ABODE June 2018

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THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

ABODE June 2018

From an insurance and risk management standpoint, how do owners and management companies properly prepare?

Hurricane Season Fraudulent Leasing Activity Tips to help apartment owners and managers avoid fraudulent activity and minimize loss.

We See You at Maintenance Mania, Supplier Education Seminar, Outlying Redbook Seminars, NEXT Bingo and much more!

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CONTENTS June 2018

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

44

30 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Outlying Redbook Seminars in Lake Jackson and The Woodlands.

Prepare for Hurricane Season – Is it really hurricane season already? It certainly feels as if it was just yesterday that Hurricane Harvey plummeted through Houston. From an insurance and risk management standpoint, how do owners and management companies properly prepare? Find out on Page 44.

Cover Photo © Trong Nguyen | Dreamstime.com

32 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Maintenance Mania.

38 On the Houston Market – Taking a close look into the current real estate cycle.

44 Prepare for Hurricane Season – Take a risk management approach to hurricane preparation.

48 Online Marketing Tools for 2018 – How can you grab your targeted audience’s attention within the first three seconds?

52 Are You Using All Your Strength? – Being a leader means knowing when and how to receive as well as give.

54 How Safe is Your Playground? – Determine if your playground is safe with this checklist.

56 On the Scene – Photos from the NEXT Beer & Bingo.

58 On the Scene – Photos from the HAAPAC TopGolf Fundraiser.

62 On the Scene – Photos from the Supplier Education Program.

72 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at another randomly selected HAA member property.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – With each event and legislative effort, we are working toward an elevated association.

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Camp Construction Services.

9 Legislative Update – Elections, a retirement and a resignation mean we will see new faces in Houstonarea courts.

11 It’s The Law – Here are tips to help apartment owners and managers avoid fraudulent leasing activity and minimize loss.

14 Resident Relations – A resident questions cleaning charges.

19 Upcoming Education – Find out what education courses the Houston Apartment Foundation is offering in June and July.

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

28 On the Road with HAA – See photos from the Katy Region Onsite Goes Offsite happy hour.

64 Meet Who’s NEXT – Here’s our monthly 40 questions for a NEXTer. 66 Go-Getters – Celebrate Membership!

67 Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members.

68 The Ambassador ONE Society – The Ambassadors make connections.

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 BackPage – News from around the community.

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

www.haaonline.org

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP STARLA TURNBO President-Elect

JOHN BORIACK Vice President at Large

MICHELLE PAWELEK President

DIANE GILBERT Vice President at Large

BARBY LAKE Vice President at Large CLAY HICKS Secretary/Treasurer

CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ Vice President at Large

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

JEFF HALL Executive VP

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kyle Brown, Immediate Past President Josh Allen Mack Armstrong Cyrus Bahrami Jeff Blevins John Boriack Kyle Brown Joe Bryson Tina Cavaco Grant Crowell Scott Douglas Ian Douglas Gina Erwin John Fedorko Israel Garza Diane Gilbert Stephanie Graves Ira Gross Alison Hall Bryan Head Clay Hicks Deborah Holcombe Jacob Kunath Barby Lake Laura Lestus David Lindley Robert Lopes Sonia Lopez Kristin McLaughlin Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley Michelle Pahl Velissa Parmer Jenifer Paneral Mark Park Michelle Pawelek Jackie Rhone Christy Rodriguez Kelly Scott Kurt Seidel Kim Small Debbie Sulzer Starla Turnbo Shelley Watson Quintina Willis Tracie Yoder

DIRECTORS EMERITUS Ken Bohan Gary Blumberg Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Darlene Guidry Jenard Gross David Hargrove Larry Hill Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt David Jones Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers P. David Onanian John Ridgway Eileen Subinsky Steve Sweet Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley H.J. Tollett Pat Tollett Vic Vacek Jr. Beth Van Winkle Jerry Winograd ADVISORY DIRECTORS Terri Clifton Brenda Crawford Tamara Foster Billy Griffin Mary Lawler Cesar Lima Karen Nelsen Lindsay Torres Laura Van Dyck Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson

Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS Grant Crowell, CAS, President The Urban Foresters Jacob Kunath, CAS, Vice President Century A/C Supply Laura Lestus, CAS, Secretary The Liberty Group David Lindley, CAS, Treasurer FSI Construction Inc. Israel Garza, CAS, Immediate Past President Maintenance Supply Headquarters MEMBERS Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living Dixie Caldwell-Greer, CAS, The Liberty Group Peggy Charles, CASE, Sunny Rock International LLC Dylan Coleman, CAS Camp Construction Services Deborah DeRouen, CAS, Respage Derek DeVries, CAS, Camp Construction Services

Brian Febbo, CAS FSI Construction Dan James, CAS Redevelopment Services Debra Knight, CAS, Valet Living Stephanie Krop, CASE, Poolsure Liz Levins, CAS, Rasa Floors Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers Doug Oehl, CAS Power Express Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, The Urban Foresters Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Rasa Floors Mat Tilley, CAS, WeDoTrash PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1986 Craven Carpet 1994 AAA Plumbers Presto Maintenance Supply 1996 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1997 RentPath 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2003 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. Dixie Carpet Installations 2009 Camp Construction Services 2013 Interior Logic Group Property Services

SPONSOR MEMBERS 1968 Century A/C Supply Hoover Slovacek LLP Reliant 1973 Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc.

CORT Furniture Rental 1974 Mueller Water Conditioning 1976 Great American Business Products 1977 Webb Pest Control 1978 Houston Metro Electrical Corp.

The Liberty Group 1981 AmRent Marvin F. Poer & Company 1983 Namco Mfg. Co. Inc. Sherwin Williams Company 1984 RENCON 1985 Gemstar Construction Development Inc. 1986 ApartmentData.com 1988 Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects Inc. 1992 Alexander-Rose Associates Saint Clair & Sons Inc. 1998 AAA Staffing Ltd. CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions 2000 Moveforfree.com Inc. Pura Flo Corporation 2001 Apartment Life Inc. 2002 Alphagraphics Houston Galleria American Fire Systems Direct Energy LP Southwest Painting Contractors Inc. 2003 Sign-Ups & Banners 2005 LSR Multifamily Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management United Protective Services 2006 Bell’s Laundries CAD Restoration Services DoodyCalls Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Masonry Solutions Inc. Roto-Rooter Services Co. TXU Energy Multifamily Services Valet Living 2008 ARE Business Solutions Flavor Finish Resurfacing HARCO Insurance Services Texas Turf Management 2009 Contractors Inc. Moen Inc. Redevelopment Services Storm Maintenance & Monitoring 2010 ALN Apartment Data Inc. BAC Products Belfor Property Restoration Certified Termite and Pest Control FTK Construction Services 2011 DNM Contracting Inc. Fantastic Floors Greenway Environmental Services Infinite Energy Inc. Parking Management Company/PMC Towing 2012 ABC Supply Co. Inc. Accent Sign & Awning Co. BGE/Brown & Gay Engineers Cantrell McCulloch Inc. EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Floor and Decor Giordano Construction GoStaff Inc. Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc. Nationwide Eviction Texas Concrete Professional Company 2013 ACTIV Answer by Audio Images Arbor Contract Carpet ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Capitol Wrecker LLC Comcast Gambit Construction

Outdoor Elements Pool Works LLC StoveTop FireStop Tidal Renovations LLC 2014 Adventure Playground Systems Inc. Chadwell Supply Classic Same Day Blinds D & G Quality Roofing J National Jonah Systems LLC MX2 Commercial Paving Pathfinder Insurance Group Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Texas Apartment Pool Services The Katy Plumbing Co. WCA Waste Corporation Zillow Group 2015 Air Pro Systems America Outdoor Furniture American Painting & Renovations Inc. ASAP Personnel Inc. BSI Cameras Onsite CertaPro Painters Competitive Choice Inc. CSILED.com DeNyse Companies Division-9 Inc. Fix My Slab Foundation Repair Fulton Law Group PLLC Gateman Inc. Goes Heating Systems Greater Houston Pool Management Holder’s Pest Control Infinity Power Partners Kathy Andrews Interiors Lane Law Firm Notifii LLC Pace Mechanical Services Power Express The Allshouse Group LLC Torocon Services LLC Wilsonart 2016 Action Window Coverings Inc. Allied Fire Protection, LP Bath Fitter Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete E-Systems Pest Management Inc. Ecolo Environmental Inc. Embark Services Fidus Construction Services Fun Abounds Furniture Options Green City Recycler Green City Security Green Days Lawn Care Guardian Chimney Sweep Halo Doors Inc. Hive JLL Johnstone Supply Kastle Systems KONE Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting Liquid Waste Solutions Manning Pool Service McCann Total Security Solutions Murrah & Killough PLLC Paul Davis Restoration North Houston Pet and Playground Products Quantum Fitness RAM Construction RoofTec Ross Fried Consulting Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing Sustain-Ability Solutions Texas Southwest Floors The Home Depot ValencePM WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems WellKept Whitmans Contracting and Roofing 2017 911 Security Cameras, Inc. ACT Security Group Action Gypsum Supply Advanced Property Services All About Doody Pet Soutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc. Allegion American Fire Protection Group Anderson Restoration Apartment Total Services APTexx Inc. Aquatic Training Institute ARK Appliances BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning South Houston Brooklet Energy Distribution Buddy's Roofing & Construction Co

Byte Time Computing Cano Electric Inc. City Supply Co. Inc. Classic Towing Continental Adjusters Creative Surface Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc. D&C Painting Designs by Holmes Disaster America Disaster Restore 365 Eagle Restore LLC Energy Ogre Ernie Smith and Sons Roofing LLC Fast Forward Services LLC Finishes Etc LLC Flooring4.Us Frost Insurance Agency Gage Multifamily Services General Recon LLC Genesis Panel Systems Gravely & Pearson LLP Griddy Energy H Town Movers and HVAC Services Henley & Henley PC Houston SEAL Patrol Division LLC Lithotech Printed Products/Forms Center Maven Auto Detailing McMahan's Flooring Inc. Media Nation Outdoor MPS Direct Norman Construction NorthMarq Capital On Site Towing LLC Pack-It Movers Paragon Roofing Inc. Paul Ryan Windows POPIC Quick Relief Restoration Re-Mark Technologies Group LLC RealState Investments Rent Accelerator Residential Waste Service Roof Top Innovations Rutherford Services Inc. SEAL Security Solutions Secure Insurance Securecomm Inc. Special Touch Landscaping State Sign - A Comet Signs Company Student Movers Inc. Swiff-Train Company Symmons Industries TD Waterproofing Inc. Texas Crime Prevention Agency Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting Texas Eviction LLC Top Notch Fitness & Wellness USA Patrol Division Vima Decor WBI General Contractor Willbanks & Associates 2018 A Homestead Specialist LLC A Quick Restoration Inc AirAide LLC Apartment Lines Archcon Assa Abloy Bank Financial Belvoir Real Estate Group LLC Benjamin Moore Galveston Bay Paint & Decorating CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction ClearView Landscape Management Core 24/7 Restoration Services EDR Construction Finish Factory Inc. Globus Management Group Good Guys of Texas Homeland Protective Services Justice Patrol Services LLC Lone Star General MirrorMate Frames Mosquito Scott Pest Control NGC Renovation O’Conor, Mason & Bone PC PERQ LLC Phoenix Roofing & Construction Poolworx Preventive Pest Control Rent Debt Automated Collections Royalty Landscape Spray and Play Strickland Law Firm PLLC Surface Designers Remodeling Inc. TDECU Insurance Agency Technogym Texas Premier Builders/Designs TNCPA Wellman Exteriors Wildlife Removal Experts LLC Windstorm Restoration Wonder Wall Wraps Inc.

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ABODE JUNE 2018 I VOLUME 41, ISSUE 6

Executive Vice President and Publisher

JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF

Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Writer/Editor MORGAN TAYLOR mtaylor@haaonline.org ADVERTISING

Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF

Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP ehilton@haaonline.org Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE ateas@haaonline.org 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 EMILY BANNWARTH, CMP ebannwarth@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Education and Meetings Coordinator KAREN MITCHELL kmitchell@haaonline.org Strategic Growth Manager LAUREN TURNER, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Coordinator LAUREN WOLFSON lwolfson@haaonline.org Public Affairs Specialist ALPA PATEL apatel@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER

TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com HOUSTON COMMITTEE Executive Program & Budget Nominating Ethics Investment Fair Housing By-Laws Past Presidents Council Strategic Outreach Legislative HAA Political Action Committee Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Developers Century Club PAC Fundraising Media Relations Golf Leadership Development Product Service Council Community Outreach Resident Relations Appeals Resident Relations A Resident Relations B Membership Ambassador ONE Society 2018 Expo IROC Education Advisory Council Career/Community Development NEXT HAF Fundraiser Property Awards HAA Street Team

APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR MICHELLE PAWELEK JEFF HALL STARLA TURNBO JEFF HALL KYLE BROWN JEFF HALL BETH VAN WINKLE JEFF HALL CLAY HICKS JEFF HALL KAREN NELSON JEFF HALL ALISON HALL JEFF HALL JENIFER PANERAL JEFF HALL CLAY HICKS LAUREN TURNER STARLA TURNBO ANDY TEAS STACY HUNT/JOHN RIDGWAY ANDY TEAS JOHN FEDORKO ANDY TEAS CYRUS BAHRAMI ANDY TEAS DAVID LINDLEY ALPA PATEL DAVID JONES ALPA PATEL DEBORAH HOLCOMBE ALPA PATEL KIM SMALL ALPA PATEL JACKIE RHONE SUSAN HINKLEY GRANT CROWELL SUSAN HINKLEY QUINTINA WILLIS SUSAN HINKLEY DARLENE GUIDRY MATILDE LUNA ELAINE LEEPER MATILDE LUNA KATHY MOTIS MATILDE LUNA TINA CAVACO AMANDA SHERBONDY DEBORAH DEROUEN/DEREK DEVRIES AMANDA SHERBONDY JACOB KUNATH AMANDA SHERBONDY STEPHANIE BRYSON EMILY HILTON STEPHANIE GRAVES/MONICA GRACIA EMILY HILTON KELLY SUESS EMILY HILTON LINDSAY TORRES/DAVID LINDLEY EMILY HILTON MICHELLE PAHL/DAN JAMES EMILY BANNWARTH RICHARD WALL/PENNY SPRANG TINA DEFIORE BRANDON THOMAS LAUREN WOLFSON

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MISSION AND VISION HAA is the leading advocate, resource and community partner for quality rental housing providers in the Houston and surrounding area. HAA develops leadership in the multifamily industry by engaging broadly diverse membership, embracing effective technology and advocating for a geographically inclusive association.

Visit HAA Online at www.haaonline.org ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION. Serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties.

ABODE, JUNE 2018 VOLUME 41, ISSUE 6 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 © 2018 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

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

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Celebrate theBest!

T

Don’t miss our annual toast to the best and brightest in multifamily.

Join us for the 2018 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards Ceremony.

T T

T T

Thursday, June 28 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hilton Americas 1600 Lamar St., Houston, Texas 77010

$105/person Don’t miss the Early Bird Discount: Save $20 – Only $85 if payment is received by June 22

Individual Awards sponsored by

Tables of 10 may be reserved by company name when paid in full.

All major credit cards accepted online, by phone, by email and in person. Requests for refunds must be received in writing by end of business day on June 22, and will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after June 22 or for no shows.

No refunds will be given for individual tickets, but tickets are fully transferable.

Property Awards sponsored by

For reservations and information, contact events@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

Red Carpet sponsor

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President’s Corner

By MICHELLE PAWELEK, CPM, CAPS, 2018 HAA President

ELEVATED LEADERSHIP With each event and legislative effort, we are working toward an elevated association.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HAA Education Conference & Expo is behind us. This event is such a great source of energy where ideas and new relationships are cultivated. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for our supplier partners who exhibited this year, and recognize our Product Service Council for their endless support and generosity to our association. HAA supplier partners continuously demonstrate their support and commitment to our industry, and their time, energy and resources are always valued.

I would also like to extend my thanks to the volunteers from all aspects of our industry who put in great effort to make the event a success. In particular, I want to recognize the accomplishments of the Expo Committee, sponsors, exhibitors, HAA staff and event chairs Jacob Kunath, Century A/C Supply, and Stephanie Graves, Q10 Property Advisors. Together, these industry professionals work hard to make our annual conference and expo one of the leading events in our industry.

Helping Families Mayor Sylvester Turner and his team have worked diligently to find a way to place fami-

www.haaonline.org

lies who are voucher recipients in better opportunity schools. They hit a home run in finding a way to manage the burden of a typical voucher program internally through NestQuest, a 501C program. Now apartment owners can easily help low-income families by simply leasing a “corporate apartment” to NestQuest. You can learn more about how you can support this much needed program by calling Isabel Lopez of NestQuest Houston at 281-451-1297.

Harris County Flood Control Speaking of Harvey and support, Gov. Greg Abbott approved the request to call a multibillion-dollar bond election to pay for flood control measures on Aug. 25, the one-year anniversary of the storm. Abbott granted Harris County’s request to call this “emergency special election” in spite of his goal to reduce property taxes, which is unlikely to happen if this election moves in favor of the bond. The HAA Political Action Committee will be watching this bond measure, and HAA will continue to update its members as more details are released.

Honors Awards Join us on Thursday, June 8 to recognize the top communities and professionals in our industry. The HAA Honors Awards is a wonderful way to acknowledge and celebrate industry excellence, and even if you did not nominate or receive a nomination, you can still treat your team to an evening dedicated to celebrating who we are and what we do. In addition to celebrating award winners, we are honoring Harvey Heroes as well as recognizing new NAA credential holders. See the facing page (Page 6) or you can visit www.haaonline.org for details and registration.

In this Issue Houston’s apartment market seems to be a hotbed of activity these days. Be sure to check out the market report beginning on Page 28 for an analysis of the current real estate cycle.

I encourage you all to also read the article titled “Are You Using All Your Strength?” on Page 52. It was written by my friend, Greystar’s Senior Director of Team Member Development, Shannon Littlejohn-Smith, who supports my goal of enriching leadership development.

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

Houston Planned Energy Systems

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Interior Logic Group Property Services

HAA Member since 1982

Presto Maintenance Supply HAA Member since 1983

CSC ServiceWorks HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services HAA Member since 1994

June Patron of the Month

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June 2018

HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers HAA Member since 1984

FSI Construction Inc. HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations HAA Member since 1987

RentPath HAA Member since 1979

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Legislative Update

By STARLA TURNBO, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

NEW JUDGES

Elections, a retirement and a resignation mean we will see new faces in Houston-area courts.

DUE TO AN election upset, a resignation and a retirement, Harris County will have a new justice of the peace, and will have at least two more next year along with at least two new county civil court judges.

In a down-ballot Democratic primary election, longtime Judge Don Coffee was defeated by political newcomer Lucia Bates. Bates owns her own marketing business after a long career in print advertising with Houston Community Newspapers and the Houston Chronicle. Bates will have a lot to learn in her new job, but seems eager to get up to speed. She has been watching different justice of the peace courts, and hopes to spend a lot of time shadowing Judge Joe Stephens, who presides over the court that serves East Harris County’s Precinct 3.

Following the resignation of Judge Hilary Green, Harris County commissioners unanimously appointed attorney Reggie Fox to fill the remainder of Green’s term in Precinct 7, Place 1.

Fox is an experienced attorney who has spent a 25-year career with Lone Star Legal Aid, where he has represented indigent clients in a wide variety of cases, including landlord-tenant law.

For the other court serving Precinct 7, a long list of candidates to succeed Judge Zinetta Burney was reduced to two in the March Democratic primary, and will have been decided in a runoff election in late May by the time you read this. Either Burney’s daughter, Attorney Sharon Burney, or her opponent Cheryl Elliott Thornton, will likely preside over the Precinct 7, Place 2, court starting in January.

HAA members owe judges Coffee, Green and Burney a huge thank you for their many years serving the citizens of Harris County. Justice of the peace is probably the toughest job a judge

can have. It’s the only court in The Houston Apartment Association takes a nonTexas that handles both criminal and civil cases. Most litigants partisan approach to judicial endorsements. In our appear without legal represenview, “Republican” or “Democrat” shouldn’t matter tation and with little experience, on the bench. Like most citizens, apartment owners which leads to a lot of confuand managers want judges who will follow the law, sion, and the caseloads are respect a lease agreed to by all parties, and enormous. move cases quickly and efficiently.

As every manager knows, an eviction case appealed from a justice of the peace court in Harris County goes to one of our four county civiljudges who will follow the law, respect a lease court-at-law judges. At least two of those courts agreed to by all parties, and move cases quickly will have new judges next year. In Court No. 4, and efficiently. We’ve worked with great Demothe retirement of longtime Judge Roberta Lloyd cratic judges and great Republican judges – has set up a general election contest between many of whom came to the job with no judicial Republican nominee Sophia Mafrige and Demexperience or legal training. There are only two ocratic nominee Jim Kovach. In Court No. 2, courts where the judge doesn’t have to be an atJudge Theresa Chang was defeated in the Retorney: Justice of the Peace Court and U.S. publican primary by Assistant County Attorney Supreme Court (By tradition, U.S. Supreme Erin Swanson, who will face Democratic nomiCourt judges are always licensed attorneys). In nee Bill McLeod in November. Court No. 1 will rural counties, the justice of the peace is the have an interesting race this fall as well. Two person who gets called out in the middle of the years ago, Judge Clyde Leuchtag was defeated night on an “inquest” – to declare someone

by George Barnstone. This fall will feature a redead. Luckily for our busy justices of the peace, match, as both were unopposed in their respecHarris County has long had a professional medtive party primaries in March. In a departure ical examiner’s office to handle that unpleasant from the vindictive politics to which we’ve sadly part of the job. grown accustomed these days, Democrat BarnTo get more involved choosing your judges, stone and Republican Leuchtag are good consider joining the HAAPAC. The HAAPAC friends, and rode together to the Houston spends a lot of time and attention meeting with Apartment Association Political Action Comcandidates for justice of the peace and county mitttee’s screening meeting last December. civil courts, and your contributions to the fund The Houston Apartment Association takes a help us back the best for election and reelecnon-partisan approach to judicial endorsetion. Most industry groups pay no attention to ments. In our view, “Republican” or “Democrat” justice of the peace courts, so our attention and shouldn’t matter on the bench. Like most citiendorsement can mean a lot. Go to zens, apartment owners and managers want haaonline.org/haapac for more information.

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Inexpensive and specific for employers/recruiters: • Specific to the multifamily industry, narrowing your search.

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June 2018

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It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY

Here are tips to help apartment owners and managers avoid fraudulent leasing activity and minimize loss.

THE FEDERAL TRADE Commission reported on its website that there were 2.68 million consumer complaints regarding fraud in 2017, which equals $905 million dollars in losses. Imposter scams were the third most common consumer complaint (behind debt collection and identity theft). Consumers reported losing substantially more money to imposter scams – a total of 328 million – than any other type of fraud.

Unfortunately, many in the apartment industry fall victim to fraud and imposter scams in connection with leasing. Let’s look at a few tips that may help you avoid certain fraudulent activity and minimize potential damages.

Review corporate housing policies.

Fraudulent activity often occurs when you engage in corporate housing without knowing exactly who you are leasing to. If an individual wants to avoid certain criminal, credit and rental background checks, they may request that a lease be put into a company name as opposed to their individual name.

Without the right policies in place, they may be able to get away with leasing in the company’s name, defaulting on the lease and leaving you with little or no recourse against an insolvent resident.

Here are some tips when checking out a corporate housing resident: • Know who you are dealing with. Most companies that are organized entities need to file documents with the Texas Secretary of State office when they are organized. You can confirm whether a company is a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership or other legally organized entity by checking the secretary of state’s website at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/ sosda/index.shtml.

Companies that are properly organized (by filing documents with the Secretary of State office) that are doing business in something www.haaonline.org

other than its official legal Unfortunately, many in the apartment industry fall name, will be required to file victim to fraud and imposter scams in connection an assumed name certificate both in the secretary of state’s with leasing. Let’s look at a few tips that may help you records and the county in avoid certain fraudulent activity and minimize which they do business. You potential damages. can also check out an entity’s assumed name in the secretary of state’s records. all adult occupants in a corporate housing If a company is not required to be organsetting. This policy should extend to occuized by filing a document with the secretary pants that may move in during the term of of state, such as general partnerships or sole the corporate housing lease. proprietorships, the company would only be required to file an assumed name certificate Do not give keys out until the lease is in the county in which it does business. This fully signed. can be checked online by going to the appliPicture this: A husband and wife are resicable county clerk’s website. dents listed under the lease. The wife shows up • Have the lease signed by someone other first and says that the husband is out of town than the principal occupant. A red flag on business, but she tells you she needs to should go up if the occupant of the unit is the move in with her two kids right away because same person that signs the lease for the comthey have nowhere else to stay. You believe her pany-resident. Why is the person signing the and give her the keys and she moves in. lease on behalf of a company as opposed to About a month later, you still don’t have signing it individually? If the company is an the lease signed by both the husband and entity involved in some type of corporate wife (only the wife signed), and although the housing program, chances are the person residents paid their rent, they end up skipsigning the lease on behalf of the entity ping out at the end of the second month. would be an authorized representative who You send a final account statement to both is involved in the corporate housing program the husband and wife saying they are responfor the company, not an individual who sible for the reletting fee and accelerated rent wants to live in a unit. because they skipped out. The husband’s at• Know who is occupying your unit. Every torney calls and says you can’t hold the huscorporate housing lease agreement should band responsible because he didn’t sign the outline a procedure for identifying, checking lease. You can only hold the wife responsible, and approving all occupants residing in a but she has no income. You realize that it may unit. Adult occupants should undergo the be difficult to hold the husband responsible same nonmonetary checks that residents unfor breaching a lease that he did not sign. dergo in your community. If the companyA strict policy of requiring a lease be tenant is responsible for paying rent and all signed before keys are given out seems obviother charges under the lease, monetary ous; however, the problem still crops up checks (such as employment or income hisevery now and then. Don’t take promises that tory) may not be necessary. However, if you the lease will be signed at a later date! In this take steps to confirm the background of day and age of electronically signed docuother residents, you should do the same for ments, there should be no reason why the June 2018

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lease cannot be fully signed by all residents before any keys are distributed.

Be careful in checking and confirming identification.

Imposter scams have and will continue to be prevalent in our lives. It seems the more high-tech our society becomes, the more opportunity there is for bad actors to steal another person’s identity. In the apartment industry, bad actors could take advantage of leasing an apartment unit and then either living in the unit or subleasing the unit for a period of time until the owner finds out and does something about it.

The standard TAA application requires the applicant to provide several pieces of personal identifying information including birth date, social security number and driver’s license number. A red flag should go up if any of these do not match with the person that is applying. Further scrutiny is required. If these identifying factors don’t match up, you should find out why. If there is no reasonable explanation, it is possible that the person is not who they say they are. This would warrant a rejection of their application. If they

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somehow already leased, they can be evicted. Providing false information on the application is a violation of section 32.1 of the lease.

A strict policy of requiring a lease be signed before keys are given out seems obvious; however, the problem still crops up every now and then. Don’t take promises that the lease will be signed at a later date! In this day and age of electronically signed documents, there should be no reason why the lease cannot be fully signed by all residents before any keys are distributed.

Consider avoiding free rent specials.

Whether and to what extent you want to provide concessions is up to you. However, it may be beneficial from a fraud protection standpoint to spread free rent specials throughout the lease term as opposed to providing months where the resident does not have to pay any rent. Otherwise you are an attractive target to someone wanting to sign a lease with little or no payments up front. We have issues where persons gain residency, either live in the unit or sublet the unit for the free rent period, and then skip out. By requiring payments each month (by prorating any discount over the life of the lease), you will be able to find out sooner if a resident is not able to meet rent obligations.

Evict quickly if you find that fraud occurred.

No matter what steps you take to avoid fraudulent leasing activity, you may still have issues. Plan for it.

If you discover fraudulent activity, the quicker you take action, the less damages you will suffer. Remember, the eviction process is the same whether you are evicting a resident who engaged in an imposter scam or who was a run of the mill defaulting resident. Anticipate approximately three to four weeks for the eviction process to go through the Justice of the Peace Court and an additional three to four weeks if the case is appealed to the / See Law, Page 27

www.haaonline.org

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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

FINAL BILL

A resident questions cleaning charges.

A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with HAA to receive her security deposit and to dispute charges. The resident felt she was billed unfairly for cleaning charges and questioned her final bill statement, which included a water bill the resident thought was paid.

Management responded to HAA and that response was forwarded to the resident. Management charged the resident for a full paint, a carpet shampoo and other minute cleaning charges. Management even reduced the cost of the resurfacing service.

The resident moved out of the apartment community with a final utilities bill that equaled $158.33. Management felt the resident was charged accordingly. Enclosed were

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copies of the lease, application, The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide final utility bill, move-in/move-out an impartial review of resident complaints condition forms, notice to vacate, using the documentation provided by both the move-out statement and pictures.

The committee decided in favor resident and management. of the resident with adjustments made. The committee removed the full paint charge, which is considered normal fund the resident $111.67. wear and tear for a resident who lived in an If you are a manager with a resident apartment home for two years. The committee relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 also removed the cost of the carpet shampoo for direct assistance. Renters can be referred to from the resident’s move-out statement beHAA to speak to a trained consultant Wednescause management did not provide an invoice days from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursdays for that service. The final utility bill stood as is. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

After the adjustments made and other to 4 p.m. charges were justified, management is to re-

June 2018

www.haaonline.org

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Let Your Sponsorship

Take Flight!

Grab your passport! HAA is NOW BOARDING for the June Sponsorship Auction with opportunities to sponsor an upcoming event or meeting.

Flight Departs on Thursday, June 21

Events on the itinerary include the Dinerstein Golf Tournament, Annual Business Meeting, Chili Fest, Installation Gala, State of the Industry Breakfast, APPLE Programs and a whole line-up of education sessions and seminars.

This flight is complimentary for all supplier partners.

We'll have inflight beverages and snacks available.

Need a test flight?

If you have never attended one of our auctions before, come early to Auction 101 session at 2:30 p.m. to find out how to bid, what's for sale and tips on how to improve your sponsorship.

Need a travel agent?

If you can't make the live auction, proxy bidding is available until the end of the day Monday, June 18!

Email Amanda Sherbondy at asherbondy@haaonline.org for information.

Visit www.haaonline.org /sponsor for more details and to register.

Auction program available June 1.

Sponsorship Auction Thursday, June 21 HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. off Clay Road just east of Beltway 8 Auction 101: 2:30 p.m.

Registration and Drawing Lots Open: 3 p.m.

Drawing Lots close: 3:45 p.m.

Live Auction begins: 4 p.m.

RSVP to Amanda Sherbondy at asherbondy@haaonline.org

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Sponsored by

! l w o B & Netflix

nament.

HAA Bowling Tour 18 20 e th at ns io at and lib y plenty of snacks Press play and enjo petition. r some friendly com fo es at m am te ur Queue up yo ds. dividual spirit awar in al scoring awards d du vi an di in am d te e an th r am • Te x costume fo out your best Netfli g in br d an e tiv ea • Get cr

2018 HAA Bowling Tournament Registration – 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Practice/warm-up – 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Tournament begins at 2 p.m., ends at 5:30 p.m.

Spectators – $20/person Team Registration (5 players) – $250 Maximum of two teams per company.

Price includes 3 games, shoes and food.

Friday, July 20

Copperfield Bowl

15615 Glen Chase Drive Houston, TX 77095 Register online at www.haaonli ne.org

Educ pg 19, 26.qxp_Layout 1 5/15/18 3:14 PM Page 1

Upcoming Education

JUNE IROC Breakfast Friday, June 1 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Program fee: $25 per nonmember Sponsored by Blackmon Mooring/BMS CAT CAS: Supplier Success Monday, June 4 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Class participants will learn the economic impact of the multifamily housing industry along with the understanding the types of ownership, management and financing. Learn how to identify decision makers and how to utilize resources, timing and opportunities to boost your success.

APPLE: Core Session 4 – Putting the Resident Back in Resident Retention with Lisa Trosien Tuesday, June 5 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by Best Plumbing See Page 22 for details.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel Wednesday, June 6 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 Learn to conquer your fear of the spreadsheet. This great-forbeginners course offers a detailed look into this multi-faceted, often daunting program.

PAC Spelling Bee Fundraiser produced by NEXT Thursday, June 7 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers and Ameritex Movers See Page 23 for details.

SCHEDULE AND FEES

From the HAA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Leasing 101 – Sugar Land (One day) Tuesday, June 19 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Program Fee: $65 prior to June 19; $75 Sponsored by RentPath An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals as well as those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. This one-day program covers topics including: greeting and qualifying the customer; executing the lease contract; overcoming objections and closing techniques; an overview of Fair Housing and more.

Students who complete the course will receive a certificate, as well as a listing of placement agencies and management companies that are members of HAA. If you are not working for a member company of HAA, download the registration form at http://www.haaonline.org/images /programs/pdf/leasing101_ 2018.pdf.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel Wednesday, June 20 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 Learn to conquer your fear of the spreadsheet. This great-forbeginners course offers a detailed look into this multi-faceted, often daunting program.

Industry Math Thursday, June 21 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $99 Sponsored by Brook Furniture Rental A new curriculum authored by NAA, this half-day workshop is an excellent opportunity to sharpen your mathematical skills in

are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a refund, less a $25 administrative fee. Seats are guaranteed on a first-come, first-served basis when payment and registration are received in advance of the program. Unless otherwise indicated, courses are held in either the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room or the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room at the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. on the second floor of the HAA Office www.haaonline.org

preparation for attending any of the credential programs. From calculating percentages, to converting fractions (remember those?) to understanding averages and more, this is your chance to "go back to school" in a relaxed and low-stakes environment. Learn how various mathematical calculations influence operations and get introduced to the more advanced concepts you'll need to know to advance in your industry career.

HAA NEXT Professional Development Breakfast Friday, June 22 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Program fee: $10 Sponsored by PPG Paints This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA members 39 and younger. Network with your peers at this low-cost breakfast and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership.

ACES Luncheon Friday, June 22 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: TBD Program fee: $55 Sponsored by Apartments.com and Texscape Services Please note that this program is open only to executives in property management (owners, presidents, regionals, supervisors, marketing/training directors, etc.).

Eligible attendees to ACES luncheons are permitted to invite any of their staff to the programs, provided the registration also includes at least one person at the Supervisor level or above.

Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, June 26 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Program fee: $65 prior to June 26; $75 See the June 19 date for a program description.

JULY Advanced Microsoft Excel Tuesday, July 10 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 This advanced course offers a detailed look into this multifaceted program.

Independent Rental Owner Professional Course (Six-week program) Tuesdays, July 10 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Program fee: $399 per member; $455 per nonmember A six-week series authored by NAA specially designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for new independent owner/manager of rental properties with typically 200 units or less. Topics covered include: employees, preparing the property, rent, marketing, handling objections, applications, screening, rental agreements and lease forms, moving in, the end of the lease term, when resident problems arise, evictions resident retention, maintaining property value, maintenance, code of enforcement, financial management, taxes, protecting the investment and Section 8 Housing programs.

Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, minus a $15 administrative fee. For classes / See Education, Page 26

Building. Seating is limited. You must pre-register. For more information and to register, go online at www.haaonline.org.

Notice to Attendees: All pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will be required at the door if not received prior to the event. Start times listed above include a 30-minute registration period. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less a $15 administrative fee.

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JUNE S M T

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

W T

3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28

F 1 8 15 22 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

JULY S M 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30

T W T F S 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31

JUNE 1

7

20

28

IROC Breakfast Friday, June 1 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sponsored by Blackmon Mooring/BMS CAT

PAC Spelling Bee Fundraiser Thursday, June 7 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Open to all members. Compete against your peers or cheer on your favorite competitor while raising money for the HAA Political Action Committee at the PAC Spelling Bee Fundraiser. See Page 23 for details.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers and Ameritex Movers

Introduction to Microsoft Excel Wednesday, June 20 8:30 a.m. to noon

2018 Honors Awards Thursday, June 28 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hilton Americas 1600 Lamar St., 77010 Reserved tables by company name are available in increments of 10 when paid in full by one company.

See Page 6 and visit www.haaonline.org for details and registration.

Individual Awards sponsored by FSI Construction and The Liberty Group, Property Awards sponsored by Ameritex Movers and TPI Construction & Painting, Red Carpet sponsored by AAA Plumbers

4 CAS: Supplier Success Monday, June 4 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5 APPLE: Core Session 4 – Putting the Resident BACK in Resident Retention with Lisa Trosien Tuesday, June 5 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Best Plumbing

6 Introduction to Microsoft Excel Wednesday, June 6 8:30 a.m. to noon New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, June 6 3 p.m.

Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub 10001 Westheimer, 77042 All new supplier members welcome.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, June 6 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub 10001 Westheimer, 77042 Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

21 Industry Math Thursday, June 21 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Brook Furniture Rental

Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, June 13 2 p.m.

Sponsorship Auction Thursday, June 21 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Program fee: FREE to all supplier partners Sponsoring an event in 2018 is a great way to gain recognition for your company. Over 60 events will be up for auction. Drawing and proxy bidding available. First time bidders, arrive early at 2:30 p.m. for an Auction 101 session. Drawings close at 3:45 p.m. and live auction begins at 4 p.m. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details. See Page 16 for details.

19

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Leasing 101 – Sugar Land (One day) Tuesday, June 19 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn 722 Bonaventure Way Sugar Land, TX 77479 Register online at www.haaonline.org/education outreach Sponsored by RentPath

HAA NEXT Professional Development Breakfast Friday, June 22 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sponsored by PPG Paints

13 Southern Brazoria County Apartment Inspection Panel Wednesday, June 13 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lake Jackson Civic Center 333 Hwy. 332 E. Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Register online at www.haaonline. org/outreachmeetings. Email Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org

HAAPAC Luncheon Tuesday, June 19 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact Alpa at apatel@haaonline.org for details.

Sponsored by Secure Insurance

ACES Luncheon Friday, June 22 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: TBD Sponsored by Apartments.com and Texscape Services

26 Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, June 26 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

JULY 4

12

19-21

26-28

Offices Closed Wednesday, July 4 The HAA office will be closed in observance of Independence Day.

Go-Getters Meeting Thursday, July 12 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Café Adobe 7620 Katy Fwy, 77024 Visit the Go-Getters Corner at www.haaonline.org/gogetters for tips and tools for recruiting.

Sponsored by Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services and Texas Apartment Pool Services

Extreme CAM Begins Thursday, July 19 to Saturday, July 21 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Extreme CAM Concludes Thursday, July 26 to Saturday, July 28 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

20

31

Bowling Tournament Friday, July 20 Noon to 5 p.m.

Copperfield Bowl 15615 Glen Chase Drive, 77095 Netflix and Bowl at the 2018 HAA Bowling Tournament, see Page 18.

Sponsored by Earthworks and Gemstar Construction and Development

Board Meeting Tuesday, July 31 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by HD Supply

10 Advanced Microsoft Excel Tuesday, July 10 8:30 a.m. to noon Independent Rental Owner Professional Course (Six-week program) Tuesdays, July 10 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

11-12 Certified Pool Operator Course (Two days) Wednesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 12 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

13 ACES Luncheon Friday, July 13 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: TBD

17 Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, July 17 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

11

19

Resident Relations Committee B Wednesday, July 11 2 p.m.

Leasing 101 – Pasadena (One day) Thursday, July 19 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Extreme CAS (Summer) Thursday, July 19 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

24 APPLE: Leadership Session 2 – Before You Promote with Mindy McCorkle Tuesday, July 24 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Redevelopment Services

25 Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, July 25 8:30 a.m. to noon

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.

a service of

in partnership with

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

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Professional Development: APPLE Workshop Series

Grow your career with the right ideas, the best advice and go to the head of the class – Grab an APPLE! Need a seminaerd?at only $50 APPLE features some of the best nationallyacclaimed speakers in the industry.

Annual Property Subscriptions are also available with unlimited attendance for all on-site property staff to all sessions at discounted prices: • Only $199 per year per property for properties with fewer than 200 units • Only $399 per year per property for properties with 200 to 350 units.

• Only $450 per year per property for properties with more than 350 units.

Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or see more and register online at www.haaonline.org.

APPLE is sponsored by

re pric a s n io s s e s l a n! u io id t a c u d Indiv e y t li a u l for q a e t s l a e r a , n o s r per pe RESIDENT RETENTION APPLE: Core - Session 4 June 5 Putting the Resident BACK in Resident Retention with Lisa Trosien Our residents are paying more than ever for their rent, but are they getting more than ever in return? This session takes a look at ways to put the resident back at the forefront of your staff and community. We’ll look at transitioning from prospect to resident, how to create the perfect move in, innovative resident activities and ways to show your residents how much value they are getting for their rental dollars. Highly interactive, fun and educational, this session is a must for all on site professionals.

LEADERSHIP APPLE: Leadership - Session 2 July 24 Before you Promote with Mindy McCorkle Have you ever promoted an associate who was doing a great job, only to be disappointed with his/her performance in the new role? Join this innovative session to learn how to identify those who are ready to be promoted, and more importantly, how to ensure you are ready to support him/her through the transition into a new position.

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CORE TOPIC APPLE: Core - Session 5 August 7 Dear Residents: We Love You So Much We’re Raising Your Rent with Jackie Ramstedt Leasing today to a savvier, well-informed prospect is challenging at best, but even more difficult is convincing our current residents that these renewal increases are actually worth it. How can we persuade them of the “added value” concept if we haven’t shown that value throughout their current lease term? Once the honeymoon is over, real life issues begin to emerge. Promises made during that initial relationship phase are put to the test.

Miscommunications, lack of compassion or negative responses to emotional situations can become a harsh reality. How can you exceed that expectation the resident has and ensure renewal?

Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or see more and register online at www.haaonline.org.

www.haaonline.org

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G N I L SPEL BEE! W-I-N-N-E-R!

iser HAAPAC Funntodalrl HaAA members!

Thursday, June 7

• Ope

10 Westway Park

nter, 48 HAF Education Ce

Blvd.

g from the audience by biddin n tio ac e th on in t ge n ca able Spectators and teams th easy/difficult words avail wi , ge sta on ers ell sp !) ge to save (or sabota al political action nefit the HAAPAC– your loc be ll wi s ed ce pro All . ase for purch nt industry. committee for the apartme

ins r ion beg r and Cash Ba t a r t s i g e e n R n speller – Di Bee m. – 5:30 p. to 6:30 p.m. Live Spelling nated as the – sig m.

5:30 p. to 8:30 p.m. ne person de $500 o e– m.

6:30 p. eight (8) with table on stag / f o ch m a Tables ting your tea tors – $50 e a n t represe l tickets/spec ua Payment must be made by personal credit card Visa, MasterCard, American Express Individ

or Discover or personal check payable to HAAPAC. Payment must accompany registration.

HAA is prohibited from accepting corporate contributions for PAC events.

Name _______________________________________________ Company_____________________________________________ Phone (____________)__________________________________ MC____ Visa____ AmEx____ Discv_______ Credit Card #___________________________________________ CCS Code____________ Exp Date__________ Name on Card___________________________________________ ___________ Table of 8 @ $500 per table with one designated speller on stage ___________ Spectators @ $50 each Mail completed form and payment to: HAA NEXT Spelling Bee, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Credit card registrations may be emailed to education@haaonline.org or faxed to 281-582-1508; payment must accompany registration.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers and Ameritex Movers

Produced by

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

Join Ian Douglas, Allied Orion Group, and Tina Cavaco, Centra Partners, for the 12th annual HAA Business Exchange, a great opportunity to learn about the latest industry products and services in a professional, controlled environment and give back to your industry.

Owners/Property Management: The Business Exchange is a forum where property management leaders are seated at tables while supplier representatives move around the room, selecting the individuals they wish to visit. Each visit has a five minute limit. Supplier companies pay for this opportunity and your attendance makes this possible.

It is a great opportunity to support industry education at no monetary cost to you or your company. To take part in this great fundraising event, contact HAA’s Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org.

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

Thursday, August 2 9 a.m to 11 a.m.

Ayva Center

The first two participants from your company pay $350 each with an option for a third participant at $375.

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

9371 Richmond Ave., Houston 77063 See more at: www.haaonline.org/businessexchange or contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0313 for more information.

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Education, continued from Page 19

held at the HAF Education Center, registrations may be transferred from one class to the next.

Certified Pool Operator Course (Two days) Wednesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 12 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program fee: $299 Successful completion of this two-day course will result in a five-year certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation, and ensures pool chemicals are being used properly and when appropriate.

We will dispel the myths in pool care and tremendously reduce chemical expenses and extend the life of your pool. This is recommended for anyone working with pools, as well as property managers, in order to be up-to-date regarding local codes and to reduce risk and liability.

The course fee of $299 per person includes textbook, exam fees and meals for both days.

ACES Luncheon Friday, July 13 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: TBD Please note that this program is open only to executives in property management (owners, presidents, regionals, supervisors,

marketing/training directors, etc.).

Eligible attendees to ACES luncheons are permitted to invite any of their staff to the programs, provided the registration also includes at least one person at the Supervisor level or above.

Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, July 17 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Program fee: $65 prior to July 17; $75 after July 17 See the June 19 date for a program description.

Leasing 101 – Pasadena (One day) Thursday, July 19 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See the June 19 date for a program description.

Extreme CAM Begins Thursday, July 19 to Saturday, July 21 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program fee: $1,050 A super-charged and accelerated six-day format, Extreme CAM is designed for those experienced managers hoping to attain the CAM designation in a shorter duration, with less time away from the property. Scheduled for July 19 through July 21 and July 26 through July 28. Classes will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note, registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.

The Certified Apartment Manager credential is already exceptional. Presented in a super-charged format, Extreme CAM accelerates the education process and allows you to attain the CAM credential via a schedule that works best for you. (Recommended for experienced managers only) Extreme CAM Class Schedule: Two scheduling options; classes during the week only or classes offered on Saturdays.

Cost: $1,050/person Summer Schedule (six days): Classes are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July 19-21; July 26-28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall Schedule (five days): Classes are held during the work week only: November 5-9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Extreme CAS Begins – The Resident Experience Thursday, July 19 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program fee: $625 Extreme CAS candidates attend four of the CAM modules beginning on July 19. Required classes: The Resident Experience, Legal, Financial Management and Risk Management.

Extreme CAS – Legal Friday, July 20 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Program fee: $625 Extreme CAS candidates attend four of the CAM modules beginning on July 19. Required classes: The Resident Experience, Legal, Financial Management and Risk Management.

APPLE: Leadership Session 2 – Before You Promote with Mindy McCorkle Tuesday, July 24 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Redevelopment Services See Page 22 for details.

Advanced Microsoft Excel Wednesday, July 25 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 This advanced course offers a detailed look into this multifaceted program.

Extreme CAM Concludes Thursday, July 26 to Saturday, July 28 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program fee: $1,050 A super-charged and accelerated six-day format, Extreme CAM is designed for those experienced managers hoping to attain the CAM designation in a shorter duration, with less time away from the property. Scheduled for July 19 through July 21 and July 26 through July 28. Classes will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note, registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Extreme CAS – Financial Management Thursday, July 26 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Program fee: $625 Extreme CAS candidates attend four of the CAM modules beginning on July 19. Required classes: The Resident Experience, Legal, Financial Management and Risk Management.

Extreme CAS – Risk Management Friday, July 20 9 a.m. to noon Program fee: $625 Extreme CAS candidates attend four of the CAM modules beginning on July 19. Required classes: The Resident Experience, Legal, Financial Management and Risk Management.

GO EXTREME with the Extreme CAM Program Register online today at www.haaonline.org or call 713-595-0300 for details.

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Law, continued from Page 12 county court. This time table could be longer or shorter depending on a number of factors, including whether the resident moves out before going to court, the court docket, the time of year and whether the resident employs any number of stall tactics to delay trial.

You can’t control many of the causes that result in delays in the eviction process. So, your best strategy is to move as quickly as possible with respect to what you can control. The notice to vacate should go out quickly and the eviction petition should be filed as soon as possible after the resident has failed to timely vacate in accordance with your notice.

Be consistent on the resident’s name during the eviction process.

Let’s say you proceed with an eviction against a person who engaged in an imposter scam when signing the lease and the name of the person you are evicting is different than the name on the lease. This could be because the name on the lease is misspelled (an innocent mistake) or wrong because of an imposter scam. As the property manager, this raises questions. Who do you name in the notice to vacate? Who do you file the eviction against?

There should be consistency between the lease, the notice to vacate, the eviction petition, the eviction judgment and the writ of possession. You don’t want to raise issues either at the eviction trial, in the judgment or when the writ is served with respect to the identity of who you are evicting.

In order to avoid problems, it is beneficial to name the person on the lease who is “also known as” the name you discover as being the correct name. You would then be able to use that person’s false and true identity throughout the eviction process.

Fraudulent leasing activity appears to be a fact of life in our current business environment. Hopefully these tips are helpful in minimizing potential damages.

Want more “it’s the Law”?

See current and previous issues of ABODE online at http://issuu.com/haa_abode.

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On the Road with HAA Katy Region Onsite Goes Offsite Wednesday, March 21 The HAA Outreach Committee held its first “Onsite Goes Offsite� happy hour for 2018 in Katy. Thank you to all of the on-site teams that attended our event in March. Be on the lookout for our next event in your area!

HAA IS REACHING OUT to better serve our members by bringing targeted networking and educational events to different parts of our 12-county service area. Contact Outreach Manager Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org to sign up for these FREE, management-only events where you can learn about issues affecting your area and network with your fellow managers. Want to host an event?

We are looking for member properties to host a Region meeting. Contact lturner@haaonline.org.

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On the Scene with HAF EDUCATION HAA Outlyiing Redbook Seminars Sponsored by 1 ApartmentData.com, 2 Apartments.com, 3 Nationwide Eviction and 4 TPI Construction & Painting Inc. Tuesday, April 10 in Lake Jackson and Thursday, April 12 in The Woodlands Apartment personnel sharpened their knowledge on the legal rights and responsibilities of rental housing providers during two legal seminars led by HAA General Counsel Howard Bookstaff.

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography Maintenance Mania Thursday, April 5 at the Houston Marriott Westchase Maintenance technicians and supervisors from across the area competed in skill tests and race car building for both bragging rights and a chance to win a trip to compete in the Maintenance Mania National Championships at the NAA Conference.

National Championship Qualifying Program sponsored by HD Supply First Place, Overall: Jose Herrera, Gables Residential Second Place, Overall: Jose Dieguez, Gables Residential Third Place, Overall: Luis Martinez, Gables Residential AO Smith Water Heater Installation sponsored by Presto Maintenance Supply 3rd Place: Dennis Imwalle, Gables Residential 2nd Place: Luis Martinez, Gables Residential 1st Place: Jose Herrera, Gables Residential Fluidmaster Duo Flush Toilet Conversion sponsored by AAA Plumbers 3rd Place: Luis Martinez, Gables Residential 2nd Place: Jose Dieguez, Gables Residential 1st Place: Carlos Trevino, Gables Residential Frigidaire Icemaker Installation sponsored by The Liberty Group 3rd Place: Jose Fuentes, Camden 2nd Place: Wilson Mendoza, Gables Residential 1st Place: Rolando Valdez, WRH Realty Kidde Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety Installation sponsored by Presto Maintenance Supply 3rd Place: Carlos Alfaro, Greystar Residential 2nd Place: Rolando Valdez, WRH Realty 1st Place: Carlos Trevino, Greystar Kwikset Key Control Deadbolt Test sponsored by Ideal Towing 3rd Place: Luis Martinez, Gables Residential 2nd Place: Adam Zarate, Greystar 1st Place: Saul Villarreal, Greystar Seasons Ceiling Fan Installation sponsored by Maintenance Supply Headquarters 3rd Place: Carlos Trevino, Greystar Residential 2nd Place: Jose Dieguez, Gables Residential 1st Place: Jose Herrera, Gables Residential Smart Comfort Air Conditioner Repair sponsored by Century A/C Supply 3rd Place: Milton Contreras, Gables Residential 2nd Place: Jose Herrera, Gables Residential 1st Place: Angel Gutierrez, The Hanover Company SmartBurner Race Car Competition sponsored by Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services and Century A/C Supply 3rd Place: Edgar Hernandez, Greystar 2nd Place: Scott Levesque, Venterra Realty 1st Place: Scott Heffernan, Greystar People’s Choice Car: Jose Fuentes, Camden Lunch/Awards Ceremony sponsored by Ameritex Movers Inc., Poolsure, and TPI Construction & Painting Inc.

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography Maintenance Mania

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On the

Houston

Market Taking a close look into the current real estate cycle.

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full eight calendar years into this real estate cycle and approaching the halfway mark of 2018, how have fundamentals progressed in the Houston multifamily market?

And where does the market currently stand?

Houston has been inundated by supply this cycle with roughly 92,000 units opening since 2010. To put that in perspective, nearly 110,000 units have come on line in Dallas since then and New York City has added 98,000 units to its inventory.

The fundamentals picture in Houston has been one of the most volatile in the country since 2010. At the beginning of the cycle, the metro-area was coming off the tail end of the Great Recession and vacancies in Houston were above 11 percent for a few quarters early on. However, uneasiness in both national and local economies had developers playing a wait-and-see game early on. This allowed for

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MIKE COBB, CoStar Group, graphs courtesy of CoStar

the market to regain its footing as supply additions were limited. From 2010, quarter one to 2013, quarter four, net absorption outpaced net supply additions by nearly 19,000 units, paving the way for rapid vacancy compression. The multifamily market in Houston entered the 2014 calendar year with a vacancy rate in the mid-7 percent range.

As the multifamily sector was booming, so was the energy sector. The quarterly average price of oil as of mid-2014 exceeded $105 per barrel and hiring in west Houston was rampant. The flourishing local economy coupled with impressive population gains led to an ideal environment for the underwriting of multifamily communities in Houston. And so began the aforementioned supply wave.

Over 75 percent of market-rate units that have come on line this cycle have done so since the beginning of 2014. But while the supply surge was in its beginning stages, oil prices

were starting to fall and hiring was starting to slow. From mid-2014 through early 2015, oil prices plummeted by $60 to about $45 per barrel. They continued to fall to the cyclical low point of $26 per barrel in early 2016.

This resulted in a massive momentum swing within the multifamily sector. From 2014, quarter one to 2018, quarter 1, net absorption lagged net supply additions by 23,000 units, essentially wiping out the improvements made from 2010 to 2013. The Houston metro-area vacancy rate again eclipsed the 11 percent mark in early 2017 and the local economy was still on uneasy footing.

In fact, according to The Texas Workforce Commission, Houston actually lost jobs in both 2015 and 2016. For a while, it was thought that the metro was able to escape the downturn without job losses, but revisions released in early 2018 corrected that notion.

Volatility within the supply-and-demand

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portion of the market also resulted in significant increases and decreases among asking rents. From 2010 to 2017, asking rents grew by about 18 percent cumulatively, or about 2 percent annually on average.

However, similar to the supply/demand outputs, rental gains can also be separated into different segments of this cycle. As Houston was in its final stages of recovery from the Great Recession, asking rents grew minimally in 2010 to 2011, averaging less than 1 percent growth on average across those two calendar years. But as demand picked up, job gains accelerated and the price of oil skyrocketed. Rental gains did as well. From 2012 to 2015, rent growth exceeded 3 percent in each calendar year and nearly eclipsed the 4 percent mark in 2013 to 2014.

The rapid fallout of oil prices and the subsequent job losses, coupled with the addition of thousands of units added in each quarter had property managers reeling as renters were presented with a plethora of newer, high-quality options, often offered with several months of free rent. As a result, asking rents declined by more than 1 percent in 2016. But as we will delve into next, heightened demand from displaced residents quickly shifted the multifamily market from a residents’ market to a owners’ market in the span of about one month’s time.

Hurricane Harvey The multifamily market was slowly improving over the first eight months of 2017. Job growth started to return to the Bayou City, and vacancy compression, slowly but surely, was taking hold. Vacancies dipped below the 11 percent mark again in 2017, quarter two and had reached the mid-10 percent range in late August.

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Houston last year on August 25 and brought record-breaking rainfall. Residents displaced by flooding and damage – both single-family and multifamily residents – looked to apartments, and the vacancy rate compressed rapidly in the weeks following the storm. In turn, rent growth over the course of one month outpaced Houston’s four-quarter trailing historical average, a torrid rate of growth over a short span of time. In addition, in terms of asking rents, this healthy rate of growth allowed for apartment owners to recoup nearly all losses incurred from the prior year.

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In total, asking rents grew by more than 3 percent in 2017, an incredible rate of growth and a huge boon for owners in a city where rents declined the year prior.

In total, asking rents grew by more than 3 percent in 2017, an incredible rate of growth and a huge boon for owners in a city where rents declined the year prior. Asking rents had only increased by about 0.5 percent by the time the storm made landfall.

The demand for short-term rentals allowed for owners to rapidly raise rents in the days, weeks and months following the storm.

In total, asking rents across the more than 593,000 market-rate units in Houston increased by 2 percent in the first 30 days from the storm’s initial date of landfall on August 25. To put this in perspective, asking rents historically grow by about 2 percent over the course of an entire calendar year in Houston.

2018 Roughly nine months removed from one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of the United States, multifamily fundamentals in Houston are once again on the path to improvement. Although many initially envisioned a potentially rocky path as those who were misplaced into apartments began moving back into their homes, several key components of an improving fundamentals picture in Houston are taking shape. Of those, a slowed pipeline, positive job growth and positive net migration numbers have led the way.

Prior to the storm, a slowed pipeline was in the works for Houston and just over 10,000 units were under construction at the time of the storm. When compared to the same quarter in 2015, more than 32,000 units were underway, yet that rate continually declined in every quarter thereafter.

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Roughly nine months removed from one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of the United States, multifamily fundamentals in Houston are once again on the path to improvement. averaged about 3,500 units to start those years. CoStar projects about 7,500 units to be delivered in 2018. This total would be the lowest calendar year output since 2012, when about 3,300 units came on line.

The limited supply additions, coupled with continued consistent demand, have allowed for continued vacancy compression to start the year. Houston’s vacancy rate as of publication was 10.2 percent. CoStar maintains an outlook of continued vacancy compression in the second half of the year, and has a projected vacancy rate in the mid-9 percent range by the end of 2018.

Asking rents have also continued to grow throughout the beginning months of 2018.

From Jan. 1 through April 30 of this year, asking rents across the more than 593,000 units in Houston grew by about 0.5 percent. When / See Markets, Page 51

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Prepare for Hurricane Season

Take a risk management approach to hurricane preparation.

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s it really Hurricane season, already? It certainly feels as if it was just yesterday that Hurricane Harvey plummeted through Houston. Apartment owners and management companies are still recovering and bearing those costs at the physical property level, as well as in occupancies and with their insurance claims. The multifamily industry has always been one of the hardest impacted businesses affected by hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters. And, Harvey taught us how intricate insurance policies can be. From an insurance and risk management standpoint, how do owners and management companies properly prepare?

First, locate your insurance policies. Time and time again, insurance policies get shoved in the bottom of our desk drawers to then get destroyed when a natural disaster hits. More often than not, people rely solely on their insurance agent or broker to keep their insurance policies safe and sound. While a good idea, having your own copies that are stored in a high location is smart risk management. Agents and brokers may be affected by the same flood or hurricane damage and may not be able to access their offices to obtain client policies. I personally know of an insurance broker in Houston who has still not returned to his office due to damage and the remediation process www.haaonline.org

LANCE EWING, ARM, CRM, ERMP, Cotton Commercial USA

caused by Harvey. When it is insurance renewal time for multifamily owners and management professionals, the best advice is to scan the policies and keep an electronic version on a thumb drive off site and/or stored in Apple’s iCloud to recover them when needed.

The next step is to carefully read your policies. Knowing and understanding what is in your policy is critical before a disaster strikes.

While your insurance agent or broker will read the policy prior to sending it to you, the apartment owner and/or management company should read them as well. A property or liability insurance policy has never made the New York Times best-seller list, but there are some sections or chapters in your policy reading to pay special attention to as follows: • Exclusions identify and explain what is not covered and sets the path for what risk management responses are needed for the property. For example, many multifamily property policies exclude landscaping or provide nominal coverage. Mold is also commonly excluded.

• Causes of Loss and Named Perils in the insurance policy determine what perils the policy will and will not respond to in the event of a loss. For example, the “water damage peril” is

for the “sudden and accidental leakage of water or steam that results from the breaking or cracking of part of an appliance or system containing water or steam (not a sprinkler system).”

It does not cover floods or other similar types of catastrophic water damage.

• Business Income Coverage in the commercial property insurance policy covers loss of income suffered by an owner or business when damage to its property by a covered cause of loss causes a stoppage or suspension of its day-to-day operations. Coverage applies to the financial loss suffered during the time required to repair or replace the damaged property. It may also be extended to apply to loss suffered after completion of repairs for a specified number of days.

• Claim Reporting should be closely reviewed. Who to report the loss or damage, when and how long is permissible (statute of limitations) to report the loss, what mitigation has to be done before the adjuster arrives, documentation needed to file the claim and other answers should be explained.

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Your residents can also get coverage through the NFIP, especially those who live in a first-floor or below-ground apartment. As an apartment home resident, they are entitled to buy coverage only for the contents of their apartment home and have the same maximum coverage limit of $100,000 for their contents. Renters insurance policies do not cover most water damage – residents need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Read this policy even more carefully. The typical or primary flood insurance policy is a Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP), issued pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA), which is administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through NFIP. This government-run program’s flood policy has several caveats, including coverage being capped at $250,000 per building and $100,000 for contents. Additional insurance is available above this policy. It should be noted that most restoration companies that provide remediation and rebuild services after a flood base their pricing on time and materials while the NFIP does not.

Be sure to understand the distinction and discuss with the NFIP adjuster.

Your residents can also get coverage through the NFIP, especially those who live in a first-floor or below-ground apartment. As an apartment home resident, they are entitled to buy coverage only for the contents of their apartment home and have the same maximum coverage limit of $100,000 for their contents. Renters insurance policies do not cover most water damage – residents need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. While most renters insurance policies do cover wind damage, some companies in coastal areas affected by hurricanes are excluded this from standard coverage. If the water damage is caused by flooding due to the hurricane, it will most likely be excluded from standard renters insurance. It may be helpful to your residents to inform them of these facts.

Another aspect of natural disaster preparation concerns your residents. Residents should be encouraged at least annually of the

need for disaster preparedness and should be reminded to purchase renters insurance. June is a great reminder month for this notice as it is the start of hurricane season. It is also a good time to remind your residents that apartment owners and managers are not routinely responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings due to a natural disaster occurrence. Renters insurance may come to the rescue. A caveat to residents is that many renters insurance in Catastrophe (CAT) Zones may have a 30-day waiting period before issuing a renters policy. Purchasing the insurance when the flooding is occurring or when the hurricane is at the front door is unlikely to happen. To avoid any confusion, the owner or the management company’s responsibility for a hurricane, flood, fire or catastrophe should be spelled out in the lease and per state laws.

The last preparation point is that owners and management companies should have its remediation or disaster response supplier partner already lined up before the storm or loss. During the 2017 hurricane season, many disaster restoration companies in Texas, Florida, Louisiana and the Caribbean responded to hundreds of multifamily properties. In order for residents and families to move back in their apartment homes as quickly as possible, supplier partners offered water extraction, drying services, environmental clean-up as well as restoration.

Property owners and management companies that had existing Master Service Agreements with their remediation companies were ahead of their colleagues who did not have such agreements in place. Having pre-negotiated rates with a restoration company ahead of time will avoid price gouging or what is

known as storm surge up-pricing. In addition, it is good risk management to have a backup restoration company under contract in the event that the primary company cannot respond timely or has been adversely affected by the CAT event.

In all cases, preparing for a hurricane (or any natural disaster) ahead of the storm benefits your community and your residents as well as the infrastructure. Loss of power, ingress and egress of roads, limited emergency medical response, mandatory evacuations and lack of standard resources all have to be accounted for in your emergency response plan.

Catastrophic events never come at a good time. As Henry Kissinger quipped, “There cannot be a crisis next week. My calendar is full.”

Preparation helps ease the unexpected for your properties and your residents. Gather your resources today to be ready for tomorrow.

Lance Ewing is the executive vice president of global risk management and client services, who has an impressive resume detailing extensive executive experience in the field of risk management and insurance. Mr. Ewing received his master’s degree in Law & Justice from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his second master’s degree in Occupational Safety Engineering. Lance was National President 2003-2004 for the Risk & Insurance Management Society and was also their chief risk officer. Ewing can be reached at lance.ewing@cottonteam.com

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

Or view this issue on your iPad or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_jun2018.

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Online Marketing

Tools for 2018 How can you grab your targeted audience’s attention within the first three seconds?

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I

n 2018, consumers want their information to be concise, authentic and now.

How do you create marketing that meets your needs and grabs the attention of consumers? Use a combination of modern marketing tools to create your strategy.

Create Effective Content One of the most common content marketing mistakes is producing mediocre and insufficiently useful content. To succeed in engaging your audience, your content should: ● Be thought provoking; entertain or move your audience ● Provide genuine utility ● Educate ● Immerse your audience ● Be visually stunning ● Be in-depth and detailed ● Provide a uniquely positive user experience ● Include optimized data visualization and infographics Each post should include one or, if you can, all of the components above. ... on Social Media If you haven’t seen National Geographic, Staples, Lay’s Chips or Pampers’ social media platforms, stop what you are doing and check them out right now. Then, mirror any one of www.haaonline.org

KIMBERLY SCOTT, The Marketing Doer

their strategies and apply them to your community or company.

Harness the “power of wow” by using stunning or unusual content to stop the user from scrolling to find out more. Once an image grabs a user’s attention, you have about eight seconds to hold it before they move on. An interesting hook or story in the caption is what will keep them there. Remember to make that first sentence enticing to keep your audience engaged and wanting to know more.

Personalize the content by crediting the individual photographer, resident or storyteller on social media instead of hiding behind the brand. When people see individuality, they are more likely to connect with the content and in turn see the people behind the brand, who truly make the brand what it is. ... with Video According to an April 2018 SmartInsights.com article, video is our main consumption in our mobile-first culture. In 2017, 90 percent of all content shared by users on social media was video. By 2020, video will make up 80 percent of all online consumer internet traffic, and it will eventually be the closest way to have a face-to-face conversation with your audience.

Audiences love both user-generated and professional video content. These days there

are so many great ways to create quick videos via your mobile device and social media.

If you prefer edited, polished video, Realync is a mobile platform specifically for real estate professionals that allows you to record and edit video clips, overlay a voiceover and/or music and stitch everything together. You can then share the video from the cloud. You can do all of this on your smartphone or tablet.

Co-founder and CEO Matt Weirich of Realync said the reason Realync was designed to allow leasing teams to push videos straight to Facebook is because “Facebook averaged over 16 billion video views per day in 2017 and videos were shared seven times more than posts with just links or text.”

Then there is Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Snapchat and Instagram Story. Users have the option to “go live,” allowing the video to be recorded and viewed in real time. These various social media platforms also allow users to record a video and post it to their audience’s timeline to be seen later (Facebook and Youtube) or downloaded and reused later (Snapchat and Instagram).

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There are so many ways to create great content these days.

Not every marketing tool or strategy is going to be right for everyone, so try on a few for size and see what happens.

of urgency for the users to watch it immediately. Ephemeral content can fit into your existing strategy as a way to get immediate attention, instant brand awareness and a sense of urgency to new amenities, communities and specials. You can even use it as a platform for your property or company’s community involvement or behind-the-scenes sneak peeks on renovations and etc.

Since many people are using social media in public places, including at their work, they are likely to have the audio or sound turned off on their devices. I believe it’s safe to say that this is also the reason why a customer or a prospect resident may not appreciate a loud video when they visit your page. Keep this in mind when creating video content. If you can, try to get the message across without audio by using subtitles or text graphics if needed. If present, audio on your video should add to the experience, but not be necessary. ... on Your Website Social media is not the only place where focused content can make a difference. The AddThis is a social bookmarking service that can be integrated into a website with use of a web widget, or in simple terms, a social media icon. This technology makes it easy to share items on a variety of social media platforms such as Pinterest or Facebook.

Another unique widget, created by PERQ, offers website creates an interactive shopping experience for customers or website visitors.

The widget curates content to ultimately show individual visitors what they are interested in without having to wade through the rest of the website. Similar to a property tour, PERQ works by asking users questions that a leasing agent would ask, then showing them the relevant information, including the floorplans and amenities they are interested in, similar to a property tour. These types of customized experiences optimize the conversion rate to leads, tours and ultimately signed leases by up to five times the average. ... on Your Phone That is right, that thing in your hand you use to check Instagram or Facebook and take

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selfies with is actually primarily a phone and it can be used as a marketing tool. But no need to worry, I am not asking you to make a call. I’m talking about technology like SuperPhone that allows you to track and contact your social media followers (or anyone who has your SuperPhone number) via Facebook messenger or text as a way of sidestepping email, but still directly contacting your followers where they are. Instead of broadcasting to all of your followers, you can contact VIP followers directly with special deals or invitations to events with personalized content. ... in Traditional Media Another way to create content is through case studies and press releases cultivated by online public relations professionals or influencers. You will need to research who to reach out to in your community to most effectively get the word out. According to Cheri C. Garcia, influencer and co-founder of Cornbread Hustle, websites such as Muck Rack are more effective than Google because the focus is solely on pairing content with journalists and public relations professionals. Remember to keep your pitch short and sweet. In other words, get to the point fast, preferably within the first three sentences.

Your public relations and influencer efforts can help you get your story out there. If you are hosting a resident or social event at your property, participating in a community service event or dealing with a crisis, public relations professionals and journalists via Muck Rack can help you get your content on the news or the radio, but also in local magazines, blogs and podcasts that you might not have had access to before. If you go this route, be prepared to be interviewed! … to Get Reviews For both supplier partners and management professionals, online reviews are extremely important today. With so many people using the internet to research anything they want to purchase, online reviews can either make or break a business or product.

Especially apartment communities. So how do

you incentivize your residents to leave positive reviews? Modern Message, the leader in review gamification, created what they call “Community Rewards,” a resident advocacy program that helps identify properties’ resident advocates and encourages them to spread the word about their apartment community across their social networks. The program integrates multiple marketing and operational efforts into one solution that rewards consumer engagement with their apartment community.

According to J. Turner Research, in 2017 Modern Message had the second highest positive sentiment – an effect of review gamification. For properties with reviews on Modern Message, the average rating is higher as compared to the average rating of the same properties on other sites. For properties that have reviews on Modern Message, the average rating is 16 percent higher than the average rating of the same properties on other sites. This is an impact of review gamification as the resident earns points for writing a review for a property, they write more positively.

There are so many ways to create great content these days. Not every marketing tool or strategy is going to be right for everyone, so try on a few for size and see what happens.

Once you find the combination of tools that are the right fit for your company or community’s needs, you’ll be on the road to marketing success. There are new marketing resources every day. The key is to keep trying and educating yourself.

Kimberly Scott has over 15 years of experience in business and marketing for the multifamily industry.

Currently, she is the chief marketing officer for Marketing Doer and can be reached at kimberly@marketingdoer.com. Stay up to date by following Scott at MarketingDoer on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Snapchat for more ideas and insights into marketing and branding in the multifamily housing industry and beyond.

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Markets, continued from Page 42 extrapolated, this amounts to about a 1.5 percent growth rate for the 2018 calendar year, plus or minus a few basis points. The extrapolation is not a perfect science, but it does provide a general thought behind the trajectory of the market, without factoring in seasonality.

Along with a slowed pipeline and consistent demand, a growing population has also played a significant role in the growth of the Houston multifamily sector this cycle. The Houston metro-area is the fifth-most populous in the country and has added more than one million residents since 2010. Most recently, Houston’s population grew by about 94,000 residents from 2016 to 2017. While the population is still growing, this rate of growth was the slowest of this cycle. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Greater Houston Partnership, the average amount of residents added via natural increase and migration was about 135,000 residents from 2010 to 2016. While last year’s output was about 70 percent of the cyclical average, the positive takeaway is that the population is still growing.

On the employment front, Houston added more than 63,000 jobs in 2017. While this output fell short of the more than 100,000 jobs that were added in nearly every year from 2012 to 2014, during the oil boom, it’s an impressive turn around after the net job losses from both 2015 and 2016.

Although hiring has not resumed within the energy sector, other strongholds in Houston are expanding, and diversification has taken hold.

Plans surrounding Texas Medical Center 3 were recently announced, and when the expansion is completed in 2022, the new campus is expected to inject more than $5 billion into the local economy while creating almost 30,000 jobs. While this is a significant example, additional investments in the pipeline have been made by JSW Steel in Baytown and Exxon’s XTO subsidiary in Spring, among others.

Mike Cobb is the Houston market analyst with CoStar Group. In his role, he identifies analytical trends throughout the Houston metro, authoring written market and submarket reports for the CoStar Market Analytics platform. Cobb also presents market conditions to owners, lenders and developers, providing specific granular analysis down to the site level. Cobb also works with local and regional news sources and has been quoted in publications such as the Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning News and the Long Beach Press Telegram, among others. Cobbs holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Delaware. www.haaonline.org

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Life is demanding and requires us to serve many roles in our life.

Each role brings with it different responsibilities. Often, those responsibilities can appear as boulders in each of our life’s path.

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Are You Using All Your Strength?

Being a leader means knowing when and how to receive as well as give.

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SHANNON LITTLEJOHN-SMITH, Greystar

remember listening to a story once about a father walking with his 6-year-old son through the woods on a winding, worn footpath. As they walked, the son noticed a boulder up ahead that appeared to be half his size. The son looked up at his father, eyes wide and asked, “Dad, do you think if I use all my strength I can move that boulder?” The father replied, “Yes, son, if you use all your strength I promise you can move that boulder.”

As they walked closer the son realized the boulder was larger than he thought and again asked his father, “Dad, do you still think I can move this boulder?” The father replied, “Yes, if you use all your strength.”

As they approached the boulder, which was more than half of the son’s size, the son pushed and pushed the boulder with all his might, trying three times to move the boulder. Feeling defeated, looking up at his father the son said, “Dad, you promised that if I used all my strength I could move this builder, but I can’t.”

The son hung his head and fought back tears.

The father said to his son, “You didn’t use all your strength. You didn’t ask me for help.”

Life is demanding and requires us to serve many roles in our life. Each role brings with it different responsibilities. Often, those responsibilities can appear as boulders in each of our life’s path. Some boulders are smaller, allowing us to move those boulders with our individual strength to continue moving forward.

Other boulders may appear, at first, to be manageable on our own; however, in reality, moving the boulder requires more strength than we may have originally considered. The key is to remember to use all your strength.

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When we are overwhelmed, stressed out, burned out or weary, we reach the same place as the boy in the story. We keep pushing and pushing the boulders that show up along our life’s path, believing we are using all our strength. Yet, we end up becoming frustrated, angry, defeated or hopeless, convinced the boulder will never move.

A strength of determination can quickly turn into a weakness of defiance. Over time we can fall into the belief that success in life is solely up to us, determined to dig deep within ourselves to find the strength to move the boulder no matter what. Unfortunately, the “no-matter-what” mindset creates consequences that can set us back because we miss the continuous reminder that if we just ask for help, we could be further along and less frustrated or defeated.

I am grateful for the people I’ve met along my path who have walked alongside me reminding me that I can move the boulders in my path if I use all my strength. This is a life lesson that oftentimes I wish I would have put into practice more than I did early on in my career. Over time, I have learned that using all our strength requires me to know when to pause, step back and ask for help. Using all our strength requires me to raise my vulnerability flag and say: “I need your help to figure out how to resolve this issue,” “I don’t have all the answers and I know that together we can figure this out,” “I don’t know all the details and I am confident that the questions you have will guide us in finding all the right answers to move forward,” and “I apologize that what I said earlier was insensitive and inappropriate.

Can we try that conversation again?”

As leaders, we have the responsibility to demonstrate a level of vulnerability first and show those around us who have learned how to put our understanding of using all our strength into practice. It’s only then, when we walk alongside others, that they will trust us if they pause, step back and ask us for help.

Let go of pride, shame, guilt and feeling like a burden. Those are the things holding us back from using all our strength. Part of being an influential and effective leader is knowing when and how to receive as well as give.

Providing others with the opportunity to graciously give allows us an opportunity to humbly receive. If done with pure intent and authentic consideration, both people can feel valued, appreciated, needed and inspired.

Everyone faces boulders in their life’s path.

Consider the boulders in your path and reflect on how hard you have been trying to push those boulders out of the way so you can move forward. Pause, step back and ask yourself, “Am I using all my strength?”

Shannon Littlejohn-Smith is the senior director of team member development at Greystar. Littlejohn-Smith has over 16 years of experience in talent development and management. She has a passion for challenging and guiding individuals, teams and organizations towards growth, long-term success and sustainability. She will be continuing to write articles bi-monthly throughout 2018. Her next article will be featured in the August issue of ABDOE. Littlejohn-Smith can be reached at slittlejohnsmith@greystar.com.

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How Safe is Your Playground?

Determine if your playground is safe with this checklist.

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LEIGH WALDEN, fun abounds

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Over the past couple decades, schools and apartment communities have made major improvements toward making playgrounds safer.

Unfortunately, not all playgrounds have been updated to the same standards.

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any apartment communities are home to families with small children. When a property can offer its residents a playground on-site, residents with children don’t have to deal with the trouble of driving or walking their children off-site to a park in the area. A playground can make life for parents much easier, and children really enjoy having easy access to outdoor fun. However, in addition to the fun element, there must also be an element of safety when it comes to playgrounds and the children who play on them. Property managers should encourage their residents to allow their children to play carefree (with supervision, of course), but playgrounds can contain potential hazards that are worth considering.

Over the past couple decades, schools and apartment communities have made major improvements towards making playgrounds safer. Unfortunately, not all playgrounds have been updated to the same standards. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that emergency departments still see more than 20,000 children age 14 and younger for playground-related traumatic brain injuries each year.

Below are playground guidelines provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which notes playground hazards and offers tips for planning and/or positioning playground features within your community’s playarea. This list was not made to be reviewed by parents exclusively. Property owners and managers can utilize the recommendations below in developing their own inspection checklists and maintenance planning.

1. Crush and shearing points: Playground features that could crush or shear limbs should be removed or be inaccessible to children.

Additionally, equipment with moving parts, such as seesaws and merry-go-rounds, should be regularly checked for pinch and crush points.

2. Improper protective surfaces: Fall surfaces should meet impact requirements of the playground. Some surfaces include engineered wood fiber, shredded rubber, bonded rubber and poured-in-place surfaces. www.haaonline.org

3. Inadequate use zone: The area under and around play equipment where a child might fall should be a minimum of 6 feet in all directions.

Some equipment may have different requirements. Therefore, it is always best practice to check with your equipment manufacturer or existing documentation.

4. Protrusion hazards: Beware of hardware that is capable of impaling or cutting a child (bolts, hooks, rungs and etc.) or catching strings or items of clothing. Children should never wear drawstring hoodies or bike helmets at the playground. You may want to include language that states this on a sign somewhere near the playground.

5. Head entrapment hazards: Taking precautions to avoid head entrapment is very serious as this hazard can lead to strangulation and death.

There should be no openings that measure between 3 and one-half and 9 inches.

Entrapment can occur in unlikely areas on a playground. Openings low to the ground can still present a risk of strangulation for an entrapped child who does not possess the intellectual or motor skills to reverse from their position and free themselves. In a situation where a younger would child panic, this is especially dangerous.

6. Overcrowded play-area: Swings and moving objects should be set towards the outside of the playground to minimize risk of an accidental collision.

7. Trip hazards: Any trip hazard, such as rocks or tree stumps, should be removed. Sudden elevation changes on a playground can also pose a fall risk and should be obvious or noted wherever possible. Anchoring devices for playgrounds including concrete footers and horizontal bars need to be installed below ground level, and, in most cases, covered by protective surfacing material. The walls containing the surfacing at a playground can also act as a trip hazard.

Differentiating the surfacing color and the wall color can help mitigate this hazard.

8. Lack of supervision: Clear sight lines and adequate supervision will reduce accidents.

9. Age inappropriate activities: CPSC makes recommendations for age appropriate equipment. They do not recommend free standing

arch climbers, log rolls, fulcrum seesaws for children younger than 2 and a half years old, to name a few.

10. Lack of maintenance: Check for splintering equipment and loose bolts. A routine maintenance schedule with documentation is important not only in keeping the playground safe but can also benefit an organization in litigation matters.

11. Sharp points, corners and edges: Any sharp points, corners or edges at the playground and on the equipment can cause serious injury.

Exposed and open ends of tubing not resting on the ground should be covered with caps or plugs that require tools for removal. Moreover, wood parts should be splinter-free, and corners and edges for both wood and metal parts should be rounded, rolled or have a rounded capping.

12. Platforms with no guardrails: These should be modified and fitted for appropriate safety railing.

13. Equipment not recommended for public playgrounds: Heavy swings and free-swinging ropes are a couple of examples.

If you determine the playground at your property is unsafe after reviewing this list, contact your supplier partner for your playground needs and bring this to their attention.

President and Owner of fun abounds, Leigh Walden, started her 12-year-old company with only a swing set. Fun abounds serves southern Texas’ park and recreation needs. Walden is a Texan who has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. She is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) and prioritizes safety and functionality in every project for her clients.

Contact fun abounds at 855-abounds, visit us online at www.fabplaygrounds.com or email jpriest@fabplaygrounds.com, and one of our playground contractors can answer any questions you may have.

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On the Scene with the HAA NEXT

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NEXT Bingo & Brews Sponsored by 1 HD Supply Thursday, April 12 at Eureka Heights Brewery HAA young professionals hit one of the hottest breweries in Houston for an evening of craft beer, fun, games, networking and prizes. BINGO!

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA’s young professionals. Network with your peers and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! To Learn how to become involved with NEXT, see online at www.haaonline.org/next.

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAAPAC TopGolf Fundraiser Thursday, April 19 at TopGolf Katy HAA members hit the bays to raise money for HAA’s Political Action Committee.

Thank You to our Event Sponsors and Congratulations to the Winners: TopGolf “Top” Sponsors Gemstar Construction & Development Guardian Construction TopGolf Hole-in-One Sponsor Cotton Commercial USA TopGolf Welcome Sponsor American Technologies Inc. TopGolf Lunch Sponsor Flooring Warehouse Maintenance Supply Headquarters TopGolf Beverage Sponsor PPG Paints Chadwell Supply TopGolf Team Awards Sponsor Apartments.com Brant Electrical A/C & Heating TPI Construction & Painting Team Winners: 1st Place – Camp Construction/Dinerstein 2nd Place – JMI Contractors 3rd Place – AirAide TopGolf Best Male and Female Award Brook Furniture Camp Construction Services Winners: Matt Nunn, Camp Construction and Christy Rodriquez, Greystar TopGolf Least Improved Award Sponsor Ideal Towing Winner: Deanna Duncan, Yellowstone Landscape TopGolf Most Improved Award Sponsor Earthworks Inc. Winner: Darlene Hunter, Greystar TopGolf Most Accurate Award Sponsor HD Supply Winner: Kathy Motis, Greystar

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAAPAC TopGolf Fundraiser

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On the Scene with the HAA PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL Supplier Education Program Tuesday, April 17 at the HAF Education Center The Product Service Council sponsored a supplier education program featuring Robert Lopes, Relik Realty; Stacie Turner, Milestone Management; Jackie Aguirre, Veritas Equity Management; Bryan Head, DayRise Residential; Melissa Friend, Greystar; and Keely Park, The Dinerstein Companies. They took questions from 50 attendees and gave advice on developing relationships with management personnel that result in increased business.

If you are a new supplier to HAA, visit the Product Service Council Page at www.haaonline.org/psc and find a mentor.

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Meet Who’s NEXT

40 Questions T

o promote HAA NEXT, ABODE will ask a different NEXT Steering Committee member a set of 40 questions to learn more about who they are. This month, we interviewed NEXT Steering Committee member Patrick Magnuson, Greystar.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in general? Be kind, always.

What was your first impression of Texas?

Very hot!

What is your go-to cocktail? Jameson and Coke.

What was your first impression of Greystar?

The best of the best of the best! (MIB reference, get it?)

If you could have a cocktail with anyone in the industry who would it be? Jackie Rhone.

What is the worst thing about the internet (in terms of property management)? Any pet can be a service animal.

What would your last meal ever be?

My mom’s enchiladas.

What was your favorite after-school-activity as a kid? Playing video games on my SEGA.

Are you afraid of anything at all? Extreme heights.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Irene Winebarger, Darla Tinnerman, Christy Rodriguez, Michelle Pawelek and Mack Armstrong just to name a few!

What is the craziest thing you have seen on site so far? I worked at a property years ago where a resident passed out in her car in front of the entrance gate while waiting for it to open.

Will you be attending Honors? Of course!

What is one thing you cannot live without?

Coffee.

What is one habit you wish you could break? Calling people back before listening to the voicemail message.

What is your favorite TV show of all time?

Friends and/or Will & Grace.

What will you wear? A suit.

If you were in a boyband, what would the band’s name be? Boyonce.

Who, out of the NEXTers, would be in that band with you? Sean Cunningham of Flooring Warehouse and David Lindley of FSI Construction – they can be my Kelly and Michelle!

What is the best thing about living in Houston? New people, new food, new experiences.

What is the best thing about St. Louis? My best friend Christopher Miofsky.

What is the biggest difference between St. Louis and Houston? Three miles in St. Louis is a very different driving experience than three miles in Houston.

What was the best piece of advice you received during your first year in multifamily? Run while you still can!

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What is your favorite movie of all time?

Drop Dead Gorgeous.

What is a movie that made you cry?

Now Is Good.

What is your craziest “resident moment” you’ve ever had? A resident blamed me for being late to pay rent, because I wouldn’t let them pay online via ACH after they had two NSF’s back-to-back.

What is the best thing about the internet of (in terms property management)?

Communicating with residents and suppliers in real-time via email, text and Facebook Messenger.

What is your favorite place to visit?

Any place with a beach and a cold drink.

What is your favorite restaurant in Houston? Pho Saigon in Midtown.

Who is your boss? Jeffrey Hope.

If you could star in any Broadway show what would it be? Last Five Years.

How would you describe him in three words? Kind, fair and knowledgeable.

What is your favorite musical and/or theatre production? Favorite musical is Wicked, and my favorite play is The Boys Next Door.

How would you describe yourself in three words? Funny, motivated and dedicated.

What is the most St. Louis thing you could say? “Ope!”

What is your favorite part about NEXT? The friends I’ve made.

What is the most Houston thing you could say? “I don’t go outside the loop.”

What is your least favorite part about NEXT? There aren’t more events!

What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

Be myself with no apologies.

Who is your biggest inspiration? My friend and colleague Sharise Linson.

What is the stupidest thing you’ve ever done? Getting a concussion playing rugby because I wasn’t paying attention.

Want to know more about how you can be NEXT? See www.haaonline.org/next for details.

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Learn How You Can Have FREE Summer Meals for Youth Delivered to your Community Daily!

The Texas Hunger Initiative (THI) can help you determine if free summer meals are a good fit for your community. In partnership with the Texas Department of Agriculture, THI is working to feed more children and teens throughout the summer months by connecting sites where youth are with community sponsors.

Utilizing USDA funds, community sponsors provide meals, at no cost, to local sites. Sites can be found at schools, community centers, parks, libraries and in apartment communities.

There is no direct cost to the apartment community. Basic requirements to participate include a short training, having a safe space for the youth to eat and having an adult (staff or volunteer) responsible for accepting the meals and tracking the number of meals served.

THI is available to answer your questions and help you connect with the appropriate sponsor. If you have concerns about site limitations for this program, please let us know, as we may be able to work around your limitation or concern.

For more information, contact the Texas Hunger Initiative’s Houston team: Megan Hoag, Regional Director Texas Hunger Initiative, Baylor University Megan_Hoag@baylor.edu 832-369-9334

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

CELEBRATING GO-GETTERS! Recruit all year round and become part of the Go-Getter Club.

Join our Quarterly Meetings!

Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win one of four fabulous prizes!

1st Quarter: Echo Show 2nd Quarter: Samsung Smart TV 3rd Quarter: iRobot Roomba 690 Vacuum 4th Quarter: $500 Holiday Cash Plus, for each new member you recruit, you’ll earn a chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $250!

JOIN A TEAM and build relationships with like-minded members.

Get involved with Go-Getters and make lasting industry connections.

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetterscorner to get all the information you need.

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Members who have recruited more than 100 companies Claude Arnold Monette Reynolds Kenn Brown Sherry Stevenson Tina Cavaco Kirk Tate Kevin Fenn Suan Tinsley Diane Gilbert Sonny Unverzagt Anita Harrison Del Walmsley Dwayne Henson Nancé Wells Mike Koch H.P. Paul Young Merry Mount Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks

Join us for our next meeting on July 12, sponsored by Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating and Texas Apartment Pool Services Can’t make it?

Other meeting dates: September 27 December 5 Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for details

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 Lauren in the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org.

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Welcome Mat OWNERS

APEG Weldon Chitwood 3616 Far West Blvd. #117-176 Austin, TX 78731 415-218-0011 Referred by Natalie Spratt, NALP,CAM, IROP

Bellshire Apartments Sharika Smith Dixon 800 Bellshire Drive Office Conroe, TX 77301-4200 936-756-8849 Bellshire Apts

Chamberlin & Associates LLC Yolanda Moreno 2712 N 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85006 480-782-5100 Sovereign Townhomes Town Park Townhomes Knightsbridge Senior Apartments The Sunningdale

Clay Property Chris Schmidt 11202 Cold Spring Drive Houston, TX 77043 713-906-3397 Cleveland Street Apartments Hutcheson Apartments

D & G Smith Properties LLC George M. Smith P.O. Box 225 11702 Saporito Way Richmond, TX 77406 832-773-0081 D & G Smith Properties

IB3 Management Group Inc. Steven Goldman 25 Robert Pitt Drive #103D Monsey, NY 10952 845-598-1955 West Point Village Apartments

KOV Homes LLC Vladimir Kamyshin 30523 Aldine Westfield Rd Spring, TX 77386 916-806-9628 6414 Sloan Apartments

www.haaonline.org

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

SUPPLIERS

Advanced Concrete Designs Inc Pernell Davis 15020 Beatty Drive Humble, TX 77396 281-441-9888 Concrete Products, Concrete Stain & Sealer Materials, Resurfacing

Aon Risk Services David Stephens 5555 San Felipe #1500 Houston, TX 77056 832-476-6049 Insurance, Insurance Consultants Referred by Stacy Hunt

Ayala’s Painting & Services Nancy Ayala 6515 Dogwood Park Lane Katy, TX 77449 281-746-1881 Maid Services, Paint Referred by Susan Byus, CAM

Bank Financial Jessica Blanchard 101 Summit Ave. #318 Fort Worth, TX 76102 817-717-6021 Banks, Financial Services BGT Interior Solutions Inc. Keith Wagner 5310 Glenmont Drive Houston, TX 77081-2008 713-668-5151 Counter Tops, Vinyl Flooring Referred by Aaron Potier BioSweep of West Houston Paul Moinot 4606 FM 1960 #400 Houston, TX 77069 281-961-9571 Odor Control, Fire/Water Damage Restoration Dominion Construction Management Vernon N. Smith P.O. Box 11729 Spring, TX 77391-1729 832-515-7783 Building Contractors, Electric Contractors Referred by Terri Clifton DukeSys Jen Manford 19511 Wied Road #C Spring, TX 77388 281-350-6800 Security Control Equipment/ Systems, Communications Services Referred by Aaron Potier

El Primo Lalo Plumbing Hilario Rodriguez P.O. Box 692309 Houston, TX 77269 832-257-7007 Plumbing Contractors, Water Heaters & Boilers Referred by Tina Cavaco

Environmental Solutions 6723 Cloud Swept Lane Houston, TX 77086 832-658-9265 A/C Systems Cleaning, Air Duct Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, Odor Control Referred by Janice Mikeska Financial Representatives of Northwestern Mutual Ashley Shahan 5506 Heart Pine Way Katy, TX 77494 325-513-6768 Employee Benefits, Financial Services Referred by Mat Tilley

Frontier Energy Inc Edwin Velazquez 1515 S Capital of Texas Hwy #110 Austin, TX 78748 512-372-8778 Energy Conservation/ Management, Utility Consultants

GO Plumbing Services Inc. Kenia Salinas 3898-C North Fwy Houston, TX 77022 713-827-7771 Plumbing Contractors, Boilers - Repairing & Cleaning Graciano & Isabel Contractors Graciano Espiricueta 17015 Glenclan Lane Houston, TX 77084 832-398-5730 General Contractors Referred by Aaron Potier Greenleaf Trash Valet Derrick Carter 1450 W Grand Pkwy S. Katy, TX 77494 281-644-9110 Trash Service - Valet Referred by Raedean Mitchem Houston Tactical Patrol Ruben Baeza 11500 Northwest Fwy #540 Houston, TX 77092-6535 281-709-7330 Security Consulting Service, Security Guard/Patrol Service Referred by Tina Cavaco

JDS AC & Heating Jose Sanabria 6815 Bleker St. Houston, TX 77016 832-598-2995 A/C Contractors, Heating Contractors Referred by Terri Clifton KLT Short Stays Ron Hendrick 6046 FM 2920 #252 Spring, TX 77379 832-260-2783 Apartments-Furnished, Real Estate LDiablos Towing Lory Martinez P.O. Box 91458 Houston, TX 77291 713-349-4894 Towing Service, Wrecker Service Referred by Terri Clifton MirrorMate Frames Lisa Holbert 9317 Monroe Road #A Charlotte, NC 28270 704-681-3459 Mirrors, Glass - Plate, Window, Etc., Bath Equipment & Supplies Referred by Aaron Potier Mosquito Scott Pest Control Scott Sessums 7638 Montglen St. Houston, TX 77061 281-849-7928 Exterminators, Pest Control Services O’Conor, Mason & Bone PC Robert E. Bone 1616 S Voss Road #200 Houston, TX 77057 713-647-7511 x23 Attorneys, Legal Services Referred by Aaron Potier PERQ LLC Justin Jasper 7225 Georgetown Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 800-873-3117 Marketing Products, Website Design Referred by Bryan Head, CAM Phoenix Roofing & Construction Jeremy Obrecht 1110 Summit Ave. #4 Plano, TX 75074-1301 469-999-8887 Gutters & Downspouts, Roofing Contractors Referred by Aaron Potier Republic Services Tiffany Hansen 10554 Tanner Road Houston, TX 77041-7217

832-647-2420 Garbage Collection, Trash Hauling Referred by Aaron Potier

Sears Home Services Brian Stone 873 Dulles Ave. #B Stafford, TX 77477 281-750-9105 Doors & Door Products, Garage Doors - Service & Parts Spray and Play Darla Pudlewski P.O. Box 961 Pearland, TX 77588 832-683-3813 Playground Equipment, Swimming Pool Equipment & Supply Surface Designers Remodeling Inc. Richard Salazar 9101 Lipan Road #106 Houston, TX 77063 832-744-3388 Bathtubs & Sinks - Repairing & Refinish, Cabinets Referred by Marla Boyd TDECU Insurance Agency Syed Zaidi 1235 North Loop W. #1100 Houston, TX 77008 281-325-8197 Referred by Aaron Potier Texas Premier Builders/ Designs David Haack 1795 N Fry Road #257 Katy, TX 77449 832-349-4232 Remodeling & RepairBuilding Contractors, Swimming Pool Contractors Referred by April Wilkin The Occupancy Company LLC Josh Guzman 6626 Teluco Lane Houston, TX 77055 713-826-4797 General Contractors Referred by Terri Clifton Wildlife Removal Experts LLC Tim Moss 10800 Gosling Road #130136 The Woodlands, TX 77393 832-745-2540 Animal Trapping Services, Pest Control Services Referred by Aaron Potier WS Wholesale Cabinets & Floors Sam Cook 6442 Long Point Drive Houston, TX 77055 281-888-2659 Cabinets, Floor Materials June 2018

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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 wa surprised that they nominated m said, laughing. “ I’ve been with business for 15 years. I never ex anything. For me, if I get my job or get it right, I’m satisfied with don’t need recognition. As long resident and my management a owner are happy, I’m happy. It w good experience, though, feelin way. I didn’t know that someon watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was

I wasn

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The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

REACHING OUT

The Ambassadors continue their member outreach and community support.

1. March “ONE of the Month” DIamela Bravo, Green City Security 2. April “ONE of the Month” April Shane, Presto-X 1

2

Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned: Diamela Bravo April Shane Angie Lavrack Arely Pena Angel Lopez Chelsea Quinteros Liz Levins Marivel Bownds Debra Knight Rhonda Fowles Jennifer Devine Mikka Hoppe Marcy Holmes Shera Lehman Zamara Nitcholas

Green City Security Presto-X The Liberty Group The Liberty Group Metropolitan Staffing Solutions Gail Construction Rasa Floors Valet Living Valet Living AdvantaClean Valet Living Metropolitan Staffing Solutions Designs by Holmes Interior Design Texscape Greenlogic Lighting & Electric

42 35 25 23 22 21 21 19 16 15 13 12 10 10 10

Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news.

THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details, attend an orientation and one of the meetings listed here, or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org.

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3

4

5

3. First Place Team “The Cool Kids Corner” with 112 points 4. Second Place “Ambassador Strong” with 98 points 5. Third Place Team “Cash ME Onsite” with 47 points

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Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • 8800 Broadway LLC: Pointe Plaza Apartments, 79 units at 2790 W. T.C. Jester Blvd.

• Better World Properties LLC - Sumar: Shadow Bay Apartments, 232 units at 1700 Baywood Dr Bay City.

• Capstone Real Estate Services Inc.: The Park at Woodland Trails, 48 units at 7058 W. Gulf Bank Road.

• CF Real Estate Services Inc.: Hyde Park at Enclave Apartments, 476 units at 12951 Briar Forest Drive.

• Clay Property: Cleveland Street Apartments, 6 units at 511 Cleveland St. in Alvin.

• Cypress Point Management: KeiraBella Apartments, 179 units at 3400 Shady Hill Drive in Baytown.

• Greystar: Midtown Grove Apartments, 51 units at 3603 Chenevert St. and The Ivy River Oaks, 297 units at 2311 Mid Lane.

• HM Equity Management LLC: Bella Vista Apartments, 84 units at 14340 Wallisville Road.

• IB3 Management Group Inc.: West Point Village Apartments, 330 units at 3635 S. Shaver St. in Pasadena.

• Indus Management Group LLC: Plaza on Hammerly Apartments, 188 units at 8515 Hammerly Blvd.

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• Karya Property Management: Waterstone Place Apartments, 168 units at 516 Stafford Springs Ave. in Stafford.

• Krishna Management LLC: Belarbor Apartments, 50 units at 6060 Belarbor St. • Monument Property Management: Springwood Park, 145 units at 1500 Witte Road.

• Mosaic Residential Inc.: Country Club Apartments, 134 units at 17610 Cali Drive.

• Pegasus Residential: District at Westborough Apartments, 340 units at 1550 Westborough Drive in Katy.

• S2 Residential: The Weston Apartments, 792 units at 7510 Brompton Road.

• Texas TIJ LLC: Concord Arms Apartments, 60 units at 3003 Broadway St. • TI Communities: Copper Lodge Apartments, 294 units at 1000 Cypress Station Drive.

• The Valcap Group LLC: Trails at Lake Houston, 304 units at 13922 Woodson Park Drive.

• Waterton Residential: Copper Lodge Apartments, 294 units at 1000 Cypress Station Drive.

• WLS Interests Inc.: 1111 Blalock, 316 units at 1111 Blalock Road.

www.haaonline.org

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In the News HAA is excited to announce Membership and Marketing Coordinator Lauren Wolfson is now the Director of Meetings and Events.

Wolfson

Ryan Weis is now with Crestmark Construction Services.

Creative Property Management recently Weis celebrated its 40-year anniversary. Creative was founded in 1978 by Greg Douglas and Dick LaMarche.

In Memoriam It is with great sadness we announce the passing of a longtime Houston Apartment Association member, Jack R. (Ronnie) Grant.

Grant

Have something to report from your company or for yourself? Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org.

Correction: In the May 2018 issue of ABODE, the wrong website was printed for Earthworks in their article titled “Spring into Summer.� The correct website is: www.earth.works. We encourage our readers to visit their website.

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On Site with ABODE

Photos by HAA STAFF

ART OF LIVING

City Parc II at West Oaks offers its residents a home and a better way of living.

Property: City Parc II at West Oaks Owner/Management: Good Harbor Management Location: 3530 Green Crest Drive, just a few miles west of Highway 6.

Units: 192 Built: 2003 Web: www.cityparc2.com Interesting features: Located within walking distance of West Oaks Mall, this multifamily property is an affordable housing community for Houston residents who require affordable housing opportunities without sacrificing charm nor quality customer service. Many families live at City Parc II at West Oaks who work close-by to their apartment homes. Whether residents are employed by the Alief Independent

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School District or local shopping centers, residents can get to work within miles.

Community amenities include a fitness center, a clubhouse and a business center, a laundry facility, a swimming pool and a picnic area with barbecue grills. This community is pet-friendly, too.

At City Parc II at West Oaks, the staff is focused on improving the quality of life for their residents. The community offers supportive services to their residents in what is called the “Rainbow Room,� where children can receive homework help and adults can receive a wide-range of services.

In the above, left photo, you can see two staff members working on upcoming supportive services. The staff also hosts monthly resident events to make the children of the community feel right at home. www.haaonline.org

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Let ABODE help you grow your business! ABODE magazine is the multifamily industry’s source for what’s happening in the Houston-area apartment market. Every month, our members-only publication highlights industry news and trends, plus photos of YOU, our members, from HAA events! ABODE is your source 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. Look for ABODE in the mail the first week of each month, or read online at issuu.com/haa_abode. Contact the Communications Department at comm@haaonline.org for details and contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org to advertise. ABODE is your HAA!

Does this make my business look

BIG?

ad index apr pg 74.qxp_Ad Index pg 74 5/16/18 8:16 AM Page 1

Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Laundry Equipment & Supplies

HAA Products & Services

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com

Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

Carpet Installation

Locks & Locksmiths

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

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

Countertops

Movers

Impact Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 800-951-9462 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.impactfloors.com

Ameritex Movers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 713-484-MOVE . . . . . . . . . .www.stressfreemove.com

Electric Contractors

Paving Contractors

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

Pavement Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 281-758-8434 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.nopothole.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . .25 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Plumbing Contractors

General Contractors

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

Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com

Resident Screening Service

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

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

FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com Gambit Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 832-987-4242 . . . . .www.gambitconstruction.com Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . .37 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com RK Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 281-370-0012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rkbuilderstx.com RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com

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

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

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

Security Control Equipment/Systems SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc. Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Swimming Pool Service Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

Insurance Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

Trash Hauling Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com

Landscape Contractors Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com

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_jun2018.

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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com

• • • • •

HOUSTON Snapshot 89.8% $1,024/mo.

116.1¢/sq.ft./mo.

882 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 5.3% rental rate growth 14,699 units absorbed

98.0 –

– 90.0

– 89.0

96.0 –

– 88.0

•

Recently Opened (12 months): 52 communities 12,796 units

• • • • • • • • • •

94.0 –

Under Construction: 39 communities 9,994 units Apr 18

Mar 18

Feb 18

Jan 18

Nov 17

Dec 17

Oct 17

Sep 17

Jul 17

Aug 17

Jun 17

May 17

Apr 17

Mar 17

Feb 17

Jan 17

Nov 16

Dec 16

Oct 16

Sep 16

Jul 16

Aug 16

Jun 16

May 16

– 87.0

Proposed Construction: 61 communities 17,407 units

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months

Concessions

Annualized Rank 1 2 3 4 5

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,739 communities 642,747 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

•

•

• • • • • • •

Submarket Woodlands/Conroe South Conroe North/Montgomery Montrose/Museum/Midtown Heights/Washington Ave Willowbrook/Champions/Ella

% of Market Absorbed 10.1% 7.0% 8.9% 10.7% 6.2%

Rental Rate Growth % 1.8% 2.0% 1.4% 0.9% 1.3%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 234,463 A 71,718 B 83,682 C 67,725 D 11,338

% of Total Units 36% 48% 34% 34% 24%

Average Special -2.8% -4.9% -1.6% -1.5% -1.7%

Citywide Effect -6.9% -9.4% -4.7% -4.6% -7.2%

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:

91.4% $1,087/mo.

124.5¢/sq.ft./mo.

873 sq.ft.

89.6% $923/mo.

108.7¢/sq.ft./mo.

849 sq.ft.

90.4% $1,189/mo.

136.2¢/sq.ft./mo.

873 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 1.8% rental rate growth 16,525 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 0.7% rental rate growth 4,893 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: -1.1% rental rate growth 7,957 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,008 communities 70,188 units

Operating Supply: 882 communities 186,457 units

Operating Supply: 947 communities 219,181 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 million apartment units in Texas, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee. For more information, contact Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2018 ApartmentData.com June 2018

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Back Page

with News from around the COMMUNITY

Join the Apartment Angels for a School Supply Drive benefiting New Hope Housing June 1 to July 31

The Apartment Angels are organizing a school supply drive from June 1 to July 31 benefiting the children of New Hope Housing. New Hope Housing’s newest community provides life-stabilizing, affordable, permanent housing with support services for families who live on very limited incomes. There is a great need for school supplies for the children of these families to start the school year off right. For more information on what’s needed and where to purchase, see www.haaonline.org/apartmentangels/ or contact shinkley@haaonline.org.

ONLINE STATISTICS for the Houston Apartment Association Website and Social Media www.haaonline.org Total visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16,190 Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,116 Most visited pages: 1. Jobline Board 2. Rental Credit Reporting 3. Renter Online Complaint Form

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HAA Jobline Apply button cicks . . . . . . . . .4,239 Job postings for the month . . .98 Resume postings . . . . . . . . . . . .249 Job seeker signups . . . . . . . . . . .375

Twitter @HAAOnline www.twitter.com Followers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,477

Facebook http://tinyurl.com/2ae7gnq

Houston Apartment Association Group members . . . . . . . . . . . .2,194

Linkedin http://tinyurl.com/2667ppr Houston Apartment Association Group followers . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,915

www.haaonline.org

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Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

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