HOUSTON, TX - The Texas apartment world just got better. Terri Clifton, President of Better World Properties, LLC announced the formation of the Better World Family of Companies and the merger of Sumar Property Management into the new organization.
With national and international real estate expertise, the Better World Family of Companies is focused on Texas multifamily investment, apartment property management, and redevelopment of conventional Class A, B, and C properties including, student housing, senior living and condominium conversions.
“I love what I do,” said Clifton. “Over the years, I’ve made a lot of money for a lot of people. We’ve put together a team that makes the apartment world even better!” In addition to Better World Properties, the Better World family now includes Better World Holdings, LLC, Better World Consulting and the renowned Sumar organization. Long-time veterans of the multifamily industry head each Better World entity.
“Collectively, we bring apartment life-cycle solutions to multifamily owners, investors and residents - all under one roof. We offer licensed multifamily property management, apartment process and performance consulting, multifamily deal generation, real estate entity structuring, new apartment development, and financing solutions. Bringing it all together under one roof is how we make it a better world,” Clifton said with a smile as big as Texas.
The announcement and merger culminates 100+ years of combined experience in multifamily property management and investment services. Industry leader, Larry Hill, Founder of Sumar Realty, a former Houston Apartment Association president, and HAA Hall of Fame inductee will remain on the Better World Properties’ board of advisors. To view a full list of services, visit the company website at betterworldllc.com
Hill’s background includes national multifamily management and investment as well as office and mixed-use development. For decades, Hill has worked diligently to improve the multifamily industry through the Houston Apartment Association, the Texas Apartment Association and the National Apartment Association. In addition to overseeing 22,000+ units all at one time, he helped The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reposition multifamily assets, organized housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina, and was a long-time owner of the Houston House high-rise apartments.
Said Hill, “Terri is a dynamic leader. I am proud and excited that her organization, Better World Properties, is carrying on the Sumar legacy. I know Terri will make the multifamily industry better.”
Terri Clifton’s story encourages us all to dream big and never give up. “I started with a bean bag and a television set,” she explains. “Nobody has to tell me how hard it is to pay rent.” As a single mom in Texas, far from her native Indiana, Clifton began her career leasing apartments in exchange for rent. She immersed herself in the multifamily industry, worked her way up through the executive ranks, and eventually became a multifamily investor herself. She spent time in asset management and new development touching on all phases of the complete apartment life cycle. Earning her broker’s license, Terri led the way creating a new vision of a Better World in the multifamily industry. Her two partners, Michael Knight and Reuven Bisk were more than happy to join in her vision.
Reuven Bisk, CFO and General Counsel for Better World Properties President of Better World Holdings, has international real estate experience and a unique eye for deal generation, real estate investment and capital formation. Bisk has served as counsel for 40+ public and private, stock, bond, and partnership units and has structured and closed $500M+ in transactions in the corporate, real estate, energy, and leasing sectors.
“Assisting multifamily investors increase value, lower costs and minimize risks is my passion. I love the challenge of finding a better way,” said Michael Knight, Principal of Better World Consulting and Vice President of Operations for Better World Properties. In recognition of his contributions to the service industry, Knight received the 2016 Walter L. Cook Award for Distinguished Service from the Building Service Contractors Association International.
Texas continues to be one of the preferred markets for global apartment investors. The Better World Family of Companies makes it a better world for prudent investors who require boots on the ground to effectively oversee assets and build profitable multifamily portfolios.