Key Takeaways from Denver's Imagine That Event

What I learned from the Renter Panel

By Jennifer Cyphers - August 27, 2025

Key Takeaways from Denver's Imagine That Event

Pynwheel | Imagine That Takeaways

Insights from Renters at Imagine That

Last week, John and I got to participate in a fun brainstorming event, Imagine That, a fundraiser for Entryway (a very cool non-profit providing multifamily job training and homes for people experiencing situational homelessness).

During the event, we heard from a renter panel that reminded me a lot of the “Perception is Reality” Presentation I gave a couple of years ago, and the Multifamily Living and Leasing Study we produced before that. Here were the big takeaways:

1. Self-Guided Tours Are Better for Everyone

• Renters were frustrated when leasing managers weren’t available for scheduled tours or were distracted when prospects arrived.
• The renter who took a self-guided tour had the fewest complaints about the entire process.
• Leasing staff in the audience admitted to being ghosted by prospects.

➤ The takeaway: Every property should offer Pynwheel Touch + Pynwheel Tour. It’s smoother for prospective residents and more efficient for leasing teams. Check out this case study to see how it will impact your bottom line.

2. Communication is an Issue

• Residents said communication is both too much (too frequent, too formal, too long) and not enough (missing when issues arise).
• Email newsletters? They go unread.
• Quick surveys and short, friendly check-ins? Those were appreciated.
• The most appreciated form of communication? In person, on site.

➤ The takeaway: Keep it short, timely, and human.

3. My Favorite Quote from the Event

“Your culture is not your mission or your vision. It is the worst thing you tolerate.” – Peter Lynch

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