UDR Launches Redesigned Website 
RICHMOND, VA (REIT Media) July 9, 2007 - UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR) today announced the launch of several new website features at www.UDR.com that solidify its position as an internet innovator.
"At UDR, we are committed to offering the best online apartment search experience in the industry using a variety of web technologies that simplify online apartment hunting," said Martha Carlin, Executive Vice President, Operations. "We are excited to launch this innovative new website that illustrates UDR's commitment to offer customers the best online apartment search experience in the industry."
UDR's website redesign goal was to be the industry leader in utilizing technology to enhance the overall website experience. Carlin further adds: "The redesigned site's main function is to attract and retain targeted anonymous visitors, convert them to a 'known visitor' and increase the sales lead stream at a very low cost of acquisition."
New customer-centric web technology features found in the redesigned website include:
- Innovative, New Design: The website delivers a unique and unified branded visitor experience using cutting-edge Web 2.0/Ajax design technology.
- Unique Positioning: UDR will become the first major apartment property management company to offer the entire apartment search and online apartment reservation process 100% translated into Spanish, available by late summer. In addition, the UDR.com website now utilizes Americans With Disabilities/Section 508 web design standards to make locating an apartment online easy for visually impaired customers.
- Side-by-Side Apartment & Floorplan Comparison: UDR.com features the ability to compare UDR apartments and floor plans side by side.
- Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feeds on Prices and Incentives: UDR.com is the only major apartment-related website to utilize the growing popularity of RSS feeds. UDR.com visitors can subscribe to receive up-to-date information on prices and incentives.
- Mobile Website Address (http://udrapartments.mobi.com) for Online Apartment Searchers on the Go: Mobile device users can search for a UDR apartment, view photos and floor plans, and contact a UDR apartment sales associate from any mobile device around the world.
- Live "Click-to-Chat" and "Click-to-Call" for Online Sales Support: UDR, Inc.'s website will utilize online, live customer support to help UDR.com visitors locate and reserve an apartment in selected apartment communities.
The new UDR.com website is an evolutionary website that offers the best apartment search experience within the multi-family housing industry while leveraging the best technology to increase leads, lease sales conversions and reduce operating costs. The launch of UDR.com was timed to capitalize on the peak leasing season.
In 2006, UDR's website received over 1.1 million visitors and 645,000 visitors found the website from the major search engines. Over 59% of UDR's website traffic comes from Google, Yahoo and MSN and is forecasted to grow at a 20% annual rate in 2007. 34% of UDR's leases in 2006 were directly attributed to the internet at a cost per lease of $100 versus the cost per lease for non-internet leases of $800. The website enhancements are intended to increase UDR's track record of growing traffic and converting lease sales from the internet.
About UDR, Inc.
UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR) is a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT) with a demonstrated performance history of delivering superior and dependable returns by successfully managing, buying, selling, developing and redeveloping attractive real estate properties in targeted U.S. markets. As of March 31, 2007, UDR owned 70,325 apartment homes and had 872 homes under development and another 1,109 homes under contract for development in its pre-sale program. For over 30 years, UDR has delivered long-term value to shareholders, the best standard of service to residents, and the highest quality experience for associates. An S&P 400 company, UDR is the fourth largest apartment REIT in the nation. Additional information can be found on the Company's website at www.udr.com.
Statements contained in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements, as the term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the Company's use of words such as "expects," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "believes," and similar expressions that do not relate to historical matters. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which can cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, unfavorable changes in the apartment market, changing economic conditions, the impact of competition and competitive pricing, acquisitions or new developments not achieving anticipated results, delays in completing developments and lease-ups on schedule, expectations on job growth, home affordability and demand/supply ratio for multi-family housing, expectations concerning redevelopment activities, expectations on occupancy levels, expectations concerning the Texas joint venture, expectations that automation will help grow net operating income, expectations on post-renovated stabilized annual operating income, exceptions on annualized net operating income, and other risk factors discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of today, based upon information known to management as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any of its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes show that indicated results or events will not be realized.
Source: UDR, Inc.
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Jul.09.2007. 09:00
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