My name is Jack Spaeth. As part of my Master’s of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) at Portland State, I am conducting a study about low and no-cost leasing strategies at Affordable properties in the Portland Metro.

Only properties in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties are eligible to participate. Extremely limited identifying information will be collected regarding the specific property - all results will be presented in aggregate and anonymously.

Take the Survey

Research Title

Converting to Perm: Leasing Strategies at Income Restricted Properties in Portland, Oregon

Why this?

Source: Network for Oregon Affordable Housing

Source: Network for Oregon Affordable Housing

N=112

The affordable housing industry is facing a ‘death by a thousand cuts’ in Oregon. While oversimplified, these two graphs from NOAH summarize the challenge quickly.

This survey is designed to understand how Affordable Housing organizations are utilizing data and marketing to achieve leasing goals. My goal is to help support and identify solutions to leasing challenges, outside of policy changes in DC or Salem.

The study is rooted in the idea that ‘occupancy is impact’; that a ‘unit’ turns into a ‘home’ only after someone moves in. It is part of my broader effort to highlight the shared goals of tenants and housing providers.

Survey Overview

Topics

Lease-up and Occupancy - Portfolio Characteristics - Pricing - Leasing Data Ownership and Management - Marketing

Questions

Minimum: 26
Maximum: 29

Time

15-20
Minutes

About the Researcher

I joined the Master’s of Science in Real Estate program after 5 years in the multifamily property management industry - I did lease-ups, marketing, and compliance for a small 3rd party property manager, a fully integrated developer-builder-manager, and a private equity start-up.

At these three companies, I found the same approach to leasing and marketing - they were afterthoughts. While there are exceptions, I have since learned that this ‘standardization’ isn’t unique. This study is part of my effort to change that.

I currently work for New Narrative in the Landlord Liaison program which supports housing providers and case managers navigate locally funded rental assistance programs.

Thank you for being here. Please contact me with any questions or feedback.

An event will be held in partnership with PSU to discuss the findings and solutions in June 2026. More info coming soon.

You can learn more about me here or on LinkedIn.

Jack Spaeth
jspaeth@pdx.edu