The talent trap: a lack of qualified, experienced applicants, a turbulent economy and other market factors have combined to make compensation the No. 1 priority among apartment industry CEOs nationwide.

Units, April, 2008 by Wright, James B.

To say the least, real estate overall and multifamily housing markets are currently in turmoil and transition. The mortgage-financing crisis has reduced investment, tightened credit and put pressure on values. There is fear of a recession, consumer spending is declining, inflation is looming, write-downs and bailouts are in the news, job growth is below 2007 levels and election-year jitters are all shaping economic trends and results.

Yet the multifamily housing sector seems to have many favorable trends on its side, including the emerging demographic of Echo Boomers, homeowners ...