Each month, Multifamily Dive highlights new products of interest to the industry across a spectrum of product types and applications, including building products, smart tech features and property management and operations software and services. 

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Connection and control

Fiber network provider Cox Communities has announced a partnership with IoT provider Level Home to provide smart home products and services to multifamily properties, integrated with Cox’s network services.

The program’s features include a building-wide mesh network and integration with existing property management software and tech. This combination enables property managers to automate their buildings’ operations, control property access and let renters control climate and lighting within their units. 

Accessible sinks

Zurn Elkay has extended the Elkay Crosstown line of stainless steel sinks to include ADA-compliant designs. These include a rear offset drain and back-mounted plumbing, which allow for more open space at the bottom of the sink to accommodate a wheelchair user when installed to ADA specifications, according to a press release shared with Multifamily Dive.

The sinks come in a polished satin finish, and feature tight corners and creased accent lines to create a modern look. The line includes a variety of styles and sizes, including bar/prep sinks and single- and double-bowl configurations. 

Lending with ease

Multifamily lender Ease Capital and Taconic Capital Advisors have created a $450 million partnership to provide bridge and bridge-to-permanent multifamily financing options on smaller loans ranging from $5 million to $35 million. This new program, enabled through Ease’s lending platform, is designed to serve borrowers for whom financing has become more difficult as valuations drop and interest rates rise.

The platform also provides a means for institutional investors to enter the small-balance multifamily sector, which transacts an average volume of $300 billion per year. These investors can partner with Ease to create loan programs that meet their yield and credit requirements.

High heat, low energy

Seven of LG’s induction cooktops and ranges are now certified under Energy Star’s new specification for residential electric cooking products, according to a press release shared with Multifamily Dive. The newly certified products include 30- and 36-inch LG cooktops, 36-inch cooktops from LG STUDIO and Signature Kitchen Suite and three slide-in LG ranges.

These products offer energy savings of up to 18% from standard electric cooking units, according to the EPA. All models include smart capabilities and precision controls.

AI-powered leasing

RealPage has launched a number of new AI-based products for its Front Office leasing management software suite over the last 12 months. They include an omnichannel approach to leasing for all prospects, the ability to track applicants’ progress via sales program Knock and a focus on driving more qualified leads through the leasing process, as well as nurturing inactive prospects.

These features have enabled improvements in customers’ key performance indicators during the past year, according to RealPage, including 300% more qualified leads with AI call scoring, a 64% lower cost per call and form lead and a 22% increase in tours scheduled for AI voice customers.