IREM president’s message: Our new reality - Staying ahead of supply chain delays - by Yoany Vargas

Supply chain delays are slowing construction, ratcheting up operating costs, and extending turnover timelines across Greater Boston, directly reducing revenue and increasing the workload for multifamily and commercial property managers. These pressures compound an already difficult operating environment marked by high construction costs, a tight labor market, and a constrained housing pipeline.

Driven by geopolitical conflict, tariff volatility, riding freight and energy costs, and a pre-existing shortage of some materials, property managers are facing longer repair timelines, higher operating expenses, and greater uncertainty when planning both routine maintenance and major capital projects. 

So, what can property managers do to stay ahead of supply chain delays? This may be “preaching to the choir” but some fundamentals bear repeating. 

Relying on a single supplier is no longer viable. Increasingly, property managers are expanding their vendor lists, seeking regional alternatives, and pre-qualifying backup contractors to ensure continuity when delays occur. 

Stocking up on inventory – HVAC components, appliances, flooring, and plumbing fixtures – has become a strategic necessity. Maintaining a reserve of essential items can prevent costly downtime when lead times are unexpectedly delayed.

Flexibility has also become a competitive advantage. Property managers who are open to equivalent materials or alternate product lines can keep projects on track if preferred items aren’t available.

In other words, what used to be backup plans are now standard practice. In a market where supply chain disruptions have become the norm, property managers who diversify vendors and plan ahead are best positioned to maintain operational stability. Supply chain pressures show no signs of easing, making IREM Boston chapter’s role more important than ever. By supporting one another and sharing best practices, we can help ensure that the Greater Boston’s real estate community remains resilient, adaptable, and future-focused.

Yoany Vargas is a senior regional property manager at Housing Management Resources, Inc. and the 2026 president of IREM Boston Metropolitan Chapter No. 4.