Posted by Haley Keech on 02 March 2026
Building the future: Rising star Haley Keech on next-gen build-to-rent
The build-to-rent (BTR) industry is buzzing with energy right now, and the next generation of leaders is stepping up to shape its future. At IMN, we’re all about bringing these rising stars together to share ideas, tackle challenges, and drive innovation in residential real estate. One of those stars is Haley Keech, Director of Dispositions & Strategy at Roofstock, who’s making waves in the BTR space and will be speaking at the "Next Generation of BTR" roundtable session at our upcoming Build-to-Rent Spring Forum. With her fresh perspective and impressive track record, Haley is someone you’ll want to keep an eye on and we’re thrilled to celebrate her!
A rising star in real estate
Last December, Haley was honored with the Rising Star Award at IMN’s Single Family Rental (SFR) Industry Awards. This recognition is a testament to her hard work, innovative thinking, and impact on the BTR and SFR sectors. Reflecting on the award, Haley shared, “More than anything, it’s affirming that the work is visible and making an impact. I look forward to continued execution and growth with great people.”
One of Haley’s standout achievements is building a bifurcated sales process that allowed simultaneous portfolio and individual MLS sales—something that hadn’t been done in the space before. It wasn’t flashy, but it solved a tough operational problem and unlocked transactions that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes innovation that makes Haley a true rising star.
What’s next for build-to-rent?
Haley is gearing up to lead the "Next Generation of BTR" session at the Build-to-Rent Spring Forum, and she’s bringing her no-nonsense approach to the table. “BTR is at an interesting inflection point right now,” she explained. “I think the most valuable sessions are the ones where people debate the hard questions rather than just validate what everyone already thinks.”
So, what’s on the horizon for BTR in 2026? According to Haley, the big opportunity is scale. There’s still tons of room to grow and professionalize how BTR and SFR assets are bought, sold, and managed. But with growth comes challenges, and the industry is maturing faster than some of the processes and infrastructure around it. “We’re still building the playbook in a lot of ways, which is both exciting and demanding,” Haley said. Her advice? Firms that focus on getting their operations right, not just their capital, will be the ones to watch.
From real estate dreamer to industry leader
For Haley, real estate was always the dream. “Real estate was never really a question for me. I always knew that’s where I wanted to be” she shared. What drew her to BTR and SFR specifically was the fast pace and complexity of the asset class. It’s a space that’s still evolving, and Haley thrives on solving problems that don’t have a clean answer yet. “A lot of what I’ve worked on has involved building processes from scratch, which is challenging but also the part of the job I find most energizing.”
When it comes to leadership, Haley keeps it simple: focus on execution and results. “The goal shouldn’t be to elevate any one group; it should be to always find the best person for the job. Full stop” she said. By creating a culture that prioritizes performance, Haley believes the right people will rise—no matter who they are.
Haley’s advice for women in real estate
Since it’s International Women’s Month, we couldn’t resist asking Haley for her advice to women in real estate and beyond. Her response? Surround yourself with people who push you. “The biggest jumps in my career have come from being part of a team that moves fast, holds a high bar, and doesn’t let you get comfortable,” she said. “Find the people who challenge you to be better and run with them. That environment is everything.”
While Haley is careful not to let her career be defined by her gender, her perspective highlights the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrive based on their abilities and contributions. Her approach to leadership is inspiring, and her advice is a reminder that growth happens when you surround yourself with the right people.
Why you should be excited about the BTR Spring Forum
Haley is just one of the incredible leaders you’ll hear from at our Build-to-Rent Spring Forum. This event is all about connecting, collaborating, and diving into the big questions shaping the future of BTR. Whether you’re building your first BTR project, driving investment strategy, or leading innovation in operations, this is your chance to learn from the best and be part of the conversation.
Haley’s session, "Next Generation of BTR," is designed to spark honest, thought-provoking discussions. It’s not about rehashing the same old industry reports, it’s about debating the hard questions and leaving with fresh insights. If you’re ready to level up your knowledge and connect with rising stars like Haley, this is the event for you.
