Sule Aygoren Carranzais managing editor ofReal Estate Forum and editor of MultiHousing forum, from which this article is excerpted.

Washington, DC—Professionals working in the multifamilyindustry can expect small merit-based pay increases this year.That's one of the findings of the National Multi HousingCouncil's recent National Apartment Survey of Compensation andBenefits Practices. Although strong market conditions are allowingcompanies to give employees raises and helping them reduceturnover, high healthcare costs continue to be a burden.

Turnover is dropping, but still a significant issue forapartment companies. "While it isn't necessarily surprising, itcertainly is noteworthy and something executives and managersshould take note of," comments Elizabeth Feigin Befus, vicepresident of employment policy and special counsel for the locallybased NMHC.