By Amy Alexander

Published Dec 3, 2024

Updated Dec 4, 2024

In the multifamily housing industry, operational efficiency is a top priority for property managers and site teams. With high employee turnover rates and the increasing demands on leasing agents, implementing technologies that streamline routine processes like move-ins is essential. One company that understands this well is the Jefferson Apartment Group (JAG), which is leading the way in using technology to simplify resident move-ins while reducing the workload for staff.

Streamlining the move-in process

A critical challenge for multifamily properties is the time spent processing move-ins. According to a 2022 survey by Updater, 61% of site teams spend four or more hours each week processing move-ins¹, and 30% spend over six hours¹. JAG has found a solution to this time-intensive process by using technology like Updater Pro | Onboarding, which centralizes the entire move-in workflow digitally.

Lindsay Rule, a training and marketing specialist at JAG, emphasized how this technology transforms what used to be a paper-heavy and time-consuming process into a streamlined digital experience. “We’ve really become more of a digital, interactive, and better communication system,” said Lindsay. Updater allows leasing teams to track residents’ progress in completing move-in tasks, eliminating confusion, manual paperwork, and follow-up phone calls.

The impact on leasing teams

For JAG, this efficiency isn’t just about cutting time; it’s about boosting team productivity and morale. Lindsay described how the adoption of technology has allowed leasing teams to become more organized and responsive. With Updater, everyone can see the status of a move-in with a single click, leading to fewer errors and more consistent communication across all properties.

This has been a welcome change in an industry where 52% of onsite teams experience annual turnover, according to Swift Bunny Risk Report. The less time spent on manual administrative tasks, the more time teams can spend on higher-value interactions with prospective residents and current tenants.

Creating a consistent experience

Another benefit of digitizing the move-in process is the ability to standardize procedures across all properties. This creates a consistent experience for residents, regardless of which JAG community they choose. “We no longer have to worry about one property doing something different from another. Everyone follows the same process,” noted Lindsay.

With 67% of leasing agents identifying streamlining move-ins as essential, according to KingsleySurveys, the move toward operational efficiency is more critical than ever. For companies like JAG, embracing technology not only improves day-to-day operations but also enhances the overall resident experience, driving long-term retention and satisfaction.

Operational efficiency in the multifamily industry is essential for success, and streamlining move-in processes can drastically improve team productivity, morale, and consistency across properties. Through technology like Updater, JAG has taken significant strides to enhance their operational workflow, making it easier for their teams to focus on providing a high-quality resident experience.

¹Updater (2022). Survey of 200 Leasing Agents at NAA Apartmentalize

Amy Alexander

A Seattle transplant, Amy is passionate about B2B marketing, having led go-to-market strategies for both Fortune 500 companies and startups. Outside of work, Amy enjoys an active PNW lifestyle which includes kayaking and skiing. She’s also a proud mom to her son, who is currently attending Oregon State University, go Beavs!