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ABODE DECEMBER 2009 The Houston Apartment Association Magazine Happy Holidays! from HAA and the Go-Getters REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE: Pass this issue along to a colleague and help HAA Go Green! CONTENTS ON THE COVER Image by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography December 2009 Looking Back, Looking Forward 32 Good Works – In this season of giving, we celebrate HAA members who give back to the community in personal and powerful ways. 38 So Many Boxes! – Suffering from holiday postal overload? You’re not alone, and you can take action to make things easier for your staff and your residents. 44 Make it Happen – Creating real change in any organization is a process that requires patience, persistence and commitment. 50 Meet the Staff – Learn more about the people who make HAA work for you. Features & Photos 32 30 Photo Album – Scenes from the SOAPS luncheon honoring maintenance and managers in September. 46 Photo Album – Scenes from the HCC Career Night and the Social Media Seminar. 48 HAA @ 50 – Help HAA look back and celebrate a halfcentury of success. 58 Designate of the Month – CAS designate Laura Lestus focuses on building relationships and staying informed about the needs of her customers. 30 Column 7 President’s Corner – Beth Van Winkle reflects on a record-setting year and thanks her fellow members. 9 Legislative Update – Our industry backs candidates in seven runoff elections set for December 12. The Go-Getters wish you and yours a happy holiday season from Greystar’s Alexan Silber. 2009 Go-Getters: Jason Nave, M.J. Featherston, Kenyon Carroll, Bruce McClenny, Craig Lowe, Nikki Micetich, Beverly Norris, David Jones, Natalie Spratt, Jason Lavrack, Maika Amador, Chris Runyon, H.P. Young, Beth Doty, Brooke Steidl, Jessica Kuo, Fernando Gomez, Darla Finol, Mary Estrada, Laura Collins, Jimmie Hotz, Kim Carter, Carina Bryars, Kathy Moriarity, Joanna Romero, Jacob Kunath, Kathy Vandegaer, Debbie Andreozzi, Tracy Thompson, Greg Barbeneaux, Michelle Pahl, Debbie Brueckner, Michelle Rhone, Tony Whitaker, Vicki Summitt, Lydia Conn, Quintina Smith, Alan Jones, Dean O’Kelley, Nichole Curl, Sonny Unverzagt, B.G. Patel, Vernon Lesser, Beth Rohani, Patrick Sheahan, Kevin Fenn, Billy Griffin, Andrea Winans, Beth Van Winkle, Theresa Lamar, Anita Harrison, Barbara Brett, Mindy Price, Lisa Grimes, Kelly Treichel, Mark Park, Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks, Nora Krakower, Cesar Lima, Bob Pisaturo, Nichole Williams, Angie Lavrack and Mary Segovia Departments 8 19 20 25 60 61 62 64 65 70 72 74 75 76 PATRON EDUCATION CALENDARS REGISTRATION GO-GETTERS WELCOME MAT AMBASSADORS PROPERTY UPDATE IN THE NEWS OWNER RESOURCES SUPPLIER RESOURCES ADVERTISERS INDEX MARKET LINE BACK PAGE 11 It’s The Law – Now that the city of Houston has adopted the state-mandated habitability ordinance, ‘Inspector Claus’ is coming to town. We welcome your comments and letters. 14 Resident Relations – Be sure to document charges for cleaning and repairs needed after move-out. 17 TAA Update – TAA has updated its addendum to clarify the terms of rent discounts. 26 NAA Industry Update – NMHC addresses senators with the case for shoring up the economy and credit markets in order to meet future housing demands. 28 Media Roundup – Help your residents be festive and safe through this holiday season. Write to us at: HAA Communications Dept. 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041 or fax to: 281-582-1506. Or send us an e-mail at: comm@haaonline.org. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 3 OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP BETH VAN WINKLE PRESIDENT DAVID JONES PRESIDENT-ELECT KIM SMALL VICE PRESIDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL SPONSOR MEMBERS John Ridgway, Immediate Past President Josh Allen Brian Austin Gene Blevins Jeff Blevins Kyle Brown Roger Camp Kathy Clem Ernest Etuk John Fedorko Kevin Fenn Paula Forshee Darlene Guidry Alison Hall David Hargrove Larry Hill Barby Lake Theresa Lamar Dick LaMarche Cesar Lima Etan Mirwis Michelle Bridges-Pahl Velissa Parmer Jackie Rhone Kelly Scott Trey Stone Eileen Subinsky Vicki Summitt Sal Thomas Suan Tinsley Starla Turnbo Vic Vacek Jr. Debbie Webre Tony Whitaker Jerold Winograd Michelle Ybarra OFFICERS Vicki Summitt, CAS, President Direct Energy Jeff Blevins, CAS, Vice President Camp Construction Services Michelle Bridges-Pahl, CAS, Secretary Century A/C Supply Kevin Fenn, CAS, Treasurer Pavecon Tony Whitaker, Immediate Past President FSI Construction 1968 Reliant Energy DIRECTORS EMERITUS JENIFER PANERAL SECRETARY MACK ARMSTRONG TREASURER Gary Blumberg Al Bradley Jack Dinerstein Billy Griffin Jenard Gross Hap Hunnicutt Stacy Hunt Mike Koch Nora Krakower Tim Myers John Moore P. David Onanian Stephen Sweet Kirk Tate H. J. Tollett Jr. Patrick J. Tollett MEMBERS Peggy Charles Taylor Contracting & Roofing Arrie Colca, CASE Craven Carpet Laura Collins, CAS Classic Touch Painting Mary Estrada Certified Recovery Systems Inc. Michael Flores Higher Standard Construction James Gregory Redi Carpet Sales Lisa Grimes D&C Contracting Jimmie Hotz, CAS HD Supply Deona James, CAS Resident Data Alan Jones, CASE ICI Paints Stephanie Krop, CAS Direct Energy Susan Lee, CAS Craven Carpet James Lenhardt Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Carol Marple, CAS For Rent Media Solutions Robert McDaniel, CAS FSI Construction Brenda Nite J&L Distributors Dean O’Kelley, CAS The Liberty Group Mark Park, CAS AAA Plumbers Mindy Price BG Personnel Services Beth Rohani, CAS Ameritex Movers Nichole Williams, CAS Apartment Guide Andrea Winans Bishop’s Office Needs Joe Bax GENERAL COUNSEL JEFF HALL, CAE EXECUTIVE VP 4 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE 1977 M&M Lighting Inc. 1978 The Liberty Group 1980 Great American Business Products Penco Construction Co. Marvin Poer & Co. 1981 Hoover Slovacek LLP 1982 Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects Inc. 1983 Webb Pest Control Cort Furniture Rental 1984 Brady, Chapman, Holland & Assoc. 1985 Gemstar Construction & Development Inc. Golden Greek Carpets Inc. 1987 For Rent Media Solutions Houston Metro Electrical Corp. Namco Manufacturing Co. Inc. 1988 AmRent Big Z Lumber Company HCI Building Group Redi Carpet Sales Sherwin Williams Company 1991 Apartment Data Services Century A/C Supply 1992 Alexander-Rose Assoc. Inc. 1993 Comcast 1997 Paramount Insurance Repair Service RENCON 1998 AAA Staffing Ltd. 2001 Pura Flo Corporation Renovation Services Inc. 2002 Gexa Energy Southwest Painting Contractors Inc. Wilmar Industries Inc. GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS HOWARD BOOKSTAFF 1976 Mueller Water Conditioning HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS PATRON MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Nora Krakower Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Del Walmsley Nancé Wells Jeanne Marie Zublin 1980 Coinmach Texas Apartment Locators 1982 BFI Waste Services of Texas/ Allied Waste 1983 Royal Plumbing Supply 1994 AAA Plumbers Presto Maintenance Supply Whirlpool Corp. 1996 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1997 Apartment Guide 2003 Dixie Carpet Installations MAB Flooring Inc. 2009 Camp Construction Services 2003 Capitol Welding & Construction Sign-Ups & Banners Corp. Southern Wrecker Utility Advantage of Texas 2004 Assessment Advisors Embark – The Tree Specialists Ygnition Networks 2005 Classic Touch Painting First Advantage SafeRent Inc. Lone Star Roofing of Texas Regal General Contractors Inc. United Protective Services 2006 Bell’s Laundries N.D. Chandler Mechanical CAD Restoration Services LLC DoodyCalls First Co. Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Masonry Solutions Inc. Parking Management Company Quantum Fitness Corp. Roto-Rooter Services Co. Texas Contract Floors Inc. USA Decon Valet Waste 2007 American Sports & Concrete LLC Builders Granite & Tile Inc. Choice Corporate Housing Inc. D&C Contracting The Mad Hatter of Corpus Christi Inc. Merit Parking Company Premier Carpet Cleaning SLM Construction Services Site Reconstruction LLC Suntrust Real Estate Corporation Veritas Services 2008 AMS Restoration Services Inc. Accent Coat Refinishing Accounting & Reporting Enterprises Atlas 1031 Exchange LLC Blue Bay Construction Cotton of Houston M.L. Deer Construction Co. LP Elite Apartment Services Inc. Fire Restoration Inc. Flavor Finish Resurfacing Harco Insurance Services Holden Roofing Hou-Tex Paving Company LLC In-Ex Designs The Master’s Roofing Construction Contractors Med Security Inc. Media Nation Nationwide Investigations & Security Services Inc. SEALS...Sales Experts & Leasing Specialist Texas Turf Management USI Energy Inc. Vincent’s Roofing Inc. 2009 ABM Security Services ARS/Rescue Rooter Admired Exteriors American Concrete Flooring Solutions American Services Arrow Towing Asset Management & Billing Services Bio-Techs Blackwell & Sons Construction LLC Bulls Eye Storage Carpet Giant Contractors Inc. Cornell & Pardue DK Distributors dba dPi Energy Energy Waterproofing & Roofing Systems FITT Telecommunications Inc. Heavenly Works Construction LLC Historic & Commercial PS LLC ICO Uniforms IES Residential Stephen Kiser Public Adjuster Kustom Ohio Inc. Legato Construction Services Manley Lawn & Landscape Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services Merchandising Masters Interiors Metro Mini Storage Inc. Moen Inc. Moon Shepherd Baker Insurance Morrison & Morrison Orange Sun Builders & Development Rafail Insurance Group Service Response Team Inc. Southern American Insurance Agency Inc. Terrace Views Triumph Parking Lot Maintenance Inc. Western Restoration Services AFFILIATES ABODE DECEMBER 2009 VOLUME 32, ISSUE 12 Executive Vice President and Publisher JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Managing Editor RACHEL ZOCH rzoch@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Director of Supplier Services AMANDA SHERBONDY asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Events and Meetings CARA JOHNSON, CMP cjohnson@haaonline.org Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP ehilton@haaonline.org Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE ateas@haaonline.org Controller NANCY LI LO, CPA nlo@haaonline.org Director of Facility Services LANA SHILLER lshiller@haaonline.org Director of Form Sales FRANCES TORRES ftorres@haaonline.org Director of Information Technology MARY PARKHOUSE, CAE mparkhouse@haaonline.org Director of Member Services LISA BUTLER lbutler@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Education and Meetings Manager KIRSTEN DEAGEN kdeagen@haaonline.org Public Affairs Specialist AIMEE BERTRAND ARRINGTON aarrington@haaonline.org Resident Credit Reporting Manager LUISA AREVALO larevalo@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE Program & Budget Committee Nominating Committee National Liaison State Liaison Ethics Committee Investment Committee Strategic Planning Committee Owners Committee Leadership Development Task Force Fair Housing Committee Legislative Committee HAA Better Government Fund Century Club Developers Committee Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Product Service Council Community Relations Committee Community Outreach Committee Media Relations Committee Resident Relations Committee Resident Relations Committee A Resident Relations Committee B Membership Committee Ambassador Club Go-Getter Club Membership Campaign IROC Committee Education Advisory Council Career and Community Development SOAPS Committee Golf Tournament Committee RCR Advisory Task Force HAF Fund-raiser 2009 Education Conference & Expo 2009 Expo Exhibitor Committee Online Advisory Committee CHAIR DAVID JONES JOHN RIDGWAY DAVID HARGROVE JERRY WINOGRAD EILEEN SUBINSKY TREY STONE BETH VAN WINKLE STACY HUNT JERRY WINOGRAD PAT TOLLETT DAVID JONES STACY HUNT KEVIN FENN BRIAN AUSTIN LARRY HILL VICKIE SUMMITT KYLE BROWN KATHY CLEM MACK ARMSTRONG DARLENE GUIDRY SANDRA HAZELWOOD STACI MCMILLAN KIM SMALL PEGGY CHARLES/LAURA COLLINS BILLY GRIFFIN/GLORIA HANEY VARIOUS CAPTAINS RON AST JENIFER PANERAL LASHAUNE TISDALE MICHELLE GATES ROGER CAMP JENIFER PANERAL DEBBIE SULZER/MINDY PRICE JENIFER PANERAL JEFF BLEVINS JULIE MARIE IRVIN STAFF ADVISOR JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL ANDY TEAS/JEFF HALL ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS SUSAN HINKLEY SUSAN HINKLEY AIMEE ARRINGTON/JEFF HALL AIMEE ARRINGTON MATILDE LUNA MATILDE LUNA MATILDE LUNA LISA BUTLER LISA BUTLER LISA BUTLER LISA BUTLER EMILY HILTON EMILY HILTON EMILY HILTON KIRSTEN DEAGEN CARA JOHNSON CARA JOHNSON CARA JOHNSON CARA JOHNSON AMANDA SHERBONDY WILL ALFARO HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MISSION AND VISION HAA is the leading advocate, resource and community partner for quality rental housing providers in the Houston and surrounding area. HAA is a highly visible and proactive organization which: • Offers on-demand resources using cutting edge technology • Cultivates active, diverse membership and community partnerships • Provides wide-ranging legislative and media advocacy • Promotes career and workforce development through innovative education Visit HAA Online at www.haaonline.org ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION. Serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties. ABODE, DECEMBER 2009, VOLUME 32, ISSUE 12 ABODE (USPS 024-962) is published monthly by the Houston Multi Housing Corporation. Publishing, editorial and advertising offices are located at 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Telephone 713-595-0300. The $50 annual ABODE subscription rate is included in all member dues and additional subscriptions are available. The annual subscription rate is $50 for members, $65 for non-members. Advertising rates are available upon request. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Houston Apartment Association. Copyright © 2009 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 5 The The Houston Houston Apartment Apartment Association Association cordially cordially invites invites you you to to witness witness and and celebrate celebrate the the installation installation of the 2010 President, Officers, Board of Directors andand Product Service Council Officers and to of the 2009 President, Officers, Board of Directors Product Service Council Officers toast the first celebration of HAA’s 50th Anniversary year Installation NewYear &Gala2010 2009 Event Sponsors: Friday, January 22 Hilton Americas - Houston 1600 Lamar, Ballroom of the Americas Cocktail Reception at 7 p.m. Dinner at 8 p.m. Dancing from 9 p.m. to Midnight Music by Password $75/person, $750/table of ten with company name by January 11 $95/person, $950/table of ten with company name after January 11 Black Tie Optional American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted in person, over the phone and by fax. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less a $10 administrative fee. All no-shows will be billed. For reservations and information, contact the Education & Meetings Department at 713-595-0300, educ@haaonline.org or online at www.haaonline.org. AAA Plumbers Apartments.com Apartment Data Services Apartment Finder Apartment Guide Century A/C Supply Classic Touch Painting CORT Furniture Rental Craven Carpet Dixie Carpet Installations FSI Construction For Rent Media Solutions Hardman Signs Hire Priority Staffing/Executive Search Houston Pest J&L Distributors MAB Flooring Prevenient Cleaning Solutions Resident Data TPI Inc. TXU Energy Taylor Contracting & Roofing Tenify Ygnition Networks Keepsake Photo Sponsors: Ameristar Screen & Glass Camp Construction Services Crestmark Construction CORT Furniture Rental Champagne Toast Sponsors: Direct Energy For Rent Media Solutions PRESIDENT’S CORNER By BETH VAN WINKLE, CAM, CAPS, CPM, 2009 HAA President Looking Back HAA President Beth Van Winkle reflects on a record-setting year and thanks her fellow association members for their contributions. Here we share the text of the speech Beth Van Winkle delivered at the Annual Business Meeting in November. A t my inauguration as your president in January, I challenged each of you and this association to find a way to serve – to make a difference – while everyone else was hunkered down across the country. It was very quiet during my remarks, so obviously you not only heard my request, you honored it. For that I am grateful, and I applaud you. We – YOU – made an incredible difference this year. We had a record-setting year in 2009! Look at what you’ve accomplished: • The Industry Achievement Awards Dinner broke all records with the most nominations ever at 172 and the most attendees ever at 829. In fact, it was the biggest general meeting in HAA history! • The Chili cook-off attendance hit 2,700, which is the second-best year ever. • Our supplier members really stepped up for us this year, providing close to $263,000 at sponsorship auctions. In total, they’ve supported us by spending more than $1.2 million this year! Additionally, the first-ever supplier member team was formed for the Membership Campaign, and that group recruited 33 new members. Thank you all. • Our Membership Campaign also exceeded our goals this year. We welcomed 225 new members as of October 1. See PRESIDENT, Page 41 ABODE DECEMBER 2009 7 PATRON OF THE MONTH DECEMBER’S PATRON These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their patron membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business. 8 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Houston Planned Energy Systems Royal Plumbing Supply HAA Member since 1978 HAA Member since 1969 Republic Services MAB Flooring Inc. HAA Member since 1982 HAA Member since 1998 Presto Maintenance Supply AAA Plumbers HAA Member since 1983 HAA Member since 1984 Coinmach Whirlpool Corporation HAA Member since 1961 HAA Member since 1966 Texas Apartment Locators Dixie Carpet Installations HAA Member since 1974 HAA Member since 1987 Camp Construction Services Apartment Guide HAA Member since 1994 HAA Member since 1979 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE By DAVID JONES, CPM, HAA Legislative Committee Chair with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs Runoff Election Houston’s apartment industry backs candidates in seven runoff elections set for December 12. Make sure you take the time to vote early, or on Saturday, December 12. H as there ever been a major city election with so few voters and so many candidates? Houston voters went to the polls last month to choose among four serious candidates for mayor, and the candidate who led in all the pre-election polls didn’t even make the runoff. Councilman Peter Brown, who spent more than $3 million – the most of any candidate this year – finished third, barely ahead of conservative Roy Morales, who spent practically nothing. City Controller Annise Parker finished first, with former City Attorney Gene Locke a close second. Locke is backed by the Houston Apartment Association Better Government Fund and by nearly every other major business group, the firefighters and the largest police officers’ organization, but he faces a tremendous challenge against Parker, who has won six citywide elections in a row as an at-large City Council member and City Controller. For the City Controller post, which Parker is leaving due to term limits, the HAABGF is backing City Councilman Ron Green. Green has been a strong voice for fiscal control and effective city management in his term on the council. In other at-large seats, the HAABGF is backing Steve Costello, an engineer who would bring badly needed infrastructure design experience to a City Council that spends billions on infrastructure projects. We’re also supporting Sue Lovell, who barely missed being re-elected outright. She faces a runoff with a perennial candidate and should be re-elected easily. Jolanda Jones, held to just 42 percent in a four-way race, may have a tougher time but should prevail. In Spring Branch’s District A, the HAABGF is backing Brenda Stardig, a longtime community leader. In District F, we’re supporting attorney Mike Laster, who has been a tireless worker in the Alief and Sharpstown communities. Only about 180,000 Houstonians voted last month – down by almost half from our last contested mayoral election, and turnout for this month’s runoff is expected to be even lower. Make sure you take time to vote early, or on Saturday, December 12. We hope you’ll consider supporting the candidates who support our industry. But the current lineup of city officials remains active. Even as voters choose new leaders for our city, the current City Council voted last month on three new ordinances affecting the apartment industry. APARTMENT INSPECTIONS As originally proposed, the new property inspection and habitability ordinance prescribed teams of inspectors looking at a long list of possible offenses – major and otherwise – in common areas and in residents’ units, with or without their permission. Apartment industry representatives and HAA staff worked with city leaders for several years to create a program we thought would be focused enough to be effective but broad enough to satisfy city concerns that problem properties wouldn’t fall through the cracks. As passed, the property inspection ordinance is basically as follows: • Every multifamily property in the city of three units or more has to register with the city. Registration is free and replaces the registration previously required for properties of 10 or more units under the crime ordinance. Single-family and condominium rental properties are not included in this ordinance. Reregistration of properties must be completed by January 31. As with the previous registration program, the city – in accepting a property’s registration – acknowledges that all of the property’s employees have given the owner’s contact information to the city according to the state law protecting property employees from being personally cited for code violations. • Every property will be inspected for compliance with items on a specific checklist (online at www.haaonline.org) that contains fairly basic safety items. Inspectors cannot search individual units except upon the written request of a resident. A list of all properties in Houston will be followed, starting with properties that never received life safety inspections, then properties with a history of complaints, then continuing to the end of the list. • A fee of $4 per unit, with a $100 minimum (plus a $10 administrative fee per property) is required each time the property is inspected, which cannot be more often than every four years unless citations have been issued. • The Fire Department’s inspection program, with an emphasis on attic draft stops, will continue as is, but the Neighborhood Protection Corps will no longer have See LEGISLATIVE, Page 67 ABODE DECEMBER 2009 9 IT’S THE LAW By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel Better Watch Out Now that the City of Houston has adopted its state-mandated habitability ordinance, ‘Inspector Claus’ is coming to town! The inspection program applies to apartment buildings of three or more units and requires city inspectors to regularly inspect every such building in the city limits on a regular basis. I n its last session, the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring the City of Houston to adopt an ordinance establishing minimum habitability standards for multifamily rental buildings of three or more units. On November 4, the City of Houston answered the call, adopting a habitability ordinance that provides a program for the inspection of multifamily rental buildings to determine whether the buildings meet the city’s existing habitability standards. As mandated by state statute, the inspection program applies to apartment buildings of three or more units and requires city inspectors to regularly inspect every such building in the city limits on a regular basis. Let’s take a look at what will be required of apartment owners and managers under the new habitability ordinance. I THOUGHT THE CITY ALREADY HAD AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE. WHY IS THE ORDINANCE NECESSARY? It is true that many city departments conduct inspections at multifamily rental buildings; however, the inspections are reactive to a complaint or other triggering incident. The city believed that structural issues are not always readily apparent to the general population and so can go unreported. Also, the city believed that residents are sometimes hesitant to report problems for fear of reprisal. Early intervention with a proactive inspection program for basic life safety compliance can identify problems early and initiate corrective action, preventing the need for more significant corrective actions. While the new program will not replace these types of reactive inspections, the goal is to ensure that all properties are inspected periodically to meet city code. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING REQUIRED OF A PROPERTY UNDER THE ORDINANCE? By January 31, all owners of buildings with three units or more are required to register under the ordinance. The city is required to circulate a form for registration, scheduled to be online as of December 1, which will require: INSPECTOR CLAUS (To the tune of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”) You better watch out You better not cry You better not pout I’m telling you why Inspector Claus is coming to town. He’s making a list And checking each light Gonna make sure if your building’s all right Inspector Claus is coming to town. He sees if pipes are leaking He knows if there’s a break He knows if plumbing has been bad or good So check it for goodness’ sake! Oh, you better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, I’m telling you why Inspector Claus is coming to town. He sees if you need sweeping He knows if there is trash You tell him it is Christmas Eve And your residents threw a bash. Oh you better watch out You better not cry You better not pout I’m telling you why Inspector Claus is coming to town. 1. The physical address of the building; 2. The account number assigned by the appraisal district to the tract in which the building is located; 3. The number of buildings on the tract; 4. The number of units in each building; 5. A brief description of the intended use of the building (i.e. residential building, boiler room, laundry room, club house, garage, etc.); ABODE DECEMBER 2009 11 IT’S THE LAW All owners will be required to register initially under the habitability ordinance but then will not have to worry about any further registration under the crime ordinance. 6. The project number appearing on the face of the Certificate of Occupancy or the Life Safety Compliance Certificate issued by the city; and 7. The name, mailing address, physical address, telephone number and e-mail address (if applicable) of the owner of the building (if there are multiple owners, the information of at least one owner is required). I ALREADY HAD TO REGISTER UNDER THE CITY’S CRIME ORDINANCE. DO I HAVE TO REGISTER UNDER BOTH THE CRIME ORDINANCE AND THE HABITABILITY ORDINANCE? The ordinance provides that registration under the habitability ordinance constitutes registration under the crime ordinance. In other words, all owners will be required to register initially under the habitability ordinance but then will not have to worry about any further registration under the crime ordinance. This was necessary because the city requires information under the habitability ordinance that was not already included in registration under the crime ordinance. WHAT ARE INSPECTORS LOOKING FOR WHEN THEY COME TO AN APARTMENT BUILDING? The ordinance provides that the inspectors will determine whether the owner has complied with habitability standards established by various provisions of the city code of ordinances. In addition, the ordinance requires compliance with the fire code, the life safety 12 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE appendix, the ordinance pertaining to the numbering of buildings, codes relating to swimming pools and the Texas Property Code relating to security devices. A specific list of items which will be inspected is currently available on the HAA blog site at haaonline.files. wordpress.com/2009/11/checklist-draft-10-12-093.doc. It is a good idea for each owner to go through the list to determine whether there will be problems when the community is inspected by the city. DOES THE ORDINANCE REQUIRE THE POSTING OF DOCUMENTS? Yes. An owner must at all times post a valid Certificate of Occupancy or Life Safety Compliance Certificate and a notice to all residents legibly typed or printed in a font 28 points or larger, in both English and Spanish, the substance of which must state: “IF ANY CONDITION of this building CREATES A HAZARD to human safety or health, REPORT THE CONDITION to the building’s manager or owner. You also may report the condition to the City of Houston by calling the City’s Service Helpline at 311.” The documents must be posted either as provided by the Building Code or by posting an accurate copy of the document in a manner reasonably protected from weather and in a place conspicuous to ordinary residents no more than five feet from each mailbox facility, or if no such facility exists, in some other place equally conspicuous to ordinary residents of the building. WHEN WILL MY PROPERTY BE INSPECTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE? The ordinance requires the building official to compile a list of the city’s multifamily rental buildings in numerical order, according to the following priorities: 1. First, buildings that are not registered under the habitability ordinance; 2. Second, buildings whose owners have not obtained a Certificate of Occupancy or Life Safety Compliance Certificate as required by the Building Code; 3. Third, buildings that were subject to one or more citations issued during 2009 for violations of the Building Code; and 4. Fourth, all other buildings. Within the four groups, buildings will be ordered in a manner reasonably consistent with their respective dates of construction, older buildings first. When a building will be inspected is unknown; however, the ordinance requires the building official to provide at least 45 days’ notice to an owner stating the first day of 30 consecutive days when the building will be inspected. Additionally, the list of buildings to be inspected and maintained by the building official is available for public view in the office of the City Secretary or on the city’s website at least 45 days before the inspection is to be conducted. ONCE A BUILDING IS INSPECTED, WHEN WILL IT BE REINSPECTED? When all buildings on the city’s list have been inspected, the building official will reinspect the buildings in the order the buildings appear on the list, repeating the inspection cycle ad infinitum, except that the building official will omit from the thencurrent reinspection cycle any building that, during the preceding four years: 1. has been inspected at least once pursuant to the program; 2. has not been the subject of a “notice of violation” within the meaning of the Building Code; and 3. has not been the subject of a citation alleging a violation of the Building Code or the habitability standards of the Code of Ordinances. In other words, it may be anywhere from four to eight years between inspections, depending upon where the building falls on the city’s list. See LAW, Page 18 ABODE DECEMBER 2009 13 RESIDENT RELATIONS From the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEES Clean Up This Mess Be sure to document charges for cleaning and repairs needed after residents move out. T wo residents filed complaints with HAA to dispute cleaning charges and to seek security deposit refunds. Both complaints involved significant carpet charges and clean-up costs. MEETING THE RESIDENT HALFWAY The resident filed a complaint with HAA to dispute charges. The resident stated she lived in the apartment for one year and believed the charges were not justified. Management responded to HAA with an explanation that the resident lived in the apartment for one year. Upon moving out, she was charged for cleaning the unit, which was left dirty; painting; having the carpet cleaned, patched, repaired and dyed; a missing fire extinguisher; and for water, trash and an administrative fee. The resident contacted the regional manager to dispute the charges. After reviewing the pictures taken by the manager at the 14 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE time of move out, the regional manager agreed to revise the deposit disposition. The resident agreed to pay a charge of $200 for the carpet repairs, paint, cleaning and water, sewer, trash and administrative fee for April and May. The resident was left with a refund of $69.96. Management believed the resident was charged accordingly. Enclosed were copies of the lease, application, move-out condition form, notice to vacate and moveout statement. Pictures were also provided. The committee decided in favor of management: The charges were justified, and the revised deposit disposition should stand with a refund to the resident of $69.96. The resident may wish to pursue this complaint in small claims court. RESIDENT’S DOCUMENTS HELP HER Another resident filed a complaint with HAA to dispute charges, stating that she was very busy and hired a contractor to clean her apartment. Enclosed were copies of the lease and deposit disposition and photos. Management responded to HAA with an explanation that management had agreed to accept the resident’s 30-day notice to vacate without penalties and believed that the resident was charged according to the terms of the lease. Enclosed were copies of of the lease, application and deposit disposition. The committee noted that the resident lived on the property for one year and six months, so the full paint charge of $184 and the carpet shampoo of $35 should be removed because those charges would be considered normal wear and tear. The water charge of $62.38 should also be removed because the resident provided a cancelled check as proof that amount was paid. After these adjustments, the resident owes the property $80 and may wish to pursue this complaint in small claims court. t ’ n o D . . . a t s e Si Fiesta! Grab your sombrero and join us for a Sponsorship Fiesta! You’ll have a chance to grab a HOT sponsorship and a cool margarita! Spice up your company outreach by sponsoring the Industry Achievement Awards, Volleyball, Bowling, 2010 Expo, Dinerstein Golf Tournament, ACES Programs (formerly SOAPS) and numerous educational seminars and events! Sponsorship Auction Wednesday, January 27 Registration at 3 p.m. Live Auction begins 3:45 p.m. You won’t have to go south of the border! Come to the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center upstairs from the HAA office, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. off Clay Road just east of Beltway 8. New Suppliers: Come early for Auction 101. An orientation for new suppliers. Learn how the auction process works and learn more about the events for sale. Begins at 2:30 p.m. The event is free for supplier members. Please R.S.V.P. to Amanda Sherbondy. Contact Amanda at 713-595-0316, e-mail asherbondy@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org online. 16 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE STATE UPDATE From the TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION Concession Revisions TAA has updated its lease addendum to clarify the terms of rent discounts. D epending on the market, some rental owners may offer rent concessions or rent discounts from time to time as a way to make their lease offer to a prospective resident more attractive than that of their competitors. The basic concept of a rent concession or rent discount is that an owner offers a prospective resident a discount off of the market rent of the property – the rate at which you would rent the unit at the time the prospective resident looks at the property. In exchange, the resident agrees to rent the unit at your property and fulfill the obligations of the entire lease contract term or to repay any concessions or discounts that the resident received if the resident does not satisfy the obligations of the entire term. Generally, there are two basic ways for you to provide a rent concession or rent discount, although there are not any formal requirements governing them. The most common type of rent concession offers a resident a partial- or full-month rent discount in exchange for satisfying the entire lease term. This rent concession is typically made to the resident’s first or second month rent payment and is a reduction of the market rent rate listed in Paragraph 6 of the TAA Lease Contract. The other common type of rent concession offers a resident a discount of the monthly rent payment spread out over the full lease term in exchange for fulfilling the entire lease term. CHANGES TO TAA ADDENDUM In response to concerns raised during this past legislative session, TAA has revised its Lease Addendum for Rent Concession or Other Rent Discount. The revised addendum is available through TAA’s lease forms software and Redbook Online. Two clarifying changes have been made to the addendum: First, the addendum makes it clear that any rent concession or discount must be based on actual market rent, which should be listed in Paragraph 6 of the TAA Lease Contract. Although using market rent as the basis for a rent concession or discount has long been the recommended practice, the revised addendum explicitly states the requirement. The parties will also acknowledge in the addendum that market rent is a fair represen- tation of what the specific unit would rent for at the time the lease contract was negotiated and signed and reflects the rent for similar dwelling at comparable properties. Second, the addendum clarifies that if the resident moves out early, in violation of the lease contract, then the rent concession addendum is immediately terminated. If this • Is the market-rate rent for this unit accurate? • Is the discount or concession I am offering an actual, true discount off of the market rate for the unit? • Can I show evidence of the actual market rate for the unit at the time the lease agreement was signed? First, the addendum makes it clear that any rent concession or discount must be based on actual market rent. Second, the addendum clarifies that if the resident moves out early, in violation of the Lease Contract, then the rent concession addendum is immediately terminated. situation occurs, the resident has two options: 1. The resident can satisfy all of his or her rent obligations under the lease contract by immediately paying the owner for all remaining months of rent owed until the end of the lease term. Rent owed would be based on rent stated in Paragraph 6 of the TAA Lease Contract for one-time rent concessions or based on rent stated in the addendum for a monthly discount; or 2. The resident would be required to immediately repay the owner for all rent concessions or discounts that he or she actually received for the months he or she resided in the unit, plus all other sums due under the lease contract for a lease violation. The rent concession addendum should only be used at the time you and the resident sign the lease contract, along with any other lease addenda. As with any business practice, it is essential that you use good sense and act reasonably when entering into rent concession agreements with a resident. If your unit rent rate before offering the concession or discount (the amount listed in Paragraph 6 of the TAA Lease Contract) is not the market rental rate, you may be exposing yourself and your company to claims of misrepresentation or fraud. As an industry, it is extremely important that owners and managers carefully consider each business practice that they use, making sure that it not only complies with the law but also is fair and reasonable. TAA WELCOMES EMMITT SMITH AS OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER TAA is proud to welcome football legend and Dancing with the Stars champion Emmitt Smith as the keynote speaker at the 2010 Education Conference & Lone Star Expo, April 22-24 at the George R. Brown Convention Center and Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston. For more informtain and to register, visit www.taa.org. NEED FORMS or CLICKS? Call us today! Contact our Form Sales department directly at 713-595-0317 or send an e-mail to forms@haaonline.org. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER In order to avoid potential challenges regarding your recovery for violations of the rent concession addendum, ask yourself some of the following questions as you decide to use a rent concession or rent discount: ABODE DECEMBER 2009 17 LAW, continued from Page 13 WHAT IS THE FEE TO BE IMPOSED UNDER THE ORDINANCE? For the inspection of a building, the owner will be required to pay an inspection fee to the city in the amount of either $4 per unit or $100 total, whichever amount is greater, plus an administrative fee in the amount of $10. The fee is required to be paid to the city prior to the first day of the 30 consecutive days during which the building may be inspected. WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATING THE ORDINANCE? An owner who violates, or whose building is in violation of, any provision of the ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000. Each violation, and each day that a violation continues, constitutes a separate offense. As stated, the first things owners must do under the ordinance are to: 1. Be sure the Certificates of Occupancy and the Life Safety Compliance Certificates for each building are properly posted; 2. Post the “311 notice” identified above; 3. Properly register with the city. Registration is required by January 31 and should already be available online. If you don’t register or post the proper certificates, you will be in violation of the ordinance and be the first to be inspected. Therefore, it is imperative that immediate action be taken to comply with these requirements. Looking for an older “It’s the Law” article? You can download full PDF issues of ABODE by logging on to www.haaonline.org. Installation NewYear &Gala2010 2009 www.haaonline.org 18 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE See Page 6 for details. UPCOMING COURSES S chedule and fees are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a refund, less a $10 administrative fee. Seats are guaranteed on a first-come, first-served basis when payment and registration are received in advance of the program. Unless otherwise indicated, courses are held in either the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room or the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room at the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. on the second floor of the HAA Office Building. Seating is December CAM: Community Analysis Workshop Thursday, December 3 9 a.m. to noon. Contact the Education Department for details at educ@haaonline.org or 713-595-0300. January Market Outlook Seminar Tuesday, January 12 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. $35 if paid by January 6; $40 after January 6 Join HAA and a panel of leading industry executives as we provide a market outlook and disseminate local and national trends for the coming year. CAPS: Legal Responsibilities & Risk Management Friday, January 15 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $249 per module Sponsored by Ygnition Networks The Legal Responsibilities & Risk Management course is a comprehensive survey of employment, rental and contract law affecting the multifamily housing industry, as well as a review of key environmental and safety regulations. The course also includes a brief section to help students establish and execute an effective risk management program for their apartment communities. 2010 Education Kick-Off: 50 Ways to Wow Your Residents Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $79 if paid by January 8; $99 after January 8 Sponsored by Apartments.com and For Rent Media Solutions Now more than ever, your residents are looking to save money and cut costs, even if that means giving up From the HAA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT limited. You must pre-register. A registration form for all courses and seminars listed here is on Page 25. For more information, contact the Education & Meetings Department at 713-595-0319 or 713-595-0314 or register online at www.haaonline.org. Notice to Attendees: All pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will be required at the door if not received prior to the event. Start times listed below include a 30-minute registration period. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less a $10 administrative fee. their apartments! This session explores tried-and-true techniques and strategies to cultivate an environment that gets residents to stay and pay! Get ready to take action and change the way you grow and maintain your resident base. Managers, leasing professionals and the service team are invited to come kick off the year with an action plan to retain residents and revenue. See Page 22 for more details. Don’t miss it! Microsoft Outlook Exchange Time Management Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $75 per person For many people, Microsoft Outlook is one of their most frequently used programs, yet they understand only a fraction of its features. Spend a couple hours of hands-on instruction with Julie Marie Irvin and learn property management-specific applications and hidden secrets, tools and tips for Microsoft Outlook. This session is perfect for anyone at any level. Leasing 101 Tuesday, January 26 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $65 if paid by January 19; $75 after January 19 Sponsored by Hardman Signs Learn more about the industry as a career. Topics covered include greeting and qualifying the customer, presenting the lease, an overview of Fair Housing and more. IROC Breakfast Friday, January 29 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Free to members; $25 non-members Sponsored by FSI Construction Register online at www.HAAonline.org! Keep the Houston Apartment Foundation Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center in mind when your company is in need of a facility for your next meeting or employee training. The center is available for rental to members and is the perfect venue for budget meetings, planning sessions and more. Fees range from $250 to $500 (AV fees additional). For more information, contact Lana Shiller at 713-595-0306, e-mail lshiller@haaonline.org or visit us online at www.haaonline.org. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 19 CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER S M T W 1 2 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30 T 3 10 17 24 31 F 4 11 18 25 S 5 12 19 26 December 2009 Events Education Meetings 4 24-25, 31-1 3 15 Share Your Holidays Food Drive – Friday, December 4 at the Channel 13 studios. Contact Susan at 713-595-0313 or shinkley@haaonline.org or see Page 76 for details. Offices Closed – The HAA Offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, and Thursday and Friday, December 31 and January 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. CAM: Community Analysis Workshop – Thursday, December 3, 9 a.m. to noon. Contact the Education Department for details at educ@haaonline.org or 713-595-0300. Product Service Council – Tuesday, December 15, 4:30 p.m. Contact Susan for details at shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0316. 16 8 Volunteer Appreciation Party – Tuesday, December 8. Details will be sent to invitees. Contact HAA for details at 713-595-0300. Unless otherwise noted, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. BGF Luncheon – Wednesday, December 16, 11:30 a.m. Register at www.haaonline.org. Congratulations to our 2009 designates! CAPS Debra Allen Nicole (Tracy) Arnold Ralph Anderson Troy Arnold Rebecca Carpentier Stephanie Clark Nichole Curl Kristen Devon Stephanie Graves Carrie Green Janneth Henao Randall Holste Leticia Ibarra Barby Lake Lori Lindley David Nargang Richard Pisarski Renée Renobato Jeanette Rogers Shelley Russell 20 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Karri Seeds Brooke Stephenson Lisa Vercher Nina Wisniewski CAm Anita Alvarado Naomi Alvarez Brandie Banks Jennifer Barletta John Boriack Candace Castillo Courtney Darton Enrique Ferreryos mariela Garcia Staci Garza Courtney Grosklags Leticia Ibarra Crystal Jackson morgyn Keneson Leanna Laster Robert Lopes Amber mcCoy Jessica medrano Heather monts Dixie moreau Rebecca Ornelas Renée Renobato Dora Renteria Cynthia Rivas maria Sanchez mary Sanchez Christie Sandlin Quintina Smith Natalie Spratt Jennifer Stinson michele Swilley michael Taylor Rosa Torres Jerry Turner Sharon Turner NALP CAS Stephanie Burriss Sabriyah Callis Carla Campbell Veronica Castillo Aaron Chavez Kristen Cusick Sergio Daub Nancy De La Cruz Gilda Gainey Chris Hacas murphey Harmon Earl mallett Anita mitchener Christopher Palacios Daviana Rivero Brigitte Sigrist Jordan Sneed Rachel Tralie Karina Valencia Jarmese Wiltz Amber Harris Corey Johnson Debra Knight Laura Lestus Kandy Riddle CAmT Jose A. Castro Andres Figueroa Jose Escobar manuel Garcia-medrano martin Lara Francisco martinez Ronald Perry CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY S M T W T 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31 F 1 8 15 22 29 S 2 9 16 23 30 January 2010 Events Education Meetings 1 12 20 6 Offices Closed – The HAA Offices will be closed on Friday, January 1, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Market Outlook Seminar – Tuesday, January 12, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Microsoft Outlook Exchange Time Management – Wednesday, January 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Expo Committee – Wednesday, January 6, 8:30 a.m. 15 14 HAA Next Mixer – Thursday, January 15, 5:30 p.m. at Vintropolis Wine Bar, 10001 Westheimer (in the Carillon Center). See Page 25 for details. 22 Installation and New Year Gala – Friday, January 22, 7 p.m. at the Hilton Americas downtown. See Page 6 for details. 27 Sponsorship Auction – Wednesday, January 27 at 3 p.m. See Page 16 for details. 26 CAPS: Legal Responsibilities & Risk Management – Friday, January 15, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Ygnition Networks. Leasing 101 – Tuesday, January 26, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Hardman Signs. 19 29 2010 Education Kick-Off: 50 Ways to Wow Your Residents – Tuesday, January 19, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by Apartments.com and For Rent Media Solutions. IROC Breakfast – Friday, January 29, 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sponsored by FSI Construction. Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/Judwin Properties Conference Room. Many thanks to our stellar volunteer instructors: David Hargrove, Greystone Dixie Moreau, Riverstone Residential Jon Barrett, PMR Jeanette Rogers, Oak Leaf Nichole Curl, UDR Management Liz Peel, BH Management Stephanie Graves, Asset Plus Quintina Smith, Milestone Mindy Price, BG Personnel Michael Thompson, The Liberty Lindi Russey, Riverstone Residential Group Manda Stamm, Judwin Properties Misti Morales, Greystar Nola Gordon, Riverstone Residential Debbie Hicks, Sterling Management Tammie Garcia, WRH Residential Harry Hooker, Pacific West Dennis Rollfing, Best Plumbing Jackie Rhone, Greystar Jaime Hinson Greg Barbeneaux, Apartment Data Services 7 BGF Luncheon – Thursday, January 7, 11:30 a.m. Register at www.haaonline.org. 13 Ambassador Club – Wednesday, January 13, orientation at 3:30 p.m., meeting at 4 p.m. Contact Lisa for details at lbutler@haaonline. org or 713-595-0316. 13, 27 Resident Relations Committees – Wednesdays, January 13 and 27, at 3 p.m. 18 BGF Luncheon – Monday, January 18, 11:30 a.m. Register at www.haaonline.org. 21 Product Service Council – Thursday, January 21 at noon. Contact Susan for details at shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0316. 28 Legislative Committee – Thursday, January 28, 3:30 p.m. Board of Directors – Thursday, January 28, 4:30 p.m. Log on to register! Look for this icon and register for the event at www.haaonline.org ABODE DECEMBER 2009 21 2010 Education Kick-off Tuesday, January 19 50 Ways to WOW Your Residents with Terry Jackson HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center Registration and breakfast – 8:30 a.m. Program – 9 a.m to noon Program Fee: $79 if payment received by January 8; $99 thereafter Job loss. Better Incentives. Now more than ever, your residents are looking to save money and cut costs even if that means giving up their apartments. This session explores tried-and-true techniques and strategies to cultivate the environment that gets residents to stay … and pay! Get ready to take action and change the way you grow and maintain your resident base. Managers, leasing professionals and the service team are invited to come kick off the year with an action plan to retain residents and revenue. Don’t miss it! Sponsored by Apartments.com and For Rent Media Solutions Be there to help HAA launch its 50th Anniversary Year with a BANG!! Get SMART in 2010 Pick an APPLE Workshop APPLE features some of the best nationally acclaimed speakers in the industry. Individual sessions are priced at only $50 each, a real steal for quality education. Annual Property Subscriptions with unlimited attendance to all sessions are also available at discounted prices: • Only $199 per year for properties with less than 200 units • Only $399 per year for properties with more than 200 units CORE February 4 Telephone to Traffic: Increase Your Conversions with Lisa Trosien Leadership March 18 Leave it to Leadership with Wendy Rae Walker March 9 High Speed E-Leasing with Rebecca Rosario July 13 Going Global with Rebecca Rosario April 6 Spring Cleaning for Your Leasing Techniques with Leah Brewer October 21 Delivering Constructive Feedback with Lori Snider June 15 Deal or No Deal: How to Close Every Sell with Jason Loughridge Marketing May 6 Small Budget, Big Results with Lisa Trosien September 23 Small-Town Service with Wendy Rae Walker November 9 Show and Sell with Leah Brewer $50 $199 $399 $50 $199 $399 $50 $199 $399 $50 $199 $399 August 17 Mad, Mad, Marketing World with Lori Snider October 7 Resident Retention: Drip Marketing Works! with Susan Wells Maintenance April 13 Do it Yourself: Start Saving Money Tomorrow! with Mark Cukro September 14 An Update on Maintenance Codes and Laws with Don Willard November 11 Communication Performance with Mark Cukro Get a jump on 2010 and enroll today. Contact the HAA Education Department at educ@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org. APPLE is sponsored by w o n k e h t e in B take a course with HAF in 2010! Plan ahead to give your career a boost – take advantage of these great HAF educational opportunities in the coming year. January 12 Industry Trends & Market Outlook 15 CAPS: Legal Responsibilities & Risk Management 20 Microsoft Outlook Exchange & Time Management Workshop 14 HAA Next Mixer 19 Education Kick-Off: 50 Ways to Wow Your Residents 26 Leasing 101 29 IROC Breakfast February 2 NALP I: Keys to Success NALP II: Telephone Presentations 4 APPLE Core I 9 NALP III: Leasing Interview NALP IV: Leasing Demonstration 16 NALP V: Leasing & The Internet NALP VI: Policies & Procedures 18 TAA Redbook Seminar 23 NALP VII: Legal Aspects 25 TAA Redbook Seminar 26 CAPS: Financial Management March 4 Rental Owners Course begins (week 1 of 6) 9 APPLE Core II 10 CAM begins: Apartment Community Analysis Workshop 11 HAA Next Meeting 18 APPLE Leadership Session I 19 IROC Breakfast 23 Leasing 101 24-25 CAM/CAS: Management of Residential Issues 26 CAPS: Property Performance Management April 6 7 9 13 APPLE Core Session III Maintenance Mania It’s the Law Luncheon APPLE Maintenance I 14-15 21-24 27 28 30 May 4-6 6 10-13 12 13 14 19 25 25-27 26 27 28 June 2 10 11 15 15-17 16 17 24-26 July 7 8 13 14 16 21 22-24 CAM: Human Resources Certified Pool Operator Course TAA Education Conference & Expo Fair Housing Seminars CAM: Legal Responsibilities CAPS: Property Evaluations & Due Dilligence August 10-12 CAMT: HVAC Maint. & Repair (week 1 of 2) 17 APPLE Marketing II 18 Advanced Microsoft Excel 20 CAM: Workshop & Study Session September 2 Rental Owners Course begins CAMT: Electrical Maint. & Repair (week 1 of 6) APPLE Marketing I 3 CAM Exam CAMT en Español (week 1 of 2) 7-8 CAMT: Appliances Maint. & Repair CAM: Fair Housing 9 Blue Star Program HAA Next Meeting 14 APPLE Maintenance II CAPS: Effective Leadership 16 HAA Next Meeting HAA Education Conference & Expo 21 Leasing 101 Leasing 101 21-22 CAMT: Appliances Maint. & Repair CAMT: Electrical Maint. & Repair 23 APPLE Core V CAM: Marketing 24 IROC Breakfast Blue Star Program IROC Breakfast October 5 NALP I: Keys to Success NALP II: Telephone Presentations CAM: Property Maintenance 7 APPLE Marketing III for Managers 12 NALP III: Leasing Interview PowerPoint Tips & Techniques NALP IV: Leasing Demonstration for Trainers & Overcoming Objections CAPS Exam 12-13 CAMT: Makeready & Repair APPLE Core IV 14 HAA Next Meeting CAMT: Plumbing Maint. & Repair 15 It’s The Law Luncheon (week 1 of 2) 19 NALP V: Leasing & The Internet CAM/CAS: Risk Management NALP VI: Policies & Procedures Industry Achievement Awards 21 APPLE Leadership III NAA Education Conference & Expo 26 NALP VII: Legal Aspects CAM/CAS: Finance HAA Next Meeting APPLE Leadership II Introduction to Microsoft Excel IROC Breakfast It’s The Law Luncheon Introduction to Microsoft Excel Extreme CAM/CAS (week 1 of 2) November 4 Blue Star Program 8-12 Extreme CAM/CAS Course 10 CAMT Exam 9 APPLE Core VI 11 APPLE Maintenance III 16 Fair Housing Seminars 17 Annual Business Meeting 19 IROC Breakfast 23 Leasing 101 Please note: Dates are subject to change. See www.haaonline.org for the most up-to-date calendars and registration links. 24 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Meet the NEXT generation of HAA Leaders NEW for 2010! Be there from the beginning. This new niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA members 35 and younger. Network with your peers at this free event and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! HAA NEXT – Mix and Mingle Thursday, January 14th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Vintropolis Wine Bar 10001 Westheimer, next to Sherlock’s Pub Free for members 35 and younger • Learn about how to get plugged in to the powerful HAA network • Discover volunteer opportunities • Meet young HAA members from across Houston just like you! • Learn about professional development and career enhancement • Door prizes and more! Please RSVP to educ@haaonline.org. REGISTRATION Register online at www.HAAonline.org Enclosed is $ ___________ to register for the following event(s). Please make checks payable to the Houston Apartment Foundation. For courses and events designated by an asterisk (*), please make checks payable to the Houston Apartment Association. o MasterCard o Visa o American Express o Discover Card Number _________________________________________________________ Name as it appears on card _______________________________________________________________ Expiration Date __________/__________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ o Market Outlook Seminar, Tuesday, January 12. $35 if paid by January 6; $40 after January 6. o CAPS: Legal Responsibilities & Risk Management, Friday, January 15. $249 per module. o 2010 Education Kick-Off: 50 Ways to Wow Your Residents, Tuesday, January 19. $79 if paid by January 8; $99 after January 8. o Microsoft Outlook Exchange Time Management, Wednesday, January 20. $75 per person. o Leasing 101, Tuesday, January 26. $65 if paid by January 19; $75 after January 19. o IROC Breakfast, Friday, January 29. Free/members; $25/non-members. Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company _____________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________ City _________________________ State______ Zip ______________ Phone_________________________ Fax_______________________________ Mail to the Education and Meetings Department, Houston Apartment Foundation: 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77041; fax to HAF at 281-582-1508, e-mail educ@haaonline.org or online at www.haaonline.org. Schedule and fees are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a refund less a $10 administrative fee per registration; payment will be considered nontransferable at this time. Because of guarantees at hotels, restaurants and other venues, all pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will be required at the door if not received prior to the event. The Houston Apartment Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin in any of its education programs. Register online with a credit card at www.haaonline.org. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 25 INDUSTRY UPDATE From the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTI HOUSING COUNCIL The State of Real Estate NMHC addresses senators with the case for shoring up the economy and credit markets in order to meet future housing demands. A lthough the multifamily industry did not overbuild during the housing boom, our sector is still struggling as a collateral victim of the single-family meltdown. NMHC Chief Economist Mark Obrinsky delivered that message to senators and their staffs during a “State of the Real Estate Industry” briefing for the Senate Real Estate Caucus on October 21. Sponsored by 18 real estate organizations, the briefing was designed to help lawmakers understand the current state of the real estate sector and where federal support is most needed. In reviewing the apartment sector’s health, Obrinsky pointed out that the credit crunch has virtually shut down new apartment construction. In addition, rising unemployment rates are causing vacancy rates to rise and rents to fall. He told participants that in the short term, Congress should focus its efforts on improving the economy and getting people back to work. A strong economy will help restore the housing sector to health. In the long term, lawmakers need to understand our changing housing needs. As our demographics change and our population ages, the kind of housing America wants has changed. More people will be seeking the kind of housing that apartments offer instead of the traditional suburban single-family house. Unfortunately, the lack of financing means the industry is unable to build that housing. The result will be a rental housing shortage in the coming years. To help forestall this, officials need to continue their efforts to bolster the credit markets and ensure that the federal backstop for apartment capital offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continues. NMHC SURVEY SHOWS APARTMENT MARKET CONDITIONS IMPROVING The apartment market is showing signs of improvement, according to NMHC’s latest Quarterly Survey of Apartment Market Conditions, available online at www.nmhc.org/ goto/QuarterlySurvey09. The survey showed increased sales activity and improvements in 26 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE the availability of debt and equity capital compared with three months ago. The Sales Volume Index hit its highest level in four years, while the Equity and Debt Financing Indexes were the highest in three years. Only one index – the one measuring market tightness (vacancies and rent levels) – remained below 50 (index numbers below 50 indicate worsening conditions), but it also showed improvement over the prior quarter, rising from 20 to 31. reporting that in four years. This was the first quarter in four years in which this index read above 50. For the year, the Sales Volume Index measured 36, a substantial gain from the 2008 annual figure of 13. The Equity Financing Index increased from 39 to 58, the highest in three years, as 25 percent of respondents said equity financing was more available. This was the first quarter since April 2007 in which this index read over 50. For the year, the Equity As our demographics change and our population ages, the kind of housing America wants has changed. More people will be seeking the kind of housing that apartments offer instead of the traditional suburban single-family house. “The broad improvements in sales volume and debt and equity financing suggest the transactions market may finally be thawing,” said NMHC Chief Economist Mark Obrinsky. “Nearly half (45 percent) of respondents indicated that the gap between what sellers are asking for and what buyers are offering – the bid-ask spread – has narrowed. But the economic headwinds remain strong. As the employment market continues to sag, demand for apartment residences continues to slip. Though this quarter’s Market Tightness Index is improved compared to last quarter, it still indicates higher vacancies and lower rents.” HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SURVEY RESULTS The Market Tightness Index rose from 20 to 31. Nearly half (49 percent) said markets were looser (with higher vacancies and lower rents), while 11 percent said markets were tighter. This was the ninth straight quarter in which the index remained below 50, but the fourth consecutive quarter in which the index measure has risen. For the year, the Market Tightness Index averaged 20, the lowest on record (since 1999). The Sales Volume Index rose from 44 to 59, the highest level in four years. While most respondents (62 percent) reported no change in sales volume, 28 percent said sales volume was higher – the highest share Financing Index measured 35, also a substantial gain from last year’s figure of 13. The Debt Financing Index increased again from 39 to 59, also the highest in three years with 28 percent indicating that this is a better time to borrow than three months earlier. This was also the first time in the last 11 quarters that this index read over 50. For the year the debt financing index measured 41, up significantly from 2008’s 21. Full survey results are posted at www.nmhc.org/goto/QuarterlySurvey09. SUSTAINABILITY: BUILDING RETROFITS TAKE CENTER STAGE Efforts to improve the energy efficiency of American buildings are increasingly looking beyond new construction and focusing on retrofitting existing buildings. On October 19, Vice President Joe Biden’s Middle Class Task Force announced a plan to use Recovery Act funds to encourage energy retrofits in residential buildings. Unfortunately, a principal component of the plan is to develop energy performance labels that can be used in building valuation and transactions, mimicking controversial building labeling provisions of the Housepassed Waxman-Markey energy bill (HR2454). Significant industry objection resulted in legislative language specifically excluding existing buildings from the labeling require- ments of the House bill. NAA and NMHC continue to press for the expansion of voluntary energy efficiency programs like Energy Star and caution lawmakers against any program that will impose undue costs or hamper real estate transactions. CONGRESS FORMS LIVABLE COMMUNITIES TASK FORCE While sustainability may be taking a back seat to the economy for some firms, it is firmly taking root in Congress and the Obama Administration. Earlier this year, HUD, EPA and the Department of Transportation created an Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities, and Sen. Christopher Dodd, DConn., has introduced a Livable Communities Act (S 1619) that would create a grant program for communities to plan smart growth projects. In October, 19 congressional Democrats formed a new task force to promote livable communities. The group will focus on curbing oil dependence, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and promoting good urban planning that links housing and transportation. NAA and NMHC welcome these high-profile efforts to advance our long-held mission of encouraging smart growth and overcoming opposition to apartments. We will use these opportunities to promote apartments as the most sustainable form of housing. NEW HOUSING INITIATIVE BOOSTS AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING On October 19, the Treasury Department announced a temporary plan to provide more funding for state and local housing finance agencies to support affordable housing initiatives, including multifamily development. Using authority provided by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the Treasury Department says the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan will enable the development and rehabilitation of tens of thousands of affordable rental properties. The program includes two components: a bond purchase program that will provide a temporary housing finance agency credit and liquidity program for their outstanding bonds and temporary financing for those agencies to issue new mortgage revenue bonds. For the latest news on these and other issues affecting the multifamily housing industry, visit the www.naahq.org/governmentaffairs/Pages/ default.aspx and www.mnhc.org. For Houstonarea updates, visit haaonline.wordpress.com. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 27 MEDIA ROUNDUP By MACK ARMSTRONG, CPM, Media Relations Committee Chair with AIMEE ARRINGTON, HAA Public Affairs Specialist Holiday Fire Safety Help your residents be festive and safe through this season. This month, HAA hosted the second annual holiday safety press conference with the Houston Fire Department. 28 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE B efore your residents’ stockings are hung by the chimney with care, do they know how to make sure a fire won’t occur there? The holidays bring out the best in most people, but it also brings out the worst offenders for accidental fires. This month, the Houston Apartment Association hosted the second annual holiday safety press conference with the Houston Fire Department. The firefighters covered many potential dangers lurking in the homes of festive Houstonians. Some of the naughtiest holiday traditions for apartment residents include: • Chestnuts roasting over an open fire – Open flames should be carefully guarded. If you have a fireplace, use a fireplace screen whenever you have a flame in the fireplace. Without one, stray embers can easily set drapery or decorations on fire. Fires should always be supervised and never left to burn overnight. • Stockings hung by the chimney with care – Anything hung around a mantle should be removed prior to use of the fireplace. Care should also be taken that no candles or heaters are close enough to any decorations to catch them on fire. • Carols by candlelight – Many apartment communities prohibit the use of candles altogether. If candles are used, they should be closely attended and placed far from decorations, walls and draperies that could catch fire. Children should never be allowed to play with candles. Many fire-free options are available for adding holiday scents to homes. Scent diffusers, sprays and other products take the danger out of adding holiday cheer to the home. • Nestling under electric blankets – Electric blankets can become worn or overheat. Before use, electric blankets should be carefully checked for signs of damage and worn wiring. Electric blankets should not be used overnight or while sleeping, as it is easy for the user to become trapped if the blanket ignites. • Cooking/baking holiday treats – The stovetop is a particular culprit for fires year-round. Residents should always keep an eye on what they are cooking and take care not to splash grease on the heating elements. The oven should never be used to heat up the entire apartment; it should remain closed at all times when it is being operated (except, of course, when you are taking those delicious treats out). Apartments in the City of Houston must be equipped with sprinklers or fire extinguishers. If a property has fire extinguishers, residents should know where to find them and how to operate them. • Rocking around the Christmas tree – Whatever you are doing around the Christmas tree, make sure it doesn’t involve fire. Strands of lights should be checked for frayed wiring and holes. If any damage is visible on the strands, they should be discarded. LED light strands are now available at most major retailers. LED lights stay cooler than traditional bulbs and save on electricity costs. Lights should be unplugged when the tree is unattended. Care should be taken not to overload outlets. If multiple devices will be plugged in the same outlet, a surge protector should be used. If the tree is a real tree, it should be watered regularly. If branches become brown and brittle, trim or discard the tree to prevent it from becoming an easy fire starter. Property managers should consider reviewing community policies with renters before decorations start to appear in windows and on balconies. If everyone is reminded of the rules at the outset of the holiday season, you will have an easier time enforcing them if they are broken. Have a holly jolly and safe holiday season! Resources: www.safeinmyplace.com www.houstonfire.org Contact HAA’s Aimee Arrington to obtain FREE HAA fire safety magnets for your property. E-mail aarrington@haaonline.org. PHOTO ALBUM Photos from the SEPTEMBER SOAPS LUNCHEON The LSR Management group The Rockwell group The Southhampton table The Asset Plus table The Trinity Property Consultants table The Greystar table Debbie Sulzer, Nancy Evans and Darlene McCall, Francis Property Management The GFI Management group Thanks to sponsor MAB Flooring. Thanks to sponsor HD Supply. 30 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE honoring MAINTENANCE & MANAGERS Thanks to sponsor Gemstar Construction. Photos by The AMLI Residential group MARK HIEBERT The Summit Housing Partners table The Henry S. Miller group The Francis Property Management group Featured speaker Ruben Gonzalez, threetime Olympic athlete JILL HUNTER, Hiebert Photography The SMI Realty group with speaker Ruben Gonzalez The Greystone group The Oak Leaf group & The Resource Residential group Greystar attendees enjoy the presentation. MAB Flooring’s Mary Renaud awards a door prize to Jenny Rodriguez, SMI Realty. A packed house listens to the speaker. Stephanie Clark, Henry S. Miller talks with speaker Ruben Gonzalez. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 31 In this season of giving, we celebrate HAA members who give back to the community in personal and powerful ways. Compiled by 32 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE RACHEL ZOCH, HAA Staff Looking Back, Looking Forward H AA offers many ways to make a difference each year, but the generous spirit of our members doesn’t stop there. In this article, ABODE recognizes some of the individuals and companies that went above and beyond this year to support causes near and dear to their hearts. ANITA HARRISON AND GREYSTAR INVITE YOU TO HELP ELVES & MORE Anita Harrison and other Greystar volunteers have helped build and deliver bicycles with Elves & More for several years. Harrison got involved when she found out how much the organization does to help children in low-income families, many of them living in apartments. “About four or five years ago, I got a call from somebody out of the blue,” Harrison said. I had Bellshire Apartments, which is truly a non-profit apartment community. We set up food pantries there, we’d help people get their GED. … I got a call from somebody, I don’t even remember who it was, and they said, ‘We’re going to give all the kids their bikes.’” The caller asked for a head count of the children living at the community, and Harrison started making phone calls to find out more about this organization and recruiting a team of volunteers to help the group assemble and deliver bicycles. “We gave out 20,000 bikes that year, and it’s just been growing and growing,” she said. The Elves & More motto is “changing lives – one bike at a time!” Founder David Moore believes that a bicycle can dramatically improve a child’s life by helping that child stay in school and out of trouble. The group works with schools to offer bicycles as incentives for children to achieve. “He just raises money throughout the year and provides bikes to the less fortunate children all over Houston,” Harrison said. “And you know what? Most of those kids live in our apartments. I just thought it was really neat. … That first year that I did it, I signed up and even drove a truck and helped deliver it. I thought, ‘Gosh, if somebody can do this for all my poor little kids at that property, I gotta do something.’ … Because I was just wowed. I couldn’t imagine somebody doing that.” Several vendors jumped in to help Harrison and the Greystar volunteers put bikes together and load and deliver them. Greystar has signed up to help Elves & More load bikes for delivery on Friday, December 18, and Harrison is hoping to round up a big group of HAA volunteers to join them. For more information and to sign up, contact Anita Harrison at aharrison@greystar.com or visit the Elves & Join Greystar in helping Elves & More on Dec. 18. For details, visit www.elvesandmore.org or contact Anita Harrison at aharrison@greystar.com. More Web site at www.elvesandmore.org. Volunteers are asked to donate $20 to help pay for the bicycles. “It’s something that people can go do and make you feel good, too,” said Harrison. “It’s a neat deal.” LAURA LESTUS SUPPORTS CORNERSTONE RECOVERY For more than 10 years, Cornerstone Recovery has been dedicated to helping teens and parents face recovery issues related to drug and alcohol addiction regardless of their ability to pay. Cornerstone’s treatment philosophy focuses on adolescents, but the group works with entire families to heal the deep wounds inflicted by addiction. Cornerstone currently reaches out to more than 150 families throughout the Houston area. Its very first Monsters and Miracles fundraiser this past October netted $45,000 to fund outreach activities, internships for counselor development and treatment scholarships for qualified families in recovery. It’s something that people can go do and make you feel good, too. –Anita Harrison, Greystar A friend and fellow HAA member recommended Cornerstone to Laura Lestus, The Liberty Group, as she was struggling to deal with her son’s drug problem. She has found a tremendous support system in the group and now helps them raise money to reach more families. “The reason I support Cornerstone is to let parents of addicted teens know that they are not alone,” Lestus said. “The shame and guilt a parent feels is terrible, and keeping the secret does more damage. Laura Lestus and her husband attended Cornerstone’s Miracles and Monsters fundraiser as Foxy Cleopatra and Dog the Bounty Hunter. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 33 It’s funny – I kept the secret for a long time, and no one knew that my life was falling apart. But now, I talk to everyone about it. I have had people come out of the woodwork and tell me stories about what they have gone through, people that I see almost every day at work and never knew. … “Through Cornerstone we have had the support from other parents and even the teens in recovery, and it has completely changed our lives. When my son is ready to accept help, Cornerstone will be there for him also. For more information, call 713-528-6720 or visit www.cornerstonerecovery.org. HARDMAN SIGNS DUO HELPS A FRIEND IN NEED Nichole Oldfield, Hardman Signs, was devastated to learn that her dear friend Josh had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. With the help of coworker Lindsey Bartel and friend Ginny Groth, she organized the Josh Ayres Brain Cancer Benefit, held in September, to help raise money for his medical and living expenses. “We put the benefit together in about three months,” Oldfield said. “The response and turnout was amazing and much more than we could have ever could have imagined.” The benefit took place at Mulligans and More sports bar and featured barbecue, three bands, moonwalks and an obstacle course, face painting, a clown, a longest drive tournament, a bean bag tournament, a poker tournament and an auction, which offered items ranging from a new set of tires to spa packages and furniture. “After everything was paid for, we ended up raising $14,000 and had more than 400 people show up to the benefit,” said Oldfield. “It makes you feel really good after it is all said and done.” For more information, contact Nichole Oldfield at nichole@hardmansigns.com. STEPHANIE GRAVES GOES ALL IN FOR CANCER RESEARCH Stephanie Graves, Asset Plus, created the non-profit JMP Fund in 2008 after the sudden death of her boyfriend’s father, Jim Pintkowski, whom she counted as a dear friend. He died just four and a half months after diagnosis, even though he had seemed perfectly healthy and fit. Graves organized the initial Pintkowski Poker Challenge last year to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. She chose a poker tour- 34 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Top: Jon Oldfield, Nichole Oldfield, Lindsey Bartel and Josh Ayres on vacation in Las Vegas in 2007. Left: Maddox Pierotti and Josh Ayres’ daughter, Cameron. Right: Lindsey Bartel and Nichole Oldfield, who organized the benefit to help their friend. Above left: Poker tournament volunteers Lydia Conn, Asset Plus; Wendy Cook, BIO Landscaping; Nicole Pinaire, MD Anderson; and Elena Tubb, JMP Fund. Above right: Winner Chris Konokowski, Houston Fire Department. Right: Poker players ante up under a photo of Jim Pintkowski. nament to honor Jim Pintkowski’s enthusiasm for playing poker and entertaining friends. “A few of my friends help me every year,” Graves said. “I funded the first one myself, and now we keep a portion of what we earn every year in the account to support the poker tournament and donate the rest to medical research advancement for pancreatic cancer research.” The second annual tournament, held in October, matched the first year’s $8,000 – so a total of $16,000 has already been donated through the JMP Fund to PCAN for early detection of pancreatic cancer. Graves is grateful to the sponsors and volunteers for their help and support, including apartmentindustry sponsors and donors: Keystone Resources, Apartment Finder, CBC/AMRENT, AAA Plumbing, WCA Waste, For Rent, Asset Plus, Sterling Bank and HAA. “Everything is donated – i host poker, a casino hosting company, provides the tables at a discounted rate,” Graves said. “The dealers, helpers, servers and everyone else that helps donates their time. People and businesses can sponsor tables and earn a spot in the tournament, and we do raffles throughout the night for prizes.” For more information, visit www.jmpfund.org and www.pancan.org. KAPLAN GIVES VETERANS A HAND UP WITH LOW-COST HOUSING Matthew Summers, president of management with Kaplan Management Company, has a long record of civic involvement in and around the communities he manages. “It is these sorts of efforts that foster the sense of neighborhood we try to create in contemporary management,” he said. Looking to boost its civic involvement company-wide, Kaplan Management began considering new ways to give back to the community early in 2009. “As a veteran, I thought of our U.S. military personnel and our war veterans – a group that is often overlooked but is in dire need of assistance,” said Summers. Enter Project We Remember, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for U.S. military veterans and their families. Project We Remember would identify deserving veterans who would be awarded rent-free apartment homes in one of the properties Kaplan owned, operated and managed. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 35 Left: Matthew Summers and Michael Kaplan of Kaplan Management accept a token of thanks from Vernon Bagley, president of Project We Remember. Right: Lucy Kiley, Bez Vasquez, Michael Kaplan, Matthew Summers, Michelle Rhone, Darlene Hunter, Jamila Ross, Ginger Posey and Shelly Carrillo. Kaplan officially rolled out the partnership with Project We Remember during the grand opening of The District at Mountain Vista in Mesa, Ariz. Public officials and military personnel were invited to participate and make remarks, and an Army veteran and his family moved into an apartment unit that same day. Media covered the event, which was well received by the community. Because of the program’s success in Mesa, the Kaplan executive team decided to extend its partnership with Project We Remember across the company’s entire portfolio. September 11 was selected as the date to recognize this commitment, and Kaplan donated apartment homes in four of its Houston-area properties: Westcreek, Parkside, Breakers at Windmill Lakes and Stone Mist. Vernon Bagley, executive director of Project We Remember, met with social workers at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Administration Medical Center to identify veterans with short and long-term housing needs. Some veterans travel long distances to the VA Medical Center because they require chemo or physical therapy but cannot afford to put themselves and their families in a hotel for an extended period of time. Some of the donated units will be used in these cases. The other units may be used for veterans, identified by the VA Medical Center, who have longer-term needs: those who are homeless or find themselves suddenly unemployed or are just returning from combat. Kaplan plans to extend its collaboration with Project We Remember in the spring to include its portfolios in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arkansas and hopes to extend the effort even further. “We are also actively recruiting the ownership of our fee-managed assets to participate in the program and plan to work with Project We Remember to find veterans in similar circumstances that could use a hand up,” said Summers. “There are many emotional and physical issues tied to military deployment, and many veterans need time to readjust to civilian life. With Project We Remember, we’re helping to make that transition a little easier by providing veterans with a low-cost place to live to help them get back on their feet. All of us at Kaplan Management are honored to help our veterans find a place called home.” It is these sorts of efforts that foster the sense of neighborhood we try to create in contemporary management. –Matthew Summers, Kaplan Management u p until now I have resisted jumping on GettheInvolved Volunteer HAA “bad economy” bandwagon. I www.haaonline.org don’t want to add to the fear and panic The Houston Apartment Association’s committees and clubs that is already setting in tools andwe causing a selfare some of the most productive have to ensure that we remain the nation’s largest and most effective apartment fulfilling prophecy, but even theface most optiassociation. Committee and club members the challenge of getting involved to carry out the duties and purpose mistic person in the world can no longerof each club and committee. Some general responsibilities of deny thatand times are tougher we have committee club members include a than commitment to attend all meetings and help develop marketing strategies (i.e. teleseen in a developing long time. marketing, handouts, fliers, articles). To serve on any of these committees and clubs, the HAA So how do we make sureplease thatcontact we survive office at 713-595-0300, online at www.haaonline.org or e-mail the departments listedcome below. out even stronger? I these times and Education think thateduc@haaonline.org is the key – coming out of it Education Advisory Council • SOAPS Committee* stronger. WeCommittee* must keep ourandvision in focus HAF Fundraiser • Career Community Development Committee and not let the constant bad news cause us to Government Affairs govaffairs@haaonline.org get from what makes usClub* strong. HAAaway Better Government Fund* • Century Media Relations Committee • Community Outreach Committee EXAMINE YOUR COMPANY’S VALUES Fair Housing Committee One of the things that every business should be doing right Membership members@haaonline.org now is looking at your corporate values. This won’t cost you any Ambassador Club • Go-Getter Club • Membership Campaign CENTURY A/C SUPPLY HELPS A FAMILY KEEP COOL money but will take some time and effort. Are we doing the Supplier suppsrvc@haaonline.org Century A/C Supply was proud to be a part of the Energy Savings Makeover things that Services matter most to our customers? Right now we are all Expo Exhibitor Committee* contest aired on Channel 2 in July. More than 800 families entered their questioning our spending, and if we don’t think that our current homes into the contest, put together by HVAC expert Gary Parr. service providerRelations is doing shinkley@haaonline.org enough to earn our business we are Community Community Committee Service The winner of the makeover, the Jones family from Sugar Land, received moving on. SoRelations is your team doing •allProduct that they can Council* right now to a new high-SEER air-conditioning system, a radiant barrier, a renovated Resident Relations resrel@haaonline.org attic, new insulation, new windows and several other home improvements. Resident Relations Committee Century provided the Ruud cooling system, a variable speed gas furnace *Note: These committees have specific requirements for and a matched evaporator coil. membership. Contact HAA for details. See GOOD WORKS, Page 71 36 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE So Many Photo By Robert Kneschke/dreamstime.com Looking Back, Looking Forward Boxes! Suffering from holiday postal overload? You’re not alone, and you can take action to make things easier for your staff and your residents. By SHERYNNE “FENE” SHOEMAKER, The Morgan Group Although this time of year can be a joyous one, it can also strike fear in the very core of leasing consultants, assistant managers and property managers everywhere. I’m not referring to occupancy decline, budget re-forecasting or even the dreaded but obligatory resident holiday function. I am talking about Christmas packages! I realize that receiving residents’ packages is a year-round battle, but most of us can agree that during the holidays it is amplified. This is the time of year that our package rooms become unsightly, overcrowded, dark scary abysses. Nothing can be found, and you are responsible. After all, you did sign for it. Geez. Like most properties, you have a room designated as “the package room.” It’s not a large room, perhaps bigger than a bread box, and it shares occupancy alongside your office copier, files, fax machine, recycle bins, etc. And like most properties, you have developed your very own highly efficient and organized method of resident package tracking. Every one of them is inventoried, placed in numerical order and visible to anyone looking for that special package. It is pristine. You of course have this time and energy because besides being landlord, bill payer, staff cheerleader and resident psychiatrist, you are a package god! This is the time of year that our package rooms become unsightly, overcrowded, dark scary abysses. Nothing can be found, and you are responsible. After all, you did sign for it. Geez. BEWARE OF THE GREMLINS Sure, in a perfect world – but in reality packages get lost, they get damaged, and nine times out of ten they get shipped to the wrong address. Maybe like me you have a package gremlin that ABODE DECEMBER 2009 39 Looking Back, Looking Forward resides in your office. Believe me, he exists. He’s a little mythological bugger that resides at all properties and can be quite a nuisance. He’s not only responsible for lost packages but all those maintenance work orders that seem to magically disappear as well. How many times a day do you get a resident coming down to the office inquiring about a package? Once a day? Twice a day? Don’t you love it when they call and think they might be getting a package but aren’t sure, and could you please stop what you are doing to go and check? It’s amazing to me how our residents can be so detailed about the specifics of their package status but not have a clue as to the details of their leases. If they did, they would realize that this a courtesy. Some properties do not even accept packages anymore because this causes such a headache. Ah, the good old days. Unfortunately, all kidding aside, missing packages is listed as one of the top five reasons residents don’t renew leases. HOW TO MAKE PACKAGES WORK FOR YOUR PROPERTY So we all share the same problem, and I could fill a book with the complaints, but what do we do about it? Unfortunately, all kidding aside, missing packages is listed as one of the top five reasons residents don’t renew leases. It seems trivial, but as the saying goes, “the customer is always right.” Our residents are our customers, and as difficult as it is, sometimes we need to cater to that sentiment. Here are a few tips to help you and your staff make it through the holidays and the rest of the new year with your sanity in check: 40 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE 1. If you do not already have a package addendum look into creating one for your residents to sign and add to the lease contract. It should clearly state that although the office accepts packages, it is a courtesy and the office is not responsible for lost or damaged packages. Make sure that when you are signing the lease with new residents you make a point to go over this with them. 2. Assign one person to check in the packages daily using a package log. I use a clipboard to check in packages and have the residents sign off when they receive them. Sometimes my delivery people do this for me. 3. As inconvenient as it may be, keep the package room door locked. That reduces the possibility of residents entering the room and accidentally taking the wrong package. 4. Ask for resident e-mail addresses and notify them when a package has arrived. This is great for resident retention or as a leasing tool. It also helps if your delivery people are not consistent with leaving notices on the mailboxes. Once a month or even once a week, time permitting, post little reminder notes on the resident mailboxes letting them know they have a package in the office. 5. Get to know your Fed Ex person, mail carrier and UPS driver. They can be extremely helpful in locating a lost package for you. Don’t forget these folks at Christmas! They are the backbone of the whole operation. And whatever you do, don’t get on their bad side. 6. Another fantastic idea if you have the means is to organize a nighttime package pick-up party. Leave the office open after regular business hours, serve hot cocoa and watch the package room empty. These are just a few ideas, and most of you already incorporate a lot of these to your daily office routine. If not, then hopefully some of these will help. At the end of the day, like me, I’m sure you all care about customer satisfaction. There is nothing more satisfying than a happy resident with his or her package in hand, safe and sound. Happy leasing! Shoemaker manages the 2222 Smith Street Apartments for The Morgan Group. Contact her at paufe3@yahoo.com. PRESIDENT, continued from Page 7 • Our Business Exchange continues to grow, with 44 management companies and 44 supplier members participating in the third annual event, raising more than $14,000 to be split between the PAC and the HAF scholarship fund. • Speaking of politics, our HAABGF raised $170,160 to support our candidates. This is the most ever in the history of HAA. • Our Education Department was very busy this year. We honored 91 members who completed their coursework and achieved a designation. That’s also a new record for HAA. • Our HAA staff was busy directing traffic at the HAA offices, where we held 398 meetings with 10,446 in attendance. That’s a 30 percent increase over 2008. • Our Water Wise Program served 1,020 children at 30 communities this summer. I’m happy to report for the first time in memory, no child drowned in an apartment pool this past summer. We are making a difference! • We made a difference this year in the lives of other children, too. Kathy Clem chaired the Community Outreach Committee, which put together the first-ever school supply drive in HAA history. This committee and YOU, our members, provided more than 200 boxes of school supplies and more than $29,000 to the member agencies of the Association of Community Assistance Ministries. It’s obvious that we didn’t hunker down at HAA this year! I’m so proud of our results in 2009. In fact, I think President Obama might need to take a page from our successful playbook. Eileen (Subinsky), next time you talk to him will you tell him that we’ll be glad to give him a hand? I’ve had such great support from my Milestone team members who pulled up the slack for me while I was busy with HAA business and events. I’d like to personally thank them for their support. I couldn’t have done it without you! Finally, I’m honored and grateful to have served as your president. You have blessed me immeasurably this year. I pray that God will richly bless the United States of America, our association and each of you and your loved ones. Thank you for a wonderful year! ABODE DECEMBER 2009 41 Make it Illustration By Openas/dreamstime.com Looking Back, Looking Forward Happen Creating real change in any organization is a process that requires patience, persistence and commitment. By GABRIELE PRESTON, www.multifamilymanagementconsultants.com As an overseer of multifamily operations, I have often been frustrated and disappointed in why I could not implement change more effectively. Even when I exhausted a great deal of time and effort in getting my team together and talking to them about change, listening to their ideas and allowing them to effectively plan out their change in behavior, little if any change occurred. It was not because they didn’t like the ideas or the plan, but rather because habits are really hard to break, and it always seemed like more pressing things took the place of the intended change. What I’ve learned is that change is a process of communication and repetition. Change is made over time in small steps in the form of an agreement, practice, accountability, recognition, follow-up, review, refreshed agreement, practice, accountability, recognition, follow-up, review (repeat as necessary). To explore this process of communication and repetition a bit further, let’s talk about the steps. Change is made over time in small steps in the form of an agreement, practice, accountability, recognition, follow-up, review, refreshed agreement, practice, accountability, recognition, follow-up, review (repeat as necessary). AGREEMENT An agreement is formed during the discussion of the topic and the need for change, exploration of concepts and ideas on how to improve or change behavior that leads to the strategy and goals necessary to effect change. PRACTICE Practice is the reinforcement of change by showing and actually performing changed behavior internally with the team and externally with customers. After the agreement is made, it is essential ABODE DECEMBER 2009 43 Looking Back, Looking Forward to reinforce the key changes in behavior by coming together with the individual or the team a few times a week. A supervisor and trainer can do this by presenting periodic feedback sessions or simple challenges that cause new behaviors to form. For example, let’s say you want to improve customer service by changing the way customers are greeted. A challenge could be focused on the number of times team members remember to shake hands and warmly greet residents and prospects by name that day. At the end of the day, individual successes are discussed together – and, more importantly, new habits have begun to take hold. ACCOUNTABILITY Expected changes in behavior have to be measurable, whether through observation, inspection, surveys or reports, in order to hold supervisors and team members responsible for the results. Supervisors and trainers should be talking to individuals and teams regularly about their successes and failures. Once the correct behavior is practiced, any fallback to the old way should be immediately addressed by the supervisor. Repeated failures should transition into individual coaching or counseling sessions. RECOGNITION AND FOLLOW-UP Share of examples of changed behavior, results and individual or team testimonials. Follow up by checking in with the person or team and exploring how much of the intended change has taken place. In a followup session, a supervisor or trainer should ask one of the two following questions: • On the agreement of (state the topic), what are you (or we) doing really well? • What are some things you (or we) have accomplished that you (or we) are pleased and proud of? Additional questions to explore successes include: • That’s great! Can you give me a specific example of that? • How did the resident respond? • What are your thoughts about why that was so effective? THE NEXT STEP Once the individual or team has explored what is going well, then the supervisor or 44 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE trainer should help the individual or team take their success to the next level by asking: • What areas would you (or we) like to be more effective in? • What thoughts do you (or we) have on what to focus on next? Questions to help set new goals include: • That’s a great idea. How would you go about doing that? • What is your concern about that? • What could you do to overcome this obstacle? • That’s one idea, what other ideas do you have? • How can I help you make this happen? Review the new goals discussed and refresh the agreement to include what will happen next. Change continues until the entire agreement is fully implemented. A GROUP EFFORT Change will not be successful if it is done in the form of telling others what to do but rather when it implemented in the form of self and group discovery. The job of a supervisor or trainer is to lead and support the individual or group to the correct conclusions. This takes time and perhaps several practice, recognition, follow-up and review sessions. As a supervisor or trainer, you can interject ideas to get the creative juices flowing or make statements to provoke thought that guide the individual or team toward the goals. You must be able to move fluidly through the change, even if it takes a different path than intended. Remember – it’s the outcome that is important, not the path that is taken. Be flexible enough to allow the individual or team to exercise creativity and selfdiscovery of what works best for them. Follow the path that evolves, and change will happen, often in a way that is better than originally proposed. Gabriele Preston, CAPS, is the author of Straight Talk on Multifamily Management and a regular contributor to numerous industry blogs. (This article originally appeared as a post on www.multifamilyinsiders.com and www.multifamilymanagementconsultants.com.) If you are interested in becoming a better change leader, contact her at g.preston@multifamilymanagementconsultants.com. PHOTO ALBUM Photos from the SOCIAL MEDIA SEMINAR and HCC CAREER NIGHT Event: Social Media Seminar When: October 28 at HAA HAA board members and staff gathered to learn the latest trends, tricks and strategies for social media with the assistance of self-described “Internet nerd” and social media guru Katie Laird, communications manager of Schipul – The Web Marketing Company. Event: HCC Career Night When: September 30 at HAA Students and alumni of the Houston Community College property management program mingled with management company leaders at this meet-and-greet event that also featured a panel discussion. 46 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE The Original Face Book! Just For HAA Fans A message that lasts forever. The HAA 50 Year Book HAA turns 50 years old in 2010! To commemorate this special occasion, we are producing a full-color “50 Year Book” filled with stories, pictures and editorial about HAA’s history. You can be a part of this special book by purchasing tribute space to send a heartfelt message out to all HAA members to honor this milestone. One FREE copy will be mailed to all HAA member companies. Personal copies may be purchased as well. This book will be an excellent coffee table book or waiting area book for your office. Honor your: Company HAA will have an anniversary celebration in August 2010 where we will have time set aside for “Year Book Signing” to personalize your book even more! We will have tribute spaces available in a variety of sizes: full page, half page, quarter page and business-card size. See Page 49 for options and pricing. Colleagues and Inquire now to reserve your spot. Space is very limited. Deadline for reservations is March 31 or until the spaces are full, whichever happens first. Sign up today! Friends Call Amanda Sherbondy at 713-595-0319 or e-mail asherbondy@haaonline.org to reserve your space today. 48 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Ad Sizes and Pricing Full Page: $999 3.75” wide x 10” deep *$1,199 for Pages 3, 5 or 7 1/2 Vertical Page: $699 3.75” wide x 10” deep 1/2 Vertical $699 1/2 Horizontal Page: $699 7.5” wide x 5” deep Full Page $999 1/4 Vertical Page: $349 3.75” wide x 5” deep Special “Props Page” 1/8 Horizontal: $149 3.75” wide x 2.5” deep Ad Colors All prices are for four-color advertising. CMYK process 300 dpi high-resolution 1/8 Horizontal $149 1/4 Vertical $349 Ad locations All ads 1/4 page and larger will run in random spaces throughout the Yearbook. The special 1/8 page “Props” ads will run in a special section at the back of the Yearbook. Mechanical Requirements 1/2 Horizontal $699 The HAA 50 Year Book will be a 208-page hard-cover bound book printed in CMYK using 70 lb. coated paper. Final finished page size is 8 1/2 x 11 inches. • Please submit artwork as a flattened high-resolution PDF, TIFF or JPEG file that opens/expands to a 300 ppi CMYK file in Adobe Photoshop at 100 percent size. • Artwork not submitted as above must be built in one of the following programs, transferable to Mac-based systems: QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. • All fonts and import art must be included and layers flattened. •Files must be CMYK, 300 ppi. •100 percent size. •Do not supply Web images – they are not printable quality. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 49 HAA is on facebook Home Profile Friends Inbox 22 Houston Apartment Association Wall Message All Members Info Discussions Events + What’s on your mind? Edit Group Settings Edit Members Invite People to Join Create Group Event Leave Group The staff of the Houston Apartment Association is here for you, offering a multitude of services to the multifamily industry. When you need assistance navigating the association and its functions, here’s a guide to who can offer help. Photos By MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography Information Check us out online at www.haaonline.org, www.haaonline.wordpress.com, http://twitter.com/HAAonline and become a fan of ABODE Magazine on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/ ABODE-Magazine. Jeff Hall is contacting the HAA officers and climbing a mountain, literally. Birthday: Hometown: College: Children: Activities: Favorite Music: September 16 Hoffman Estates, Illinois (Chicago) Miami University of Ohio Karyn, 20 and Lisa, 18 Running, hiking, mountain climbing, photography, travel, exploring ancient sites, wine tastings, museums, the arts, reading, news/current affairs/ politics junkie Alternative, jazz, blues, classic rock, classical Executive Vice President Jeff Hall, CAE, has been the guiding force and leader of the association for more than six years and a key staff member since 1984. He oversees the entire association staff, its budgets and the association’s mission. He works directly with the HAA Board of Directors on all association functions, goals, planning and implementation. Susan Hinkley is rescheduling Pink Ladies, typing board minutes and wrangling the Product Service Council. Birthday: Hometown: November 19 Wasn’t born here in the Big H but I consider it my hometown High School: Stratford College: THE University of Texas at Austin Children: Gus and Gabby, two dachshunds, 9 and 10 Activities: Watching my niece play softball and traveling Favorite Music: My latest iPod purchase is a song by The Frames, The Best of Todd Rundgren and new Lyle Lovett Favorite TV Show: House As Vice President and General Manager, Susan Hinkley, CAE, guides several departments in serving the HAA membership, including Member Services, Form Sales, Resident Relations and Communications. In addition, she serves as liaison to the Product Service Council, a group of industry-leading suppliers, and the Community Relations Committee, which is responsible for developing and coordinating new and ongoing community service programs. Cara Johnson is planning the next general meeting, getting ready for HAA’s 50th anniversary next year and obsessively tidying up her office. Birthday: Hometown: College: Children: Activities: Favorite Music: Favorite TV Show: March 19 Minneapolis, Minnesota Stephen F. Austin Brandy, a Yorkie, 14 Art, symphony, wine tastings, festivals, concerts, travel Country Brothers & Sisters, Two and a Half Men, Dancing With the Stars Favorite Books: Motivational, magazines: Real Simple, MORE 50 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Houston Apartment Association Vice President of Events & Meetings Cara Johnson, CMP, works with the Education, Supplier Services and Resident Credit Reporting departments and oversees the Education Conference & Expo. She organizes general meetings, golf tournaments, special events and fundraisers, including the chili cook-off, volleyball and bowling tournaments and the annual Gala. Cara is a 22-year HAA veteran and is staff liaison to the golf and chili committees. Andy Teas is contacting your local politicians, taking the good fight to City Hall and hitting the bike trails. Birthday: Hometown: High School: College: January 31 Houston Spring Branch (Go Bears!) BA, University of Texas at Austin, MPA, LBJ School of Public Affairs Status: Married to Elaine, 23 years Children: Robby, 17; Paul, 14; Sam, 9 Activities: Driving kids to stuff, Cycling Favorite Music: Jazz Favorite Movies: The Godfather, This is Spinal Tap, Crimson Tide, Young Frankenstein Favorite Quote: “The only thing that saves us from bureaucracy is inefficiency. An efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty. “ – Eugene McCarthy Vice President of Public Affairs, Andy Teas, CAE, monitors elections and government actions in Houston, Harris County and on state and federal levels. He is responsible for keeping members aware of legislation and governmental actions that affect the multifamily business, and he represents the apartment industry before federal, state and local governments. He also coauthors the monthly Legislative Update column and is staff liaison for the Legislative Committee. Andy has been with HAA since 1989. Emily Hilton is lining up the APPLE program for 2010, planning for the next career fair and checking out the newest, hippest, Mad Men-worthy bar scene. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Activities: October 4 Carmel, Indiana Indiana University In a relationship Checking out new restaurants and bars around town; Settings Logout hanging with friends; singing karaoke; watching Colts football; travel; cooking Favorite Music: U2, Joss Stone, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5 Favorite TV Show: Mad Men; Modern Family; Breaking Bad; How I Met Your Mother Favorite Movies: Notting Hill; The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; Shawshank Redemption; Tropic Thunder Favorite Quote: “How far that little candle throws its beams; so shines a good deed in a naughty world.” – William Shakespeare Vice President of Professional Development Emily Hilton, CPP, is responsible for the overall marketing, budgeting and direction of HAF education programs. Emily serves as the staff liaison to the Education Advisory Council. She oversees education programs including the APPLE workshops, Distance Learning and the Career and Community Development Committee, which promotes industry careers and apartment living to students. Lana Shiller is showing a visitor the building and proofing the HAA Directory & Buyers Guide, again. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Children: April 19 Houston Stephen F. Austin Married to Frank Son, Austin, 21, is in the Navy going to Japan Favorite Music: Depends on mood, like almost everything Favorite Movies: Comedies If you would like a tour of our facility or would like more information about renting the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center for your next education event, Director of Facility Services Lana Shiller can give you the details. A 32-year veteran of HAA, Lana not only maintains the HAA/HAF building, she oversees the HAA database and its more than 4,000 records, including property transactions, new construction entries and address changes. Lana also oversees office supply purchases, vendor contracts, ABODE subscriptions and compiling information for the HAA Directory & Buyer’s Guide. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 51 HAA is on facebook Home Profile Inbox 50 Friends Wall Info Cynthia Gonzalez is on the phone and sneaking to the kitchen to whip up a batch of chicken salad. High School: College: Status: Activities: McAllen High Texas State Technical Institute In a relationship Does getting together with friends over frozen margaritas count? Enjoy going to concerts, movies and festivals Favorite Music: Classic Rock, country & western and Tejano Favorite TV Show: Law & Order, Amazing Race, NCIS and The Biggest Loser Favorite Movies: To Sir With Love, Tombstone, The Hangover Favorite Quote: “Cinderella is proof that one shoe can change your whole life!” The first person you meet upon arriving at HAA is Front Desk Administrator Cynthia Gonzalez. A veteran of more than 20 years, Cynthia handles hundreds of calls a day from our members and from the general public. She performs other duties that include maintaining our database, assisting with the processing of registrations for education courses and assisting the RCR department. Lisa Butler is signing up a new member, sending out new member packets, e-mailing the Ambassadors and looking for dark chocolate. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Children: Favorite TV Show: March 22 Houston Stephen F. Austin Married to Craig My princess is 2 years old The Office, Big Brother, lots more but no time to watch Favorite Books: I love to read, but no time lately! Want to join or recruit? The Member Services Department works with prospective members, helps those who join get active in various clubs, committees and activities and promotes involvement. Lisa Butler, Director of Member Services, oversees retention and recruitment efforts carried out by volunteers and handles calls from prospective members. She joined the staff in June 2000. Lisa is the staff liaison for the Go-Getters and Ambassadors, heads the yearly membership drive and “friends” HAA group members on Facebook. 52 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Discussions Events + Amanda Sherbondy is selling ABODE ads, e-mailing the Expo Exhibitor Committee and coming up with lots and lots of “crazy” new ideas!!! Birthday: Hometown: High School: College: Status: Activities: Favorite Music: Favorite TV Show: Favorite Movies: Favorite Book: Favorite Poem: May 25 Houston Kempner High School Texas School of Business Married to Andy Antiquing and crafting Country and Hip Hop The Office Breakfast at Tiffany’s The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost If you are a supplier member and need help marketing your business to owner members, Director of Supplier Services Amanda Sherbondy is here to help you. Amanda joined HAA in January 2007 and assists suppliers in exhibiting at the yearly HAA Education Conference & Expo, advertising in ABODE magazine and the Directory & Buyer’s Guide and making the most of the many educational and event sponsorship opportunities available. Amanda is also one of the staff Facebook pros, setting up events and causes for HAA. Frances Torres is packing up a Redbook for shipment while singing away in her office. Birthday: May 2 Hometown: Sugar Land High School: Dulles High School Favorite Music: Tejano and country Favorite TV Show: Ugly Betty Favorite Movies: Urban Cowboy When members need TAA leases and Redbooks, applications or other HAA forms, they contact the Form Sales Department. More than 1,000 orders are placed on a monthly basis, whether by phone, by e-mail, by fax or on the Web. HAA members can also purchase member mailing labels, the Directory & Buyer’s Guide and other forms and publications. Director of Form Sales Frances Torres joined HAA in December 1995. Matilde Luna is on the phone calming down an upset resident while glancing at her calendar to check which of her sons’ millions of sporting events is scheduled for tonight. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Children: Activities: October 29 Alvin, Texas Alvin Community College Married to Ric Rico, 12, and Ryan, 8 Kids. Baseball, football, basketball, etc. Favorite TV: Dancing With the Stars, anything w/George Lopez Favorite Movies: Urban Cowboy Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Resident Relations handles disputes between apartment residents and owner/management companies to provide an alternative to filing court cases. The department receives more than 1,000 calls and hundreds of online complaint forms each month. Director of Resident Relations Matilde Luna, a 17-year veteran, answers questions from both apartment personnel and residents concerning leases and rights and responsibilities and oversees two Resident Relations committees. Kirsten Deagen is planning the next SOAPS luncheon, calling education designates, registering attendees and warming up a Lean Cuisine. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Children: February 27 Schulenburg, Texas Texas A&M ... whoop! Married to Daniel Twin daughters Chayse and Landry, 2 Activities: Anything that will entertain a 2-year-old! If I get a little time to myself, I enjoy blogs, digital scrapbooking, planning gettogethers and am delving into cooking just a little these days. That probably won’t last. Favorite Music: Josh Groban, Lady Antebellum, Selah, Kings of Leon, Big Head Todd Favorite TV Show: The Office, Big Brother, Dexter, Rescue Me Favorite Quote: “Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness ahead.” ABODE DECEMBER 2009 53 HAA is on facebook Home Profile Inbox 50 Friends Wall Info Education and Meetings Manager Kirsten Deagen joined HAA in April 2001 and oversees the NAA certification programs and the Society of Apartment Property Supervisors. She also assists with the planning of some of HAA’s large-scale events, such as the chili cook-off. Kirsten also processes the countless registrations for education courses and events. Aimee Arrington is blogging, twittering, linking, e-mailing, phone calling, press releasing and trying to keep her dog, Chesney, from chewing up her Blackberry again. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Children: Activities: July 26 Kingwood, Texas University of Mississippi Married to Rick Benedict “Benny,” 6 months Tailgating, trying to keep up with the little one, Bachelor watching club (it was book club, but we never read what we were supposed to), reading, trying to keep up with social media, World War II and Civil Rights Era history Favorite TV Show: Reality shows are my vice (oh yes, I watched Tool Academy), Parks and Rec Favorite Quote: "I got an idea, an idea so smart my head would explode if I even began to know what 54 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Discussions Events + I was talking about." – Peter from the Family Guy Public Affairs Specialist Aimee Arrington joined HAA in February 2007. Aimee works with Andy, HAA staff and the members to implement and achieve HAA government affairs and media and public relations goals. She is liaison to the Media Relations Committee and the HAA social meda “guru” overseeing the HAA blog and Twitter feed. Luisa Arevalo is “oh so quietly” signing up lots of new contracts for RCR and training apartment staffs. Zodiac: Status: Children: Capricorn Married Andrew, 16; Christian, 13; and Matthew, 12 Activities: Shopping, cooking and spending time with family Favorite TV Show: CSI, HGTV Channel and Food Network Resident Credit Reporting, in partnership with First Advantage SafeRent, offers a comprehensive suite of resident screening services available as an exclusive member benefit. RCR Manager Luisa Arevalo, a staff member since September 2002, oversees the department, maintaining account information and updates; handling training issues, customer service, sales, marketing; and assisting residents with rental reports, working closely with First Advantage SafeRent. Mary Parkhouse is upgrading the entire HAA information technology universe and can’t wait to see her new grandson again. Birthday: Hometown: College: April 6 Galena Park, Texas University of Houston, American University Status: Married to Don Children: Kinch Reindl and his wife, Erin, grandson Rylan Activities: Being a grandmom, traveling in our Fifth Wheel, Fort Bend Master Gardeners Favorite Music: Dvorak’s New World Symphony Favorite TV Show: Bones, CSI, Numbers Director of Information Technology Mary Parkhouse, CAE, joined the staff 12 years ago. The HAA infrastructure has changed greatly during her tenure, from no Internet access or Web site to T1 line access and a state-of-theart Web site, including online RCR access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At press time, she is working to upgrade the association’s computer systems and software so that HAA can offer its members even better information and services. Will Alfaro is redesigning HAAOnline and can’t decide on a best man. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Activities: November 28 Houston UHD Engaged Bodybuilding, Salsa dancing, Texans, Rockets, Dynamo Favorite TV Show: Entourage Webmaster and IT Specialist Will Alfaro has been on staff since January 2006. Will is the designer and producer of the HAA Web site, www.haaonline.org, and HAA’s mass e-mail communications, including our weekly enewsletter, HAA This Week. Will provides information technology function support and is in the process of implementing an Ektron Content Management System with new site and Web 2.0 technologies. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 55 HAA is on facebook Home Profile Inbox 50 Friends Wall Info Nancy Li Lo is working on the 2010 HAA Program and Budget while zapping and stirring up more coffee. College: Status: Children: Activities: Favorite Music: University of Houston, American Graduate School of International Management Married Vincent, 19, and Michelle, 17 Travel, vacation, good food Classic rock, pop Controller Nancy Li Lo, CPA joined HAA in 2008 and oversees cash management and revenue collection. She monitors operations and bookkeeping for HAA’s three corporations and the political action committee and handles personnel and employee benefits administration. Cindy Ramirez is making collection calls and is looking around the office for a Payday (the candy bar, that is). Birthday: Hometown: Status: Children: Activities: Favorite Music: May 31 Katy, Texas Married to Bruno Figueroa Andy, 6, and Frankie, 4 Baseball and reading Pretty much everything Accounting Manager Cindy Ramirez, who is completing her third year with HAA, assists in revenue collections and daily operational accounting items, including recordkeeping, invoicing and member accounts. Discussions Events + Lan Tran is on a pilgrimage in Jerusalem and will cut checks when she gets back. Birthday: Hometown: College: Status: Children: July 20 Saigon, Vietnam Strasbourg in France Married Hy Nguyen, 28; Dat Nguyen, 26; Ban Nguyen, 16 Activities: Sacristan, annual festival, retreats/events at St. Jerome, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Favorite TV Show: Travel Channel Favorite Quote: “God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Accounting Clerk Lan Tran joined HAA in 2008 and assists in daily operational accounting items, recordkeeping and accounts payable and assists with member accounts. Adrian Gonzalez is working on IT requests and telling Communications that Macs stink and PCs rule, while typing away on his iPhone. Hometown: High School: Houston Kingwood Joining the IT Department in 2008, IT Support Specialist Adrian Gonzalez assists with information technology functions for HAA, including technical support for the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center. Deborah Nix is typing this article and praying we make deadline on both ABODE and the Directory, all while craving cheese enchiladas and a margarita. Birthday: Hometown: High School: College: Status: Children: Activities: Favorite Music: 56 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE February 26 Pasadena, Texas Westbury Art Institute of Houston Married to Kevin Clover, a Boston terrier, 9, and Hooligan, a bulldog/pug, 3 Festivals, kayaking, camping, biking, the beach, collecting funky cowboy boots Bob Schneider, Old 97s, The Replacements, Neko Case Favorite TV Show: House Hunters, Antiques Roadshow, No Reservations, Big Bang Theory, 30 Rock, Globe Trekker, Three Sheets Favorite Quote: "I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." – Douglas Adams Director of Publications and Design Deborah Nix oversees the creative and editorial content, development and production of HAA publications, including ABODE and the Directory & Buyer’s Guide, and oversees the ABODE Magazine Facebook fan page. She is the artist behind most projects produced internally, including event logos and promotions. She coordinates all print production and mail fulfullment and produces original art. She has been with HAA since January 1992. Rachel Zoch is putting photo pages together and hoping Bono comes back to Texas soon. Zodiac: Hometown: High School: College: Children: Favorite Music: Cancer Deer Park, Texas La Porte University of Texas – hook ‘em! Psycho calico cat Phoebe U2, Guy Forsyth, classic rock, old-school New Orleans jazz, Bach, bagpipes, etc. Favorite Book: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole Favorite Quote: “There is a tangible freedom in dancing in the street. I ask you: What better public expression of joy exists?” – Chris Rose Managing Editor Rachel Zoch joined the Communications department in March 2004 and oversees and produces ABODE’s editorial content. A former newspaper editor, Rachel researches, writes and edits for the magazine, coordinates and leads interviews and creates designs and layouts. She also compiles and edits the HAA This Week e-newsletter and manages HAA’s Linked In presence. ting it at all. I was hey nominated me!” he “ I’ve been with this years. I never expect me, if I get my job done ’m satisfied with that. I gnition. As long as my y management and the y, I’m happy. It was a e, though, feeling that now that someone was The HAA Staff wishes all our members and their families the very happiest of holiday seasons and a prosperous new year. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!” I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!” I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the ABODE DECEMBER 2009 57 DESIGNATE OF THE MONTH By RACHEL ZOCH, HAA STAFF Who You Know Laura Lestus focuses on building relationships and staying informed about the needs of her customers. I wanted to be able to better help my customers find the best fit. W orking in the apartment business is all about building relationships for Laura Lestus. She got her start in the industry doing part-time leasing at the community where she lived and now works with The Liberty Group placing everyone from porters to district managers. “The relationships that you make, they can help you in your personal life as well as for work,” she said. “It’s been amazing. I’ve made some really, really good friends that have helped me personally and that have become my lifelong friends. … My career has completely been propelled to the next level by being involved, definitely. I’m very lucky.” The office staff at The Chancellor Apartments, where Lestus lived and began leasing on weekends, became her first industry buddies, and she remains friends with those women today. Even though she was recruited for part-time work, she became assistant manager within two months and caught the multifamily bug. “I got hooked,” she said, laughing. “I stayed with EPT until they dissolved in Houston and sold all their properties.” MANAGEMENT TO SUPPLIER When EPT left the Houston market, Lestus secured her loan officer’s license and worked for a mortgage company. But she quickly discovered that processing subprime loans was a heartbreaking business she wanted no part of, and she returned to the multifamily industry. “Doing loans for people that just were about to lose their house broke my heart,” she said. “I couldn’t do it anymore, so I went back as marketing director for CNC. That was a lot of fun, and I learned so much. Then I went to Apartment Guide from there, and that’s when the fun started – crossing over to the vendor side.” Lestus found her niche in sales, first with Apartment Guide and now with The Liberty Group, where she combines her on-site experience with what she learned in the Certified Apartment Supplier program to deliver quality employees to her customers. 58 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE “I wanted to be able to better help my customers find the best fit for the positions they are trying to fill. By knowing exactly what my customer’s needs are, I’m able to match the candidate’s knowledge and skill level with my client’s,” she said. “It just helps me have more product knowledge so everybody’s happy the first time. “There’s always a lot of liability with not knowing, so I think the more information you can have about what the property managers and the on-site people go through will better help me help them. And it’s worked. I took what I learned and used it immediately.” Lestus returned to her office eager to share her new knowledge, particularly with regard to risk management, a subject she found fascinating. “That’s probably everybody’s least favorite, but I loved it,” she said, “because in what I do now at Liberty, I’m out on site most of the time following up on temps and finding the right placements. By taking the information that I learned in the risk management module, I can make sure that our employees are following procedures. It was awesome. It was my favorite part of the whole CAS.” ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LEARN Even seasoned managers and other industry pros can learn important lessons from these courses, Lestus says, and she encourages anyone who asks her about her designation to sign up for the courses. She even jokes that she wishes she could have added one more module to the CAS curriculum. It’ll increase the value of the whole property just by having an educated staff. “There are things I learned that I think it’s imperative they have to know,” she said. “I would encourage the management companies and the supervisors to allow their people to go. The majority of the management companies do, but there are some that don’t, and it will definitely take them to another level. It’ll increase the value of the whole property just by having an educated staff, because … there are little things that can just blow up on you. By just taking a course, it opened my eyes to a lot of things, so I’ve been trying to pass that on. Well worth it.” Like many designates, Lestus appreciated how the course refreshed her knowledge from her experiences on site. She also enjoyed the networking aspects of the course and says that it has opened a few doors with customers and even helped her in her work with the HAA Resident Relations Committee. “A lot of things change yearly, so to stay updated will help me keep my hands around my business, and that was exciting to me,” she said. Ultimately, the CAS courses provided Lestus with yet another opportunity to engage with the association, her peers and her customers. She says being involved is imperative to be successful in this business. “I’ve done both – I’ve not been involved and I have been involved, and I can tell you from experience that the knowledge I have gained, along with the relationships and the personal growth from being involved with HAA is immeasurable – not just for my career but personally, I’ve grown.” www.haaonline.org ABODE DECEMBER 2009 59 GO-GETTERS Sweet Success HAA continues to grow and thrive thanks to our hardworking recruiters. The Go-Getter Club would like to congratulate Kevin Fenn, CAS, Pavecon, for being named our 2009 Go-Getter of the Year and also for reaching a total of 75 members recruited for HAA. Congratulations also go to Anita Harrison, Greystar, for recruiting 10 new members during HAA’s 2009 Membership Campaign. A BIG thank-you to the following top teams for recruiting in HAA’s 2009 membership campaign: • Greystar for recruiting 34 new members and renewing 28 members T he Go-Getter Club is a year-round membership recruitment group made up of individuals who work for both owner/management and supplier companies. Why recruit for HAA? Simple: Joining the Go-Getters will give you additional exposure with the HAA membership through the special recognition of the lapel pin, blue jackets and patches that are awarded to recruiters. Second, you are helping to strengthen your association with the addition of new members and new involvement. Finally, the meetings create an opportunity to talk with your peers and develop lasting personal and business relationships. Save the date: Want to recruit members for HAA? Join us for our Membership Recruitment Boot Camp on Wednesday, February 24. For details, contact Lisa Butler at 713-595-0322 or lbutler@haaonline.org. GO-GETTER VIPS This list recognizes individuals who have recruited the following number of members: • Milestone Management for renewing 53 members and recruiting 14 new members HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS 400 Claude Arnold 200 Suan Tinsley 150 Nancé Wells • Our supplier members for recruiting as a team for the first time and recruiting a total of 33 new members and renewing 16 members 100-124 Kenn Brown Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Nora Krakower Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Del Walmsley Jeanne Marie Zublin 75-99 PATCH Tina Cavaco Kevin Fenn Bob Pisaturo Robin Reed Sonny Unverzagt H.P. Young 50-74 PATCH Ronnie Grant Darlene Guidry Diane Gilbert Alison Hall Harold Sowell Suzy White 60 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE 25-49 PATCH Loren Allen Rebecca Adams John Balusek Marie Bell Michael Bright Terri Clifton Lee Craven Maureen Doherty Michael Flores Rashann Fontenot Maxine Goodin Jan Grant Billy Griffin Doris Hemsworth Marsha Hollis Stacy Hunt Dick LaMarche Theresa Lamar Susan Lee Cesar Lima Carol Marple Bruce McClenny Steve Park Liz Peel Paula Ramsey Jo Ann Ray Chris Rich Joy Schaefer A.J. Simpson Kathy Smith Eileen Subinsky Martie Terry H.J. Tollett 15-24 BLUE JACKET Amy Abdallah Debbie Andreozzi Carol Andrews Marinelle Austin Linda Barham Gary Blumberg Roger Camp Kathy Clem Rachel Crew Julie Davidson Brandi Eakes Darlene Hunter Deona James Pat Keller Dixie Kettner Mel Kieke Allan Klein Kelly Kuehle Maureen Maeschen Pauline Martin Trish Martin Paula Newton Mark Park Pablo Paz Sharon Pfeffer Bernadette Revis Eric Samet Kelly Scott Kim Small Derrick Stafford Vicki Summitt Stephen Sweet Peggy Taylor Sheri Thomas Alex Townsend Randy Ver Ploeg Becky White Pam Wyly Michelle Ybarra 10-14 PIN Anita Alberger Angie Aversa Mike Biggs Ken Bohan Kyle Brown Cheryl Cotton Dan Croasmun Michelle Croasmun Yvette Davis Sandra Dilley Duke Dillon Gilbert Garcia Kelli Guyton Gloria Haney Larry Hill Deborah Holcombe Dee Holmes Jimmie Hotz Earon Hunt Susan Jarvis David Jones Ed Kanyuck Ralph Lewis Georgeanne Longoria Dick Marshall Wanda Miller Debra Moore Sue O’Neil Jenifer Paneral Lisa Paxton Joe Perez Mindy Price Sue Lynn Ramsey Jerry Rega Jackie Rhone Michelle Rhone Meda Ryan Jack Tennyson Betty Vestal Andrea Winans WELCOME MAT Introducing OCTOBER new members OWNER MEMBERS BackSt. Properties LLC Carolyn Kuhnle 1415 Waverly Houston, TX 77008-4150 713-480-8712 Gale Wind Apartments Heights Blvd Apartments Northline Terrace Apartments Big Foot Properties LLC Fran Summey 6942 FM 1960 E #125 Humble, TX 77346-2706 713-259-1310 Referred by Del Walmsley Cash McKay Properties LLC Blake A. Yarborough 11200 Westheimer #780 Houston, TX 77042 713-651-9500 Cash McKay Properties Referred by Del Walmsley DLH Properties Lina Huddleston 59 N. Misty Canyon Place Conroe, TX 77385-3533 936-647-0895 Referred by Kelli Guyton Jupiter Communities LLC Michael Biggs 401 N. Michigan Ave. #1300 Chicago, IL 60611 312-924-1601 Preserve at Colony Lakes Apts. Paradise Apartments LLC Christine Tompros 7650 Moonmist Drive #8 Houston, TX 77036-4156 832-659-0946 Paradise Apartments Epicron Properties Kevin Howe 15 Latticeleaf Place Spring, TX 77382-5311 281-221-7598 Arbor Ridge Apartments Daniel McClain 15300 Westheimer #101 Houston, TX 77082-1400 281-531-5700 Railton Investments LLC Phil Ratinov 9430 Railton St. Houston, TX 77080-1431 713-410-2195 Fifth Sun LLC Laura Lohbeck 14610 Union St. Tomball, TX 77377 281-290-0130 Shaw Road Property Beverly & Malcolm Gerber 12151 Piping Rock Houston, TX 77077-6031 713-829-8594 Referred by Kelli Guyton Midway Companies Bo Sanford 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. #200 Houston, TX 77024-3920 713-629-5200 MPC Hadria Queens Lane LTD Jeri Eaves 2211 Bell Castle Court Richmond, TX 77406 713-946-9149 Queen’s Lane Apartments Bayou Villa Apartments RealTex Housing Management LLC Roland Broussard 1101 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. #F-200 Austin, TX 78746-6445 512-306-9206 Oak Arbor Townhomes Redwood Heights Apartments Victoriansy LLC c/o The Victorian Apartments 9400 Coventry Square Houston, TX 77099-1459 281-564-8023 The Victorian Apartments NEED FORMS or CLICKS? Call us today! Contact our Form Sales department at 713-595-0317 or send an e-mail to forms@haaonline.org. Welcome to HAA! See Pages 20 & 21 for calendars listing our upcoming networking and educational opportunities (also online at www.haaonline.org). SUPPLIER MEMBERS AAA Copier Rentals Gary Fowler 10450 Stancliff #105 Houston, TX 77099 713-988-7228 Copy machine & supplies Office equipment & supplies A Beautiful Floor Inc. Wes Authement 7014 Hwy. 6 North #A Houston, TX 77095 281-855-3400 Painting contractors Siding contractors Tile-ceramic contractors Tile-non ceramic Makeready Building maintenance Carpet & rug distributors Floor laying, refinish & resurface American Exteriors & Restoration Inc. Daniel Tucker 22136 Westheimer Pwky. Katy, TX 77450-8296 281-693-7663 Roofing contractors Roofing service consultants Referred by Kenyon Carroll Apex Emergency Services Davie Mankin 9203 Thomasville Drive Houston, TX 77064-2025 713-589-4733 Cleaning specialist-trauma Fire/water damage restoration Mold remediation Odor control A-Everlast Roofing Billy Evans 3262 Westheimer #338 Houston, TX 77098-1002 713-208-2244 Roofing contractors Roofing services consultants Bellagio General Construction & Paint Henry Juarez 12303 Barker Cypress #600 Cypress, TX 77429 832-453-3393 Paint Roofing contractors Concrete contractors General contractors Advision Sign Yadi Jou 9440 Harwin Drive #C Houston, TX 77036 713-780-8807 Flags, banners & pennants Signs BrandVia Alliance Falle Hutton 2159 Bering Drive San Jose, CA 95131-2014 408-955-1719 Marketing consultants & services Advertising specialties American Conservation & Billing Solutions Bobby Lee P.O. Box 51356 Colorado Springs, CO 80949-1356 877-410-0167 Utility management Utility consultants Central Texas Construction Nathaniel Orona P.O. Box 1553 Round Rock, TX 78680-1553 832-452-7080 General contractors Building contractors Referred by Quintina Smith Cal Tex Trash Solutions Nathan Miraflor 7130 Redwood Falls Drive Pasadena, TX 77505-4444 713-412-6843 Waste reduction/disposal/recycling Trash service-valet Referred by Lisa Grimes Global Gate Controls Inc. Jim Fuqua 3531 S. Logan St. #D403 Englewood, CO 80113-3700 800-873-0442 Gates & gate operating devices Garage doors & openers Garage doors-service/parts Lifetime Roofing & Construction Inc. Cathy Vieth 11052 Shady Trail #203 Dallas, TX 75229-7676 972-931-7898 Roofing contractors Roofing services consultants Elite Fence & Gate Inc. George Samartzis P.O. Box 25051 Houston, TX 77265-5051 713-609-9014 Fences Gates & gate operating devices Referred by Natalie Spratt Historic & Commercial PS LLC Robert May 10777 Westheimer #1100 Houston, TX 77042-3462 866-696-5033 Building inspection service Construction mgmt. consultants Roofing service consultants Lipscomb Insurance Group Inc. Geoff Ditto 2100 Ross Ave. #1400 Dallas, TX 75201-6706 214-420-5266 Insurance Insurance consultants Risk management Energy Waterproofing & Roofing Systems Rebecca Manzel 9110 Godstone Lane Spring, TX 77379-6783 281-376-5171 Roofing contractors Roofing services consultants Houston Environmental Green Resources Delta Ruiz 5602 Longcreek Lane Houston, TX 77088 832-236-8462 Landscape contractors Landscape architects Tree services Referred by Linda Guajardo Management Recruiters Houston-Northeast Barb Guillemette 1412 A Stonehollow Drive Kingwood, TX 77339-2493 281-359-7940 Employment agency Executive search consultants Ellipse Communications Inc. Dave Turner P.O. Box 801814 Dallas, TX 75380 888-678-3869 Internet website developers Internet service provider Referred by Jackie Rhone Environmental Specialized Solutions Inc. Tony Cupito 2934 Jenny Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479-1613 832-363-7585 Environmental & ecological services Pressure washing/equipment Imperial Roofing Group LLC John Josephs 5868 Westheimer #265 Houston, TX 77057 713-444-5202 Roofing contractors Roofing service consultants Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services Brian Janak 777 Post Oak Blvd. #900 Houston, TX 77056 713-452-4252 Real estate commercial Real estate consultants Referred by Nichole Williams J&R Resurfacing & Painting Jose Barbosa 8406 Hazen St. Houston, TX 77036 832-868-6734 Painting contractors Remodel & repair-bldg. contractors Referred by Kurt Gilpin Mid-Continental Insurance Agency Inc. John R. Duffy 3515 Oak Forest Drive #5 Houston, TX 77018-6137 713-528-2961 Insurance Insurance consultants See WELCOME, Page 69 ABODE DECEMBER 2009 61 AMBASSADORS Spread the Word Ambassadors help publicize association events and services to member properties. Want to know more? Log on at www.haaonline.org New Ambassadors at the October meeting. AMBASSADOR VIPS This list reflects the number of monthly exchanges completed by each Ambassador. Ambassadors listed in bold reached new achievement levels at press time. HALL OF FAME 700 Patrick Sheahan 500 Julio Garcia 400 Peggy Charles Rashann Fontenot Top Producers at the October meeting: Co-chair Laura Collins, Classic Touch Painting; Co-captain MJ Featherston, Access Electric; Kristi Riddle, Hire Priority Staffing; Nicole Oldfield, Hardman Signs and Co-chair Peggy Charles, Taylor Contracting & Roofing. AMBASSADORS OF THE MONTH 300 Barbara Brett Patrick Brothers David Hardwick Jimmie Hotz Alan Jones Nancé Wells 250 Laura Collins Michael Flores Billy Griffin Michelle Pahl Barbara Brett TVMAX Houston 62 DECEMBER 2009 Karl Heinrich Pavecon ABODE Jimmie Hotz HD Supply 200 NORA KRAKOWER LIFETIME AWARD Lisa Grimes Kathy Smith Donald Sweitzer Andrea Winans 150 Mary Estrada Kevin Fenn Amy Mauer Tony Montemarano Jimmy Renteria Randy Rowles 100 CHRISTINE MOHEB MEMORIAL AWARD Debbie Andreozzi M.J. Featherston Fernando Gomez John Hill Billie Johnson Nora Krakower Brenda Nite Sandra Parker Pablo Paz Karin ChurchfieldTyson James Wagner 75 Karl Heinrich Norma Ledbetter Joe Slaughter Roland Silas Todd Smith 25 Stephen Abila Jessica Baker Jeff Blevins Janet Dorsett Darlene Dow Andrea Dunlop Kimberly Flores Israel Garza James Gregory Erica Hallmark Dallas Hardwick Trisha Hunter Dan James Glenda Jeffcoat Dean O’Kelley Chuck Littlepage Mark Park Beth Rohani Mike Romano Shawn Royer Preston Sams Carlos Sanchez Glenda Vargas 10 Greg Baughman Ronnie Beavers Kenyon Carroll Josh Carter Grant Crowell Aimee Ferrini Travis Fowler Lisa Godwin Andre Gonzales Laura Hancock Jason Henley Philip Jones Jacob Kunath Laura Lestus Chuck Littlepage Erin McCary Deana Miller Nicole Oldfield Krista Oliver Michelle Opalewski Wendy Pearson Robert Pfunder Jason Polishak Mindy Price Michael Reiland Nancy Romano Crystal Sanchez Jodi Southwick Jessica Tollett Gilbert Torres Wayne Trusty Beth Varney Marivel Villanueva Kevin Wendt Heather Wiesner Angie Wilganowski Brandy Williams Ron Winans Producers from the Estrada, Hill, Parker Team: Back Row: Co-captain John Hill, HARCO Insurance; Lee Council, The Greensheet; Co-captain Sandra Parker, Apartment Finder; Jimmie Hotz, HD Supply; Clint Strahm, Corestone Paving Services, Kristi Riddle, Hire Priority Staffing; and Debra Knight, The Liberty Group. Front row: Bill Hubbell, Anchor Roofing; Co-chair Laura Collins, Classic Touch Painting; Marivel Villanueva, For Rent Media Solutions; Denise McLarty, Kings III; and Co-chair Peggy Charles, Taylor Contracting & Roofing. Producers from the Featherston-Grimes-Gomez Team: Back Row: Todd Bennett, THS Texas Inc.; Co-captain MJ Featherston, Access Electric; Jessica Tollett, Century A/C Supply; Kevin Banks, Southern Global Safety Services; Co-captain Lisa Grimes, D&C Contracting; Co-chair Peggy Charles, Taylor Contracting & Roofing; Anne O’Connell, AAA Staffing. Front row: Co-chair Laura Collins, Classic Touch Painting; April Wilkin, Building EMTs; Karl Heinrich, Pavecon; Fernando Gomez, Century A/C Supply; and Mindy Price, BG Personnel Services. Producers from the O’Kelley-Park-Winans Team: Back row: Robert Peters, HD Supply; Co-captain Dean O’Kelley, The Liberty Group; Co-captain Andrea Winans, Bishop’s Office Needs; Clint Cooper, Marathon Fitness; Brandon Bridwell, Camp Construction; and Dustin Dean, Crestmark Construction. Middle Row: John Griffin, Med Security; Co-chair Laura Collins, Classic Touch Painting; Brenton Harmon, Ameritex Movers; Patrick Sheahan, Sherwin Williams; Arrie Colca, Craven Carpet; and Beth Varney, RPM Daily Services. Front Row: Kevin Fenn, Pavecon; Joe Slaughter, Rasa Floors; Nicole Oldfield, Hardman Signs; Barbara Brett, TVMAX Houston; Co-chair Peggy Charles, Taylor Contracting & Roofing; and Gilbert Torres, HD Supply. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 63 PROPERTY UPDATE NEW CONSTRUCTION Asset Plus opened the Lakeview Lofts, 366 units at 17807 Lakecrest View Drive in Cypress, on November 12. Integrated Property Management is building Hometowne on Wayside, 128 units at 7887 N. Wayside Drive. Lakeview Lofts PROPERTY CHANGES Internacional Realty now manages The Bellemeade, 336 units at 10802 Legacy Park Drive. Lincoln Property Company now operates The Falls on Antoine, 348 units at 6101 Antoine. Oak Leaf now manages the Cedar Gate Apartments, 52 units at 1325 Cedar Post Lane. Greystar has assumed management of the following properties: Creekside Estates, 248 units at 200 Timbercreek in Richwood Royal Place, 66 units at 3800 W. Baker Road in Baytown Meritage, 240 units at 4550 N. Braeswood Alexan Main Street, 289 units at 8333 Braesmain White House, 60 units at 7529 Hillcroft Green Tree Place, 196 units at 700 Dunson Glen. Inland American now operates Parkside, 360 units at 10600 Six Pines Drive in The Woodlands, and Woodridge Park, 216 units at 1475 Sawdust Road in Spring. The Myan Management portfolio now includes La Villita Apartments, 92 units at 4300 S. Shaver. The PMR Companies now operates The Inwoods Apartments, 564 units at 5300 W. Gulf Bank, and Tara Oaks, 126 units at 3800 Sherwood. The Tarantino portfolio now includes Dylan’s Crossing Condos, 50 units at 8101 Leonora. The BH Management Services portfolio now includes these properties: Serrano, 438 units at 14723 West Oaks Plaza Hayes Place, 307 units at 2305 Hayes Road Princeton Club, 291 units at 14800 Memorial Drive Pointe at Steeplechase, 316 units at 8901 Jones Road Shadow Creek, 296 units at 7500 Pinemont Drive Sheffield Square, 190 units at 14814 Perthshire Drive Sierra Pines, 804 units at 6403 Sierra Blanca Drive Timber Run, 120 units at 13000 Woodforest. Asset Plus now operates the following properties: Star Crossing, 175 units at 10101 W. Sam Houston Pkwy So. Park Green, 307 units at 8100 Bellaire Blvd. Parkway Apartments, 348 units at 6601 Harbor Town Drive. The Creative Property Management portfolio now includes the Delta 1 Apartments, 53 unit at 4102 Mangum. Be sure to send news of your new hires, new properties and other news to ABODE at comm@haaonline.org. 64 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE IN THE NEWS COMPANY CHANGES Republic Waste is now Republic Services. Bell Partners has a new address: P.O. Box 2148, Mansfield, TX 76063. State Contractors has new contact info: Address: 15311 Mustang Valley Circle, Cypress, TX 77429 Phone: 713-223-4640 Fax: 281-351-0558 Ravenwood Apartments, operated by Lakequest Enterprises, has a new address: 7964 Amelia, Houston, TX 77055-1607. PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Posey Davis Nargang Ramsey Kaplan Management has promoted Ginger Posey to area manager. Sarah Davis has joined the company as an area manager. Stuart Showers has been promoted to director of market research and consulting services with O’Connor & Associates. Asset Campus Housing welcomes Lindsey Sharp as a senior financial analyst and Melodie Raab as a regional supervisor. Jill Bounds is now a regional manager with Abbey Residential. David Nargang has joined the team at BH Management. Tracy Orn is now regional director with GFI Management Services. Capstone welcomes Sue Ramsey as a district manager. CONGRATULATIONS Kathy Vandegaer, Greystone, has been installed as IREM vice president of membership and named ARM of the year for the second consecutive year. Vandegaer Thanks to everyone who serves on the Resident Relations committees, and warmest wishes for a happy holiday season. You’re out of this world! MPL 11030 Matilde Luna Director of Resident Relations ABODE DECEMBER 2009 65 Go d l o G e h t for with HAA events in 2010! Mark your calendars for these great networking opportunities in 2010, as HAA celebrates 50 years of excellence! January 12 2010 Market Outlook Seminar 19 Education Kick-off Event 22 Installation and New Year Gala 27 Sponsorship Auction 28 HAA Board Meeting 30 Membership Campaign Finale Meeting Industry Achievement Awards NAA Education Conference & Expo – New Orleans Sponsorship Auction February 11-12 TAA Quarterly Board Meeting & Committee Meetings – Dallas 16 Rescheduled Pink Ladies Golf Tournament 24 Membership Recruitment Boot Camp July 9 22 28-30 March 7-10 12 24 25 29 August 26 HAA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner April 6, 20 7 21-24 May 5, 26 6-7 7 19 19 66 June 3 17 24-26 DECEMBER 2009 NAA Capital Conference – Washington, DC Volleyball Tournament Membership Campaign meeting HAA Board Meeting Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament – Sweetwater Country Club Membership Campaign meetings 4th Annual Maintenance Mania TAA Education Conference & Lone Star Expo – Houston Membership Campaign meetings Maintenance Supply Headquarters HAA/ AAGD Challenge Cup Tournament All-Star Sports Challenge HAA Education Conference & Expo – Reliant Center, Hall D HAA Board Meeting & Executive Seminar at the Education Conference & Expo ABODE Bowling Tournament HAA Board Meeting TAA Quarterly Board Meeting & Committee Meetings – Corpus Christi September 23 HAA Board Meeting TBA Fall Golf Tournament/PAC Fundraiser October 30 20th Annual Chili Cook-off 20-22 TAA Quarterly Board Meeting & Committee Meetings – San Antonio November 11-13 NAA Assembly of Delegates – Indianapolis 17 Annual Business Meeting & Board Meeting 17 HAA Board Meeting December TBA Volunteer Appreciation Party Please note: Dates are subject to change. See www.haaonline.org for the most up-to-date calendars and registration information. LEGISLATIVE, continued from Page 9 jurisdiction over apartment properties. HFD’s checklist (also available at www.haaonline.org) is unchanged. LINT TRAPS HAA leaders made it clear to city officials that a new apartment inspection program had to include a solution to the city’s misinterpretation of an ordinance about restaurant grease traps. As readers of this column will remember, we have been struggling for two years with the Health Department’s misapplication of the new Fats, Oils and Grease ordinance to small apartment laundry room lint traps. Under the city’s program, apartment owners were being required to retrofit laundry rooms with four washers or more with huge underground lint traps at a cost sometimes exceeding $50,000. Owners with existing traps were being required to buy permits and to have them cleaned every 90 days, which is far more often than necessary. First, an HAA-backed amendment to the plumbing code adopted in August changed the basic lint trap requirement so that it only applies to laundry rooms with more than 10 washers. Under an agreement reached with city officials last month, owners of existing lint traps will be have to purchase the annual $50 permit but will be required to have them pumped only when necessary, which will be defined as when the gunk in the bottom of the trap reaches “25 percentof the wetted height of the entire grease trap or interceptor, as measured from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe.” Depending on the size of the trap, the number of washing machines and the frequency of their use, that could be anywhere from every few months to every few years. NUMBERING Years ago, apartment owners joined with HFD in proposing some modifications to the city’s ordinance on numbering properties and buildings. Apartment owners realize the value of helping emergency responders find their way to people in need and are happy to take on additional expense where necessary. Unfortunately, this proposal got stuck in the bureaucracy for a while. Last month, however, City Council adopted our proposal unanimously. The ordinance will basically require new properties to illuminate building numbers (not unit numbers, just the numbers on the ends of buildings) to help emergency responders find units at night. New and existing properties will need a property directory at every vehicular entrance, rather than just at the “primary entrance” as is currently required. New buildings must comply with this ordinance as of January 1. Existing buildings must comply with this ordinance no later than January 1, 2011 – meaning you have a year to make sure your property has a directory at each vehicular entrance. LIFE SAFETY DEADLINE The original Life Safety Appendix passed in the early 1990s said that once you had your Life Safety Compliance inspection, you had two years to complete any required repairs. Properties were required to have completed all this over a decade ago, and nearly every HAA member property stepped up and complied. Some properties, however, have been able to slip through the cracks because of poor city recordkeeping and other means. The ordinance adopted last month shortens the deadline from two years to six months for those properties that have been able to successfully evade compliance until now. Look for more information at www.haaonline.org as we work with the city to get you the information you need to understand and comply with these new requirements – especially as the city implements the new property registration requirement in the coming months. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 67 Thank you to HAA members who used the HAFEC facility in 2009 for your company meetings, seminars and computer training: Landmark Management Group LLC Venterra Realty TVO Groupe 100% Leased Management LLC GFI Management Services Inc. Apartment Guide Greystar Greystone Asset Management LP Riverstone Residential Group SMI Realty Management Tarantino Properties Inc. Apartments.com Asset Plus Corp. Martin Fein Interests Ltd. Lankford Property Management Oak Leaf Management Company Sumar Realty Corporation Summit Housing Partners LLC United Apartment Group Inc. CBC AmRent Capstone Real Estate Service Inc. Centaurus Property Management Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents Maintenance Supply Headquarters Milestone Management MyNewPlace.com Orion Real Estate Service Inc. Preferred Communities LP Rent.com Sherwin Williams Thank you to our members for supporting the Houston Apartment Foundation Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center WELCOME, continued from Page 61 Momentum Towing Kristine DaSilva P.O. Box 5053 Katy, TX 77491 281-347-2552 Storage Wrecker Service Morrison & Morrison Clay Morrison 2951 Marina Bay Drive #130-315 League City, TX 77573-2735 281-554-7077 Adjusters Insurance Consultants Nu-Line Pest Control Shane Vasquez 14910 James River Lane Houston, TX 77084-2118 281-656-2319 Beekeepers Pest control services Termite treatment Oasis Pool Plastering Bill Ludiker P.O. Box 401346 Houston, TX 77241 281-448-5410 Swimming pool contractors Swimming pool service & maintenance Referred by Caroline Kane Pritts Roofing LLC Michael S. Pritts Sr. 7606 Antoine Drive Houston, TX 77088-5410 713-494-6882 Roofing contractors Roofing services consultants Referred by Sonny Unverzagt R&E Development Inc. Robert Stewart 601 Cien St. #200 Kemah, TX 77565-3075 281-957-9648 General contractors Siding contractors Referred by Dan James Ridgeline Roofing Inc. Marty Barbosa 510 Mississippi South Houston, TX 77587-4832 713-378-4608 Roofing contractors Waterproofing contactors Servpro of Stafford/Missouri City Chas Nickells 1306 FM 1092 #204 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-403-2256 Fire/water damage restoration Mold remediation Signal 88 Security Texas Frank Petro 5507 Louetta #C Spring, TX 77379-7872 832-559-3521 Security guard/patrol service Security consultants Referred by Quintina Smith More OCTOBER new members Signature Detection Inc. Lee Wilhite 1107 Plantation Drive Richmond, TX 77406-6559 713-550-4528 Security control equipment systems Smoke detectors & alarms Fire protection equipment & supplies 911 phone service Referred by Kathy Vandegaer Sugar Land One Hour Brent Simpson 13335 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477-4305 281-208-2665 A/C contractors Heating contractors Referred by Michelle Pahl Summit Floors Todd House 15210 Chaplin St. Houston, TX 77032-2920 832-399-5700 Tile non-ceramic Carpet dealers new & used Referred by Linda Smith TDIndustries Allen Womack 8801 Jameel #100 Houston, TX 77040-5093 832-309-4488 Heating contractors A/C contractors Chill water equipment Pluming contractors Tranzon Driggers Chris Mestrovich 1 NE 1st Ave. #301 Ocala, FL 34470-6632 352-369-1047 Real estate Real estate commercial USA Decon Robert Demaret 3819 Kimberly Drive Pearland, TX 77581 713-850-0555 Cleaning specialists-trauma Cleaning specialist-bio hazardous HAA Celebrates 50 Years with this Golden Opportunity for Networking and Business Mark your calendar for May 19, 2010 Reliant Center, Hall D Join Education Conference Chair Mack Armstrong, Greystar, for education seminars beginning at 8:45 a.m. Join Expo Exhibitor Committee Chair Michelle Bridges-Pahl, Century A/C Supply, as the Expo show floor opens 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Special 50th Anniversary “Solid Gold After Show” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Amanda Sherbondy at 713-595-0316 or e-mail asherbondy@haaonline.org. Wells Fargo Amy Buck 12200 Northwest Fwy. #200 Houston, TX 77092-4900 713-209-6548 Financing Banks Referred by Beth Rohani Wilsonart International Lance Mundkowsky 552 Garden Oaks Houston, TX 77018-5506 832-725-4051 Countertops Floor materials Welcome to HAA! See www.haaonline.org for the latest news and events. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 69 HAA RESOURCES Standard Lease Contracts, Forms & Books* HAA members can access the most comprehensive lease available in the industry, along with more than 30 different forms. Also available to members is the TAA Redbook containing state and federal statutes and governmental rules that affect all rental housing in Texas. For more information, contact Form Sales at 713-595-0317, e-mail forms@haaonline.org or order online at www.haaonline.org. Information for OWNER/MANAGEMENT COMPANY MEMBERS Committees & Clubs Members volunteer to work side by side with industry peers in more than 20 activities that help the association accomplish its goals and objectives. Pictures of volunteers are featured in ABODE magazine every month. For more information, contact Member Services at 713-595-0322 or e-mail members@haaonline.org. Legislative Information Continual updates that keep our members apprised of pending legislation. Staff members are available to answer questions about the state and federal laws and city ordinances. Contact the Government Affairs Department at 713-595-0303 or 713-595-0302 or e-mail govtaff@haaonline.org. ABODE Magazine HAA’s premier monthly publication – 80 pages of interesting, informative articles from industry insiders covering rental housing trends and tips to help reduce the expense of day-to-day operations. A regular bi-annual report on rental rates and occupancy statistics is published in the spring and fall. For more information, contact the Communications Department at 713-595-0333 or 713-595-0334 or e-mail comm@haaonline.org. Resident Relations Department and Helplines Free assistance to all member apartment personnel who have questions or need advice when dealing with residents. Community service for residents to help resolve misunderstandings concerning the lease, application and security deposits. For assistance, contact Resident Relations at 713-595-0300 or e-mail resrel@haaonline.org. Directory & Buyer’s Guide An annual listing of all member owner/management companies, properties and companies that supply products and services to the rental housing industry is available to HAA members only. One copy is mailed to each member, including each property, in January. For more information, contact the Special Services Department at 713-595-0306 or specserv@haaonline.org. Surveys/Statistical Data* An annual salary survey is downloadable from the HAA Web site and available only to members. A leasing and occupancy survey is published twice a year in ABODE magazine for spring and fall. HAA Online Online form sales, event calendar and registration and job listings provide members with a direct connection to HAA services. All member company Web site addresses have hyperlinks where permission has been granted. This offer is free to all members. For more information, contact the Communications Department at 713-595-0300 or e-mail webmaster@haaonline.org. Education Programs* From entry-level leasing and sales technique, to executive-level training in human resources and marketing, there is truly something for every multi-family professional through the Education Department. Ranging from three hours to six months in duration, training programs are available throughout the year and cover every discipline. Additionally, the six designation programs from the National Apartment Association are also offered for those professionals looking to set themselves apart in a competitive industry. Education grants are also available for certain programs. For more information, contact the Education and Meetings Department at 713-595-0319 or 713-595-0314, e-mail educ@haaonline.org, or register for programs online at www.haaonline.org. Resident Credit Reporting Service (RCR)* Powered by First Advantage SafeRent This is an optional service for an additional charge. RCR has partnered with First Advantage SafeRent, the nation’s leading and most innovative provider of screening services, to expand its suite of resident screening services currently available as an exclusive HAA membership benefit. RCR partnered with First Advantage SafeRent to provide leasing staff more screening resources to make consistent, accurate, and Fair Housing compliant leasing decisions. Local rental history (including evictions, skips and move-in and move-out data), nationwide rental history and landlord-tenant records, broader criminal data and retail credit reports are available in a quick and easy-to-use Web-based application with instantly delivered results. For more information, contact Resident Credit Reporting at 713-595-0330 or 713-595-0329 or e-mail rcr@haaonline.org. *These benefits are in addition to your membership fee. The Houston Apartment Association is the largest local apartment association in the U.S., representing more than 1,600 companies. We represent 2,400 apartment communities with more than half a million units – 90 percent of the Greater Houston market. Exposure is the key to your business success in HAA. Your membership is only the first step. After joining, take the next step and become involved. In time, you will see results. 70 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE The Jones family GOOD WORKS, continued from Page 36 The Jones family was chosen not only because their home needed the repairs, but also because they were a deserving family. John and Gail Jones have adopted four children and settled in a larger, older home in their neighborhood. The 31-year old home needed many repairs, and the inefficiency of the home was costing the Jones family an arm and a leg. Their August 2008 electric bill topped $1,000. The Energy Savings Makeover Team was able to meet their goal of cutting the Jones’ energy consumption by more than 50 percent. Century worked with Ruud to donate more than $10,500 in HVAC equipment. Direct Energy provided an energy audit of the Jones’ home, which scored 195 prior to the improvements. A 200 is the highest and worst possible score to receive. The average home scores a 130. After the improvements, the home received a 75. The Jones family’s energy bills are no longer $1,000 a month. Their most recent bills have been slashed by over $800. Century participated in this effort because the company believes in the program and its goals. Recent breakthroughs in technology have made it much easier for homeowners to take action to reduce their energy bills, and this program offered a great opportunity to showcase high-efficiency equipment and raise awareness of the options available for reducing energy costs. In addition to witnessing the Jones family’s dramatic savings, viewers of the contest learned which home upgrades could help save them money, how radiant barriers worked, why attic fans were installed and how important insulation really is when it comes to cooling your home. TARANTINO TREATS ITS SENIORS TO A HOLIDAY DINNER Anthony Tarantino, president of Tarantino Properties, extends his deeply rooted sense of family to his residents and staff alike. To that end, he hosts an annual holiday party See GOOD WORKS, Page 73 ABODE DECEMBER 2009 71 HAA RESOURCES General Membership Meetings* Supplier members can take part in face-to-face contact in a social setting with apartment industry personnel. Bi-monthly meetings vary from chili cook-offs and volleyball tournaments to dinner awards presentations and gala events. Average attendance is more than 250 people. For more information, contact the Education and Meetings Department at 713-595-0319 or 713-595-0314 or e-mail educ@haaonline.org. Committees & Clubs Supplier members can volunteer to work side by side with industry peers in more than 20 activities that help the association accomplish its goals and objectives. Pictures of volunteers are featured in ABODE magazine every month and could help you and your sales staff get recognized regularly by on-site personnel. For more information, contact Member Services at 713-595-0322 or e-mail members@haaonline.org. ABODE Magazine This award-winning monthly publication contains local, state and national news to keep our members on top of their profession. ABODE has a circulation of 4,000 copies every month. Advertising in ABODE will give you the consistent exposure to the Houston multifamily housing market and reinforce the efforts of your sales people. Writing an article can show expertise in your field. For more information on advertising, contact Supplier Services at 713-595-0316 or e-mail suppsrv@haaonline.org. To find out more about writing for ABODE, contact the Communications Department at 713-595-0333, 713-595-0334 or e-mail comm@haaonline.org. Directory & Buyer’s Guide The “yellow pages” of HAA, one copy is mailed to all members, including each property, in January. This is the primary reference source used by apartment personnel to contact HAA supplier members. Supplier members have one alphabetical and two categorical listings, with more available for a small fee. The book lists each property by address and by name and the owners or management companies. Deadline to advertise or be listed in the 2010 Directory is October 1, 2009. For more information, contact Supplier Services at 713-595-0316 or e-mail suppsrvc@haaonline.org. Education Conference & Expo* Market your company at this annual event with more than 295 exhibitor booths and 4,000 potential clients. The show is free to all apartment community personnel and will be held at the Reliant Center. The next show is scheduled for May 2009. For more information on the 2009 Expo, contact Supplier Services at 713-595-0316 or e-mail suppsrvc@haaonline.org. Information for SUPPLIER COMPANY MEMBERS Sponsorships* Have your company name promoted by sponsoring an event. More than 120 events are up for auction twice a year allowing you the opportunity to target specific property management personnel. Auctions are held in January and June. For more information, contact Supplier Services at 713-595-0316 or e-mail suppsrv@haaonline.org. Mailing Labels* Continually updated, preprinted adhesive labels can increase the efficiency of mass mailings. Available in three membership categories (owners, properties and suppliers) for a nominal fee. For more information, contact Form Sales at 713-595-0317 or e-mail forms@haaonline.org. HAA Online Online form sales, event calendar and registration and job listings provide members with a direct connection to HAA services. All member company Web site addresses have hyperlinks where permission has been granted. This offer is free to all members. For more information, contact the Communications Department at 713-595-0300 or e-mail webmaster@haaonline.org. Certified Apartment Supplier* A certification program designed to educate suppliers on the multifamily industry and the day-to-day operations of an apartment property. For more information, contact the Education and Meetings Department at 713-595-0319 or 713-595-0314 or e-mail educ@haaonline.org. CAS *These benefits are in addition to your membership fee. Get the HAA member logo Highlight your company’s membership with HAA. Use the logo on your business cards, letterhead, publications, company Web site and any other communications tools and marketing collateral. Show your alliance with your local advocate for quality rental housing. For more information call HAA at 713-595-0333 Download the logo at www.haaonline.org 72 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE Todd Witmer, Brenda Choate and Anthony Tarantino prepare to serve the holiday meal. GOOD WORKS, continued from Page 71 for residents of the three senior living communities he manages. The entire Tarantino corporate staff comes together to serve a traditional spaghetti dinner to almost 500 individuals, providing entertainment and gifts to all attendees. This marks the third year Tarantino will host this event to share in the holiday spirit of giving and devoting time to those who mean so much to us. CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS FROM BBR Massachusetts teens Robbie and Brittany Bergquist started with $21 of their own money. Their goal is to help our soldiers serving overseas call home by providing prepaid phone cards. Since 2004, their effort has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to the soldiers serving overseas. BBR Management heard of the story and decided to participate company-wide. By presstime, Wolf Creek Apartments in Clear Lake had collected 13 old cell phones, and BBR company-wide had more than 1,400. Their effort officially ended November 18, but they may extend the deadline. For more information, contact Wolf Creek manager Amanda Archie at 281-480-2778 or wolfcreek.manager@bbrmail.com, or visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Thanks to all our hardworking members for the good work you do in the industry and in the community. Well done! Amanda Archie and Sara Wilcox hold up a few of the phones the Wolf Creek staff has collected for Cell Phones for Soldiers. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 73 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Comm-Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 281-773-4796 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.comm-fit.com Resident Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 713-595-0345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.cc Crime Stoppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 713-521-4600 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.crime-stoppers.org Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com Access Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 281-489-7755 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.access-electric.com D&C Contracting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 713-460-9394 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dccontracting.com Service Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 936-441-2121 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.serviceconcepts.us Advanced Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 713-464-5561 . . . . . .www.advancedfoundationrepair.com Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com THS Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 713-574-1443 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thsnational.com AdvaloremTax.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 281-474-2300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.advaloremtax.net First Advantage SafeRent . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 972-612-2420 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fadvsaferent.com TVMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 713-587-1200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tvmax.com Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com For Rent Media Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 281-281-1800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.forrent.com TXU Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 713-953-5631 . . . . . . . . . .www.txu.com/apartments Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-644-4441 FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 713-690-5330 . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35, 59 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com The Greensheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 713-371-3502 . . . . . . . . . . .www.thegreensheet.com Webb Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 800-243-6303 Ameritex Apartment Movers . . . . . . . . . . . .64, 67 713-484-8400 . . . . . . . . .www.ameritexhouston.com Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents . . . . . . . . . . .59 713-533-9059 . . . . . . . . . . .www.hamilton-steele.com Apartment Data Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 281-759-2200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.apartmentdata.com HARCO Insurance & Financial Services . . . . . . . .54 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com Apartment Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 800-422-8300 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.apartmentfinder.com Hiebert Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 281-961-3014 . . . . . . .www.hiebertphotography.com Apartment Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 713-856-9286 . . . . . . . . . .www.apartmentguide.com Meyer Smith Inc. (Houston Gate) . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-862-7339 . . . . . . . . . . .www.meyersmithinc.com BG Personnel Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 713-781-8367 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bgpersonnel.com Mid-Continental Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 713-528-2961 CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com Namco Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 800-634-5816 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.namcomfg.com Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.camprecon.com Perfect Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 713-952-0202 Certified Recovery Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 713-464-8219 . . . . . . . . . .www.certifiedrecovery.com Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-660-7777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rasafloors.com Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 713-341-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.comcast.com RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.cc Do you need HAA or TAA forms and leases? Contact our Form Sales department directly at 713-595-0317, or send an e-mail to forms@haaonline.org. See RCR Online at: www.haaonline.org/portal_rcr.aspx 74 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE MARKET LINE By BRUCE McCLENNY, President, Apartment Data Services HOUSTON T 41 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past three months. The third table distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification. Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free or floor plans. The effect of these specials is captured and prorated over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents. he first table below displays a snapshot of the current market conditions. The graph displays the overall occupancy and effective rental rates over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities in the Houston region. The effective rental rates are the calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The second table lists the five hottest submarkets in the Greater Houston area. There are a total of History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units SNAPSHOT 84.0 – Past 12 Months: -1.3% rental rate growth 7,098 units absorbed Recently Opened (12 months): 64 communities 18,007 units 82.0 – • 80.0 – • • • • • • • • •• • • • •• • • • • – 89.0 •– 88.0 – 87.0 • • • – 86.0 78.0 – – 85.0 Under Construction: 10 communities 2,780 units _ 84.0 HOTTEST SUBMARKETS Over the Past Three Months Rank 1 2 3 4 5 Submarket Galleria Tomball/Far Northwest Fort Bend Lake Houston/Kingwood Woodlands/Far North % of Market Absorbed 2.7% 5.1% 1.9% 3.3% 0.2% Annualized Rental Rate Growth % 4.5% 1.4% 2.1% -1.1% 8.1% Oct 09 Sep 09 Aug 09 Jul 09 Jun 09 May 09 Apr 09 Mar 09 Feb 09 Jan 09 Dec 08 Nov 08 Oct 08 Aug 08 Sep 08 Jul 08 Jun 08 May 08 Apr 08 Feb 08 Mar 08 Jan 08 Dec 07 76.0 – Nov 07 Proposed Construction: 43 communities 13,527 units Occupancy (%) Operating Supply: 2,848 communities 568,901 units Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.) 84.9% $715/mo. 82.4¢/sq.ft./mo. 868 sq.ft. • Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size: CONCESSIONS Class All A B C D Total Units w/Concessions 364,805 66,887 148,323 142,084 7,511 % of Total Units 64% 71% 65% 67% 23% Average Special -9.5% -12.0% -9.3% -7.2% -9.3% Citywide Effect -6.6% -8.9% -6.4% -5.1% -4.0% One Month Free = -8.33% TEXAS DALLAS/FT. WORTH SAN ANTONIO AUSTIN Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size: Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size: Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size: 87.2% $731/mo. 84.7¢/sq.ft./mo. 863 sq.ft. 87.9% $692/mo. 82.8¢/sq.ft./mo. 836 sq.ft. 89.5% $819/mo. 94.8¢/sq.ft./mo. 864 sq.ft. Past 12 Months: -1.9% rental rate growth 1004 units absorbed Past 12 Months: 1.4% rental rate growth 3,121 units absorbed Past 12 Months: -2.8% rental rate growth 5,783 units absorbed Operating Supply: 2,562 communities 573,350 units Operating Supply: 709 communities 143,787 units Operating Supply: 722 communities 158,097 units Apartment Data Services Inc. has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986. ADS Online covers Texas’ four largest metro areas and provides real-time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for more than 1.3 million apartment units. For more information, contact McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2009 Apartment Data Services Inc. ABODE DECEMBER 2009 75 BACK PAGE News from around the COMMUNITY Join HAA in supporting this worthy cause: Taking Strokes Against Breast Cancer 8th Annual Apartment community and its residents go above and beyond for Pink Ladies Due to weather, the Pink Ladies Golf Outing has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 16, Longwood Golf Club, 13300 Longwood Trace Registration – 7:30 a.m. Tee Time – 9:30 a.m. Lunch and Auction – 1 p.m. Thanks to our Pink Ladies sponsors: Tote Bag Ameristar Screen & Glass Apartment Guide Maintenance Supply Headquarters TXU Energy Beverage Stations Apartments.com For Rent Media Solutions Rasa Floors Beverage Carts Craven Carpets The Liberty Group Pavecon Event AAA Plumbers Access Electric Affordable Quality Electric Ameritex Movers American Fire Systems Apartment Data Services Apartment Finder Appliance Direct of Texas Best Plumbing BG Personnel Services BIO Landscaping Redi Carpet Bishop’s Office Needs RENCON Brandt Electrical Services Redlight Wreckers CallSource Sherwin Williams Camp Construction Services Superior Floors Capture the Market Taylor Contracting Century A/C Supply & Roofing Certified Recovery Systems Texas Turf Management Clear Evaluations Total Package Turnkey Creative Design & WCA Waste Corporation Marketing Wilmar Industries Criterion Brock D&C Contracting Direct Energy Dixie Carpet Installations FSI Construction Gemstar Construction HD Supply Hardman Signs Hire Priority Houston Pest Ice Blue Advertising Impact Floors Instar Services Group J&L Distributors Jeff Ray Inc./DanMarc Group NWP Services Corporation Onsite.com Property Marketing Sponsorships still available. Advantage Resident Data Contact Susan at RealPage shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0313 for more information. 76 DECEMBER 2009 ABODE A big thank-you to Greystar’s Stone Park Apartments and its residents, who raised more than $5,000 in their community for the Pink Ladies and the American Cancer Society. Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77041 Return Service Requested
