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 summarize the challenge quickly.

We know there are few levers to pull to navigate these challenges, but my goal is that this study will show not just which leasing and marketing levers to pull, but rather how to pull to them. The survey is designed to understand how organizations are and are not using data, software, budgets, and staff to meet occupancy goals. Ultimately, this survey is meant to understand the level of leasing and marketing sophistication in income restricted housing in the Portland Metro.

Survey Overview

Topics

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

Questions

Minimum: 26
Maximum: 28

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.

The final report will be available for download here in January 2026. You can also request a copy via email. Participating organizations may also request a presentation of the findings.

You can learn more about me here or on LinkedIn.

Jack Spaeth
jspaeth@pdx.edu