the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 1
BROWNLEE WHITLOW & PRAET, PLLC
We Provide the Following Services to Property Managers and Owners: Purchase and Sale of Communities Lease Preparation and Negotiation Policy Review Defense of Property Claims
CONTACT US
Eviction Appeals Fair Housing Compliance Instruction on Legal & Lease Issues, Fair Housing or any other legal topics.
Mailing Address: 1204 Village Market Place, Box# 295 Morrisville, North Carolina 27560
Follow us: @brownleewhitlowpraet Visit us at: www.bwpf-law.com *This is a legal advertisement
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Triangle Apartment Association 7920 ACC Blvd., Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27617 919.782.1165 • 919.782.1169 FAX www.triangleaptassn.org TAA Office Hours Monday through Friday TAA Staff are currently working remotely. The fastest way to reach us is email. TAA Mission Statement The leading resource committed to the advancement of the rental housing industry through advocacy, engagement, and innovation.
@TriangleAptAssn
CONTENTS 4
President’s Pen
12 TAA’s Plugged In Recap
7
Legal Issues
16 New Members
8
Upcoming Education
18 Calendar of Events
OFFICERS President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Rita Zepeda CPM, CAPS, CAM, ARM PRG Real Estate Management, Inc.
Craig Nardi CPM, CAPS
Rob Boggs CAM Park and Market
Immediate Past President
@nctaa
Affiliated with:
Kelli Lea CAM, NAAEI Faculty Greystar
April Vasta CAPS, CAM Blue Ridge Companies
DIRECTORS TAA STAFF MEMBERS Josie H. Eatmon, Executive Director jeatmon@triangleaptassn.org
Katy Boone CAPS, CAM Amberwood at Lochmere
Berry Craven CAMT Ginkgo Residential, LLC
Cindy Nitschke CAS
Franklin Rodriguez CAPS, CAMT Blue Ridge Companies
Chris Fortune Rachel Garavito Young CAS CAS Red Rhino Group Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC
Becki Hale CAM University Hill
Natalie Hart CAS The Liberty Group
Judy Wade CAPS, CAM TradeMark Property Services, Inc.
Norm Praet General Counsel Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC
Suzanne Pratt, Director of Professional Development spratt@triangleaptassn.org Vicki Franciosi, Meetings & Events Director vfranciosi@triangleaptassn.org Dustin Engelken, Government Affairs Director dengelken@triangleaptassn.org Susan Williams, Finance Director swilliams@triangleaptassn.org Jennifer Creech, Membership & Marketing Manager jcreech@triangleaptassn.org Dan Pauley, Staff Accountant dpauley@triangleaptassn.org Alyssa Clair, Education Coordinator aclair@triangleaptassn.org Jessica Esposito, Events Coordinator jesposito@triangleaptassn.org
Amy Timocko CAPS Hawthorne Residential Partners, Inc.
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS Education:
GiGi Ghanayem Tara Gerberich
Government Affairs: Katy Boone Kelly Goehl
IRO:
Dena Daniels
Membership:
Chelsea Bell Natalie Cook-Wooters
This issue of the ApartMentor is designed and published by Moonstone Studio, LLC, proud member of the Triangle Apartment Association.
Chris Smith Greystar
PR & Community Outreach:
Jessica Lei Akeshia Thomas
Products & Services: Chris Fortune Rachel Garavito Young
Special Events: Cindy Nitschke Judy Wade
XCEL:
Heather Arndt Carson Woodell
Total Members: 1,184 Total Units: 151,631 Apartment Communities: 657 Suppliers: 291 Management Companie s: 166 IRO: 70
TAA Snapshot as of 12/4/2020 the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 3
President’s Pen Can you believe we made it through the longest year there ever was? While on one hand it feels like I was just sitting in a room with 400 of you being sworn in as President; on the other hand, it feels like that was a lifetime ago. We could talk about how much we miss each other and missed the awesome in person courses and networking events, but I will not let 2020 hold a negative rain cloud over us. I’d like to focus on the tremendous successes and accomplishments we’ve seen this year at TAA. When I was being charged as President, my goal for the year was to increase our core volunteer pool by 20%, as well as our committee membership attendance by 20%. While things certainly look a bit different and are harder to quantify, I am especially proud of our committees for boosting attendance! It seemed scary to shift to virtual and that we would lose the connection with our peers, however I believe the flexibility has allowed for MORE folks to attend that might not have been able to in the past. How many of you have multiple people in one office that all have an interest in the same committee? Does it often come down to picking and choosing, or perhaps even seniority? The logging in from home or the office has been a tremendous success for the TAA and I don’t believe we will see that fade out any time soon. Our committees remained busy and focused on initiatives provided by the Board of Directors’ Strategic Plan. I don’t have nearly enough space to celebrate ALL the successes, so please allow me to highlight a few. Membership consistently proved how being a member is invaluable. New additions such as “Java with Jennifer” allowed new members or members with ques-
tions to chat informally with our staff. They also continued hosting the FREE Tour of Cities events. The 2020 Goal set by the committee was 1204 Member Firms and 150,864 Total Units. While we are just shy of our Member Firms, we surpassed the units goal and are currently at 151,631. Government Affairs spent a significant amount of time advocating on behalf of our legal interests. Key focuses included the Affordable Housing Bond, keeping us abreast of eviction moratoriums and everchanging practices, and fundraising, in the year of the pandemic, of over $26,600 for our Political Action Committee (TAA-PAC). These funds are used to engage and support our local leadership that has the best interest of our industry and Association. Notably, Dustin Engelken, our Director of Government Affairs was spotlighted in the news several times for our efforts with the WakePrevent! Program and Resident Relief Foundation—overall shouting the need for rental assistance for our tenants here in NC. Products and Services hosted three Town Hall meetings that gave suppliers exclusive access to our industry’s top leaders to collaboratively discuss problems and issues suppliers face— ultimately how can suppliers better serve owner operators? Additionally, many of these committee members helped with Trade Show Tips and Tricks and further supported by participating in our TAA Plugged In event. Independent Rental Owner (IRO) educated its members on the everchanging laws regarding landlord and tenants as well as any changes to the AANC and NAA leases. XCEL highlighted many of its members’ talents with blog articles with the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 4
engaging and relevant content! They also began the Rise and Grind series. This committee particularly set lofty goals to define their mission and purpose and I couldn’t be prouder to see how far this group has come, and how far they continue to go! Education Committee pivoted to virtual offerings included speedy sessions, Mental Health awareness, Property Financials for Assistant Managers and Managers, NAAEI Designations, Fair Housing, Legal Issues, CPO and more! The committee also redesigned the Education Scholarship collateral to be debuted next year and successfully completed a virtual battle of the baskets raising over $3,700—all of which goes directly towards scholarships for credentials such as CAM, CAPS, CAMT, and NALP! Thank you so much for those that donated. PR and Community Outreach continued with virtual happy hours and networking events, Crayons2Calculators school supply drive and a virtual weekend of giving with #TAAServiceDay! Engaging videos were shown during RPM Careers Month and membership increased on the TAA Community Event Sharing Facebook Page (Please join if you have not!). The New Lease on Life 5k was held and allowed for over 50 members to participate at their leisure while still raising funds and awareness to end homelessness. Continued on page 17
Kelli Lea CAM, NAAEI Faculty TAA President Greystar taapresident@triangleaptassn.org
On Thursday, October 22, we hosted a family-friendly, outdoor, in-person event that allowed members to practice social distancing from the comfort of their own vehicles while watching Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on the big screens. There were 74 vehicles with over 165 people in attendance. It was great to see our members and their families from a safe distance of course. And, it was fun to see many of the kids in their pajamas so at the end of the event, they were ready for bed. We were also fortunate that the Cary Police’s Project PHOENIX team was able to join us. The evening also included sponsor previews, insulated cooler goody bags filled with movie snack foods, prizes, food trucks and lots of laughter.
Thank You
to our Food Trucks Kono Pizza Magnificent Concessions The Wandering Moose the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 5
Thank You
to our Event Sponsors 2020 siness Partners Strategic
Premier
Champion
Leaves
Marathon Sponsors
to
Leases
A New Lease on Life Festi v a l
Fit & Able Productions
A New Lease on Life (NLOL) pivoted
this year from its usual in person 5K
Sprinter Sponsors
fundraiser to a virtual platform due to the
Candour House Carolina Restoration Services Palms Associates, LLC Red Rhino Group Redi Carpet
pandemic. From November 7 – 14, TAA members and friends had the opportunity to race on their own time, with their own race app to support the organization. Each participant that completed the race or donated received a Leaves to Leases shirt as a souvenir. Additionally, those who completed the 5K and 8K also received a medal.
Blue Ridge Companies Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC Greystar Lincoln Property Company, Inc. McDowell Properties, LLC Omega Sports
Pacesetter Sponsors
Thanks to our shirt sponsors and the 51 participants. Due
Elite Flooring Lantower Luxury Living
to your generosity, over $8000 was raised to help prevent homelessness. We look forward to next year’s race!
Meet Other Members. Get Involved. Join a Committee. AANC EDUCATION & LEGISTLATIVE CONFERENCE
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2021
How many committees are there at TAA? Eight (8) Can anyone join? YES! If your company or apartment community is a member, you are a member and can join a committee. What are my choices? • Education • Products & Services (Suppliers only) • Government Affairs • PR & Community Outreach • Independent Rental Owners • Special Events • Membership • Xcel
MAY 24-26, 2021 RALEIGH, NC
When are the meetings? Each committee has their own meeting schedule and typically meets monthly on the same day. Where are the meetings held? Typically, the meetings are held in the TAA Office. However, since March, the committees have been meeting virtually. So, this is a great time to join one of the meetings as you can do so from the comfort of your office. No travel time. Where can I learn more? Visit www.triangleaptassn.org/ committees and see what may interest you. What if I try a committee and decide it is not for me? No worries, you won’t be the first and you won’t be the last to do so. We want you to find the perfect fit for you. Try as many as you like until you find the perfect fit. Can I join more than one? You can. We suggest that you try one first and see what you think. Then, if you feel like you have time for a second one, join a second one. If I need more information, what should I do? Contact the TAA Staff Liaison for that committee. Names and emails are provided.
WWW.AANCONLINE.ORG
Hope to see you at one of our meetings in 2021!
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Legallegal Issues Issues
What’s New? A Partial Pandemic Primer on Summary Ejectment By: Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC Keeping ahead of all the legal changes and requirements in the world today takes everything you’ve got. Then, just as you think you have a handle on the current situation everything pivots a little to one direction or another, but not likely the direction you hoped you would be going in. Below we are going to address from a high level some of the legal issues and changes we have faced since ‘Rona made her uninvited entrance.
FEDERAL CARES Act: Issued by the federal gov-
ernment and showed up in late March 2020 (also uninvited) and prohibited evictions for covered properties for a period of 120 days and then required a 30-day notice at the end of the 120 days prior to filing for summary ejectment. Also, allowed for mortgage forbearance for certain covered properties, but required an additional eviction moratorium if you took the forbearance. Current status: forbearance may still be in effect, also 30 day notice requirement may be perpetual at this point for all CARES Act covered properties but this is uncertain as the law is unclear.
CDC Order: Entitled Temporary Halt
in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19, 85 Fed. Reg. 55,292 (Sept. 4, 2020) issued by the CDC and took effect on September 4, 2020 and expires at present on December 31, 2020. Allows a covered resident to avoid eviction for failure to pay rent until December 31, 2020 if they provide their landlord with a signed CDC Declaration form stating: (1) The individual has used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance for rent; (2) The individual either (i) expects to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for in 2020 (or no more than $198,000 if filing a joint return), (ii) was not required to
report any income in 2019 to the IRS, or (iii) received a stimulus check pursuant to the CARES Act; (3) The individual is unable to pay the full rent or make a full housing payment due to substantial loss of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, a lay-off, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses; (4) The individual is using best efforts to make timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as the individual’s circumstances may permit, taking into account other nondiscretionary expenses; and (5) Eviction would likely render the individual homeless. Current status: After several court challenges, including several by the National Apartment Association, the CDC issued an FAQ that explained that “eviction” means the actual act of putting someone out of a home (the writ of possession phase in NC), and that a landlord who did not believe the CDC Declaration was properly provided could challenge the CDC Declaration in court.
NORTH CAROLINA Governor’s Executive Order 171:
This Order took effect on October 30, 2020 at 5 pm and provides: 1) prior to filing an eviction a landlord must provide a resident with the CDC Declaration form mentioned above, and then provide an affidavit to the court that they have done so with the filing of the complaint; 2) if a resident provides a letter showing eligibility under the North Carolina HOPE rental assistance program, the landlord must treat the resident as if they have provided a CDC Declaration form, even if they would not qualify under the CDC Order (this is interesting as there is no requirement that a landlord agree to participate in the HOPE program; 3) a landlord must file any signed CDC Declaration forms with the Court within 5 days if there is the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 7
a pending summary ejectment action, and 4) if a landlord wishes to proceed with a summary ejectment action because they do not believe the representations made by the resident in the CDC Declarations are accurate or they are not otherwise prohibited from proceeding, they may make a motion to the court and ask permission to proceed. Current Status: Effective until December 31, 2020.
NC Supreme Court Justice Emergency Directive 18 (as extended):
Requires a landlord filing a summary ejectment action to file a CARES Act Affidavit advising whether the property is covered under the CARES Act and whether it is in loan forbearance, with the summons and complaint. Current Status: Currently extended through December 14, 2020 by Emergency Order. As always with the legal and procedural requirements, but now more than ever, everything within this article is subject to change with little or no notice. The Triangle Apartment Association on a local level, the Apartment Association of North Carolina on a state level, and the National Apartment Association and National Multi Family Housing Council on a national level continue to work tirelessly towards helping shape or when necessary oppose these government actions to promote the interest of the multifamily industry through many paid staff and many member volunteers. Please pay attention to the updates you receive from these organizations and calls to action so that you can be part of the solution that keeps the industry afloat! This is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such.
education classes TAA classes will be conducted via a virtual platform for the first two quarters of 2021, with the exception of CFC.
Property Financials for Assistant Managers February 23 – February 24, 2021 9 AM – 12 PM both days Online Webinar $69 Members | $99 Non–Members 6 CECs Instructor: Brandon Negron
This interactive virtual seminar will provide a greater understanding of how the assistant managers’ role is paramount to the overall financial performance of the asset. Learn the ins and outs of your property’s income and expenses so that you can propel yourself to the next level with the knowledge needed to make a significant impact.
Debt Collection February 25, 2021 10 AM – 12 PM Online Webinar $39 Members | $79 Non–Members 2 CECs Instructor: Chris Loebsack
You know all about Fair Housing, but how much do you know about Fair Debt Collection? Join Chris Loebsack for a seminar to learn about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Certified Pool Operator Course (CPO) March 12 – March 13, 2021 Online Webinar $325 Members Instructor: Mark Peele Please note: This is a two-day virtual course and certification program offering instruction in swimming pool/spa maintenance and safety.
Online CPO Certification Process: Once you register for the class, you will receive a confirmation email which will include your Zoom webinar access link. This course will be conducted over two days via Zoom and the exam being conducted online. You will need to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone for the course/exam, so we can verify identity.
Certified Pool Operator Course (CPO) April 9 – April 10, 2021 Online Webinar $325 Members Instructor: Mark Peele Please note: This is a two-day virtual course and certification program offering instruction in swimming pool/spa maintenance and safety.
CFC April 20, 2021 In–Person Session $299 Members Instructor: David Cameron
Online CPO Certification Process: Once you register for the class, you will receive a confirmation email which will include your Zoom webinar access link. This course will be conducted over two days via Zoom and the exam being conducted online. You will need to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone for the course/exam, so we can verify identity.
This certification course will include 5 hours of instruction followed by testing for certification in one or all of the following: Type I, Type II, Type III and Universal certification in the use of EPA regulated refrigerant gases. Attendees will be instructed in the rules and regulations that meet compliance with the EPA refrigerant recycle rules. All instruction materials will be provided.
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NAAEI CREDENTIAL HOLDERS CONGRATULATIONS!
Congrats to the following individuals who have earned the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) credential from the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI). Selena Curtis – Brampton Moors Apartments Josh Evans – Woodland Creek Townhomes & Apartments
Congrats to the following individuals who have earned the Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) credential from the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI). Sydney Bryan – The Liberty Group Camille Maldonado – Multifamily Roofing Services, Inc. Maria Martinez Cuadrado – FINCOR
The Triangle Apartment
Thank You Instructors!
Instructors/Facilitators:
Association would like
• Heather Blume
to give a special thanks
• Ken Carmack
to our 2020 instructors
• Mark Cukro
and facilitators for their
• Kate Good
perseverance, resilience,
• Stephanie Loyd
and commitment to their
• Leslie Mathis
craft. Despite it being a
• Brandon Negron
year that no one could
• Mark Peele
• Jen Piccotti
• Kara Rice
• Michelle Roof
• Rebecca Rosario-Bueno
• Lisa Trosien
• Melissa D. White
• Todd Whitlow
• Kathelene Williams
have predicted, these individuals provided our membership with the best tools and resources to tackle the ever changing environment that was 2020. We know that this year has been tough for all, but we wanted to take the time to thank our instructors for quickly adapting their curriculum for the virtual learning space and for being so attentive to the needs of our members. Thank you again for all that you have done for us this year and we look forward to working with you in the future. the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 9
Government Affairs
TAA Government Affairs Year-in-Review Government Affairs Committee The TAA Government Affairs Committee experienced strong growth in membership throughout 2020, despite going virtual beginning in the month of April. As of November, the Committee has had an average attendance of 29 Members, an 80% growth rate over 2019. Committee Members have played an active role in a number of initiatives, as well as hosting a great slate of speakers throughout the year.
TAA-PAC TAA-PAC experienced another strong year of fundraising, bringing in nearly $27,300 this year, despite largely halting fundraising at the onset of the pandemic. Thanks to the strong support of TAA Members, the PAC was able to endorse nine candidates for office this year, all of whom won their elections! TAA-PAC also supported the successful and historic Raleigh Affordable Housing Bond (more below).
House Wake! Rental Assistance Program TAA worked with partners on the Wake County Board of Commissioners to successfully advocate for more than $25 million in local rental assistance, helping to keep our residents in their homes and ensuring housing providers get paid. While this money is only earmarked for Wake County, and will likely not help everyone who needs it, it represents the largest local rental assistance program in North Carolina and helped fill the gap at a time when the state and federal government were not providing rental assistance.
Raleigh Affordable Housing Bond TAA played a leading role in the overwhelmingly successful Raleigh Affordable Housing Bond ballot initiative, which will direct nearly $80 million to the creation of affordable housing in Raleigh. The money will be spent over the next five years, with much of the funds earmarked to support the development of new multifamily housing in Raleigh. The $80 million represents the largest housing bond in Raleigh history, and the second largest housing bond in North Carolina history!
Supporting Members during the Pandemic COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for our industry, but throughout the pandemic, TAA has strived to provide continuous real-time updates on stay-at-home orders, eviction moratoriums, and other pandemic-related issues, helping our members to navigate a constantly changing landscape of executive orders, court orders, and new legislation. Earlier this year, TAA also successfully advocated for the multifamily industry to be classified as ‘essential businesses’ in local stay-at-home orders, allowing apartment communities and their suppliers to keep doing business at a time where many businesses where shuttered.
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TAA Political Action Committee
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO TAA-PAC IN 2020! Contributions to TAA-PAC help ensure a strong voice for you and for the apartment industry by supporting pro-industry political candidates for state and local government across the Triangle. The following individual donors achieved Club Level status with TAA-PAC in 2020.
President’s Club Level $1000+ Amy Timocko Chris Loebsack Cliff Rogers
Craig Nardi Dena Daniels Kellie Falk
Kelly Goehl Norm Praet Todd Whitlow
Vice President’s Club Level $500-$999 April Vasta Becki Hale Berry Craven Bonnie Moser Christopher Smith Cindy Nitschke Curtis Stevens
Dustin Engelken Elizabeth Riley Gary Triplett Kathy Woodard Katy Boone Kelli Lea Paula Kotarakos
Rebecca Kalishek Rita Zepeda Rob Boggs Seth Wolfman Stephen Kenney Steve Hayworth William MacRae
Senator’s Club Level $150-$499 Chris Fortune Daniel Eller Franklin Rodriguez Gordon Grubb Jason Montgomery Judy Wade
Justin Kempe Kay Shortridge Michelle Mitchell Natalie Hart Rachel Garavito Young Rebecca Rosario-Bueno
Robert High Scott Marczewski Terry Ragland Todd Harris Vicki Franciosi
Representative’s Club Level $50-$149 David Spiler Ed Harris Ethan Smith Hope Joyner
Joe Mitchell Kimberly Caldwell Leilani Bissell-Ledford Pam Norris
Sherry Yarborough Suzanne Pratt
As a reminder, TAA-PAC Club Levels reset at the beginning of each calendar year. All contributions received after January 1, 2021 will go towards the donor’s 2021 Club Level. For more information, and to contribute, visit www.TriangleAptAssn.org/TAAPAC. the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 11
Thank you to our Event Sponsors
2020 siness Partners Strategic
Premier
Champion
From November 9 – November 20, we hosted a virtual event that included an Exhibitor Marketplace, 5 Educational Sessions (Live and On-Demand), 3 Live Networking Events, a Library of Brain Breaks and Discussion Boards on a variety of topics. The content was available 24 hours a day throughout the event. And, when the event closed, the educational sessions remained available through November 30 to give participants an additional week. During the life of the event, there were 10,920 total views. The event included 48 Exhibiting Member Companies, 162 registered Supplier Partner attendees and 543 registered Owner/Operator attendees. In the Exhibitor Marketplace, attendees were able to visit each booth to learn more about the company’s products & services, watch videos, view photos, register to win prizes and chat with supplier partners.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Educational Sessions We were able to offer an incredible line up of speakers with great content for all our attendees. And a very special thank you to our presenters. We are so appreciative that you joined us for this event. Transformational Leadership in an Age of Shifting Paradigms Alexandra Jackiw, Chief Operating Officer Hayes Gibson Property Services, LLC Customer Service During COVID Bill Nye, Chief Operating Officer Berger Rental Communities Keeping You and Your Employees Motivated During Challenging Times Denise Ryan, Owner, Firestar Speaking
We hosted to a Barista Demonstration, a Mixology Demonstration and a Brewery Tour. These events all included a live presentation, Q&A session, and networking.
Congratulations to our Grand Prize Drawing Winners Owner/Operator attendees that visited all seven (7) of our Strategic and Premier Business Partner Booths, in the Exhibitor Marketplace, were eligible for the grand prize drawings. Thanks to the generosity of those business partners, we were able to award $3,000 – six (6) $500 American Express Gift Cards. The winners included Amber Nowlin, The Links at Thorndale | TradeMark Property Services, Inc.; Amy Timocko, Hawthorne Residential Partners, Inc.; Iris Castillo, Inman Park Apartments | Lincoln Property Company, Inc.; Joanna Manuel, Anderson Flats | Greystar; Kelli Lea, Greystar and Shea Johnson, Manor at Weston | Greystar. the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 12
Everyone Can Be a Geek! Tech Tools, Tips, and Tricks to Make Your More Productive & Better Connected Russ Webb, Executive Director, Bay Area Apartment Association Top Legal Questions of 2020 Todd Whitlow, Partner, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC
1st Choice Construction Management, LLC Impact Trash Solutions, LLC A & M Paper and Printing Kitchen & Bath Solutions Apartment Life, Inc. Liberty Rent Apartments.com Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC Automatic Leasing Service, Inc. Lowe's Pro-MSH BetterNOI, LLC Moen, Inc. BG Multifamily Multifamily Utility Company BluSky Restoration and Roofing R1 Facility Services BrightView Landscapes, LLC Redi Carpet Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC RentPath, LLC C.A.R.E. Services - Cleaning and Restoration Experts Rite Rug Co. Career Strategies, Inc. Roofwerks Carolina Restoration Services Ruppert Landscape, Inc. Cart Mart SERVPRO of N Raleigh, Wake Forest & N Durham Sherwin Williams Paints Chadwell Supply Southern Outdoor Restoration CJB Cleaning Services The Home Depot Pro CORT Furniture DeNyse Companies The Liberty Group Economy Exterminators Tidal Electrical Services, Inc. Elite Flooring TurboHaul, Inc. Black text indicates an Fincor Turner Asphalt, Inc. event sponsor, our 2020 Fitness Concepts, Inc. Valet Living, LLC Business Partners. Full House Marketing Venturi Restoration HD Supply - Facilities Maintenance Yardi Systems, Inc.
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Battle of th WE APPRECIATE YOUR GENEROSITY & SUPPORT! The TAA Education Committee was presented with a challenge with the Battle of the Baskets fundraiser held annually at the TAA Trade Show. The fundraiser looked and felt quite different due to COVID-19. The fundraiser with proceeds to benefit the Triangle Apartment Association Education Foundation (TAAEF) Scholarship Fund was held as an online silent auction for three and half days, with the highest bidder winning one of the phenomenal 16 baskets donated. The Education Committee would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our 2020 Battle of the Baskets partners for their commitment, generosity, support, creativity, and basket donations. The silent auction raised $4000. We’re so grateful!
Bell Partners, Inc. Berkshire Residential Investments Blue Ridge Companies Brampton Moors Apartments ConAm Management Company, Inc. Cortland Greystar Grubb Properties & Links Apartments
Hawthorne Residential Partners, Inc. Northwood Ravin, LLC P&R Property Consulting Group, LLC PRG Real Estate Management, Inc. Palms Associates, LLC Roofwerks Trademark Property Services, Inc.
The TAAEF Education Scholarship Fund will provide a qualifying candidate or candidates the opportunity to receive funds necessary in obtaining a National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) credential such as CAPS, CAM, CAS, NALP, or CAMT. Since the inception of the fund in 2001, 77 scholarships have been awarded. the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 14
he Baskets!
The competition was fierce this year with the donated baskets. Congrats to the 2020 winners of the Battle of the Baskets categories:
Kudos!
Best of Show The Roam Responsibly Travel Excursion Go Bag Northwood Ravin, LLC
Most Creative The Cat’s Meow ConAm Management Company, Inc.
$100 Lottery Tickets Christmas Tree The Lottery Basket Raffle Drawing was executed on Friday, December 4th, at the TAA office by Todd Whitlow, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, and witnessed by Franklin Rodriguez, Blue Ridge Companies.
Winner, congrats Kelli Lea! the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 15
New Members APARTMENT COMMUNITIES Elevate Powell & Broad
141 Stobhill Lane Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Contact: Lindsey Goodstat ElevatePowellAndBroad@BellPartnersInc.com (919)714-1171 Units: 384
Granville Towers
2100 Granville Tower South Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Contact: Clayton Hayer granvilletower@greystar.com (919)370-4500 Units: 704
Trilogy Cameron Village
305 Oberlin Road Raleigh, NC 27605 Contact: Macy Van Gorp trilogycameronvillage@rkwresidential.com (919)891-8632 Units: 203
Union Chapel Hill
425 Hillsborough Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Contact: Ian Fawcett unionchapelhill@greystar.com (984)363-2837 Units: 339
University Towers
111 Friendly Drive Raleigh, NC 27607 Contact: Jason Souza univtowers@greystar.com (919)327-3800 Units: 485
INDEPENDENT RENTAL OWNERS NCDREV, LLC
PO Box 4254 Chapel Hill, NC 27515 Contact: Jason Klaitman jklaitman@gmail.com (919)265-7029 Units: 4
Norman Bramstedt 1400 Wheelwright Place Suite 114 Cary, NC 27519 Contact: Norman Bramstedt norman@ourhomenorthcarolina. com (919)428-5755 Units: 1
Princess Properties of NC, LLC
1430 Innovation Avenue Morrisville, NC 27560 Contact: Scott Jones pedispaman@gmail.com (919)828-2930 Units: 5
SUPPLIERS Atlanta Flooring Design Centers, Inc.
3829 S. Alston Avenue Durham, NC 27713 Contact: Christian Etheridge cetheridge@atlantaflooringdesign.com (919)619-6561 Flooring Contractors & Carpet/ Vinyl Installation
Best Nest Corporate Housing Solutions
2421 Timber Drive Suite 216 Raleigh, NC 27604 Contact: Latoya Mosley Lmosley@bestnestchs.com (919)891-0024 Apartment Locator Service & Online Reputation | Corporate Housing | Relocation Services
C.A.R.E. Services - Cleaning and Restoration Experts
4200 Atlantic Avenue Suite 177 Raleigh, NC 27604 Contact: Jason Webster Jason@servicewithcare.com (919)872-3448 Air Duct/Chimney/Fireplace Cleaning Service | Carpet Cleaning Service | Cleaning: Interior Cleaner Services | Emergency Service/Restoration Contractors | Mold Remediation Contractors | Odor Control
CertaPro Painters of Chapel Hill
43 N. Chatham Parkway Chapel Hill, NC 27517 Contact: Landon Davies ldavies@certapro.com (904)859-8118 Painting Contractors
Concrete Transformations, Inc.
544 Vista Del Lago Lane Wake Forest, NC 27587 Contact: Michael Milan TransformMyConcrete@gmail. com (919)673-9856 Concrete Service Contractors | Masonry/Stone/Pavers | Snow Removal Contractors
InFret 3D, LLC
4472 Still Pines Drive Raleigh, NC 27613 Contact: Joe Altieri joe@infret3d.com (518)441-3028 Photography & Video
Juice That Brand
3647 Coach Lantern Avenue Wake Forest, NC 27587 Contact: Julie McCoy julie@juicethatbrand.com (919)368-6715 Design Services (Graphics, Logos, Publications) | Promotions & Apparel
Multifamily Utility Company
PO Box 86531 San Diego, CA 92138 Contact: Denise Deverelle ddeverelle@multifamilyutility.com (800)266-0968 Utility Management & SubMetering
Paint Applicators
1313 Shelley Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Contact: Eli Murrell eli@paintapplicators.com (919)812-2329 Gutter Cleaning & Pressure Washing Contractors | Painting Contractors | Parking Lot Contractors
the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 16
Professional Restoration Services
2003 Schieffelin Road Apex, NC 27502 Contact: Kevin Reinert office@prshelp.com (919)467-1991 Emergency Service/Restoration Contractors | Mold Remediation Contractors
PuroClean of WakeForest, Corp
7508 Chouder Lane Wake Forest, NC 27587 Contact: Karlton Cole KCole@PuroClean.com (919)435-4774 Air Duct/Chimney/Fireplace Cleaning Service | Bio Hazard/ Viral/Pathogen Disinfecting & Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning Service | Emergency Service/Restoration Contractors | Odor Control
Therma Seal
205 State Road Suite 1949 Mebane, NC 27302 Contact: Daniel Riccitelli daniel.riccitelli@yahoo.com (919)422-0529 Flooring Contractors & Carpet/ Vinyl Installation | General Contractors | Painting Contractors | Renovation & Capital Improvement Contractors | Roofing | Windows/Mirrors/Glass
President’s Pen continued from page 4 Special Events may have shifted and
and resources in this sector specifically
support allowed us to continue to engage
pivoted to the point of being dizzy this
for 2021.
and serve our members and deliver when
year, but still saw tremendous success! My
I could not shout and tout the success-
other Associations and organizations
favorite event was Featured Film. Food
es of the Association without personally
could not. Dare I use the official word of
Trucks. Fun. which welcomed over 165
thanking every single staff member. These
2020? Ok, I will! It is essential that we all
people, while socially distant. (Stay tuned
people are genuinely some of the best
work collaboratively to ensure the TAA
for similar events early 2021!) A HUGE
humans on the planet and never let the
continues to be the incredible success it is
thank you and appreciation to the com-
Association or our members miss a beat.
today. I encourage you to join a committee
mittee and staff for hosting our Trade
The surveys and constant communica-
meeting from the comfort of your home
Show—TAA Plugged In. Many other
tion are what set us apart and I’m forever
or office and see what we’re all about! Be a
associations simply cancelled, but that’s
grateful for our team!
part of our 2021 success story.
not how the TAA does things. The
Finally, I would love to personally
Most importantly, stay safe and have a
Virtual Marketplace platform was a success
thank our Supplier Partners for the contin-
Happy Holiday!
allowing over 710 registered attendees.
ued support during the crazy year. Your
Not only did we visit with our supplier partners, but we show-
2020 siness Partners
cased multiple educational offerings and networking sessions. Successes by the TAA that are not committee specific include a 9-month partnership with NAA
Strategic
Grads of Life to further our goal to infuse new service employees into our workforce. The need is great and is a huge focus of our Board of Directors. We have defined a curriculum in which an internship style program will deliver CPO and CFC certified technicians to our member companies right here in the Triangle. I’m incredibly proud of each person that gave invaluable input to shape the backbone of this program and am excited to
Premier
continue our efforts in 2021! Additionally, multiple Regional Round Tables were conducted where our area’s leaders came together to navigate and discuss COVID operations including
Champion
rent collections, office openings, employee engagement and more. Lastly, the website was completely reshaped to offer COVID resources, local jurisdiction guidelines, AANC and NAA lease merger information, Rental Assistance pages, and most notable a Diversity and Inclusion Resource Page. I look forward to further developing our platform the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 17
December 2020
2
9
Supplier Town Hall
XCEL’s Rise & Grind Series: Diversity & Inclusion
17
24-25
Executive/Board Of Directors Meeting & Year End Reception
11
Marketing Tips & Tricks
TAA Closed Christmas Holiday
16
Tour of Cities
January 2021
Please visit our website for the most up-to-date listing
1
of TAA classes, events, and meetings including times, locations, and details.
TBD
TAA Closed
Board of Directors Installation
February
23-24
Property Financials for Assistant Managers
25
March
Debt Collection
12-13
Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
April
9-10
Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
20
CFC/EPA Certification & Testing (in-person class)
Advertiser’s Index
PAGE
Apartment Association of North Carolina ___________________________________________________________________________6 Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC __________________________________________________________________________________2 Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC ______________________________________________________________________________________20 the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 4
Advertising space available! Contact us for availability and pricing at taa@triangleaptassn.org. 18
the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 18
Strategic Spotlight We Provide the Following Services to Property Managers and Owners:
Purchase and Sale of Communities Lease Preparation and Negotiation Policy Review Defense of Property Claims
Eviction Appeals Fair Housing Compliance Instruction on Legal & Lease Iss Fair Housing or any other legal
CONTACT US Mailing Address: 1204 Village Market Place, Box# 295 Morrisville, North Carolina 27560
Follow us: @brownleewhitlowpraet Visit us at: www.bwpf-law.com *This is a legal advertisement
Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC is a dynamic and growing provider of property solutions legal services. They assist properties and community management companies, property owners, and investors in a wide variety of needs including: • Real Estate Transaction Services • Community Association Management Services • Multifamily/Apartment Management Law • Property Tax Appeal • Corporate and Business Law Founded in 2015, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC currently serves North Carolina and South Carolina with offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Charleston. They are in the process of moving into Georgia and have a goal to ultimately serve the entire Southeast. In addition to serving the multifamily industry, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC also provides great benefits to their employees and gives back to the communities in which they work. Employees are invited to quarterly outings, monthly office challenges/activities, and other fun
the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 4
incentives. Locally, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC is 2 very involved with TAA’s New Lease on Life, an organization designed to help those who are experiencing homelessness get back on their feet through stable housing, and are an annual donor for HopeLine, a local non-profit that focuses on mental health and crisis management. Mission: We provide full-service legal and business solutions focusing on Multifamily, Community Associations and Transactional Real Estate. Our Firm sets itself apart by providing not only critical legal analysis, but also offering our clients the real-world implications leading to the most meaningful and economically efficient solutions. Core Values: • • • •
Integrity: always Leadership: in our industries of focus Service: we are here to serve our clients Growth: professional; personal; geographic; financial
TAA Member Since: 2015 Areas Served: North Carolina, South Carolina, and expanding into Georgia Hashtags: #BWPUpdates #BWPWellness #propertysolutionslaw
Want more info? Contact: Majela Fonseca, Marketing Director | mfonseca@bwpf-law.com | 919.518.9370 the ApartMentor 2020 | Issue 5 19
7920 ACC Blvd, Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27617