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Ways to Save on Operations Costs in 2026 – Karlin Conklin interviewed
Woodland Hills, CA – December 17, 2026 – As apartment owners and operators continue to face elevated expenses and margin pressure, the focus on disciplined cost control has taken center stage across the multifamily industry. In a recent Multi-Housing News article, “9 Ways to Save on Operations Costs in 2026,” Karlin Conklin, Principal and COO of Investors Management Group (IMG), shared insights on the operational strategies IMG is using to manage expenses while protecting long-term asset performance.
Retention-Driven Cost Savings
One of the most effective cost-saving strategies will continue to be increasing resident retention. Every renewal avoids the turnover, repair, and vacancy costs that have climbed over the past few years. Higher renewal retention also strengthens the sense of community within a property, which supports better resident satisfaction and reduces future operational strain. Skilled managers and leasing agents can materially influence retention in a matter of weeks.
Value Engineering and In-House Maintenance
IMG continues to expand in-house maintenance capabilities and invest in value engineering to reduce reliance on outside vendors. By adding regional maintenance roles and accelerating training, teams are completing more work internally, limiting third-party labor costs and material markups while accelerating turns and preventative maintenance.
At one San Antonio community experiencing significant erosion due to rains and water runoff, IMG completed a retaining wall project in-house. By renting equipment, sourcing materials directly, and selectively hiring labor, the team completed more work and spent one-half the cost of hiring an outside vendor. These types of initiatives improve cost control while preserving quality standards.
Back-to-Basics Operations and Contract Discipline
In a high-inflation environment, contract complacency is expensive. IMG is rebidding service contracts more frequently and actively negotiating vendor pricing across major operating categories. In parallel, the firm continues to see strong results from a back-to-basics operating philosophy that prioritizes local vendors, regional suppliers, and customized onsite marketing strategies over high-cost national programs that do not deliver measurable value.
Insurance Cost Management Through Proactive Risk Strategy
Insurance remains one of the most volatile expense categories in the multifamily sector. By approaching 2026 renewals with competitive bidding, balanced coverage decisions, proactive risk mitigation, and a focus on maximizing claim recovery, IMG has reduced insurance premiums across its portfolio by 13%. This outcome reflects a long-term, proactive approach to risk management rather than reactive policy decisions.
Benefits of a Vertically Integrated Model
IMG’s decision to move to a vertically integrated model by forming our own management company in 2023 is paying off in meaningful cost efficiencies. Our management arm, Parktown Living, has allowed us to streamline communication, share best practices more quickly, and respond to property needs with greater agility. Parktown Living’s hands-on oversight improves maintenance planning, tightens purchasing and contract negotiations, and ensures that operational standards are executed consistently across the portfolio. The result is lower operating costs and stronger control over day-to-day performance.
As highlighted in Multi-Housing News, navigating 2026 will require disciplined fundamentals, thoughtful cost management, and operational agility. IMG remains focused on protecting investor capital while positioning each community for long-term performance.
Read the full article in Multi-Housing News: “9 Ways to Save on Operations Costs in 2026.”