Multifamily Unpacked

We just wrapped Forum, our annual event for believers a better operating model.

From BIG AI announcements and deep conversations with industry leaders, to unforgettable moments with Iration, Aaron Weber, Nicholas Thompson, and Ryan Holiday—it was three days jam-packed with industry leaders pushing for a better and brighter path forward for multifamily.

So today we'll take you behind the scenes.

This episode shares what we announced, what inspired us, and where we’re headed next.

To stay up-to-date follow Funnel on Linkedin and connect with Tyler there, too.

In this episode of The Report, Tyler and Alex dive into the latest trends shaping the multifamily industry—from the rapid normalization of centralization among third-party managers to the evolving role of AI in leasing. They discuss key takeaways from Dom Beveridge from 20 for 20's latest research, the Redfin-Zillow deal’s market impact, UDR’s bullish stance on centralization, and why confidence in multifamily is returning despite short-term economic uncertainty. Plus, what AI advancements mean for the future of property management.

To stay up-to-date follow Funnel on Linkedin and connect with Tyler there, too.

Bridging numbers and people through data
Johnny Hanna, CRO at Funnel, sat down with Donald Davidoff, CEO, or REBA (Real Estate Business Analytics. Davidoff is an industry veteran, and brought revenue management to multifamily.
Key highlights include:
- Merging mathematical precision with human insight in pricing strategies.
- The role of "purple people" in bridging technical and business roles.
- Ensuring innovation and investment during economic downturns.
- Real-world stories illustrating the vital connection between headquarters and field operations.
- Tips for business-led technology projects and effective change management.
Discover how data and empathy can drive smarter decision-making and sustainable success in real estate. Whether you're a numbers person, a people person, or both, this episode offers valuable lessons on making analytics work for you.
About Real Estate Business Analytics (REBA)
Real Estate Business Analytics is on a mission to change the way the multifamily industry uses data. REBA helps multifamily leaders ask insightful questions about their business by giving them access to all their data in one central location. We do this by offering a suite of business intelligence, budget and pricing and revenue management solutions that gather data & deliver insights so you can unlock your aha moments and make better decisions, faster. With REBA, you can eliminate Excel hell, bad data, legacy systems, and analysis paralysis with tools built by multifamily for multifamily.
About Donald Davidoff:
Donald is known as a thought leader in the rental housing industry, particularly in places where technology and people meet. Perhaps best known for leading the development and implementation of Lease Rent OptionsTM (LRO), the industry’s first automated demand forecasting and price optimization system, he is equally accomplished in the areas of sales performance improvement, digital marketing and marketing analytics, and business intelligence. Donald is highly sought for “C suite” consulting on technology and operational issues that drive significant ROI, and by technology vendors for product design and “go to market” strategies. A former Senior Vice President with 10 years at Archstone, and a former Executive Vice President with Holiday Retirement, Donald works with clients to assess their operational and technology platforms and implement complex, highly impactful projects.

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“I want to build more housing, and use that housing more flexibly.” — Jesse Stein

The lines between hospitality and multifamily blurred even more with Airbnb's recent announcement of long-term rentals. But the underlying truth is: renters want subscription-based flexible living.

In this podcast, Jesse Stein, the Global Head of Real Estate at Airbnb, shares his experience coming from the hospitality industry and how it informs his time in multifamily. Stein shares about Airbnb-friendly apartments and how it impacts the housing affordability crisis the country is facing. And the opportunity brands have to deliver flexible, subscription-style housing.

“One of the things that shocked me about the Multifamily space, is that there is no uniform operating model. You have centralized operating models, and you have regionalized or property-specific operating models. Each one works in its own vertical to a certain degree. But, the ability to roll out the hospitality component from a centralized model, we’ve seen be a little bit faster than a regionalized model,” said Stein. “I would say our partners are leaning into the hospitality component, not really due to Airbnb, but because that is the expectation of the consumer.”

Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
About Jesse Stein:
Jesse Stein is Airbnb’s Global Head of Real Estate. Jesse oversees Airbnb’s strategy to create new supply and growth opportunities through real estate development projects and partnerships. He joined Airbnb from KHP Capital, a real estate private equity firm focused on investments in boutique and independent hotels. He has deep expertise in sourcing and executing development projects including hotel, timeshare, residential, and fractional assets. Prior to real estate, Jesse was pursuing a career in football and briefly played with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Listen to a candid fireside chat between Jesse Stein, Airbnb’s Global Head of Real Estate, and Scott Berka, Sr. Managing Director of Brand and Customer Experience at Greystar, recorded live at the Forum. In this conversation, Jesse and Scott discuss the evolving landscape of rental accommodation, exploring topics such as Airbnb's innovative approach with Airbnb-friendly apartments and Greystar's introduction of the Ltd. brand. From the blurring lines between short-term and long-term renters to strategies for enhancing customer experiences and navigating industry challenges, this is a must-listen for anyone in multifamily.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

To stay up-to-date follow Funnel on Linkedin and connect with Tyler there, too.