ABODE February 2021

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Return Service Requested

HONORS AWARDS MAINTENANCE, SUPPLIERS AND EXECUTIVES

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

February 2021

ABODE • FEBRUARY 2021 • VOLUME 44, ISSUE 2

Best The

of the Best

www.haaonline.org

Maintenance • Suppliers • Management Executives Meet more of HAA’s 2020 Honors Awards Winners in our continuing coverage

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CONTENTS February 2021

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

36

30 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at four of HAA’s Honors Awards communities.

The Best of the Best – This month, our Honors Award coverage continues. Meet some of the best individuals in multifamily, the recipients of the 2020 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards for the maintenance, supplier and owner management categories.

Star image © d1sk | iStock by Getty Images

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 Letter from the President – The year is off to a hectic start.

34 HAA Events Calendar – A list of general meetings and events for 2021.

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Cotton Commercial USA.

36 The Best of the Best In Onsite Maintenance – Meet the recipients of the 2020 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards for maintenance.

9 Legislative Update – Texas lawmakers consider a budget and business restrictions.

40 The Best of the Best Suppliers – Meet the recipients of the 2020 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards in the supplier categories.

11 It’s The Law – Eviction jury trials: Is delay inevitable?

14 Resident Relations – Learn from a recent case mediated by the HAA Resident Relations Committee.

44 The Best of the Best In Owner Management – Meet the owner executive, independent owner and corporate professional of the Year.

20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the next coming months.

50 The Best of the Best Go-Getter of the Year – Meet HAA’s membership recruiter of the Year.

61 New Members – Meet some of the newest members joining HAA.

52 Virtual Icebreakers – Breaking the silence on virtual team-building meetings.

56 A Listening Ear – Meet HAA’s Director of Resident Relations Matilde Luna, who offers helpful guidance to management and residents.

64 On the Scene – Photos from the annual HAA Food Drive.

24 NAA Update – Federal rental assistance rollout begins.

62 Welcome Mat – A list of HAA’s newest members.

64 Go-Getters – Learn how to become a Go-Getter.

66 The Ambassador ONE Society – Be a part of HAA’s supplier network.

70 Portfolio Changes and In the News – Property updates and industry news clips from our members.

74 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication.

75 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.

76 Back Page – News from around the community.

We welcome your comments. Email us at comm@haaonline.org.

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ President-Elect JOHN BORIACK President

SCOTT DOUGLAS Vice President at Large

DAVID LINDLEY, CAS President FSI Construction

GINA ERWIN Vice President at Large

DEREK DEVRIES, CAS Vice President, Camp Construction Services

SHELLEY WATSON Vice President at Large

CANDIS MOHR, CAS Secretary, AAA Plumbers

TRACIE YODER Vice President at Large

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CAS Treasurer, The Urban Foresters

CLAY HICKS Immediate Past President

LAURA LESTUS, CAS Immediate Past President, The Liberty Group

STEPHANIE GRAVES Secretary/Treasurer

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

CASEY WATTS MORGAN CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Boriack President Clay Hicks Immediate Past President Mack Armstrong Julie Batche Jeff Blevins, CAS Jill Bounds, CAM Michelle Bridges, CAS Kyle Brown Joseph Bryson, CAM, IROP Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Derek DeVries, CAS Ian Douglas Scott Douglas, CAM, CAPS Gina Erwin Tamara Foster Israel Garza, CAS Diane Gilbert Monica Gracia Stephanie Graves, CAM, CAPS Manu Gupta Bryan Head, CAM Melissa Herrera Deborah Holcombe Crystal Jackson, CAM, CAPS Tyler Johnson Debbie Kelm Jacob Kunath, CAS Barby Lake Laura Lestus, CAS David Lindley, CAS Sonia Lopez, CAM, CAPS Betsy Marshall, CAM, CAPS Kristin McLaughlin, CASE Candis Mohr, CAS Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley, CAS Jenifer Paneral Mark Park, CAS Velissa Parmer Michelle Pawelek Loyal Proffitt Jackie Rhone Christy Rodriguez Kelly Scott Kurt Seidel Corri Smith Kelley Suess Debbie Sulzer Ryan Terrell

Dana Tucker Starla Turnbo Richard Wall, CAM, CAPS Shelley Watson Quintina Willis, CAM Tracie Yoder, CAPS DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Ken Bohan Gary Blumberg Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry Alison Hall David Hargrove Larry Hill Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt David Jones Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers P David Onanian John Ridgway Kim Small Eileen Subinsky Steve Sweet Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley H J Tollett, Jr. Pat Tollett Vic Vacek, Jr. Beth Van Winkle Jerry Winograd ADVISORY DIRECTORS Billy Griffin, CAS Cesar Lima Mary Lawler Bruce McClenny Angelee Kumar Parikh Penny Sprang Theri Tinelli Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1968 Century A/C Supply 1978 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1982 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 1984 AAA Plumbers 1985 Gemstar Construction Development 1986 Craven Carpet 1987 Dixie Carpet Installations 1994 Camp Construction Services 1997 Apartments.com 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2006 Lowe’s Pro - MSH

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS Amanda Kelly, CAS, Angie Aversa, CAM, Brandt Electrical A/C CAPS, CAS, & Heating Services The Liberty Group Debra Knight, CAS, Chris Bell, CAS, Fidus Construction Cotton Commercial Services Marivel Bownds, Stephanie Krop, CAS, Valet Living CASE, Poolsure Dixie Caldwell, Liz Levins, CAS, CAS, ControlByNet Cloud Rasa Floors & Management Video Tracey Moore, CAS, Surveillance Solutions Flooring Warehouse Shaun Callaway, CAS, Karen Nelsen, CAS Earthworks ALN Apartment Neal Conant, CAS, Data Gemstar Matthew Nunn, CAS, Construction Capital Construction Development Doug Oehl, CAS. Sean Cunningham, Flooring Warehouse CAS, Flooring Nikki Sekunda, CAS, Warehouse The Liberty Group Deborah DeRouen, Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, CAS, OneApp Gemstar Guarantee Construction Juana Estrada, CAS, Development Interstate Restoration Blake Subinsky, CAS, Clark Gregg, CASE, HD Supply Fidus Construction Mat Tilley, CAS, Jimmie Hotz, CASE, WeDoTrash Chadwell Supply Amber Whitaker, CAS Dan James, CAS, FSI Construction Redevelopment Services

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FEBRUARY 2021 I VOLUME 44, ISSUE 2 CEO and Publisher CASEY WATTS MORGAN cmorgan@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Managing Editor MORGAN TAYLOR mtaylor@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP, CAE. ehilton@haaonline.org Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE. ateas@haaonline.org Vice President of Finance NANCY LI LO, CPA. nlo@haaonline.org Director of Information Technology ART EIDMAN aeidman@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Assistant Vice President – Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Public Affairs Manager ALPA PATEL MANDHANA apatel@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR Executive John Boriack Casey Morgan Program & Budget Christy Rodriguez Casey Morgan Nominating Clay Hicks Casey Morgan Fair Housing Mack Armstrong Casey Morgan Ethics Michelle Pawelek Casey Morgan Investment Stephanie Graves Casey Morgan ByLaws Kyle Brown Casey Morgan Past Presidents Council Kathy Clem Casey Morgan Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Elizabeth Castro-Gray Andy Teas Developers Todd Triggs Andy Teas Legislative Christy Rodriguez Andy Teas Political Action Stacy Hunt Andy Teas PAC Fundraising Gary Blumberg Alpa Patel Century Club Joseph Rodriguez Alpa Patel Golf Mark Park Alpa Patel Strategic Outreach Stephanie Graves Lauren Turner Leadership Development Alison Hall Susan Hinkley Community Outreach Jackie Aguirre Susan Hinkley Product Service Council David Lindley Susan Hinkley Expo Exhibitor Derek DeVries Amanda Sherbondy Membership Melissa Friend Amanda Sherbondy Doug Oehl Ambassador ONE Society Ryan Weis Amanda Sherbondy Marivel Bownds Independent Owners Connection Ramon Nunez Amanda Sherbondy Education Advisory Council Betsy Marshall Emily Hilton Monica Gracia Emily Hilton Career & Community Development Penny Sprang Emily Hilton Resident Relations A Beverly Norris Matti Luna Resident Relations B Kevin Hartman Matti Luna Resident Relations Appeals Darlene Guidry Matti Luna HAF Fundraiser Mark Park Lauren Ragin Debbie Andreozzi NEXT Ruha Vohra Lauren Ragin Amanda Kelley Property Awards Susan Dear Tina DeFiore Crystal Jackson 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. 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, FEBRUARY 2021, VOLUME 44, ISSUE 2 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 © 2021 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.

www.haaonline.org

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SPONSOR MEMBERS These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their sponsor membership.

Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

A + Infinity Blue Outdoors LLC A Homestead Specialist LLC A-Affordable Roofing Co AAA Staffing Ltd AAdvantage Laundry Systems Absolute Construction LLC ACM Contractors of Texas ACT Security Group Action Towing Inc Action Window Coverings Inc ACTIV Answer by Audio Images ACUTRAQ Background Screening Inc Adobe Floors Inc Advance LED Solution Adventure Playground Systems Inc Aftermath Services Ages Consulting LLC dba Alternative Green Energy Solutions Alcaraz Lawn Care Alexander-Rose Associates Inc All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc Allegion The Allshouse Group LLC Allied Powder Coating ALN Apartment Data Inc AlphaGraphics of Central Houston AM Conservation Group AmCap Insurance America Outdoor Furniture American Fire Systems Inc AmRent Anchor Roofing Inc Andrews Myers PC Apartment Lines ApartmentData.com AppFolio Arbor Contract Carpet Inc arc electric + lighting Archcon ASAP Personnel Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Asphalt Maintenance Inc Atom4 Security Camera B&G Construction Bath Fitter Belfor Property Restoration Bell’s Laundries Benefits 4 Rent BenefitU Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc Big Star Development LLC Bio-One Houston South BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Blue Eye Defense Blue Heron Technologies LLC BMI Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design BSI Building Professionals of Texas CAD Restoration Services LLC Cameras Onsite

Cano Electric Inc Cantrell McCulloch Inc Carradine Valet CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction CFI Group Chadwell Supply Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete Classic Same Day Blinds Classic Touch Painting Classic Towing Comcast Contractors Inc ControlByNet Cloud CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions CORT Furniture CRE Business Solutions LLC Crowned Eagle Construction CSI LED & Hardware Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes Diamond Services LLC DNM Contracting Inc DoodyCalls Dooley Tackaberry Inc Door Clearance Center DreamCoat Cloud Services Ecolo Environmental Inc Electric Eel Mfg Embark Services Emersyn Electrical Services LLC EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Epic Air Conditioning Everest Siding and Windows Expertz Construction & Renovation LLC Fantastic Floors FAST Security, LLC Featherston Sign Partners Fiat Construction LLC Fidus Construction Services Finish Factory Inc First Responders Cleaning & Decon Flavor Finish Resurfacing Floodproofing.com Frontier Waste Solutions Frost Insurance Agency fun abounds Furniture Refinishing Services Gambit Construction Gasof United Remodeling Gateman Inc Giordano Construction Inc Go-Staff Inc Great American Business Products Green City Security LLC Green Garbology GT Security Solutions LLC Guardian Gutters H.S. Services Halo Doors Inc HARCO Insurance Services Higginbotham Hillco Building Service Hive Technology Hoover Slovacek LLP

IGD Plumbing LLC Imperial Hospitality and Security Services Inc In Service Security LLC Infinity Power Partners J and B Carpet Services J Guzman General Remodeling J National JAK Environmental LLC DBA Legacy Power Washing & Graffiti Removal Johnstone Supply Jonah Digital Agency Kastle Systems Kathy Andrews Interiors Keylo Painting & Construction King's Granite and Marble KONE Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting The Liberty Group Lights Out Production Company Lincoln Jacob Construction Liquid Waste Solutions Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Love's Plumbing Company Inc LP Building Solutions: LouisianaPacific Corporation LSR Multifamily Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Marathon Solutions Group LLC Marvin F Poer & Company Masonry Solutions Inc Matrix Construction Services McKenzie Drake Corporate Housing McMahan's Flooring Inc Moen Inc Moveforfree.com Inc MPS Direct Mueller Water Conditioning Inc MV Electric Inc MX2 Commercial Paving Nationwide Eviction Nettles & Co Property Tax Consulting Norman Construction Notifii LLC O’Connor & AssociatesCommercial Property Tax Division O'Conor Mason & Bone PC On Duty Tree and Landscape On Site Towing LLC On-Site Property Services Onesource Moving Outdoor Elements Pace Mechanical Services LLC Parking Management Company/PMC Towing Pathfinder Insurance Group Paul Davis Restoration North Houston PCS Creative Surface LLC PERQ LLC Pool Knights Professional Resurface LLC Pura Flo Corporation Quick Roofing RAM Construction Ram Jack Foundation Solutions

RCPS of Texas Redevelopment Services Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc Reliant RENCON Rent Debt Automated Collections RentPath RentSense LLC Resto Medic Restoration 1 of Central Houston RezClean Houston RG Miller Engineers Roosevelt General Contracting Roto-Rooter Services Co Royal Painting & Remodeling LLC Saifee Signs & Graphics Saint Clair & Sons Inc SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Security Reconnaissance Team Sherwin Williams Company Sign-Ups & Banners Signal 88 Security Signal 88 Security - Spring SOS-ASAP Softwashing South Central Electric LLC Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing State Patrol Services LLC Storm Maintenance & Monitoring Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Structural Concrete Systems LLC Surface Designers Remodeling Inc Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management Texas Apartment Pool Services The Texas Bee Yard LLC DBA 3BeeGuys Bee Removal Texas Concrete Professional Company Texas Crime Prevention Agency Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting Texas Landscape Group LLC Texas Management Group LLC Texas Southwest Floors Inc Texas Waste Management Solutions LLC Text Services LLC The Lane Law Firm Tidal Renovations LLC Total Safety Security Services LLC Two Brothers Foundation Repair United Protective Services Urban Design Constructors LLC USA Patrol Division Valet Living Veteran Supply Services LLC Vima Decor WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Wayfinder Tax Relief LLC WCA Waste Corporation Webb Pest Control Whitmans Contracting and Roofing Wickley Interactive Wildlife Removal Experts LLC Willbanks & Associates Inc

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Letter from the President

By JOHN BORIACK, 2021 HAA President

WHILE MANY OF US MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE CHAOS WOULD END AS THE NEW YEAR BEGAN, 2021 IS OFF TO A HECTIC START. The society we live in today makes it really easy to become consumed by things we can’t directly control, such as the storming of the United States Capitol on Jan. 6 or increasing COVID-19 cases. If you allow the crisis-driven, click-bait motivated media to continually wash over your mind, you will drown in a sea of negative anxiety. It’s important to be aware of what is happening in the world, but it’s more important to invest your time and energy into what you can control.

To take a proactive approach to what could be another chaotic year, I am encouraging all Houston Apartment Association members and my Veritas team to spend five to 10 minutes each day in silence, away from the news, social media and your screens – that means no cell phones, no emails, no TV. Our minds can only digest so much information. For years we’ve known that negative news and too much social media increases stress levels, reduces work productivity and deteriorates your nervous system. If we don’t purposefully and intentionally limit the amount of information we absorb on a daily basis, we will not have the capacity to be present and focus on the things that really do matter.

Focus on productivity and progress this year, not just being busy. Here are three practical ideas to help you cultivate periods of sustained quiet time: View your time and attention as precious resources. Because they are! You only have so many hours in a day and only so much energy you can offer. Spend your time and attention as carefully and wisely as you would spend your money. Is an hour a day on social media a wise use of your attention? What about time spent reading or listening to a self-improvement book? How about falling down rabbit holes on YouTube? Or meeting with an industry mentor for lunch?

These are questions we must ask if we are to be good stewards of our limited time, energy and attention.

Schedule quiet time to reset and prioritize. Establish a daily routine of quiet time to take a break from the urgent and to focus on the important. Even with a busy schedule and three young children, I try my best to start each day out with 10 to 15 minutes of quiet time (without my phone) to clear my head and set my priorities for the day. During this time, I may also read a section of scripture, walk outside, journal or just drink my morning coffee in a quiet environment (again, all without my phone and any other screens). Everyone has 15 minutes in their allotted 24 hours they can devote to this crucial habit.

Slow down and prioritize your time. Focus on what is actually important, not just what is urgent. Don’t try to multitask, either. Once you start a task, don’t move onto the next one until you are finished with the one you started. Disabling almost all pop-up notification that can distract my focus when I’m working on an important task has proved to helpful. That seemingly urgent email that came in while you’re working on an important task can probably wait.

For those who are passionate about politics, I highly encourage you to join the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee. The HAAPAC has the power to influence positive change within our industry and serving on an HAA committee is a great use of your time and energy.

www.haaonline.org

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Houston Planned Energy Systems

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

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Gemstar Construction Development Inc.

HAA Member since 1982

Lowe’s Pro - MSH

HAA Member since 2006

CSC ServiceWorks

HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet

HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services

HAA Member since 1994

February Patron of the Month

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Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers

HAA Member since 1984

FSI Construction Inc.

HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations

HAA Member since 1987

Century A/C Supply

HAA Member since 1968

www.haaonline.org

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Legislative Update

By CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION Lawmakers consider a budget and business restrictions.

Bills will continue to be filed through March 12. Some may cause challenges for rental owners.

THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE

convened last month to begin a highly unusual session. Normally, “opening day” of each Texas legislative session is a crowded, festive event.

Friends and family members of legislators pack the gallery to watch the ceremony as new and returning members are sworn into office.

Offices are still being organized, new staffers are trying to figure out what to do and furniture, office supplies and sandwich trays seem to be stacked everywhere.

This year, pandemic restrictions put a damper on things. Access to the Texas Capitol is significantly restricted, and those restrictions may have a serious impact on the way businesses is conducted over the course of the next four months. Additionally, events at the U.S. Capitol in early January have forced a serious review of security precautions for legislators and their staff.

One of the great things about the Texas Legislature is that citizen input is welcome and expected. If you’ve ever watched a congressional hearing on C-SPAN, you know that testimony is by invitation only, with witnesses carefully selected by the majority party to provide a pre-approved narrative designed to support the majority’s position on the issue. This is true whether Republicans or Democrats control the process. In Texas, however, literally anybody who has something to say about a bill is welcome to testify before House and Senate committees. Committee hearings will occasionally last all night long if that’s what it takes for everyone to have their turn. Restrictions on travel and room capacity are likely to create a very different environment this year.

The pandemic has created a lot of confusion and well-intended fervor by anti-apartment activists for state legislation to make it harder for housing providers to collect rent and to regain possession of units from residents who won’t pay. Legislators will continue to file bills www.haaonline.org

through March 12, but we One of the great things about the Texas Legislature is that expect proposals to create a legal right to pay rent late citizen input is welcome and expected. and other measures that will make housing more expensive for those who need it most.

Look for HAA’s upcoming Certified Pool All of this will be happening while legislaOperator class held on March 9 and 10. You tors attempt two of the most difficult tasks can register to attend this event by visiting faced by state lawmakers – writing a balanced www.haaonline.org. budget, despite a multibillion-dollar shortfall, and drawing new legislative districts for themNew Houston City Council Member selves, the state board of education and memAfter more than a year of legal wrangling, a bers of congress. runoff election was finally held to select a On the plus side, the new House Speaker, council member to represent Houston City Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), has a background Council District B. Tarsha Jackson was sworn in real estate and was the author of our indusin last month to represent a district that intry’s late fee reform bill during the 2019 sescludes Bush Intercontinental Airport and parts sion. Few legislators understand the of north and northeast Houston. apartment industry as well as Rep. Phelan, and Councilmember Jackson has a background our industry will be well-served with him at in mortgage lending as well as civic advocacy. the helm as the House works through the estiAs a co-founder of Texas Families of Incarcermated 5000 bills expected to be filed by memated Youth, she has worked for laws to help the bers this session. criminal justice system deal with young offenders. Her runoff opponent, Cynthia Bailey, Pool Rules An extensive revision of the state rules govwas also familiar with the criminal justice syserning the construction and operation of swimtem, having served prison time for stealing ming pools went into effect last month. Most of several hundred thousand dollars from North the revisions cover the engineering and conForest Independent School District in 2007. struction of new pools, but there are some new Ambiguity in the state law preventing consignage requirements for existing pools that victed felons from serving in public office creapply when you replace your signs. Additionally, ated the lengthy delay in the runoff, originally every apartment pool must be “… maintained scheduled in late 2019. under the supervision and direction of a propThe HAAPAC supported Council Member erly trained and certified operator.”

Jackson and looks forward to finally working The certified operator is not required to be with her on Houston City Council. an employee and can be responsible for multiIf you have a regulatory problem or ple pools, so this requirement can be satisfied question, call the HAA main line at by someone with an outside pool company.

713-595-0300 and ask for Public Affairs.

Look for an upcoming Texas Apartment If a particular code requirement or issue Association webinar on the new rules, concerns you, let us know by emailing which are available here: Andy at ateas@haaonline.org. https://dshs.texas.gov/poolspa/default.aspx.

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It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

EVICTION JURY TRIALS Is delay inevitable?

PICTURE THIS: A resident has not paid rent since July. You have tried everything – offering payment plans, waiving late fees, suggesting lease cancellations. In August, you gave a 30-day notice to vacate. You filed in September and the court date was set for early October. But then, you received notice that the resident requested a jury trial. The court tells you that you cannot go to trial because the court is not holding jury trials. The case is abated.

You wonder, what is going on? How can this be? Does the resident get to stay in their unit indefinitely without paying rent simply by paying a small jury fee?

COVID-19 has changed the speedy, inexpensive and simple eviction process into one that is lengthy, expensive and complicated.

Since March, we have seen a statewide moratorium on evictions, the CARES Act moratorium on evictions, the CDC order temporarily halting evictions and the modifica-

www.haaonline.org

tion and suspension of rules requiring timely eviction trials.

COVID-19 has changed the speedy, inexpensive Since March, we have also and simple eviction process into one that is seen a prohibition against inlengthy, expensive and complicated. person jury trials.

The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure provide that residents have a right to The Supreme Court’s Twenty-Ninth Emerrequest a jury trial in an eviction case. Any gency Order issued November 11, 2020, proparty may file a written demand for a trial by vides that, subject only to constitutional jury by making a request to the court at least limitations, all courts in Texas may in any three days before the trial date. Unless othercase, civil or criminal – and must to avoid wise provided by law, the party demanding a risk to court staff, parties, attorneys, jurors jury must pay a fee of $22 or must file a and the public – without a participant’s consworn statement of inability to pay the fee at sent, modify or suspend any and all deador before the time the party files a written relines and procedures, whether prescribed by quest for a jury. statute, rule or order, for a stated period endIf a jury is demanded by either party, the ing no later than February 1, 2021. Additionjury will be impaneled and sworn in as in ally, in the Supreme Court’s Twenty-Ninth other cases. After hearing the evidence, the Emergency Order, the court has ordered that jury will return its verdict in favor of one of a justice court must not hold an in-person the parties. If no jury is timely demanded by jury proceeding, including jury selection or either party the judge will try the case. a jury trial, prior to February 1, 2021. In all

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likelihood, the February 1, 2021 deadline will be extended.

So, is there anything you can do to expedite the eviction trial if a jury has been requested?

There may be. The Rules of Civil Procedure applicable to justice court proceedings provide for the summary disposition of cases with undisputed facts.

1. Motion to be filed with court. According to Rule 503.2 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, a party may file a sworn motion for summary disposition of all or part of a claim or defense without a trial. The motion must set out all supporting facts. All documents on which the motion relies must be attached. The rules state that the motion must be granted if it shows: • there are no genuinely disputed facts that would prevent a judgment in favor of the party; • there is no evidence of one or more essential elements of a defense which the defendant must prove to defeat the plaintiff’s claims; or • there is no evidence of one or more essential elements of the plaintiff’s claim.

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2. Response to the motion. The party opposing the motion may file a sworn written response to the motion.

3. Hearing by the court. The court must not consider a motion for summary disposition until it has been on file for at least 14 days. The judge may consider evidence offered by the parties at the hearing. By agreement of the parties, the judge may decide the motion and response without a hearing.

4. Order from the judge. The judge may enter judgment as to the entire case or specify the facts that are established and direct such further proceedings in the case as are just.

There are very few defenses to nonpayment of rent. In the case of a nonpayment of rent eviction, oftentimes, it is an undisputed fact that the resident has not paid rent and the facts do not present a valid defense under the lease or the law that justifies nonpayment. For example, even if the resident has had a job loss due to the pandemic, that will not independently be a defense against fail-

ing to pay rent under the lease. Of course, with any eviction proceeding, the legal analysis would be subject to any federal, state or local laws that may govern evictions during the pandemic.

Since oftentimes the facts of a nonpayment of rent eviction are not disputed (the resident admits to not paying rent and does not have a legally valid defense), it may be a case that can be entirely decided with a judge granting a motion for summary disposition.

It may be some time before jury trials will be able to be held. Under the right facts and circumstances, you may be entitled to judgment since there are no genuinely undisputed facts. Although granting a motion for summary disposition is ultimately up to the judge, and takes away the resident’s “day in court,” it may be appropriate in certain cases.

You might want to consider this the next time you run into a situation where the resident has requested a jury trial when there is no issue regarding the facts of the case.

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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

A LAUNDRY LIST

A resident breaks her lease after living at the property for over two years.

A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with

the Houston Apartment Association to dispute rent and reletting fees after moving out without a notice to vacate.

In the complaint, the resident listed a number of maintenance-related issues she experienced in the apartment unit. The resident included that she moved out on June 5, 2020, eight months prior to the end of the lease term. The resident stated she verbally requested permission to move out.

Management responded to HAA and that response was forwarded to the applicant.

Enclosed in management’s response were copies of the lease, the resident ledger, the application form, the move-in condition form,

The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide application, the security an impartial review of resident complaints using deposit report and photos.

According to the lease, the documentation provided by both the resident the resident moved in on and management.

February 19, 2018.

According to management, all work orders submitted to the property by the residents were completed.

The property never received rent payment for There were a handful of issues that were not June. The resident resided in the unit until July reported to the property directly. One of those 13. Management filed an eviction on June 19. issues were reported to and resolved by the The committee decided in favor of the manCity of Pasadena. Another that was reported agement with an adjustment. to the property via the HAA Resident Relations After the adjustment, the resident owes the Committee, which was resolved. property $2,851.66.

Management acknowledges the resident If you are a manager with a resident provided a verbal notice to vacate on June 5. relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300.

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

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I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

www.haaonline.org

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Your Vote Matters The HAAPAC is our industry’s voice in government. We need your participation and dollars to keep that voice strong.

Past Advocacy Wins • Saved you $5.5 million in mandatory carbon monoxide alarm retrofitting requirements • Blocked annual signed fire self-inspection requirements • Protected properties from being forced into participating in Section 8 program • Ensure new City of Houston code contained revisions sought by HAA members Elections Affecting Multifamily • Presidential Elections • Congressional Seats • Texas Legislature Races • City of Houston Mayoral and City Council Elections • Harris County Justice of the Peace & Constables • Other County Officials and Surrounding City Elections

The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being.

The HAAPAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAAPAC on several levels: Non-Voting Century Club Members • $100 • Attend all regular HAAPAC functions at member pricing, but has no voting privileges.

• Members are recognized in the October issue of ABODE magazine.

Century Club Members • $125 • Benefits listed above, and • Group voting rights, though their Century Club Representative.

Trustees • $500 • Benefits listed above, and • An individual vote on HAAPAC decisions.

• Invitations to special events and meetings with legislators, including elected officials receptions.

Steering Committee • $1,500 • Receives all of the above, and • One vote for every $500 contributed.

• Sets the agenda for the HAAPAC. • Acts as the PAC Board of Directors.

• Invitations to Steering Committee Meetings held three to four times per year.

And don’t forget to add FAST TRACK! Guarantee your place at the table and save time too. You will automatically be pre-registered and paid for a minimum of eight luncheons, with your badge waiting for you at the door. For an additional $150, be prepaid for all 2021 lunches with a savings of more than $80! You must also join the PAC at a minimum of $100 to participate in Fast Track. The $150 Fast Track payment can be made with corporate funds.

For more on HAAPAC, visit www.haaonline.org.

HAAPAC is Now Online!

Please sign up for the 2021 HAAPAC at https://www.haaonline.org/haapac/

golf workshop pg 16.qxp_Dinerstein golf pg 6 1/22/21 2:17 PM Page 1

NEW event! Learn how to play golf!

G O L F

W O R K S H O P 10 a.m. - Registration 10:45 a.m. - Pro Shop Golf Basics Session 11:15 a.m. - Hands-On Skills Sessions Driving Range • Putting Green • Course Hole

1 p.m. - Lunch

$85/person Players will visit a series of golf sessions throughout the course where they will learn the basics from golf pros.

Lunch and beverages will be served throughout the workshop.

Tuesday, March 23 Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Drive Missouri City, TX 77459

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Register at www.haaonline.org

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state of submarket 2021 pg 18.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 9:54 AM Page 1

2021 State of the

Submarkets Virtual Join us online on the following dates for each submarket:

February 11 State of the Submarket – Montgomery County February 17 State of the Submarket – Brazoria County February 25 State of the Submarket – Fort Bend County March 4 State of the City – Pasadena

Join HAA and industry leaders as we assess the current and future state of our outlying markets. Get area-specific updates about job growth, new developments, apartment market analysis and more.

State of the Submarkets

By County Time: 10 a.m. to 11;30 a.m.

Cost: $30 Location: Virtually via Zoom After registering online, a zoom link will be sent one (1) day prior to event date.

Visit the HAA calendar at https://www.haaonline.org/calendar.aspx to register. and email Outreach at outreach@haaonline.org with questions.

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Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

As of press time, dates and locations are tentative.

Please see www.haaonline.org for the most up-todate information.

Social distancing and masks will be required for in-person meetings.

HAA has modified procedures to reduce opportunities for the COVID-19 virus to spread as we realize there is a risk associated with interacting with the public.

• We are minimizing the number of people allowed in our building.

• All guests are instructed to remain 6 feet apart.

• We are providing social distance markers to guide access.

• We have hand sanitizers in common areas throughout our building.

• We have enhanced cleaning of our building.

• Guests will be required to wear masks at all times. If you are able to provide your own mask, please do so. We will have disposable masks in case you do not bring your own.

• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus or has been exposed to anyone who is sick, we ask that you remain at home.

FEBRUARY S M T W 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28

T 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

MARCH S M T 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30

W 3 10 17 24 31

T 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

FEBRUARY 2

10

23

CALP (formerly NALP) I: Bringing in New Residents: Be Prepared Tuesday, February 2 8:30 a.m. to Noon See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

Expert Exchange LIVE Series Wednesday, February 10 Noon Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube (Subscribe to HAATV) See Page 54 for details.

CALP VII: Market Analysis for Leasing Professionals Tuesday, February 23 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

CALP II: Marketing and Maintaining your Community Tuesday, February 2 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

Resident Relations Committee B Wednesday, January 10 2 p.m.

Via Zoom

IROP Wednesday, February 24 through Friday, February 26 8:30 a.m.

3

11

25

State of the Submarket – Montgomery County Thursday, February 11 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Program fee: $30 Via Zoom See Page 18 for details.

State of the Submarket – Fort Bend County Thursday, February 25 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Program fee: $30 Via Zoom See Page 18 for details.

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, February 3 10 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members welcome. Visit www.haaonline.org for registration link.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, February 3 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial City 1015 Gessner Road Contact Amanda at asherbondy@ haaonline.org for details.

4 Legal Lowdown - Virtual Thursday, February 4 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Via Zoom See Page 23 for details.

9 CALP III: Why Your Competition Matters Tuesday, February 9 8:30 a.m. to Noon See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing CALP IV: Relevant Laws and How to Apply Them Tuesday, February 9 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

24-26

IROC Breakfast Friday, February 12 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

16 CALP V: The Sales Process and Building Relationships Tuesday, February 16 8:30 a.m. to Noon See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing CALP VI: Effectively Meeting the Needs of Current Residents Tuesday, February 16 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

17 State of the Submarket – Brazoria County Wednesday, February 17 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Program fee: $30 Via Zoom See Page 18 for details.

19 HAA NEXT Professional Development Breakfast Friday, February 19 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Via Zoom

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/Judwin Properties Conference Room. See www.haaonline.org for an interactive calendar.

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www.haaonline.org

calendar pg 20,21.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 9:56 AM Page 2

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

MARCH 3

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, March 3 10 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members welcome.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, March 3 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial City 1015 Gessner Road Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

4

State of the Submarket – Pasadena Thursday, March 4 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Program fee: $30 Via Zoom See Page 18 for details.

Legal Lowdown Thursday, March 4 3 p.m.

Via Zoom See Page 23 for details.

9-10

Certified Pool Operator Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

10

CAM: Industry Essentials & the Resident Experience Thursday, March 12 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See Page 25 for details.

16

Business Exchange Wednesday, March 10 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Via Remo See Page 28 for details.

Expert Exchange Wednesday, March 10 Noon Via Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube (subscribe to HAATV) See Page 54 for details.

Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, March 10 2 p.m.

Via Zoom

11

24

12

Avenues: Main 1 Tuesday, March 16 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

18

Expert Exchange Wednesday, March 24 Noon Via Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube (subscribe to HAATV) See Page 54 for details.

25

CAM: Marketing Thursday, March 25 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See Page 25 for details.

Board Meeting Thursday, March 18 4 p.m.

30-31

23

Avenues: Maintenance 1 Tuesday, March 23 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 24 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

CAM: Program and Orientation Luncheon/Industry Math Wednesday, March 11 Noon to 4 p.m.

See Page 25 for details.

CAM: Financial Management Wednesday, March 24 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See Page 25 for details.

Leasing 101 Tuesday, March 30 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, March 31 8:30 a.m. to noon

Golf Workshop Tuesday, March 23 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre See Page 16 for details.

HAAPAC Virtual Meeting Tuesday, March 23 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Via Zoom

For the most up-to-date information, see the calendar on the HAA website:

www.haaonline.org

Did they pay their rent?

Rental Credit Reporting (RCR) was established in 1977 to solve screening problems the Houston Apartment Association founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region. The Houston Apartment Association and CoreLogic are partnered to expand RCR and include numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access.

To learn more and subscribe, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org.

www.haaonline.org

February 2021

ABODE

21

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g n i w e i V m LivestreIna-Person . or aaonline.org for details See www.h

Main

ST

Leadership

LN

Maintenance minar?$50 e s e n o t s ju d e e N sessions are priced at only

!

Individual uality education q r fo l ea st al re a per person,

BLVD

Marketing

PL

Supplier

CIR

Sponsored by Follow a road that fits you career journey with Avenues. The Avenues series of seminars feature some of the best nationally-acclaimed speakers in the industry with learning sessions for every level of multifamily professional.

Annual Property Subscriptions are 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.

If you need a single workshop, individual sessions are priced at only $50 per person, a real steal for quality education.

Sessions begin in March. Enroll today. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

22

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February 2021

www.haaonline.org

legal lowdown pg 23.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 9:57 AM Page 1

Mark your calendars!

February 4 – Including information on the Certified Pool Operator statewide mandate

March 4 April 1 May 6 June 3 July 1 August 5 September 2 October 7 November 4 December 2

Get the lowdown, virtually!

2021 is sure to be another bumpy ride, with many legal implications for the multifamily industry. Stay up to date and in the know via this new monthly series. Join Howard Bookstaff virtually for an update on all things legal, from eviction procedures to local, state and federal law changes.

First Thursday of every month at 3 p.m.

Program fee: $45 per person Annual Property Subscription available: $500 per property

Register online today at www.haaonline.org or call 713-595-0300 for details.

calp pg 24.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 2:34 PM Page 1

reat G e Sam , e am N w Ne

n! o i t a Educ

Education is your key to a great future

Distinguish yourself amongst a field of “tour guides” – learn to be a real salesperson and attain your CALP credential this year.

The Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Program enhances the skills of the apartment leasing professional, resulting in better informed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations.

Course Location and Schedule: Courses are held at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., off the beltway at Clay Road.

Morning Sessions: 8:30 a.m. – Check-in and registration 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Program

Sponsored by

Afternoon Sessions: 12:30 p.m. – Check-in and registration 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Program

Total Program Cost: $385 CALP I: Morning Session – February 2 Bringing in New Residents: Be Prepared – This course focuses on the skills needed to deliver exceptional leasing support. From personal organization and time management to teamwork and technology, the Leasing Professional applies these talents to a successful outcome for the prospective residents.

CALP II: Afternoon Session – February 2 Marketing and Maintaining your Community – These chapters underscore the importance of image, reputation and brand in well-maintained communities. A detailed list of what keeps an entire community in peak showable condition is taught, along with the importance of a robust and varied marketing approach for maximum exposure.

CALP III: Morning Session – February 9 Why Your Competition Matters – A loyal and satisfied resident is at the basis of this course on competition. The Leasing Professional is a critical component in inspiring and maintaining loyalty but also understanding the role of competitors and their offerings. This knowledge must be complete, accurate and timely.

CALP IV: Afternoon Session – February 9 Relevant Laws and How to Apply Them – This course teaches a full spectrum of fair housing and ADA compliance for both prospective and current residents. In addition, laws applying to prospect screening, application verification, the lease and lease addenda make up the curriculum for this key component to the Leasing professional’s role.

CALP V: Morning Session – February 16 The Sales Process and Building Relationships – The CALP candidate learns the foundations of relationship selling and the importance of problem-solving for both the prospective and current resident. Learning to listen and respond specifically to the customer, handling objections and meaningful ways to close the sale are the essential duties learned. The course closes with a personal assessment of sales readiness.

CALP VI: Afternoon Session – February 16 Effectively Meeting the Needs of Current Residents – Once the prospective resident moves in, the relationship and responsibilities continue. The Leasing Professional learns the importance of handling maintenance and resident issues and continuing to be the positive brand for the community. Lease renewals and a focus on the all-important resident’s sense of community are pivotal skills for the successful Leasing Professional.

CALP VII: Morning Session from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – February 23 Market Analysis for Leasing Professionals

Visit www.haaonline.org for more information and to register.

cam pg 25.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 9:58 AM Page 1

Apartment Managers – Write it down: CAM is the best way to advance your multifamily career!

What are you waiting for?

Credential Qualifications: • Minimum of 12 months of on-site property management experience in a management role or position (assistant managers do qualify) • Classroom attendance in at least six of the seven scheduled class days • A passing score on the CAM exam within six (6) months of enrollment Course Schedule and Fees: • The CAM curriculum is comprised of eight modules and is administered by HAA in seven days over the course of six weeks • Check-in and registration begins at 8:30 a.m., except for the Orientation Luncheon beginning at noon.

• Modules vary in length; classes generally will conclude by 4 p.m. or earlier • Lunch is provided • Total Program Cost: $1,150 • All electronic material, exam fees and meals are included in the course fee • New CAM Candidates must begin the program with the first course on March 11

CAM Course Schedule and Descriptions: March 11: Program and Orientation Luncheon/Industry Math Learn all about the process and best practices for success as a CAM candidate, PLUS receive a math refresher and start preparing to calculate industry formulas you’ll need to know for the exam. This first course begins at 12 p.m.

March 12: Industry Essentials & the Resident Experience • Summarize the global state of the apartment industry • View property as an investment • Identify the roles of people a CAM will interact with • Describe the value of the CAM role as an investor advocate and resident advocate • Identify characteristics of different types of housing • How to build relationships with residents • Explain the Resident Cycle including: - Lease & Application - Screening - New Resident Education - Ongoing Resident Communication - Resident Retention/Renewal - Move Out Procedures March 24: Financial Management • Relate CAM responsibilities to the financial performance of a property • Analyze an income statement • Develop and manage a stabilized budget • Prevent and solve for bad debt • Perform a property valuation March 25: Marketing • Identify the components of an effective Marketing Plan • Use resources to effectively gather and calculate data needed in a Marketing Plan • Develop a Marketing Plan - Analyze a market including competitors - Identify the internal market readiness of a property

- Perform an economic analysis of a property - Analyze and draw conclusions from a Market Plan using the SWOT methodology • Add value to a property through use of rental income, rates, and/or adjustments • Add value to a property through managing occupancy • Select and write an effective recommendation - Identify types of promotion - Identify types of advertising media • Develop a budget for a Marketing Plan • Measure the success of a Marketing Plan April 7: Property Maintenance • Relate CAM responsibilities to the maintenance of a property • Oversee service requests - Ensure employees in all roles receive the appropriate training to ensure service requests are completed accurately • Manage inventory • Identify the need for a contractor or vendor - Complete the bid process and signing of a contract • Use inspection results to prioritize maintenance and repairs • Develop a preventative maintenance program • Identify maintenance needs for green properties April 8: Legal • Describe reasonable accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities • Explain compliance with laws that govern applicant screening • Explain the purpose and impact of fair housing laws • Explain how to remain in compliance with fair housing laws • Identify a CAM’s responsibilities in providing safe living conditions with adherence to residence rights • Summarize the bid process requirements • Explain compliance with laws that govern employment practices April 21: Risk Management • Relate risk management to a CAM’s role • Propose a solution to an issue of fraud, theft, embezzlement, etc. to minimize financial risk • Identify necessary preventative maintenance to minimize risk to physical plant • Create a resident education/orientation message to minimize risk to residents • Practice preparing for an OSHA inspection • Create sample guidelines for entering homes to minimize risk to staff/vendors • Create emergency plan for a common regional emergency • Provide the best course of action for various crime emergencies • Prevent and control loss April 22: Human Resources • Identify laws that affect employment procedures • Understand how to manage payroll including benefits, overtime, and rent-free employee housing • Summarize the employment process - Recruit potential employees - Interview applicants - Evaluate candidates - Complete new employee orientation • Maintain employees’ records appropriately • Address employees’ needs throughout the lifecycle of their employment - Identify training needs - Manage performance - Perform an employee evaluation - Execute disciplinary action - Terminate employment

For a more detailed synopsis of individual course content and to register, please visit the education page of our website at www.haaonline.org.

naa update pg 26,27, 59.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 9:59 AM Page 1

Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTIHOUSING COUNCIL

MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF Federal rental assistance rollout begins.

ON DECEMBER 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law a muchneeded $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, combined with the $1.4 trillion budget that will fund the government through September 2021. Importantly, the new law includes $25 billion in dedicated emergency rental assistance funding, administered by the Department of the Treasury (USDT). Like renters, housing providers continue to struggle with the financial impacts of COVID-19 and were relieved to see that rental assistance was included in the latest package.

Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, the National Apartment Association (NAA) and its real estate coalition partners have utilized the power of their collective voice to advocate for the unique needs of the industry.

We continue this work with Congress and the administration to ensure that rental assistance funding is distributed quickly and efficiently to support renters and housing providers in need.

As USDT has begun the certification process for states, territories, tribes and local governments to receive allocations of the funding, NAA is focusing its work on the implementation process and has asked USDT to consider the following principles: Flexibility in Eligibility - Provide flexibility with regard to demonstration of eligibility for those who participate in the program; a certification or affidavit of need should be sufficient. In regard to applications of housing providers on behalf of their residents, proof of consent should be easily demonstrable.

Reduction of Barriers - Enable funds to be utilized without extraneous requirements that undermine Congressional intent. The legislation is clear that these funds can be used for past and current rent, utilities and “other expenses related to housing incurred directly or indirectly, to the novel coronavirus disease.” States should be prohibited from imposing additional prerequisites on hous-

26

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ing providers or renters. Examples include obligations for owners to accept discounted rents or additions to the length of the lease term without corresponding payment.

Emphasis on Communication - Widely communicate the availability of assistance and application processes for housing providers and renters, ensuring extensive distribution of resources and closes any gaps in service to those in need.

Safe Harbors - Allow for safe harbors by which states, localities, and program participants may operate in good faith and within the intent of the legislation. The overarching goal should be to assemble reasonable supporting documentation and enable the assistance to flow quickly and efficiently.

Consider providing sample forms for housing providers and renters to use.

Broad Support for Housers - Ensure broad distribution of funds across rural, suburban and urban markets, and to all property types – small, medium and large – including residents in manufactured housing communities and housing cooperatives.

According to Moody’s Analytics, there will be a $70-75 billion backlog in rent owed by January. Property owners have been bearing the brunt of the costs associated with the federal eviction moratorium, keeping families in their homes throughout the pandemic while receiving minimal rental income. It is critical that state and local governments act to help protect these Americans and our critical housing stock by requesting rental assistance funds, ensuring the public health crisis does not become a housing crisis.

If you have any questions regarding the emergency rental assistance program, please contact Jodie Applewhite at japplewhite@naahq.org.

New Research Will Affect Industry Advocacy and Fair Housing Enforcement As we all experienced in 2020, 2021 begins with more uncertainty in American life. Congress extended the CDC eviction moratorium order until January 31 with President-elect Joe Biden signaling a further extension. $25 billion dollars in federal rental assistance funding has been allocated to the states, but the money is not yet fully flowing to renters and housing providers in need. And we remain in vaccine purgatory, unable to fully get back to school and work and resuscitate recovery efforts.

This situation is ripe for renters’ rights advocates to argue for more expansive eviction protections for renters in the short-term.

These efforts continue to kick the can down the road and place a heavy burden on housing providers. Here we look at the eviction research that is making headlines with alarming statistics. These publications will most certainly affect our industry’s efforts to promote more balanced housing policy and invite more scrutiny on owners and management firms.

Here’s what you need to know: Preliminary Analysis: Eviction Filings During and After Local Eviction Moratori[ums] • EvictionLab explores the benefits of eviction moratoriums and proposes to halt all evictions at the first stage of the process. “[S]uspending these early stages of the eviction process is particularly important [for] minimizing displacement.”

• Drawing on data from EvictonLab’s Eviction Tracking System, which includes eviction filing data from 25 cities across the country (both in 2020 and for a range of previous years), EvictionLab researchers suggest that when state and local moratoria were in place, eviction filings were well below historical average. www.haaonline.org

naa update pg 26,27, 59.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 10:04 AM Page 2

Expiring eviction moratoriums and COVID-19 incidence and mortality • In this study, which is pending peer review, academicians evaluated states that lifted their eviction moratoriums in 2020, finding that COVID-19 incidences and mortality significantly increased after moratoriums expired. “The results translate to a total of 433,700 excess cases and 10,700 excess deaths associated with eviction moratoriums lifting over the course of the study period.”

• Importantly, the study does not measure executed evictions. Furthermore, author Emily Benfer, Visiting Professor of Law at Wake Forest University School of Law, notes that they did not compare filings or displacement due to the unavailability of current data. Instead, their estimates “represent intent-to-treat effects”.

- Looking at the term “intent-to-treat”, C. Eric McCoy defines intention-to-treat analysis in other research as “a method for analyzing results in a prospective randomized study where all participants who are randomized are included in the statistical analysis and analyzed according to the group they were originally assigned, regardless of what treatment (if any) they received [emphasis added].”

- “This method allows the investigator (or consumer of the medical literature) to draw accurate (unbiased) conclusions regarding the effectiveness of an intervention.” In this case, Benfer et al. focus on the effectiveness of eviction moratoriums without regard for the actual outcomes.

• The study also does not account for local moratoriums, rent relief programs, and other related policies.

Eviction, Health Inequity, and the Spread of COVID-19: Housing Policy as a Primary Pandemic Mitigation Strategy • In this publication, Benfer and her research partners build on the thesis in “Expiring eviction moratoriums and COVID-19 incidence and mortality” and advocate for eviction prevention and housing stability measures as pandemic control strategies to mitigate COVID-19 spread and death.

• The authors claim that evictions can substantially increase the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 through overcrowding in shelters and shared housing arrangements with family and friends. They note “even seemingly small differences in housing have been linked to substantial increases in / See NAA Update, Page 59 www.haaonline.org

February 2021

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Virtual!

BUSINESS EXCHANGE

Judwin

Property management supervisors and executives: Don’t miss this free networking opportunity that supports our industry.

Join HAA and our chairs, Loyal Proffitt, Allied Orion, and Kelley Suess, Greystar, for the 15th annual HAA Business Exchange, a great opportunity to learn about the latest industry products and services in an online, controlled environment and give back to your industry. Find supplier partners that can help with your needs with CapEx Projects, renovations, staffing, pest control, technology and more!

Morgan

Veritas

Owners/Property Management: The Business Exchange will be an online forum where property management leaders are placed at virtual “tables” with supplier representatives. Each visit has a six minute limit. Supplier companies pay for this opportunity and your attendance makes this possible.

Suppliers:

Wednesday, March 10 9 a.m to 11:30 a.m.

Virtual Format on Remo.co

Participants will receive emailed links, information and instructions with their registration.

See more at: www.haaonline.org/businessexchange or contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0313 for more information.

You will have access to a number of property management leaders from owner executives to maintenance supervisors.

Single Representative: $350 Team of 2 Representatives: $450 Teams of 2 must stay together when moving through management visits.

Supplier companies may register up to a maximum of 4 representatives.

Register at www.haaonline.org/business exchange and thank you for your support.

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On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by Parc at South Green

PARC AT SOUTH GREEN Honors Awards Property of the Year for an apartment community built between 1980 and 1989.

Property: Parc at South Green Owner/Management: Asset Living Location: 12510 S. Green Dr. Units: 428 Built: 1984 Web: www.parcatsouthgreenapts.com Interesting features: If you can believe it, Parc at South Green was built in 1984.

The property’s recent renovations and updated decor elevated the entire property.

During the renovations, green improvements were installed throughout the property, such as water-conserving faucets and shower heads and energy-saving stainless steal appliances. Recently installed LED lights have increased the property’s look and safety.

The onsite team make Parc at South Green a supportive and fun environment for its residents. If a resident ever needs help with something, such as a disabled resident needing their dog walked, the team will take the time out of their day to assist their residents. Parc at South Green has its own Facebook page, where residents can engage with each other and the staff to earn rewards.

The team at Parc at South Green has successfuly repositioned the property in a market with new Class A apartments. Despite major renovations and rent increases, Parc at South Green has maintained 94% occupancy since 2018.

Congratulations, Parc at South Green!

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February 2021

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

www.haaonline.org

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by The Grand on Memorial

THE GRAND ON MEMORIAL

Honors Awards Property of the Year for an apartment community built between 1990 and 1999.

Property: The Grand on Memorial Owner/Management: Greystar Location: 15135 Memorial Drive Units: 224 Built: 1992 Web: www.thegrandonmemorial.com Interesting features: The Grand on Memorial is a beautiful brick apartment community built 29 years ago. Despite its age, the property looks like a new development product.

This lovely property has a dedicated onsite team that supported the community through a re-lease up. The property flooded when the reservoir near it was released following Hurricane Harvey. The property had to be completely rebuilt.

Construction started in 2018.

When construction was completed, many residents returned - a testament to the relationship between the team and the residents. Some residents even re-leased their previous apartment homes. According to Regional Manager Kathy Motis, Katie McGuff, the property manager, created a culture at The Grand on Memorial that facilitates trust among the team and the residents. McGuff is attributed for this property’s success.

The Grand on Memorial is located next to Terry Hershey Park, giving their residents a coveted amenity. Congratulations, The Grand on Memorial! www.haaonline.org

February 2021

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

ABODE

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

31

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a

I wasn’t expecting it a surprised that they no said, laughing. “ I’ve b business for 15 years. I anything. For me, if I g or get it right, I’m satis don’t need recognition resident and my mana owner are happy, I’m h good experience, thou way. I didn’t know tha watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by Camden Spring Creek

CAMDEN SPRING CREEK Honors Awards Property of the Year for a garden-style apartment community built between 2000 and 2009.

Property: Camden Spring Creek Owner/Management: Camden Location: 301 Priutt Road, Spring Units: 304 Built: 2004 Web: www.camdenliving.com/spring-tx-apartments/camden-spring-creek?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=local&utm_ campaign=Camden_Camden_Spring_Creek&y_source=1_ MTE2Nzc0OTQtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3Dcom Interesting features: Located on the border of The Woodlands and Spring, Camden Spring Creek is one of the highest rated apartments in its market. Its resort-style pool has a tanning deck for residents to enjoy their time in the sun.

The pool area is lined with outdoor grills and a social lounge, making it the perfect place to hang out.

Camden Spring Creek offers its resident first class customer service and maintenance. The property’s mobile maintenance app allows the team to respond to maintenance requests quickly and efficiently, which the residents appreciate.

In 2019, the team volunteered their time assisting with the 2019 Impact a Hero 5K event. The team, along with their other Camden sister temas, also volunteered with Rebuilding Together Houston.

Congratulations, Camden Spring Creek!

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ABODE

February 2021

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

www.haaonline.org

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by La Maison

LA MAISON

Honors Awards Property of the Year for a mid-rise apartment community built between 2000 and 2009.

Property: La Maison Owner/Management: Greystar Location: 2727 Revere St. Units: 423 Built: 2008 Web: www.lamaisonriveroaks.com Interesting features: La Maison is a unique mid-rise apartment community located between the River Oaks and Montrose neighborhoods inside the 610 Loop.

Here are some elements that make this apartment community unique. First, it has six courtyards, designed with French architect and a private sundeck. All units have hardwood flooring and rain showers. For its first-floor units, La Maison offers its residents private green space. It also boasts one of the largest dog parks in the city.

What also makes this property unusual is its recycling program. La Maison supplies its residents with everything they need to recycle old batteries, household goods, shoes and clothes.

La Maison underwent 21-month long renovation. The onsite team was tasked with accommodating the residents during the construction process. A testament to the team’s customer service, the property maintained a 93% occupancy rate throughout the renovations.

Congratulations, La Maison! www.haaonline.org

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

February 2021

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that

ABODE

33

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Events Calendar 2021 HAA’s General Meetings and Events open to all members.

JANUARY

JULY

Sponsorship Auction – January 20 Virtual on 32Auctions #HAAAuction Free for supplier members

Spring HAAPAC Fundraiser/Top Golf – July 29 at Top Golf Katy #HAAPAC

State of the Industry Breakfast – January 26 Virtual via Zoom #HAASOI $45 per person

FEBRUARY State of the Submarket – Montgomery County – February 11 Virtual via Zoom $30 per person State of the Submarket – Brazoria County – February 17 Virtual via Zoom $30 per person State of the Submarket – Fort Bend County – February 25 Virtual via Zoom $30 per person

MARCH State of the Submarket – Pasadena – March 4 Virtual via Zoom $30 per person Business Exchange – March 10 Virtual via Remo #HAABizX Single Representative: $350 Team of 2 Representatives: $450 Teams of 2 must stay together when moving through management visits.

Supplier companies may register up to a maximum of 4 representatives.

Golf Workshop – March 23 at Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre #HAALearnToGolf $85 per person

APRIL Installation Gala presented by Camp Construction Services – April 23 at The Ballroom at Bayou Place #HAAGala $120 per person | $1,200 table of 10 Go-Getters Happy Hour – TBA Location TBA For new members and recruiters

JUNE HAA Open House – June 9 at the HAA Office and HAF Education Center Free for members

Go-Getters Happy Hour – TBA For new members and recruiters

AUGUST Hall of Fame Luncheon – August 12 Location TBA #HAAHallofFame $65 individual | $650 table of 10 State of the Industry Breakfast – August 26 Location TBA #HAASOI

SEPTEMBER HAA Education Conference & Expo – September 22 at NRG Center #HAAExpo Expo only is FREE to attend for owner/management members.

Non-exhibiting suppliers not admitted.

Dinerstein Golf Tournament – September 27 Location TBA #HAAGolf Go-Getters Happy Hour – TBA Location TBA For new members and recruiters

OCTOBER Chili Fest – October 23 Location TBA #HAAChili $10 per person prepaid | $12 at the gate

NOVEMBER Honors Awards/Annual Business Meeting – November 11 at the Hilton Americas #HAAHonors Early Bird: $100 individual | $1,000 table of 10 by October 15 $120 individual | $1,200 table of 10 after October 15

DECEMBER Volunteer Appreciation – December 9 Location TBA For active HAA volunteers Go-Getters Happy Hour – TBA Location TBA For new members and recruiters

Sponsorship Auction – June 30 #HAAAuction Free for supplier members

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for these fabulous networking and professional development events in 2021. Please note that dates and prices are subject to change. Check the calendar pages at www.haaonline.org for the most up-to-date information and registration links, contact members @haaonline.org.

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Unmute Yourself

Join ABODE and turn on your message!

Zoom straight to your customers with ABODE magazine, the multifamily industry’s resource for what’s happening in the Houston-area apartment market. Reach your potential customers even when you can’t meet them in person. We are there, online and in their mailbox.

Every month, our members-only publication highlights industry news and trends.

ABODE is your resource for industry-specific legal and legislative news as well. Share your promotions and new hires in our “In The News” column, or the latest development in your area of expertise by writing an article. And get your name out there by advertising.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org to advertise and contact the Communications Department at comm@haaonline.org for details on editorial.

ABODE is there even when you can’t be!

Look for ABODE in the mail the first week of each month, or read online at issuu.com/haa_abode.

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The Best of the Best

in

Onsite

Maintenance

Here are some of the best individuals in apartment maintenance, the recipients of the 2020 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards.

Compiled by

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ABODE

February 2021

MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Staff

www.haaonline.org

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Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Multiple Properties

Alejandro Mercado, Judwin Properties You’re the maintenance supervisor for all nine of Judwin Properties’ apartment communities and you oversee a team of nine.

How do you manage to balance your long list of day-to-day responsibilities and leading a team?

One thing at a time and day by day.

You’ve been with Judwin for as long as you’ve worked in the industry, a total of 37 years.

How did you get your start with Judwin and what has made you stay with the company all these years?

I started with Judwin by chance, but I stayed because of the integrity, generosity and good heart of the owners.

Being a Master Plumber requires a lot of experience and education. You must be an existing Journeyman Plumber, with 8,000 hours of certified job experience and you have to pass another exam. Why was this an important goal for you to accomplish?

I hold a Texas Master Plumber and a type A

HVAC contractor license because it is my belief that if you do a certain type of work, you should try to be the best you can be at it. And in my case, I have the best employer I could have hoped for and I have all the help that I needed to accomplish these things. The Winograd family paid for every class I ever took. That made things a lot easier and I’m very grateful for that.

You train all new employees, and you lead quarterly maintenance training. Even though you’re typically the teacher, what has training others taught you?

I have learned that every person is good at something. You just have to find that out and place them in the right place. Like a good friend of mine said, every ace on his place.

Fill in the blank: Leadership is ______________ … to find direction, like a compass, to find your north.

“I have learned that every person is good at something. You just have to find that out and place them in the right place. Like a good friend of mine said, every ace on his place.”

– Alejandro Mercado www.haaonline.org

February 2021

ABODE

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Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Single Property

Oscar Fiallos, CAMT, CWS Apartment Homes

How did you get your start in the industry?

My family has been in multifamily for over 10 years. I started working as an assistant maintenance for DayRise Residential. After six months, I landed a job as a maintenance director. I interviewed with a handful of companies, but Vee (Veronica Mier) was the only one willing to take a chance on me. I have worked for CWS Apartments for three years now.

What is the key in adhering to the budget without sacrificing company and resident expectations?

Teamwork with my community director. Vee (Mier) and I will sit and manage the budget, looking at what has an impact on what.

The knowledge I have gained on budgeting has helped me to differentiate between wants and needs as well as planning ahead for the following months.

You are very much committed to community service. You volunteer for the Eagle Heights Church Safety Team, Journey 4H Club, Fort Bend County Fair, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Fort Bend Animal Shelter and more. Why is giving back to your community important to you?

My family and I have always found value in giving back to the community by sharing the skills we have with others.

What is the key in staying on top of work orders?

Prioritizing emergencies to routine and splitting the work orders across the team. I have a wonderful maintenance team that works as hard as I do for our residents.

Fill in the blank: Leadership is ______________ Leadership is “CIA” Communication, Initiative, Accountability. Vee (Mier) has taught me that since day one.

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February 2021

Maintenance Technician of the Year

Oscar Quiroz, Greystar You put a great deal of heart into the Houston House. You’ve been with Greystar for seven years, but you’ve worked at the Houston House for 40 years. Tell me what your job means to you, because it is clearly so much more than that. – It’s the only job I’ve had since I was 17.

I love the people, the team and the building. I have lived here for 15 plus years as well.

Last year, you were awarded with the Greystar Core Value Award for Service. Service is defined by Greystar as “We make service our top priority by giving our time, knowledge, and experience to serve the needs of our customers, community, and team members.” Why do you value service?

We work for the residents. Without them, we wouldn’t have jobs. I’m blessed to be able to come here to work every day.

You embody leadership in the way you provide service to Houston House, your residents and even your colleagues.

Fill in the blank: Leadership is ______________ Leadership is responsibility to those around me.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Making the residents happy and working with the other team members.

You make it a point to train every person you come into contact with. Why is it important to take the extra step by teaching people what they need to know to help them be the best they can be?

I remember when I was learning and how that helped me.

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The Best of the Best

Suppliers Here are some of the best supplier partners in the multifamily industry, the recipients of the 2020 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards.

Compiled by

40

ABODE

February 2021

MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Staff

www.haaonline.org

Honors suppliers pg 40,41,42.qxp_Layout 1 1/20/21 10:18 AM Page 2

Supplier of the Year

Ryan Weis, Crestmark Construction Receiving this award is a big honor. It’s given to supplier partners who have displayed an unwavering commitment to HAA. What advice can you give to supplier members who want to get more involved?

It is a huge honor to be chosen as the supplier of the year for such a great association. I grew up with a mother and a grandmother who were on the management side of the multifamily industry for a long time. This is my 28th year working in this industry and I’ve been on both sides of it.

The advice I can give to new supplier members who want to get more involved is to ask a lot of questions and see what fits you in this great industry. Contact anyone on the PSC (HAA’s Product Service Council) for advice. I have been fortunate to have some great mentors over the years to show me the path. Some of my mentors have been competitors and others are on the management side. Don’t be afraid to ask questions people are willing to help get the answer. Get involved in HAA committees that fit your schedule and remember it’s a marathon not a sprint.

You are going to be the Ambassador ONE Society co-chair for the third year in 2021. Why is it an important HAA group for supplier members to be part of?

This is where you will meet other suppliers in the industry.

You may be able to connect with another supplier who can help connect you with a person or company that you’re having trouble making a connection with. Trust me, there have been many times when someone has asked me to make an introduction and I’ve been able to refer a supplier from the Ambassador ONE Society who I have met or worked with before. Even though we are all suppliers, that doesn’t mean there is not an opportunity to make connections or make a sale. We are all partners in this group.

As an HAA Elite Go-Getter, you have recruited 15 new members, earning yourself the coveted blue blazer. How can people be more confident and fearless in their recruiting efforts to garner the same success you have achieved?

As an HAA Elite Go-Getter, it is very important to me that people working in our industry become HAA members. We only want the best for the best. As a general contractor, people knock on our door every day to do work with us. It’s always an opportunity to tell them about HAA. I explain how HAA helped me and how they can grow in such a great industry by becoming a member. It also lets us know that they care about this industry as much as we do. With 2020 being as tough as it was, I told new potential suppliers how much more important it was to get involved. With companies cutting budgets, usually the first thing to go is advertising. There is no better way to advertise yourself or your company than becoming a member of the largest multifamily industry in the world.

Supplier partners are the backbone of the apartment industry and the Houston Apartment Association. Although a cliché, it remains a fact. How do you balance your job with Crestmark and your role as an HAA volunteer?

Many know the running joke about me is, “Do you ever sleep?” My answer is always, “One day I will!” I was raised being told that hard work pays off, and I treat every day like it’s a blessing. I couldn’t do any of this without my Crestmark family backing me 100%! They are the reason I’m able to do what I do. Plan your work and work your plan, as one of my mentors would tell me when I was overloaded. Also, do what you love. When you don’t love it anymore, it’s time to go.

Thank you for choosing me as your supplier of the year. It is truly an honor.

“I was raised being told that hard work pays off, and I treat every day like it’s a blessing.”

– Ryan Weis www.haaonline.org

February 2021

ABODE

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Rising Star Supplier of the Year

Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks More recently involved supplier partners win this award because of their enthusiasm volunteering for HAA within a short amount of time. Where did this enthusiasm derive from?

Moving into the Houston market was a big move for us. We started with just a small group of properties, and it was all up to me to grow this new division of the company. I knew that HAA was going to be a great way to network and build Earthworks in Houston, so I hit it hard and got involved in every area that I could. The more people I met, the more I enjoyed being involved!

What HAA group, committee or service has brought you the most value?

I really enjoy being on the HAA Product Service Council. I like to mentor and help new members get involved in the association.

Tell me about your experience in Leadership Lyceum.

What did you learn from that experience?

It was great getting to learn more about how HAA functions. 2020 made the experience somewhat challenging but I was honored to be a part of it.

From your own experience, why is obtaining the Certified Apartment Supplier credential important for supplier partners?

I was able to further my education, which I always enjoy doing when given the opportunity, and it also opens more doors for you within HAA. Having your CAS can help you advance in areas of the association and there are some management companies that will only work with vendor partners who have their CAS credential.

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February 2021

“Having your CAS can help you advance in areas of the association and there are some management companies that will only work with vendor partners who have their CAS credential.”

– Shaun Callaway

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The Best of the Best

in

Owner

Management Here are some of the best executives and corporate staff in apartment management, the recipients of the 2020 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards.

Compiled by

44

ABODE

February 2021

MORGAN TAYLOR

www.haaonline.org

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Executive of the Year

Shelley Watson, The Morgan Group Leadership in 2020 changed. Leaders were looked to for answers and guidance more than ever before. How did leadership shift for you personally with your teams?

We already had a very well-oiled leadership team that functioned in a highly collaborative environment. Instead of meeting in person, we learned to meet digitally and keep the same open and authentic conversations. We continued to make the best decisions we could make with the information we had at the time. Making the right decisions weighed heavily on me personally. I found myself going down the rabbit holes of what ifs. Training and learning were essential for everyone, including me, to keep pace and to be able to effectively navigate change.

You served on the HAA COVID-19 Task Force last year.

Your evident leadership made The Morgan Group an example for COVID-19 protocols and procedures during a time when no one knew the right answers. When challenges arose – and they often did – how were you able to navigate the turbulent waters?

Like many companies and organizations do with any potential situation that may disrupt business, we organized a committee and prepared a contingency plan. We planned for the worst, thought about all the scenarios and operational changes that needed to happen "if." Then, "if" came very quickly, and we had a plan and a committee of trusted peers who all had the same goal and purpose. We divided the work and made sure we knew who in our group had the D, the decision-making power, on any given task. We met frequently – sometimes several times a day – and as often as we needed to.

We treated our research efforts like we do our new developments. We looked inside and outside our industry to find effective protocol, and we branded those efforts. We rolled out S.O.A.R. – Standard Operations and Recovery. This branded protocol was designed to serve MORGAN beyond COVID19. Things changed daily and even hourly, so we had long days and many sleepless nights working to create an environment for our teams where our decisions and direction had a shelf life. The goal was to get to a new normal. It was our onsite teams who helped us answer the question of how

www.haaonline.org

we were able to navigate the turbulent waters of COVID-19.

They proved why teams succeed. They had well-defined direction and made a commitment to each other to follow it.

They held each other, and ultimately me, accountable for the success of our efforts. Finally, we had every team member sign a partnership pledge. A promise to our values, respecting others and simply doing the right thing, which is a reflection of our Morgan Group Values.

You are said to be a champion for professional development, hard work and personal play. These are three important pieces of success. Tell me more about how this contributes to success?

I often use sports analogies with my teams, more often in the past nine months. I have said that you have to be ready to go in the game. You could be on the bench today, but you never know when the coach will put you in – always be ready. Our teams were definitely called upon to start this year. It is important to have a balance, though. During this year, I worked hard to have that balance. If I did not, I knew I would not be good leader for our teams. I fell back to appreciating the small things, like riding a bike every day in the neighborhood, taking the time to notice things in nature, etc. With these small windows of recharge time, I was able to go back to effectively leading.

What advice can you give to young women who seek to become executives or vice presidents?

Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, establish a network of successful role models to rely upon.

Bloom where you are planted. Focus on the job or position at hand and the next step will come easily.

What fuels your passion and purpose within your career?

It is the people. I truly enjoy waking up every day and interacting with my coworkers and team. Seeing those around me achieve their goals and have successes. I have been very lucky in my career to have worked with many people who have made me a better leader.

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Independent Rental Owner of the Year

Ramon Nunez, Bravo Capital Management

“Providing a great place for our residents to call home is extremely important to us.

It’s our number one mission for our residents. It’s also important for the management company, Bravo Capital Management, to set the bar and help other communities to do the same.

If we can assist other communities to achieve the Blue Star Certification it will make our communities a better place to live one property at a time.”

– Ramon Nunez

After working side by side with the military, you enrolled with Lifestyles Unlimited. What about real estate was appealing to you?

I was a United States government contractor for Kellogg Brown & Root, a sister company of Halliburton, in Mosul, Iraq during the “Operation Iraqi Freedom” performing project management and regional operations supporting the Department of Defense, State Department and Special Forces.

Working alongside our United States military in a war zone and traveling the world has certainly expanded my mind in so many ways. My amazing wife and I met on project in Iraq in 2009 and got married in 2010. We are happily married with an amazing 4-year-old son, Leo, and a newborn named Benjamin who is 4 months old (at press time).

My wife and I discovered Lifestyles Unlimited from a realtor friend in 2012. We became members and started our journey to build our own real estate business and a legacy for our future family. Real estate was also spoken in my household when I was a young boy. My parents always said to get good grades, go to college, get a good job and invest in real estate. After I graduated from the University of Houston, I continued working in corporate America, but I always wanted to be a business owner, entrepreneur and executive leading the charge in my own company. We took a calculated, well-researched chance on starting our real estate business with the Lifestyles Unlimited mentor group. The Houston Apartment Association guided us with additional education regarding fair housing, leasing and endless industry knowledge at the tip of our fingers. If you were eager enough to learn the business, HAA has numerous resources to help anyone willing to learn and move forward as a business leader.

There are so many appealing traits to real estate. Whether you want to get started with single-family homes or apartment communities, real estate has less barriers of entry to start by using leverage to purchase properties. Plus, it allows to you control your financial outcomes with increasing NOI over time in correlation with market appreciation.

It’s my understanding that you worked as a property manager for three apartment communities, The Amelia, Jacquelyn Place and Johanna Court. Today, you now own two of those properties. That’s an incredible story. What did property management teach you about being an apartment owner?

I wanted to learn the business from the ground up to learn what my future team would be facing every day. I wanted to lead by example and

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teach my team the best industry practices from my personal on the job experience. Jack Welch once said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” John Maxwell once said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

One of my most significant accomplishments was when I joined the property management team for DMDG Properties. I joined the team in December of 2015 as an intern leasing agent for the main purpose to learn more about the industry. I was so hungry to learn, I was willing to work for free as an intern just to get my foot in the door and obtain real life experiences.

Learning property management was a huge advantage before becoming an owner. I was able to understand the importance of customer service, preventative building maintenance, team building events, property taxes, insurance, fair housing, leasing, the TAA lease agreements, keeping up with important legislation, accounting, community involvement, city planning and most importantly how to solve problems by collective management processes.

Property management has taught me to always respect the asset, residents and our onsite team members. Customer service is the backbone of this industry and people want to be respected no matter their background. Property management has taught me if we show loyalty and respect to our residents, they will be raving fans for years to come.

The Spring Branch Management District spotlighted you for all three of your properties’ Blue Star designations. The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and the Houston Apartment Association created for rental properties of all sizes to help law enforcement officials and the multifamily housing industry work together to effectively reduce criminal activity in rental properties. It’s a three-phase process for each property. Why was doing this important to you?

Accomplishing the Blue Star Certification means we are 100% committed in going the extra mile to help our three apartment communities and the surrounding area as well. Our management team with Bravo Capital Management is committed to making our communities the best places to live in Houston. If we learn of a program to better our communities and the area around us, we will take the first steps to implement it for the betterment of our residents and to www.haaonline.org

improve our communities. By strengthening our three apartment communities we are setting a higher standard for other multifamily communities to step up and follow in our footsteps.

Providing a great place for our residents to call home is extremely important to us. It’s our number one mission for our residents. It’s also important for the management company, Bravo Capital Management, to set the bar and help other communities to do the same. If we can assist other communities to achieve the Blue Star Certification it will make our communities a better place to live one property at a time.

As a community manager, our team understands we must perform at a higher level of professionalism, accuracy and attention to our mission. We use the Texas Apartment Association lease documents and now a Blue Star Addendum for residents to execute before they move in. These documents, especially the Blue Star addendum, explains how to be a good resident in the eyes of HPD standards.

Our HPD and Seal Security officers are always welcome to stopover to say hello and grab a cup of coffee. We understand our first responders have a demanding profession and we momentously appreciate their commitment to serving the community.

You have leaned into the education opportunities through HAA, such as Leasing 101 and the Certified Apartment Manager credential. What or who has been your best teacher up until this point in your real estate career?

My wife and I owe all of our success to our parents. Their fiery work ethic has inspired us to never give up, stand up for ourselves, respect others, remember our roots and always keep progressing in life. Always remember we can accomplish our goals if we set our minds to it.

What is the hardest leadership lesson that keeps being presented to you that you either have to learn, relearn or unlearn?

As an entrepreneur, patience is always a virtue I must learn to control every day. Business owners are at the helm and spearhead of the company. We want tasks completed correctly and as soon as possible. If we do not accomplish our goals or if we fail, it’s entirely our fault for not being a good leader. I tell my team every day, if one of us fails then we all have failed, and one person’s success is the entire team’s success. We have accomplished so much as a company only because our team has pride in what we do every day.

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Corporate Professional of the Year

Lenore Clay, Greystar You support an office of 350-plus people and you supervise five administrative professionals. What is the key in balancing leadership and your day-to-day responsibilities?

I take the time to get to know my team members. I am observant of their needs and their work habits. I possess curiosity, openness to new ideas and an awareness of my surroundings. I also take advantage of the resources that Greystar has to offer from the leadership programs to the wealth of information on our team member portal. And, I think that understanding that we all are human is key.

You are an integral part of the corporate team. You support an estimated 40 regional and directors. You’re the sole reason why the office runs as smoothly as it does. What is the key to your success?

I have confidence in my ability to understand my role and I take my responsibility seriously. Over the years I have built trust through consistency and integrity. I can communicate with excellence with anyone who walks through our doors, internal or external.

What is the hardest leadership lesson that keeps being presented to you that you either have to learn, relearn or unlearn? OR What are some of the hardest or most difficult decisions you have to make in your role?

Knowing how to have a tough conversation with a team member while engaging in healthy dialogue has been a hard lesson to learn. Fortunately, these conversations are few and are far between. Thankfully, Greystar has invested in leadership programs and its people and culture aspect of the business that offers guidelines that have helped me feel surer of myself when doing it. When I do have to have them, I always say a prayer and seek good counsel beforehand.

Fill in the blank: Leadership is ______________ Leadership is TRANSCENDING.

You work with each person you supervise individually to help them develop professionally. Your leadership transcends you as an admin.

Why is doing this important to you?

It is important because I believe in the core values of Greystar and what it stands for: enriching the lives we touch by doing things the right way. Just as others have helped me, I want to help others to excel. It is the people that drives Greystar to be a global leader.

“I have confidence in my ability to understand my role and I take my responsibility seriously.

Over the years I have built trust through consistency and integrity. I can communicate with excellence with anyone who walks through our doors, internal or external.”

– Lenore Clay 48

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The Best of the Best

Go-Getter of the Year The Houston Apartment Association is nothing without our members.

Meet HAA’s top membership recruiter for 2020.

Compiled by

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MORGAN TAYLOR

www.haaonline.org

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Go-Getter of the Year

Donna Farthing, Greystar Typically, this award is given to a Go-Getter with the most recruits for the year or to a new Go-Getter who displayed great enthusiasm in their recruiting efforts. You were selected because you displayed both of these attributes.

What made you want to become a Go-Getter for HAA? I began working directly with our Greystar vendors while coordinating our first Greystar Supplier Expo. As my vendor relationships grew, I was recruited to join the HAA Go-Getter Club by the committee chair, Melissa Friend (who works for Greystar), and our (Greystar) managing director, Michelle Pawelek. We all agreed that it was my next step in my involvement with our vendors and with HAA. Last year, as a new Go-Getter, you recruited 11 new members. What has been the most important piece to your recruiting success?

I am the Greystar vendor liaison, and Greystar recommends an HAA membership to all current and pending vendors. I feel I am doing the vendors a service with this direction as HAA is a well-respected organization in which Greystar values the collaboration.

What advice would you give to Go-Getters who might be struggling to recruit new members?

I would tell them not to be afraid to talk about how the vendor is growing their business, ask them questions and it will naturally lead you to you recommending they join HAA. I would also recommend they give the insight that HAA is a great networking avenue and that they will have the opportunity to network with many industry leaders. So, it’s a win, win.

What are your goals as a Go-Getter in 2021?

To continue to do my job with our Greystar vendors and the recruitment process through HAA. By directing them to a HAA membership, I feel we are all benefiting. I believe an HAA membership is a good first step for our new vendors in the multifamily industry. I enjoy the process of assisting with the vendor’s network and HAA in their continued growth.

“I would tell them not to be afraid to talk about how the vendor is growing their business, ask them questions and it will naturally lead you to you recommending they join HAA. I would also recommend they give the insight that HAA is a great networking avenue and that they will have the opportunity to network with many industry leaders.

So, it’s a win, win.”

– Donna Farthing www.haaonline.org

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The introduction of apps and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Remo, among others, has allowed a different way to host and participate in these vital company events.

But even with these new tools, we are still plagued with some of the same issues when it comes to face-to-face and group activities.

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Virtual Icebreakers Breaking the silence on virtual team-building meetings.

By

JAMES GREGORY, Fidus Construction Services

W

ith virtual team-building and online meetings happening everyday now, creating productive conversation has become a new talking point. Altered work styles have dramatically changed the pace of virtual meetings and team building activities. Team building, customarily a hands-on effort, now has to evolve into more effective performance in the virtual world.

The introduction of apps and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Remo, among others, has allowed a different way to host and participate in these vital company events. But even with these new tools, we are still plagued with some of the same issues when it comes to face-to-face and group activities. The task of generating conversation to get the group comfortable and enthusiastic about brainstorming, learning and group work is still a struggle, sometimes even more so without the hands-on aspect. Getting this thinking, speaking and sharing process started is key.

The easiest and most primary way to initiate conversation is with open-ended questions. How one engages in this process virtually can be trying and, let’s admit it, a tad rough with participants who don’t have their video turned on. Virtual meetings for team building should be held with all participants visually viewable. No hiding allowed. The goal is to help build trust and confidence in speaking publicly (even if the person is by him or herself in front of a webcam) and to help build toward some form of camaraderie within the team.

Planning for three levels of ice breaking is key.

could write a book, what would you write about (or not).

Set a time limit to be fair to all the participants.

First, focus on brief introduction questions. Asking someone to share one thing most people do not know about them or the weirdest food craving they’ve had over the past six months will help create a bonding environment by loosening up the crowd. This could also be an opportunity for some much-needed laughter.

Hard: These are the most detailed and deep-diving questions: 1. What is the most challenging part of working virtually?

2. What is the most recent YouTube or TikTok video you watched?

3. Would you vote online?

4. Do you have a favorite news site?

5. What would you consider your best remote work life hack?

6. What is your go-to mid-day exercise routine to reinvigorate your mind and focus?

Secondly, build questions that could be a bit more decisive and help everyone generate tighter connections. Pose questions about each other’s likes, dislikes, successes and failures, such as asking if you www.haaonline.org

Lastly, ask questions that get progressively more detailed, such as what the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given. You and all the participants will be set to begin the meeting or conversation with a deeper understanding of each other. Here are some examples of each set: Easy: “Either or” questions can be a great warm up for the event: 1. Coffee or tea?

2. Dogs or cats?

3. Morning person or night owl?

4. Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge?

5. Bacon or sausage?

6. Work from home or back to the office?

7. Vacation: cold or hot?

Medium: Questions that begin with what is or would you rather work well here. These will offer more intellectual depth to all meeting participants: 1. What is your favorite breakfast?

2. What is your dream location to work from?

3. Would you rather start early or work late?

4. What is the story behind the background on your phone?

5. Would you rather write your autobiography from a beach house or a mountain cabin?

6. What is your favorite website?

7. Would you ever leave a one-star review?

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Do you need help navigating recent operational challenges?

HAA’s micro-webinar series features industry experts who answer the top questions concerning current and pressing topics.

These carefully-curated 30 minute sessions offer guidance that you can apply right now and are free to all HAA members.

www.youtube.com/user/HAATV

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7. What was your first online user name?

(Mine was Johnny3Fingers as an ode to throwback names like Frankie the Nose!)

These are but a few of the great questions and icebreakers you could use to get a virtual meeting or Zoom call moving along. These types of questions can unite remote teams and industry peers while also generating a buzz that will drive creative thinking. If you are the meeting facilitator, try not to let folks go unchallenged. Keep the group on track and on time by employing some of the following best practices: 1. Volunteer to go first.

2. Name the next person up before you start.

When finished, name the two on deck.

3. Start with easy questions to help folks get settled in and loosened up.

4. Don’t let the groups get too large; split up into breakouts of less than 15 participants.

5. Don’t deviate. People will learn to love these icebreakers and anticipate them as long as you remain consistent with them.

6. Switch it up! Rotate who will go first. Shake up the expected order.

7. Always finish strong, even if you have to go again and go last.

With so many companies transitioning into virtual office settings and a greater number of web training sessions, you will be asked to lead one of these training sessions sooner or later. Be prepared, have your short list ready and remember to smile. This can be fun and resourceful.

Good luck out there on your next training or team-building virtual meeting.

If you have any tried-and-true icebreakers, virtual engagement tips or online meeting life hacks, I’d love to hear about them at my email address below. Text messages and emojis are always welcome, too. Take care of yourself out there.

James Gregory is the regional account manager for the East Texas region with Fidus Construction Services. He has been in the multifamily industry for about 30 years. He has an extensive background in onsite management through the regional supervisor level and has spent many years on the supplier side with industry leaders in their respective fields. He has served the Houston Apartment Association with involvement, serving on many committees. James is a great resource for information and solutions to all things multifamily. He can be reached at 281-685-8354 or at jgregory@fiduscapex.com www.haaonline.org

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MEET THE HAA STAFF: Resident Relations

A Listening Ear Meet HAA’s Director of Resident Relations Matilde Luna, who offers helpful guidance to management and residents.

By

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F

ounded in 1970 as a way to resolve misunderstandings and issues between residents and owner/management outside of a courtroom, the Resident Relations Department and its committees are an integral part of the Houston Apartment Association’s community outreach. ABODE sat down for a conversation with the department’s director Matilde Luna, a long-time veteran of HAA and cheerleader for the multifamily industry.

You began your career with HAA in 1992, what brought you to HAA? My sister, Mary Ramirez, worked in HAA’s Form Sales when I graduated. Mary needed help with her little one for the summer and I moved in with her to babysit. After a couple of months, there was an opening at HAA. HAA needed someone to do their inventory, so that is where I started. Then a position opened in RCR (Rental Credit Reporting), then Resident Relations.

You have been working in Resident Relations for almost 30 years, how has it changed over those 30 years?

The biggest change is everything we go through, whether it’s a hurricane, whether it’s a flood, or now COVID-19, and there are so many more people with the population increase here. There are more and more people getting the word out about us and calling wanting help.

What is your typical day like?

First of all, my day starts off with a prayer, for me to have lots of patience with the residents who call in, because sometimes, oh my gosh, they make me want to pull my hair out.

But I pray for lots of patience and that’s how I get my day started. It’s basically me trying to help the residents calling in who need help with whatever issues they are having.

How many calls do you deal with a day?

Anywhere from 30 to 50 resident calls per day.

And you also handle calls from management and onsite staff.

That is correct. Apartment personnel calls can be any where from five to 10 per day, added to the resident calls.

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“… I pray for lots of patience and that’s how

I get my day started. It’s basically me trying to help the residents calling in who need help with whatever issues they are having.”

Pre-pandemic, what were most of your resident phone calls related to?

Lots of maintenance issues, depending on if it was summertime or wintertime, basically, no A/C, no hot water, no heat.

Now what are most of your calls related to?

The daily calls right now are all about nonpayment of rent. Those are the top calls right now, because of COVID-19. They’ve lost their jobs, or they haven’t gotten a job, or they haven’t gotten their hours and income back.

How do you help them?

I let them know and ask them if they have reached out to different organizations to assist them. A lot of times residents don’t know there are people out there who can help them. I provide them our website where we have names and numbers of organizations that they can contact to get rental assistance and help with other household expenses.

Do you have any interesting resident stories?

I do have one resident calling right now letting me know people are going into her apartment, putting things in her food – mental health issues. It is pretty sad to hear something like that. I have about five residents that call and let me know things like that. I just feel for them.

How do you handle that situation?

I just try to talk to that resident, because when they tell me they are hearing voices, right off hand I know that the person has something going on with them. I just try to talk to them and let them know that everything is going to be okay, you’re okay, maybe try reaching out to your manager and discuss what is going on with your apartment.

You have a difficult job, what do you enjoy about it?

I enjoy helping residents, helping them know what their rights are. A lot of people don’t know what their rights are and I think at the end of the day it does make me feel good that I can go home and say “Golly, I helped this person out or I helped that person out,” because they didn’t know where to turn or what to do with whatever issues they are having in their apartment.

When a manager calls you, what are usually the type of questions they ask?

A lot of them want to know how to evict somebody that hasn’t paid their rent. What are the steps or process for evicting someone for non-payment of rent.

And you can help them through that in some cases, outside of the eviction moratorium criteria?

I explain the process to them and give them a reminder, “Hey, did you give the resident a notice to vacate first?” I ask, did they give the resident the opportunity to come in to see if there is any way they can work with them to pay their rent? If not, then the process is giving the resident the 3-day notice to vacate and then if they don’t vacate, management can move forward with the eviction proceedings.

How do you prefer a manager contact you?

They can send me an email at mluna@haaonline.org though I prefer a phone call. Email is fine, but sometimes if there is one question, then that leads to another question.

If it’s one simple question email is fine, but many questions lead to others.

You also take care of the Resident Relations Committee. Tell me about the committee.

We have two Resident Relations Committees that meet once a month and February 2021

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they review cases and render their decisions based on what’s brought before them.

Basically it’s the resident’s complaint, the management’s response and then the resident’s rebuttal and then management’s response. The cases that come before the committee are usually related to resident’s security deposits or monies being taken out of their security deposits.

How many cases are usually reviewed during a typical meeting?

There are 12 cases in each meeting. I have a Resident Relations Committee A and a Committee B and there are 24 members on each committee and we meet January through November.

What are most of the cases involving?

Mostly security deposits and residents complaining about and disputing charges, and whether they broke their lease contract.

They feel they have legitimate reasons to break their lease contract. They always forget they signed a contract and that they are obligated to that contract.

What is something important for an onsite management person to know or that they can learn from your committee cases?

The main thing is, when they are sending in the requested documents, to make sure there is a signed lease contract included and the backup documentation to support any charges that they are charging to the resident.

If I have a meeting and there are 12 cases, it may be that out of those 12, two or three will be ruled in favor of the resident because management either did not sign the lease or they don’t provide the documentation to support the charges.

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How do you become a member of the Resident Relation’s Committee?

A lot of members want to be a part of the committee because they hear so much about how much fun it is to be on the committee.

It’s very interesting as well and they learn a lot.

I have 10 to 15 people on my waiting list.

Tell me about your life outside HAA – your family and interests.

My interests are being involved with my church and assisting in any outreach programs for our community.

I'm also big on spending time with my family, which has grown from four to six.

I gained two daughter-in-laws this past year.

I tell them I might have gained two princesses but I'm still the queen!

We do game nights, watch sports together, go to the park and just pretty much spend as much time together as we can.

I love my church, my family and of course my DALLAS COWBOYS!....even though my family are Houston Texans fans.

The HAA Resident Relations Department offers free assistance to all onsite personnel who have questions or need advice when engaging with residents. The department also offers a community service for residents to help resolve misunderstandings concerning the lease, application and security deposits.

For assistance, contact Resident Relations at 713-595-0300 or email resrel@haaonline.org. The Resident Relations Committee is comprised of both owner and supplier members of HAA. For more information, visit www.haaonline.org and look under the “Renters” tab.

www.haaonline.org

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NAA Update, continued from Page 27 transmission rates” of infectious diseases, and “[a]dding as few as two new members to a household can as much as double the risk of” respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19.

• According to the study, evictions also threaten renters’ health in other ways: - “Evictions force renters to the outskirts of the rental market, into neighborhoods with higher crime, increased poverty, and substandard conditions.”

- “Eviction creates a permanent legal record, no matter the outcome of the proceeding, that negatively affect credit scores and allows landlords to screen tenants with a history of eviction and ultimately preclude them for future renting opportunities.”

• The authors emphasize the need for eviction prevention measures to protect communities of color as they have been hardest hit by the financial and health-related impacts of COVID-19 and pre-pandemic, were already disproportionately negatively impacted by evictions.

• The study cites EvictionLab’s finding that eviction filings rose as much as 395 percent above historical averages after the CARES Act moratorium expired, in part to show the effectiveness of eviction moratoriums and support the need to continue housing policy interventions.

- “When [moratoriums] are combined with supportive legal and financial measures, such as rental assistance, eviction diversion programs, and civil right to counsel, states and localities are better able to protect vulnerable residents from eviction…[t]hese supportive measures increase housing stability and, in turn, curb the spread of COVID-19.”

- The study fails to acknowledge that eviction moratoriums as a policy lead to a buildup of large amounts of rental debt that households cannot possibly repay, leading inevitably to “spikes” in filings once prohibitions expire.

Serial Eviction Filing: Civil Courts, Property Management, and the Threat of Displacement • Lillian Leung, a PhD student in Sociology and Social Policy at Princeton University, Matthew Desmond, the Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology at Princeton University and Principal Investigator of the Eviction Lab, and Peter Hepburn, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University—Newark, are sounding the alarm about “serial eviction filings”, finding that each eviction filing, on average, amounts to approximately $180 in fines and fees for the typical renter household and raises their monthly housing cost by 20 percent.

• They purport that serial filings are highest in Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia and lambast “corporate landlords” for their approach to eviction. Their “formalization and monetization of the landlord-tenant relationship” leads to more bad outcomes for renters.

-“As segments of the housing market consolidate under corporate ownership, new tools, and methods have been devised to extract profit from rental investments.”

-They suggest that property owners use the eviction process to accomplish goals other than reclaiming property. They find that property owners rely on the threat of eviction as a rent collection tool and to discipline renters, and that they profit from late payments.

• The authors supplemented their research with qualitative results, exploring the “the property manager’s perspective”. They interviewed property managers, attorneys, and court officials in Charleston, S.C.

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and Mobile, Ala. to help them gain an understanding of what drives serial evictions.

- Charleston and Mobile served as proxies for analyzing the complicated, unique and varied eviction processes in thousands of jurisdictions around the country. The limited scope of their analysis paints an incomplete picture of renters and housing providers’ roles and responsibilities in the eviction process, often villainizing housing providers for purportedly taking advantage of lax systems.

• Based on their findings, Leung et al. suggest the following policy solutions: - Increasing the cost of eviction and raising legal barriers to eviction as a way to incentivize more flexibility and problem-solving between housing providers and their residents; - Increasing limitations on fees as property managers improve their bottom line by leveraging the court system to collect additional fees; and - Revising rent payment practices to align with income volatility and pay bimonthly or weekly pay schedules. The current practice of collecting rent on the first of the month causes renters to remain behind month-after-month, making them more vulnerable to eviction.

Racial and Gender Disparities among Evicted Americans • Mr. Desmond and Mr. Hepburn are joined by Renee Louis, Princetontrained Research Specialist at the EvictionLab, in more recent research highlighting the disparate impact of eviction on communities of color.

• Desmond et al. analyzed 1.44 million eviction cases in their dataset which resulted in 660,000 eviction judgments across 1,195 counties.

- A fundamental premise is that these counties closely represent every county in the U.S. in terms of key variables.

- Using imputations and cross referencing with publicly available information, the authors extrapolated rates of eviction by gender and race, even though defendant gender and race/ethnicity were not recorded in the eviction records in their data.

• They posited that the shares of eviction filings and eviction judgments accruing to members of different racial/ethnic groups were not proportional to their representation in the renter population across the 1,195 counties. They also provided a deeper level of analysis on the 10 largest counties in their sample by total renter population.

• Their analysis yielded three major findings:

- “Filing and eviction rates were, on average, significantly higher for black renters than for white renters. The share of eviction filings and eviction judgments against black renters was considerably higher than their share of the renter population.”

- “Black and Latinx female renters faced higher eviction rate than their male counterparts.”

- “Black and Latinx renters were most likely to be filed against serially for eviction.”

- They suggest that “[r]acially disparities in serial eviction rates… have a real cash value and indicate that black and Latinx renters are disproportionately subject to fines and fees through the eviction process.”

- If the Biden Administration were to reinstate the Obama-era version of the Disparate Impact Rule, these findings could translate to increased scrutiny of rental housing providers’ eviction procedures and policies as well as challenges to assessments of fees and other related penalties.

Taken together, these studies form a duel set of narratives that can be used against the rental housing industry: suggesting that eviction moratoriums are sound policy that protect residents from displacement and by extension contracting COVID-19, and that housing providers utilize the eviction process to profit off of vulnerable populations of renters, often renters of color. However, the policies resulting from these studies worsen housing affordability concerns and create more operational challenges for the industry, ultimately harming lowincome renters the most.

NAA will continue its work to ensure that public policy does not impede but rather enhances the ability of apartment owners and operators to run their businesses and provide housing to one-third of Americans, and we stand ready to assist the NAA affiliate network in their state and local advocacy initiatives. It will be important now more than ever to educate policymakers on apartment industry operations, our contributions to communities across the country and the impact that these adverse policies would have on housing affordability and access to quality homes. To learn more about NAA’s talking points and advocacy resources related to these issues, contact Nicole Ryan, NAA’s Senior Communications Manager, or Nicole Upano, Director of Public Policy.

Did you know you have access to more member benefits than just the lease contracts and forms?

If you’re receiving this magazine, your company has joined and made your company and YOU part of the largest local apartment association in the nation! Every employee of your team is a member of HAA and also a member of the TAA and NAA. Check us out online at www.haaonline.org.

This is YOUR HAA!

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Welcome New HAA Members

THE NEWBIES Say hello to some of our newest Houston Apartment Association members.

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Welcome Mat

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

OWNERS

SUPPLIERS

Bell Partners Chris Carter 15863 Kinlough Drive Humble, TX 77396 Balcara at Balmoral

APTEXX Janis Rossi 2035 Lakeside Centre Way #150 Knoxville, TN 37922 888-840-4828 Communications Services, Payment Services Electronic Rent

Assessment Advisors Mike Eckhoff 2408 Timberloch Place #B3 Spring, TX 77380 281-466-1599 Tax Consultants-Ad Valorem, Taxes Consultants & Representatives

Carrier Enterprise Dexter Collins 16230 Port Northwest Houston, TX 77041 832-633-3615 A/C Supplies & Parts, Heating Equipment & Systems

Janell Cedarstrom Janell Janet Cedarstrom 6753 Corintia St. Carlsbad, CA 92009 619-322-6542 Janell Cedarstrom - Properties KLM Rentals Kyle Loveless 618 Northport Lane Kemah, TX 77565 979-575-5172 Baytown 1

Western Wealth Communities Jennifer Staciokas 5013 East Washington St. #170 Phoenix, AZ 85034 480-660-5599 Rayford’s Edge Regency Park Wimbledon Apartments Oak Grove Apartment Homes

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

Coit Cleaning & Restoration Services Rafael Velasco 9001 Springbranch Drive Houston, TX 77080 713-461-6171 Air Duct Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, Grout/ Tile Cleaning & Sealing, Fire/Water Damage Restoration I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

Emersyn Electrical Services Ben Mata P.O. Box 1873 Cypress, TX 77410 832-628-2827 Electric Contractors, Lighting Consultants

Mineros Construction Inc Romeo Mineros 9622 New Kent Drive Sugar Land, TC 77498 832-361-8383 Remodling & Repair-Building Contractors, Painting Contractors RezClean Houston Andrew Brenneman P.O. Box 2590 Alvin, TX 77512 281-388-2825 Carpet Cleaning, Air Duct Cleaning Referred by Nina Kirtley, CAPS Swift Corporation Alex Vasquez 3580 Rocking J Road #202 Round Rock, TX 78665 713-659-9490 Electrical Gates & Doors, Fences Referred by Donna Farthing I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

Frontier Waste Solutions Alex Urena 10185 FM 1960 Dayton, TX 77535 936-258-9035 Trash Hauling, Waste Reduction/Disposal/ Recycling I&B Painting Ruben Vilchis 9838 Emnora Lane Houston, TX 77080-5248 281-901-7802 Painting Contractors, Resurfacing Mallard Construction and Roofing Christian Lingram 5715 NW Central Drive #F112 Houston, TX 77092 281-884-9805 Roofing Contractors, Roofing Consultants

ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online at haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name.

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Get Involved

Volunteer HAA The Houston Apartment Association’s committees and clubs are some of the most productive tools we have to ensure that we remain the nation’s largest and most effective apartment association. Members of the association dedicate their time to lead and serve on the various clubs and committees.

Some general responsibilities of committee and club members include a commitment to attend all meetings and help develop marketing strategies (i.e. telemarketing, developing handouts, fliers, articles).

To serve on any of these committees and clubs, please contact the HAA office at 713-595-0300, online at www.haaonline.org or email the departments listed below.

Education education@haaonline.org Education Advisory Council HAF Fundraiser Committee* Career and Community Development Committee Public Affairs public_affairs@haaonline.org HAA Political Action Committee* Century Club* Media Relations Committee Fair Housing Committee Strategic Outreach Committee Membership members@haaonline.org Ambassador ONE Society Go-Getter Membership Recruitment Club Expo Exhibitor Committee* Street Team* Community Outreach shinkley@haaonline.org Community Outreach Committee Product Service Council* Resident Relations resrel@haaonline.org Resident Relations Committee *Note: These committees have specific requirements. Contact HAA for details.

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

RECRUIT FOR HAA! Join the Go-Getters and help grow your association.

What is the Go-Getter Club?

Club Guidelines

The Go-Getter Club is a year round membership recruitment group made up of individuals who work for both types of member companies, Owner/Management Companies and Supplier Associates. To attend the club meetings and be considered a part of the club, an individual must recruit one new member for the Houston Apartment Association. The Membership Department can help your efforts by providing you with the names of companies who have contacted the HAA office and expressed interest in joining the association.

The Go-Getter Club was established by the Houston Apartment Association to recognize those individuals who recruit new members. Based on the story by Peter Kynd, we recognize that these select volunteers are true GoGetters. The guidelines for the club are:

Why participate in the Go Getter Club?

2. After recruiting ten members, verified by HAA, an individual is officially a Go Getter. The recruiter receives a club pin and will have their name added to the Go-Getter Club.

The reason is simple. Joining the Go-Getters will give you additional exposure with the HAA membership through the special recognition of the lapel pin, blue jackets and patches that are awarded to recruiters. You are helping to strengthen your association with the addition of new members and new involvement. Finally, the meetings are an opportunity to talk with your peers and develop lasting personal and business relationships.

Honorary Life Members

1. An HAA volunteer who recruits one member will be eligible to attend the club meetings. The Membership Department can provide individuals with the leads of names of companies interested in membership.

3. When a Go Getter recruits 15 members, verified by HAA, the Go Getter will receive a blue blazer with the a club patch and be recognized at the Annual Business Meeting each year.

4. When a Go-Getter recruits 25, 50, 75 and 100 members, verified by HAA, the Go Getter will receive a new patch for each level to attach to their blue blazer.

5. At 100 members recruited, the individual will also have the distinction of being listed as an Honorary Life Member in the HAA.

Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount

Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks

6. Each year, one individual from the club is selected as the HAA Go-Getter of the Year and is recognized at the Honors Awards program for the previous year’s work.

7. All rules, additions or changes will be the responsibility of the Membership Committee with the final responsibility for any actions subject to approval by the HAA Board of Directors.

THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE of the Houston Apartment Association. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and the association grow for the future.

To join the club and get going on recruitment, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact Amanda and Kaylon in the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org.

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2021 Chairs:

Go-Getter Recruitment Levels Aspiring Go Getter

Melissa Friend Greystar

1

Official Go Getter

10

Elite Go Getter

15

TAA Winner’s Circle

25

Royal Go Getter

50

TAA Triple Crown Club

75

Honorary Life Member

100

TAA Shining Star

125

Doug Oehl Flooring Warehouse

Check the Go-Getters Corner for upcoming quarterly meeting dates to come in April, July, September and December!

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for more information.

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The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

SAFE AND NO SOUND

The Ambassadors mask up and put on headphones for their first “silent” meeting.

2021 Chairs

Mark your calendars and join us!

Ambassador ONE Society meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month:

Ambassador Ace

January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3

Marivel Bownds, CAS Valet Living

Ryan Weis Crestmark Construction Services

Shaun Callaway, CAS Earthworks

Tito Estrada One Source Realty Advisors

Team Stay Classy

Team The Bomb Squad

Liz Levins, CAS Rasa Floors Team The Bomb Squad

Giovanna Gone, CAM Century A/C Supply

Marcy Holmes, CAPS Design by Holmes Interior Design

Team Green Machine

Team The Bomb Squad

The first quarter meeting spot is Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, 77055

Amanda Kelly, CAS Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services LLC

Tracey LeachMoore, CAS Flooring Warehouse

Team Green Machine

Karen Nelsen, CAS ALN Apartment Data Inc.

Matthew Nunn, CAS Capital Construction

Team The Bomb Squad

Team The Bomb Squad

Phillip Price HD Supply Team Stay Classy

Joey Rodriguez, CAS The Urban Foresters

Blaise Spitaleri, CAS Gemstar Construction

Blake Subinsky, CAS HD Supply

Team Stay Classy

Team Green Machine

Team Green Machine

THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details on how to join and for meeting dates, visit www.haaonline.org/ambassadors or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org.

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Team photos at left, from top: Stay Classy Green Machine The Bomb Squad

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Did you know HAA has a YouTube Channel?

Just Click

on HAATV

The Houston Apartment Association’s YouTube Channel features a wealth of information on legislation, education, HAA history and much more!

Don’t miss our “Expert Exchange”micro-webinar series featuring industry experts who answer the top questions concerning current and pressing topics.

Catch up with HAA General Counsel Howard Bookstaff for The Legal Lowdown featuring guidance on hot legal topics affecting the multifamily industry.

See lots of educational videos and seminars recorded to watch at your convenience.

Check out our videos of members networking at past events and historic moments.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel HAATV to get notices of new content.

Subscribe today at https://www.youtube.com/user/HAATV

Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Allied Orion Group: La Villita, 308 units at 5959 Bonhomme Road and Hollister Oaks, 60 units at 1920 Hollister St. • Arcturus Income Property Management: Vanderbilt Lodge Apartments, 106 units at 12660 Medfield Drive.

• Asset Living: Tiburon, 320 units at 8989 West Road; Timbergrove Heights, 96 units at 1600 W. TC Jester Blvd.; and 2121 Ella, 121 units at 2121 Ella Blvd.

• Calidum: Calidum - Properties, 2 units at various locations.

• Chad & Lee Ann Haglin: Chad & Lee Ann Aglin - Properties, 1 unit at various locations.

• Disrupt Management: Costa Mesa Multifamily, 151 units at 14150 Tomball Parkway and La Bella Vista Apartments, 153 units at 3600 S. Shaver St. South.

• Gray Spear Capital: Oaklawn Court, 82 units at 9225 Long Point Road; Redstone Apartments, 66 units at 5401 Werner St.; and Jade Forest Apartments, 76 units at 9301 Clay Road.

• Greystar: Skyhouse South, 338 units at 1725 Main St.; Skyhouse North, 336 units at 1625 Main St.; Hammerly Oaks, 520 units at 8791 Hammerly Blvd; Northchase Village, 232 units at 4522 Sylvanfield Blvd.; Summit at Champions East, 272 units at 14365 Cornerstone Village Drive; 3 Corners West, 389 units at 10105 Kempwood Drive; 3 Corners North, 388 10010 Kempwood Drive; and 3 Corners East 327 units at 9999 Kempwood Drive.

• Greystone Property Management: Park at Clear Creek, 76 units at 111 Clear Creek St., Hempstead.

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• Hettig Management: Law Harrington Senior Living, 112 units at 2222 Cleburne St. • Knightvest Management: San Simeon Luxury Living, 431 units at 2121 Allen Parkway.

• Lincoln Property Company: The McAdams, 333 12000 Barryknoll Lane.

• Lionsmark Investment Group: 11Eleven Apartments, 316 1111 Blalock Road.

• LumaCorp: Delray, 206 units at 1715 Enclave Parkway and Highline Urban Loft, 273 units at 25222 Northwest Freeway, Cypress.

• The Mitchell Company: Whispering Oaks, 140 units at 1200 North Loop 336 West, Conroe.

• The NRP Group: The Exchange, 300 units at 1250 Leona St. • Pinnacle: Amber Pines at Foster’s Ridge, 124 units at 9811 Laurel Lake Lane, Conroe.

• REEP Management: Chartwell Court, 243 units at 15100 Ella Blvd.

• Roscoe Properties: Bayou on the Bend, 241 units at 5201 Memorial Drive.

• RREAF Residential: Baystone Apartments, 289 units at 800 W. Nasa Parkway, Webster and The Vanderbilt, 416 units at 13110 Kuykendahl Road.

• SBCG Construction: The Grove at Spring Branch, 45 units at 2158 Ojeman Road.

• Sentinel Peak/Summit Properties: The Linc at Cypress, 176 units at 10730 Glenora Drive.

• SI Communities: Palms of Alvin, 35 units at 1201 W. South St and Las Varandas Del Sur Apartments, 240 units at 10003 Forum West Drive.

www.haaonline.org

• Stonemark Management Company: Brazos Crossing, 309 units at 4501 Brazosport Blvd. North, Clute.

• Tarantino Properties: The Fields Woodlake Square, 256 units at 2630 Tanglewilde St. • TBD Management/Wan Bridge Group: Brownstones at Regent Manor, 256 units at 2630 Tanglewilde St. and The Villas at Kings Harbor, 20 units at 1730 Billfish Blvd.

• The Life Property Management: The Life at Timber Ridge II, 124 units at 5335 Aldine Bender Road and Timber Ridge I, 192 units at 5350 Aeropark Drive.

• United Apartment Group: Richmond Towne Homes, 188 units at 10777 Richmond Ave. • Venterra Realty: The Retreat, 240 units at 10221 Beechnut Road, Richmond.

• Village Green: Villas at River Park West, 252 units at 21811 Wildwood Park Drive, Richmond.

• Watermark Residential: Watermark at Grand Central Park, 288 units at 300 Town Park Drive, Conroe.

• Western Wealth Communities: Rayford’s Edge, 376 units at 25650 Interstate 45 North, Spring; Oak Grove Apartment Homes, 272 units at 10770 Barely Lane; Regency Park, 348 units at 11300 Regency Green Drive, Cypress; and Wimbledon Apartments, 161 units at 16222 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring.

• WGA Legacy Property Management: Residence at Westchase, 128 units at 3411 Walnut Bend Lane.

• Wilhoit Properties: Lansbourough Apartment, 176 units at 10010 Cullen Blvd.

• Wood Residential Services: Alta West Alabama, 304 units at 3623 W. Alabama St.

In the News The Texas Medical Board approves Karya Kares Clinic of Karya Property Management.

“Opening a clinic is no insignificant task and this being free to those who cannot afford healthcare and offering preventive care as an approach will be part of all of our legacy and impact we have while we are here,” the press release reads. An official opening date will be announced soon.

Learn More about Karya Kares at KaryaKares.org.

With great sadness, we announce the loss of a beloved HAA member, Edward Joseph “Jodie” Hoffer, of Hoffer Furnitre. He passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 8 surrounded by his children at his home here in Houston.

Read his full obituary here: https://www. dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/ edward-hoffer-9936141.

The Houston Chronicle features the HAA Honors Awards on Nov. 17. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ real-estate/article/Photos-Houston-Apartment-Association-honors-15730546.php www.haaonline.org

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was

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Search online for Property and Address listings. Go to:

www.haaonline.org/directory Searchable by zip, street address and more!

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Do you really know your applicants?

Comprehensive applicant screening tools available today can uncover financial and criminal background information. Proper screening can also reveal identity fraud issues, including stolen and fabricated identities, which may result in costly problems.

The Houston Apartment Association’s Rental Credit Reporting and CoreLogic have partnered to offer numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access.

RCR provides Houston’s apartment industry with the most effective rental credit reporting tool available. RCR was established in 1977 to solve screening problems HAA founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region and gives your leasing staff immediate access to information about which prospects have fulfilled their leases and who have been residents in good standing. RCR also tells you who hasn’t paid rent, who has broken leases and who has received their deposit refund.

a service of

in partnership with

To subscribe or to learn more, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org.

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Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Landscape Contractors

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

Laundry Equipment & Supplies

Texas Southwest Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 800-719-4321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.texasswfloors.com

Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com

Collection Agencies

Locks & Locksmiths

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

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

Electric Contractors

Personnel Agency

Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . .29 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Plumbing Contractors AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com

Foundation Repair Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Resident Screening Service General Contractors Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com

CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.corelogic.com

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

Resurfacing

Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . .49 713-426-6161 . . . . . . . . . . .www.crestmarkservices.com

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

FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com

Screens

Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . . . .1 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 713-266-9100

HAA reserves the right to reject any advertising if its content is inappropriate or inconsistent with HAA’s standards for publication or HAA’s business interests, in HAA’s sole opinion.

TARGET QUALIFIED LEADS With HAA’s job board, you’ll discover a professional community that’s committed to helping you find the right candidate or your next job opportunity in the greater Houston and surrounding areas.

www.haaonline.org jobs@haaonline.org 713-595-0300

Security Control Equipment/Systems SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com Swimming Pool Service Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com Trash Hauling Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com

Insurance Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

HAA Products & Services

www.haaonline.org/rcr

Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode.

Or view this issue on your computer, iPad or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_feb2021.

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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1050 – • • • • • •

HOUSTON Snapshot 88.8% $1,038/mo. $1.17/sq.ft./mo.

885 sq.ft.

Recently Opened (12 months): 85 communities 23,983 units

1000 –

– 90.0

975 – – 89.0

– 88.0

Under Construction: 61 communities 17,152 units

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,903 communities 684,821 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Past 12 Months: -1.7% rental rate growth 11,309 units absorbed

1025 –

•

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Dec 20

Nov 20

Oct 20

Sep 20

Aug 20

Jul 20

Jun 20

Apr 20

May 20

Mar 20

Feb 20

Dec 19

Jan 20

Nov 19

Oct 19

Sep 19

Jul 19

Aug 19

Jun 19

May 19

Apr 19

Mar 19

Proposed Construction: 96 communities 27,681 units

Feb 19

Jan 19

– 87.0

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months

Concessions

Annualized % of Market Rank Submarket Absorbed 1 Sugar Land/Stafford/Sienna 5.8% 2 Highland Village/Upper Kirby/West U 4.4% 3 Tomball/Spring 1.0% 4 Northeast Houston/Crosby 2.7% 5 Bear Creek/Copperfield/Fairfield 4.3%

Rental Rate Growth % 1.1% 0.5% 1.7% 0.9% 0.3%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 357,541 A 110,393 B 145,236 C 91,073 D 10,839

% of Total Units 52% 69% 50% 47% 27%

Average Special -4.1% -6.8% -2.9% -2.6% -1.8%

Citywide Effect -7.3% -9.7% -5.7% -5.5% -6.2%

One Month Free = -8.33%

THE FIRST TABLE ABOVE GIVES A SNAPSHOT of the current market conditions. The graph displays the overall occupancy and effective rental rates over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities in the Houston region. The effective rental rates are the calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The second table lists the five hottest submarkets in the Greater Houston area. There are a total of 42 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past three months. The third table distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification.

Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free or floor plans. The effect of these specials is captured and prorated over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents.

TEXAS

Dallas/Ft. Worth

San Antonio

Austin

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

90.9% $1,164/mo. $1.33/sq.ft./mo.

877 sq.ft.

90.6% $984/mo. $1.15/sq.ft./mo.

855 sq.ft.

88.6% $1,251/mo. $1.43¢/sq.ft./mo.

875 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 0.1% rental rate growth 19,615 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 0.7% rental rate growth 6,120 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: -5.1% rental rate growth 6,122 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,234 communities 769,661 units

Operating Supply: 947 communities 202,477 units

Operating Supply: 1,066 communities 251,687 units

www.haaonline.org

ApartmentData.com has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986.

ApartmentData.com provides real-time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for more than 3.5 million apartment units in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee.

For more information, contact Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2021 ApartmentData.com February 2021

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Back Page

with News from around the COMMUNITY

“Elf Squad” to the Rescue Multifamily industry members hold holiday event benefitting hospitality workers.

Property management members and supplier partners held their second annual holiday “Elfing.” Created in 2019 by HAA members Michelle Croasmun, Joe Slaughter, Diane Gilbert, Kevin Fenn and Lisa Kennedy, this year’s Elf Squad focused on supporting hospitality workers and low end restaurants in and around the Houston area, including Tomball, Katy, League City and more. Groups of “elves” visited numerous local establishments and gave large tips for the waitstaff. More than $12,550 was raised and distributed helping a lot of essential workers get through the holiday season.

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Return Service Requested

HONORS AWARDS MAINTENANCE, SUPPLIERS AND EXECUTIVES

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

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February 2021

ABODE • FEBRUARY 2021 • VOLUME 44, ISSUE 2

Best The

of the Best

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Maintenance • Suppliers • Management Executives Meet more of HAA’s 2020 Honors Awards Winners in our continuing coverage