Fresh off the saloon-swinging energy of Apartmentalize, this episode of The Report dives headfirst into the industry’s biggest debates: centralization, automation, and whether AI is here to help or replace us. 

Tyler Christiansen, CEO at Funnel, joins Alex Howe, SVP Marketing and Growth at Funnel,  to unpack the conference buzz, share results from Funnel’s latest product launches (including 96% renter satisfaction with online leasing!), and throw down hot takes on why fully automated human-less AI leasing models risk disengaging teams and eroding renter trust. We also tackle Andreessen Horowitz’s latest AI housing bets and why the future isn’t AI-only—it’s AI plus humans. 

Topics include:

—Centralization’s rise for third-party managers
—Why a human-less 100% AI isn’t the answer for leasing
—Real-world results from Funnel’s Insights and online leasing solutions
—Brand identity, customer experience, and the danger of forgetting the humans
—A16Z’s investment in Flow and the evolving AI-housing frontier

Yeehaw!

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

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.

Big news: we are launching Fenix — a standalone AI product purpose-built for multifamily.

Until now, Funnel’s powerful AI was only available to customers on our full platform. 

Powered by a strategic partnership with Sierra (yes, the Sierra co-founded by tech legends Bret Taylor and Clay Bavor), Fenix brings advanced, resolution-focused conversational AI to the industry for the first time.

We’re also welcoming select assets from LeaseHawk to accelerate operators on their path toward centralization and the new operating model.

Operators now have a powerful new starting point: AI that does, not just talks.

Read the full release to meet Fenix. 

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.

This is your chance to hear directly from leaders shaping centralization for third-party managers. Whether you’re already exploring centralization or just starting to think about it, this discussion will leave you with fresh insights and real-world strategies. 

In this episode we share Dom Beveridge’s insights from 20for20’s latest white paper on centralization for third-party managers. and hear from two industry leaders featured in the white paper:

— David Perez, Senior Vice President of Multifamily, RMR Residential
— Christi Weinstein, Chief Operating Officer, BH

Download the full white paper to learn more. 

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

It’s our FINAL episode of season three of Multifamily Unpacked. 

We talked with Kylee Lambert, Senior Vice President at MAA, and President of Open Arms. 

Open Arms provides a home away from home at no cost for those who must travel to receive medical treatment and is the heartbeat of MAA. 

Donations to Open Arms can be made here: https://openarmsfoundation.networkforgood.com/

Physical donations can be sent to:

Open Arms Foundation
6815 Poplar Avenue, Suite 500
Germantown, TN 38138

For their charitable events please mark your calendar for the following dates:

• Giddy up for Open Arms Golf Tournament, Jacksonville FL - 3/10/25
• 5th Annual Open Arms Atlanta Golf Classic, Atlanta GA - 4/14/25
• 10th Annual Open Arms West Division Golf Tournament, Dallas TX- 6/12/25

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

We are nearing the final episode of season three. 

In this episode, Tyler sits down with Ian Andrews, to discuss all things tech, multifamily operations, and role specialization. 

If you loved this episode, you'll love Forum. Register today: https://forum.eventsair.com/forum-2025

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

In this episode of the report Tyler and Alex cover: 

• Observations from OPTECH
• Completions hit 50 year high
• NBC News: Senators take aim at big private equity landlords as rents soar
• BISNOW — A tale of two multifamilies
• Assistant managers move off-site amid centralization push
• FORUM

If you loved this episode, you'll love Forum. Early bird pricing ends 10/31, register today. https://forum.eventsair.com/forum-2025

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

Our guest in this episode is Christine Williams, VP of National Operations and Administration with QuadReal. 

She comes into the world of multifamily with a finance background, which gives her a unique perspective on questioning status quo operations and moving to shift them to drive better team and resident experiences as well as efficiency.

QuadReal, under Christine’s leadership is one of the fastest companies we’ve seen centralize. Please enjoy learning more about their process. 

If you enjoyed this conversation, you'll love Forum. Register today: https://forum.eventsair.com/forum-2025

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

On this episode of Multifamily Unpacked, we’re sharing a small glimpse of a panel recorded at Forum “A Smarter Way To Approach Artificial Intelligence.” 

Panelists broke down best practices, misconceptions, and the unique needs that the multifamily industry has for its AI solutions. 

On this panel we had: 

• Cara Athmann — COO — Cardinal Group
• Emily Copeland — SVP Property Management — LCOR
• Moderators: Ben Rubin CPO/President, Tyler Christiansen CEO — Funnel 

If you enjoyed this panel, you'll enjoy the Forum. Register here: https://forum.eventsair.com/forum-2025

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