When investors, managers, HOA boards, and owners consider ParqEx for their properties, they do their due diligence— and rightfully so! So we thought we’d get the ball rolling for you and provide our Top 10 ParqEx Articles for Real Estate. So for those property owners & property managers seeking to do their homework on ParqEx’s property technology, this article is for you!

1) The Value of ParqEx’s Marketplace

Everyone has experienced the pain and inconvenience of looking for a parking spot. Unfortunately, some of these locations are too costly and inaccessible to people seeking parking. Due to this parking dilemma, urban planning groups continue to carve out real estate. With ParqEx’s Marketplace, users and owners can find or list private parking spaces. In addition, our platform enables non-commercial parking owners to rent their underutilized private parking spaces to transient renters. Real estate entities, builders & developers, and anyone looking for parking: continue reading to understand the Value of ParqEx’s Marketplace and how it can benefit you.

2) The Benefits of Guest Parking using ParqEx GuestParq

Guest parking is a much sought-after amenity, but it has never been an easy task for property owners & managers. It can be a hassle for visitors to find parking, a security nightmare, a headache for residents, and even the cause for wrong vehicles being towed. ParqEx’s GuestParq simplifies the parking process for residents and their guests! So, real estate owners and property managers—are you looking for ways to eliminate unnecessary stress regarding guest parking? Keep on reading!

3) The Convenience of The ParqEx Enforcer App

Effective parking enforcement at properties is necessary for the smooth running of any property operation, tenant satisfaction, and retention. Unfortunately, no matter the type of property, parking security and violations are two of the biggest complaints and hassles for management, residents, and tenants alike. Historically, properties with parking run into unauthorized vehicles resulting in frustrated tenants. Moreover, they also have seen higher crime rates in the parking areas that lack adequate enforcement technology & processes, resulting in frustrated tenants/residents, higher operating costs, and lost revenue. Property Management, enforcement officers, and owners: ParqEx has developed the most complete and simple tool to catch all parking violations, improve security, and stop losing paying customers. Learn more!

4) More Than Just Parking – ParqEx’s Access Control

Gone are the days of using fobs, key cards, keys, guest passes, etc. With its reliable access control system, ParqEx’s Access + Premium Touchless can open any door, from pedestrian doors, main entrances, elevators, meeting rooms, common areas, office sensitive areas, and receptions, with just a few taps of a smartphone. Based on research, we know that accessibility through secure mobile devices is the name of the game. Advancements in technology continue to prove that the future of safe access is in mobile credentials, which we have been pioneering for years. Real-estate owners and investors are looking for ways to future-proof your property’s technology and increase its security; read on.

5) The Advantages of LPR

Technology and artificial intelligence have allowed us to push through boundaries and imagine greater possibilities than ever before. With these advancements, the parking industry has also drastically changed to facilitate parking, prioritize safety, and give property management a sense of security they didn’t know existed. For example, with technological strides in parking management and real estate technology, License Plate Reading (LPR) tech, which uses advanced cameras to read and validate the sequence of numbers and letters on a car’s license plate, has reached a point where it’s being put to use in hundreds of cities nationwide. Property owners & management: if you are seeking ways to heighten your property’s security, learn more about the advantages of ParqEx’s LPR system.

6) Benefits of ParqEx White Label Parking Solutions

Every company is looking for ways to get ahead of its competition while maintaining a high ROI. Consequently, white labeling is a highly desired solution. We provide two options to integrate ParqEx White Label Parking solutions into preexisting apps or technology platforms; punch-out integration or API integration. Punchout integration uses a web view, embedding it into the client’s native mobile app. API integration works in the sense that your platform can call ParqEx API. Options such as live vs. test environments, authentication, and more are available depending on the type of integration. Property owners, read up on all the benefits ParqEx’s White Labeling solution will provide you.

7) The Parking Solution for Builders & Developers

Have you ever renovated a building and been inundated with issues? Of course, the answer is going to be yes. But have you ever remodeled a building and had reoccurring problems revolving around parking at the property? Through our proprietary technology, privately-owned parking spaces that generally sit empty (especially during construction) are quickly unlocked and available for transient renters and parkers. With our technology on-site, there will be an undoubted increase in revenue, drastically improved operations with our IoT technology, and an added sense of security knowing who is on your property at all hours of the day. Builders & developers: read our article on how our property technology can help your job site function smoothly, all while bringing in another revenue stream!

8) The Leading HOA Parking Enforcement Solution

An overwhelming resounding challenge among many HOAs surrounds parking. Two of the biggest hassles for board members are the parking security at the property and many parking violations. But, of course, safety is top-of-mind for any property. So, an ever-increasing trend is that HOAs seek effective parking enforcement solutions to avoid parking violations, frustrated residents, higher operating costs, and a loss in revenue. HOA boards: ParqEx is the leading HOA parking enforcement solution, providing convenient solutions to catch parking violations, increase property security, and end complaints from residents regarding parking enforcement. Learn more & enjoy the article.

9) Advantages of Parking Property Management Software

Managing any property has its fair share of challenges. But, for almost all, generating revenue is the biggest challenge. Thankfully, various property management software is available to help clear these challenges. And to take it even one step further, ParqEx offers parking property management software that eliminates all these challenges. Property management, ParqEx provides comprehensive parking property management software that benefits your management team and tenants. Read on to learn how.

10) Mobile iOS and Android app with License Plate Recognition for Enforcement

LPR technology has revolutionized the parking industry across the board. It has provided a new level of efficiency for parking operators, resulting in cost savings and improving safety concerns that have daunted the parkers forever. Property owners, property management, and HOA boards: read this short article on how ParqEx’s app with license plate recognition for enforcement helps improve your property’s operational efficiency and security.

We hope you enjoyed our Top 10 ParqEx Articles for Real Estate. There is certainly a lot of information jam-packed into these articles. Please book a demo with us so we can address any questions that have arisen & see how we can benefit your property.

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Infographics

Follow this infographic from msn autos for practical information on what it means to be prepared for a cold Chicago winter. These tips are not only preparation for on the road but inside your vehicle as well this season. Be prepared and most of all be safe.

Parking technology has exploded and made one of the most difficult things (parking) a little less hassle-free. Private Parking Technology Platforms like ParqEx provide the opportunity to pre-book available parking prior to arrival. In addition, reserving your spot before you walk out the door. It reduces one avenue of parking woes when making the trek into the heart of winter to battle the beast of Chicago parking.

Finally, please read more for additional tips on driving and parking in Chicago during the winter, and for more information on how our ParqEx app can help you find winter parking in Chicago.

The post Winter Parking In Chicago and Safer Driving Habits appeared first on ParqEx.

We are thrilled to announce the release of the New feature release on the ParqEx app – DASHBOARD. Those of you that use the web app have already seen this huge improvement launched just a few weeks ago. It will roll out for the mobile app next and we know it’s going to make your life even easier!

FEATURING:
• Quick toggle between owner/renter sides
• See latest listings, reservations, & properties
• Notifications and messages previews
• See upcoming and past bookings
• Quick access to monthly statements
• Update your profile easily and quickly
• Manage your entire account
• Convenient help section

The Dashboard is first in a series of new app improvements that we have been working hard on over the past few months. Soon you will see major improvements to the listing and rental processes that we know you will love. We’ll be sure to update you as they become ready.

Take a look at the example screenshot of the owner side of the dashboard below:

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However, finding parking while doing winter holiday shopping is not nearly as fun as the shopping itself, and can sometimes lead to Scrooge-like attitudes toward the whole experience—complete with exclamations of “Bah Humbug!”—whenever shopping is mentioned.

Thankfully, there is a solution to your parking woes, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. The solution is not any sort of holiday magic, but rather a simple company called ParqEx.

So what is ParqEx? It is a peer-to-peer parking solution that is sure to leave you dancing for joy when you realize just how perfect it is.

Imagine, if you will, that you are out doing your gift shopping for the upcoming family gathering. You are in a bit of a hurry because your nephew’s holiday performance is in a few hours, but you know the perfect gift for your aunt just happens to be in a shopping center in the busiest part of town. The nearby parking lots are sure to be full—because everyone else is rushing around to gather gifts of their own—and taking public transportation and walking aren’t great options considering the time crunch you are dealing with. Besides, it’s freezing outside!

Most people would call it quits at this point and grab something less appealing and less perfect for Auntie from the closest pharmacy or box store. After all, is one gift even worth fighting the crowds and stalking shoppers as they leave the store in order to grab their parking spot?

However, you aren’t like most people. You don’t give up because you are armed with ParqEx. You happen to know that a great number of people own private parking spots and private property just down the street from the incredibly busy shopping center you wish to visit, so you know that there is a pretty good chance that ParqEx can help you.

You hop on the handy ParqEx app to check out your options. Lo and behold, you find Susie, who is willing to rent out her spot that happens to be less than a block away from the store you are hoping to get to. You know that you will probably be there in an hour, so you put your arrival time into the app and book it right away. Your payment is made through the app as well, so all you have to do when you get there is park and head inside to get your shopping done.

Clearly, ParqEx is the perfect solution in a situation such as this. Not only will you get your parking spot and have the opportunity to finish up your holiday shopping with plenty of time to make it to your nephew’s performance, you also get the chance to  provide Susie with some extra holiday spending money.

These kinds of win-win scenarios are what ParqEx excels at. Why not sign up and give it a try today? You’ll be able to get your shopping done without the usual parking problems, and you’ll help out a member of your community by providing them with some extra cash during the most wonderful—and most expensive—time of year.

If you are interested in learning more about ParqEx, please have a look around our website or download our app. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn what you need to know in order to get started.

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Understanding The Sharing Economy

When you hear the term “sharing economy” it probably brings to mind some kind of communal living situation. Something that’s halfway between a hippie free-love community, and a kind of off-grid farming town where everyone depends on everyone else to pitch in. That isn’t really what the sharing economy is, though.

So what is it, then? Well, the sharing economy is an umbrella term that typically refers to people being able to rent or borrow assets used by someone else. These kinds of economies are most common when it comes to expensive assets that are prohibitive to own, but which the owners aren’t using all the time.

There are all kinds of sharing economy businesses in today’s world. Uber, for example, brings together people who own a car with people who need a ride. Cars are expensive, but those who own them don’t typically use them all the time. So renting out a car to give someone a lift benefits everyone. The owner gets a fee, and the rider gets the benefit of transportation without the cost of owning and maintaining the car. This can be especially beneficial in big cities, where you have to pay fees just to park your car somewhere.

Cars are just the tip of the ice berg. There are sites that let people turn their homes, or even apartments, into temporary lodging such as Air BNB. Reselling and trading sites like Ebay allow people to buy, sell, and trade objects on a market that didn’t exist before the Internet. People can lend each other money, both on a personal basis, and through sites like Lending Club or Prosper, which can be ideal for those who don’t want to use the traditional banking system.

Profits For Companies, Advantages For Consumers

The sharing economy provides major advantages for consumers, as well as for the providers. Whether it’s ride-sharing, or couch surfing, or sharing office supplies (something that freelancers often do as a way for them to collectively bargain, and share out what they need), everyone gets something they want. The consumers get access to a good or service that they normally wouldn’t, and those who provide the good or service get a fee for providing that access.

But what about the companies? What do they get out of the sharing economy?

Well, the companies get a cut of the action. Every company who builds a sharing economy platform, takes a small percentage of every transaction. They are charging for access to the network that they’ve created, and though the amount of any given transaction is tiny, the cumulative total has been enough to build billion-dollar businesses.

That’s the brilliance of a sharing economy platform from the perspective of a business; they don’t have to physically make something. They’re simply creating a network that brings together people who need something, with people who have that something. Being able to do that for little cost, and without the need to maintain any physical assets like the cars, houses, etc. that are being shared, means that everyone is getting what they want.

For more information on the sharing economy, and how it’s affecting the way we live our lives, simply contact us today!

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If not, now may be the time to start planning. To help you in that process, here are 5 tips you can follow to make sure that you and your vehicle remain safe while preparing your car for winter.

1) Ensure Secure Tread

Adjusting your tires for colder seasons is probably the most obvious step in your preparation. Naturally, you don’t want to drive on tires that are slippery enough to give out or lose control at any sign of icing or snow.

At the very least, your tread should be deep enough to prevent any easy slippage, and your pressure should be at normal levels. A better solution is to put on winter tires, which will be more secure and stable than your typical all-weather alternatives. You may even want to look into chains, depending on your area.

2) Check Your Coolant

Coolant keeps your engine from overheating. But during winter, its antifreeze component also makes sure that the engine doesn’t freeze when it gets icy out. As a result, making sure that your antifreeze levels are where they should be is your second step in winter preparation.

Your car manual should tell you exactly what you can do to check antifreeze levels and add liquid if necessary. If you need it, you can buy antifreeze at any auto supply store in your area.

3) Prepare Your Wipers

Don’t forget about the importance of being able to see clearly when the snow starts coming down. Instead, make sure you’re prepared adequately by installing new wipers that clean your windshield properly and reliably.

In addition, you can also adjust your windshield wiper fluids. You can actually buy liquid specifically designed for colder weather, which includes antifreeze components to ensure you can always use it when the need arises.

4) Ensure Braking Functionality

It’s snowing, you see a red light, and you want to stop. The functionality and health of your brakes will determine whether the result is a routine you go through countless times on your commute, or an accident that could have been easily prevented.

Brakes naturally wear down over time, and the worst time for that to happen is when the road is slippery due to snow and ice. Before we get to that point, check your brakes and replace them if necessary to keep yourself and your vehicle safe through the season.

5) Never Run Empty

At this point, two common themes have emerged: make sure everything about your car is functioning properly, and that the liquids your engine needs to run will not freeze. The final step to ensuring the latter is to make sure that as it starts to get cold, never leave less than a quarter of a tank of gasoline in your car.

Gas won’t freeze nearly as easily as other liquids. But if you have too little, it will begin to form condensation, which impacts the productivity of your engine. Plus, you never know when you might get stuck in snow, and you don’t want to run out of gas when that happens.

In short, preparing your car for winter can be an in-depth process. To stay safe, and avoid weather-related accidents, you need to make sure that your vehicle can handle the cold season.

Don’t forget about your parking opportunities, either. Especially once the snow starts to come, you need to know that you always have a place for your car to stay when you’re not driving. Especially city parking spots can be expensive, of course. For an alternative that allows you to park for affordable prices and keep your car safe and functional during winter, contact us.

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There are so many restaurant connoisseurs out there. They all eat at the best restaurants in every city and usually end up writing reviews. These reviews usually include words like “Confit” to describe chicken, “Tartar” to describe finely chopped meat or fish, or “Amuse Bouche,” meaning “amuse the mouth.”

That’s all fine and dandy, but I have a different style. I’m not going to use big culinary words in this post; I’m simply going to tell you what I’ve tried and what I like. I like to eat things that taste good and I want to tell you about them so you can try them out, too. That’s the purpose of this post. This particular post will focus on restaurants in Chicago’s West Loop.

West Loop Top Grub Spots

1.) Girl & The Goat

Believe the hype; Girl & The Goat is for real. Located on the 800 block of West Randolph Street, Stephanie Izard’s food is nothing short of awesome. Specializing in small plates, Girl & The Goat just feels like a happening place right when you walk in the door. The atmosphere is great, and the food is even better. The service is top-notch  the staff is knowledgeable and the atmosphere is not too pretentious. Plus, the brains behind the operation and Executive Chef, Izard, was born in Chicago. Oh yeah, you can drink wine there, too. 

What I Ordered:

• Soft Shell Chili Crab = so good 
• Wild Striped Bass = unbelievably good 
• Goat Empanadas = you have to get them 

Izard has also opened two other restaurants in the West Loop, Little Goat Diner and Duck Duck Goat. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of the three. 

2.) Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Originating in Memphis, Gus’s is the best spot for fried chicken. Not the best place for a first date (lots of finger licking involved). Hit up Gus’s in the Fulton Market District for some of the best fried chicken you’ve ever had. Gus knows how crispy to make his chicken and he knows how spicy to make his chicken. The crunch to spice ratio is on point and the chicken is just about as juicy as it gets. Oh wait, don’t forget to order the fried pickles. If you like pickles, it’s a no doubter. 

Recap: 

• Gus’s Famous Fried Chicken has earned the right to call itself “famous” 
• Order white or dark meat, they’re both really damn good 
• Fried pickles = better than un-fried pickles 
• I’m not much of a sweets guy, but I’ve heard great things about their homemade pies 

3.) Nonna’s Sandwiches and Sundries

Let me tell ya, Nonna knows how to make a heavenly meatball sub. The Italian beef is really good, too. If you’re ever in the West Loop for lunch and want something fairly quick, Nonna’s is your spot. It’s a little on the pricey side for a sandwich shop ($10-$11 for a sandwich), but you get what you pay for. You won’t leave hungry. My co-worker, Dan, eats about 1-2 Nonna’s meatball subs per week. I’m thinking about adopting a similar routine. 

Postgame Analysis: 

• Great meatball sub
• Excellent lunch spot 
• Very solid Italian beef 

Little tip: get the hot giardiniera on your meatball sub!

4.) Au Cheval

If you’re lucky enough to get into Au Cheval without having to wait hours for a table, don’t pass up on the opportunity; it’s as good a restaurant as advertised. I ordered the double burger with a fried egg and bacon. The bacon was extremely thick and tasty, and the fried egg was an excellent addition to the juicy, perfectly cooked burger. Au Cheval also has a great selection of specialty cocktails. It’s a perfect place for a date or a good time with your pals. Expect to spend some money, especially if you’re planning on drinking. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC4ADeN0IM0

5.) Glazed and Infused (Doughnuts)

Technically not a restaurant, but still food. Good food. Desert. Sorry, my sentences are getting shorter and shorter because I am now drooling. There isn’t much to say about Glazed and Infused except that they make awesome doughnuts. After eating at one of the four spots above, infuse yourself with some glaze-y goodness. Try anything because they’re all good. 

West Loop Parking sucks. So if you are in fact heading down to Chicago’s hottest neighborhood, make sure you rent parking in advance using ParqEx. Simply download the ParqEx app on the App Store or Google Play or sign up on the ParqEx website. ParqEx is a peer to peer parking technology platform. Simply rent parking Chicago or list parking Chicago to make your parking experience a lot easier, and better.

About ParqEx:

ParqEx is a technology company that connects owners of private parking spots to people looking for parking. In urban areas where parking demand is high but available options are scarce or expensive, ParqEx makes additional supply available to the driving public by listing exclusive inventory owned by local residents and businesses.

Using ParqEx, parking owners are able to make some supplemental income from an underutilized asset while renters get access to exclusive inventory in more convenient and hard-to-park locations. The ParqEx support team ensures that the entire process of listing, reserving, parking, and paying is as smooth as possible for all involved.

ParqEx has also developed the revolutionary Access+ Technology. With Access+, residents and approved visitors can open the garage door from their smartphones. Property managers and condo boards can simplify management and improve control of the garage.

Don’t have our parking app yet? Get it now @ParqEx on the App Store and Google Play!

Watch our short video to see the beauty of the ParqEx app!

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Gold Coast Art Festival

Gold Coast Art Festival, located in Grant Park, is considered the “Granddaddy of American art festivals.” June 18 and 19, 2016, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm will be the 59th annual Gold Coast Art Festival. It’s considered one of the top thirty juried art festivals in the United States, with displays from over 300 artists. There will be food, drink, live music, and children’s activities. Go to admire or go to buy. ParqEx can help you find a parking spot nearby, so you don’t have to carry your purchases a mile or more to your car.

Fiestas Puertorriqueñas and Puerto Rican People’s Parade

Fiestas Puertorriqueñas and Puerto Rican People’s Parade is a four day festival of Puerto Rican heritage, from June 16 to June 19, 2016. One of the largest Latino cultural events in the United States, this celebration takes place in Humboldt Park. The 37th anniversary of the Puerto Rican People’s Parade will be along Division Street. In addition to the parade, there will be live music, entertainment, carnival rides, authentic Caribbean cuisine, arts & crafts, dancing, and much more.

Square Roots Music Festival

Square Roots Music Festival is a chance to have a great time and help the community. Money raised by the festival supports Old Town School of Folk Music scholarship programs and Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce farmers markets and concerts. The festival is in Lincoln Square, July 8 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, July 9 from 12 noon to 11:00 pm, and July 10 from 12 noon to 9:00 pm. More than 30 craft beers from local breweries will be available for tasting. There are plenty of activities for those under 21: games and arts & crafts. Musical performances range from indie rock to folk music to jazz.

Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is a four day music festival in Grant Park, running from July 28 to 31. This year’s entertainers include world-famous rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, electronic-eclectic band Major Lazer, pop singer Lana del Rey, rock band Jane’s Addiction, hip-hop band Flatbush Zombies, singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez, indie rock band Frightened Rabbit from Glasgow, Scotland, pop singer Alina Baraz, English folk group Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Norwegian musician Cashmere Cat, English rock band Radiohead, Chicago rapper Towkio, and too many others to list here. In addition to some of the world’s best musicians, there will be an art market, shopping, and photo opportunities. There’s a mini-fest for children where they can have fun. Food comes from some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants, rather than the usual carnival fare. This year is Lollapalooza’s 25th anniversary. Come experience the music and the energy. Let ParqEx help you find parking for all four days.

Chicago Air and Water Festival

The Chicago Air and Water Festival is the largest free festival of its kind. August 20 and 21, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the place to be will be North Avenue Beach. This year will be the 58th anniversary of the Chicago Air and Water Festival, featuring aerial acrobatics, watercraft daredevilry, food, and music. Performers at the festival include US Navy Blue Angels, US Army Golden Knights parachute teams, the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, and the Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue team. From biplanes to jet planes, the Chicago Air and Water Festival has aircraft and stunts to thrill you.

For more information on the best festivals in Chicago, how to get there, and where to park, contact us.

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GasBuddy

GasBuddy is one of the best apps on the market today for travelers who are driving across the country, or across the state. Just input your location or zip code, and the GasBuddy app will tell you who has the lowest gas prices near you.  It will even tell you how far you are from each location as well as their phone number and address.

City Maps 2 Go

This app will help you find your way around Los Angeles, New York City, and any other city you can think of.  Say bye-bye to roaming charges and spotty service, because this app will even let you download thousands of maps for offline use.

ParqEx

If you’re headed to a popular tourist attraction, whether it’s the LA Museum of Art, Shedd’s Aquarium, or Heinz Field, then you know parking is going to be a hassle and a half.  Not with ParqEx, though.  You can reserve a parking spot in advance. That means you are guaranteed to have a parking place when you reach your destination.

By having these three handy apps on your smart phone or other device you can increase the fun of traveling and decrease the headaches.

Contact us and reserve your next parking spot today!

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