An Interview with Kim Harper-Learn more about AMSI's long term rental housing division from Kim Harper, Manager
Jackson Salamunovich • November 10, 2021
What makes AMSI Unique?
Learn more about AMSI's long term rental housing division from Kim Harper, Manager
As a newer member of the AMSI Team I had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Harper, a long time Manager of AMSI. I wanted to learn more about AMSI's Unfurnished Housing, Leasing, and Property Management programs, and here are a few key takeaways of what Kim had to say about what makes AMSI the one stop shop to take care of any or all of your housing needs:
- More than 50 years of experience in Leasing, Property Management, and Real Estate in San Francisco and The Bay Area, and San Diego.
- AMSI has all the tools. Easy online rental Applications, and an efficient system for running screening reports and vetting rental applicants.
- As members of The San Francisco Apartment Association, California Apartment Association, San Francisco Association of Realtors, Marin Association of Realtors, San Diego Association of Realtors, and Palm Springs Association of Realtors, we have access to the best trade association leases, addendums, and required disclosures covering state and local rental law and ordinances.
- Continuous education with the team and clients on Fair Housing Laws and Local and State rental laws to protect the Landlord.
- Ability to show vacant properties on a moments notice.
- Professional rental property photos and descriptions.
- Immediate follow up with tenant prospects through email, text, phone calls, to convert prospects to appointments, to then convert showings into a closed lease.
- We market to 20+ rental websites, for maximum advertising exposure.
- Licensed Real Estate Agent handling your property with AMSI adhering to all policies and procedures for Leasing and Property Management, as set forth by the California Department of Real Estate.
- Hire the best, quality, experienced rental agent, to protect your most valued asset.
- Hire AMSI with no costs up front, with our fee to be paid only after landlord has approved of qualified applicant.
We know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two and have the resources, knowledge, and experience to handle all of your housing services and needs. With over 50 years in the industry we have been around the block and have helped thousands of people lease their properties and know the ins and outs of the business to take care of your investment.
*Rendering © Bjarke Ingels Group* Updated plans have been released for 35 South Second Street in Downtown San Jose, a mixed-use development designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) . The project, referred to as the Fountain Alley development , is scheduled for review by the San Jose Planning Director and reflects a shift from an earlier office-and-housing proposal to a predominantly residential program. Project Overview The revised plans call for two residential towers, rising 27 and 28 stories , with a total of 768 apartments and ground-floor retail. The development is part of a broader downtown San Jose master plan led by Westbank and Urban Community , which includes multiple residential and mixed-use sites throughout the city. The project will span approximately 831,600 square feet , including residential units, ground-floor retail, and basement parking. Bicycle parking is planned for 417 spaces, with vehicular parking located in a multi-level subterranean garage. Change in Use Earlier versions of the project included a stronger emphasis on office space. The updated proposal reflects a reconfiguration toward residential use, consistent with other recent revisions within the larger Westbank and Urban Community portfolio in downtown San Jose. A related site at 180 Park Avenue began demolition and excavation in 2022, though work was paused due to an archaeological discovery. Recent reporting indicates that plans for that site have also been revised to focus on residential units rather than office development. Design and Site Details BIG is serving as the project architect, with Bionic as the landscape architect. Renderings show residential towers with balconies, integrated landscaping, and a pedestrian-oriented plaza connecting South Second Street with surrounding streets. Exterior materials are expected to include aluminum, terracotta-toned glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, and curtainwall glass. The development site occupies approximately 1.25 acres along South Second Street, between Santa Clara Street and San Fernando Street, near the Bank of Italy Tower. Housing Mix and Affordability The project is proposed to include: 177 studios 413 one-bedroom units 152 two-bedroom units 26 three-bedroom units Approximately 5% of the units will be deed-restricted for very low-income households, utilizing California’s State Density Bonus law . Next Steps The project is scheduled for review at a Planning Director Hearing on Wednesday, December 17 , to be held virtually via Zoom with opportunities for public comment. Read more and see renderings here ➡ SF YIMBY
New data from RentCafe shows rising competition across San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the East Bay, with the region’s expanding artificial intelligence sector , tech hiring, and return-to-office trends contributing to stronger rental demand in 2025. Silicon Valley Leads the Region in Rental Demand Silicon Valley recorded the fastest leasing pace in the Bay Area, with apartments renting in an average of 36 days. Comparatively: San Francisco: 42 days East Bay: 44 days Silicon Valley also had the region’s highest occupancy rate at 95.5% , followed by: San Francisco: 94.6% East Bay: 94.1% Applicant demand reflects a competitive landscape shaped in part by continued AI industry expansion: Silicon Valley: 13 applicants per unit San Francisco: 11 applicants East Bay: 10 applicants Slow Construction and High-Tech Job Growth Intensify Competition Apartment inventory growth remains limited throughout the Bay Area: San Francisco: 1.43% growth East Bay: 1.63% Silicon Valley: 2.45% RentCafe notes that reduced construction activity, combined with strong demand generated by AI startups , machine-learning companies , and major tech employers expanding teams , is contributing to a tighter rental market. More Renters Staying in Place Lease renewal rates increased across the region: Silicon Valley: 56.3% East Bay: 52.6% San Francisco: 49.6% Higher renewal rates mean fewer units entering the market — a pressure point amplified by Bay Area job growth in artificial intelligence , software engineering , and cloud computing sectors . Bay Area Performance in National Rankings RentCafe’s 2025 national report shows: Silicon Valley ranked 13th hottest rental market in the U.S. San Francisco ranked No. 42 , up 23 spots from 2024. East Bay ranked No. 53 , up two spots. San Francisco was also identified as the second fastest-rising rental market nationwide, driven by increasing demand from tech and AI professionals , expanding AI research hubs, and larger in-office presence across major employers. How RentCafe Defines the Bay Area Regions San Francisco Region: San Mateo, Redwood City, San Rafael, Petaluma East Bay: Oakland, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Vacaville Silicon Valley: Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose Read more about the rental demand here!
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