What’s Happening in the Temporary Housing Arena?

Conversation Highlights

Following are talking points that reflect what was discussed during the one-hour session:

• Claire Barrie, Vice President Sales EMEA/APAC, Synergy Housing

   on the changes her organization has made to how it delivers service to today’s market: 

  “Ensuring we deliver service beyond expectation comes down to attracting, retaining and growing our talent… we have significantly invested in various fast-track talent programs… Qualifications aside, for us, it’s more about the person—ensuring they fit with our culture and our clients’ culture.”

• Cara Pescho, Vice President, Strategic Alliances – Global Mobility, National Corporate Housing

   on the current challenges being experienced in the temporary living industry: 

  “We are seeing shortages, internationally and domestically. Not only with property inventory but also the quality of a property, furniture availability, desired lease terms, and other services... What we’re trying to do is secure long-term leases in tight markets like New York City where we’ve taken 70 apartments in one building, to enable us to have that inventory on a permanent basis. We also have one person dedicated to working with property management companies… to build relationships so they’re more likely to work with us when we need it.”

• Felicia Taulelle, President, Oasis Corporate Housing

   on what temporary living providers are doing to combat the issue of low availability within the sector: 

  “We can strategically go into certain markets and use alternative private inventory that we’re able to vet, like private landlords. This is something we’re doing more and more of because there’s so much demand… We’re looking at inventory that still follows the parameters of what everyone expects corporate housing to look like, but looking at more creative solutions.”