Maria Gatea
Maria Gatea is a Senior Editor & Research Writer for Yardi with a background in Journalism and Communication. After covering business and finance-related topics as a freelance writer for 15 years, she is now focusing on researching and writing about the real estate industry. You may contact Maria via email.
boats in a marina

The Best U.S. Metros To Own A Boat

Boating is one of America’s favorite pastimes. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, nearly 100 million Americans go boating each year, and recreational boating contributes over $230 billion annually to the U.S. economy. It’s a lifestyle deeply shaped by geography, climate, and local culture.

Exterior of self storage facility

Fast & EZ Self Storage Brings In White Label Storage To Support Future Growth

The self-storage industry has been on a remarkable run over the past few years, with the total U.S. inventory now topping more than 2.1 billion square feet of rentable space. Over the past five years alone, close to 294 million square feet of new space has been added, amounting to about 14 % of the total existing inventory.

Couple of senior people preparing to move

Moving Tips For Seniors And People With Disabilities: A Complete Guide To A Safer Relocation

Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. For seniors and people with disabilities, that stress is rarely just about boxes and logistics. That’s why thoughtful moving tips for seniors must account for more than transportation alone. Physical limitations, health considerations, accessibility needs, and emotional attachments to a long-time home all combine to make relocation more complex.

Happy young married couple downsizes to new home and unpacks boxes together

How Much Could You Save By Downsizing Your Home? Southern Cities Offer the Best Chances For Big Gains

Downsizing in 2025 is less about giving up space and more about regaining financial control amid rising housing costs. The trend is especially relevant for empty nesters and retirees, a group that now numbers over 61 million people – up from 12.4% of the population in 2004 to 18% in 2024. As affordability pressures mount nationwide, many baby boomers are seeking homes that are easier to maintain and better suited for aging in place.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Once you’ve made the decision to move, you’ll likely be considering all the ways you can transport your belongings to your new home. Although you could lure friends into helping (with promises of pizza and ice cream), it’s often more beneficial to reach out to a local moving company with trained professionals. Knowing how to choose a moving company can help ensure a stress-free and efficient moving experience.

Self storage facility sales

Self Storage Sales Reach Nearly $1.6B In Q3 2025 As Transaction Activity Jumps By 62% Compared To Previous Year

Self storage investment activity picked up pace during the third quarter of 2025, signaling stronger confidence among both private and institutional buyers. The total value of assets that changed hands reached $1.6 billion, compared to $988 million a year earlier, representing a massive increase of 62%. Over 260 facilities changed hands during the quarter, up 32% from Q3 2024 transactions. The amount of space traded also increased by 44% to 18.4 million square feet.

Downtown street Savannah, Georgia

Top 10 Georgia Counties For Net Migration – And Who’s Moving There

Georgia is one of the nation’s top destinations for movers. In 2023 alone, the state welcomed about 47,000 new residents, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Much of this growth is driven by Millennials and Gen Z, who are arriving in large numbers from states like Florida, Texas, and California.

toddler playing in kitchen

The “Yes Home”: Babyproofing Your House So Your Child Can Explore Freely

Most parents begin the babyproofing journey with the same question: How do I babyproof my home to keep my baby safe without constantly saying no?  As parents, we don’t want to discourage their natural curiosity , their drive to explore and to learn from their environment. However, at the same time, we do need to keep them safe. Traditional advice focuses heavily on restrictions like child locks, barriers, and endless reminders. Necessary, yes, but not the whole story.

interior of pantry with jars on shelves

Pantry Organization Ideas: How to Organize Your Kitchen Pantry To Make Cooking Easier

Pantries have a way of becoming chaotic – it might be that we tend to cram in there all of the things we don’t want to see around the kitchen, or we bulk buy all sorts of ingredients than promptly forget about them. So, if your pantry is overflowing with half-empty cereal boxes, dusty cans of soup, and mystery bags of flour, you’re certainly not alone.

Downtown area city

Car-Optional: Minneapolis And Miami Top The Best Walk & Ride Cities As U.S. Urban Living Gets Reimagined

Today, the most valuable commodity is time, and many U.S. cities are striving to deliver. After decades when sprawling suburbs reigned supreme and downtowns were seen mainly as business districts or tourist stops, urban life is being redefined. Increasingly, convenience means proximity – being close to the essentials that make daily life livable – without relying on a car.

How to Host Thanksgiving For Busy Professionals: Decorating, Cooking and Celebrating

Busy workweek? No problem. Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t require taking days off or compromising your professional commitments. With the right strategy, you can balance career demands while creating a warm, elegant holiday experience.

Self storage facility exterior

How Self Storage Facilities Stay Competitive In A Saturated Market: Self Storage Marketing Ideas For 2026

The U.S. self storage industry has entered a new stage of maturity. With more than 2.1 billion square feet of rentable self storage space nationwide and new facilities opening in nearly every metro, competition is fierce, and smart self storage marketing tactics often make the difference.