

We’ll remember the people.
The growth.
The transformation.
The culture.

The belief that we could build something meaningful—
and the proof that we did.

2026 Is Our Moment

2026 is our moment.
Our turning point.
Our opportunity to take everything we’ve built and elevate it further than ever before.

Together, we’re not just managing homes.
We’re shaping the future of housing.
We’re strengthening communities.
We’re creating pathways for people—inside and outside Auben—to rise.

Together, we are building something truly extraordinary.
And the best part?
We’re just getting started.

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Why My New Role Is All About Making Multi-Market Investing Easier

This week’s blog comes to us from our National Sales Development Manager, Chris DeTreville.

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When I first got into real estate straight out of college, my world was one market, one neighborhood at a time. Today, more and more of our clients are thinking very differently:

“I like Columbia, but I also want exposure to Chattanooga.”

“I’m selling in Augusta to rebalance into Kansas City.”

“I’d like one team that understands my whole portfolio, not just one zip code.”

That shift is exactly why I’m excited about my new role as National Brokerage Sales Manager at Auben. My job is simple to describe, but big in practice: make multi-market investing easier and more efficient for buyers and sellers who want to be active in multiple markets as one aligned team.

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What I’m Seeing From Investors Right Now

Whether you’re buying your first SFR or repositioning a 100-door portfolio, a few themes keep coming up in conversations:

• You want diversification across markets—but not five different playbooks.
• You’re tired of re-explaining your strategy every time you talk to a new agent.
• You care about the back end (property management, turns, leasing) just as much as the front-end purchase price.

My background is in both sales and property management, and those years on the back end permanently changed the way I look at deals. I’ve seen what happens after closing when expectations weren’t aligned—or when the right questions never got asked. That 360° view is what I’m bringing into this national role.

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One Strategy, Many Markets

At Auben, we’re in multiple markets across the Southeast and beyond, and each one has its own personality—different rents, different tenant bases, different operator nuances.

My goal isn’t to flatten those differences. It’s to connect them under a common strategy so your experience feels like this:

• One playbook. Clear buy boxes, return targets, and risk tolerances that our agents reference in every market you touch.
• One language. Whether you’re looking at Columbia, Kansas City, or Jacksonville, you’re not decoding a new set of terms, pro formas, or expectations each time.
• One relationship. A core point of contact who understands your history, preferences, and portfolio—then plugs you into the right local specialist when you need boots on the ground.

Behind the scenes, that means better internal communication, shared data, and training so our team isn’t just operating in silos by city, but as one brokerage focused on investors.

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Making Buying Across Markets Smoother

Here are a few ways we’re working to improve the experience for buyers active in multiple markets:

• Aligned deal flow: Instead of sending random listings, we’re tightening how we filter opportunities so you see deals that really match your criteria—no matter which Auben market they’re in.
• Comparable, investor-focused underwriting: We’re leaning into consistent analysis so you can compare a Columbia duplex and a Chattanooga SFR on apples-to-apples terms.
• Clear expectations on operations: From estimated turns to likely rent ranges and management considerations, we’re integrating the property management view earlier in the process so there are fewer surprises after close.

If you’ve ever tried to piece together a multi-market strategy using five different brokerages and three different management companies, you already know how valuable that consistency can be.

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Serving Sellers With Portfolios That Cross State Lines

On the sell side, things get even more complex—and that’s where a multi-market investor brokerage can really earn its keep.

When we help owners sell portfolios, we’re not just asking, “What’s your price target?” We’re talking through:

• Which assets you truly want to exit—and which you may want to hold or 1031.
• How timing in one market affects capital you might want to redeploy elsewhere.
• The emotional side of selling a portfolio you’ve built over years—long-term vendors, tenant relationships, and pride of ownership.

My job in this new role is to make sure we can:

• Package and present portfolios in a way that resonates with buyers who are also thinking multi-market.
• Coordinate across cities so due diligence, access, and communication don’t become a tangle of conflicting calendars and processes.
• Match the right buyer to the right portfolio, whether they’re looking to deepen in one market or use your sale to plant a flag in several.

You shouldn’t feel like you’re herding cats every time you decide to sell across more than one city. We want to take that off your plate.

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Where AI and Best Practices Fit In

At IMN’s Single Family Rental conference in Scottsdale, I spoke on a panel about using AI and best practices to optimize property management, marketing, and turn. That topic ties directly into what we’re building on the brokerage side.

To be clear, I don’t believe AI replaces relationships or judgment—but it can help us:

• Spot patterns in your portfolio performance across markets.
• Surface the most relevant deals faster.
• Standardize communication and workflows so your experience feels consistent, even as you scale.

The goal is not “tech for tech’s sake.” It’s using tools in the background so that, on your end, things feel simpler, clearer, and more predictable. 

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What This Means for You

If you’re:

• A buyer looking to grow in more than one market,
• A seller thinking about bringing a multi-market portfolio to market, or
• An institutional or boutique fund looking for a partner who understands both brokerage and property management…

…I’d love to talk.

We’re still refining and improving our systems every week, but the north star is clear:

Make it easier for serious investors to buy, sell, and operate across multiple markets with one trusted team.

If that’s the experience you’ve been looking for, let’s connect and see how we can put Auben’s multi-market platform to work for you.

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Featured Articles

The Stress Test of Scaling

“No matter the question, the private equity answer is always the same: Does it scale? 
— Common Principle in Growth & Operations 

When I think about where Auben is today, I keep returning to a simple truth: investors look at returns, comps, cap rates, and structures — but what truly drives long-term performance is the operator’s ability to grow under stress. 

And right now, we are in one of those stress-test seasons. 

Not a crisis. 
Not a setback. 
A stress test — the kind that shows whether the systems, people, and leadership structures we’ve built are capable of supporting what comes next. 

I have been through versions of this before. And every time, I’m reminded that growth doesn’t feel good — even when it is good. 

Why Growth Feels Hard — Even When It’s Right 

In a business like ours — where Property Management, Project Management, Maintenance, and Sales all have to work in sync — growth isn’t clean. It introduces friction: 

• More doors 

• More processes 

• More systems 

• More people 

• More expectations 

Everyone feels that strain differently. 
Some weather it with a slight sway. Others feel like they’re underwater. 

Both are valid. Both matter. 

Mindset becomes the differentiator. 

“If you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” 
— Donald Caster, on growth mindset 

That quote has stuck with me. I’ve lived it. We don’t get to choose whether growth is uncomfortable, but we do get to choose how we show up inside the discomfort. 

The “No Man’s Land” Framework: What We’re Asking Ourselves Right Now 

I’ve been reading No Man’s Land, a book about what happens when a business leaves “small” but hasn’t yet entered “scalable.” 

It lays out six questions that I’ve been asking myself — and asking our teams: 

1. What are we truly great at? 

2. What do we offer that is genuinely unique? 

3. Are we growing based on capability or promises? 

4. Are we spending time cleaning up complexity we created? 

5. Which customers belong in our future — and which don’t? 

6. How do we simplify execution so our value proposition stays consistent and clear? 

For me, #6 is the one that keeps me up at night. 

Because simplifying how we communicate and how we execute is the difference between a company that grows with intention and one that grows into chaos. 

Simplification: The Edge Most Operators Ignore 

I’ve learned the hard way that complexity is a margin-killer. 
It slows execution, creates confusion, and fractures teams. 

So our focus right now is simple: 

• unify communication 

• build repeatable workflows 

• tighten roles and responsibilities 

• reduce handoffs 

• increase cross-functional clarity 

• define market-by-market expectations 

• standardize wherever possible 

This isn’t just “operations.” 
This is value creation. 

“Simplification is not a luxury — it is a prerequisite for durability.” 
— ACP Operating Thesis 

I believe that wholeheartedly. 

The Moment We’re In 

We are stepping into one of the most aligned growth windows Auben has ever had: 

• a new enterprise website 

• an evolving operating system 

• deepening integration across service lines 

• several large M&A conversations underway 

• expanding market leadership 

• a sharper understanding of the customers we want to serve 

• a company-wide commitment to operating excellence 

This is not a resting point — it is a turning point. 

We’re not trying to become a bigger version of what we’ve been. 
We’re building the platform we were meant to become. 

People Are the Engine 

Behind every metric — every unit, every rehab, every service request — is a person experiencing this growth cycle in real time. 

So I’m asking our teams directly: 

“What do you need to thrive during this phase of growth?” 

The goal isn’t to grow at people — it’s to grow with them. 

Strong operators build strong teams. 
Strong teams build strong systems. 
Strong systems deliver durable returns. 

Looking Ahead 

Growth at Auben has never been accidental. 
It comes from discipline, clarity, and an unapologetic willingness to evolve. 

As we move forward, our focus is clear: 

• Grow with discipline 

• Support the people doing the hard work 

• Simplify wherever possible 

• Integrate across all operating functions 

• Deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes in every market 

That’s how we build something durable. 
That’s how we create real value. 
That’s how operators become platforms — and platforms become category leaders. 

Closing Perspective 

“After my greatest struggles have come my greatest successes.” 

Auben was born in one of the hardest seasons of my life. 
What felt like failure was actually the beginning. My wife helped me understand that. 

And today, I believe we are standing at another one of those inflection points. 

This stress test is not a breaking point. 
It’s preparation — the strengthening of our systems, our people, and our ability to deliver long-term value for those who trust us. 

We’re building something that lasts. 
And we’re doing it together.

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Featured Articles

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

Key Takeaways from the 2025 IMN Single Family Rental Forum (East)

In this week’s blog, I am turning it over to Auben’s Director of Business Development, Alex Becker. He will be discussing his thoughts and insights on the recent IMN Single Family Rental Forum that he attended!

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I had the opportunity to attend this year’s IMN Single Family Rental Forum East, and it delivered big on insights, connections, and strategy. With over 1,500 attendees from across the SFR ecosystem—including operators, investors, lenders, and tech providers—the energy and forward-looking conversations were high.

Here are my key takeaways from the event:

Market Trends & Industry Outlook

• Demand Remains Strong: Even with interest rates rising, demand for single-family rentals continues to outpace supply. Renters are prioritizing flexibility, space, and community amenities.
• Build-to-Rent Gaining Momentum: BTR developments are becoming central to institutional strategies. Purpose-built rental communities are growing fast and reshaping the future of SFR.
• Cap Rate Adjustments: We’re seeing a slight reset in pricing expectations, which is allowing investors to be more selective and strategic.

Innovation & Technology

• Proptech Is Reshaping Operations: From smart home tech to automated leasing tools, technology is helping streamline operations and enhance tenant experience.
• Data is Power: Operators are increasingly relying on real-time analytics for decision-making, whether it’s pricing, tenant screening, or maintenance optimization.

Capital Markets & Financing

• Financing Is More Creative: Traditional lending has tightened, but equity partners, JV structures, and alternative financing solutions are rising.
• Navigating Interest Rate Volatility: Many groups are shortening hold periods, stress-testing pro formas, and building more flexible exit strategies.

Operator & Investor Strategy

• Operational Efficiency Is King: As margins narrow, successful operators are laser-focused on cost controls, tenant retention, and optimizing NOI.
• Mid-Market Agility: Smaller and mid-sized operators are capitalizing on opportunities that are too small or complex for institutional capital.

Networking & Partnerships

• Collaborative Deal-Making: This year, the vibe was all about partnerships—co-GPs, syndications, and joint ventures are more important than ever.
• Hot Markets: Southeastern markets (FL, GA, NC, SC) remain top picks for new deals and development.

Standout Quotes

“Operational efficiency is the new yield.”

“BTR is not just a trend—it’s becoming the core of SFR scalability.”

“You don’t need to own thousands of homes to compete—smarter operations make all the difference.”

Final Thoughts

The 2025 IMN SFR East Conference was more than panels and networking—it was a deep dive into the industry’s direction. The event offered immense value, from market dynamics and new capital strategies to tech adoption and deal structuring.

I left energized, informed, and excited about the future of single-family rentals.

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Did you attend IMN SFR East? I’d love to hear your takeaways. Let’s connect and compare notes!

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