ABODE July 2015 by HAA Publishing

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JULY 2015

The Houston Apartment Association Magazine

It was The 2015 Education Conference & Expo reached new heights with motivation, education, information and sheer fun. Show some flair: Pass this issue along to a colleague.

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CONTENTS

ON THE

COVER

Photo by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

July 2015 Industry News & Features 38

Pros & Cons – Apartment communities are closing fewer first-visit leases as renters weigh their options.

Transit Talk – METRO unveils its New Bus Network this August with revised routes and frequent service.

Lana Remembers – A longtime staffer shares her memories of HAA through the years.

Law & Order – Apartment properties awaiting demolition can offer invaluable training opportunities for first responders.

Lifelong Learning – Blanca Anderson continues to seek opportunities for career growth, most recently with the NAAEI Leadership Experience.

Ecology & Economy – Millennial renters want green features in their apartment homes and communities.

It was an “exponential” event! Thousands of industry professionals filled NRG Center for the 2015 HAA Education Conference & Expo. See Pages 30 through 36 for photos of all the excitement.

Features & Photos 30

Photo Album – Scenes from the EXPOnential 2015 HAA Education Conference & Expo.

Photo Album – Scenes from the May Blue Star class.

Photo Album – Scenes from the May 4 BGF luncheon.

Photo Album – Scenes from the BGF luncheon on May 29.

Photo Album – Scenes from the MSHQ Challenge Cup golf tournament.

Photo Album – Scenes from the Sports Challenge.

On Site with ABODE – The Victory Place Apartments provide affordable housing in the historic Fourth Ward just west of downtown.

In Memoriam – Remembering longtime HAA supplier member John Moore.

Departments 8 19 20 62 64 66 70 71 74 75 76

PATRON EDUCATION CALENDARS GO-GETTERS AMBASSADORS WELCOME MAT PROPERTY UPDATE IN THE NEWS ADVERTISERS INDEX MARKET LINE BACK PAGE

Columns 7

President’s Corner – Our association represents the best of the apartment industry.

Legislative Update – 2015 Legislative session was one of the apartment industry’s best ever.

It’s The Law – State office clarifies rule on credit card surcharges.

Resident Relations – A resident complains of feeling unsafe but fails to turn in keys after giving notice.

TAA Update – Document, photo management features can help Click & Lease users.

NAA Update – Federal Housing Finance Agency to keep apartment capital flowing.

On the Road with HAA – HAA is coming to your area! See photos from our Brazoria County luncheon.

We welcome your comments and letters. Write to us at: HAA Communications Dept. 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041 or fax to: 281-582-1506. Or send us an email at: comm@haaonline.org. ABODE

JULY 2015

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS JACKIE RHONE PRESIDENT

ALISON HALL PRESIDENT-ELECT

KYLE BROWN SECRETARY/TREASURER

Trey Stone, Immediate Past President Josh Allen Mack Armstrong Jeff Blevins Kathy Clem Grant Crowell John Fedorko Paula Forshee Israel Garza Diane Gilbert Clark Gregg George Griffin III Ira Gross Bryan Head Clay Hicks David Jones Barby Lake Ryan McGrath Kristin McLaughlin Dean O’Kelley Michelle Bridges-Pahl Jenifer Paneral Mark Park Velissa Parmer John Ridgway Beth Rohani Kurt Seidel Kim Small Suan Tinsley Starla Turnbo Vic Vacek Jr. Beth Van Winkle Jerold Winograd Tracie Yoder

DIRECTORS EMERITUS MICHELLE PAWELEK VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE

KELLY SCOTT VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE

Gary Blumberg Ken Bohan Jack Dinerstein Darlene Guidry Jenard Gross David Hargrove Larry Hill Hap Hunnicutt Stacy Hunt Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers John Moore P. David Onanian Eileen Subinsky Stephen Sweet Kirk Tate H.J. Tollett Jr. Patrick J. Tollett

ADVISORY DIRECTORS

DEBBIE SULZER VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE

Jill Bounds Scott Douglas Billy Griffin Cesar Lima Karen Nelsen Tony Whitaker

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS Mark Park, CAS, President AAA Plumbers Kristin McLaughlin, CASE, Vice President Outdoor Elements Israel Garza, CAS, Secretary Maintenance Supply Headquarters Grant Crowell, CAS, Treasurer The Urban Foresters Dean O’Kelley, CAS, Immediate Past President The Liberty Group

MEMBERS Candis Austin, CAS AAA Plumbers Rhonda Blodgett, CAS Prism Electric Marivel Bownds, CAS Valet Waste Patrick Brothers, CAS Century A/C Supply Debbie Brueckner, CAS Dixie Carpet Installations Peggy Charles, CAS Meyer Smith Arrie Colca, CASE Craven Carpet Wendy Cook, CAS Texscape Services Alan DeBarbieris, CAS Cotton Commercial Deborah DeRouen, CAS Apartment Guide Derek DeVries, CAS Camp Construction Services Jimmie Hotz, CASE HD Supply Dan James, CAS Redevelopment Inc. Alan Jones, CASE PPG Paint Debra Knight, CAS Valet Waste Stephanie Krop, CAS Buyers Access Jacob Kunath, CAS Century A/C Supply Laura Lestus, CAS Smart Apartment Data Liz Levins, CAS Criterion Brock David Lindley, CAS Rasa Floors Tracey Moore, CAS Pavecon Joe Slaughter, CAS Arbor Contract Carpet

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Kevin Fenn 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

PATRON MEMBERS 1980 Coinmach 1982 Republic Services 1986 Craven Carpet 1987 For Rent Media Solutions 1994 AAA Plumbers Presto Maintenance Supply 1996 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1997 Apartment Guide 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 & Assoc. CORT Furniture Rental 1974 Mueller Water Conditioning Inc. 1976 Great American Business Products 1978 Houston Metro Electrical Corp. The Liberty Group 1981 AmRent Marvin F Poer & Company 1983 Namco Mfg. Co. Inc. Sherwin Williams Company

GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS

1984 RENCON

Joe Bax

1985 Gemstar Construction & Development Inc.

AFFILIATES

1986 Apartment Data Services Inc. 1988 Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects Inc.

SAL THOMAS VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE

1992 Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. Saint Clair & Sons Inc. 1998 AAA Staffing Ltd. CoreLogic SafeRent 2000 Moveforfree.com Inc. Pura Flo Corp.

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF

JEFF HALL

GENERAL COUNSEL

EXECUTIVE VP

2001 Apartment Life Inc.

SPONSOR MEMBERS 2002 American Fire Systems Classic Touch Painting Direct Energy LP Keystone Resources Southwest Painting Contractors Inc. Wilmar Industries Inc.

2003 Sign-Ups & Banners Corp. 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 Jr D Construction Inc. 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. Moon Shepherd Baker Insurance Redevelopment Inc. Storm Maintenance & Monitoring 2010 ALN Apartment Data Inc. Amtech Elevator Services BAC Products Belfor Property Restoration Certified Termite and Pest Control Citi Fence & Access Control Cotton Commercial USA Inc. FTK Construction Services 2011 Bader Company BluSky Restoration Contractors Inc. 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 SiteWorks State Contractors LLC 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 Sears Commercial TAMKO Building Products Inc. Texas Concrete Professional Company 2013 Arbor Contract Carpet Inc. Arm Strong Environmental (ASE) ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning ASW Allstate Painting & Construction Audio Images Capitol Wrecker LLC Comcast Disaster America Gambit Construction Gorman Roofing Services Outdoor Elements Pool Works LLC ProMaster Roofing & Gutter Residential Recycling of Texas StoveTop FireStop Tidal Renovations LLC Tuttle Construction

2014 Adventure Playground Systems Inc. Black Mountain Construction Co. Inc. Bugco Pest Control Chadwell Supply Classic Same Day Blinds Corporate Housing Associates/Woodlands Interim Housing Crawford Electric Supply Co. Inc. CULNAT CXC Talent Solutions D&G Quality Roofing Inc. Dickson Furniture Industries Direct Service Construction & Design enTouch Systems Inc. Evolution Roofing Inc. Hoakey LLC J National Jay’s Iron Works and Iron Fence Painting JD Creative Concrete Jonah Systems LLC JRSG & Company LSR Construction and Development LLC Millennium Supply MX2 Commercial Paving On Site Towing LLC Parking & Towing Experts Inc. Pathfinder Insurance Group Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas Ram Jack Foundation Repair Republic LED Company Shield International Protection SisTerra Landscape SLB Construction State Roofing Company Storage West Technogym Terry’s Landscape Texas Apartment Pool Services Texas Contract Floors Inc. The Katy Plumbing Company United Gates & Fence VIP Remodeling Virtual Leasing Systems WCA Waste Corporation Zak Ventures Zillow Rental Network Zippy Shell of West Houston 2015 Access Industrial Services Inc. The Allshouse Group LLC American Painting & Renovations Inc. Astro Towing Solutions BSI Byte Time Computing Inc. Cameras Onsite Carrier Enterprise CertaPro Painters Competitive Choice Inc. The Countersource Delta Mechanical Inc. Fix My Slab Foundation Repair Fujitec America Inc. Full Steam Ahead Houston The Fulton Law Group PLLC Goes Heating Systems Ground Control Concrete & Construction Lane Law Firm Levee Locker Liberty Builders LLC M&J Painting and Construction Nate Robb Commercial Construction Network Outfitters Nobe Nash Inc. Pace Residential LP Pinnacle Pumping Services LLC Preferred Home Technologies Inc. Restored Resources Restored Resources Robert G Smith Electric Inc. Sustain-Ability Solutions LLC Torocon Services LLC Total Lender Services LLC Vineyard Restoration

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ABODE

JULY 2015

VOLUME 38, ISSUE 7

Executive Vice President and Publisher JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL STAFF

Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Managing Editor RACHEL ZOCH rzoch@haaonline.org ADVERTISING

Director of 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 Form Sales FRANCES TORRES ftorres@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 Coordinator LAUREN OWENS lowens@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 APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE Executive Committee Program & Budget Committee Nominating Committee Legislative Committee Ethics Committee Investment Committee Fair Housing Committee By-Laws Committee Strategic Growth Committee Legislative Committee PAC Fundraising Committee HAA Better Government Fund Century Club Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Media Relations Committee Golf Commitee Leadership Development Committee Product Service Council Community Outreach Committee Registration Task Force Resident Relations Appeals Resident Relations Committee A Resident Relations Committee B Membership Committee Ambassador Club 2015 Expo Committee IROC Committee Education Advisory Council Career and Community Development NEXT Committee Property Awards Committee RCR Advisory Committee

CHAIR JACKIE RHONE ALISON HALL TREY STONE ALISON HALL EILEEN SUBINSKY KYLE BROWN CLAY HICKS KATHY CLEM ALISON HALL ALISON HALL SUAN TINSLEY STACY HUNT/JOHN RIDGWAY GRANT CROWELL LARRY HILL SAL THOMAS CLAY HICKS JENIFER PANERAL MARK PARK DEBBIE SULZER BRENT WILLIAMS DARLENE GUIDRY JOHNNA KIZER DEBBIE DEROCHE KELLY SCOTT DEBRA KNIGHT/LAURA LESTUS KRISTIN MCLAUGHLIN CARLOS NETO MICHELLE PAWELEK KELLY TREICHEL ROBERT LOPES/BRANDON COLEMAN IRA GROSS/DEBORAH HOLCOMBE STARLA TURNBO

STAFF ADVISOR JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL JEFF HALL LAUREN OWENS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS ANDY TEAS SUSAN HINKLEY SUSAN HINKLEY SUSAN HINKLEY SUSAN HINKLEY MATILDE LUNA MATILDE LUNA MATILDE LUNA AMANDA SHERBONDY AMANDA SHERBONDY AMANDA SHERBONDY EMILY HILTON EMILY HILTON EMILY HILTON EMILY HILTON TINA DEFIORE TINA DEFIORE

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, JULY 2015, VOLUME 38, ISSUE 7 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 ÂŠ 2015 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. ABODE

JULY 2015

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

JACKIE RHONE, CAPS, 2015 HAA President

Winning Attitude Our association represents the best of the apartment industry. The free Supplier Education Program on July 9 is a great opportunity for meeting people and learning how HAA can help you grow your business.

elationships – with our residents, our colleagues, our vendors and our elected officials – are critical to our success in this business. The best and brightest in our industry, many of whom we recognized with the Honors Awards last month, have a passion for making those personal connections. Congratulations again to all our nominees and honorees, and many thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. See the August and September issues of ABODE for coverage of the Honors Awards, and look for photos from the awards dinner online at www.haaonline.org and in next month’s ABODE. We also have some national honors to celebrate. NAA awarded both of its 2015 PARAGON awards for independent owners to HAA members at the NAA Education Conference & Expo. Joe & Stephanie Bryson, Stellar Equity Management, were recognized for Cedar Gate Apartments; and John Boriack, Veritas Equity Management, was recognized for Windfern Pointe Apartments. Great job – you make Houston proud!

THANKS TO OUR SUPPLIERS Thanks again to the many suppliers who support HAA and HAF programs with their sponsorship dollars, most recently at the Sponsorship Auction on

June 18. We can’t do it without you, and your generosity is deeply appreciated. Thanks also to all our new and renewing members. Suppliers, don’t miss the free Supplier Education Program on July 7, hosted by me and the Product Service Council. This no-cost program is a great opportunity for meeting people and learning how HAA can help you grow your business. More information on this and other programs and events is available throughout this magazine as well as online at www.haaonline.org.

DIRECTORY DEADLINE If you are a manager and your property has a new name, unit count, address or other contact information, please call HAA at 713-595-0300 to share your changes and help us keep our database up to date. For the Go-Getters out there: If you are still working on a prospective member or two, the last day to join HAA in time to be included in the 2015 Directory & Buyer’s Guide is Wednesday, September 30. That may be nearly three months away as you read this, but don’t let your prospects wait until the last minute! Remember, all supplier members are also listed online at www.haabuyersguide.com as soon as their membership becomes official.

ABODE

JULY 2015

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PATRON OF THE MONTH

JULYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PATRON

These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their patron membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

JULY 2015

ABODE

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

Coinmach

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

Apartment Guide

HAA Member since 1994

HAA Member since 1979

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

By with

ALISON HALL, HAA Legislative Committee Chair ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

Victory in Austin 2015 Legislative session was one of the apartment industry’s best ever. All of TAA’s affirmative legislative initiatives passed, and the industry will also benefit from significant cuts in the franchise tax and from a potential constitutional amendment that will ban any future tax on the sale or purchase of real property.

This month’s Legislative Update column is excerpted from the Texas Apartment Association’s Legislative Update.

he 2015 session of the Texas Legislature was perhaps the most successful ever for the rental housing industry. All of the Texas Apartment Association’s affirmative legislative initiatives passed, and the industry will also benefit from significant cuts in the franchise tax and from a potential constitutional amendment that will ban any future tax on the sale or purchase of real property. No bills passed over TAA’s objection without being significantly amended.

MANDATORY SECTION 8 PROHIBITED Despite fierce opposition from the City of Austin, as well as affordable housing and disability rights advocates, the Legislature passed TAA’s top legislative priority, SB 267 by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, and Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Kingwood, which preempts local ordinances forcing rental property owners to accept federal housing vouchers, like Section 8. On May 28, the Senate gave final approval to the bill, which preempts ordinances that require rental property owners to accept federally funded housing voucher programs. The final version of the bill contains an exception allowing cities and counties to pass ordinances that prohibit discrimination against programs specifically designed to assist military veterans, such as the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. It also clearly allows cities and counties to offer incentives such as contract commitments, density bonuses or other voluntary programs to encourage acceptance of housing vouchers. As well, the bill was amended to allow source of income discrimination ordinances that cover lawful income other than federal housing assistance, such as alimony or Social Security income. Most importantly, Rep. Tony Dale, R-Cedar Park, offered a key amendment to the bill, which removed an amendment added earlier by Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, which would have grandfathered the

Austin ordinance. Assuming the bill becomes law, it will be effective on September 1. At this point it is not clear whether Austin will continue to enforce the current ordinance or how it may be amended to comply with state law. Likewise, the Austin Apartment Association is evaluating next steps in its lawsuit against the city ordinance in light of the bill’s passage.

OTHER AFFIRMATIVE LEGISLATION Also sent to the governor were two other bills in TAA’s affirmative legislative program. HB 1334 by Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches), and Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, is aimed at preventing abuses of surety bonds in the eviction appeal process, while HB 1510 by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, DHouston, and Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, limits liability for rental property owners who choose to rent to non-violent ex-offenders. The final goal of TAA’s affirmative legislative program this year was allowing a notice to vacate to be securely affixed on the outside of a door. That concept was included in an omnibus landlord/tenant bill, SB 1367 by Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, and Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, which also received final legislative approval. That bill also includes a number of other changes in the Property Code that were agreed to between TAA and tenant advocates, including updating the security device statute to remove the requirement for pin locks on sliding glass doors and increasing the penalty for an improperly handled landlord lien. In addition, the bill: 1. clarifies notice regarding security deposits given to residents when there is a change in ownership; 2. requires notice to a resident at the time of or before reporting a claim for damages and other charges to a third-party debt collector reporting to a credit bureau when there isn’t a security deposit in place; See LEGISLATIVE, Page 27

Get the inside track on city and state government – join the HAABGF for luncheons with candidates, email updates and more. Next BGF luncheons: Tuesday, August 4, featuring City Council At-Large 4 candidates, and Wednesday, September 1 (guests to be announced).

ABODE

JULY 2015

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IT’S THE LAW

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

Charge It State office clarifies rule on credit card surcharges. The Texas Finance Code has been interpreted to prohibit surcharges on credit card rent payments, but a recent bulletin published by the Texas office in charge of enforcing the law has clarified certain alternatives to prohibited pricing practices.

or several years, the Texas Finance Code has been interpreted to prohibit surcharges on credit card rent payments. This has been an issue for some time, since apartment communities would prefer to give as many choices as possible to residents to pay rent and other charges. However, a recent Advisory Bulletin published by the Texas office in charge of enforcing the law has clarified certain alternatives to prohibited pricing practices. Let’s take a look at this Advisory Bulletin published by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Section 339.001 of the Texas Property Code provides that in a sale of goods or services, a seller may not impose a surcharge on a buyer who uses a credit card for an extension of credit instead of cash, a check or a similar means of payment. The OCCC has taken the position that this section generally applies to residential leases because residential leases generally include services provided by the owner in addition to the lease of the property. The Advisory Bulletin published on March 27 offers four alternative pricing practices that are not prohibited credit card surcharges, detailed below.

UNIFORM CONVENIENCE FEE The law does not prohibit fees that are uniform for all forms of payment, whether these fees are labeled “convenience fee,” “service fee” or something else. A convenience fee that is uniform for all forms of payment is not a credit card surcharge. However, in order to be authorized, the fee must be truly uniform and cannot be based on the form of payment. A seller may not charge a higher convenience fee for credit card payments than other payments. In other words, if you charge a convenience fee of $10 for a credit card payment and a $5 fee for check, money order or other form of payment, you are charging a surcharge for the credit card payment because the convenience fee is higher for this type of payment. On the other hand, if you charge a $10 fee for all forms of payment (whether such payment is

by credit card, check or money order), the fee would not be prohibited, since there is not a “surcharge” for the credit card payment.

CASH DISCOUNT The law does not prohibit discounts for paying by cash, check, debit card or other methods. A “surcharge” is an increase from the regular price of a good or service; a discount is a decrease from the regular price. In its Advisory Bulletin, the OCCC cites the federal Truth in Lending Act, which allows sellers to have two prices – one for cash and one for credit. This practice is allowed as long as the credit card price for the good or service is also the regular price. However, a seller may not combine a cash discount with a convenience fee. For example, a seller may not charge a 50¢ convenience fee for all forms of payment with a 25¢ discount for paying by cash, check or debit card. In reality, this practice results in a nonuniform increase of the regular price (50¢ for credit cards and 25¢ for cash, check or debit card) and is therefore a prohibited credit card surcharge. In order to legally use a cash discount pricing practice, you would need to establish the “regular” amount of rent. You could then allow credit card payments to be a set price while charging a discount (a decrease from the regular amount) for other forms of payment. Be careful! This may be a bit tricky when called upon to show that your “regular” price is the one charged for credit card payments.

ALLOW PAYMENT BY CREDIT CARD WITH NO FEE A seller may offer more than one method of paying by credit card if at least one of the methods does not result in a fee. For example, a seller could offer an inperson option to pay by credit card without a fee and an online payment option by credit card with a fee. In this case, the fee is not a surcharge for paying by credit card because there is a way to pay by credit card without incurring the fee. (more)

It’s The Law Luncheon Friday, July 10 at 11:30 a.m. • $25 (includes lunch) sponsored by TPI Painting • register online at www.haaonline.org (login required) ABODE

JULY 2015

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IT’S THE LAW

If you offer payment over the phone, in person or online, and a credit card can be used with each type of payment method, you could charge a fee for paying by credit card online without violating the law as long as you also allow a credit card payment by another method without paying the fee. If you offer payment over the phone, in person or online, and a credit card can be used with each type of payment method, you could charge a fee for paying by credit card online without violating the law as long as you also allow a credit card payment by another method without paying the fee.

THIRD PARTY PAYMENT PROCESSOR Sellers may contract with a third-party payment processor to accept payments by credit card. A processor may charge a fee that is higher for credit cards if the following three conditions are met: a. The seller may not receive a portion of the fee charged by the processor or any direct or indirect benefit from the fee, such as a discount of other services from the processor. If a processor imposes a greater fee for credit cards than for other forms of payment and the seller receives a portion of the fee, the seller is effectively imposing a credit card surcharge on the buyer. b. There must be an arm’s-length relationship between the seller and the processor, limited to processing payments. If the processor has a continuing business relationship with the seller, the relationship should be limited to the processing of payments. If the relationship goes beyond the processing of payments, or if the parties have a general agency or joint-venture relationship, the seller would effectively be imposing a credit card surcharge. c. Multiple payment channels must be available to the buyer. The buyer must not be required to pay the processor’s fee. If the seller requires the buyer to make payments through the processor and the processor requires the buyer to pay a greater fee for credit cards than for other forms of payment, the seller is requiring the buyer to pay a credit surcharge. From a contractual standpoint, no matter which alternative you choose, it should be clear in writing what payment methods are available and what fees are charged for each type of payment method. Whether the fee is paid online or in person, it is beneficial to have the resident agree in advance, in a lease addendum or online terms and conditions, how and when the fee will be charged. When a complaint is made, the OCCC has had a practice of sending letters to owners notifying the owner of the complaint and asking for evidence that the owner is not violating the law. By using one of the four alternative payment processing practices discussed above, an owner will be in a better position to respond to any complaints made. To learn more about this and other legal and regulatory issues affecting the industry, attend an It’s the Law luncheon on July 10 or October 30. Visit the calendar pages at www.haaonline.org for details and to register.

JULY 2015

ABODE

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RESIDENT RELATIONS

From the

RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEES

The Run Around A resident complains of feeling unsafe but fails to vacate or turn in keys after giving notice.

resident filed a complaint with HAA to dispute charges, stating that the property started having multiple breakins in the summer and fall of 2012. She also noted other issues, stating that the maintenance man was seen walking in and out of her neighbor’s apartment and walking around the property intoxicated. The resident experienced maintenance issues in her apartment but did not want to report them because she did not feel comfortable with the maintenance man entering her apartment. She feared her apartment would be burglarized. The resident stated that she began to feel unsafe and targeted, but she did not want to break her lease so she asked to transfer to another unit.

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE Management responded to HAA, stating they had given the resident a notice to vacate for non-payment of rent. Management stated that the resident informed the office that she had moved out, so they went to inspect her unit, which was found full of her belongings. Management then contacted the resident, and she came into the office to pick up the keys to retrieve what she wanted. The resident never returned the keys. A letter was posted on her door, and

JULY 2015

ABODE

she never responded to the notices/calls. Management believed the resident was charged accordingly. Enclosed were copies of the deposit disposition and the lease.

THE COMMITTEE’S DECISION The committee decided in favor of management with an adjustment made. The committee felt the cleaning/trash out charge of $400 was excessive and noted that management failed to provide documentation to substantiate that charge, so the committee removed that charge. After the adjustment is made and with other charges justified, the resident owes the property $3,025.15 and may wish to pursue this complaint in small claims court. If you are a manager with a resident relations issue, please call HAA at 713-595-0300 and ask for Resident Relations. Please identify yourself as a manager so that we may direct your call appropriately. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, we would appreciate a direct response from the property to the resident within two weeks and a copy of the payment sent to HAA for our records. When the committee finds in favor of the property owner, the decision is final.

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! e ik r t s d n a le k c a r c , p a n s e w s a A A H Join 2015 HAA “Cere al” t Bowling Tournamen

on, rnoon, so get your bowl te af e th in t as kf ea br s It’ oon and find your inner cart r vo fla e rit vo fa ur yo ab gr wling Tournament! Bo 15 20 e th r fo t co as m be and best costumes will The top scoring bowlers n (and eggs). Go cuckoo bringing home the baco libations. for plenty of snacks and It’ll be Grrrrreat! oring awards! • Team and individual sc costumes! • Best individual and team

Friday, July 17

Palace Lanes 4191 Bellaire Blvd. Registration – 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Practice/warm-up – 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tournament begins at 2 p.m., ends at 5:30 p.m. Spectators – $20/person Team Registration (5 players) – $250 Maximum of two teams per company. Price includes 3 games, shoes and buffet.

Event Sponsored by

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TAA Update pg 18_Layout 1 6/19/15 10:11 AM Page 1

STATE UPDATE

From the

TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION

At Your Fingertips Document, photo management features can boost productivity for Click & Lease users.

he Texas Apartment Association’s lease forms program took on a new name in January, as well as a powerful new document management feature to help property owners and managers operate more efficiently. TAA Click & Lease, powered by Blue Moon Software, offers the same features TAA Forms Online users have come to expect, plus a new online document management feature, powered by ValenceDocs. This new enhancement has been incorporated into the units-based pricing structure that took effect in January. The document management feature automatically generates a barcode on newly completed leases and forms through the TAA Click & Lease program and includes electronic document storage, allowing for easy search and retrieval capability. In addition, managers can generate barcode labels to add to older lease forms and addenda or non-TAA forms used at a property. These can then be scanned and added into the document management system so that all forms associated with a particular unit and property can be tracked and managed.

FEATURES WITH BIG IMPACT The photo capability allows users to upload photos from mobile devices and associate them with particular units. A manager walking a property can photograph needed repairs for a unit and then document the fix, all from a mobile phone or tablet. The document management function also integrates with third-party maintenance software. Similarly, property managers and owners can take photos before, during and after any rehab, or before a resident moves in or after a resident moves out, creating a unit-by-unit history of the property – all electronically stored and accessible. “Members across the state are already saving lots of time with this app,” said Mike Kessenich, vice president of ValenceDocs, who is leading the implementation effort for TAA. “With the app, members can walk a unit, snap several pictures and upload them into the document management program by pressing a single button – everything happens wirelessly.” The document management feature also automatically flags missing documents, or documents that may have been scanned incorrectly, providing a useful “audit” for managers to ensure that all needed records are in order and properly maintained. Managers can set parameters for how long to maintain records (otherwise, the records are stored indefinitely).

The ValencePics app, available to TAA Click & Lease users, allows users to upload photos from mobile devices and associate them with particular units.

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Forms in the document management system can be directly emailed from the system to a resident, guarantor or supervisor. All forms in the system are automatically time- and date- stamped, which may also be useful in the event of any disputes with residents.

With the app, members can walk a unit, snap several pictures and upload them into the document management program by pressing a single button – everything happens wirelessly. HOW CAN YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE FEATURES? The document management function is available now to any TAA Click & Lease users. Managers sign up by using the same credentials used for the Click & Lease program and use the “connect properties” feature to identify properties to enroll in the document management program. No special software is needed – the document management function, like TAA Click & Lease, is an online product accessed through a web browser. Properties do need access to a scanner to incorporate existing leases and addenda, or any non-TAA forms, into the system. Members will have the ability to store several years’ worth of data at no cost. Additional electronic storage can be purchased at a modest cost. To assist managers and other users in making the switch, there are a number of short instructional videos covering the features available in the document management enhancement, as well as phone, email and in-application customer support. To learn more, visit www.valencedocs.com. For details on image management and a demonstration of the ValencePics app, see the video at https://vimeo.com/111547683.

BENEFITS OF DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT Benefits of using the document management feature include: • Reduced on-site storage and filing requirements for paperwork • Reduced risk of printed documents being improperly accessed, stolen, lost or misfiled • Remote access to all paperwork for the properties you manage, from any location with Internet access • Automatic time and date stamping of all forms in the system to create accurate records • Seamless integration with third-party maintenance and other property management software • Ability to associate photos with unit records and paperwork to keep track of rehabs, repairs and property condition • Easy search and retrieval features, saving your staff time and effort • Ability to email any document in the system to supervisors, residents, guarantors, etc. • Automated alerts to advise you of missing documents or incorrectly scanned documents, to ensure records are in order and properly maintained.

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UPCOMING COURSES

chedule and fees are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a refund, less a $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 Building. Seating is limited.

July Supplier Education Program Tuesday, July 7 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. FREE to all supplier members Register at www.haaonline.org. Certified Pool Operator Course Wednesday and Thursday, July 8 and 9 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program cost: $349 (includes textbook, exam fees and lunches) Sponsored by Poolsure Successful completion of this twoday course will result in a five-year certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and help you ensure that pool chemicals are being used properly and when appropriate. See Page 24 for details. It’s the Law Luncheon Friday, July 10 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program cost: $25 Register at www.haaonline.org. CAS: Supplier Success Monday, July 13 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Program cost: $625/full program; $125/module for five modules NOTE: This module is the required starting point for all CAS designates. See www.haaonline.org for details. APPLE Leadership Session II: The Secrets of Winning with Sherre Helmer Tuesday, July 14 8:30 a.m. to noon Program cost: $50 Sponsored by TXU Energy

Learn the importance of preparation and establishing expectations from the top, the value of working as a team to achieve your goals and how to improve safety for your residents and employees. See Page 22 for complete details. Independent Rental Owner Professional Course Tuesdays, July 14 to August 18 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Program cost: $399/members; $519/non-members This six-week series authored by NAA is specially designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for new independent owners/ managers of rental properties, typically those 200 units or fewer. Topics include employees, rent, marketing, applications, screening, rental agreements and lease forms, evictions, maintenance, codes, taxes, Section 8 and much more. For details, see www.haaonline.org. Intro to Microsoft Excel Wednesday July 15 8:30 a.m. to noon Program cost: $75 Register at www.haaonline.org. ACES Luncheon Wednesday, July 22 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program cost: $40 if paid by July 13; $50 after July 13 Sponsored by Apartments.com and Gemstar Construction & Development Details will be sent to eligible attendees. Contact Emily Hilton for details at ehilton@haaonline.org.

From the

HAA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

You must pre-register. For more information, contact the Education & Meetings Department at 713-595-0319 or 713-595-0314 or education@haaonline.org, or register online at www.haaonline.org. Notice to Attendees: All pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will be required at the door if not received prior to the event. Start times listed below include a 30-minute registration period. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less a $15 administrative fee.

Extreme CAM/CAS Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July 23-25 and July 30-August 1 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program cost: CAM/$999; CAS/$625 Classes meet on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NOTE: Extreme CAS candidates must begin with Supplier Success on Monday, July 13. See Page 23 for complete details. Introduction to Microsoft Excel Wednesday, July 29 8:30 a.m. to noon Program cost: $75 Register at www.haaonline.org.

Leasing 101 Tuesday, August 18 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Program cost: $65 if paid by August 18; $75 at the door Topics covered include greeting and qualifying the customer, presenting the lease, industry terminology, an overview of Fair Housing and more. Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, August 19 8:30 a.m. to noon Program cost: $75 Register at www.haaonline.org.

Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, August 5 8:30 a.m. to noon Program cost: $75 Register at www.haaonline.org.

HAA Next: Mix’n’Mingle Thursday, August 20 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Program cost: FREE HAA members 35 and younger: Network with your peers at this FREE and festive event and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership. Complimentary drink ticket, door prizes and more.

APPLE Core Session V: Where Did All the Look-andLeases Go? With Jen Piccotti Tuesday, August 11 8:30 a.m. to noon Program cost: $50 Sponsored by CORT Furniture Rental In this session, you’ll learn how a few minor changes can yield big results and more leases. Connect with your prospects by giving them what matters most. And once you’ve mastered the first-visit leasing game, parlay those skills into securing more renewals and increasing your community’s bottom line. See Page 22 for complete details.

APPLE Marketing Session II: Marketing Trends 2.0 With Kate Good Tuesday, August 25 8:30 a.m. to noon Program cost: $50 Sponsored by Best Plumbing Kate’s experience in marketing and consulting allows her to accurately predict what everyone will be doing next, and she will share that knowledge in this informationpacked presentation. In this market, you have to stay one step ahead of the competition and constantly update your marketing with fresh, unique, attention-worthy tactics to attract and retain. See Page 22.

August

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JULY S M

W 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

F 3 10 17 24 31

S 4 11 18 25

July 2015 1

Ambassador ONE Society – Wednesday, July 1, 3:30 p.m. at Sherlock’s, 10001 Westheimer, 77042. All supplier members welcome. For details, contact Amanda at asherbondy@ haaonline.org.

Offices Closed – The HAA offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

Supplier Education Program – Tuesday, July 7, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For details, see www.haaonline.org.

8-9

Certified Pool Operator Course – Wednesday and Thursday, July 8 and 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 24 for details. Sponsored by Poolsure.

Resident Relations Committee B – Wednesday, July 8 at 3 p.m.

It’s the Law Luncheon – Friday, July 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register online at www.haaonline.org.

CAS: Supplier Success – Monday, July 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. NOTE: This module is the required starting point for all CAS designates. See www.haaonline.org for details.

APPLE Leadership Session II: The Secrets of Winning with Sherre Helmer – Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. to noon. See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by TXU Energy. Area Council: Pasadena/Deer Park/La Porte – Tuesday, July 14 at noon. Contact Lauren Owens for details at lowens@haaonline.org.

Go-Getters Happy Hour: North Side – Tuesday, July 14, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Space is limited. Contact Lauren Wolfson at lwolfson@ haaonline.org to register. Sponsored by FSI Construction. Independent Rental Owner Professional Course Begins – Tuesdays, July 14 to August 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details, see www.haaonline.org.

Intro to Microsoft Excel – Wednesday July 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Bowling Tournament – Friday, July 17, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Palace Lanes, 4191 Bellaire Blvd. 77025. See Page 16 for details. Sponsored by Century A/C Supply and Maintenance Supply Headquarters.

Independent Rental Owner Professional Course Continues – Tuesdays through August 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. See www.haaonline.org.

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Extreme CAM/CAS Begins – Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July 23-25 and July 30-August 1, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 23 or www.haaonline.org for details.

Independent Rental Owner Professional Course Continues – Tuesdays through August 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. See www.haaonline.org.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel – Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

ACES Luncheon – Wednesday, July 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details will be sent to eligible attendees. Contact Emily Hilton for details at ehilton@haaonline.org. Sponsored by Apartments.com and Gemstar Construction & Development.

30-1

22-24

Board Meeting – Thursday, July 30 at 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by Arbor Contract Carpet.

TAA Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday, July 22 through Friday, July 24 in Galveston. See www.taa.org for details.

Free for suppliers!

BIG! 20

23-25

Extreme CAM/ CAS Concludes – Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 30-August 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Legislative Committee – Thursday, July 30 at 3 p.m.

Supplier Education Program Tuesday, July 7 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Houston Apartment Association HAF Training Center, For more, visit online at www.haaonline.org.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST S M T

2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 30 31

F 7 14 21 28

S 1 8 15 22 29

August 2015 4

BGF Luncheon – Tuesday, August 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featured guests: candidates for Houston City Council At-Large Place 4. Contact Mercedes at msanchez@haaonline.org to register. Sponsored by Outdoor Elements. IROP Course Continues – Tuesdays through August 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Advanced Microsoft Excel – Wednesday, August 5, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Ambassador ONE Society – Wednesday, August 5. 3:30 p.m. at Masone’s Saloon, 11133 Huffmeister Road, 77065 (just north of Hwy. 290). All supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@ haaonline.org for details. Go-Getters Happy Hour: Cypress – Wednesday, August 5, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Masone’s Saloon, 11133 Huffmeister Road, 77065 (just north of Hwy. 290). Contact Lauren Wolfson at lwolfson@haaonline.org for details and to RSVP.

APPLE Core Session V: Where Did All the Lookand-Leases Go? With Jen Piccotti – Tuesday, August 11, 8:30 a.m. to noon. See Page 22 for complete details. Sponsored by CORT Furniture Rental.

CAM: Exam – Friday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. Email education@haaonline.org for details.

Leasing 101 – Tuesday, August 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

IROP Course Continues – Tuesdays through August 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

IROP Course Concludes –Tuesday, August 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Resident Relations Committee A – Wednesday, August 12 at 3 p.m.

Blue Star Training – Thursday, August 13, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Braeswood Assembly of God, 10611 Fondren, 77096. For details and to register, contact Mercedes at msanchez@ haaonline.org. Sponsored by Astro Towing and Earth Essentials. Take 5 Business Exchange – Thursday, August 13, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ayva Center, 9371 Richmond, 77063. See Page 25 or contact Susan at shinkley@ haaonline.org for details.

Advanced Microsoft Excel – Wednesday, August 19, 8:30 a.m. to noon. HAA Next: Mix’n’Mingle – Thursday, August 20, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at a location to be announced. For details, contact Emily at ehilton@haaonline.org.

CAM: Exam – Friday, August 21, 11:30 a.m. Email education@haaonline.org for details.

APPLE Marketing Session II: Marketing Trends 2.0 with Kate Good – Tuesday, August 25, 8:30 a.m. to noon. See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by Best Plumbing. Go-Getters Meeting: Southwest Side – Tuesday, August 25, time and location to be announced. Sponsored by Foundation Specialists.

Area Council: Humble – Wednesday, August 26 at noon. Contact Lauren Owens for details at lowens@haaonline.org.

Hall of Fame Luncheon – Thursday, August 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Royal Sonesta, 2222 W. Loop South, 77027 (between San Felipe and Westheimer). See Page 73 or www.haaonline.org for details.

Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendars at www.haaonline.org for the most up-to-date information.

n Unless otherwise noted, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. 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.

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Get the right ideas and a careerbuilding education – Grab an APPLE Here’s the next three sessions: APPLE: Leadership - Session 2 July 14 Secrets of Winning With Sherre Helmer In 2014, Sherre completed one of her “bucket list” goals – traveling around the Indianapolis 500 track at more than 180 miles per hour. What a thrill! Sherre’s love of racing began as a result of growing up in Speedway, Indiana, just blocks from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She became even more involved when she managed an apartment community in Speedway, leasing apartments to several race drivers and ultimately becoming a team scorer. Sherre will share the secretes of winning she learned from auto racing and applied to her career. During this program you will learn the importance of preparation, establishing expectations from the top and much more! APPLE: Core - Session 5 August 11 Where Did All the Look-and-Leases Go? With Jen Piccotti Leasing apartments is a tricky game. Most prospects tour four to six apartment communities before selecting the one they feel deserves their commitment and most importantly, their money. So who wins the lease? In this session, you’ll learn how a few minor changes can yield big results and more leases – 1.6 million survey responses can’t be wrong. Connect with your prospects by giving them what matters most. Make the connection – get the lease. It really is as simple as that! And once you’ve mastered the first visit, parlay those skills into securing more renewals and increasing your bottom line. APPLE: Marketing - Session 2 August 25 Marketing Trends 2.0 With Kate Good The way that companies reach consumers is constantly changing, and anything we’ve done up to now is not good enough. Kate’s experience in marketing and consulting allows her to accurately predict what everyone will be doing next, and she will share that knowledge with you in this information-packed presentation. In this market you have to stay one step ahead of the competition and constantly update your marketing with fresh, unique, attention-worthy tactics to attract and retain.

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APPLE is sponsored by

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 2015 today. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

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NAA DESIGNATION PROGRAMS: EXTREME CAM

Featured instructor:

The Certified Apartment Manager designation is already exceptional. Presented in a super-charged format, Extreme CAM accelerates the education process and allows you to attain the Certified Apartment Manager designation on a schedule that works best for you. (Recommended for experienced managers only.) Course Schedule: Two scheduling options – classes during the week only or classes offered on Thursday through Saturday. Summer Schedule with Bill Nye: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July 23-25 and July 30-August 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fall Schedule: Classes are held during the work week only: November 4-6 and 9-11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program Cost: Total program cost is $999, pre-registration is required. Payment in full must be provided at the time of registration to ensure timely delivery of textbook for review prior to course. Designation Requirements To qualify for the CAM program, candidates must: • have worked in the apartment industry for at least 12 months (can be obtained during the candidacy period for CAM); • successfully completed the nine courses listed below (which total 55½ hours) • receive a passing grade of at least 70 percent on the online comprehensive exam Please note that new registrations received within three days of the course will be assessed a $50 administrative fee to cover shipping costs for course materials.

Both Extreme CAM offerings SELL OUT! Sign up early to make sure you save your seat! Register online at www.haaonline.org or email education@haaonline.org for more information.

For 12 years Bill Nye, Ph.D., was a full-time speaker and business consultant working primarily in the apartment industry. His career accomplishments include earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland and a doctorate from Duke. Bill is a former maintenance supervisor, property manager and regional property manager. He is also a veteran of the United States Air Force and even served on Air Force One under President George H.W. Bush. In 2006, Bill joined forces with two developers in North Carolina and became the CEO of Caviness & Cates Property Management. Under his leadership they became the largest development/ ownership firm in Fayetteville, N.C.

Did you know HAF has Education Grants available for certification programs? Education grants are available for all the designation programs and cover 50 percent of program fees. Competition for these awards is based on financial need and a commitment to earning a professional designation. For more information, call the HAA Education & Meetings Department at 713-595-0300, email education@ haaonline.org or look online at www.haaonline.org.

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Successful completion of this course offers apartment industry personnel a five-year certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and ensures pool chemicals are being used properly and when appropriate.

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Recommended for anyone working with pools, this course is also a great course for property managers. Make sure you are up-to-date on local codes to help reduce risk and liability by attending this informative session.

Although the course and texts are presented entirely in English, Spanish-language exams are available upon request.

tion t d a s a r r t e t s n i s i Wed Reg Program xam admin – . .– a.m ys) k, e 8:30 . to 5 p.m es textboo for two da d h 9 a.m 349 (inclust and lunc n Reed i $ a Fee: and breakf Dinerste r, e fee, : HAF tion Cent d., n o i t Loca p Educa Park Blv Beltway Proko Westway ast of the rg. 4810 ay Road e ine.o l n o aa l ww.h w off C t RE ne a

Instructor Mark Cukro is a leading resource in the field of service team development and brings to you all of the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to promote personal and professional development. Through Mark’s upbeat and unique approach to delivering technical information, each student is engaged and encouraged to learn how to work more effectively in the multihousing and service industry. Mark was the director of service team development for Colonial Properties Trust Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-traded company with 148 properties and more than 48,000 apartment homes. Mark’s certifications include CAPS, CAMT, CAMTII, EPA Proctor for HVAC/CFC 608 and 609 Certifications. He is also an award-winning Certified Pool Operator Instructor for the National Swimming Pool Foundation. 24

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Property management supervisors and executives: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this free networking opportunity that supports our industry. All it takes is five minutes.

Join Kurt Seidel, Lincoln Property Company, and Diane Gilbert, Asset Plus Corp., for the ninth annual HAA Business Exchange, a great opportunity to learn more about the latest industry-related products and services in a professional, controlled environment while supporting HAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational endeavors. Owners/Property Management: The Business Exchange is a forum where your company and other property management companies will be seated at tables in a large room. Supplier representatives will move around the room and select the companies they wish to visit and will be limited to five minutes with each management company to discuss their products and services. Supplier companies will pay for this opportunity and your attendance alone will make this possible. This is a great opportunity to support industry education at no monetary cost to you or your company. Proceeds raised benefit the HAF Scholarship Fund, which provides monetary assistance to students who are pursuing a career in the apartment industry. By simply attending, you are helping us grow talented people to work in the industry.

Thursday, August 13 9 a.m to 11 a.m. Ayva Center 9371 Richmond Ave, Houston 77063 See more at: www.haaonline.org/businessexchange or contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0313 for more information.

Suppliers: You will have access to a number of property management personnel from owner executives to maintenance supervisors. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this opportunity. The first two participants from your company pay $300 each with an option for a third participant at $325.

See more at www.haaonline.org/businessexchange

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

From the

NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION

and the

NATIONAL MULTI HOUSING COUNCIL

More Money Federal Housing Finance Agency to keep apartment capital flowing.

he Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on May 7 that it is revising and expanding the definition of the affordable apartment housing loans that are excluded from the $30 billion multifamily lending caps imposed on both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Although the caps will remain unchanged, the excluded loans will provide more lending capacity to the apartment housing market through 2015. FHFA’s decision was based on the concern expressed by our industry about keeping capital flowing to our market, which has seen significant growth this year. In the past, these loans that were excluded from Fannie and Freddie’s caps were defined as targeted affordable loans, small balance loans and manufactured housing communities. FHFA’s announcement provides greater clarity on, as well as broadens the definition of, the excluded loans. Here are the specific changes: • A pro rata portion of apartment housing loan amounts purchased will be excluded from the caps based on the percentage of units in a property affordable to renters at 60 percent of area median income; • In higher cost areas, the income threshold for affordability will be increased to 80 percent of AMI; • For very high-cost markets, the income threshold for affordability will be increased to 100 percent of AMI; • Assisted living units for seniors will also be excluded from the caps as long as they are affordable at 80 percent of AMI; and • The calculation of specific loan amounts excluded from the caps for mixed income targeted affordable housing properties will also be modified. The exact impact of these changes is not yet known. Historically, nearly 90 percent of the loans purchased by Fannie and Freddie have been at or below 100 percent of AMI. NAA and NMHC submitted a letter to FHFA on April 29 to stress that FHFA maintain apartment housing capital flow. We expect that the changes will provide significant relief to the cap constraint for apartment housing, but will also help

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ensure that both entities continue to focus on serving the affordable and workforce housing rental markets.

SENATORS WORK TO MAKE LOWINCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT STICK Senators Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., introduced legislation

rates and the expiration of last year’s legislation, the current 9 percent LIHTC is actually set at a 7.44 percent rate, reducing its value by more than 17 percent. Meanwhile, the 4 percent LIHTC is set at 3.19 percent, diminishing its value by 20 percent. Both the House and Senate are most likely to address so-called tax extenders, including

We expect that the changes will help ensure that both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to focus on serving the affordable and workforce housing rental markets. on May 5 to make the flat 9 percent LowIncome Housing Tax Credit permanent. The bill would also treat the 4 percent LIHTC for acquisitions the same way. The program leverages federal dollars with private investment to help finance affordable housing projects nationwide. NAA and NMHC strongly support the Cantwell-Roberts proposal, as well as companion legislation in the House introduced by Reps. Pat Tiberi, R-Ohio, and Richard Neal, D-Mass. The program has enjoyed broad bipartisan support over the years, and we believe it should be protected as Congress considers comprehensive tax reform. In December, Congress enacted legislation to extend the flat 9 percent credit through 2014 while declining to take action to establish a flat 4 percent rate. Due to low interest

LIHTC rates, in the second half of 2015. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., recently said that he would first try to pair tax extenders with an overhaul of corporate taxes. If that effort failed, the expiring tax provisions would be renewed separately. Senate Finance Committee Chair Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has not yet spelled out a legislative timetable. While timing remains in flux, it is also unclear whether the 9 percent credit will be made permanent or extended for one or two years. In addition, tax writers have not yet decided if they will act to put into place a flat 4 percent credit. For the latest news on national issues, visit www.naahq.org/governmentaffairs. For local updates, visit www.haaonline.org/blog.

Do your representatives in Congress know what you know? Members of Congress don’t always know what it takes to own and manage apartments. How can they understand how issues before Congress impact you before they vote on them? You have a unique opportunity this summer to educate them about how apartments work. All you need to do is invite your members of Congress to tour your apartment community during one of the times Congress is in recess over the next several months. Help them understand our vibrant, dynamic $1.3 trillion industry that houses 37 million people. Your apartment tour will take less than an hour, yet it will reap dividends that will help strengthen the apartment industry’s voice on Capitol Hill for years. Here are the dates when your members of Congress will be at home: • June 29 – July 6 (House and Senate) • July 31 – September 7 (House) • August 10 – September 7 (Senate) • September 21 – 25 (House) Learn more about how to conduct a property tour, participate in a town hall meeting or schedule a meeting with your members of Congress in their offices with resources in NAA’s Congressional Recess Program Toolkit (online at www.naahq.org; member login required).

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LEGISLATIVE, continued from Page 9

Unless vetoed by the governor, all of these bills will be effective on January 1. Voters will consider a constitutional amendment on November 3 to impose a ban on any future tax on the sale or purchase of any real estate, be it residential or commercial. 3. allows additional ways of sending notice for habitability claims; and 4. prohibits an owner from requiring a resident to waive the tenantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to a jury trial for actions brought under Chapter 92 of the Property Code. Unless vetoed by the governor, all of these bills will be effective January 1, 2016.

TAX RELIEF APPROVED The House and Senate also reached agreement on a major tax cut package. The final agreed-to package included a 25 percent tax cut in the franchise tax rate. Also, the threshold for franchise taxpayers of the EZ rate was increased from $10 million in gross revenues to $20 million, and the rate was cut by more than 40 percent from 0.575 percent to 0.31 percent. These rate cuts will be effective for reports due after January 1, 2016 (i.e., 2015 taxes). TAA was instrumental in getting the changes to the EZ rates. Voters will consider a constitutional amendment on November 3 to impose a ban on any future tax on the sale or purchase of any real estate, be it residential or commercial. The amendment also includes a $10,000 increase in the homestead exemption for residential homestead property. If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Government Affairs.

â&#x153;Ż

Earn your Blue Star Criminals are unwelcome on your property. Let them know by earning your Blue Star! Only two introductory classes left in 2015. For details and to register for the free class, visit www.haaonline.org/bluestar.

The remaining classes meet on Thursday, August 13 and Thursday, November 12.

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PHOTO ALBUM

Photos from the

BRAZORIA COUNTY AREA COUNCIL

Event: Port Freeport: Why it Matters to Apartments When: Wednesday, June 10 Where: Costa Verde Apartments HAA hit the road again, traveling down south to Clute for a Brazoria County Strategic Growth meeting. Mike Wilson, economic director for Port Freeport, was our guest speaker. Wilson spoke to the 27 managers and assistant managers in attendance about the new growth going on at the port. Port Freeport is ranked 26th in the United States for foreign tonnage and creates 13,362 direct local jobs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; about $1.24 billion in personal income and 84 percent of Brazoria County residents. A big thank-you to Costa Verde Apartments and community manager Amanda Chacon for hosting us at her property.

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Outreach

Netwo rk

Next up: Pasadena/Deer Park/LaPorte on Tuesday, July 14 Contact Lauren Owens at lowens@haaonline.org to register.

thin Nu g n mb ers Stre

ation Educ

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 Owens at lowens@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 lowens@haaonline.org.

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Photos by

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HAA STAFF

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PHOTO ALBUM

Photos from the 2015

HAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE & EXPO

First place multiple booth winner Redi Carpet Sales

First place single booth winner Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

Second place multiple booth winner CORT Furniture Rental

Second place single booth winner Life After Bugs LLC

Third place multiple booth winner and After Party sponsor AAA Plumbers

Third place single booth winner HPI Aerial Videography

Expo Committee Chair Kristin McLaughlin, Outdoor Elements, and Education Conference Chair Michelle Pawelek, Greystar, cut the ribbon to open the show.

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Stiltwalking dancers entertain the crowd at the Expo-nential After Party.

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Photos by

MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

Lanyard sponsor and Featured Supplier TPI Inc.

Thanks to Breakout Sessions and Keynote sponsors FSI Construction and Foundation Specialists

Thanks to the 2015 Expo Exhibitor Committee.

HAA President Jackie Rhone, Greystar, with the booth judges

Thanks to Breakout Session sponsor Orkin Pest Control

Best of Show winner Ameritex Movers Inc.

Keynote speaker and “Sopranos” actor Chris Bashinelli gives his “Rules of the Stoop.”

Thanks to Breakout Sessions, Keynote and Expo-nential After Party sponsors Century A/C Supply ABODE

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PHOTO ALBUM

Photos from the 2015

HAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE & EXPO

Thanks to Breakout Sessions sponsor Apartment Data Services

Breakout speaker Diane Windingland

After Party sponsor Church Services

After Party sponsor For Rent Media Solutions

Charge Me Up Station sponsor HD Supply

Featured Supplier Rasa Floors

Keynote sponsor and Featured Supplier Outdoor Elements

Lunch on the Go sponsor and Featured Supplier Gemstar Construction and Development

Lunch on the Go sponsor and Featured Supplier Criterion Brock

Featured Supplier Cotton Commercial

Snack Station sponsor Zillow Rental Network

Featured Supplier Brandt Electrical Services

Featured Supplier Comcast

Featured Supplier Affordable Quality Electric Co.

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Photos by

Congrats to our $1,200 â&#x20AC;&#x153;SCANVengerContestâ&#x20AC;? winners Candace Rogers and Daniel Curiel!

MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

HAA President Jackie Rhone and Joe Perez, Greystar

Breakout Session attendees from US Residential Social Media Wall sponsor and Featured Supplier Ameristar Screen & Glass

After Party sponsor and Featured Supplier Maintenance Supply Headquarters After Party sponsor and Featured Supplier Apartments.com with Vesta Management

Attendees file into the sold-out Education Conference sessions.

Attendees from Villa Serena Communities

Audience members act out on stage for the Keynote presention with Chris Bashinelli. ABODE

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PHOTO ALBUM

Photos from the 2015

HAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE & EXPO

After Party sponsor Arbor Contract Carpet

The show floor opens to attendees.

Featured Supplier Crestmark Construction Services

After Party sponsor and Featured Supplier Camp Construction Services

Featured Supplier Sentriforce speaks with attendees.

J Turner Research

Featured Supplier Ferguson Enterprises

Featured Supplier Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents

Lunch to Go and After Party sponsor Craven Carpet speaks with Southhampton attendees.

Featured Supplier Sherwin-Williams

Featured Supplier All Floors Carpet Cleaning

Featured Supplier Best Plumbing

Snack Station sponsor Poolsure

A full house for one of the four breakout sessions

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Photos by

MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

Featured Supplier Apple Termite and Pest Control

Charge Me Up Station sponsor Apartment Guide

Featured Supplier Dixie Carpet Installations

After Party sponsor and Featured Supplier Texscape Services

Featured Supplier StoveTop FireStop

Featured Suppliers Contractors Inc.

Featured Supplier CoreLogic SafeRent

Perfect Surface Inc.

RENCON

Featured Supplier WaterLogic

Crystal Jackson, Gaia Property Management, with Billy Griffin and Dylan Coleman, Camp Construction

Kristin McLaughlin and Jackie Rhone with Lisa Kennedy, Steadfast Management ABODE

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PHOTO ALBUM

Want to see more Expo photos? Visit www.haaonline.org.

Thanks to our event chairs Michelle Pawelek, Greystar, and Kristin McLaughlin, Outdoor Elements, with HAA President Jackie Rhone, Greystar, center.

Attendees dance to the music during the Expo-nential After Party.

Things are looking up at the party!

Dancing to the Expo-nential After Party DJ’s tunes

Attendees enjoy an education session.

Food was served by moving “living tables.”

Hit your mark by advertising in the HAA Buyer’s Guide Online and in print: Full-page advertisers get enhanced listing positioning on haabuyersguide.com • Awareness = existence • Build your brand • Stand out from the category listings • It’s the “Go-To” for multifamily industry professionals • More than 4,000 copies direct your ad into buyers’ hands • Generate leads and remind existing customers about you Credit cards and payment plan options available!

Early Bird rates end July 31, 2015! Deadline for ad order and camera-ready art is September 30. For more information, call Amanda at 713-595-0316, email asherbondy@haaonline.org or go online to www.haaonline.org/BuyersGuide. 36

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Marijus Auruskevicius/Dreamtime.com

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Pros and Cons

Apartment communities are closing fewer first-visit leases as renters weigh their options. By

easing apartments is a tricky game to play. Most prospects tour four to six apartment communities before selecting the one they feel deserves their commitment and most importantly, their money. So who wins the lease? Imagine your prospect walking through the door carrying a balance scale. The two sides must balance in order for the prospect to consider you a serious contender. One side is the emotional connection between you and the prospect, and the other side is all of the physical features about the community itself. An out-of-balance scale can force the prospect to visit more communities in order to do a little comparison-shopping. At SatisFacts, we survey prospects after touring a community to assess their overall impression of the visit. We ask how likely are they to rent at the community within six months. Those who do not answer “Very Likely” are given a follow-up question: Why didn’t you answer that you were “Very Likely” to rent an apartment home at this community? Actual survey comments: “Because the apartment looks old and nothing is updated.” “Hard to make a left turn out of complex. Office didn’t seem friendly.” “Leasing agent did not seem to want to show me the property and answer my questions.” “The rental agent was not very personable. Apartment shown was on the small side. Apartment hallways and sidewalks were worn looking.” “The rent is pretty expensive and the apartments lack nice finishes.”

PROSPECTS NEED TO LIKE YOU They need to feel some kind of a connection. And most importantly, they need to trust you. The more ready answers you have for your prospects, the more trustworthy you will appear. “Wow, this person really knows their stuff!” is the impression you want to make on your future residents.

JEN PICCOTTI, SatisFacts and ApartmentRatings.com

Ensure that you know, without hesitation, the names of the local public schools, the names and locations of the closest grocery stores, malls, specialty markets, restaurants and veterinarians. Be able to direct prospects to the closest (or most efficient) drivers-license office, walk-in clinic or pharmacy. Have an opinion on where they can get the best sub sandwiches, pizzas or any carryout food. If you can’t answer the simplest of questions, how are you going to handle the more complex issues once they become an actual resident? Now that you’re on your way to establishing an emotional connection with the prospect, you have to balance it out with the physical features of the community.

WOULD YOU LIVE HERE? Make sure the tour route is comprehensive enough to best demonstrate what the community has to offer. Consult with your porter or service team in the morning to ensure that your amenities, landscaping and show units are ready for viewing, meaning that everything is neat, tidy and sparkling clean. Upon entering an apartment to show, what is your first impression? Would you live there? If the answer is no, the apartment home needs a little work. And that doesn’t mean everything should be brand-new. The home should smell fresh and be free of dust, cobwebs or grime of any kind. Every fixture and appliance should be in perfect working order, which requires testing before the tour occurs. Prospects need to feel comfortable with what could potentially be their new home. At the end of a long workday, after fighting through traffic and who knows what else, will they breathe a sigh of relief when they open their front door? Point out all of the comforts of home and emphasize why what they are seeing will work for them.

WHAT, NO LEASE? Remember, the goal here is to secure a lease with only one visit – no return trips to see the apartment again or bringing back family members for a second, third or even fourth

opinion. If you do not get a monetary commitment during the initial visit, kick into “follow-up overdrive.” Immediately send a follow-up email expressing how nice it was to meet the prospect. Be sure to include additional information about the community. Links to videos, reminders about your worry-free lifestyle (online services, community conveniences, etc.) can reinforce why they should live with you. Offer to hold the apartment home, if possible. This could give the prospect a little more time to think things over. Go back and assess the entire tour from the prospect’s point of view. How balanced would you say their imaginary scale was at the end of the tour? This is a great time for reflection and adjustment. Each tour is an opportunity for you to hone your skills and create more balance for the prospect.

FINAL THOUGHTS The rental housing market is more competitive than ever, and prospects are more educated and savvy than they’ve ever been, due to the rise in popularity of ratings and review sites. And while first-visit leases are more difficult to come by, they can and do happen if the right balance of connections occurs. Two connections must be established: an emotional connection with the leasing professional and a connection to the physical property that is being shown. If they don’t like you or they don’t like what they see, the scales tip and their search continues. Even if the first-visit lease does not occur, however, all is not lost. Continue the conversation and focus on bringing balance to the scale! Jen Piccotti is senior vice president of education and consulting for SatisFacts and Apartment Ratings.com, overseeing client education, resident feedback analysis, action planning and digital strategy coaching. She presented an APPLE seminar in May and returns on Tuesday, August 11 for a presentation on the topic of this article. Visit www.satisfacts.com for more information, or see Page 22 for details on the APPLE series.

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PHOTO ALBUM

Photos from the

MAY BLUE STAR TRAINING

Event: Blue Star Training When: May 21 Sponsors: Classic Towing and Outdoor Elements The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and HAA to help law enforcement and the multifamily industry work together to effectively reduce criminal activity in rental properties. For details and to register for this free class, visit www.haaonline.org/bluestar.

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Map courtesy of METRO

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Transit

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he mantra of “location, location, location” is the No. 1 rule in real estate, and it’s now more important than ever. This August, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, better known as METRO, will unveil its muchanticipated New Bus Network. The unveiling marks the beginning of a five-year plan to revitalize Houston’s bus system, which has changed little since the 1980s. The agency’s approval process for a better bus system began in late 2014. METRO’s board of directors approved an innovative network of routes in early 2015, with better connections to job centers and popular destinations around the city, instead of connecting primarily to the city’s downtown core. The goal was to provide a faster, more efficient and easier way to use mass transit service without raising costs to the public.

INCREASING FREQUENCY, ACCESS With the help of leading transit designers and input from the community, the result was a completely redesigned bus network that would, first and foremost, offer more riders increased access to job centers and other frequently traveled destinations. METRO’s frequent network will connect 1 million Houstonians to 1 million jobs and will bring almost 500,000 additional jobs within a half-mile of a stop. This aggressive plan involves a major overhaul from top to bottom, including changing bus stop/shelter locations, posting new signage throughout the system, modifying bus operating facilities and launching a comprehensive public education, marketing and media plan. METRO anticipates these changes will generate a 20 percent increase in ridership within two years. METRO’s New Bus Network improvements include: • Seven day-a-week high frequency bus network, with 22 frequent bus routes scheduled at least every 15 minutes, that integrate with METRO’s three light-rail lines • 37 percent more Saturday and 93 percent more Sunday bus service

• Seven-day-a-week operations for every local route • Faster passenger trips for about twothirds of trips • More frequent service to 75 percent of riders, from 25 percent • Reducing freight railroad crossings by 30 percent, a major source of transit vehicle delays • Keeping current bus stop locations for 94 percent of riders • Making trips 10 minutes faster for 58 percent of trips between 30 key destinations • Using real-time traffic conditions to verify bus schedules, improving on-time performance

ADDING VALUE While the greatest factors affecting property values have traditionally been good schools and neighborhood amenities, emerging research indicates that urban design and transportation options are playing a growing role in the ability of communities to increase their values. Consequently, real estate professionals and property managers are acutely aware of the need to differentiate their properties. METRO’s New Bus Network provides a greater opportunity to sell public transit as an additional amenity to current and future residents. Growing congestion, fluctuating fuel prices and the movement toward historic preservation and green building mean that more and more people want to live in people-oriented communities that offer easy and convenient access to work and play. At the root of this growing demand for access is New Urbanism, a design movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods that are higher density, mixed-use and offer residents access to jobs and amenities such as transit. A 2013 study conducted by the American Public Transportation Association concluded that proximity to high-capacity transit stops contributes to an increase in property values, a phenomenon known as the “transit premium.” Compact neighborhoods in transit zones with walkable streets, access to employment centers and a wide variety of

Talk

services contributed positively to property values and reduced household transportation expenses. The same study found that multifamily communities located near a high-capacity stop can experience transit premiums of up to 45 percent.

REACHING MORE RIDERS Better access isn’t the only improvement. METRO’s New Bus Network will be more convenient and user-friendly. No longer will riders have a need for a bus schedule, as METRO’s frequent network will bring more than 1 million Houstonians within a halfmile of a bus route that runs every 10-15 minutes for at least 15 hours a day, seven days a week – double the current number of people with such access. METRO will provide a cost-saving, user-friendly alternative for many who haven’t considered public transit before. The 22 frequent routes are located on many of Houston’s most popular thoroughfares, including Westheimer, Richmond, Bellaire, Scott, Shepherd, Washington, Gessner, Long Point, Broadway and Antoine – providing great access for many multifamily communities. METRO’s New Bus Network will be more reliable. Currently, delays often result from buses being stopped by freight trains and are compounded by long, complicated routes. The New Bus Network reduces the number of street-level freight rail crossings by 30 percent each day. New routes are shorter and simpler, so bus operators can do a better job of keeping buses running on time. The Houston region is dynamic and growing. METRO’s New Bus Network is designed to serve the city’s biggest job and activity centers. The network not only addresses the needs of today’s commuters, it also anticipates emerging needs and is ready to grow with our multi-centered region of the future. To view the New Bus Network, visit www.ridemetro.org/Pages/NewBusNetwork.aspx. For more information on how you can highlight METRO’s new system as a benefit to your current and future residents, contact METRO’s Public Affairs Department at mw19@ridemetro.org or call 713-739-3889.

METRO unveils its New Bus Network this August with revised routes and more frequent service. By

MONIQUE WARD, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)

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PHOTO ALBUM Event: Better Government Fund Luncheon When: May 4 Sponsor: Apartment Guide Houston City Council District G candidates Sandie Mullins Moger and Greg Travis, and city controller candidate Chris Brown spoke to BGF members.

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BGF LUNCHEON

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PHOTO Event: Better Government Fund Luncheon When: May 29 Sponsor: Hire Priority BGF members heard from Houston City Council District H candidates Roland Chavez, Jason Cisneroz and Abel Davila.

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BGF LUNCHEON

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STAFF SPOTLIGHT

RACHEL ZOCH, HAA Staff

Lana Remembers A longtime staffer shares her memories of HAA through the years.

fter nearly 40 years working with HAA, Lana Shiller retired this spring. ABODE talked with her in March about how the association has grown and changed in the four decades since she joined the staff on August 23, 1976.

Tell me what the association was like when you started. Well, it was similar to what it is now. We had activities, but we had a smaller membership. As far as I can remember, I’m thinking that the unit count was probably close to 100,000 units, and the membership count was teetering back and forth from about 900 to 1,100. It wasn’t as many members, of course, as we have now, but a substantial number.

Before you came to HAA, you were working at the Pasadena Citizen newspaper, right? Oh that was so long ago! I worked there for a short time, probably about a year and a half. I sold ads for the newspaper there. I enjoyed it, but that wasn’t where I wanted to be for the rest of my life. Obviously it was here! (laughs) Where were the HAA offices when you started? The office was located in the Regency Square area off the Southwest Freeway between Hillcroft and what was then the Sharpstown Mall. … In November 1979, we moved to the Fallstone location, and they had moved from Harwin right before I started working at HAA. So I believe they moved in July of ’76. They were mad because I didn’t have to help move! We moved here (Westway Park) on May 10, 2007. How many people were on the staff? You were handling advertising, right? I came in as number 11. I was doing advertising for the directory and for the magazine and helping to sell the booths for the trade show, as it was called then.

I always helped with the general meetings we had once a month, taking reservations and setting up the registration at the events. HAA offered a program to help members advertise apartments in the newspaper. Tell me about that. It was actually for the Houston Post at that time, and it was called “The Apartment Page.” That’s exactly why they hired me, because it was an additional thing to sell – not just the magazine or the trade show but the page that went into the Sunday paper, the tabloid pullout section. The middle part of it was a big map of Houston, and then the ads around it were numbered … probably about 50 little 1x1 ads that had to be sold each week. Tell me a little bit about the directory at the time. Well, the directory was something that they were thinking about not continuing because they kept losing money. They year before I came, it was in the hole quite a bit, and when I reviewed what the ad prices were with the executive vice president, we decided to regroup that advertising structure, and actually, when you looked at how much you were selling the ad for vs. how many days of advertising they had, they realized it was quite low. So once the increase in ads went up, the association actually, for the first time in probably a good while, actually made money off the directory. So that was really good. I was really excited about that! (laughs) The pressure was on, that’s for sure. Do you have a favorite memory or event from your career here at HAA? I always enjoyed doing the directory, even if it was a lot of work. My favorite event was the Expo. I always felt like it was just like a big reunion for people, and a place where people could meet, enjoy the day – a happy time for our members. … Shortly after I came [to work at HAA], the next month was the first trade show I experienced, and it was at the Astro Village Hotel. There were 68 booths, and they thought that was really great because that was a lot more than they’d ever had. … There were just tons of people that came out.

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When did you transition from the directory to doing more of the administrative work? Probably in the late ’80s. After I went to RCR, there were other advertising directors that came in, but … I think I was Director of Advertising, Director of RCR, Director of Circulation, Director of Special Services, and then Director of Facility Services. RCR started shortly after you started as well, right? RCR came along in 1978, and we were working in conjunction with the Credit Bureau of Houston. We would take the information from the properties of their move-ins and move-outs, and the credit bureau entered it into their database. If our members called, they just got an apartment rental credit report. I believe it was 35 cents per rental or credit charge. … The partnership with Credit Bureau of Houston wasn’t working out to the advantage of our members, so it was sold to another company, and that didn’t seem to go very well, and HAA bought back RCR from the other company. And that’s where it’s stayed until we partnered with First Advantage, now CoreLogic SafeRent. Tell me about the building rentals in the current HAA facility. Yes, building the building here was really a fun experience, even though it was a lot of work and a lot of uncertainty. I was given the task of renting the space when it wasn’t being used by HAA for either meetings or educational purposes, and I was really thrilled to be able to rent the spaces out. It was one of my favorite things to do, and I was always excited to see how, when people first came to the building who hadn’t seen the building before … were just so in awe of our building. “How did you get a building like this? What did you do to get this building?” Those were always the questions, and the answer that I would always give them was, “Well, you probably wouldn’t be able to build a building like this because you don’t have our members. Our members are very generous, very dedicated to the association, and through their generosity, they built the building for us through their donations or we wouldn’t have a building like this.” Our members have always been in the forefront of doing things for the apartment industry that other apartment associations just don’t have. What are some of the biggest changes you witnessed in the association? I think, of course, it would be probably the automation of having See LANA, Page 68

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MAINTENANCE SUPPLY HEADQUARTERS CHALLENGE CUP Event: Maintenance Supply Headquarters Challenge Cup Golf Tournament When/Where: May 7-8 at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center Houston brought home the cup, winning the 19th annual HAA vs. AAGD Challenge Cup golf tournament. Bringing together 16 players from Houston and 16 players from Dallas each year to compete in a Ryder Cup-style tournament, the event raised $19,2000 for the NAA PAC. Congrats to the HAA team: Kirk Tate, Ian Hancock, Ryan Terrell, Jim Hearn, Jimmy Wright, Stacy Hunt, Clay Hicks, Larry Waters, Kevin Williams, Roger Camp, Kenyon Carroll, David Koenig, Cary Wright, Matt Nunn, Rick Salazar and Rick Luke. This event would not be possible without generous financial support from our sponsors: Title Tournament Sponsor: Maintenance Supply Headquarters Event Sponsors-Houston: AAA Plumbers, Camp Construction Services, Century A/C Supply, FSI Construction, Reliant Energy and Wilmar Industries

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Apartment properties awaiting demolition can offer an invaluable training opportunity for first responders. By PATRICK COLEMAN, HAA Communications & Public Affairs Intern Photos supplied by the Houston Police Department

Law and Order M

any property managers never imagine adding SWAT training to their list of career experiences, but Lori Lindley, a regional property manager with Greystar, can proudly add it to hers. In early 2014, Houston Police Department Officer Marco Lopez was looking for training sites for the Special Weapons and Tactics team, better known as the SWAT team. After he conducted some research and found that an apartment property on Castle Court in Montrose was closing, he contacted Greystar, the managing agent for the property, and was able to speak with Lindley about the property’s availability. Communication lasted through the year, and once Lindley knew when the property would be vacant and how many days it was available before demolition, she relayed the information to Lopez, who scheduled the training. “He was looking for training, and knowing our site at Castle Court was in a position to offer it, we stayed in communication,” said Lindley. “After approval from a great client, we accepted.”

REAL-LIFE SETTING The HPD SWAT team benefits from the use of abandoned buildings and vacant properties prior

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to demolition. This allows the SWAT team to practice breaching sites for hostages. Each method is tested, and with an unfamiliar floor plan, they improve on the skills they already possess and increase their ability to determine which method to employ when a situation is encountered. The ability to kick in a door and deal with windows and other entry points in a real-life setting enables them to learn how best to keep both officers and civilians safe. “We do have what we call a ‘shoot house’ and another house at our academy, but it’s been the same floor plan for the last 15 years,” said Lopez. “One can only run through that house so much before we memorize everything.”

EXTENDING AN INVITATION The training at Castle Court lasted for two days and brought officers from all over the state of Texas. “I was stunned that El Paso, Dallas, Lufkin and many other cities were present and ready to use this site to train,” said Lindley. The other agencies don’t have the same opportunity as HPD SWAT to train at different locations, so coming to this training session was invaluable for them. “Anytime you can train in a real environment, on a real apartment complex, is critical,” said Tom Morin, an officer with the Texas State Guard. “Being able to move from one building to the next without being seen is something you can’t practice in just a training room.”

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Lindley took part on day one of training, which consisted of how to serve a warrant, how to enter a site and how to search for suspects. Lindley lent a helping hand by role-playing as a resident who knew nothing and could not provide information on warrant suspects. She found the experience valuable, and Lopez was pleased to have her participate. “It’s always open,” said Lopez. “There’s always an invite if the management want to show up, so they can see the other side of it.” The training also demonstrated how the SWAT team works with mentally challenged suspects, and how to search rooms and look for potential unknowns were among some of the enlightening events Lindley experienced. Doctors from several Houston hospitals who assist in treating injuries for the SWAT team were also present should some participants be injured. Day two involved breaching the perimeter with force. Lindley did not participate in this training, as it is a session that demands greater caution. The SWAT team practiced entering a window that has blinds in it. Breaking a window and removing the blinds is a process that’s easy to explain, but harder to execute if one has never practiced it on an actual window before.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS The use of various locations and being exposed to different floor plans and tactics

allows the SWAT team to be thoroughly prepared. Lindley believes the training benefits participating property owners as well. “I think the industry will have more cooperation with our fellow officers and more respect,” said Lindley. “I think they’ll be more receptive because of the partnership we build outside of our properties. The opportunity to train may make a difference in how efficiently they respond to our emergencies.” Lindley was very appreciative of the SWAT team and how much respect they had for the property. “They did their training in a way that wasn’t noticeable from the streets,” said Lindley. “Afterward, they offered to detail the property to make sure there were no vagrants present leading up to demolition.” After witnessing the seriousness of the training and the number of participants from all over the city and state, Lindley is planning to help out again in the future as two other properties will be leased down. She also believes that other property managers should consider this opportunity as well. “I believe we have a responsibility,” she said. “These officers give to us, and we rely on them

for our safety, but I think we should give back to them, so when they do their job they can do it safely and efficiently.” The SWAT team is in constant need of new locations and floor plans for training. “It’s hard for us to find these places, and obviously if there are other companies or apartment properties that want to help us, that would be great,” said Lopez. “The opportunity that we get to train at an off-site location is tremendous for us, and it just makes us a better team and better prepares us for the real deal.” For more information on how your company can provide a property to help the HPD SWAT team, contact Officer Marco Lopez at marco.lopez@houstonpolice.org.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

PATRICK COLEMAN, HAA Communications & Public Affairs Intern

Lifelong Learning Blanca Anderson continues to seek opportunities for career growth, most recently with the NAAEI Leadership Experience.

A Leadership development is not limited to people in the executive positions. Employees throughout a company recognize the importance of effective leadership and their role in fulfilling the company’s mission.

fter 24 years in the apartment industry, Blanca Anderson of Asset Plus has achieved each goal she has set for herself – but she is just getting started. Anderson entered the apartment industry in 1991 as an assistant manager. In 2003, she was invited by her supervisor to transition to the corporate side of the industry as a regional assistant. Over the past 12 years, Anderson has advanced through the apartment industry and is now a systems analyst and software trainer. She has earned the CAM and CAPS designations, and she even teaches a software class at Houston Community College that is required for the Property Management Certificate program. The ambition for growth has been a driving force for Anderson. “It’s always been a goal of mine to continue to grow in the industry,” she said. “I also recently graduated from the Leadership Lyceum program.”

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP Anderson was presented with an opportunity to take the NAAEI Leadership Experience powered by Dale Carnegie. The two-day course discusses multiple subjects such as developing personal leadership, building trust, building credibility, building respect, communication, time management, delegation and coaching. She applied for the Alexandra Jackiw Leadership Scholarship, designated for minority apartment industry employees desiring to advance their careers in management. Anderson was fortunate enough to be selected for the scholarship. “I received the phone call while I was shopping, and I was ecstatic to find out I was selected as the scholarship recipient,” Anderson said. “It would have been difficult to take the course without it, so I was elated and even yelled with jubilation. I called my daughter immediately to tell her the news, and I had a huge smile on my face for the rest of day.” She attended the NAAEI Leadership Experience course in Austin in May. The course discusses a plethora of subjects explaining how one can build

trust, credibility and respect. This information, along with an interactive teaching style, provides property managers with skills essential to management. “It was an interactive course with so much great content packed into this training across all aspects of leadership,” Anderson said. “We learned about coaching, execution, culture, time management, diffusing situations in the workplace, relationship building, identifying opportunities, motivation, communication, getting commitment vs. compliance. The most valuable so far has been the relationship-building and time management lessons we learned, as these were things I could implement immediately.”

EXPANDED PERSPECTIVE Even with all Anderson has accomplished over her 24-year career, she was able to learn new things through the NAAEI Leadership Experience. “I learned that leadership development is not limited to people in the executive positions,” she said. “Employees throughout a company recognize the importance of effective leadership and their role in fulfilling the company’s mission.” Knowledge is a lifelong pursuit for Anderson, and she plans to continue to learn as much as she can. Courses like the NAAEI Leadership Experience have enhanced her repertoire of skills and contributed immediately, as she has already begun using them in her day-to-day life. “I’ve started implementing some of what I learned and I already see the difference. There is not only a difference in myself, but in my interaction with people inside and outside of work,” she said. “I made a request for something the other day, and I noticed how quickly I get a response. Implementing the relationship-building skills I learned through the course is the reason why.” Anderson has her sights set on more goals. She wants to continue to learn and has marked the NALP designation as the next certification she earns, and eventually she would like to serve on the HAA Board of Directors.

Look for highlights from this and other ABODE articles online in the HAA blog at www.haaonline.org/blog. 54

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Ecology & Economy

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Millennial renters want green features in their apartment homes and communities. By ALECIA PIRULIS, Apartment Finder

durable and therefore cost-effective. And, because these paints give off very little to no odor, freshly painted apartments can be occupied sooner. When painting common areas, there will be fewer complaints about the odor – and it is safer for residents.

green with your maintenance, look for cleaning products and supplies that meet the Green Seal standards and switch to multi-use cleaners in concentrated formulas to help reduce the amount of cleaning products in use.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

Since smoke can get into apartments from somewhere else, many residents experiencing secondhand smoke are bothered enough to consider moving. According to the CDC, secondhand smoke causes between 38,000-65,000 deaths each year in the United States. Smokefree buildings also have a reduced fire risk.

SMOKE-FREE BUILDINGS This was the top-ranked amenity in the J Turner Research survey. Above all other green apartment features, this is the one improvement where you could see the best results. Why Switch: Energy-efficient appliances save money – as much as $400 a year on utility bills.

LED LIGHTING

Vaclav Volrab/Dreamstime.com

ccording to a recent study by J Turner Research and Multifamily Executive magazine, apartment shoppers are increasingly considering green features as must-haves when searching for apartments. This is especially true for millennials – those currently between the ages of 18 and 33. These renters are even willing to pay more for sustainability and energy-efficiency. According to a survey conducted by Strata Research in 2013, 64 percent of apartment shoppers said they would pay more to live in a green apartment. Green features range from building materials and flooring and paint options to smoke-free buildings and beyond. Some are worth considering – others may be too costly or won’t make as big an impact as you might think. Here are some popular green trends to consider:

LOW-VOC PAINT Volatile organic compounds are toxins in traditional paint that release emissions into the air for years after application. And since (according to the EPA) indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, low-VOC paint is safer, especially for those with allergies, sensitivity to chemicals and respiratory issues, and reduces groundwater contaminants. Low-VOC paint is also better for the ozone and reduces landfill waste. Why Switch: Low-VOC paints are very

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LED bulbs have come a long way in the last 10 years. They are more versatile, they don’t contain mercury, and they even offer warm lighting and dimmable options. Why Switch: Because they last so much longer than the traditional CFL, LED bulbs are less expensive to use when considering the overall life of the bulb.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY This ranked fourth in the survey. While not as easy or inexpensive as LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances, solar and wind are still worth considering. What to Watch: Keep an eye on California’s Virtual Net Energy Metering program – the results have been impressive and could indicate a future trend.

LOW-FLOW TOILETS Low-flow toilets do save water – and money. But they scored last among the must-haves in the survey, and some residents even complained about them.

COMMUNITY GARDENS Community gardens are catching on in popularity, but this amenity still isn’t considered a priority among apartment shoppers. Surprisingly, less than 5 percent of those surveyed said they would use the community garden.

WALKABILITY Second only to energy-efficient appliances, walkability is a big plus. Those who participated in the survey said walkability was one of their main considerations when apartment hunting.

BICYCLE STORAGE THE THREE RS Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Recycling programs are very popular with millennial renters – apartments that have a recycling program ranked third in the survey. And while they don’t necessarily want a composter in their apartment, a community composting area is very attractive to these apartment shoppers. Another important feature you might want to consider: rainwater collection for use in landscape maintenance.

Millennials tend to prefer alternative forms of transportation: walking, public transportation and biking. Bike racks and bike storage are highly desirable for this reason.

CHARGING STATIONS Nearly 20 percent of those surveyed said they hope to buy an electric car in the next five years – and that number is expected to increase. Looking for a great way to attract those not-sofar-in-the-future apartment shoppers? Install charging stations.

GREEN MAINTENANCE Environmentally-friendly cleaning products and pest control can eliminate health and safety concerns and improve air quality. To go

Alecia Pirulis blogs for Apartment Finder at www.apartmentfinder.com and http://blog.apartmentfinder.com.

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PHOTO ALBUM

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Photos from the 2015

ALL STARS SPORTS CHALLENGE

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Photos by

Teams by ranking: Texscape Services 1 Tarantino Properties Greystar 1 Lincoln Property Company Francis Property Management Maintenance Supply Headquarters HD Supply Camp Construction Services Mosaic Residential Outdoor Elements/Vesta/Orion Fulton Law Group Greystar 5 Redi Carpet Sales First Communities SMI Realty 2 Milestone Management Gables Residential Abbey Residential Mosaic Residential Arbor Contract Carpet/ Gaia Property Mangement Gables Residential 2 Century A/C Supply Greystar 6 Abbey Residential 2 US Residential Greystar 2 Greystar 4 Ferguson Enterprises Abbey Residential 1 SMI Realty 1 SMI Realty 3 Brandt Electrical Abbey Residential 4 Keystone Resources Hamilton-Steele/ Gaia Property Management First Choice Management Group Greystar 3 Texscape Services 2

MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

Many thanks to the 38 teams, sponsors and volunteers who came out for the 2015 All Stars Sports Challenge. The event raised $20,749 for the Houston Chapter of the American Red Cross. Please be sure to thank these sponsors when you see them. Without them, we would not be able to hold this annual event:

Arbor Contract Carpet HD Supply Direct Energy The Liberty Group Hire Priority AAA Plumbers Apple Termite & Pest Control Rasa Floors Camp Construction Services Astro Towing Solutions Appliance Warehouse Top Gun Security & Investigations

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PHOTO ALBUM

JULY 2015

ABODE

Photos from the 2015

ALL STARS SPORTS CHALLENGE

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Photos by

MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

ABODE

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GO-GETTERS

New Directions Reach out to a new business partner with the Go-Getters as we grow the HAA network.

Oh the places we’ll go!

The HAA Go-Getter Club will be traveling around town this summer. Join us for a networking event near you! Mark your calendar for these dates and be sure to RSVP and bring your new members. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and HAA grow. Check out the Go-Getters Corner at www.haaonline.org/gogetters for meeting locations and other updates.

Go Getters Happy Hour: North Side Tuesday, July 14, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by FSI Construction

Go-Getters Happy Hour: Cypress Wednesday, August 5, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Masone’s Saloon, 11133 Huffmeister Road, 77065 (just north of Hwy. 290) Networking! Marketing! Mentoring!

Go-Getters Meeting: Southwest Side Tuesday, August 25 (time and location to be announced) Sponsored by Foundation Specialists

Go-Getters Meeting: South Side The Go-Getters are busy finding and welcoming new members in various locations around Houston. Don’t miss out on the fun! Be sure to check out the Go-Getters Corner online at www.haaonline.org/gogetters.

Tuesday, September 15 (time and location to be announced)

Go-Getters Landing Party Thursday, September 24, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

If you have recruited new members recently, invite them to join you at an HAA event as our guest – and be sure to share our mentoring opportunities (visit www.haaonline.org/mentors for details). Contact Lauren Wolfson at lwolfson@ haaonline.org for details and to register for the meetings.

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Contact Lauren Wolfson to register for these events at lwolfson@haaonline.org. Please note: Advance notice is required to guarantee your seat/meal.

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AMBASSADORS

Event: Ambassador ONE Society When: May 6 HAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supplier exchange enjoyed a festive red carpet networking event. Congrats to Raedean Mitchem, Apartment Data Services, and the Amped Up team (below), who achieved top honors for May.

Team Amped UP Ambassadors

Team Prestige Worldwide

Team HAAppy Campers All supplier members are welcome to join the Ambassador ONE Society. For details, contact Amanda Sherbondy at 713-595-0316 or asherbondy@haaonline.org.

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ORGANIZED NETWORK EXCHANGE The Ambassador ONE Society, formerly known as the Ambassador Club, is an organized network exchange that helps vendor members build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new supplier members 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 below, or contact Amanda at 713-595-0316 or asherbondy@haaonline.org.

2015 MEETING DATES The Ambassador ONE Society meets at 3:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Amanda for details at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details. Mark your calendars for the dates listed below, and be sure to check the online calendars at www.haaonline.org for the most current information. July 1 October 7 August 5 November 4 September 2 Want to join the group? Come early and attend an orientation at 3 p.m. (a half-hour before the full meeting).

THE “ONE” OF THE MONTH Congratulations to Raedean Mitchem, Apartment Data Services, our Ambassadors ONE of the month for May!

Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned as of May 31: Paul Marks WaterLogic 77 Raedean Mitchem Apartment Data Services 31 Angie Lavrack The Liberty Group 29 Peggy Charles Meyer Smith 25 Sarah Davis Texscape Services 22 Chelsea Cegelski Gail Construction 20 Peter Remmes Apartment Life 20 Christian Tesoriero All Aquatics & Kids Playgrounds 17 Candis Austin AAA Plumbers 15 Chamberly Mahoney The Liberty Group 14 Fernando Gomez Century A/C Supply 14 Liz Levins Criterion Brock 14 Tammy Johnson Hire Technologies 14 Kim Sanders Office Systems of Texas 12 Rhonda Blodgett Prism Electric 12 Shelly Shea HD Supply 12 Grant Almquist Texas Apartment Pool Services 11 Patrick Sheahan Sherwin-Williams 10 Tracey Moore Pavecon 10 Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and through other activities that support HAA and its members. For details, attend an orientation and one of the monthly meetings listed above, or contact Amanda at 713-595-0316 or asherbondy@haaonline.org. ABODE

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WELCOME MAT OWNER MEMBERS Calf Creek Partners LLC Joe Lea 827 Chadwick Place Richardson, TX 75080-4905 214-325-5801 Buffalo Terrace Apartments CastleRock Management Services David King 435 Murphy Road #511 Stafford, TX 77477-5421 832-324-9133 Inwood Pines Condominiums Braeswood Forest Apartments Crown Business Parks Inc. 10901 Village Bend Lane #213 Houston, TX 77072-3660 281-568-2232 Wilcrest Arbor Elite Street Capital Lorraine McCoy 2000 Bering Drive Houston, TX 77057-3746 832-767-0567 Alta Woodlake Square Apts. Evelia Salazar 6127 Gessner Drive Houston, TX 77041-6009 271-685-0391 10211 Okanella St. Grox LLC Roxanne Radford 3216 Oakmont St. Houston, TX 77021-1131 GWR Management Ulia De La Cruz 1800 West Loop South #1925 Houston, TX 77027-3272 281-278-8810 Eden Pointe Dover Pointe Apartments Falcon Ridge Apartments Del Lago Apartments The Alcove Apartments

Introducing

Life Care Services Brian Lane 22777 Franz Roda Katy, TX 77449-2748 281-395-0555 The Grand Parkway PMRG Joan Maxwell 2828 Routh St. #700 Dallas, TX 75201-1411 972-421-3379 2929 Weslayan Apartments Profitable Venture 1 LLC Olando Claude Darby 9123 Uppercove Circle Houston, TX 77064-7012 281-890-1134 Q10 Property Advisors Stephanie Graves 10903 Kirkvale Drive Houston, TX 77089-3603 713-966-6245 Spanish Park Building II LLC Kent Coder 9635 Crestwater Circle Magnolia, TX 77354-2095 713-516-8670 Superior Plus Real Estate Group Inc. Karina Garcia 225 Aldine Bender Road Houston, TX 77060-3934 281-447-4752 PF North Oaks Apartments Zieben Group/ ZG Real Estate Management Group Inc. Mark Foraker 1980 Post Oak Blvd #2020 Two Post Oak Central Houston, TX 77056-3820 713-715-1455 Gulf Coast Arms Apartments

Did you know that when you join HAA, you are also a member of the Texas and national apartment associations? As a member of HAA, your membership works for our industry at a local, state and national level. Get involved, support your industry and make your membership work for you and your business. Call 713-595-0300 or visit www.haaonline.org for details.

SUPPLIER MEMBERS Apartment Mobile Apps Dave Harmer 2805 N. Dallas Pkwy. #105 Plano, TX 75093-8763 210-240-3857 Mobile Applications & Software Resident Notification Service Brickman Landscaping Gray Eck 6225 Shadowbend Place The Woodlands, TX 77381-3148 972-977-6387 Lawn Maintenance Irrigation Systems & Equipment Caliber Staffing Group LLC Tonya Austin 210 Airtex, Ste. C Houston, TX 77090-6628 713-391-5969 Employment Agencies Lawn Maintenance Personnel Agency Trash Service-Valet Custom Stone Countertops Greg Boyt 810 Misty Ridge Court Sugar Land, TX 77479-6110 832-857-5311 Countertops Stone-Granite/Natural Delta Mechanical Inc. Tom Hamilton 6056 E. Baseline Road #155 Mesa, AZ 85206 866-898-0008 Plumbing Contractors Water Consultants Elite Roofing Solutions Inc. Evan Ellison 17423 Village Green Drive Houston, TX 77040-1004 281-741-5924 Apartment MaintenanceProperty Liability Specialists Construction ManagementConsultants Coating-ProtectiveIndustrial/Powder Disaster Recovery/Relief Fire/Water Damage Restoration Remodeling & RepairBuilding Contractors Roofing Contractors Roofing Consultants Waterproofing Contractors

Excercio LLC (PakLog) Mustafa Raja 1822 Snake River Road # E Katy, TX 77449-7749 281-798-3993 Computers-Software & Service Mobile Applications & Software GPS Roof Leak Repair Trey King 810 Bastione San Antonio, TX 78253-7007 210-802-4300 Roofing Contractors Waterproofing Contractors Hayward Pool Products Jad Porter 10101 Molecular Drive #200 Rockville, MD 20850 713-299-6260 Swimming Pool Equipment & Supply Swimming Pool Service & Maintenance Horisons LLC dba Best Choice Roofing Laura Hosbach 6666 Harwin Drive #655 Houston, TX 77036-2279 713-782-7663 Roofing Contractors Siding Contractors Referred by Maika Amador

MAY new members

State Farm Noel Lezama Noel Lezama 9039 Katy Fwy. #240 Houston, TX 77024-1622 713-464-6635 Insurance Torocon Services LLC Chase Ward 1800 Hughes Landing #500 Spring, TX 77380-1664 866-760-8676 Building Contractors Disaster Preparedness Service Disaster Recovery/Relief Fire/Water Damage Restoration General Contractors Mold Remediation Remodeling & RepairBuilding Contractors Roofing Consultants Turnkey-Complete Urban Design Constructors LLC Justin Hoffman 5750 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E., Ste. 512 Houston, TX 77032-4085 713-560-8118 General Contractors Remodeling & RepairBuilding Contractors

Levee Locker Craig Cumba 1607 Peden St. Houston, TX 77006-1061 281-305-8449 Cleaners Delivery Service Laundry Service

Welcome to HAA!

Progressive Waste Solutions of Texas Janet Bettcher P.O. Box 1508 Alvin, TX 77512 281-331-0810 Garbage Collection Trash Hauling

HAA can help you market your products and services to apartment owners and managers! Contact Amanda to learn more at 713-595-0316 or asherbondy@haaonline.org.

Robert G. Smith Electric Inc. Ronny Rodriguez P.O. Box 1887 Tomball, TX 77377-1887 281-378-5985 Electric Contractors Lighting Consultants

See Pages 20 & 21 for listings of upcoming networking and educational events, or bookmark www.haaonline.org/ calendar.aspx for the most up-to-date information.

All supplier members listed online at haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name.

Any individual employed by an HAA member company can login to www.haaonline.org. To request your individual ID and password, please email webreg@haaonline.org and list your full name and company. You will receive an email reply with your personalized information within 24 hours (during normal business hours).

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LANA, Continued from Page 49

everything on computers, because when I first came, everything was in files and on Rolodexes, and a big challenge was keeping up with owner members’ properties as they changed hands. That was always a challenge, and it still is something that we strive to have right every day. We always want to make sure our records are correct. That was a challenge, and it seemed like we were working off of two different lists. Accounting – or rather bookkeeping, because that’s what it was called at that time – had their list to bill people for, and the other part of the office had a different list that we used. I helped gather the information to combine the two, and once we got on computers, it was much easier to do that and not have two different lists where one might have one thing and the other would have something else. Dual records was just not really realistic or good. It just wasn’t something that we wanted to keep doing, so we found a way to merge them together and keep them as one list and not two. So that was a big help, I think, for the association as a whole. What are some of the things that haven’t changed? It sounds like a lot of the way we do things has changed, but what we do has not. You know, we still try to contact our members with the magazine each month. We still mail that out, and sometimes that’s the only link our members have with the association. What you see now is that, well, they can go to our website, they can read the magazine online, but we still do mail it out, and the same can be said about the directory. What’s next for you? Next for me is just to enjoy my life and get reconnected with myself and my family and my friends, do some traveling and just take one day at a time to enjoy life. I don’t really have a major plan. … I’ve kinda zoned out on everything here in the last week and a half. (laughs) As far as the association, I think it’s a good association. In thinking about what the association does, the most important thing is that they provide homes for people and families, and they’re providing a home that produces memories, happy times, good times, a safe haven for people to go to, and I think that’s a very good thing to be known for. I think our members strive to keep their properties functioning in a welcoming environment as best they can.

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PROPERTY UPDATE PORTFOLIO CHANGES The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Adara Communities: Forest in the Woodlands, 243 units at 545 FM 1488 in Conroe. • Alliance Residential: Portico Kirby, 263 units at 7550 Kirby. • Auburn Regal: Park Colony, 86 units at 11200 Huffmeister. • Calf Creek Partners: Buffalo Terrace Apartments, 16 units at 2017 Buffalo Terrace. • CastleRock Management Services: Inwood Pines Condominiums, 70 units at 7402 Alabonson. • Central Management Inc.: Royce Properties, 74 units at 419 Stratford. • CLMS Management Services: Casa Verde Apartments, 384 units at 2 Goodson Drive. • Comcapp Westway Village: 2400 Briarwest, 671 units at 2400 Briarwest. • First Choice Management: Alta Verde, 1430 units at 8751 Broadway. • Greystar: Champions Village Apartments, 278 units at 12811 Greenwood Forest Drive, and District at Westborough, 340 units at 1550 Westborough Drive in Katy. • Greystone Property Management: Park Village Apartments, 144 units at 1400 S. Frazier St. in Conroe. • HM Equity Management: Elm Grove Village Apartments, 136 units at 2921 Sycamore Springs in Kingwood. • Kalitera Assets: Bellaria Townhomes, 94 units at 2218 Place Rebecca Lane #J11. • Karya Property Management: The Diamond Hill at Westheimer, 306 units at 9407 Westheimer. • Light Hill Partners: 835 Heights Blvd. Apartments, 48 units at 835 Heights Blvd.; and The Grove at 43rd, 80 units at 2006 W. 43rd St. • Monument Real Estate Services: Broadway Square Apartments, 1040 units at 8750 Broadway. • Mosaic Residential: Baybrook Village, 408 units at 2702 W. Bay Area Blvd. in Webster. • Kishore Motwani: Oakwood Villa, 284 units at 6201 W. Bellfort. • Olympus Property: The Ranch at Shadow Lake, 624 units at 2920 Shadowbriar Drive. • Pioneer Property Management: Northwest Corners Apartments, 466 units at 8520 Pitner, and Hartford Park, 328 units at 3939 Synott. • PMRG: 2929 Weslayan Apartments, 254 units at 2929 Weslayan. • Power Alliance: Rio Sereno Apartments, 42 units at 1010 E. Jackson in Pasadena. • RGJ Apartments: Parkgreen on Gessner, 120 units at 7222 S. Gessner; Spring Rose Apartments, 182 units at 10000 Club Creek Drive; Casa Cruz Apartments, 262 units at 6727 Telephone Road; Chestnut Hill Apartments, 460 units at 7500 Bellerive Drive; Sharpstown Manor, 268 units at 7500 Clarewood; and Parkgreen on Bellaire, 655 units at 8100 Bellaire Blvd. • Tarantino: Greenbriar Bend Apartments, 32 units at 7000 Greenbriar. • Urban Capital Group: Claridge Apartments, 173 units at 10027 Spice Lane.

New baby, new job, new address? Send your good news to comm@haaonline.org and let us spread the good word!

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IN THE NEWS PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Gregg

Willis

Scott

DeRouen

Clark Gregg is now vice president of operations for Tarantino Properties. Bea Standley and Belia Guevara have also joined the company. Quintina Willis is now vice president of Capstone Real Estate Services. Kelly Scott is now a regional vice president with Alliance Residential. Angela Stanberry has also joined the company. Deborah De Rouen has joied the team at RentPath, parent company of Apartment Guide. Laura Lestus is now regional sales manager at Smart Apartment Data. Tracy Sosa has joined Concierge Management Services as property manager at The Aberdeen. Lestus David Nargang has been promoted to regional vice president at The NRP Group. Byron Plant is now director of Nargang asset management with Gaia Property Management. Reginald Prawl Jr. has joined the Catalyst Property Solutions team. Greystar has welcomed Jordan Prawl Clem, Debbie Moore, Jacky Holmes, LaWanda McAuley, and Tammy Rodriguez. The Hettig Management team now includes Jessica Romero, James Laura Gassnola, Patricia Boylan, and Linda Henderson. Dan James has joined Redevelopment Inc. Debbie Kimball is now regional vice president of sales with ResMan.

CONGRATULATIONS NAA awarded both of its 2015 PARAGON awards to HAA independent owner members during the NAA Education Conference & Exposition in June: 100 units or less â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Joe & Stephanie Bryson, Stellar Equity Management, Cedar Gate Apartments; and 101-500 units: John Boriack, Veritas Equity Management, Windfern Pointe Apartments. The Fulton Law Group congratulates the HAA members who won prizes at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booth at the HAA Expo in May: Kelley Suess, Greystar, a Sony Blu-ray player; Cameron Atchison, The Vintage Apartments, a 39-inch HDTV; Bryan Head, Vesta Management, a Nintendo 2DS.

ABODE

JULY 2015

On Site July15 pg 72_Layout 1 6/19/15 10:50 AM Page 1

ON SITE WITH ABODE Photos by

RACHEL ZOCH, HAA Staff

“On Site with ABODE” features a randomly selected member property each month. Property: Victory Place Apartments Owner/Management: Houston Housing Authority/Orion Real Estate Services Location: 1520 Bailey in the Fourth Ward, a few blocks south of Allen Parkway and west of downtown Units: 100 Built: 2001 Web: www.housingforhouston.com/public-housing/housing-developments/victoryplace.aspx Interesting features: Surrounded by a park, a school and a library in the historic Freedmen’s Town neighborhood of Fourth Ward, Victory Place provides affordable housing just a few blocks west of downtown. Built by the Houston Housing Authority with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the community is managed by Orion and stays 100 percent occupied, with a waiting list sorted by number of bedrooms. With a nod to the historic architecture of the neighborhood, the apartment buildings look like Victorian townhouses, with small front porches and decorative woodwork. Units range from one to three bedrooms and provide a microwave, refrigerator, gas stove, ceiling fans, carpet and hardwood floors, and each household receives an annual carpet shampoo. The property’s lease includes housekeeping standards, and management performs inspections of each unit twice a year. The community center adjacent to the leasing office provides a computer center and hosts various resident events, such as scout troop meetings and the summer lunch program, which kicked off on June 1. They also host a large National Night Out event in October that draws a huge turnout. Most programs are educational or a way to introduce new programs to residents. “We have services for residents, including monthly activities, lunch programs, health screenings, etc.,” said Kheisha King, property manager. “The monthly resident meetings are where we introduce new programs and hold health screenings, CPR training.” She is working on computer training, art classes and cooking lessons for the property’s children to keep them busy and on site during the summer. “This area is not very walkable,” said King, pointing out the construction site across the street and nearby road closures. “It’s like a maze. Keeping them active helps a lot.” Wiley Park, a city park just across the street, provides green space and a splash pad, and the property is planning to upgrade its on-site playground this summer as part of its capital upgrades plan. Exteriors were repainted in 2013, and the property added flowerbeds to the leasing office steps this spring for color and expects new laundry machines this summer.

Neighborhood

Preservation

JULY 2015

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John Moore pg 73_Layout 1 6/23/15 7:38 AM Page 1

In Memoriam:

John Moore

A longtime HAA member and leader, John Moore was one of the first suppliers to receive the Lifetime Service Award.

ongtime HAA member John Moore died May 18 at the age of 81. John Moore Plumbing joined HAA in 1968, and Moore was a key leader in the Houston apartment industry for several decades, serving as president of the Product Service Council in 1992 and as a member of the Board of Directors for many years. He credited HAA with helping his business grow and was the first supplier member (along with Nora Krakower) to receive the Lifetime Service Award, in 1996.

He started John Moore Plumbing Company in 1965 with one set of tools in the back of a black van on Vogue Lane and sold the company nearly four decades later, in 2004. During his tenure, the company serviced 750,000 homes. John Moore became a household name in Houston, where you can still see the words “Call John and Get Moore” on plumbing trucks, and many Houston residents can readily sing the jingle from the company’s commercial. At one time, more than half of Moore’s business came from the apartment industry, and he credited his success in part to his active involvement in HAA. The company became a sponsor member in 1975 and a patron member in 1980. He also supplied instructors for the HAA plumbing course for many years. “HAA helped my company to become a major commercial company,” he said during an interview for the Lifetime Service Award in 1996. “Without the Houston Apartment Association, I’m sure it would have taken us longer to accomplish this goal.” Moore’s amiable disposition and integrity made him a lot of friends over the years.

“I knew him when he had one black truck, and now he has hundreds of white ones,” said fellow HAA Hall of Famer H.J. Tollett in 1996. “He’s one of the most reputable, kind and considerate individuals and has been my friend all this time.” Known for his generous support as sponsor of countless events, Moore felt that the relationships he built through HAA were even more important than the business he gained. “The business associates and friends I have developed over the years through the HAA have been more important to me that the business I have received,” he said. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ronnie and Pat Moore and children Marcell John Moore III (“Duke”) and Nalda Jean Moore Presnell. He is survived by a sister, Etta Heemer; son Keith Moore and spouse Beth Moore, daughter Tina Moore Carroll and spouse John Carroll, daughter Mary Moore Meadows and spouse Mike Meadows; six grandchildren, Amanda Moore Jones and spouse Rev. Curtis Jones, Melissa Moore, Ben Meadows, Joe Meadows and spouse Chauntell, John Taylor Carroll and Hannah Carroll; and two greatgrandchildren, Jackson and Annabeth Jones.

2015 HALL of FAME

Jerry Winograd

The Houston Apartment Foundation cordially invites you to a special luncheon honoring

Judwin Properties

Thursday, August 27 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria 2222 West Loop South

$60/Person; $80 after August 17 Reserved tables of 10 available with company name

See www.haaonline.org and the August ABODE for more information.

ABODE

JULY 2015

ad index july pg 74_Ad Index pg 74 6/19/15 10:53 AM Page 1

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

BY CATEGORY

A/C Supplies & Parts

RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com

Tree Services

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

TPI Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 713-668-7986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tpiinc.com

The Urban Foresters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 855-255-5212 . . . . . . . . . .www.theurbanforesters.com

Advertising – Directory and Guide

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

Video Products & Services

PropertyChatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 832-341-8490 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.propertychatt.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49, 71 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Virtual Leasing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 281-738-1222 . . . . . . .www.virtualleasingsystems.com

Attorneys

Insurance

Law Office of Brian Cweren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-622-2111 . . . . . . . .www.myapartmentlawyer.com

Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

Carpet Cleaning – Equipment & Supply

Landscape Contractors

Namco Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 800-634-5816 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.namcomfg.com

Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 713-955-0990 . . . . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com

Carpet Installation

Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

Locks & Locksmiths

Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-660-7777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rasafloors.com

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

Collection Agencies

Maintenance Supplies

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

Ferguson Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 713-869-3261 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ferguson.com

Certified Recovery Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 713-464-8219 . . . . . . . . . . .www.certifiedrecovery.com

Pest Control

Electric Contractors

Apple Termite & Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 713-880-3322 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.applepest.com

Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com

Drop Dead Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 281-261-6934 .www.dropdeadpestcontrolhouston.com

Brandt Electrical Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Plumbing Contractors

Eviction Service

The Katy Plumbing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 281-646-1700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.katyplumbers.com

Nationwide Eviction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 800-568-5526 . . . . . . . . .www.nationwideeviction.com

Property Management

Fire Alarm Systems

Tarantino Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tarantino.com

American Fire Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 713-466-9898 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.americanfiresys.com

Resident Screening Service

Foundation Contractors

CoreLogic SafeRent . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.saferent.com

Foundation Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com

Resurfacing

Gates & Gate-Operating Devices

Perfect Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 713-952-0202 . . . . . . . . . . .www.perfectsurfaceinc.com

Meyer Smith Inc. (Houston Gate) . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 713-862-7339 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.meyersmithinc.com

Roofing Contractors

General Contractors

State Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 281-293-7000 . . . . . . . . . . .www.stateroofingtexas.com

Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com

Security Control Equipment/Systems

Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottoncompanies.com

SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . .47 713-426-6161 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.crestmarkservices.com

Television – Cable

FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com

Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 800-XFINITY . . .www.comcast.com/xfinitycommunities

Gail Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 281-894-5252 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.gailconstruction.com

Trash Hauling

Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . . .57 281-821-1195 . . . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com

Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com

MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 713-266-9100

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_july2015. 74

JULY 2015

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Marketline pg 75_Layout 1 6/17/15 12:52 PM Page 1

MARKET LINE

BRUCE McCLENNY, President, Apartment Data Services

HOUSTON 41 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past three months. The third table distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification. Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free or floor plans. The effect of these specials is captured and prorated over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents.

he first table below displays a snapshot of the current market conditions. The graph displays the overall occupancy and effective rental rates over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities in the Houston region. The effective rental rates are the calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The second table lists the five hottest submarkets in the Greater Houston area. There are a total of

SNAPSHOT

– 88.0

– 87.0

HOTTEST SUBMARKETS Over the Past Three Months Rank 1 2 3 4 5

Submarket Greenspoint Baytown Galveston/Brazoria Heights Hwy 288/South

% of Market Absorbed 3.1% 2.6% 1.5% 2.1% 1.5%

Annualized Rental Rate Growth % 18.1% 12.6% 13.4% 11.3% 12.1%

Apr 15

May 15

Mar 15

Feb 15

Jan 15

Dec 14

Nov 14

Oct 14

Sep 14

Aug 14

Jul 14

Jun 14

Apr 14

May 14

Mar 14

Feb 14

Jan 14

Dec 13

Nov 13

Oct 13

92.0 – Sep 13

Proposed Construction: 69 communities 20,559 units

– 89.0

94.0 –

Aug 13

Under Construction: 86 communities 23,610 units

– 90.0

Occupancy (%)

Recently Opened (12 months): 74 communities 21,035 units

Jul 13

Operating Supply: 2,580 communities 597,732 units

Jun 13

Past 12 Months: 5.3% rental rate growth 15,449 units absorbed

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

91.2% $956/mo. 109.0¢/sq.ft./mo. 877 sq.ft.

•

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

• • • History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units • • • • • • • • • • • • 98.0 – • • • • • • • 96.0 – •

CONCESSIONS Class All A B C D

Total Units w/Concessions 137,553 49,894 32,658 34,529 20,472

% of Total Units 23% 33% 16% 20% 29%

Average Special -5.4% -6.3% -3.8% -5.1% -4.7%

Citywide Effect -1.3% -2.2% -0.5% -1.0% -1.4%

One Month Free = -8.33%

TEXAS DALLAS/FT. WORTH

SAN ANTONIO

AUSTIN

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

93.1% $934/mo. 107.6¢/sq.ft./mo. 868 sq.ft.

91.6% $849/mo. 100.6¢/sq.ft./mo. 844 sq.ft.

91.4% $1,105/mo. 127.0¢/sq.ft./mo. 870 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 5.8% rental rate growth 17,113 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 3.4% rental rate growth 5,634 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 4.7% rental rate growth 8,253 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 2,779 communities 634,479 units

Operating Supply: 803 communities 165,852 units

Operating Supply: 828 communities 189,326 units

Apartment Data Services Inc. has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986. ADS Online covers Texas’ four largest metro areas and provides real-time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for more than 1.3 million apartment units. For more information, contact Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2015 Apartment Data Services Inc.

ABODE

JULY 2015

Backpage pg 76 _Layout 1 6/17/15 12:53 PM Page 1

BACK PAGE

News from around the

Thanks HAA!

COMMUNITY

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center brought its mobile donation unit to the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center on May 29. Thanks to all our donors!

ONLINE STATISTICS for the Houston Apartment Association Website and Social Media www.haaonline.org Total Visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,485 Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,761 Most Visited Pages: 1. Jobline Board 2. Rental Credit Reporting 3. Renters

JULY 2015

ABODE

HAA Jobline Powered by Job Target Ad Replies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,595 Job postings for the month . . . .127 Resume postings . . . . . . . . . . . .296 Job Seeker Signups . . . . . . . . . .125

Twitter @HAAOnline www.twitter.com Followers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,577 Linkedin http://tinyurl.com/2667ppr Houston Apartment Association Group Followers . . . . . . . . . . .1,236

Facebook http://tinyurl.com/2ae7gnq Houston Apartment Association Group members . . . . . . . . . . .1,640

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Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77041

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