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THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
ABODE Best Best August 2016
of the
The HAA Honors Awards recognize the finest multifamily professionals and properties in the Houston-area.
TAA Supreme
We See You
The Texas Supreme Court rules in favor of an owner and a TAA lease provision.
at the Honors Awards, Sponsorship Auction, Membership Drive and much more!
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CONTENTS August 2016
ON THE COVER
FEATURES & PHOTOS
42
16 On the Scene – Photos from the Aces Lunch in June.
Honors Awards – Welcome to the HAA Honors issue of ABODE. HAA sits down with industry leaders in a panel discussion beginning on Page 42. You can check out the first group of our property winners on Page 58. We will continue to feature property winners through the end of the year. Photos from the award ceremony start on Page 34. Cover Photo by Mark Hiebert, Hiebert Photography
30 On the Scene – Photos from the Sponsorship Auction in June. 34 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Honors award ceremony in June. 42 Shop Talk – Independent rental owner Robert Martinez, managers Yaneth Luna, Richard Hester and Jennifer Ramos, portfolio supervisor John Dang and assistant manager Vincent Vuong share their experiences, challenges and triumphs in a roundtable discussion. 50 Talk About the Passion – Meet HAA’s 2016 Owner/Management Executive of the Year Kelly Scott, Alliance Residential Company. 54 Fun Run Sponsors – Thank you to our members for supporting Camp Hope. 58 On Site with ABODE presents 2016 HAA Honors – See what all the hype is about from our Cornerstone and 2015-2016 Lease-Up award recipients. 64 On the Scene – Photos from the Go-Getters Creating Membership Drive Kickoff in June.
COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – Congratulations to industry professionals who were recognized for their excellence at our Honors Awards ceremony. 8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Criterion Brock. 9 Legislative Update – During this presidential election, Harris County voters need to be mindful of down-ballot races. 11 It’s The Law – The Texas Supreme Court rules in favor of an owner and a TAA lease provision. 14 Resident Relations – A resident disputes carpet cleaning charges after a leasing agent gave her the OK. 19 Upcoming Education – Find out what education courses the Houston Apartment Foundation is offering in August and September. 20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the next coming months. 24 TAA Update – Learn about TAA’s Neighbors CARE program. 26 NAA Update – NAA covers current industry related topics in Congress: resident screening policies for ex-offenders, ADA lawsuits and flood reform policies. 28 On the Road with HAA – Photos from the North Houston-Area Legal Seminar. 62 Welcome Mat – Meet the newest HAA members. 68 The Ambassador ONE Society – News from the HAA welcome wagon. 70 Portfolio Changes and In the News – Industry news clips from our members. 74 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication. 75 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers. 76 BackPage – News from around the community.
We welcome your comments. Email us at comm@haaonline.org.
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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
KELLY SCOTT Vice President at Large
KYLE BROWN President-Elect ALISON HALL President
DEBBIE SULZER Vice President at Large
SAL THOMAS Vice President at Large
MICHELLE PAWELEK Secretary/Treasurer
CLAY HICKS Vice President at Large
HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel
STARLA TURNBO Vice President at Large JEFF HALL Executive VP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jackie Rhone, Immediate Past President Josh Allen Mack Armstrong Jeff Blevins John Boriack Kyle Brown Grant Crowell John Fedorko Paula Forshee Israel Garza Diane Gilbert Clark Gregg Ira Gross Alison Hall Bryan Head Clay Hicks David Jones Jacob Kunath Barby Lake Kristin McLaughlin Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley Michelle Pahl Jenifer Paneral Mark Park Michelle Pawelek John Ridgway Christy Rodriguez Kelly Scott Kurt Seidel Kim Small Debbie Sulzer Sal Thomas Starla Turnbo Beth Van Winkle Quintina Willis Jerry Winograd Tracie Yoder DIRECTORS EMERITUS Ken Bohan Gary Blumberg Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Darlene Guidry Jenard Gross David Hargrove Larry Hill
Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers P. David Onanian Eileen Subinsky Steve Sweet Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley HJ Tollett Pat Tollett Vic Vacek Jr. ADVISORY DIRECTORS Joe Bryson Scott Douglas Billy Griffin Cesar Lima Robert Lopes Karen Nelsen Shelley Watson Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks
PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS Kristin McLaughlin, CASE, President Mohawk Industries Israel Garza, CAS, Vice President Maintenance Supply Headquarters Grant Crowell, CAS, Secretary The Urban Foresters Jacob Kunath, CAS, Treasurer Century A/C Supply Mark Park, CAS, Immediate Past President AAA Plumbers MEMBERS Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Waste Debbie Brueckner, CAS, Dixie Carpet Installations Peggy Charles, CASE, Meyer Smith Arrie Colca, CASE, Craven Carpet Dylan Coleman, CAS Camp Construction Services Deborah DeRouen, CAS, Certus Real Estate Solutions Derek DeVries, CAS, Camp Construction Services Brian Febbo, CAS FSI Construction Sarah Fox, CAS BG Staffing Jimmie Hotz, CASE, HD Supply Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services
Debra Knight, CAS, Valet Waste Stephanie Krop, CASE, Buyers Access Laura Lestus, CAS, The Liberty Group Liz Levins, CAS, Criterion Brock David Lindley, CAS, FSI Construction Inc. Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers PATRON MEMBERS 1980 CSC ServiceWorks 1982 Republic Services 1986 Craven Carpet 1987 For Rent Media Solutions 1994 AAA Plumbers Presto Maintenance Supply 1996 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1997 RentPath 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2003 Dixie Carpet Installations 2009 Camp Construction Services 2013 Criterion Brock
SPONSOR MEMBERS 1968 Century A/C Supply Hoover Slovacek LLP Reliant 1973 Brady Chapman Holland & Associates CORT Furniture Rental 1974 Mueller Water Conditioning Inc. 1976 Great American Business Products 1977 Webb Pest Control 1978 Houston Metro Electrical Corp. The Liberty Group 1981 AmRent Marvin F Poer & Company 1983 Namco Mfg. Co. Inc. Sherwin Williams Company 1984 RENCON 1985 Gemstar Construction Development Inc. 1986 ApartmentData.com 1988 Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects Inc. 1992 Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. Saint Clair & Sons Inc. 1998 AAA Staffing Ltd. CoreLogic SafeRent 2000 Moveforfree.com Inc Pura Flo Corporation 2001 Apartment Life Inc. 2002 American Fire Systems Classic Touch Painting Direct Energy LP Keystone Resources Southwest Painting Contractors Inc. Wilmar Industries Inc. 2003 Sign-Ups & Banners Corporation 2004 Assessment Advisors 2005 LSR Multifamily Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management United Protective Services 2006 Bell’s Laundries CAD Restoration Services LLC Corestone Paving & Construction DoodyCalls Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Masonry Solutions Inc. Roto-Rooter Services Co. TXU Energy Multifamily Services Valet Waste 2008 ARE Business Solutions LLC Flavor Finish Resurfacing HARCO Insurance Services Texas Turf Management 2009 Contractors Inc. Moen Inc. Redevelopment Services Storm Maintenance & Monitoring 2010 ALN Apartment Data Inc. BAC Products Belfor Property Restoration Certified Termite and Pest Control Cotton Commercial USA Inc. FTK Construction Services 2011 Buena Suerte Spanish Newspaper DNM Contracting Inc. Fantastic Floors Greenway Environmental Services Infinite Energy Inc. NRG eVgo Parking Management Company/ PMC Towing Seal Security Solutions Sterling Wiring Solutions 2012 ABC Supply Co. Inc. Accent Sign & Awning Co. Brown & Gay Engineers Inc. Cantrell McCulloch Inc. Drake Realty Group LLC EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Final Touch Remodeling Inc. Floor and Decor Outlets Giordano Construction Inc. Go-Staff Inc. Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc. Morrison Supply Company Nationwide Eviction Rent.com TAMKO Building Products Inc. Texas Concrete Professional Company 2013 Arbor Contract Carpet Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Audio Images Capitol Wrecker LLC Comcast Gambit Construction Gorman Roofing Services Outdoor Elements Pool Works LLC ProMaster Roofing & Gutter StoveTop FireStop Tidal Renovations LLC Tuttle Construction
2014 Adventure Playground Systems Inc. Chadwell Supply Classic Same Day Blinds D & G Quality Roofing Inc. J National Jonah Systems LLC MX2 Commercial Paving Parking & Towing Experts Inc. Pathfinder Insurance Group Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas Ram Jack Foundation Solutions SisTerra Landscape Storage West Texas Apartment Pool Services The Katy Plumbing Company Virtual Leasing Systems WCA Waste Corporation Zillow Rental Network Zippy Shell of West Houston 2015 A All Animal Control of North Houston Admiral Linen & Uniform Service by Alsco Air Pro Systems America Outdoor Furniture American Painting & Renovations Inc. ASAP Personnel Inc. ASI Astro Towing Solutions BSI Cameras Onsite Carrier Enterprise CertaPro Painters Citi Fence Commercial Inc. Competitive Choice Inc. CSI LED Lighting & Batteries D&C Painting DeNyse Companies Division-9 Inc. DTS Services Duke Sys Dust Lady Cleaning & Services LLC Dynamo Contracting Inc Fix My Slab Foundation Repair Foster Fence Ltd. Fulton Law Group PLLC Gateman Inc. Goes Heating Systems Greater Houston Pool Management Greenmark Environmental H.S. Services Hinton Construction Co. Inc. Holder’s Pest Control Housing100 I-45 Signs - G Quest Enterprises Infinity Power Partners Kathy Andrews Interiors Lane Law Firm Liberty Builders LLC M&J Painting and Construction Network Outfitters Notifii LLC Pace Mechanical Services LLC Power Express Preferred Home Technologies Inc. Prestige Restoration LLC Restored Resources Rivas Roofing & Gutters Inc. Seisco International LLC Smith Protective Service SOCi Inc. Springbok Valet Trash Solutions Tax Recourse LLC TEI Insurance Agency Inc. Texas Home Painters LLC The Allshouse Group LLC The Energy Link LLC Torocon Services LLC Trident Security Professionals United Painting Restoration Unwanted.com Inc. Wilsonart 2016 Action Window Coverings Inc. American Risk Insurance Company American Yard Care Baez Electrical BluSky Restoration Contractors Inc. Chesapeake Facility Resources Citi Fence & Concrete E-Systems Pest Management Inc. Ecolo Environmental Inc. Embark Services Empire Valet Trash Fidus Construction Services Furniture Options Green Days Lawn Care Guardian Chimney Sweep Halo Doors Inc. Hillco Building Service LLC Hillcroft Group LLC JLL Johnstone Supply K & E Services Kastle Systems Liquid Waste Solutions Manning Pool Service McCann Total Security Solutions O&S Construction and Weatherproofing Pet and Playground Products Pioneer Roofing of Northport Quantum Fitness Ram Construction Residential Recycling & Refuse of Texas Inc. Revitalize Facility Maintenance RoofTec Sears Commercial Signal 88 Security Northeast Houston Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing Sustain-Ability Solutions LLC WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Waste Concierge Management WF Athletic Supply ZMG Construction of Texas LLC
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ABODE AUGUST 2016 I VOLUME 39, ISSUE 8 Executive Vice President and Publisher
JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF
Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Writer/Editor MORGAN TAYLOR mtaylor@haaonline.org ADVERTISING
Director of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF
Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@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 Information Technology ART EIDMAN aeidman@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of Events and Meetings EMILY BANNWARTH ebannwarth@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Rental Credit Reporting Manager LUISA AREVALO larevalo@haaonline.org Education and Meetings Coordinator KAREN MITCHELL kmitchell@haaonline.org Strategic Growth Manager LAUREN TURNER, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Public Affairs Specialist MERCEDES SANCHEZ msanchez@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Coordinator LAUREN WOLFSON lwolfson@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER
TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com HOUSTON COMMITTEE Executive Program & Budget Nominating Ethics Investment Fair Housing By-Laws Strategic Growth Legislative PAC Fundraising HAA Better Government Fund Century Club Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Media Relations Golf Leadership Development Product Service Council Community Outreach Resident Relations Appeals Resident Relations A Resident Relations B Membership Ambassador ONE Society 2016 Expo IROC Education Advisory Council Career/Community Development NEXT HAF Fundraiser Property Awards RCR Advisory HAA Street Team
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR ALISON HALL JEFF HALL KYLE BROWN JEFF HALL JACKIE RHONE JEFF HALL EILEEN SUBINSKY JEFF HALL MICHELLE PAWELEK JEFF HALL CLARK GREGG JEFF HALL JENIFER PANERAL JEFF HALL KYLE BROWN LAUREN TURNER KYLE BROWN ANDY TEAS JERRY WINOGRAD ANDY TEAS STACY HUNT/JOHN RIDGWAY ANDY TEAS JACOB KUNATH ANDY TEAS LARRY HILL ANDY TEAS STARLA TURNBO ANDY TEAS CLAY HICKS ANDY TEAS MACK ARMSTRONG SUSAN HINKLEY KRISTIN MCLAUGHLIN SUSAN HINKLEY SAL THOMAS SUSAN HINKLEY DARLENE GUIDRY MATILDE LUNA HEATHER LACLAIRE MATILDE LUNA DEBBIE KELM MATILDE LUNA DEBBIE SULZER AMANDA SHERBONDY DEBRA KNIGHT/LAURA LESTUS AMANDA SHERBONDY IZZY GARZA AMANDA SHERBONDY CARLOS NETO EMILY HILTON KELLY SCOTT EMILY HILTON MICHELLE PAWELEK EMILY HILTON ROBERT LOPES/BRANDON COLEMAN EMILY HILTON SUSAN WELLS/ARRIE COLCA EMILY BANNWARTH IRA GROSS/DEBORAH HOLCOMBE TINA DEFIORE STARLA TURNBO TINA DEFIORE CARINA BRYARS LAUREN WOLFSON
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 develops leadership in the multifamily industry by engaging broadly diverse membership, embracing effective technology and advocating for a geographically inclusive association.
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, AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 39, ISSUE 8 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 © 2016 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.
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Bill DinersteinMemorial T o u r n a m e n t
Benefiting the Houston Apartment Association Better Government Fund Political Action Committee
Monday, September 26, Pine Forest Country Club, 8003 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084
Sign up today! Join us for the 37th annual HAA Golf Tournament. Prizes for: • Putting Contest • Closest To Pin • Longest Drive • Tournament prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, net scores. Check-in opens at 8 a.m. with a breakfast buffet and putting contest ($5 per entry). Shotgun start at 9 a.m. with award reception to follow. Two owner/management and two suppliers per team.
Registration fee includes golf fees, breakfast, beverages during play and reception. Please bring your own clubs, no rental clubs available.
*Please note this event is open to sponsors and players only, no spectators. In the event of rain, your contribution will go to the HAA Better Government Fund. Contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions under the Internal Revenue Code. Paid for by HAA Better Government Fund, Stacy Hunt, Treasurer.
Payment must be made by personal credit card Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover or personal check payable to HAABGF. Payment must accompany registration. HAA is prohibited from accepting corporate contributions for PAC events. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Company________________________________________________________________ Phone (____________)_________________________ MC____ Visa____ AmEx____ Discv_______ Credit Card #________________________________________________________________________ CC Security Code____________ Expiration Date__________ Name on Card______________________________________________________________ Number of players (two owner/management, two supplier) paid for___________ @ $150 each by September 19 $170 after September 19 = $_________ (total amount paid). Owner/Management Name____________________________________________Company_______________________________ Handicap___________ Owner/Management Name____________________________________________Company_______________________________ Handicap___________ Supplier Name________________________________________________Company___________________________________ Handicap___________ Supplier Name________________________________________________Company___________________________________ Handicap___________ Mail completed form and payment to: HAABGF PAC, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Credit card registrations may be emailed to golf@haaonline.org or faxed to 281-582-1520; payment must accompany registration.
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President’s Corner By ALISON HALL, CPM, CAPS, 2016 HAA President
CELEBRATING LEADERS We spent an exciting evening celebrating the best in our industry at the HAA Honors.
WE’VE DECIDED TO dedicate this ssue to: Recognizing and honoring industry leaders and spotlighting top HAA apartment communities. Providing education for industry professionals is one of the most important aspects of the HAA mission. We are proud to be surrounded by iconic leaders in our association who have propelled their careers and refined their development through education. Congratulations to all of our 2016 HAA Honors property and individual award winners and NAA Designation recipients. It’s safe to say this year’s award show was AWESOME, and it couldn’t have been done without the support of our sponsors and the work of the HAA staff. I also would like to thank Kate Good for being the best emcee ever! In the pages that follow, you’ll read about industry professionals, powerhouses and entrepreneurs – all who share amazing stories about how they got their start in the apartment industry. Flip to Page 34 for photos from the award show and Page 42 for features of our honorees.
www.haaonline.org
ABODE will begin featuring HAA Honors property winners through the remainder of the year in On Site With ABODE, starting on Page 72.
Do you have a question or concern? Alison wants to hear from you! Email your HAA president at askalison@haaonline.org.
Creating Membership The Go-Getters Creating Membership encourage your participation in recruiting, Drive kickoff was at the end of June. come join us and help grow HAA. Association strength is measured in numbers, so our Go-Getters hold a valuable role in our future. The GoGetters is a group of members who recruit both new management and supplier companies to join HAA. The success and continAlison Hall with Amanda Sherbondy and Lauren Wolfson of the ued growth of the HAA Membership and Marketing Department accept the NAA association is fueled Excellence Award in the Membership Development category at by membership from the 2016 NAA Education Conference & Expo in July. our industry. We
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These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their patron membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.
Houston Planned Energy Systems
For Rent Media Solutions
HAA Member since 1978
HAA Member since 1987
Republic Services
Criterion Brock
HAA Member since 1982
HAA Member since 1985
Presto Maintenance Supply
AAA Plumbers
HAA Member since 1983
HAA Member since 1984
CSC ServiceWorks
FSI Construction Inc.
HAA Member since 1961
HAA Member since 1999
Craven Carpet
Dixie Carpet Installations
HAA Member since 1986
HAA Member since 1987
Camp Construction Services
RentPath
HAA Member since 1994
HAA Member since 1979
August Patron of the Month
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Legislative Update
By KYLE BROWN, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs
FALL ELECTION PREVIEW The Presidential Election could create down-ballot drama.
THE HOUSTON APARTMENT Association is a strictly non-partisan group. We work with Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, Liberals and everybody in between. We support candidates for office who support the goals of the apartment industry. Sometimes, these goals lean conservative. We support pro-business policies, reasonable taxes, limited regulation and lawsuit reform. Sometimes, our goals can seem more liberal. We support the Low Income Housing Tax Credit in federal policy, and we’ve championed stricter common-sense safety regulations and code requirements for apartments with local governments. Consistency is important. Baseball players know that different umpires have slightly different strike zones. This isn’t a problem as long as each umpire calls their strike zone consistently. A strike 1-inch below the knees is fine as long as it’s a strike every time. This is how we see elected officials – especially judges. Our industry relies heavily on justices of the peace for residential eviction cases. Justice of the peace courts are not “courts of record,” which means things will vary a little from judge to judge. That’s fine as long as our owners and managers know what to expect. All this is to say, we have some concerns about the election in November. Harris County is split almost evenly between Republicans and Democrats, with more voters than ever choosing to cast straight-ticket ballots. Democrats tend to do a little better in presidential years (President Barack Obama carried Harris County in 2008 and 2012). Republicans do a little better in the in-between elections (Gov. Rick Perry nearly beat former Houston Mayor Bill White in his home county in 2010, and Gov. Greg Abbott carried the county over Wendy Davis in 2014). However, we have never seen a presidential election quite like this. At the top of the Republican ticket will be Donald Trump, who www.haaonline.org
is incredibly controversial even within his own party. The Democratic ticket will be anchored by Hilary Clinton, who narrowly escaped criminal indictment last month with the FBI director pointing out that she and her colleagues were “extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information.” We anticipate a significant number of new voters coming to the polls this fall out of a motivation to vote against one of the two presidential candidates. We suspect Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson may pull more votes than expected. What will these voters do about the race for Harris County sheriff, tax assessor-collector or several dozen civil and criminal court judges? HAA has no position in the race for U.S. president, but we support some outstanding elected officials who will run under the same political party columns as Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton – often several pages into a lengthy ballot. How do we help the candidates we support in an election where down-ballot races are likely to get almost no attention? Our hope is that Harris County voters will be wise enough to avoid straight-party voting, and that the HAA Better Government Fund can support effective campaigns for individual candidates in both parties. Countdown to tamper-resistant smoke alarms in Houston Remember that, starting Jan. 1, 2017, any single-station smoke alarm that needs to be replaced (broken, missing, etc.) in an apartment unit in the Houston city limits must be replaced with a “sealed, single-station smoke alarm with a long-life lithium or similar battery.” These will cost more than the smoke alarms you’re using now. Tamper-resistant alarms seem to retail for somewhere between $10 and $20, instead of the 9-volt battery smoke alarms that go for around $5. Again, you don’t have to replace all your smoke
alarms – you just use the new kind as the old ones disappear or stop working. Tamper-resistant smoke alarms have a couple advantages for property owners that help justify the cost. First, there is no battery to replace. The sealed smoke alarm is generally warrantied for 10 years. This also means there is no usable battery for a resident to remove. Most leases hold residents responsible for smoke alarm battery replacement, but managers often replace batteries when a unit turns over, so the owner’s expense for 9-volt batteries is still a factor for many properties. Second, tamper-resistant smoke alarms have a “mute button.” If a resident sets off the alarm accidentally, there’s no need to break it, knock it off the wall or try to pull out the battery. The resident merely pushes the button to silence the alarm and the unit resets itself a few minutes later. If your property (mostly built since the late-1980s) has hard-wired smoke alarms, this requirement does not apply to you. Houston Fire Code Revision Houston is working its way through the most recent national update of its fire code. Progress has been slow, but the Houston Fire Department appears to be amenable to retaining all the hard-fought local amendments HAA has secured in recent years. In the most recent draft, Houston will continue to delete its requirement that apartments be retrofitted with carbon monoxide alarms and pull-station fire alarm retrofit will be limited to older properties with units opening onto enclosed corridors. Our fire department hopes to have a final draft to bring to Houston City Council before the end of the year. If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Public Affairs. August 2016
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It’s the Law
By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel
TAA SUPREME
The Texas Supreme Court rules in favor of an owner and a TAA lease provision.
IT’S RARE TO SEE the Texas Supreme Court ruling on a TAA lease provision. It takes a lot to get that far in our court system. First, there must be enough of a controversy for both parties to litigate the case. The losing party must also be willing to appeal both a trial court and an appellate court’s decisions. Lastly, it’s up to the Supreme Court to decide if the case warrants its consideration. By the time a case reaches the Supreme Court, the parties have spent a substantial amount of time, money and energy. On May 13, 2016, the court rendered its opinion in a case entitled Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company v. White. In a close 5-4 decision, the court ruled that an owner (through its insurance carrier under a subrogation claim) was not barred from recovering damages from a resident under the TAA lease even though the resident was not negligent in causing the damage. The focus of the ruling was a TAA lease provision, which provides that the resident must pay for damage resulting from any cause not due to the owner’s negligence or fault. The Facts Carmen White signed a TAA lease that provided, in part, as follows: You [the resident] must promptly pay or reimburse us [the owner”] for loss, damage, consequential damages… due to: negligence;… other conduct by you or your invitees, guests or occupants; or any other cause not due to our [the owner’s] negligence or fault. This was in section 12 of the lease signed by White. The same language is in section 13.1 of the current version of the TAA lease. Shortly after White moved into her apartment, she received a new washer and dryer as a gift from her parents. She experienced trouble installing the dryer, because the cord sparked and the circuit breaker tripped when she attempted to plug it in. At White’s request, www.haaonline.org
an apartment employee connected the dryer with a cord TAA lease provisions are not often a subject of a supplied by White. Supreme Court case. Lower courts will now use this Within days of the dryer’s incase as precedent to determine enforceability issues stallation, White’s apartment in other leases and contracts. Since this case directly and several adjoining units deals with the TAA lease, there are many things were severely damaged in a fire we can learn from the case. that originated in her apartment. White first detected the fire in the clothes dryer, which she was using to remove allergens from dry The court declared the reimbursement proviand unwashed items, including a duvet, sion void because it holds a resident liable for sheets, a blanket, decorative pillows and a bed damages to the entire apartment complex for pillow. Though the fire started in the dryer, the accidental losses, acts of God, criminal acts source of ignition was unknown. The loss exof another or any other act of someone or ceeded $83,000. something unassociated with the resident or the owner. The Suit The court stated that since the property Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Comcode prohibits owners from waiving their duty pany paid the owner’s insurance claim and to repair or remedy conditions in a unit except demanded reimbursement from White. White for conditions caused by the resident or an affailed to remit payment and Philadelphia Infiliated party, the lease provision was in condemnity sued her for negligence and breach flict with the property code. of contract for non-compliance with the reimbursement provision of the lease. Supreme Court Analysis During trial, it was determined that there The Supreme Court stated, as a general was no malfunction in the dryer, cords, power rule, parties in Texas can contract as they wish outlet or circuit breaker. Although there was a so long as the agreement reached does not viquestion over whether the items placed in the olate the law or offend public policy. In the dryer were suitable for mechanical drying, the residential-leasing context, the legislature has jury found the cause of the damage was not limited the freedom of an owner and resident due to the negligence of White. However, the to contractually allocate responsibility for rejury found that White violated the terms of the pairs materially affecting health and safety. lease because White did not reimburse the The Supreme Court recognized that the owner for the damages to the unit, even lease provision at issue expands a resident’s though there was no evidence of the owner’s responsibility beyond what would be a resinegligence or fault. dent-caused damage. By negative reference, Neither party asked the jury to determine the provision assigns responsibility to the resithe cause of the fire or whether it was attributdent for all damage not caused by the owner’s able to any non-negligent conduct on White’s negligence or fault. part. The jury awarded $93,498.00 in actual The Supreme Court seemed to focus its endamages plus attorney’s fees to the owner’s inergy on determining whether the lease provisurance carrier. sion is enforceable to the extent that White A Court of Appeals held that the TAA lease could be held responsible for damages even provision was void as against public policy. though White was not negligent in causing August 2016
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those damages. The Supreme Court focused on the property code provision, which states that an owner does not have a duty to repair or remedy a condition caused by the resident or someone affiliated with the resident. With regard to the reimbursement provision, broad notions of public policy ultimately reduce to whether enforcement of the reimbursement provision would require White to pay for damages that were not resident-caused. The Supreme Court’s Conclusion The Supreme Court concluded that although the lease provision was susceptible to interpretation in violation of the property code, the provision was not void on public policy grounds because the provision was capable of being performed in accordance with the property code. Owners have no obligation to repair conditions that are resident-caused and therefore are not restrained from contracting with residents for reimbursement of those repair costs. The Supreme Court noted that White failed to obtain a jury finding that she did not cause the damage at issue. The jury’s failure to hold White negligent is not a substitute for a finding that White did not cause the damages.
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The Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals judgment and rendered judgment that the lease provision is not unenforceable on public policy grounds. The case was remanded back to the trial court for consideration of White’s remaining defenses to enforcement. What We Can Learn This was a close decision, however, the Supreme Court seemed to make it clear that there is a legal distinction between holding a resident responsible for negligently causing damages and causing damages without being negligent. In other words, a resident can be held responsible for damages under the TAA lease even if the resident was not negligent. If the resident or anyone affiliated with the resident caused the damage (perhaps by accident), both the lease provision and the property code would support an owner being able to recover from the resident. The issue that the Supreme Court did not address is whether a resident could be held responsible under the lease if the resident was not negligent or otherwise caused the damage. In conclusion, the Supreme Court pointed out White failed to obtain a finding that she did not cause the damages at issue.
This suggests that if White did obtain a jury finding that she did not cause the damages, she may not have been responsible for the damages, even though she would not have shown that the damages were the result of the owner’s negligence or fault. Since the Supreme Court found that White was responsible even though White was not negligent, residents would be hard-pressed to claim that they should not be responsible for damages simply because they were not at fault. Claiming, “It was only an accident,” would not be a proper defense to the lease language that the resident should be responsible. TAA lease provisions are not often a subject of a Supreme Court case. Lower courts will now use this case as precedent to determine enforceability issues in other leases and contracts. Since this case directly deals with the TAA lease, there are many things we can learn from the case. However, as usual, the case is subject to interpretation by the lower courts and reconsideration by the Supreme Court if and when the Supreme Court is asked to rule on similar situations. As always, keep abreast of any further developments.
www.haaonline.org
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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
CARPET CONFUSION
The committee rules in favor of management with a generous adjustment made to the resident. A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with HAA to dispute a carpet replacement charge after a leasing agent quoted damages at a much lower cost. The resident moved out on July 31, 2013. On her move out day, she and a leasing agent did a walkthrough of the apartment. The leasing agent told the resident her apartment would need minimal shampooing on a small spot on the carpet due to heavy traffic. The leasing agent assured the resident the total cost of the shampooing would only be $75. Two weeks later, the resident was notified that the entire carpet was replaced. The property claimed the replacement was necessary because it was impossible to match the carpet
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with the small dirty patch through shampooing. The resident contacted the leasing office around Aug. 10 to dispute her carpet charges as well as to discuss move out charges and water billing. The cost of the carpet replacement was reduced by half of the original charge. Upon further review, the property also reduced her final water bill, which was initially charged through the lease ending Aug. 2. The Committee’s Decision The committee decided in favor of management with an adjustment made. The committee acknowledged at the time the walkthrough was performed both parties agreed the only area of question was the small area on the living
room, which would have required a shampooing. Because management did not provide an invoice of the original carpet installed when the resident moved in, the committee removed the original carpet replacement charge of $464.39 and added the initial quote of $75. After the adjustment, including other charges justified, the resident owes the property $105.42. If you are a manager with a resident relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 for direct assistance. Renters can be referred to HAA by calling 713-595-0300 to speak to a trained consultant Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also be directed online to www.haaonline.org/renters.
www.haaonline.org
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On the Scene with ACES ACES Manager Appreciation Luncheon Sponsored by 1 Century A/C Supply and 2 Green Mountain Energy Friday, June 3 at The Downtown Aquarium Restaurant The Apartment Community Executives & Supervisors invited their managers for a special lunch program featuring a media training session with Deborah Ward Buks, president of Ward and OnwardU. Attendees learned how the media works and what roles managers can play in an effective public relations effort and to mitigate risk.
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THE APARTMENT COMMUNITY EXECUTIVES and Supervisors group was created to offer executive-level members a way to network and exchange information and knowledge. It offers them an opportunity for educational programs and presentations. ACES is intended for those on the property management side of HAA membership in an executive or leadership role. For more on ACES, see online at www.haaonline.org. 16
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Get
“SMART” Are you a supplier looking for business opportunities?
HAA and the Product Service Council offer this special program to help supplier representatives gain a better understand of the opportunities available in the multifamily industry. The council wants all suppliers to have the best chance for success in the organization. Learn how to develop relationships with management personnel that result in business for your company. Using your membership the right way can help your business grow. Join us as Julie Irvin, Keystone Resources, covers how to “Get SMART” with HAA. Your goal of getting active and gaining business needs to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time related. Irvin is a well-known industry speaker, national presenter and consultant. The program is free of charge so do not miss out!
Supplier Education Program
Wednesday, August 24 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Registration 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Program 3 p.m. – Q&A Houston Apartment Association HAF Training Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. off Clay Road and Beltway 8
FREE for Supplier Members Register online at www.haaonline.org/supplierprogram
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Upcoming Education
AUGUST Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, August 3 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 Visit www.haaonline.org to register. It’s the Law Luncheon Friday, August 5 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: $25 Sponsored by Fit Supply Register at www.haaonline.org. APPLE: Core Session 5 with Patty Morgan Seager Tuesday, August 9 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by Brook Furniture Rental Are your leasing teams more focused on the front door and overlooking the backdoor as existing residents move out? In this interactive session, pariticpants will learn how to exceed today’s renters’ expectations, the key factors of resident renewal, how to implement “high-touch” experiences throughout the lease duration and cost effective resident retention strategies. See Page 22 for details. Leasing 101 Tuesday, August 16 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon Program fee: $65 before Aug. 16; $75 at door Employed HAA members begin at noon with lunch; attendees seeking industry employment begin at 9 a.m. All attendees attend day two until noon. This introduction course to the
SCHEDULE AND FEES
From the HAA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
apartment industry covers greeting and qualifying the customer, presenting the lease, industry terminology, Fair Housing and more. Students will receive a certificate after completion, as well as a listing of HAA member management companies. HAA NEXT: Krazy Karaoke Night Thursday, August 18 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location TBA Sponsored by TXU Energy Multifamily Services Network with your peers at this free social event and grow your professional development together among the next generation of HAA leadership. Entry is free and includes one complimentary drink ticket, door prizes and more. This event is exclusive to HAA young professionals ages 35 and younger. Check www.haaonline.org for details. APPLE: Marketing Session 2 with Megan Orser Tuesday, August 23 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by CORT Furniture Are your property’s online ratings have you down? Learn how to monitor and manage your reputation through technology and real-life strategies, and understand the difference between having and earning a reputation. See Page 22 for details. Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, August 24 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 Visit www.haaonline.org to register.
are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a refund, less a $15 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 www.haaonline.org
SEPTEMBER APPLE: Marketing Session III with Kosnikowski Dilisio Tuesday, September 13 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by CORT Furniture Learn how to compete effectively to maximize your advantage, amenities, service and upgrade ideas. CAMT Interior and Exterior Maintenance & Repair Tuesday, September 13 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program fee: $795 for CAMT package; or $165 per course Sponsored by Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search This course will teach students how to maintain the interior and exterior of properties through repairs and preventative maintenance procedures. This course also includes a lesson on make-ready projects. See Page 23 for more details. CAMT Electrical Maintenance & Repair Wednesday, September 14 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program fee: $795 for CAMT package; or $165 per course Sponsored by PRISM Electrical Learn the foundation of electrical work, especially in appliance and HVAC products. See Page 23 for details.
CAMT Plumbing Maintenance & Repair (2 days) Thursday, September 5 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, September 16 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Program fee: $795 for CAMT package; or $165 per course Sponsored by AAA Plumbers Learn how to maintain and repair plumbing systems and fixtures. APPLE: Maintenance Session II with Chad Moulin Wednesday, September 21 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by Best Plumbing Learn about maintenance economics. This course is focused on budgeting, recycling and cutting down on wasteful expenses. See Page 22 for details. IROC Breakfast Friday, September 23 7:30 to 10 a.m. Program fee: $25 for nonmembers Sponsored by For Rent Media Solutions Visit www.haaonline.org for details.
No credit card or HAA login? No problem! We do not accept registrations over the phone. However, if you do not have access to a credit card, just use our “Express Registration” page (no login required) at www.haaonline.org/expressregistration. This simple form generates an email to us with your registration request. This is a binding transaction, and all cancellation policies still apply. NOTE: For your own individual HAA login ID and password, please email us at webreg@haaonline.org.
Building. Seating is limited. You must pre-register. For more information and to register, go 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 above include a 30-minute registration period. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less a $15 administrative fee. August 2016
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AUGUST S M T 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30
Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE
W 3 10 17 24 31
T 4 11 18 25
F 5 12 19 26
SEPTEMBER S M T W T 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
S 6 13 20 27
F 2 9 16 23 30
S 3 10 17 24
AUGUST 3
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Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, August 3 8:30 a.m. to noon Contact education@haaonline.org for details.
Go-Getters Creating Membership Happy Hour Thursday, August 11 3:30 p.m. Houston Texans Grille 12834 Queensbury Lane (at CityCentre). Register at www.haaonline.org. Sponsored by Century A/C Supply and CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions
CAM Exam Friday, August 19 11:30 a.m. Contact education@haaonline.org for details.
Ambassador ONE Society Wednesday, August 3 4 p.m. Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub 10001 Westheimer, 77042. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.
5 It’s the Law Luncheon Friday, August 5 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit www.haaonline.org to register. Sponsored by Fit Supply
9 APPLE: Core Session 5 – Are You Focusing on Renting or Renewing with Patty Morgan Seager Tuesday, August 9 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 per member See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by Brook Furniture Rental
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Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, August 10 2 p.m.
CAM Exam Friday, August 12 11:30 a.m. Contact education@haaonline.org for details.
16-17 Leasing 101 Tuesday, August 16 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon Employed HAA members begin the first day at noon with lunch; attendees seeking industry employment begin at 9 a.m. Everyone attends day two until noon. Visit www.haaonline.org for details.
18 HAA NEXT: Krazy Karaoke Night Thursday, August 18 6:30 to 9 p.m. Glitter, 2621 Milam. Check www.haaonline.org for updated details. Sponsored by TXU Energy Multifamily Services
APPLE: Marketing Session 2 – Reputation Marketing with Megan Orser Tuesday, August 23 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by CORT Furniture
24 Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, August 24 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 Contact education@haaonline.org for details. Blood Drive Wednesday, August 24 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 76 for details. PSC Supplier Education Program with Julie Irvin Wednesday, August 24 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Program fee: FREE Visit www.haaonline.org to register.
Area Council: Humble/Spring Area Thursday, August 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. HAA is reaching out to better serve our members by bringing targeted networking and educational events to different parts of our 12-county service area. Contact strategic growth coordinator Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org to sign up for these FREE, management-only events where you can learn about issues affecting your area and network with your fellow managers. Want to host an event? We are looking for member properties to host Area Council meetings. Contact lturner@haaonline.org.
25 Area Council: Humble/Spring Area Thursday, August 25 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information to follow. Contact Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org for details.
gthin Num n e ber Str
s
Outreach
Netwo rk
Take 5 Business Exchange Wednesday, August 10 8 to 11 a.m. Ayva Center 9371 Richmond, 77063. Visit www.haaonline.org for details.
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ation Educ
New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, August 3 3:15 p.m. Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub 10001 Westheimer, 77042. All new supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@ haaonline.org for details.
Strategic Growth Hits the Road
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 or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. 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. See www.haaonline.org for an interactive calendar. 20
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Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendars at www.haaonline.org for the most up-to-date information.
SEPTEMBER 5
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27-28
Offices Closed The HAA offices will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day.
APPLE: Marketing Session 3 – Don’t Act Your Age! How Established Communities Can Succeed in a Lease-up Market with Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio Tuesday, September 13 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by CORT Furniture
APPLE: Maintenance Session 2 – Maintenance Economics with Chad Moulin Wednesday, September 21 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Best Plumbing
Leasing 101 Tuesday, September 27 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, September 28 8:30 a.m. to noon Employed HAA members begin the first day at noon with lunch; attendees seeking industry employment begin at 9 a.m. Everyone attends day two until noon. Visit www.haaonline.org for details.
7 New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, September 7 3:15 p.m. Houston Texans Grille 12834 Queensbury Lane (at CityCentre). All new supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@ haaonline.org for details. Go-Getters Creating Membership Happy Hour/Ambassador ONE Society Wednesday, September 7 3:30 to 5 p.m. Houston Texans Grille 12834 Queensbury Lane (at CityCentre). Register at www.haaonline.org. Sponsored by Dynamo Contracting and TXU Energy Multifamily Services
CAMT Interior and Exterior Maintenance & Repair Tuesday, September 13 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 23 for details. Sponsored by Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search
22 Area Council: Stafford Thursday, September 22 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information to follow. Contact Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by FSI Construction Go-Getters Creating Membership Showcase: Recruitment Finale Thursday, September 22 3:30 to 5 p.m. Houston Texans Grille 12834 Queensbury Lane (at CityCentre). Register at www.haaonline.org. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers and FSI Construction
14 CAMT Electrical Maintenance & Repair Wednesday, September 14 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 23 for details. Sponsored by PRISM Electrical Resident Relations Committee B Meeting Wednesday, September 14 2 p.m.
23 IROC Breakfast Friday, September 23 7:30 to 10 a.m. Visit www.haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by For Rent Media Solutions
15-16 CAMT Plumbing Maintenance & Repair Thursday, September 5 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, September 16 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. See Page 23 for details. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers
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20 HAA Better Government Fund Luncheon Tuesday, September 20 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Mercedes at msanchez@haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by Ameritex Movers
Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament Monday, September 26 9 a.m. Pine Forest Country Club 18003 Clay Road, 77084 See Page 6 for details.
TARGET QUALIFIED LEADS www.haaonline.org www.haaonline.org
29 Blue Star Program Thursday, September 29 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Braeswood Assembly of God Church 10611 Frondren, 77096 Spaces are limited. Preregistration is mandatory. HAA members may visit www.haaonline.org to register. Non-HAA members may contact govaffairs@haaonline.org for details. Legislative Committee Meeting Thursday, September 29 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Board Meeting Thursday, September 29 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by HD Supply.
30 ACES Luncheon Friday, September 30 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit www.haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by Camp Construction Services and CORT Furniture Rental
Free for job hunters: • Find the right job to fit your skills and experience, or • Post an anonymous resume so recruiters can find you.
Inexpensive and specific for employers/recruiters: • Specific to the multifamily industry, narrowing your search. • Pinpoints your audience with qualified, quality leads.
jobline@haaonline.org 713-595-0300 August 2016
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APPLE is sponsored by
Grow your career with the right ideas, the best advice and watch your future blossom – Here’s a taste of the next sessions:
Grab an APPLE! 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 are also available with unlimited attendance for all on-site property staff to all sessions at discounted prices: • Only $199 per year per property for properties with fewer than 200 units • Only $399 per year per property for properties with 200 to 350 units. • Only $450 per year per property for properties with more than 350 units. Take a bite out of these education opportunities and enroll for 2016 today. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.
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APPLE: Core Session 5 August 9 Are You Focusing on Renting or Renewing? With Patty Morgan Seager Are your leasing teams more focused on the front door, trying to lease to new residents, and overlooking the back door as existing residents move out? Today’s residents are more informed, know what they want and have more rental options than ever before. In this highly interactive session, learn how to meet and exceed the expectations of today’s renter, the key factors that have the biggest influence on a resident’s decision to renew, how to implement “high touch” experiences throughout the lease duration and cost effective resident retention strategies you can put into action immediately. APPLE: Marketing Session 3 September 13 Don’t Act Your Age! How Established Communities Can Succeed in a Lease-up Market With Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio Feeling the negative effects of the new product in your market? Need to transform to effectively compete? Attend this session to learn how to renew your community by trans-
forming your offerings with a strong, targeted message. Tap into the latest resident trends to maximize your marketing and leasing efforts. Learning points include sales technique, how to create a fresh look with a new message and much more.
APPLE: Maintenance Session 2 September 21 Maintenance Economics With Chad Moulin After this course in the nuts and bolts of dollars and sense, you will look at spending money in a whole different way – and you will also spend less of it. Budgeting, recycling and cutting down on being wasteful. How many dried-up tubes of caulk have you seen? Once you put a dollar amount to it, you will be amazed! APPLE: Core Session 6 October 20 Before You Hit “Submit!”How to Communicate Effectively in an Online World With Rommel Anacan See www.haaonline.org for more details and sessions scheduled through 2016.
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Spend a few days with HAA building your future! Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Program’s objective is to further the technical, business and personal development skills of today’s multifamily maintenance technician, resulting in improved on-the-job performance and a heightened awareness of customer service and responsibility. Course Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Total Program Cost: $795 Tuition can be paid per module: $165 per module for five modules.
Non-Technical Courses: The two non-technical courses are taught entirely online, allowing learners to take each course at their own convenience and at their own pace. After learning the new content in each course, students will go through a set of scenarios in which they evaluate the performance of maintenance technicians in realistic situations, then rate them on a set of criteria related to the learning points in the course. Each online course is approximately two-anda-half hours in length. Online courses can be available via the HAA computer lab for students without access to a computer or highspeed internet. • Inside the Apartment Business • People, Projects and Profits Both courses online only
CAMT Course Required Modules: Technical Courses: The five technical courses take place in the classroom with an instructor presenting core concepts and procedures, as well as leading course participants through reinforcing learning activities. These activities will range from discussions to solving “what if” scenarios to hands-on activities. After each course, learners will go online to go through practice scenarios for that course. These scenarios let learners play the role of a maintenance technician in a realistic and safe environment. They will make decisions to prioritize, diagnose and repair problems, just as they would on the job. Interior and Exterior Maintenance and Repair Tuesday, September 13 Electrical Maintenance and Repair Wednesday, September 14 Plumbing Maintenance and Repair Thursday and Friday, September 15-16 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair Tuesday and Wednesday, October 18-19 Appliances Maintenance and Repair Thursday and Friday, October 20-21 Comprehensive Exam Wednesday, October 26
Programs sponsored by AAA Plumbers, Century A/C Supply and Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search
Register online today at www.haaonline.org or call 713-595-0300 for details. www.haaonline.org
August 2016
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TAA Update from the TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
BEAT THE HEAT
TAA’s “Neighbors CARE” campaign helps cool heat-related injuries. COUNT ON IT: Summer will be hot in Texas. With triple digits on the way, it’s important to remember that even moderate prolonged heat can cause serious health problems. One of the best ways to prevent heat-related emergencies, though, is for neighbors to look out for one another. Apartment communities offer the advantage of neighbors living close to one another, giving apartment residents the opportunity to keep an eye out for potential problems and keep each other safe as temperatures rise. In this spirit, the Texas Apartment Association is continuing its “Neighbors CARE” initiative, first launched 18 years ago.
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“Neighbors CARE” promotes rental housing resident awareness of heat stress and encourages residents to CARE for their neighbors to help minimize the risk of someone suffering heat stress. Join in this program by sharing the “Neighbors CARE” message included in this article as well as the Heat-Stress Precaution Tips and other information available from your local apartment association and on TAA’s website, www.taa.org. In addition to sharing information with residents, TAA strongly encourages members to consider the health and safety issues that could arise from utility disconnects during times of
extreme temperatures and resist exercising any legal rights to disconnect electricity until a heat emergency has passed. Remember that statutory authority for an owner to disconnect electricity, water and gas is generally only applicable in limited situations, including emergencies, bona fide repairs and construction. (Interruption of submetered or allocated electric service in certain cases when the electric bill has not been paid is also permissible in some circumstances; see the article on page 429 in the 2016-2017 TAA REDBOOK.) For more information, see the 2016-2017 TAA REDBOOK, pages 402 and 408-411, or visit the / See TAA, Page 27
www.haaonline.org
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N I N E E S S A
BG e id u G ’s r e y u B Directory &
But Wait! There’s More! Get Seen! Be Seen! Don’t stop at print! Our full page advertisers get an extra boost of online exposure and will have their online listing moved to the top of the search page along with their company logo displayed at www.haabuyersguide.com. PLUS! Tab (section divider) advertisers will get a free 12-month scrolling banner ad on the Buyer’s Guide website. (Limited space available.)
This offer ends soon! Ad space sales will close on September 30. For advertising rates, visit
www.haaonline.org/BuyersGuide/ or contact Amanda Sherbondy in the Membership and Marketing Department at asherbondy@haaonline.org or 713-595-0316 for more details.
Be more than just a listing in the must have tool for every multifamily professional! Grab the attention of today’s decision makers by telling them more about you in the HAA Buyer’s Guide! Generate more leads from the Buyer’s Guide which is slated for 4,500 printed and delivered copies in 2017. Reach more than 2,800 apartment communities, more than 800 management companies and more than 800 supplier companies who rely on the HAA Directory and Buyer’s Guide when searching for member companies to do business with.
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Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTIHOUSING COUNCIL
CRIMINAL HISTORY
NAA/NMHC White Paper on resident screening policies for ex-offenders is now available.
NAA/NMHC’s NEW WHITE paper on HUD’s recently-issued guidance on the use of criminal histories in resident screening is now available for NAA members (member login required). The white paper, “Criminal Conviction Screening Policies: Best Practices to Avoid Disparate Impact Liability,” was written by Mike Skojec, Partner at Ballard Spahr, LLP. The white paper reviews the HUD guidance, provides the historical and legal context and recommends best practices for apartment owners and operators. HUD’s guidance seeks to end blanket exclusions of prospective residents based on criminal history in favor of a more individualized approach. While those with criminal histories are not a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, HUD has created the policy using disparate impact theory. Disparate impact allows fair housing complaints to proceed where actions have a discriminatory result on a protected class even if there was no intent to discriminate. House Committee Takes First Step on Americans with Disabilities Act Lawsuits The House held a hearing on May 19 on the bipartisan “ADA Education and Reform Act of 2015,” which is an important first step in moving the measure in this Congress. The NAA/NMHC-supported bill is designed to uphold the objectives of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while deterring costly and frivolous lawsuits against property owners. This legislation is narrowly tailored to target so-called “driveby” lawsuits that are increasingly common throughout the real estate industry.
These lawsuits often result from tester visits to a business for the The white paper reviews the HUD guidance, express purpose of finding ADA viprovides the historical and legal context and olations and filing suit. A single recommends best practices for apartment plaintiff sometimes files dozens of owners and operators. complaints that typically demand settlement money in lieu of proceeding with a lawsuit. But these actions do nothing to remedy alleged design and ifies that flood coverage offered by private construction violations. carriers meets existing federal purchase reThis legislation instead provides a busiquirements for properties financed or inness owner with the opportunity to cure an sured by the federal government. Current alleged deficiency prior to the initiation of a ambiguity over whether private policies were lawsuit – helping to ensure a critical disinsufficient has led to many insurance carriers centive for complaints motivated purely by not entering the market. monetary gain. NAA/NMHC have long supported commonsense reforms of the NFIP, like this bill, House Overwhelmingly Passes in an effort to reduce the post-disaster burNAA/NMHC-Supported Flood Reform den placed on taxpayers while ensuring that On April 28, the full House passed affordable flood insurance remains available NAA/NMHC-supported legislation that will at all times, in all market conditions for every increase property owner’s access to alternaat-risk rental property. These include more tive options of flood insurance coverage outthan just high rise apartment housing propside of the government sponsored National erties in urban centers along the east and Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). west coasts of our country, extending across Currently, federal laws require apartment every state to include low-rise structures and properties with federally regulated and ineven single family rental homes. sured mortgages in high-risk flood areas to We are now turning our attention to paspurchase flood insurance. However, the prisage of companion legislation in the Senate. vate insurance market offers few policy opThe strong bipartisan vote in the U.S. House tions, and those that do are in most cases sends a strong message to Senate leaders cost prohibitive. This legislation will help fosthat this bill deserves to be considered and ter increased private market competition, passed as soon as possible. making coverage more affordable for multiIn addition, we are working to ensure the family firms nationwide. reauthorization of the NFIP before it expires The “Flood Insurance Market Parity and in September 2017 as the program helps Modernization Act,” introduced by Reps. apartment owners not only protect their Dennis Ross (R-Fla.) and Patrick Murphy (Dproperty investment, but also helps manage Fla.), passed the House by an overwhelming the increasing costs of providing housing. vote of 419-0. Specifically, the legislation clar-
Did you know you have access to a lot more member benefits than just the lease contract and forms? If you’re receiving this magazine, your company has joined and made your company and YOU part of the largest local apartment association in the nation! Every employee of your team is a member of HAA and also a member of the TAA and NAA. Check us out online at www.haaonline.org. This is YOUR HAA!
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TAA, continued from Page 24 Utilities Laws/Forms section of the TAA REDBOOK Online and search for “discontinuance or interruption of utilities.” TAA also encourages members to respond sensitively to air conditioning repair requests. While availability of labor and materials may necessitate some delays, we encourage you to respond to these repair requests as promptly as the situation warrants and is possible under the circumstances of your particular property and location. Most utility companies sponsor bill check-off programs that allow customers to contribute to funds to assist elderly, ill and low-income individuals with their utility bills. In addition, some utility companies and other community groups organize fan drives or other programs to distribute air cooling equipment to low-income or elderly individuals. TAA encourages you to participate in these programs and to promote participation in them to your residents. The “Neighbors CARE” message is simple and encourages all rental housing residents to: • Check on their neighbors daily–especially the elderly, who may be more susceptible to heat stress, and those on fixed incomes, who may be concerned about expensive utility bills. • Always take precautions to prevent heat stress. Remember, everyone is susceptible to the effects of heat stress. • Report any concerns they have about the health and safety of their neighbors to the proper authorities. Report any problems with air conditioning equipment promptly to management. • Educate themselves, their friends and neighbors about the signs of heat stress and steps to prevent it. Tips for TAA Members • Promote the Neighbors CARE program to your residents. Distribute the Neighbors CARE flyers and Heat-Stress Precautions tip sheets to all residents, and post in common areas. • Consider distributing the “Keeping Cool and Conserving Energy” tips to your residents. You may want to modify the tips to include information specific to your property and location. For example, if your property has programmable thermostats, you may want to advise residents about how to use them. Or, you may want to include additional information about how to report needed repairs to management. You may also want to give specific information and a phone number for the electric utility in your area, repair delays (if any) being experienced / See TAA, Page 73
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On the Road with the HAA STRATEGIC GROWTH COMMITTEE Spring-Area Strategic Growth Legal Seminar Thursday, June 23 at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Sponsored by 1 Valet Waste The HAA Strategic Growth Committee held its first north Houston-area legal seminar with Howard Bookstaff in June. This sold-out seminar was held at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in North Spring with 60 area property management professionals in attendance. Howard hit the high points, covering 2016 lease changes, services animals and requests for accommodations and modifications, to name a few. Thank you Valet Waste for sponsoring our event!
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HAA IS REACHING OUT to better serve our members by bringing targeted networking and educational events to different parts of our 12-county service area. Contact strategic growth coordinator Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org to sign up for these FREE, management-only events where you can learn about issues affecting your area and network with your fellow managers. Want to host an event? We are looking for member properties to host Area Council meetings. Contact lturner@haaonline.org. 28
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On the Scene Photos by HAA STAFF A “Whole Latte Marketing” Sponsorship Auction Thursday, June 30 at the HAF Education Center Our generous supplier members got caffeinated with Boomtown Coffee at the Sponsorship Auction, raising more than $139,000 for HAA’s education and membership offerings. Events on the menu included the Dinerstein Golf Tournament, Annual Business Meeting, Chili Fest and a “whole latte” educational seminars and courses. A big thanks to our auctioneers Michelle Pawelek, Greystar, and Mike Koch, Camp Construction Services. Interested in becoming a sponsor? HAA will have another auction in January. Visit the HAA website at www.haaonline.org/sponsor for more information.
Thank you to our generous supplier sponsors: Camp Construction Services Crestmark Construction Services Arbor Contract Carpet Inc. DirecSupply Inc. AAA Plumbers CORT Furniture Rental FSI Construction Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search HD Supply Best Plumbing LLC Reliant Brook Furniture Rental Inc. Century A/C Supply Maintenance Supply Headquarters The Liberty Group TXU Energy Multifamily Services For Rent Media Solutions Gemstar Construction Development Inc. Texas Apartment Pool Services Power Express Presto Maintenance Supply Blackmon Mooring Dynamo Contracting Inc. Earthworks Inc. PPG Paints Valet Waste HomeMe Inc. Chadwell Supply CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions TPI Construction & Painting Inc. Ameritex Movers Brandt Electrical Services Inc. Native Land Design LLC Redevelopment Services Advanced Waste Solutions LP Pavecon LTD BG Staffing Meyer Smith Inc. (Houston Gate) Hoffer Furniture Rental & Sales Foundation Specialists Resman Richmond & Associates Landscaping Ted W. Allen & Associates American Painting & Renovations Inc. Trend Brand Solutions 30
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On the Scene Photos by HAA STAFF A “Whole Latte Marketing” Sponsorship Auction
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On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 2016 Honors Awards Wednesday, June 8 at the Hilton Americas Sponsored by 10 Crestmark Construction Services, 11 Gemstar Construction, 12 The Liberty Group and Red Carpet sponsored by 13 AAA Plumbers
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More than 1,000 attendees honored the best of the year in multifamily for 2016. Want to see more? All the photos from the event are available on the HAA website at www.haaonline.org. Click the “Photos by Partners� link at the bottom left of the homepage.
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1. Leasing Consultant of the Year Stephannie Green, NALP 2. Maintenance Technician Javier Chavez. 3. Assistant Manager Vincent Vuong, CAM 4. On-Site Manager, 1-150 Units, Yaneth Luna, NALP 5. On-Site Manager, 151-349 Units, Richard Hester, CAM 6. On-Site Manager, 350 or More Units, Jennifer Ramos, CAM, CAPS 7. Maintenance Supervisor, Single Property, Miguel Orellana, CAMT 8. Maintenance Supervisor, Multiple Properties, Jose Alvarado, CAMT 9. Administrative Support Professional Kathleen Coddou, CAM, NALP
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10. Indivdual Awards Sponsor Crestmark Construction Services 11. Property Awards Sponsor Gemstar Construction & Development 12. Individual Awards Sponsor The Liberty Group 13. Red Carpet Sponsor AAA Plumbers 14. Property Awards Sponsor TPI Inc. 15. Cornerstone Award winner Vintage Communities 16. Cypress Village, Momentum Real Estate/Greystar 17. Cornerstone Award winner Hanover Post Oak, The Hanover Company 18. Gables Upper Kirby Phase II and III, Gables Residential
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1. Pearl Midtown, Morgan Group 2. Go-Getter of the Year Crystal Jackson 3. Marketing Training Director Vi Lewis, CAM 4. Portfolio Supervisor John Dang, CAM, CAPS 5. Independent Owner Robert Martinez, IROP, Rockstar Capital Management 6. Deerbrook Place, Allied-Orion Group 7. Parkside Place, Oden Hughes Management LLC 8. Owner/Management Executive Kelly Scott, CAPS 9. Supplier Kristin McLaughlin, CASE 10. Camden Woodson Park, Camden 11. Three-Thousand Sage, Morgan Group 12. Camden Northpointe, Camden 13. Tiffany Square, Curtis Haines/Parawest Management 14. Spring Brook Lofts, Star Pacific/Relik Realty 15. Maple Tree Gardens, Linebacker Realty 16. Legacy at Westchase, Parawest Management 17. Deerbrook Garden, Rockstar Capital Management 18. The Lodge at El Dorado, Concierge Management Services 19. Camden Park, Camden 20. Camden Vanderbilt, Camden
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1. Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor Designates 2. Honorary Life Member H.Paul Young 3. Certified Apartment Manager Designates 4. Independent Rental Owner Professional Designates 5. National Apartment Leasing Professional Designates 6. Certified Apartment Supplier Designates 7. TAA Olin Steele nominees Kevin Fenn, Pavecon, and Tony Whitaker, FSI Construction Inc.
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On the Scene The 2016 HAA HONORS 2016 Honors Awards Individual Nominees Leasing Consultant Laura Aguirre Parawest Management Rumi Alvarez Wood Residential Luis Barrera Greystar Johanna Campos SMI Realty Lizet Cruz Rockwell Management Amanda Dews Greystar Schuyler Dickerson NOI Property Management Kelli Dixon, NALP Martin Fein Interests Dillian Falbe Hunington Residential Stephannie Green, NALP Greystar Angela Henry, NALP Mosiac Residential Jenna Jakovich Martin Fein Interests Emmett Jones II Milestone Management Annette Knoth, NALP Winthrop Management Dan Lawson Greystar Connie Montano Parawest Management Raven Moore Francis Property Management Clara Narvaez Rockstar Capital Management Alyssa Norris Greystar Keelie O’Brien Greystar Wynisha Ogunleye Parawest Management Liz Pablo SMI Realty Carolina Paneque Greystar Caroline Parker Greystar Maribel Santiago Concierge Asset Management Nathan Ward, NALP Martin Fein Interests Shavon Wooten Francis Property Management Maintenance Technician Javier Chavez Greystar Frank Hernandez SMI Realty Yenni Mairena Relik Realty Eduardo Martinez Asset Plus Corp. Juan Montoya Rockwell Management Pedro Romano Veritas Equity Management Rodrigo Trevino Greystar Assistant Manager Sabina Alvarez-Giles Oak Leaf Management Joslin Aquino The Dinerstein Companies (TDC) Daniela Alvarado Mosaic Residential Christine Baird, NALP Winthrop Management Angie Bermudez Oak Leaf Management Brooke Bridges Morgan Group Sally Brown ComCapp Kelesia Calloway Morgan Group Cristina Cantu Oak Leaf Management Amber Carisle Greystar
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Daviana Cearley, NALP Martin Fein Interests Rita Chandra Integrated Property Management Carlos Contreras Rockwell Management Juana Cornejo Martin Fein Interests Alicia Cruz Greystar Morgan Delongchamp Milestone Management Ashley Flores, NALP Trinity Property Consultants Marsiela Garza Concierge Asset Management Jessica Gomes Carroll Organization Giovanna Gone Winthrop Management Juanita Gonzales, NALP Francis Property Management Annique Hogan Greystar Keana Howard, CAM Greystar Ashley Monroy, NALP Martin Fein Interests Rebecca O’Hearn Greystar Kyle Pourciau Greystar Ana Rivera Gables Residential Claudia Rodriguez Milestone Management Fatima Rosales SMI Realty Eva Sandoval Greystar Vincent Vuong, CAM Francis Property Management On-Site Manager, 1-150 units Daniela Flores, NALP Rockstar Capital Management Erica Guzman Bonner Carrington Yaneth Luna, NALP Relik Realty Samantha Murillo, NALP Atlas Equity Management Amanda Walker, NALP Q10 Property Advisors On-Site Manager, 151-349 units Kristen Arrington Greystar Rema Awaad Greystar Clarissa Balderas Oak Leaf Management Angie Barajas Relik Realty Eda Brooks-Hallgren Asset Plus Corp. Tia Burke Asset Plus Corp. Stephanie Burriss, CAM Hunington Residential Roman Castro Concierge Asset Management Daniel Curiel Milestone Management Gina Darnell, CAM Francis Property Management Sara Dyse Southhampton Management Zitha Favela, CAM Martin Fein Interests Janine Ferrone, CAM Greystar Marissa Garcia, CAM Greystar Anita Gilliam, NALP, CAM Southhampton Management Cynthia Gregg, CAM Hanover Richard Hester, CAM Southhampton Management
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Melissa Hickson Gables Residential Kelley Jamison The Dinerstein Companies (TDC) Jeri Johansen Oak Leaf Management Tracy Knapp Gables Residential Summer Koon, CAM Rockwell Management Jennifer Krohn, CAM Greystar Bertha Lozano SMI Realty Veronica Mier, CAM SouthStar Management Melissa Mireles, CAM Greystar Anita Mixon, NALP Alliance Residential Graciela Ortiz Veritas Equity Management Keely Park The Dinerstein Companies (TDC) Jason Richards, CAM Gaia Property Management Nancy Rivera Oak Leaf Management Jenny Rodriguez SMI Realty Chris Sandbloom BH Management Tiffany Scarlett Carroll Management Brian Smith, CAM Mosaic Residential Tamika Snyder Vesta Management Services Linda Stinson Mosiac Residential Kelly Trlica UAG On-Site Manager, 350 units or more Johnnie Buchanan, CAM, CAPS ComCapp Lannya Batiste Alliance Residential Hogan Campbell, CAM Winthrop Management Ena Carolina Clark Rockwell Management Marie Compton Greystar Kim Dillehay Greystar Linda Hassan, CAM Knightvest Management Laura Klesel, CAM Greystar Sharise Linson Greystar Tom Loughridge, CAM, CAPS Greystar Teresa Maldonado, CAM Monogram Residential Ruth Nunez Asset Plus Corp. Jennifer Ramos, CAM, CAPS Greystar Nere Rivera RCMI Tracy Sosa, CAM Concierge Asset Management Rebecca Slater Gables Residential Mary Ellen Tedford, CAM Greystar Anna Towns, CAM Asset Plus Corp. Maintenance Supervisor Single Property Fernando Aguilar SMI Realty Thomas Baird, CAM, CAMT Winthrop Management Miguel Bran Greystar Julio Briones Oak Leaf Management Raul Campos Greystar
Jorge Castillo Mosiac Residential Jose Chairez Lynd Company Kelvis Davis Carroll Organization Jose Ferrufino Greystar Elvis Flores Martin Fein Interests Antonio Gamboa Abbey Residential Homero Gonzalez Oak Leaf Management Tom Henry Milestone Management Miguel Hernandez, CAMT Milestone Management William Lopez Atlas Equity Management Guillermo Maldonado Hunington Residential Robert Marquez Abbey Residential Willie Martinez Q10 Property Advisors Ernesto Mendoza Harbor Group Miguel Orellana, CAMT Francis Property Management Mauricio Ortuno Relik Realty Carlos Ponce, CAMT Francis Property Management Selvin “Alex” Quezada Greystar Julio Ramirez ComCapp Jorge Ramirez ComCapp Jose Ramirez Martin Fein Interests Rolando Rivera Milestone Management Santana Rodriguez Oak Leaf Management Miguel Saravia Morgan Group Francisco Suarez Martin Fein Interests Maintenance Supervisor Multiple Properties Jose Alvarado, CAMT Rockstar Capital Management Erasmo Andrade Relik Realty Francisco Hernandez Veritas Equity Management Cirilo Llares Oak Leaf Management Felipe Orozco Milestone Management Corporate Marketing/ Training Director Carina Bryars Greystar Randi Cameron Lincoln Properties Shannon Huskey, CAM Southhampton Management Mindi Kissling Windsor Communities Nancy Lee Milestone Management Vi Lewis, CAM Eureka Multifamily Group Joe Melton Morgan Group Samantha Miller Oak Leaf Management Merideth Savoie The Dinerstein Companies (TDC) Miguel Segura ParaWest Management Ashley Stenger Rockstar Capital Management
Portfolio Supervisor Jacqueline Aguirre, CAM Veritas Equity Management Ginger Bernstein Q10 Property Advisors Chad Christian, NALP, CAM, CAPS Pinnacle Property Management John Dang, CAM, CAPS Rockstar Capital Management Manda Gifford Judwin Properties Jana Gragg, CAM Landmark Companies Tomika Harris, CAPS Vesta Management Services Marcy Homes, CAPS Mosaic Residential Crystal Jackson, CAM, CAPS Gaia Property Management Leslie Jaimes Integrated Property Management Kelly Johnston, CAM Martin Fein Interests Grace Jones Fogelman Management Lori Lindley, CAPS Greystar Valerie Lacy, CAM Wood Residential Sonia Lopez, CAM, CAPS Southhampton Management Anson Kalber Monument Real Estate Services Karen Nelsen, CAM Houston Housing Authority Natalie Ripkowski Tarantino Properties Kristin Settles, NALP, CAM Relik Realty Jo Swift ComCapp Richard Wall, CAM, CAPS Concierge Asset Management Loretta Wiley SMI Realty Administrative Support Susie Capen ComCapp Kathleen Coddou, CAM, NALP Mosaic Residential Donna Farthing Greystar Lacey Prieto The Dinerstein Companies (TDC) Chris Richardson Milestone Management Lynn Vallone Asset Plus Corp. Independent Rental Owner Phillip Basarabescu Atlas Equity Management Mark Daronch Linebacker Equity Management Teri Daronch, CAM Linebacker Equity Management Jake Leatham, CAM, IROP Linebacker Equity Management Robert Martinez, IROP Rockstar Capital Management Kim McLean, CAM MPM Property Management John Ridgway Celtic Realty Advisors Kyle Schischka, CAM, IROP Star Pacific
Diane Gilbert Asset Plus Corp. Stephanie Graves, CAM, CAPS Q10 Property Advisors Curtis Haines, CAM Vende Captial Carolyn Howard Advantage Property Management Robert Lopes, CAM, CAPS, NALP Relik Realty Kelly Scott, CAPS Alliance Residential Natalie Spratt, NALP, CAM Scenic Property Group Starla Turnbo SMI Realty Shelley Zepeda, CAPS Francis Property Management Supplier Shannon Bass Impact Floors Howard Bookstaff Hoover Slovacek Marivel Bownds, CAS Valet Waste Jessica Cantu BG Staffing Andrea Carmona, CAS Greenlogic Lighting Arrie Colca, CASE Craven Carpet Mally Cook FTK Construction Angela Covington BG Staffing Deborah DeRouen, CAS Certus Real Estate Solutions Brian Febbo, CAS FSI Construction Izzy Garza, CAS Maintenance Supply HQ Dixie Caldwell Greer, CAS The Liberty Group Natasha Henderson Maintenance Supply HQ David Heitzma Dixie Carpet Installations Jacob Kunath, CAS Century A/C Supply Jason Lavrack Dixie Carpet Installations Angie Lavrack, CAS, CAM, CAPS The Liberty Group David Lindley, CAS FSI Construction Kristin McLaughlin, CASE Mohawk Industries Matt Mistica Bio-One Houston Mindy Price J Turner Research Roland Silas FSI Construction Paul Valente Sherwin Williams Irene Vasquez Hire Priority Amber Whitaker, CAS FSI Construction Kenny Young Gail Construction
Owner/Management Executive Julie Batche Martin Fein Interests Kevin Bell ComCapp Rob Finney ComCapp
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2016 Honors Awards Property Nominees Less than 100 Units Tiffany Square, Curtis Haines/Parawest Management Cedar Gate, Stellar Equity Management Marquee Uptown, Vintage Communities 100-150 Units Palms at Chimney Rock, Rockstar Capital Management Park at Deerbrook, Rockstar Capital Management Spring Brook Lofts, Star Pacific/Relik Realty Heritage Apartments, Vintage Communities 151-300 Units, Built before 1980 Shenandoah Woods, Creative Property Management Mapletree Gardens, Linebacker Equity Management Park at Willowbrook, Vesta Management Services More than 300 Units, Built before 1980 Oaks of Timbergrove, Arel Capital/Allied-Orion Group Reserve@City Center North, Commerce Capital Partners Legacy at Westchase, Parawest Management 151-300 Units, Built 1980-1989 Park Trails, Asset Plus Corp. The Gardens, Milestone Management Deerbrook Garden, Rockstar Capital Management More than 300 Units, Built 1980-1989 The Lodge at El Dorado, Concierge Management Services Hidden Lake, Milestone Management The Pointe at Steeplechase, Veritas Equity Management 151-300 Units, Built 1990-1999 Camden Park, Camden Gables Cityscape, Gables Residential Alara Deerwood, Greystar More than 300 Units, Built 1990-1999 Avana Grand Palms, Greystar Camden Vanderbilt, Camden Gramercy Park, Fogleman Management Group
More than 300 Units, Garden, Built 2000-2014 Camden Northpointe, Camden The Falls of Eagle Creek, Greystar Dolce Living Rosenberg, Pace Realty Corporation Foundations at Woodland, Winthrop Management 151-300 Units Mid-Rise, Built 2000-2014 Metropole, Greystar Cypress Village, Momentum Real Estate/Greystar 2222 Smith Street, Morgan Group More than 300 Units, Mid-Rise, Built 2000-2014 33ThirtyThree Weslayan, Morgan Group Pearl Greenway, Morgan Group Three Thousand Sage, Morgan Group 2015 New Development, Garden The Arrabella, Asset Plus Corp. Modera Energy Corridor, Mill Creek Residential Trust Parkside Place, Oden Hughes Management LLC 2015 New Development, Mid-Rise Alexan Heights, CRP/ Maple Heights Owner, LP Gables Upper Kirby Phase II & III, Gables Residential Modera Flats, Mill Creek Residential Trust Pearl Woodlake, Morgan Group Senior Living Lafayette Plaza, Allied-Orion Group Deerbrook Place, Allied-Orion Group Plantation at Quail Valley, Curtis Haines/ Parawest Management 2014-2015 Lease-up 7Seventy, Francis Property Management Millennium Six Pines, The Dinerstein Companies (TDC) Pearl Midtown, Morgan Group Cornerstone Awards Hanover Post Oak Vintage Communities
151-300 Units Garden, Built 2000-2014 Camden Woodson Park, Camden Legacy at Champion Forest, Commerce Capital Partners Magnolia Creek, Corry Properties/Greystar The Lynn at Country Club, Asset Plus Corp.
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MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Staff
SHOP TALK
HAA sits down with the Honors Awards Managers, Portfolio Supervisor and Independent Owner of the Year to discuss the business of multifamily.
From left, On-Site Manager of the Year, 151-349 units, Richard Hester, CAM, Southhampton Management; Independent Rental Owner of the Year Robert Martinez, IROP, Rockstar Capital Management; On-Site Manager, 1-150 units, Yaneth Luna, NALP, Relik Realty; Portfolio Supervisor of the Year John Dang, CAM, CAPS, Rockstar Capital Management; Assistant Manager of the Year Vincent Vuong, CAM, Francis Property Management; and On-Site Manager of the Year, 350 units or more, Jennifer Ramos, CAM, CAPS, Greystar.
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BODE invited our managers, portfolio supervisor and independent owner of the year to join in a conversation about the multifamily business, from how they started their careers to how they motivate their teams and more. Here are excerpts from the discussion: First off, how long have you all been in the industry, and how did you each get your start? Vincent Vuong: I’ve been in the industry for about seven and half, close to eight years now. … It’s a weird story, but a friend and I … had a cable installment company and our contractor bailed
out on us leaving with us about $550,000 dollars of our tax return owed … So at that point I was trying to find something else to do. My wife … is a hair stylist and had a run in with Veronica Roman. She [Roman] said “Hey I work for Asset Plus and the investor wants to find an agent to help her property out in southwest.” So that’s how I started [in the apartment industry]. Richard Hester: I’ve been in the industry for nine years. I was in Baton Rouge; I graduated from LSU and walked into a property there. I knew they had an assistant manager position open, but I had never been in the industry before. I went in, introduced myself and got my first position there. www.haaonline.org
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Yaneth Luna: I started in the industry back in 2010, six years ago now. I started with Tarantino, worked with them for about two months and then I went with Stillman Management. After that I went to the Morgan Group where I met Robert, the owner of Relik Realty. Now I’m with one of his properties, and I’m very happy. Jennifer Ramos: Well, I had a momentary loss of sanity and moved to Washington State from Miami. I kind of just fell into it while I was hanging out in the apartment office, eating all of their cookies and drinking all of their coffee, and trying to get my resume out. They said, “You know, you should really work here.” I said back, “Well if this is what you guys do all day, absolutely.” (laughs) That was eight years ago in Washington State. John Dang: I got into the industry about August 2006. I was actually working part time at Costco … and I was doing real estate on the side. I went to a job fair where I met someone at Hire Priority, and they got me on with Concierge Asset Management. During the first week they had a couple of no-shows for their staff that I ended up leasing, and they brought me on fulltime. They bought out my temp contract and I haven’t looked back. Robert Martinez: Former SEC guy went to A&M. I have an engineering degree, I got into oil and gas sales and I was pretty good at it. … In companies … management changes, compensation changes, top and structure changes, and I didn’t like that. That happened one too many times, so I started looking around for other ways to supplement my income since we were about to have our first child. I fell into a real estate group called Lifestyles Unlimited. I … learned a little about real estate, thinking I was going to do single-family … and it turned into multifamily. I joined up with another guy there, and we formed our own management company from 2007 to 2011. We had about 2,000 units. We decided to exit that and start Rockstar, and we have 1900 units today. If someone told all of you 10 to 15 years ago that you would be in the multifamily industry today, what would you have said back? Vincent: That you are out of your mind. Fifteen years ago I traveled a lot and I loved what I did. I wouldn’t have guessed I would be doing something like this. Richard: I’m not completely surprised … I graduated in communications, and I didn’t know which industry would best suit me, but …. everything happened very organically and naturally. Always having an interest in real estate, I thought I might have gone into multifamily, but www.haaonline.org
little did I know there was this niche industry that combined my natural talents with a crazy thing that sucks you in and you’re not able to get out of. I think that’s everybody’s story in property management. While I never would have imagined I would be here in this place in Houston, Texas it seems very right. Yaneth: Well, fifteen years ago I wanted to be a teacher, so this is completely different. This was never something I had in mind, but like Richard said, you can’t leave the energy. If I’m having a bad day in the morning with my kids at home, I get to my property and see smiling faces – now that doesn’t always happen but most of the time it does. For me, it’s like my energy pill. Jennifer: Oh lord, if someone told me that 10 to 15 years ago, I would have asked them what multifamily meant. I was in the military, and then I got out and worked as a private contractor for the military for many years. I probably would have been pretty sure that I would in some shape or form still been in the military. John: 15 years ago I was in the military too, but things worked out where I got out of it and did restaurant management. I went to school for fashion merchandising, so totally different field. I just fell into the multifamily industry and I haven’t looked back. Its one of the industries I cherish, and that’s why I put so much time in to volunteer and teach for HAA because my family wouldn’t be where we are today without HAA and the people I met pushing me to do better with my life. Robert: 15 years ago, my goodness. In college, apartment management isn’t one of the traditional routes you go. I wish I knew then what I know now. I learned that if could sell half a million dollar piece of equipment to a guy with a PC, surely I could lease an apartment for $500 or $600 … This is a wonderful industry, and I love how there is an opportunity for everybody to grow … I’m not even sure you need a college degree today if you … work really hard and push yourself through the reigns. Six-figures isn’t out of the realm, you just have to work really hard and be consistent. I don’t know too many industries like that. Mentorship is big in this industry. Who are some people you have looked up to or helped you along the way? What was the best piece of advice he or she gave you? Vincent: Well, I was very fortunate that I got to work with Debbie Sulzer. She’s a strong leader. She always said, “If you want something, go get it because nobody is going to hand it to you.” That was her attitude and that’s what I work to do … Richard: I met my current supervisors about six years ago – David Jones and Sonia Lopez.
David was a previous HAA president and Sonia is the Vice President of Southhampton Management and she’s been with the company for over 20 years. Working under their leadership they have taught me an innumerable amount of things, and they opened my eyes to a different side of property management. … The best piece of advice someone gave me was … [by] a former president under a former employer Pegasis. I’m paraphrasing: If you want to be in the 1 percent of the workforce, do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it – That will set you apart from the rest. Yaneth: The best advice I ever got was from Robert [with Relik Realty]. When I met him he said, “You are almost 30, you’re still leasing apartments – you are way more capable than that. As soon as I have my management company, you are coming with me.” I thought, maybe. Years later, here I am. I thought I was very happy leasing apartments with the Morgan Group, where I met him. The transition was difficult, but he was always there from leasing to managing. It was a very drastic change. He pushed me every day, and he still does. Jennifer: I had a couple people who helped and pushed me. My first property manager was phenomenal. … She gave me a really good foundation in always doing things the right way and always keeping it honest. … When the developers who brought me over to Greystar … introduced me to my RPM [Regional Property Manager] Darla Tinnerman, it was a whole new world. She was always that person to push for me to do more behind the scenes. … And when I was lucky enough to get into our Rising Stars program in Greystar, Michelle Pawelek said “If you’ve ever had that person in your life, be that person to somebody else.” That really resonated with me so I absolutely believe in being a mentor for anybody else. … John: I’ve had some really amazing mentors in my career, both who I worked under and didn’t work for at all. Christy Rodriguez was my regional for a while, and was the one who promoted me through the ranks. Kurt Gilpin was my mentor outside of the work place. I learned to always have mentors who you work … and who you don’t work with. ... One of the best things someone told me – I can’t remember who it was but they told me: “Don’t get comfortable.” The biggest detriment to your success is getting comfortable. Robert: The founder of Lifestyles, Del Walmsley’s … big thing was, if I show you how to do this, you just got to make sure you show everybody else how to do it too. … One of his famous quotes is “Best product, best price.” … We [Rockstar] added on to that [by adding] … August 2016
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Vi Lewis, CAM Corporate Marketing/Training Director of the Year Eureka Multifamily Group How did you get started in this industry, and when? In 2007, I was attending college at UTSA (University of Texas San Antonio) in hopes of getting into Corporate/Business Law. I needed an internship credit, and the only position was at an apartment community as an admin/receptionist. What got you hooked? There was an opportunity for me to do what I was passionate about. I was able to incorporate aspects of business law, wherein the areas of collections (collecting rent), contract negotiation (leasing and renewals) and litigation (resolving resident complaints/issues). What is your favorite part about your job and the industry? Being creative every day is very difficult! However, being able to have a vision, partake in the inception of a project and finally see it all come together in the end is rewarding. Then I hit “repeat” and start on the next project. Who were some of your mentors when you were starting out in this industry? What effect did their guidance have on you? My career started in San Antonio, where I met Mark Hurley, President of Highland Commercial Properties and Zach Shipley, one of my first supervisors. They understood market trends, and they had a deep insight into the multifamily industry as a whole. It was that expertise I found to be extremely valuable in shaping my career path. These two, along with the San Antonio Apartment Association helped build my career’s foundation. What advice would you give to a young professional just starting out in this industry? There are so many job positions available in the apartment industry. Find what you are passionate about and pursue it. If your dream position isn’t available, get with the decision makers and let them know the need for the position you want to create. Create value in everything you do! When you were starting out in the industry, did you ever take a huge risk or do anything outside of your wheelhouse? Early on in my career, I took several risks that did not always end up in my favor. Failure and defeat early on was difficult to accept. In hindsight, that was the only way to truly figure out what worked for me and what didn’t. I learned quickly to regroup and keep focused on the bigger picture. What advice did you receive in the beginning of your career that has stayed with you to this day? I was once told building a team that works with you instead of for you would change how I managed my day-to-day operations of a business. I’ve learned how to build successful teams that have supported my vision and helped me accomplish so many of my goals.
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best service and making sure we have as much demand as possible, so best push. … I don’t want to win on top of the mountain by myself, I want to give back, I want to make sure that I help people all around me so that we can tell stories one day, we’ll all be on top of that mountain, we’ve planted our flag together. What enabled you all to reach your current level in your professional career, and what will your next step be? Vincent: Well I think for me it was family. … And of course, the upper management team at Francis is always pushing you to be better, so that’s what drives me to be where I am today. I was nominated four years in a row before I won an HAA Honors award. … I’m lucky enough that my manager liked me enough to keep nominating me. … It doesn’t matter who wins, it matters that your manager and your company is standing behind you and nominating you. … My next step will be to get to property management, and trying to get the point of the arrow every time it’s coming in and trying to handle all of that. Richard: Continuing education and the desire to help people. I think that’s at the core of all that we do. You guys mentioned the restaurant business, and I too was a server. You’re not a server if you don’t enjoy taking care of people – you’re not going to be a good one anyway. … Property management is no different; Wanting to take care of people, having a good heart to contribute and take care of something that is a sensitive matter for people, their homes and convincing them that it should be entrusted to you, genuinely. Next step is to be determined, but definitely something at the corporate level if another lease up opportunity doesn’t present itself. Yaneth: For me, it’s waking up every morning and going to a job that I enjoy. The next step for me would be a bigger property and a bigger challenge. And, a bigger team because I work all by myself right now. I fight with myself, I talk to myself and I tell myself what to do. (laughs) Jennifer: I love what I do and I love this industry. I think what’s helped me get so far is having a likeminded company that has supported, pushed and helped me to do all the things that I want to do. Before I got with Greystar, I didn’t know squat about the industry. I was just leasing apartments as an assistant … it wasn’t anything more than just that. And, I want Jackie’s job, so I’m going to move through the ranks and get Jackie’s job. (laughs) Vincent: Growing up, a lot of people told me I would never amount to anything. I was a pretty tough kid and my parents kind of gave up on me. So, I pushed myself to show that I can make something out of myself. It wasn’t until about a year ago my grandparents told me they’re proud of the man I have become. … And also this is one of those industries where you don’t have to have a college degree to make it. It just takes a lot of hard work and leaving all the crap behind and doing all the work at hand, but you can make it. I’ve met so many people who are new to the industry, and I want to be that mentor for them. If I can make it, you can make it and that’s what pushes me to keep going. www.haaonline.org
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Stephannie Green, NALP Leasing Consultant of the Year Greystar How did it feel when they called your name, and was it a surprise? Totally. My heart skipped a beat and a tear came to my eye to realize that someone would recognize me for me doing my job. How did you get started in the industry, and when? I started in the multifamily management industry about nine years ago. A property manager saw me at work and asked if I would come on board with Greystar. I previously managed a commercial leasing company for 20 years. What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy the everyday change, and the unexpected adventures I encounter daily. I love being around people and hearing their stories. It is a pleasure to help someone find their home and see them as they grow in life. Who are some of your mentors, and what effect did their guidance have on your career and/or professional development? Susan Dear introduced me to Greystar. Her guidance has empowered me to get it done and keep it real on a daily basis. If something is done correctly, there is never a need to second guess – just get it done. I have had opportunities to work with many exceptional people in this industry, and I must say I have taken something from each one. What are your future goals in this industry? I love working with others to cheer them on and sharing experiences I have encountered. I love to listen and respond, teach and learn and experience and share. Greystar allows each team member to learn and grow, and I can see myself being a mentor to others in the near future. Who or what motivates you each day to continue what you’re doing? I am motivated by the conversations I have daily with others. It allows me to learn, share and comfort if need be. I love being around people and learning daily. If you were trying to sell your job to someone who doesn’t know a lot about the apartment industry, what would you say? Do you like experiences and results? Come on board, have and open mind, learn, live and see results. How do you see this award impacting your career? This award has shown me I can still do what I have in my mind, and I can always accomplish my goals. It has renewed confidence in myself, and has awakened my awareness to know that my work can take me to upper heights. I will go forth with my goals by pushing myself to the next level and taking others with me.
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The next step – executive hopefully. I would eventually like to follow in Robert’s footsteps, be an investor of Rockstar or have my own investment properties. Robert: It took me a lot of time to figure out what that is. I’m probably one of the older ones here at the table so through experience I’ve been able to figure out my strengths and challenges. … I think I have a really good work ethic, I out work a lot of my peers. Certainly, I’m one of the last ones to turn my emails off at the end of the night. You couple that with being ultra competitive, driven and passionate it makes a tremendous outcome. I think that helps inspire, I’ve learned I’m a natural coach and that leads into what I want to do next and I think we’re doing it. We’re turning into a recognizable name, I think we’re building our brand. I think with that, I’ve learned we’re all born and we all die. … When you pass away something is left and that’s either the business, the impact you had on people and your children … its all because of something that’s happened earlier that you had an impact with and that’s what drives me. What challenges did each of you face early in your career? Vincent: How to deal with people. Residents are the biggest challenge. When I started, I didn’t know anything about the apartment industry, didn’t know about Fair Housing and I basically didn’t know anything about what I was doing. I was just asked to come and help sell apartments. … After six months I realized I couldn’t argue with the residents, and instead if a resident was wrong, I kept a smiling face. Richard: Starting out … I had to learn the business and the industry. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. As a manager, the biggest struggle has been prioritizing because everything is important. … And to go off what Vincent said, … I’ve learned the art of knowing that I’m not always right, and when I’m in the face of controversy with a peer or a resident I need to step back and see it from their perspective and in their shoes. I don’t always have to be right. Learning to say “I understand your perspective, lets do that,” has been really empowering as a manager. It has taken my of thinking to a new level. Yaneth: For me, my challenges in the past were not having the best leadership and having someone that was lacking experience and information. ... I worked for some companies where a manager would only stay for a month and move on, so I’ve learned a lot because the leasing consultants were forced to run the properties. Now that I have the right leaders I’m in pretty good shape, and I’m hoping to move on to a bigger property and be that leader that I’ve always wanted.
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Jennifer: A challenge as a leasing agent: Getting over the emotions of it. If a resident is screaming it’s not at you, it’s to you. … Don’t take it personal. When you get to an assistant role, you need to grow thick skin. You’re wising up, and you become a little bit more cynical. You start realizing, okay how many dead grandparents do you have, because you’re running out. Then, to be a property manager its learning how to delegate, how to be an affective leader to your team, challenging them, leading them and really learning how to build the team together. They always say, you’re only as strong as your weakest link. I want to make sure my weakest one is someone else’s strongest. … I’ve dealt with roaches, brown water, roof leaks, foundation problems, units being completely down, buildings being down to inhabitability because the foundation was just that bad. All this stuff you get to learn and grow from. John: … When I first got in, it was a crazy whirlwind because the properties I got stuck on were four person properties, but I was the only
leasing agent. It was out in Westchase right after hurricane Katrina. But, just learning to deal with different management styles, because for a while a new manager would come in every couple months and learn how to adapt to each manager and company style. Robert: Today our philosophy is: Get rid of negativity. … But early on, I embraced negative energy – It was a motivating factor. … In the beginning negative energy can really fuel you and drive you, and it can make you achieve things and push you to do things you didn’t know you were capable of achieving. I’ve come full circle on this, but certainly there is a place for negative energy. What is the difference between a good leasing team and a bad leasing team? Vincent: One word: occupancy. You can do a lot with a good leasing team. ... I had one team and they managed 99 percent of all calls within an hour. A good leasing team doesn’t wait until the next day to return a resident’s call; they handle it within the next five minutes of receiving
the voicemail. The next leasing team I had, that number dropped to 78 percent. Richard: There are innumerable qualities that go into a good leasing team and a bad leasing team. For me, their ability to support one another without me having to say anything is monumental. I’ve been fortunate enough to have many leasing teams like that, but reflecting on the team I have now they support one another … without me having to push for it and its huge. Yaneth: I was in leasing positions for years. I’ve been with both good leasing teams and bad leasing teams. I noticed the more I did to help residents when they came in and returned messages, that left more time for the assistant managers and managers to handle the bigger problems. I always answered the question at hand instead of handing off to the assistant manager. Teamwork is very important for leasing agents because they are the first face prospects see and the first voice they hear. Jennifer: The word “team” itself – a cohesive group of people that work together and
For more information, contact Marie Garza at 713-595-0306, email mgarza@haaonline.org or visit us online at www.haaonline.org. www.haaonline.org
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respect every other person’s role there. Everybody knows that my philosophy is, “I don’t care what you call me, pay me.” Nobody is better than anybody else on the property, and everybody is capable of doing every single job on that property. Maybe you aren’t licensed to do it, but you can go pick up trash and poop, you can go clean a unit, you can go change a door lock, you can go change a toilet flapper – you can make it happen. It’s understanding that everybody plays that vital role, has that drive and that push to work as a team to make it happen. If you don’t have that drive and you don’t want to work as a team, you got to go. John: At Rockstar, our motto is “Whatever it takes.” There are times when my leasing agents do make readys or clean because we can’t get someone in time to do it for us. When I was onsite as a manager, I got pulled a lot to do the training for the company and for HAA, so having a team that can operate when you’re not there is the key to a good leasing team. Robert: I might have a unique outlook, but its consistency. … Show me you can be consistent and we can move forward together. Would you say there is a particular attitude or personality trait that helped you get to where you are today? Robert: Our motto is whatever it takes. I think I’ve been able to achieve all that I’ve done because I have that whatever it takes attitude. John: Coming from military background, its lead by example. I wouldn’t ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t do. Jennifer: He (John) might as well pulled that out of my head. If it needs to be done, we’re going to make it happen and I expect everybody to abide by that thought process. Yaneth: I’m always positive, I try to look at everything from a positive perspective. If my maintenance guy doesn’t show up that day, I’ll be the one picking up the trash, which actually happened Monday and I was in a dress. Richard: I enjoy taking care of people. Vincent: Don’t leave work without finishing everything you had to do that day.
Congratulations again to all of our Honors Award winners! Don’t miss next month’s ABODE as we feature our top supplier and maintenance professionals. And don’t miss photos from the Honors program starting on Page 34.
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By
DEBORAH NIX, HAA Staff
TALK ABOUT PASSION Meet HAA’s 2016 Owner/Management Executive of the Year Kelly Scott, Alliance Residential Company.
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BODE sat down for a Q&A session with this year’s Executive of the Year Kelly Scott, regional vice president of operations for Alliance Residential Company. Scott is a long-time industry veteran, volunteer and a 2016 HAA Vice President at Large. She was the winner of the 1998 HAA Industry Achievement Award for Property Supervisor of the Year and the 1997 Texas Apartment Association Rita Kirby Professional Designate of the Year. Scott was also a proud member of the committee responsible for the name change of the HAA Industry Achievement Awards to the Honors Awards in 2012. Here’s an excerpt from our interview with Kelly: How was winning this award different from winning your previous awards? It’s been a long time since I won an award and when you go awhile you appreciate it even more. Not that I didn’t appreciate the others, but this one is big. It’s been a long time coming and I’ve worked hard. I’ve been in the industry so long that a lot of the people now don’t know what I did (in the past), they don’t know I was on the cover of the ABODE magazine for the membership drive. They don’t know I was education chair for five or six years. When things happen in your personal life or you change jobs, you have to adjust your priorities and focus on other areas of your life. ... I don’t know how long it’s been since I got really active again but I’ve always been involved. To get this award meant a lot because it was acknowledgement of all the years and hard work. It’s acknowledement and that means a lot. Everybody in this industry works hard, but we don’t toot our own horn and we don’t self promote because we’re too busy promoting our employees and our properties. So when somebody pats you on the shoulder, that’s a cool thing. How did you start out in the industry? What brought you to multifamily? I’m going to date myself! I was teaching aerobics at a Better Bodies Gym and a property manager started coming to my class. She loved my class and said “I want you to teach at my property.” I started teaching at her property and the class filled up. She said “You’re not an aerobics instructor, you’re a leasing agent.” So she hired me. I didn’t know what I was doing but she said, “You know how to sell.” So I was in leasing for six months and then promoted to
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a property supervisor position, which was insane because I had no idea what I was doing. I ended up backing up and going into a property manager role. And the rest is history. You went straight from leasing to property supervisor? I don’t know what they were thinking. I would have been crazy not to take it, but after I took it I thought, “This is insane.” They saw what you were going to be, your potential. They saw it. (Laughs) I was a property manager for a while and really enjoyed it. I got promoted while I was out on maternity leave. I think they wanted to make sure I came back. What company was this? It was Duddlesten. I did the lease-up of Chasewood Apartments on Cypresswood. I walked every floor through my pregnancy with my third child – I distinctly remember climbing the stairs fully pregnant. We opened it the same month I had the baby, so Chasewood is the same age as Matt, 23 years old. Isn’t that funny, you just remember certain things like that. What is your favorite part of your job? The people. People invigorate me. It’s interesting because at the beginning of the day I’m rolling and feeding off of people’s energy and giving my energy to them and then at 4 o’clock, I don’t like people anymore (laughs). I need solitude to get my job done. It’s two things really. First and foremost, I’m passionate about people and I love molding them – growing them, learning from them – there’s such a give and take and we have a lot of fun. We work hard and it’s exciting when you are surrounded by people who are passionate because that is what it’s all about for me. The second thing would be that every day I do something different. Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes that’s a bad thing – police, helicopters, SWAT team – but every day I do something different. It’s always exciting. You talk about the people, what is it you look for when you hire someone? I look for their passion. You want someone who has a skill set, you want them to be willing to invest the time and go the extra mile. You want to make sure you provide the resources and ensure they’re going to put in the time www.haaonline.org
which will result in good performance. But when you find someone who is passionate, it elevates you from good to great because passionate people will always go the extra mile. And the passion doesn’t just take them higher, it invigorates everybody around them and it takes off like wild fire. You’re surrounded by successful people and it’s hard to go wrong when you do that. I’m passionate about passion (laughs). It’s everything. Who are your mentors? My mom – both my parents – were very instrumental in helping me get to where I am. The way they raised me, the lessons that they taught me, the love they gave me, it was all huge. From a personal standpoint, that’s it. From within the industry – wow, I don’t even know where to begin. There’s so many. Mike Biggs, who I worked with for a while; Kathy Clem, Ken Valach, Beth Van Winkle – it just goes on and on. The Sushi Girls – I’m lucky enough to have dinner with my mentors once a month and that’s been fantastic. We talk about the industry, but we also laugh a lot, and talk about our insecurities and what drives us crazy. We have the nuttiest, funniest conversations. What has been the best advice you’ve received? Somebody told me once that you can’t logic your way through emotion. That’s important because with passion there’s emotion and sometimes it’s easy to jump to conclusions or assume. You can’t do that. You’ve got to remain calm and get the facts. I think a lot of people assume when they shouldn’t. What advice do you have to those starting out? You can never have enough education. Education is so important and it comes in so many forms. I was a nerd. I spent so much of my younger life in libraries, learning, reading, teaching myself and taking classes. What I would say to the group coming up now is don’t lose sight of books. ... Get off social media and read a book. Please. It will change your life. It’s a gift. I think we forget that it’s a privilege. There are people in other countries who don’t have access to books. They don’t have access to learning. Learning helps you in every way, shape and form. Keep that as a priority. Your family should also be a top priority. And travel. Those are the three things. Travel broadens your perspective. It gives you the
ability to really understand where we are in the world, where you are in life and helps you appreciate what you have when you see how other people live. What do you look for in an apartment property? First impressions are huge. Obviously, curb appeal, appearance – you only have one chance to get it right. In Houston, you have a million choices. It’s got to have appeal. The second thing is the team, which sets it apart. Someone once asked me, what’s one of the things you love about what you do? What sets property management apart? This sounds sappy but I love what I do. I work with the leading developer in the United States. The construction team is awesome, because they build the bricks and sticks, and I get to watch them create a community. But property management has the cool job, because we literally insert the heartbeat into it. We fill it with people. We put the heartbeat inside the community, and that’s just cool. When I tell my team that, they get excited. So I look for a property that’s got the curb appeal and I look for the team that will fill it with a heartbeat. The team that’s going to set it apart. What are you working on currently? Since I came on board with Alliance 12 months ago, we’ve opened eight deals, brandnew lease-ups, all over town. In fact, we’ve opened four new lease-ups in the last 60 days. I’ve been a little busy (laughs), in a market that’s got some oversupply. We’re trying to achieve absorption and there’s a lot of deliveries still to come. There’s no end in sight. We’ve got three more (lease-ups) scheduled for this year. How are you handling the current market situation, with the downturn in the oil industry? It’s important to maximize velocity in a leaseup and create cash flow. We are offering concessions, driven by the market and driven by the fact that it is a construction site, which is an inconvenience to the prospect. We are very thoughtful in our approach. We adjust rents and specials weekly – based on several variables. What do you see for the future? Houston still has a lot of supply. There are still a lot of deliveries in the pipeline. It’s going to remain a challenge for a while. August 2016
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“It’s a great marriage, the industry and the association. There’s such synergy between the two groups and that’s why it’s been so successful. It’s about relationships too. It goes back to the passion. You’re not just checking off a to-do list, Everyone cares about what they do.”
Tell us a bit about your involvement with HAA. What have a I not done with HAA? The coolest thing about it is that you have fun and work hard, but you have this fantastic team who supports you – an exciting group of people who helps you at every turn. They make it so easy. You’ve got people on your left and right – providing you with your script or your statistics, doing a lot of the work. I think the HAA team is amazing and that’s not because I’m sitting here with you. You guys are fantastic and it’s no small feat, being one of the largest associations in the United States. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it, but you guys make it look easy and you make it fun. We can’t do it without you, there’s no way. It’s a great marriage, the industry and the association. There’s such synergy between the two groups and that’s why it’s been so successful. It’s about relationships too. It goes back to the passion. You’re not just checking off a to-do list, Everyone cares about what they do. What is your favorite volunteer moment? The membership drive has always been a favorite because it requires you to be a little bit loud, a little bit funny, a little bit obnoxious. It requires you to demand other peoples attention. It’s all about networking and growing in numbers, but for a great reason. It’s about providing each other with more resources, because the more members we bring, the more diversity and options we have. I love growing the association. And I get to have fun doing it. Why is HAA so important to you? What got you involved? I don’t actually remember how I got involved, it just happened. Early on, the most important thing to me was education. That was the key for me – learning. Obviously you always have training within your company, but HAA provides so much. There’s so many different resources which you may not always have at your fingertips with your company. So it was always about
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getting my CAM, getting my CAPS, and teaching those classes as well, because you have a responsibility to give back. I received both my CAM and CAPS on scholarships, which was huge and a big deal to me. It was important and maybe it is why I worked so hard. I had a sense of commitment to make sure I did it. I didn’t walk away, and CAM – the project critique was not easy in those days! It’s not easy now, but I couldn’t Google it! (laughs) We didn’t have the resources that they do now, we just carried around giant binders trying to understand everything that was going on. Education attracted me and then after that there is the networking. That is education a well – you’re learning, finding mentors to help you. You’re obtaining information. You’re establishing relationships so you can pick up the phone and call and ask for help because someone has had this happen before and they can lead the way and show you what to do and what not to do. What are your interests outside of HAA? Well, these days my interests are lease-ups (laughs). I’m still active, I have a beautiful street bike, a Cannondale RS500, and I stare at it and we talk to each other as I pass it in the garage. I still work out, I meet with a trainer and try to get the exercise in. ... Getting up at 4:30 in the morning is insane, because typically at 4 in the afternoon I curl into the fetal position (laughs). I always tell people that if you have anything important you want from me, get it before 4 o’clock because I’ll have my thumb in my mouth. Weren’t you flipping tires? I flipped tires last week! Yeah, there is a 200 pound tractor tire with my name on it. I think my largest was 350 pounds. If you do it with the right form ... it’s OK. It’s me and J.J. Watt, we like flipping tires (laughs)! What do you think is your greatest accomplishment? Well, I have three of them – my sons. They are my biggest accomplishments. I’m crazy nuts
about all three of them. ... My oldest son was killed in 1992, that was very tough. Joshua was 23 when he was killed, Matt is 23 and Jon is 34. ... They are happy, they are healthy they are engaged in their lives and they have lots of friends. I’m friends with their friends. Every year, on Josh’s anniversary, his friends gather with me and we reminisce to keep his spirit alive. What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself? One of the most surprising things I’ve discovered about myself is my resilience. When things happen, you look at other people and think, “I could never do that, I don’t even know how they are existing, based on what they’ve been through.” If you told me I was going to have all the challenges in my life, I would have told that I couldn’t make it. And the biggest was losing Josh. It’s going to sound strange to say this, but after so many years, you’re able to look at situations objectively and logically without emotion. There are gifts in tragedy. You have to look hard for them, but they’re there. The gifts I was given with the loss of Josh was that his death softened me and changed my perspective and made me adjust my priorities. It gave me a whole new perspective on life and how precious it is. The last time I saw Josh, I learned that you don’t own tomorrow; you don’t even own your next breath. He was in my swimming pool with his girlfriend and they were splashing around on a Saturday afternoon. He kept saying, “Mom, come get in the pool. Come get in the pool and have fun with us, just jump in the pool.” I said, “I’ve got to go to the grocery store, I’ve got to do laundry, I’ve got paperwork to do. I just don’t have time today.” And he was like, “Mom, it’s Saturday, just stop what you are doing and jump in the pool with me,” and I said, “Honey, I would but I’m just too busy, you guys have fun and I’ll see you later.” He was killed seven days later. It taught me that none of my to-do list was important. It taught me was to “jump in the pool” and enjoy life. www.haaonline.org
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RCR Wants You … to have an eagle eye
on your potential residents! Has that bird flown the coop from another property? Did they skip out? Were they evicted? Did they just fly out from behind bars? Don’t let bad birds flock to your apartments. Check out renters before you write that lease. Knowing a prospect’s rental and criminal history is more important now than ever before. Rental Credit Reporting provides the most effective credit and collection reporting tools available. Find out all you can about your future residents before you move them in.
Don’t miss out on this basic information that can tell you a whole lot more about a potential resident than just a credit score.
• Rental History – Local resident rental history including evictions, amount owed at move-out, broken lease information, NSF checks, deposit disposition. • National Evictions – National landlord-tenant history (more than 36 million landlord-tenant records including filings, judgments and liens). • Texas Criminal Data – Instant delivery of available felony and misdemeanor records from Texas statewide and 18+ supplemental counties including Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Waller. • AppALERT (OFAC) – Searches several databases including Office of Foreign Asset Control, FBI Most Wanted Terrorists and Fugitives Lists, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and Wanted Fugitive Lists published by state and local law enforcement agencies.
• Move-in/Move-out Entry – Submit your property’s rental history data online through RCR’s familiar and easy-to-use tools. • Eviction Entry – Protect yourself and other properties by registering your evictions with RCR. • Inquiry History – Know where else your applicant is applying. • Quick and Easy • Cost Effective • Immediate Access • Monthly Activity Report
Keep a bird’s-eye view on your bottom line. a service of
in partnership with
For more information or to subscribe, call 713-595-0330, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit us online at www.haaonline.org/rcr.
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On the Scene Thanks to our HAA FUN RUN SPONSORS
HAA 2016 Fun Run Our generous sponsors still stepped up with more than $57,000 raised for Camp Hope this year. Due to the rains hitting the Houston area on June 4, the annual HAA Fun Run was canceled. This special section is to honor and thank our sponsors for their continued support of the PTSD Foundation and their local efforts.. This annual event is held in honor of all service men and women affected by post-traumatic stress. HAA members and their friends and children participate in a 1K or 5K route. More than $215,000 has been raised over the event’s five-year history. The PTSD Foundation of America has created Camp Hope to provide transitional housing for veterans suffering from PTSD.
HONOR SPONSORS
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HONOR SPONSORS
Cust om T-S And Mo M
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PATRIOT SPONSORS
HOPE SPONSORS
SPIRIT DONORS Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC C&F Interests Inc. Cypress Signs Perfect Surface Inc. PoolSure Rasa Floors SMI Realty Management Scove Designs Texas Southwest Floors
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Get Involved VolunteerHAA The Houston Apartment Association’s committees and clubs are some of the most productive tools we have to ensure that we remain the nation’s largest and most effective apartment association. Committee and club members face the challenge of getting involved to carry out the duties and purpose of each club and committee. Some general responsibilities of committee and club members include a commitment to attend all meetings and help develop marketing strategies (i.e. telemarketing, developing handouts, fliers, articles). To serve on any of these committees and clubs, please contact the HAA office at 713-595-0300, online at www.haaonline.org or email the departments listed below. Education education@haaonline.org Education Advisory Council HAF Fundraiser Committee* Career and Community Development Committee Government Affairs govaffairs@haaonline.org HAA Better Government Fund* Century Club* Media Relations Committee Fair Housing Committee Strategic Growth Committee Membership members@haaonline.org Ambassador ONE Society Go-Getter Membership Recruitment Club Expo Exhibitor Committee* Community Outreach shinkley@haaonline.org Community Outreach Committee Product Service Council* Resident Relations resrel@haaonline.org Resident Relations Committee *Note: These committees have specific requirements for membership. Contact HAA for details.
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HAA HONORS AWARDS
On Site with ABODE
By Morgan Taylor and Sidney Phillips, HAA STAFF
CORNERSTONE
“On Site with ABODE” features a randomly selected member property each month. This month, ABODE recognizes the 2016 Honors Award property winners. “On Site with ABODE” will give you a closer look at the winning properties in the coming months. Property: Hanover Post Oak Owner/Management: The Hanover Company Location: 1750 Sky Lark Lane, just off San Felipe Street in Uptown with close proximity to the 610 Loop. Units: 335 Built: 2014 Web: www.hanoverpostoak.com Interesting features: Located in the heart of Uptown, Hanover Post Oak is lodged in the midst of Houston’s finest dinning, shopping and entertainment. Whole Foods is just a stroll down the street making grocery shopping a walk in the neighborhood. After a long day, walk next door for happy hour at a foodie favorite, North Italia. Towering at 30 stories, Hanover at Post Oak is a 335-unit apartment sitting on 1.2 acres. This high-rise property offers a panoramic view of the city. Its resort-style pool with private cabanas sits on the eighth floor in an open space overlooking Houston. It boasts premier luxury living with amentities including a 24-hour concierge, valet dry cleaning service, a fitness cetner with Technogym equipment, executive conference rooms, a private screening room and more. That doesn’t include their green amenities powered solely by renewable sources, which include car-charging stations, compact fluorescent lighting, energy performance windows, on-site recycling, water efficient bathroom fixtures and more. Each of its one or two bedroom apartment homes come complete with 10-feet ceilings, engineered hardwood flooring, slab granite and quartzite countertops and beautiful floor to ceiling windows providing stunning views of the city. Developed in 2014, Hanover Post Oak had a 95 percent physical occupancy rate for 2015.
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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!”
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I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job do or get it right, I’m satisfied with tha don’t need recognition. As long as m resident and my management and t owner are happy, I’m happy. It was good experience, though, feeling th way. I didn’t know that someone w watching!”
www.haaonline.org 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 e surprised t said, laugh business fo anything. or get it rig don’t need resident an owner are good exper way. I didn watching!”
HAA HONORS AWARDS
On Site with ABODE
By Morgan Taylor, HAA STAFF
CORNERSTONE
Vintage Communities for the redevelopment of Heritage Apartments and Marquee Uptown.
So what is new? Well, a fitness center, a resident lounge, LED lighting, an updated air conditioning and heating systems, a remodeled pool designed to luxury hotel standards, a perimeter gate and two hotel quality elevators. Not to mention, a West Indies inspired landscaping makeover that gives it an oasis feel.
Property: Heritage Apartments Owner/Management: Vintage Communities Location: 2666 Marilee Lane Houston Units: 120 Built: 1965 Web: www.heritageapartments.net Interesting features: When this property was originally built, it was one of Houston’s most luxurious apartment properties in the late 1960s. As the years went by, this once popular property starting decaying and was in desperate need of saving. Vintage Communities has invested a $3 million in rennovations to bring this property back to life. This mid-rise, two-story property started this project in 2015 and anticipates completion by the end of this year. One and two bedrooms are available ranging from 900 to 1,150 square feet with ceiling heights up to 9 feet high. Hallways have original plaster pieces above the enterance and they kept the maid entry door popular in the ‘60s.
www.haaonline.org
Property: Marquee Uptown Owner/Management: Vintage Communities Location: 2306 McCue Road Units: 98 Built: 1965 Web: www.marqueeuptown.com Interesting features: Class A renovations combine a hybrid of themes that were inspired by Los Angeles and Las Vegas styles from the 1960s. Its fountain courtyard was designed to mirror a small French village. This project began in 2012 and completed in 2013. Now residents can swim in both a saltwater swimming pool with marble decking and a freshwater pool. Granite countertops are found in the kitchens and bathrooms of their one and two bedroom apartment homes. The flooring was replaced with faux walnut wood planking, designer inspired lighting and fixtures brighten the rooms and deep under the counter stainless steel kitchen sinks gives each home a luxurious look. Marquee Uptown also has perimeter gates now. Residents have on-site concierge services and 24-hour maintenance services. Located in Uptown, brick sidewalks lined with shade trees that surround this community lead to local shops and businesses. Residents are a few blocks from the Galleria mall and five minutes from Downtown. 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 owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”
August 2016 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 owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”
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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!”
HAA HONORS AWARDS
On Site with ABODE
By Morgan Taylor and Sidney Phillips, HAA STAFF
2014-2015 LEASE-UP
Property: Pearl Midtown Owner/Management: Morgan Group Location: 3101 Smith Street, on the corner of Elgin Street (Westheimer Road), in Midtown just blocks from the Spur 527 ramp, which feeds onto I-69. Units: 154 Built: 2014 Web: www.pearlmidtown.com Interesting features: Pearl Midtown is a great oasis with luxurious features and the ultimate location for Houstonians who enjoy dining and drinking within walking distance of their homes. With its central location in Midtown and upscale amenities, it’s an upscale community surrounded by an energetic nightlife. It’s in close proximity to Downtown and with a Metro Rail stop close enough to walk to, the Medical Center is just a Metro ride away.
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Each unit offers stainless steel appliances, quartz counters in kitchens and bathrooms and USB ports and iPhone docking stations. This property boasts its bronze level certification by the National Association of Home Builders. Amenities include a 24-hour platinum athletics club, complimentary coffee station and an iCafe complete with lounge seating and Apple computers. The community also offers a resort style pool with an outdoor kitchen, TV & Wi-Fi, as well as four eVgo electric car charging stations and an on site Houston BCycle share location. In 2015, the property participated in the Buffalo Bayou Bash benefitting enhancements and improvements to Houston’s historic waterway. Pearl Midtown sponsored the Cystic Fibrosis holiday fundraiser, Santa Crawl and is a partner with Sunshine Kids.
August 2016
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 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 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 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 owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”
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Welcome Mat
Introducing JUNE NEW MEMBERS
OWNERS
C&D First Class Asset Management Christine Hebert 2413 Santiago Lane League City, TX 77573-1519 713-480-9752 Coral Bay Apts
Co Creation Investments LLC Alexandra Orzeck 1100 Roy St Houston, TX 77007-3351 832-935-7662 Oriole Apartments Summer Street Apartments Summer Street Casa White Oak Apartments Shearn Apartments McCue Apartments Northshore Loop Apartments Elandis Property Management LLC Marci French 1500 Ponce de Leon Blvd Miami, FL 33134-4010 305-600-3667 The Forest Apartments Kirkwood Landing Apartments Emmie Lo Properties Emmie Lo P.O. Box 840561 Houston, TX 77284-0561 Emmie Lo Properties Evalex LLC & Lancia Flats LLC Martin Somarriba 24315 Bella Veneza Drive Richmond, TX 77406 832-549-4507 Lancia Apartments East Villa Apartmetns GKS Enterprises Management Khalid Suhail 1923 Shoreline Drive Missouri City, TX 77459 281-261-7080 Garden Villa Apartments Kingsco Management Michael King 219 Marshall No. 118 Houston, TX 77006-4587 713-528-5218 Harvard Apartments The Marshall Apartments Court Of Charleston Apartments 12th Street Apartments
SUPPLIERS KMR Developers LLC Myra Ray 3026 Riata Lane Houston, TX 77043 281-381-2440 KMR Properties Matt Wolfram Matt Wolfram 13706 Pristine Lake Lane Cypress, TX 77429-6009 832-566-4640 Roland Hurst Roland Hurst 5315 B FM 1960 West No. 263 Houston, TX 77069 281-813-1175 Sebring Real Property LLC Ireneo Lalangan 9501 Beechnut Street Houston, TX 77036-6609 713-771-6277 Sebring Apartments Referred by Tina Cavaco TAZRock Investments Inc. Troy Zuckero 21007 Manon Lane Spring, TX 77388-5296 713-504-6469 Vintage Communities LLC Jeffrey Levin 2306 McCue Road Houston, TX 77056-4630 713-622-4363
Action Towing Inc. Ken Price Sr. 827 W. League City Pkwy League City, TX 77573-6301 281-338-2036 Towing Service, Wrecker Service Bulldog Builders and Contractors LLC Sandy Scardino 5202 Spruce Bellaire, TX 77401-3311 832-622-4454 Roofing Consultants, Roofing Contractors Connect2Court Danny Maggard 600 W. Peachtree St Northwest Atlanta, GA 30308-3607 404-500-5743 Eviction Service, Legal Services Earthworks Inc. Shaun Callaway 1499 N. Post Oak Road No. 112 Houston, TX 77055-5414 844-425-8168 Drainage Contractors, Landscape Contractors, Landscape Designers, Lawn Maintenance, Tree Services Enhanced Biofuels Fabian Wolff 9337B Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77024-1515 713-540-8459 Recycling Services, Waste Reduction/Disposal/Recycling Signal 88 Security Northeast Houston Ismael Gallegos 38 S. Oriel Oaks Circle Spring, TX 77382-4603 281-719-5105 Security Consulting Service, Security Guard/Patrol Service
VIP Waste Solutions LLC Shenika Taylor P.O. Box 79054 Houston, TX 77279 877-349-0340 Trash Service - Valet, Waste Reduction/Disposal/Recycling Referred by Jeremi Spratt, CAM WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Mike Hustedt P.O. Box 955 Crosby, TX 77532-0955 281-967-9507 Laundry Equipment & Supplies, Laundry Service, Washer/Dryer Rental, Washer/Dryer Sales 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 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 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 owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”
Sustain-Ability Solutions LLC Gerardo Medrano 391 E Las Colinas Blvd #130407 Irving, TX 75039 888-657-7582 Plumbing Fixtures/Parts/Supply, Water Conservation
ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online at haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name. 62
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I wasn’t expecting it at all. I w surprised that they nominated said, laughing. “ I’ve been with business for 15 years. I never e anything. For me, if I get my j or get it right, I’m satisfied wit don’t need recognition. As lon resident and my management owner are happy, I’m happy. It good experience, though, feeli way. I didn’t know that someo watching!”
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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS
CREATING MEMBERSHIP Invite a potential member to join you at the next membership recruitment meeting to add color to your association and craft your network.
Mark your Calendar for these Meeting Dates: Creating Membership August Meeting Thursday, August 11 3:30 p.m. Houston Texans Grille, 12848 Queensbury Lane (at CityCentre) Creating Membership September Meeting Hosted by the Ambassador ONE Society Wednesday, September 7 3:30 p.m. Houston Texans Grille, 12848 Queensbury Lane (at CityCentre)
$50 Refer and Earn! Don’t miss out on the new “Pay per Recruit” program. Receive $50 for each new member you recruit! Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters to access the 2016 Recruitment Toolkit and mark your calendars for the recruitment drive meeting dates listed at right.
Creating Membership Showcase: Recruitment Finale Thursday, September 22 3:30 p.m. Houston Texans Grille, 12848 Queensbury Lane (at CityCentre)
THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE of the Houston Apartment Association. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and the association grow for the future. To get going on recruitment, visit the Go-Getters Corner at www.haaonline.org/gogetters or contact Amanda and Lauren in the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org. 64
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“Creating Membership” Kickoff Sponsored by 1 AAA Plumbers and 2 Power Express Thursday, June 23 at the Houston Texans Grille at CityCentre The HAA Go-Getters kicked off their 2016 membership recruitment drive by being crafty. Come join the fun at the next meeting and help your association grow!
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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS “Creating Membership” Kickoff
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The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE
GET PRESTIGIOUS
The three Ambassador teams continue the race for first place. Suppliers, come join the competition and expand your network.
Mark your calendars and join us! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month – August 3 Ambassadors hosting Go-Getters September 7 October 5 November 2 1. The Ambassador “ONE of the Month” is Lori Rico, Metropolitan Staffing with 20 points.
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Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned: Paul Marks Chelsea Quinteros Candis Mohr Will McGinnis April Shane Wilton Angie Lavrack Doug Oehl Liz Levins Keith Sobolik Dana Mowe Ryan Weis Blake Subinsky Marivel Bownds Peggy Charles Marcus Wheatfall Katie Pearson Kristin McLaughlin Shera Lehman Lori Rico Derek DeVries Ramon Cuevas Dylan Coleman Patrick Sheahan April Wilkin Shelley Wood Jessica Daly Ali Tabrizi Ashleigh Purvis David Lindley Joey Rodriguez Shaun Lewis Deborah Derouen Grant Almquist
WaterLogic Gail Construction AAA Plumbers Incite Energy LLC Presto-X The Liberty Group Power Express Criterion Brock Ted W Allen & Associates Presto-X Impact Floors SKLD Mechanical Valet Waste Meyer Smith Triple Seal Insulation Earth First Landscape Mohawk Industries Texscape Metropolitan Staffing Solutions Camp Construction Services One Hour Air & Heating Camp Construction Services Sherwin-Williams HD Supply Republic Services Brook Furniture Rental HD Supply Craven Carpet FSI Construction The Urban Foresters PPG Architectural Coatings Certus Real Estate Solutions Texas Apartment Pool Services
205 73 70 57 39 37 31 31 30 27 26 25 25 25 22 21 21 21 19 19 19 18 17 16 15 13 12 12 12 12 12 10 10
Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news. For details, attend an orientation at 3:15 p.m. before one of the monthly meetings.
THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details, attend an orientation and one of the meetings listed here, or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org. 68
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2. First Place Team of the Month Prestige Worldwide with 72 points 3. Second Place Team HAAppy Campers with 51 points 4. Third Place Team Amped UP with 24 points
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Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Advenir Real Estate Management: Advenir at Wynstone, 258 units at 6464 E. Sam Houston Pkwy North and Advenir at Grand Parkway West Apartments, 336 units at 5555 Long Prairie Trace in Richmond. • Allen Harrison Company LLC: The Villas at Riverpark West Apts 252 units at 21811 Wildwood Park Drive in Richmond. • Allied Orion Group: The Tree Tops at Post Oak Apartments, 112 units at 4510 Briar Hollow Place. • Alpha-Barnes Real Estate Services: Big Bass Resort, 200 units at 9701 Market Street Road and Lake Jackson Manor Apartments, 100 units at 120 Garland Drive in Lake Jackson. • Anterra Management Corporation: Maxey Village Apartments, 407 units at 666 Maxey Road. • BH Management Services LLC: Willow Lake Apartments, 336 units at 2425 Katy Flewellen Road in Katy. • Capstone Real Estate Service Inc.: Villa La Jolla Apartments, 216 units at 10101 Forum Park Drive. • Cornerstone Income Properties: Crescent Place Apartments, 120 units at 10222 S. Gessner Road. • DMZ Property LLC: Royal Gate Apartments, 122 units at 1211 Gessner Road. • Elysian Living LLC: The Elysian at Cypress Forest Apartments, 372 units at 16112 North Fwy; Elysian at Kingsland Ranch Apartments, 398 units at 21101 Kingsland Blvd in Katy; Elysian at Liberty Hills Apartments, 228 units
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at 15330 Liberty River Drive; Villas of Elysian at Sienna Plantation Apartments, 190 units at 858 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City and Elysian at Sienna Plantation, 270 units at 8787 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City. • GPI Real Estate Management Corporation: The Retreat at Cypress Station Apartments, 296 units 18200 Westfield Place Drive. • Haroks Management: Casa Anita Apartments, 144 units at 6210 Waltrip St. • Haven Assets No. 1 LLC: Gulf Palms Apartments, 10 units at 6514 Sloan and Weslow Apartments, 33 units at 3803 Weslow St. • Herman & Kittle Properties Inc.: Cullen Park Apartments, 240 units 4700 Wenda St. • Imperion Investments Management LLC: Donovan Village Apartments, 78 units at 601 W. Donovan St. • In the Loop Management: Garrott Court Apartments, 16 units at 3618 Garrott; 4115 Drake Apartments, 16 units at 4115 Drake and 2300 Park Apartments, 20 units at 2300 Park. • J4 Real Estate LLC: J4 Real Estate Properties, 18 units at various locations in El Campo. • Landmark Management Group: The Landmark at Spring Cypress, 408 units at 3223 Spring Cypress in Spring. • Lankford Property Management: Lyon’s Village Apartments, 34 units at 3300 Lyons Ave; Britton’s Place Apartments, 48 units at 3730 Lyons Ave and Pleasant Hill Village Apartments, 165 units at 3814 Lyons Ave. • Greystar: The Carter, 305 units at 4 Chelsea Blvd.
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• Madera Residential: Newport Oaks Apartments, 168 units at 800 E. South St in Alvin. • Nolan Real Estate Services: Oaks at Northpointe Apartments, 246 units at 12101 Northpointe Blvd in Tomball. • Rockstar Capital Management LLC: Cedar Ridge Apartments, 276 units at 2900 W. Baker Road in Baytown and Bender Hollow Apartments, 102 units at 424 S. Bender Ave in Humble. • SunRidge Management Group Inc.: Willow Bend Apartments, 228 units at 9393 FM 1960 Bypass Road in Humble.
In the News Deborah DeRouen has joined Certus Real Estate Solutions. Deborah Buks, founder and president of Ward has been DeRouen awarded the 2016 Legacy Award by the Houston chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The presentation took place at the 2016 PRSA Houston Excalibur for Excellence Awards Gala on June 23 at the Rice Lofts’ Crystal Ballroom in Houston.
Have something to report from your company or for yourself? Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org.
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On the Scene with the HAA NEXT NEXT Networking Breakfast Sponsored by 1 PPG Paints Friday, June 24 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center The HAA young professionals group enjoyed an informative breakfast on “Culturetopia” with speaker Jason Young.
1
MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA members 35 and younger. Network with your peers and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! To Learn how to become involved with NEXT, see online at www.haaonline.org/next. 72
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TAA, continued from Page 27 in your area, or your company’s policies on responding to air conditioner repairs during normal conditions and during any extreme heat emergencies. • You may want to investigate any local programs (fan distributions, shelters, emergency assistance) and have information about these programs available in your onsite offices. • Remember to clean and replace air filters regularly on your air conditioners. Once a month is preferable. • Take care of any needed caulking, weatherstripping or insulation to improve the energy efficiency of your units. • Keep outside air conditioning equipment free of leaves or other airflow obstructions. • Air conditioners should be cleaned annually (in spring, typically) to work efficiently. • During any heat emergency, TAA strongly encourages its members not to exercise any legal rights to disconnect electricity unless absolutely necessary. TAA also reminds members that disconnect rights are limited to specified circumstances and allowed only under specified conditions. For more information, see the 20162017 TAA REDBOOK. • Consider supporting bill check-off programs sponsored by your local utility company, and encourage your residents to support them as well. These programs allow utility customers to contribute funds to help ill, elderly and lowincome individuals with their utility bills. • Consider supporting local fan drives or other programs to provide fans or other equipment to ill, elderly or low-income individuals. Encourage your residents to support these efforts as well. What your residents don’t know CAN hurt them! “Neighbors CARE” is a program developed by the Texas Apartment Association to promote rental housing resident awareness of heat stress and to encourage rental housing residents to CARE for their neighbors to help minimize the potential for someone suffering heat stress. Your participation can make the difference! Here’s what you can do: • Promote the program within your companies and communities • Distribute flyers to your residents • In common areas, post information on the program and on the dangers of heat stress • Encourage residents and employees to CARE about their neighbors. See TAA’s website at www.taa.org for more information. www.haaonline.org
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Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY A/C Supplies
Landscape Contractors
Staffing
Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com
Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com
ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com
Johnstone Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-803-6231 . . . . . . . . . .www.johnstonesupply.com
Laundry Equipment & Supplies
Television – Cable
Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com
Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems . . . . . . . . .61 281-967-9507 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.washlaundry.com
Trash Hauling Locks & Locksmiths
Collection Agencies Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com SWC Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 972-300-1700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.swcgroup.com
CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com
Brandt Electrical Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com
Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com
Tree Services Maintenance Supplies Maintenance Supply Headquarters . . . . . . . . . .12 281-530-6300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.supplyhq.com
Electric Contractors Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com
Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 713-637-5421 . . . .www.xfinity.com/xfinitycommunities
Metro Tree Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 281-846-3780 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mettree.com
Video Products & Services Media Products On Hold USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 800-755-4142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.onholdusa.com
Capture the Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 866-778-7719 . . . . . . .www.capturethemarket.com Virtual Leasing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 281-738-1222 . . . . .www.virtualleasingsystems.com
Mirrors Fire Alarm Systems American Fire Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 713-466-9898 . . . . . . . . . . .www.americanfiresys.com
MirrorMate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 704-681-3459 .www.mirrormatecommercial.com Paving Contractors
Foundation Contractors Foundation Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . .www.foundationexperts.com
Pavement Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 281-758-8434 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.nopothole.com
HAA reserves the right to reject any advertising if its content is inappropriate or inconsistent with HAA’s standards for publication or HAA’s business interests, in HAA’s sole opinion.
Pest Control Gates & Gate-Operating Devices Meyer Smith Inc. (Houston Gate) . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 713-862-7339 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.meyersmithinc.com
Apple Termite & Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 713-880-3322 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.applepest.com Plumbing Contractors
General Contractors
AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com
Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottoncompanies.com FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 713-266-9100 RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com
Resident Screening Service CoreLogic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.corelogic.com
Resurfacing
www.haaonline.org/rcr
Perfect Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 713-952-0202 . . . . . . . .www.perfectsurfaceinc.com
Screens Glass – Plate, Window, Etc. Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com
Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com
Security Control Equipment/Systems Insurance Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com
SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com
Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://tinyurl.com/HAAlibrary or http://issuu.com/haa_abode. Or view this issue on your iPad or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_aug2016.
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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com • • • • • • • • • •
HOUSTON 89.7% $984/mo. 111.7¢/sq.ft./mo. 881 sq.ft.
Past 12 Months: 1.4% rental rate growth 8,436 units absorbed
– 90.0
– 89.0 96.0 –
– 88.0 94.0 –
•
Recently Opened (12 months): 95 communities 26,986 units
98.0 –
Occupancy (%)
Operating Supply: 2,657 communities 619,733 units
Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)
Snapshot Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
– 87.0 Under Construction: 69 communities 18,170 units
Jun 16
May 16
Apr 16
Mar 16
Feb 16
Jan 16
Nov 15
Dec 15
Oct 15
Sep 15
Jul 15
Aug 15
Jun 15
May 15
Apr 15
Mar 15
Feb 15
Jan 15
Nov 14
Dec 14
Oct 14
Sep 14
Jul 14
Proposed Construction: 55 communities 16,056 units
Aug 14
92.0 –
History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units
Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months
Concessions
Annualized % of Market Rank Submarket Absorbed 1 Conroe North/Montgomery 15.2% 2 Downtown 4.5% 3 Alvin/Angleton/Lake Jackson 5.9% 4 Clear Lake/Webster/League City 4.5% 5 Tomball/Spring 2.2%
Rental Rate Growth % 1.3% 4.3% 2.5% 0.9% 3.9%
Total Units Class w/Concessions All 178,435 A 74,182 B 58,800 C 38,950 D 6,503
% of Total Units 29% 51% 25% 21% 12%
Average Special -2.6% -5.2% -1.2% -1.0% -0.5%
Citywide Effect -7.6% -9.6% -4.9% -4.8% -4.0%
One Month Free = -8.33%
THE FIRST TABLE ABOVE GIVES 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 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.
TEXAS
Dallas/Ft. Worth
San Antonio
Austin
Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:
Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:
Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:
93.3% $1,018/mo. 117.1¢/sq.ft./mo. 869 sq.ft.
91.1% $892/mo. 105.6¢/sq.ft./mo. 845 sq.ft.
91.2% $1,179/mo. 135.4¢/sq.ft./mo. 871 sq.ft.
Past 12 Months: 6.3% rental rate growth 16,303 units absorbed
Past 12 Months: 2.9% rental rate growth 4,380 units absorbed
Past 12 Months: 4.5% rental rate growth 8,165 units absorbed
Operating Supply: 2,841 communities 654,403 units
Operating Supply: 830 communities 172,732 units
Operating Supply: 871 communities 200,231 units
www.haaonline.org
ApartmentData.com has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986. ApartmentData.com 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 Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2016 ApartmentData.com August 2016
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with News from around the COMMUNITY
HAA Blood Drive Wednesday, August 24 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. HAA Education Center Room A 4810 Westway Park Blvd. off Clay Road and Beltway 8
ONLINE STATISTICS for the Houston Apartment Association Website and Social Media www.haaonline.org Total visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17,292 Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,806 Most visited pages: 1. Jobline Board 2. Rental Credit Reporting 3. Renter Online Complaint Form
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HAA Jobline Apply button clicks . . . . . . . . .4,941 Job postings for the month . . .113 Resume postings . . . . . . . . . . . .266 Job seeker signups . . . . . . . . . . .128
Twitter @HAAOnline www.twitter.com Followers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,075
Facebook http://tinyurl.com/2ae7gnq
Houston Apartment Association Group members . . . . . . . . . . . .1,833
Linkedin http://tinyurl.com/2667ppr Houston Apartment Association Group followers . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,477
www.haaonline.org
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Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77041
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