Also INSide - Indiana Apartment Association
Transcription
Also INSide - Indiana Apartment Association
October 5 & 6 September/October 2011 The Official Publication of the s e s s a l C n o s u c Fo & n o i t a c u d E Also INSide... • Connect With NAA • Around The State • Upcoming Events www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 1 ve To Belie ieve h c A n entio Conv 1 20 1 3 0 1 Booth Family owned and operated since 1930, GOLD SEAL is a professionally trained and licensed full service pest control company providing prompt, professional, quality services throughout our market for 80 years! We are the ONLY pest control company in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio authorized to offer this patented pest control service. Why choose Gold Seal and ThermaPureHeat® for bed bugs? • Your apartment is back to normal, without bed bugs, within hours, not weeks!!! • Simple and easy preparations. • NO NEED TO REPLACE furniture or mattresses. • Treat up to 10 units at a time • Conventional Insecticide Treatments also available. GOLD SEAL is proud to feature the patented ThermaPureHeat® process — a technological and ecological breakthrough in treating apartments for bed bugs. This treatment is so COMPLETE it kills ALL stages INCLUDING THE EGGS!! CALL (317) 924-4114 or Toll Free (866) 924-4114 FOR MORE INFORMATION!! alert canine Bed Bug Detection agency Owner/Handler: Nan Levin • Email: [email protected] • Office: 317-345-2012 Reactive SeRviceS Our inspection service will help you eliminate the bed bugs quicker and more effectively by determining which areas and rooms are infested. This will assist your pest management professional by eliminating guess work. PRoactive SeRviceS We can customize an inspection schedule for your property on a one time, as needed basis, or on a recurring schedule. Today’s prospective residents are already on the lookout for properties that are “certified” to be bed bug free. This proactive action will ensure loyal clientele and may help protect you by limiting your liability in the case of a law suit. Why a Dog? • Less Expensive! Bed bug detection dogs generate a quicker and more accurate result (up to 97% accuracy). Eliminates guess work! • Dogs are Honest! Our dogs are trained to work for play…not for profits • Dogs are efficient at finding live bed bugs at low infestation levels. • Research has proven their ability to discriminate live bugs/viable eggs from dead bugs, fecal matter & cast skins. • Especially useful in vacant unitS where bugs may not be as evident! ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 s Booth 12 4 313 & TABLE of Contents Published bimonthly by the Indiana Apartment Association 11 September/October 2011 The Official Publication of the Morning Motivator Learning about neighborhood watch programs The IndIana aparTmenT assocIaTIon 9100 Keystone Crossing, Ste. 725 • Indianapolis, IN 46240 P: 317-816-8900 • F: 317-816-8911 • [email protected] • www.iaaonline.net _________________________________________________________ 12 oFFIcers Exhibitors Breakfast Coming together at the convention Chairman Adam Van Rooy • Van Rooy Properties Vice Chairman Ed Elliott • Infinity Campus Solutions Secretary Linda Orange • Gene B. Glick Company, Inc. Treasurer Brian Cranor • Hearthview Residential 16 Special Cover Section Focus on classes and education Immediate Past President Cindy Koehler, CPM • Buckingham Management, LLC Board oF dIrecTors Sandy Carmin, CAM • Englert Management Jerry Collins, CPM • Flaherty & Collins Properties 8 13 Kim Dillion • Dillion Real Estate, The Property Pros Apt. Owners & Mgrs. Assn of Terre Haute Rep. Mark Dolfini • June Palms Home Leasing, Tippecanoe Apt. Assn. Rep. Kelly Durkes, CAM • Regency Windsor Mgmt., Inc., Apt. Assn. of Fort Wayne and NE Indiana Rep. Randy Escue • Dominion Realty, Inc. Nancy Flynn-Strater • The Sexton Companies Dennis Funkhouser • Consultant Mike Gorman • Rose Property Group, LLC Alexandra Jackiw, CPM • Buckingham Management, LLC Nikki Johnson • CFC, Inc. Ernest F. Oriente ‘The Coach’ Mike Gorman, NAA Chairman Loren King • Trinitas Ventures/Collegiate Communities Rick Koertge, AT&T • Associate Member Rep. Steve Lavery, CPM • Herman & Kittle Properties Susan Lee • Residential Mgt. Co., LLC, No. Indiana Apt. Council Rep. Also INSide... Steve Martin • The Martin Group, Inc., Apt. Assn. of So. Indiana Rep. Rick McCool, CPM • Pedcor Homes Corp. From The IAA President.....................................................................................................................................6 Jordanna Paciorek • Rose Property Group, LLC From The IAA Chairman Of The Board.........................................................................................................7 Lara Smith • Apartment Guide Consumer Source, Inc., Associate Member Rep. Association News..............................................................................................................................................14 Superfleet Spotlight........................................................................................................................................22 Gary Ritz • Paragus Property Management John Spafford • National Tenant Network - Indiana, Associate Member Rep. Tom Spencer • Meridian Management Corp. John Sweeney, CPM • Barrett & Stokely, Inc. George Tikijian III • Tikijian Properties/Tikijian Assoc. IAA Working For You......................................................................................................................................25 Around The State..............................................................................................................................................31 National Focus...................................................................................................................................................32 Calendar Of Upcoming Events...................................................................................................................34 Chuck Townsend • Sheehan Property Mgmt, Inc. Margie Williamson • Pedcor Management Corp. staff Publisher Lynne Sullivan, CAE, President • [email protected] Editor Mark Conover • [email protected] Director of Membership Letti O’Neill • [email protected] In this issue: After meeting with members in focus groups, IAA created a new education series that will be offered in 2012. The article on the Leasing and Leadership Series begins on Page 16. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Indiana Apartment Association, 9100 Keystone Crossing, Ste. 725, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Phone (317) 816-8910, Fax (317) -8168911. Presorted standard at Indianapolis, IN. The views herein are those of the writers and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine’s management or ownership. IAA welcomes stories, art and photo contributions. All such material must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope or it will not be returned. 4 INSites September/October 2011 Director of Education Mary Ellen Perin • [email protected] Accounting Assistant Kristie Fessler • [email protected] INSites Advertising, Trade Show Manager Connie Galbraith • [email protected] Accounting Manager Mary Massey • [email protected] Administrative Assistant Margaret Urias-Marie • [email protected] www.iaaonline.net The IMFHPAC is IAA’s nonpartisan political action committee that invests in candidates who are supportive of industry issues and are pro-business legislators. These funds aid in the election of candidates whose legislative voting records and/or positions on multifamily issues will enhance the business climate in the state of Indiana. CONTRIBUTOR LIST* Platinum Investors ($1.50 per unit) America First Properties Mgmt. Arnel, Inc. Brad Nash Braden & Associates-Architonics, Inc. Buckingham Management, LLC Campus Advantage Chronister Properties Corner Stone Properties Crest Management Dominion Realty, Inc. Englert Mgmt Corp. Equity Management ERL-4, LLC/Cedarview Management Feichter Realtors Four Seasons Realty Gene B. Glick Company, Inc. Global Investing, LLC GT Properties Hearthview Residential Heugel Realty, Inc. Icon Properties Jeff Feilen JRK Residential Group Justus Rental Properties, Inc. Kramer Lumber Company Lynn Haffner Maple Crest Realty Corp. Masterson Properties, LLC McCormack, Baron, & Ragan Mgmt. Services, Inc. Multi-Family Management MV Communities/Associated Land Group Novogroder Companies Inc Orion Real Estate Services, Inc. Oxford Gables Apts., LLC Palladian Corp Paragus Prop. Mgmt., Inc. Realty & Mortgage Co. Regor, LLC Renaissance Property Management, Inc. Retiree Housing Management, Inc. Robert Hoopingarner Romar Concepts LLC Rose Property Group, LLC Sharpflats LLC Sheehan Property Mgmt, Inc. Skygo Apartments Sun America Affordable Housing Partners, Inc. Teakwood Arms Apts Ten South Management Tetzloff LLC The Martin Group, Inc. Tikijian Properties Tom Hoot Rentals Trafalgar Pointe Associates, LLC Trinitas Ventures Trinity Property Consultants Twin Lakes Apartments United Cerebral Palsy Waterford Enterprises Welbourne Management Whitley Crossings Neighborhood Corp. Willow Point Apartments Zender Family Limited Partnership Zidan Management Group Gold Investors ($1.00-$1.49 per unit) Barrett & Stokely, Inc. Blue River Services, Inc. Emmert Property Management HMC, LLC Huber Properties Huls Rentals Inland American Apartment Management, LLC LM Properties, LLC Madisonville-West Properties, Inc. Mark III Mgmt. Corp. Marquise Management Mirus Property Management Group Natalie Overton Neil A. Burd Newlin-Johnson Co., Inc. PAR Enterprises Pedcor Homes Corp. Shaw Rentals Unified Management Services Van Rooy Properties Silver Investors ($.50-$.99 per unit) Advanced Asset & Property Management Solutions, Inc. Crestline Property Management J C Hart Company Management Advantage O’Neil Property Management Pedcor Management Corp. Professional Prop. Mgmt., LLC Regency Windsor Mgmt., Inc. Tazian Properties Bronze Investors (up to $.50 per unit) Associated Estates Realty Corp Flaherty & Collins Properties Given & Spindler Companies Harbor Group Management Hills Property Management James Hampton Management, Inc. Jehl Brothers Properties Linden Hill Properties/ Team Realty Meridian Management Corp. Partnership Concepts Realty Mgmt., Inc. Booster Club (Associate Member Investors) A2 Windows & Doors LLC AC/C Tech ACI, Inc. Action Pest Control ADT Security Services Amos Exteriors, Inc. Apex Paving and Excavating, Inc. Aramark AT&T Connected Communities B & B Lawnscapes BELFOR USA Benesch/Dann Pecar Biosweep of Indianapolis Blakley’s Bob Block Sports & Fitness Equipment Corp. Brickman Business Insurance Group, LLC Carter Lumber CB Richard Ellis CertaPro Painters Circle City Pest Control Citizens Gas Clark Appliance Compliance Depot CORT CRG Residential CSI Signs DGH Incorporated Direct Fitness Solutions Drexel Interiors Frye Electric, Inc. Gold Seal Termite & Pest Control Co. Guardian Water & Power HASCO Hays & Sons Complete Restoration Hittle Landscape, Inc. Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. Holt Construction Group, Inc. Ice Miller LLP Imperial Contractors, LLC Indianapolis Power & Light Co. Indy Coin Laundry (Cincinnati Coin Laundry) ista North America Jahnke Painting, Inc. Jake Renovations, LLC Jason Schwedler Construction, LLC Jetz Laundry Systems, Inc. JP Equipment, Inc. Keen Painting Company Kelley Construction Key Bank Landman & Beatty Last Chance Wrecker & Sales, Inc. Laundry Management, Inc. Lawnscapes Cut & Care, Inc. Lead Tracking Solutions LexisNexis Resident Data Losacker Construction Services, Inc. M & P Commercial Design Maintenance Supply Headquarters Majestic Steamer McNeely Owned, Inc. Michaelis Corporation Minol USA National Tenant Network - Indiana Nature’s Choice Landscaping Ochs Concrete Services, Inc. On The Scene LLC P/R Mortgage & Investment Corp. Pillar Group Risk Management Preferred Mechanical Services Quantum Graphix, LLC Regions Insurance, Inc. Roto Rooter Plumbing, Inc. Royalty Companies of Indiana Sims-Lohman (a Division of Moellering Industries) Smarter Flush Marketing Star Media Suess and Sandlin P.C. Sullivan Commercial Supply Thompson Thrift Construction Tikijian Associates Trak-1 Technology Van Rooy Restoration Wellman Exteriors Xfinity Yardi Systems * As of September 12, 2011 www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 5 from the IAA President Lynne Sullivan, CAE IAA President to meet the needs and wants of all members We are always looking for the best and most efficient way to provide members of the Indiana Apartment Association what they need to maintain a well-trained staff. When we decided it was time revamp our educational offerings, we decided that the best way to accomplish this was to go straight to the source – you, our members – and ask exactly what you need. The first track, aimed directly at leasing professionals, utilizes face-to-face classroom training, as well as online courses that must all be completed to receive the Leasing Series certificate. Leasing professionals can pick and choose some courses, but would receive recognition only for those classes completed. For the past 13 years, we have offered an education subscription program that served our members’ needs. But times are changing and we wanted to retool and deliver our education programs in this age of advanced technology. We also wanted to provide these training opportunities at a time when free time is rare. In our efforts to keep the time commitment manageable, we divided the Leasing Series into four individual seminars, each three hours long, and will offer all of them, except one, on line. The CORE leasing skills seminar is the only course that requires attending in the classroom and will be offered twice a year to enable new leasing professionals the opportunity to attend. Overall, this track covers professionalism, marketing and curb appeal, leasing and budgets, fair housing for leasing and Indiana Laws, maintenance for leasing and how to deal with the media. This spring, we spent a day conducting focus group meetings where we sought out specific information on what our members need. Our goal was to find out what curriculum they believed their employees needed to enable them to do their jobs better. What came through loud and clear is that you are interested in two areas for training – Leasing and Leadership. So to meet those needs we set out to create two education tracks targeted to the groups you identified. In addition to the face-to-face seminars, students who want to complete the leasing track will be required to complete two online courses. The second track is called the Professional Leadership Series and is geared toward Property Managers, Regional Property Supervisors, and Maintenance Supervisors. Continued on page 13 ve To Belie ieve h Ac n entio Conv 2011 s Booth208 206 & We build relationships. Full-Service General Contractor Comprehensive Project Management Exterior Construction Services Exterior Evaluation Services Exterior Maintenance Programs Complete Interior Renovations World-Class Talent. Expert Craftsmanship. Rapid Response. Surety. 8 0 5 C i t y Center Driv e, S u i t e 1 6 0 , Carmel IN , 4603 2 6 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net from the Some Solid Reasons Why You and Your Staff Should Attend the IAA Convention Every year, the Indiana Apartment Association plays host to the Midwest Multifamily Exposition & Education Conference. Most of us call it the IAA Convention and have found it to be one of the best conventions and trade shows we ever attend. More than 1,500 people who work within or do business with the multifamily housing industry converge on the Indiana Convention Center each year for this event. This year’s theme: “Believe to Achieve – One Team, One Mission” is more than just a fancy logo for our annual event. It represents what our industry is about and what the Indiana Apartment Association represents. Here are some solid reasons why you, as an owner, management company, property manager, leasing agent, maintenance tech, or vendor should attend this two-day event and what your ROI would be. IAA Chairman of the Board speakers that will educate you and your employees on everything from Fair Housing to using Social Media to boost occupancy. Networking We can all learn from each other when it comes to the multifamily housing industry. There are dozens of ways to accomplish a single task. I know I always find it helpful when I can talk to people I respect in the industry. I know that those people will be at the IAA Convention and there will be a myriad of opportunities to talk to them one-on-one at the different social functions surrounding the event. We are all operating our businesses during difficult economic times, so don’t miss this opportunity to network with colleagues in an informal setting. Educational Opportunities We all work hard throughout the year to maintain the highest level of occupancy possible at all of our properties. What is important to our success is that we have the most highly trained employees in the industry who are motivated to do their best work. Latest trends from Associate members The Trade Show provides all regular members the chance to meet with associate members to see what the trends are in construction, management, development, or communications. This year’s show sold out early and vendors are planning to offer you and your employees the chance to see what is new. IAA is offering nearly two dozen educational opportunities over the two days of the conference. We are bringing in national Continued on page 33 Adam Van Rooy IAA Chairman of the Board ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 508 Booth www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 7 Can Your Rental Center Walls … Sell? Tips from The Coach Ernest F. Oriente The Coach If first impressions are formed by a new resident within 10-12 seconds of meeting those on your leasing teams, what impressions do the walls in your office make? Can your walls sell? Can your walls motivate and inspire you and your leasing teams? You bet they can! This article will show you three easy steps to make sure your walls are selling—365 days a year. Inspiring your residents: First, recognize that every time a resident comes into the leasing office of the properties you manage, your leasing teams have a golden opportunity to sell and re-sell the wonderful lifestyle your apartment communities provide. Next, have your leasing teams determine how much wall space is available in their leasing offices and ask them to draft a plan for the types of information they want each resident to see. Here are some strategic items your leasing teams can place on their walls: pictures of their residents having fun at a recent property activity, letters of appreciation from current residents, a mission statement from your company, your service guarantee or promise, a current resident newsletter, a reminder about resident referrals, dates for an upcoming resident party or event, sample floorplans, special awards or training certifications, and a photo of your leasing and maintenance team. Lastly, have your leasing teams professionally frame each of the items they will be displaying on the walls of their leasing offices, as the quality of the framing will make a subconscious quality impression on your residents and future residents. Tip From The Coach: Now that your leasing offices are ready to sell to your current residents, can your leasing teams use this sales tool for future residents as well? You bet! At the start of each property tour, have your leasing teams begin by showing each future resident the fun items displayed on their walls…especially the pictures of current residents having great fun. When the walls in your leasing offices sell, your leasing experts will have higher closing ratios and more team success! Motivating your team: Once your leasing teams have finished setting up the selling walls in their leasing offices, it’s time to prepare the walls that will motivate them. Ask your leasing teams to locate a wall or two in their leasing offices that is not usually seen by either current residents or future residents. Next, discuss with your leasing teams the key numbers, corporate information or trends they would like to see on a regular basis. Here are some ideas that might be helpful to display: weekly/monthly leasing goals, budget performance on a monthly and year-to-date basis, maintenance requests, a follow-up ntion e v n o c Post erage v o c P U WraP odigy r P e h t late congratu rds of a W a d n a aWards inners! w e c n e l excel xt e n e h t in issue of 8 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net system for tracking hot prospective residents, bonus programs, a calendar to plan future resident events or activities, a place to share or post new ideas, company awards and collection reports. Lastly, ask your leasing teams to find a creative way to display this wonderful information so they will have a pride of ownership attached to this special area. Tip From The Coach: Many of our property management clients ask their Resident Managers to hold a weekly meeting in the area where this information on their walls can be easily referenced. Consistently referencing this information on a weekly basis will show your leasing teams that the information displayed is critical to the success and profitability of their apartment community. Tips from The Coach Encouraging yourself: As the executive or owner of your property management company, your walls must also sell. Certainly, many of the ideas mentioned above would be valuable to have on your walls. Some specialized measurements to place on your walls might include: occupancy trends, employee turnover, ROI performance, quarterly graphs recapping this quarter…compared to the same quarter last year, team rankings and industry statistics that will impact your properties. Tip From The Coach: Remember, whatever you place on the walls in your executive office will send a strong message to your company about the key areas of your business. So choose each item carefully, as every person who comes into your office will survey your walls and ask you questions about what they see or read. In addition, you might consider giving new employees a tour of your office walls on their first day with your property management company. This will allow them an opportunity to see and read first-hand, exactly what is most important to you and those on your executive teams Ernest F. Oriente The Coach Want to hear more about this important topic or ask some additional questions about how to create walls that sell? Send an E-mail to ernest@powerhour. com and The Coach will E-mail you a free PowerHour invitation. ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 1 1 0 2 s Booth324 & 5 22 ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 340 Booth www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 9 ve To Belie ieve h c A n entio Conv 1 1, 20 1 2 2 , s 219 0 h t o o 2 B 18 & 3 3 One-Stop Shopping Resource Quality Leads & Leases High Return On Investment iPhone®, iPad™ & Android™ Apps Innovative Products Online, Print & Mobile Proven Results The Complete Picture Call the Greater Indianapolis Apartment Guide today ... (317) 710-2644 Apartment Guide, ApartmentGuide.com and Rentals.com are registered trademarks of PRIMEDIA Inc. The trademarks identified herin are the property of their respective owners. No endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation between PRIMEDIA and these owners is claimed or implied by their use. © PRIMEDIA Inc. 2011. All rights reserved. The relationship between an apartment community and local law enforcement is a critical component of a successful Neighborhood Watch Program. Morning Motivator At a recent Morning Motivator, Melanie Kerr of the Marion County Prosecutor’s office, and officer Lindsey Terry, spoke to IAA members about how to put together a program on their properties and some ways to get residents to participate. Lisa Thatchter of Barrett & Stokely (left) and Brittani Barrick of For Rent Media Solutions. Some specific areas of concern are common areas of buildings and apartment communities. Residents should be cautious in who they allow onto the property and should never “advertise” that they live alone or that they will be gone for an extended period of time. Residents should always be alert when using laundry rooms, clubhouses, and parking lots and should be sure to report to the property manager if lighting is out in any areas. The prosecutor’s office also reminds everyone that our homes are as safe as we make them and that everyone should be vigilant in practicing crime prevention techniques. Melanie Kerr (left), Lindsey Terry. For more information about Neighborhood Watch Programs, or to request at Neighborhood Watch Manual from IAA, call 317-816-8900. There is no charge for a manual for your apartment community. ADT-Protect Your Home is the official sponsor of the IAA Neighborhood Watch Program. IAA members listening to the Neighborhood Watch Program. Belie v Achie e To ve 2011 Conv entio n Booth 121 www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 11 Conference Exhibitors Breakfast Brings Associate, Direct Members Together ve To Belie ieve h c A n entio Conv 1 20 1 0 50 Booth IAA hosted its annual exhibitor breakfast two weeks before the start of the 2011 IAA Convention and provided an opportunity for associate members to ask questions of the direct members and find out how they view the convention and trade show. Spotlight The direct member panel was made up of Nicole Crosby, Buckingham Management; Suzanne Peperak, Barrett & Stokely; Brenda Coons, Rose Property Group; Christy Walker, Rose Property Group; Gabrielle Gonzalez, J.C. Hart; and Jill Meals-Herron, Flaherty & Collins Properties. Bader fills the gap! When you need it most your insurance coverage may come up short. Let Bader fill the gaps with our resident renters insurance program Eddy Lux & Gita Turnbull listen as panel members discussed how vendors need to explain up front what sets them apart from their competition. They also discussed how they tell their property managers of the importance of utilizing the Indiana Apartment Association contacts and living up to the standards of members buying from members. and put you back on solid ground. Come by and see us at booth #500 Associate members Troy Padilla, Keith Keokuk, Chris Hundley took a tour of the Indiana Convention Center to see the loading dock and the convention hall. www.BADERco.com 888-223-3726 12 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net Assembly Of Delegates Meeting Planned For November In Atlanta The annual Assembly of Delegates (AOD) meeting has been planned for November 3-5, 2011, in Atlanta, GA. The meeting will be held at the Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta. For more information, contact Diane Bombard at [email protected] or 703-797-0621. in Hollywood, Calif., Legacy Partners’ 1600 Hundred Vine was also awarded a PARAGON for the Best Community Less than 5 Years Old and Over 150 Units. AOD is NAA’s largest business meeting of the year, where all NAA and NAAEI Boards, Committees and Task Forces meet and the new incoming volunteer leadership is installed. The PARAGON awards recognize the multifamily housing industry’s top communities, executives, employees and affiliate programs. A list of all winners and details about each will appear in the September 2011 issue of units magazine. Last year’s meeting was held in downtown Indianapolis. Participate to help raise more money for NAAPAC NAA is looking to expand the NAAPAC, which supports Congressional candidates who represent good government and understand the needs and concerns of the multifamily housing industry. NAAPAC also strives to educate Congress about the apartment industry and guarantees that no decision is made that will affect the industry, good or bad, until its voice is heard. But, the NAAPAC cannot be successful without the support of everyone. For more information about fundraising events or to ask general questions about the PAC, contact Kathleen Youngblood at [email protected] or 703-797-0633. NAA Income & Expenses Survey released NAA’s annual Survey of Income & Expenses includes an executive summary, detailed data, reports and charts about rental communities. The executive summary appeared in the August 2011 issue of units magazine and full results are available on a CD for purchase. Contact NAA’s Valerie Hairston at [email protected] to order your copy. 1600 Vine Named NAA PARAGON Community of the Year NAA recognized 1600 Vine for Best Community of the Year during its Education Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas in June. Located Connect with NAA Save The Dates! • The 2012 NAA Student Housing Conference, Feb. 29 to March 2, 2012, at the Wynn Las Vegas. • The 2012 NAA Education Conference & Exposition, June 28-30, 2012, in Boston. Make sure to visit the NAA website in the coming weeks for information regarding keynote speakers, breakout education sessions, registration, hotel information and more. Visit http://www.naahq.org for details. Mike Gorman, CAPS, CPM, CCIM 2011 National Apartment Association Chairman of the Board, Rose Property Group Online Resource Center Expands You can now share even more of your affiliate’s resources thanks to recent improvements made to the NAA Community Site & Online Resource Center http://community.naahq.org/. YouTube videos, Webinars, audio files and other large file types can now be shared in the Online Resource Center, in addition to traditional formatted documents. Continued from page 6 Once they complete this series, your employees will better understand their jobs, become more proficient, and be able to train others. They will also attain knowledge in human needs and emotions, efficient problem solving, and will become better communicators. Finally, those who complete the course will gain a better understanding of themselves and how they fit into a leadership role – something everyone agrees is necessary as leaders grow into their roles. Want to reach a bigger aUdience? advertise with Now, you have communicated your educational needs and wants to us and we have responded by creating a curriculum for the multifamily housing industry. It is specifically tailored to the needs of owners and management companies here in Indiana. In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out these two series and we will be contacting you about signing up your employees. Education is one of the cornerstones on which the IAA foundation is built. Without your participation, the program cannot succeed. www.iaaonline.net contact Mark or connie at iaa today! [email protected] [email protected] September/October 2011 INSites 13 HUD Issues Guidelines On Dealing With Bed Bugs Association News The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued guidelines on bed bug control and prevention in HUD insured and assisted multifamily housing. The notice provides guidance on the rights and responsibilities of HUD, owners/property managers and residents concerning bed bug infestations. It also provides information and best practices concerning preventing and controlling bed bug infestations. The property manager should respond with urgency to any resident report of bed bugs. Guidelines • Within 24 hours of the report, the owner or management company should make contact with the resident, provide the resident with information about bed bugs, and discuss measures the resident may be able to take in the unit before the inspection is performed. However, a bed bug inspection and, if necessary, treatment, may take time to schedule. • Following a report of bed bugs, a qualified third party trained in bed bug detection should inspect the dwelling unit to determine if bed bugs are present. It is critical that inspections be conducted by trained staff or third party professionals. • Low level inspections may escape visual detection. For this reason, multiple detection tools are recommended. Recent research indicates that “active” bed bug monitors containing attractants can be effective tools for detecting early infestations. Some licensed pest control applicators use canine detection to verify the presence of bed bugs. • The inspection should cover the unit reporting the infestation and no less than surrounding apartments consisting of the units above, below, left and right, and should be completed within 3 calendar days of a resident complaint if possible. • If an infestation is suspected but cannot be verified using the methods described above, the owner should re-inspect the unit(s) periodically over the next several months. When an infestation is identified, the unit and surrounding units should be treated for bed bugs according to the IPM Plan. Bed Bug Information There are a myriad of resources on bed bugs, but here are some frequently asked questions: Q. What are signs of infestation by bed bugs? Look for a raised, red, welt-like bite that itches. The welts generally appear in a line or in clusters. They usually appear from one to 24 hours after a bite. Other bugs can cause similar conditions, so it it is ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 227 th o Bo MOST FIRE ALARMS ARE CONNECTED TO PHONE LINES. WHICH ARE THEN CONNECTED TO YOUR WALLET. Chances are your building’s fire alarm is connected directly to your back pocket. That’s because the fire alarms for most commercial properties transmit their signal via telephone lines that you pay for every single month. Ironically, it’s your money that’s going up in flames, not your building. FireLink is a new digital technology from Multiguard that is NFPA 72 compliant and eliminates the need for expensive phone lines. The fire alarm signal is transmitted over a radio network that is virtually impossible to compromise. Unlike phone lines that can be cut or disabled by fire even before sending a signal, our system is as reliable as it gets. Multiguard’s own network blankets the Indianapolis metro area and is not dependent on cell towers or other networks. You’ll find we’re the only central Indiana firm offering FireLink and the only one with a central monitoring station that is UL listed and FM approved. FireLink lets you cancel those costly and troublesome phone lines and save thousands of dollars per building every year. Call us at 317-844-8116 or visit multiguard.com. from Multiguard 14 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net imperative that you look for the bugs once you have a reported bite. When searching for bugs, look for eggs, molted skins, dark brown rusty spots (feces) on the bedding, mattress, and box springs. Begin looking at the head of the bed and work your way outward in the room. Look at all furniture, sofas, carpeting, drapery, picture frames, baseboards, electrical outlets, and electronic equipment. Also, look for blood smears on the walls from squished bugs. Q. What do bed bugs look like? Adults bed bugs are reddish-brown in color with oval shaped, flattened bodies. After feeding, the body becomes swollen. They hatch about the size of a pinhead and look like walking poppy seeds. They grow to about a quarter of an inch in length. You may first notice them when they are the size of an apple seed and may be mistaken for a cockroach or a tick. Association News Q. Where are bed bugs found? Bed bugs are found anywhere people are. They are more likely found in locations with a high rate of occupant turnover, such as hotels, cruise ships, dormitories, multifamily housing, nursing homes, or movie theaters. Q. Where do bed bugs hide? They hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, night stands, dressers, upholstered furniture, cracks, crevices, behind switch plates, electricial outlets, behind baseboards, window and door casings, under carpet, seams in wallpaper, behind pictures, and in draperies and blinds. They prefer a semi-dark environment and rougher surfaces such as wood, paper, or fabric. Q. How do they spread? The bed bug (Cimex Lectularius) climbs easily up any fabric, wood, or paper surfaces. The spread by attaching themselves to household items, such as bedding, furniture, luggage, clothing, backpacks, purses, briefcases, animal cages, picture frames and electronic devices. They hide in crevices as thin as a credit card. Q. When do they feed? Mainly between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.. They have been known to feed in the daytime, however. Q. How do I treat bed bug bites? Always seek medical attention. There are ant-itching medications, as well as antibiotic salves, which have been helpful if applied to the bites. Q. What should I do in response to finding bed bugs? Getting rid of bed bugs often requires an approach involving professional exterminators, as well as cleaning an apartment. • Don’t throw out mattresses or furniture. Bed bugs live in cracks and crevices of a building structure, not just on furniture • Inform your landlord of the problem. If you suspect you have bed bugs, let the landlord know. Even if you haven’t actually seen a bug, the landlord will know of reports from other tenants. • Capture a bed bug. Best way to confirm you have bed bugs is to capture one and seal it in a glass jar or other escape-proof container. • Encase your mattress in plastic. Since bed bugs are fond of living in the folds of mattresses, bed bug-certified mattress encasements will help reduce the number of bugs and bites. • Launder. Wash all bedding in hot water (at least 120 degrees) and dry on the hottest dryer setting for at least 20 minutes Q. What types of treatment options are available? Insecticide applications are most common. These may include vacuuming, steaming, and freezing. This treatment takes multiple treatments over a period of weeks. Dry heat is pesticide-free and requires much less preparation. ________________________________________________________ For more information and links to additional resources go to http://www.iaaonline.net/sections/bedbugs.php www.iaaonline.net ve To Belie ieve Ach vention Con 2011 SOR SPON Booth September/October 2011 303 INSites 15 NEW Education Training Tracks for 2012 The second track is called the Professional Leadership Series and is designed to enhance a Property Manager, Regional Property Supervisor and Maintenance Supervisors career in the industry. The individuals who complete this Professional Leadership Track will understand their job better, become more proficient and able to train others, understand human needs and emotions, be able to problem solve more efficiently, will become better communicators and will have a better understanding of themselves and how they fit into a leadership role. This inventive Professional Leadership Series is set up very similar to the Leasing Series, in which an individual can choose to take the entire track or one or two courses. The series is divided into five seminars each three hours long. The Indiana Apartment Association is excited to announce its NEW Leasing and Leadership Series programs for 2012. Since 1999, IAA has conducted an education subscription program successfully serving the needs of its members. But as in every industry, wants and needs have changed which made the IAA staff look at how it is delivering education and how could the education programs be enhanced to better serve these changing needs. Topics for the first seminar include leadership principles, the hiring process and orienting new team members. The second seminar is part of the CAM course and covers the Financial Management segment. The third seminar covers Managing Performance and includes conducting a performance evaluation, resolving conflict, improving performance and disciplinary action and termination. The fourth seminar discussed the Qualities of a Successful Leader and covers what is leadership, qualities of effective leadership and leadership style assessment and the fifth seminar speaks on work balance and presentation skills. All of these seminars excluding the CAM Financial will be available online. A focus group was held in April with owners and training directors from several management companies and the outcome resulted in IAA producing two brand new training tracks. The first track is specifically targeted for leasing professionals. This innovative Leasing Series encompasses both classroom and online training with students being able to pick and choose their courses. If they elect to take the entire track, they will receive a Leasing Professional completion certificate. If they choose to take one or two courses, they will receive a certificate of completion after each course taken. The Leasing Series is divided into four individual seminars, each three hours long. The first seminar covers professionalism, marketing and curb appeal. This seminar will also be available online. The second seminar covers the CORE leasing skills and is the only course that will be offered twice a year to enable new leasing professionals the opportunity to attend. The third seminar covers leasing and budgets, fair housing for leasing and Indiana Laws. The fourth seminar deals with residents, maintenance for leasing and how to deal with the media. Both of these will be available online. In addition to the face to face seminars, students who want to complete the leasing track will be required to complete two online courses. Complete information will be available in November regarding both of these training series. Please contact IAA at 317-816-8900 if you have any questions. Focus on Classes & Education 16 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net ppg takes paint and service to new heights. A PPG service rep keeps you on schedule, from spec to they look like on your property before a drop of paint finish. When you choose PPG paint, you get a team of is applied. We can match existing colors, too. Plus, we’ll service representatives specially trained and dedicated give you a customized paint manual with complete to providing precise paint specifications and documentation of colors, products, and job specifications recommendations that ensure the timely service you for your property. Call today for a no-obligation deserve. We guarantee delivery of the right products — complimentary color consultation or site inspection with on time and on schedule. Our color consultants can written product specification. No one takes the work out help you choose the right colors and show you what of your job like PPG. Making every job easier. Call today. 866-298-7245 ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 1 1 0 2 409 Booth Designation Courses Will G In 2012, IAA will again offer designation courses to members, who are looking to get certified in different areas. Whether it is CAM, CAMT, CAPS, CAS, or NALP, you can find what you are looking for. Any questions about any of the designations courses can be directed to Mary Ellen Perin, director of education for the Indiana Apartment Association at [email protected] or call her at 317-816-8900. Here is a snapshot of each of the designation programs offered: Certified Apartment Manager Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) training helps you manage your apartment community and your team more effectively. The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) offers this nationally recognized designation to apartment industry professionals who want to advance their career in apartment management. CAM training covers: classroom study and is a combination of non-technical and technical courses, specifically designed for apartment maintenance professionals to meet the needs of today’s apartment residents. The certification process includes: Non-Technical Online Courses • Inside the Apartment Business • People, Projects and Profits Technical Courses • Interior and Exterior Maintenance and Repair • Electrical Maintenance and Repair • Plumbing Maintenance and Repair • HVAC Maintenance and Repair • Appliance Maintenance and Repair • Management of Residential Issues • Legal Responsibilities • Human Resource Management • Fair Housing • Marketing • Property Maintenance for Managers • Risk Management • Financial Management • Community Analysis Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians The Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) is a program that helps you preserve the value of your apartment community and increase resident retention. CAMT is the only Apartment Maintenance program to be nationally accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Ray’s Trash is the only call you need to make for your complex’s waste removal needs. We offer consultants to review your needs to design a competitively-priced program for you. Whether one of our many styles of containers is right for your property or you choose compactors to keep the complex tidy and pest free, we will work with you to create a custom waste disposal plan. Updating your property? We offer demolition services, or we can supply roll-off containers for tear-outs. We can even help freshen up the landscaping, by providing mulch and landscaping waste removal for your seasonal touch-ups. All your waste disposal needs are solved at Ray’s Trash. Call us today to schedule a review of your property’s disposal plans. The National Apartment Association Education Institute program offers “blended learning”, integrating online coursework with in- Focus on Classes & Education 18 INSites September/October 2011 ve To Belie ieve h c A n entio Conv 1 20 1 4 42 Booth www.iaaonline.net Get You Certified In 2012 Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor The Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor designation provides the training for multi-site supervisors and experienced apartment managers with CAM, ARM or RAM designation. The NAAEI CAPS training includes: • Legal Responsibilities and Risk Management • Financial Management • Property Performance Management • Property Evaluation and Due Diligence • Effective Leadership Certified Apartment Supplier The Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) course was developed by the National Apartment Association Education Institute to provide vendor members with basic training in property management. The program was developed to more clearly define for the supplier the role of the property manager and thereby build a better partnership between them. The Certified Apartment (CAS) course includes: Supplier • Management of Residential Issues • Risk Management • Financial Management • Fair Housing Programs may be taken as standalone seminars or in full to earn the industry designation. CAS candidates must have: • Worked in the apartment industry for at least 12 months in a supplier role; • Successfully complete the four required courses (which total 26 hours); and • Meet all examination requirements within 24 months of declaring candidacy for CAS. Designate Benefits • Listing as NAA designate • Annual subscription to units Magazine • Discounted prices for industry products • Designation certificate, pin and wallet card Certified Property Manager The Indiana Apartment Association and IREM Indianapolis Chapter 24 are partnering to offer the CPM program in 2012 – 2013. This is a great opportunity to complete individual classes or the entire program in a fast track format. If you are interested in this dynamic program please complete the information and return to IAA. ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 527 th o Bo www.iaaonline.net Continued on the next page Focus on Classes & Education September/October 2011 INSites 19 Designation Courses Will Get You Certified In 2012 ve To Belie ieve h c A n entio Conv 1 20 1 0 54 Booth We’ll handle the lawn . . . you handle the business Continued from the previous page All classes will take place at the IAA Barrett Center in Indianapolis, located at 9100 Keystone Crossing, #725, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Pre-requisites Include: • 3 years management experience • Manage a portfolio that meets the minimum requirements: 300 units at 1 site, 200 units at 2 – 4 sites or 100 units at 5 or more sites. • There is a list of 35 functions, of which a CPM applicant needs to have fulfilled 17. Please refer to IAA’s website at www. iaaonline.net to review the functions. ________________________ The Industry Outlook George Tikijian III, Principal of Tikijian Associates, along with Greg Willett, Vice President, Research & Analysis of MPF Research, a division of RealPage, Inc., will present state and national overviews of the apartment industry, as well as information regarding capital markets and the state of the industry from a financial perspective. The Industry Outlook will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., October 25, St.Vincent Marten House, 1801 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN George Tikijian III, CCIM founded Tikijian Associates in 2005 after over 20 years specializing exclusively in the sale of apartment properties in the Indianapolis office of CB Richard Ellis. The experience and accomplishments of Tikijian Associates’ professionals are second to none among multihousing brokers in Indiana and include over 70 years of combined experience in the multihousing brokerage industry, $1.8 billion in multihousing sales and 57,000 units sold throughout Indiana and Kentucky for clients including local and national private equity investors; public and private REITs; and Special Servicers, Receivers and Lenders. Greg Willett is the Vice President, Research & Analysis, of MPF Research, a division of RealPage, Inc. This group produces quarterly publications examining multifamily market performances in more than 60 metropolitan areas. Greg thus is well versed in monitoring and evaluating trends in multifamily market fundamentals. He is a regular contributor to numerous publications serving the multifamily housing industry. Focus on Classes & Education 20 INSites September/October 2011 CommerCial Professional serviCes Convenient, affordable and Customized solutions to meet the needs of your business Call Now! Don’t waste another minute worrying about your business property. Turn the task over to Scotts LawnService Commercial Professional Services, and focus your attention to running your business. Contact Charles arvai at 317-596-7830 or email [email protected] www.iaaonline.net 5 Reasons Why You Need A Training Budget Let’s own up to it: most of us, when the cash got super tight the last few years, cut education back to a bare skeleton. Some of us spent time getting “back to basics,” while others relied on the knowledge that our people already had to carry us through the tough times, and since we weren’t doing a lot of hiring, on some level, this seemed logical. Maybe it was. That was then, this is now. This is a whole new year rolling up on us quicker than you can pull those no-longer-needed concessions off your properties, and if you want your employees and company to win this year then you’re going to need to equip them to play the game on the same field as everyone else – and that means education. Don’t think you can justify it in your budgets this year? For a little persuasive help, check out these five reasons why you need to up your education considerations in 2012. 1. “Do I get a raise this year?” We’re all a little wary of this question. The crystal ball that predicts whether or not we’re going to be in a raise giving position is still a bit foggy, so as we wait for it to clear up, it’s best that we have something to offer our hard workers in lieu of that cold cash. Training is one of the best, and frankly cheapest, options that you have at your fingertips. And it’s a win-win! Rather than compensation with paid time off, you’re offering the chance to grow, learn, and let’s not forget, make more money for the company with a new found skill set. Who knows? Maybe they’ll learn something or come home with an idea that will make enough of a difference in that NOI that you CAN afford a raise next year. It’s all about keeping talent! or otherwise exceed your expectations, check out the effect of allowing them the right to earn one of those titles behind their name. And with curriculums developed by NAAEI, as well as blended learning options, it makes more and more sense to equip your people with the knowledge that will help them gain professional success. According to NAAEI, 87% of CAMT designees improved their overall work performance, and 75% of CAM designates enhanced their ability to analyze their communities’ financial operations. You can’t argue with the numbers here – anyway you look at it that spells a raise in NOI for your property and company! 4. Nothing completely filling in life is free… You know those tiny little spoons of free taste that you get at Baskin Robbins? You’re never going to get a full tummy of ice cream goodness off one of those – it’s just to tempt you to buy the full sundae. And that’s how it is with free online training. Your employees deserve the real goods – training that’s worth paying for. Speaking as someone who has led free webinars in the past, I will tell you that there’s some quality stuff out there - but you’re never going to get the really good, life changing, pocket book growing, super career enhancing stuff for free. It just doesn’t happen. You want quality info, you’ve got to pay for it. Any educator worth his or her salt will make sure that you get your money’s worth – we take pride in the job we do! Meet HeatHer BluMe k training through her Behind the leasing Des ttle Metro and Consulting Services in the Sea uses on the area in Washington, Heather foc connect can You ry. people side of our indust .com/ ook ceb with her on Facebook (www.fa hickhb), her btldconsulting), twitter (@artc ) or on her webpage (www.btldconsulting.com com. sk. blog at www.behindtheleasingde 2. Mad Skillz – Do your leasing consultants have them? If your idea of training is telling your leasing consultants, “When the phone rings, pick it up,” then I’m going to wager that their skill level isn’t as high as it could be – which is a terrible shame considering these are the people who will make you the majority of your money in the coming year. Don’t you think it’s worth it for your front line sales force to learn advanced sales techniques? Marketing strategies? Resident retention ideas? You bet! Need something a little more concrete? Check out this stat from the NAAEI – 81% of leasing consultants who completed their NALP designation program improved their closing ratios. That means more money in everyone’s pocket and probably enough closed leases to offset the cost of the training! 3. With Designation Comes Credibility and Pride If you want your people to take pride in their work, perform at a higher level, 5. It doesn’t look like it…but right HERE is your money maker I could give you 5,000 reasons that education needs to take a front row seat in your budget prep process, but the fact of the matter is there’s really only one reason that matters – IT WILL MAKE YOU MORE MONEY THAN YOU WILL SPEND. Simple, clear, concise. If you educate your people and invest in them, they will stick around because their company is treating them right and taking care of them. Your single biggest cost in business is payroll, and replacing an employee that makes $35,000 a year can cost you up to $60,000 when you factor in knowledge, job search, training, and all those other little things that we forget go in to those equations. Also, if your people aren’t up to speed on their fair housing or legal policies, how much is that going to cost you when you go to court? Or worse, what do you think the price will be in the court of public relations and reputation management? And let’s not even entertain the fun of jumping in to Social Media or other contemporary issues without some instructional help first! Education protects your company, grows your employees, and raises your NOI. Employees who are well trained are empowered to do their job better, will most likely take more pride in the work that they do, and will be better assets to your company in the long run. The bottom line IS the bottom line – and the quickest way to raise yours is to invest in solid quality training! Focus on Classes & Education www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 21 Superfleet Saves You Money on Fuel Costs, Benefits IAA One of the biggest challenges facing business operators today is controlling costs. This is especially true for companies which purchase fuel for their vehicles. The Indiana Apartment Association is pleased to offer a fuel management program to its members. The SuperFleet® credit card program will save you time and money. This program is designed for businesses with one or more vehicles. Best of all, the SuperFleet® system is FREE! SuperFleet® is a total fleet fuel management program designed to help fleet managers control costs and monitor vehicle performance. The SuperFleet® Account provides you with security and convenience in one monthly report tailored to your specific needs. You can reduce security losses and bookkeeping expenses, while tracking miles driven, miles per gallon, and fuel cost per mile. SuperFleet® is the only Commercial Credit Card you will need What is SuperFleet®? A Credit Card Program Designed for Customers that include Management Companies as well as Associate Members within the Indiana Apartment Association. SuperFleet® is a total fleet fuel management program designed to help your company control costs and monitor vehicle performance. The SuperFleet® Account provides you with security and convenience in one monthly report tailored to your specific needs. You can reduce security losses and bookkeeping expenses, while tracking miles driven, miles per gallon, and fuel cost per mile. SuperFleet® is the only Commercial Credit Card you will need. You would receive a discount of 10 cents off a gallon for the first 3 months at Speedway SuperAmericas... There is NO annual or monthly fee. You will receive custom billing and the program is flexible allowing you to design the fleet program that works for you. Since the SuperFleet® program is recognized at more than 6,500 locations nationwide, including all Speedway, Marathon, and Rich gas stations, you have access to gasoline, diesel and services 24 hours a day and can pay at the pump. You would receive a discount of 10 cents off a gallon for the first 3 months at Speedway SuperAmerica LLC locations (5 cents off a gallon at Marathon locations) and 5 cents at all locations after that. Once you sign up you will also receive discounted car washes at participating locations. One huge advantage is the accountability and control of the program. Tracking purchase data with your SuperFleet® Card is easy and convenient. Fuel type, gallons pumped, price per gallon, and location are printed on store receipts and recorded on your Fleet Report. A monthly billing statement will be issued giving information about the transaction date, time, location, card number, and purchase amount. Your SuperFleet® account will: Separate vehicle, driver, and/or department activity for quick analysis, track miles driven and miles per gallon, Determine fuel cost per 22 INSites September/October 2011 mile, Reduce bookkeeping/accounting expenses, Have the security of PIN numbers or validated Driver IDs. In addition, the SuperFleet® offers discounted oil changes at participating locations. Use your SuperFleet® Card at participating Valvoline Instant Oil Change Locations® and receive 15% off oil changes, parts, and service. Your discount will appear on your monthly statement. SuperFleet® Manager is an online program that allows you to control your account anytime and anywhere you have access to the internet, 24/7. With real-time reporting and account changes, you can make adjustments quickly with just the click of a mouse. With the rising cost of fuel, the following questions have to be asked: • Do you want purchasing controls? • Do you want volume discounts? • Do you want On-line Account Management? • Do you want convenient fueling locations? • Do you want NO fees for cards or reports? If you answered “yes” to more than one of these questions, than SuperFleet® is right for you! By signing up for the SuperFleet® program through the Indiana Apartment Association, you will receive all the above mentioned benefits. Please go to www.iaaonline.net/sections/ superfleet.php to access an application form and start saving today! ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 115 Booth SERVICES: • HVAC • Mold Remediation • Plumbing • Drywall Repairs • Electrical • Pool Repairs • Carpentry • Complete Renovation • Painting • Emergency Repairs • Hazardous Waste Removal 2130 Clay Street • Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: 317-545-0400 • Fax: 317-545-0401 www.schwedlergroup.net www.iaaonline.net C M Y CM MY CY CMY K ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 503 Booth Belie v Achie e To ve 2011 Conv entio n Booth 406 Multifamily. It’s all we do. Plu e & c Su s n l e o a To ffic pli p d Har C A V s H e i l p s s ater e H er t Wat en ols o m T r p e i Pow Equ g in mb l rs a Drye c al i r ctri o re t i wa o D We tifa Mul hting g i L ssed Rece Jan ow ow h e kn how u. W w o o y n ek d nt to tly, w bine n orta m ta p o r po se, c is im e ost im perti hat v x M a e w s ow ialist. chain ing to e kn spec pply e go d su ill. 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Our u ne have ily bu 45-3 ntly. at yo ays fficie 00-3 ltifam d wh e 8 u Alw n d fi m 1 n u n call kly a us o lp yo ore, quic d foc to he you inde arn m t it to To le gle-m . in s s e to ge h s of adac year d he with e, an , tim y e n mo ryts t e in Fauce Ap op & O ab Sh Safety C Ele d. erio P . y mil ies t& n Pai l Poo e nc a n e t in a M g n i ht Lig der ir lea repa e& c ip n h a ers inten lead o e ma stry ay T iency with th ears of indu em W c th r 30 y ves: e effi need over ette ntati s you ximiz A B costs & ma ssionals with need, when able represe our propertie r e y u e fe g r o o d w r y o owle ies fo ed p ucts • L ibilit ienc m kn prod xper poss e fro ality • E ation h qu sts advic o iz ig g c d h r in n a n he ctio tand plan • T ansa ase uct s er tr urch prod r low • P e on fo ic g v lin - Ad ic bil ctron - Ele Buy Your Business Is Our Only Business! www.wilmar.com www.iaaonline.net dr Sun 800-345-3000 September/October 2011 INSites 23 ve To Belie ieve h Ac n entio Conv 2011 427 Booth CHOOSE THE ! ESTIMATE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU Visit carterlumber.com/estimates for your FREE personalized quote on your next project! carterlumber.com/garagepricing 2107 Westfield Rd Ph: 317-773-8600 carterlumber.com Requiring Renters Insurance Coverage Can Help Attract Residents Working Property managers often struggle with the decision to implement a renters insurance requirement because of perceptions about the legality of such a program, the costs associated with implementation and the potential negative impact on their competitiveness in the market. 2. Select an insurance provider that offers multiple programs. Select a provider that offers multiple programs in order to pick the best program, coverage and limits by property. However, experience has shown that, if done correctly, renters insurance requirements can be implemented in a legal and fair way that actually results in attracting residents and lowering costs. 3. Choose a provider “admitted” in your state. “Admitted” carriers are reviewed by the states department of insurance and therefore may provide the most consistency and uniformity. Here are key considerations for a renters insurance program: 4. Select an insurance provider that benefits your residents – well implemented insurance programs differentiate your community from the competition and provide residents with a true amenity. 1. Disclose Renters Insurance Requirements To ALL Applicants 2. Articulate Renters Insurance Requirements In Your Lease 3. Differentiate Between Liability & Contents 4. Keep Things “Reasonable” 5. Emphasize That Residents May Select Any Insurance Carrier 6. Ensure Leasing Agents Do Not Sell Insurance 7. Consider Unique Implications For Affordable Properties For You 5. Choose an insurance provider that alleviates workload for your leasing team. Consider selecting a provider that has licensed insurance representatives to support your leasing teams at the local level. ______________________________________________________ George Lisenbe is Vice President & Regional Manager for CoreLogic SafeRent Contact him 800-999-0350 or [email protected]. Here are key considerations for selecting a provider partner: 1. Choose an insurance provider that delivers results. In order to reap the financial benefits of a renters insurance program, you need a high percentage of apartment units with insurance coverage. Every bad leasing decision comes with a price tag. ve To Belie ieve h Ac vention on 011 C 2 SOR SPON Booth Not screening applicants with Registry ScorePLUS® can cost you $100 to $350 per lease.* 315 Do the math: on a 300-unit property, that’s from $30,000 to more than $100,000 each year. That’s the difference ScorePLUS can make to your bottom line. ScorePLUS is the industry’s only empirically derived, statistically validated screening service that effectively ranks applications in risk-order. Result? More net income to your bottom line. Discover the power of true statistical lease screening from the industry’s leader. Learn more at ScorePLUSInfo.com or call 800-667-1615. NYSE: CLGX ©2011 CoreLogic. All rights reserved saferent.com * Using an average rent level of $975, an average 300-unit property could realize a reduction in end-of-lease debt of $100-$350 per unit — for an annual savings of $30,000-$105,000. Results based on a study by Tigran A. Melkonyan, Ph.D., Faculty Member, Department of Resource Economics at the University of Nevada, Reno. www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 25 New Law Requires Disclosure For Rental Application Denials Based On ‘Credit Scores’ Working Recent changes to the Fair Credit Reporting Act that went into effect July 21 have resulted in additional compliance obligations for apartment owners and management companies. The change, which is a result of last year’s Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, states that apartment firms that use a “credit score” to deny a rental application may have to disclose that to applicants. For You The FCRA was enacted in 1970 to promote accuracy, fairness and privacy of the consumer information collected by consumer reporting agencies. It was amended in 1996 to include new disclosure requirements for apartment firms that use consumer credit reports to make rental decisions, specifically the adverse action notice. Other amendments designed to provide consumers with additional protections and information about their credit standing, as well as address the growing concerns of identity theft, were made by the 2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act and the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act. ve To Belie ieve h Ac vention Con 2011 R SO SPON ths Boo 220 218 & As a result of those amendments, beginning in July 2011, apartment firms that use a credit report and a credit score when evaluating rental applications must adhere to, in some cases, additional compliance obligations. Section 1100(f) of the Dodd-Frank Act amends Section 615(a) of the FCRA to require the disclosure of the credit score when the adverse action is based in whole or in part on a numerical credit score. This is a new disclosure and went into effect July 21, 2011. The type of credit scores used by resident screening companies varies. Many have developed models that are not “credit scores” as defined in the statute and are therefore outside of the scope of this notice requirement. Some firms may use a FICO score or a similar score, i.e., one that is used to make a lending decision, and therefore trigger the disclosure requirements. Since the liability falls to the apartment owner, firms are encouraged to talk with their provider(s) to determine compliance obligations and make the appropriate adjustments to the adverse action notice to include credit score disclosure if necessary. What actions can be construed as adverse actions? Adverse action is broadly defined in Section 603(k) of the FCRA to include, among other things, “all actions or determinations adverse to the interests of the consumer made in connection with an application made by or a transaction initiated by a consumer. Examples include the following: • Denying the application • Requiring a co-signer on the lease • Requiring a deposit that would not be required for another applicant • Requiring a larger deposit than might be required for another applicant • Raising the rent to a higher amount than for another applicant What must be disclosed in an adverse action notice? • The name, address and telephone number of the CRA that supplied the consumer report, including a toll-free telephone number for CRAs that maintain files nationwide • A statement that the CRA that supplied the report did not make the decision to take the adverse action and cannot give the specific reasons for it • A notice of the individual’s right to dispute the accuracy or completeness of any information the CRA furnished, and the consumer’s right to a free report from the CRA upon request within 60 days What are the consequences of noncompliance? Under the FCRA, an apartment owner can be sued for failing to provide a consumer with the required disclosure notice. In addition to suing for damages in federal court, the individual can sue for punitive damages and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can sue for noncompliance. Please go to http://www.iaaonline.net/sections/FCRA.php for additional information and to see the guidance provided by the National Apartment Association and the National Multi Housing Council. 26 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net Look Take A Closer PROPERTY MANAGEMENT For Your Insurance Needs Contact: Kristin Enzor Pillar Group Risk Management [email protected] 317-853-3634 John Hannon Pillar Group Risk Management [email protected] 317-853-3630 301 Pennsylvania Parkway, Suite 100 Indianapolis, In 46280 www.pillargroup.com ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 7 2 3 Booth Belie v Achiee To ve 2011 Conv entio n Boo 312 & ths 314 www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 27 IAA LEASE PROGRAM Improve Accuracy, Save Time & Money, Prot Working For You IAA is offering an easy-to-use leasing program that allows an apartment community the ability to save time and money, while speeding up preparation and printing of legal documents. In addition to providing greater efficiency to the onsite leasing process, prospective residents may fill out a rental application online, and property managers may audit and edit entire portfolios of leases with a few clicks of a mouse. • Automatically transfer lease data from your property management software. The National Lease Program interfaces with most property management software products. WHAT IS THE IAA LEASE? • Accept rental applications online. A prospective resident visiting your Web site or your property’s online advertisement can complete a rental application online and submit it for review. • The National Apartment Association has developed a web-based lease program for the Indiana Apartment Association COSTS & CLICKS • To participate in the National Lease Program each community needs 1) a site license form, 2) the forms program and 3) “clicks” for printing forms. Only communities that are members in good standing of the Indiana Apartment Association may join the program. BENEFITS OF THE LEASE • You do not have to install software on your computer and updates are available immediately. • Each property must pay a $175 annual site fee. • Each member receives 300 free form clicks when they sign up for the program • Clicks are used each time you print a page of any lease form. Each lease form has been assigned a specific click value, and some forms are automatically printed in duplicate. • The program is designed to reduce errors by providing built-in math calculations, default settings for recurring items and charges, automatic data transfers from the main lease form to other forms making up the lease package, built-in error checking and lease expiration reports. • Automatically updated to reflect changes in state laws relating to the multifamily housing industry. • Produce complete, accurate lease packages, including the main lease contract and related forms, in minutes. • Print the latest versions of the National Lease Program forms for Indiana on your printer using blank paper. • Set up a “lease database” for each community in your portfolio that holds resident information which is used to complete any form. • View and sort the apartment lease database by unit number, resident name or ending lease date. • Set up a default lease for each property to prefill recurring entries, such as late charges, due dates, length of lease, etc., for every unit in the property. • Automatically check lease entries for inconsistent lease terms and invalid dates, such as an ending lease date that precedes the beginning date. • Automatically track current leases, preleases and lease expirations. The program even provides a reminder prompt when a prelease becomes current. • Automatically calculate reletting charges and pro-rated rent (using either the exact number of days in the month or the 30-day method of proration). 28 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net Laundry Matters.* tect Your Community! Jetz pays attention to the details that so many competitors overlook. Sign on with partner who is dedicated to making sure your machines deliver and your laundrygoers are taken care of. For us, it’s matching cutting-edge • Additional clicks must be purchased: technology with exceptional • 500 clicks: $35 customer-focused service. • 1,000 clicks: $63 • 2,500 clicks: $150 • 5,000 clicks: $285 • $7 processing fee is added to all click orders CONTACT IAA TO LEARN HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LEASE • Mark Conover – [email protected] • Margaret Urias-Marie – [email protected] • IAA website: http://www.iaaonline.net/sections/lease.php Where Loyalty & Service Matter ® ve To Belie ieve h Ac n entio Conv 2011 2 20 Booth www.jetzservice.com * We make loads of difference. Call Brad Applegate at (800) 527–4928 or email [email protected] Visit us at Booth #212 at the Midwest Multifamily Exposition & Education Conference We offer an expansive line of the products you know and trust at prices that are competitive and fit within your budget. We pledge to be a company that is easy to do business with and we look forward to serving you! Call 317-837-3000 Fax 317-837-3001 • Call in your order... www.supplyhq.com Experienced, local sales staff will take your order. • We process your order immediately... 851 S. Columbia Road #100 Plainfield, Indiana 46168 Our fully stocked warehouse insures we have what you need. • We deliver the same day... Place your order before 10 am and we'll deliver the same day in most local areas. www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 29 Gene B. Glick Communities Around The State Focus On Resident Safety More than 100 Gene B. Glick communities participated in National Night Out in August, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Around the State Each community invited residents and local police and fire departments to the neighborhood crime and drug prevention event for a festival of food, games, and safety promotion. Activities were designed to meet the needs of each group of residents. For example, if a community included many children, managers arranged for free picture ID services along with bouncy houses, face painting, and fire-engine tours. For communities with elderly residents, police officers shared safety tips specific to their circumstances. The gathering at Carriage House East in Indianapolis illustrates how effective such resident festivals can be. Over 300 people attended, and young residents received schools supplies, safety gear and instruction on how to stay safe. McGruff The Crime Dog visited during National Night Out. Gene B. Glick employees participate in National Night Out. Law enforcement representatives participate in National Night Out. aaFW-neI some members may be using the Blue Moon Lease through NAA or already have their own addendum in place, we wanted to make sure that all communities had this valuable resource. Associate Member position will be elected. If you have questions or would like to submit a nomination, please contact the AAFW-NEI at 260-482-2916. Scott Perry attended the September 13 Breakfast Connection to answer any questions that members may have on the Bed Bug Lease Addendum. A special thank you goes out to Scott and his staff at Perry Law Office as well as to Rob Myers, Myers Law Office and Kelly Durkes, Windsor Oaks, for their input on the addendum. AAFW Fall Education Courses Announced! The AAFW Education Committee has been hard at work on topics for the Fall 2011 Education Connection! Courses to be held in the fall include: Bed Bug Addendum, September Regional Meeting Bed Bugs have crawled into northeast Indiana whether we like it or not. As an industry we can strive to learn from our neighbors in Michigan, Ohio, and Indianapolis that have been dealing with the creepy crawlies for some time and take proactive steps in our market. With this in mind the Apartment Association of Fort Wayne-Northeast Indiana has teamed up with Scott Perry, Perry Law Office P.C., to create a Bed Bug Lease Addendum for our members to use. This addendum covers the absence of bed bugs at the time of move-in, ways the resident can prevent possible infestations, and most importantly how essential it is that the resident report any infestations immediately and what they need to do to assist in eradication. It is this reporting of infestations and the cooperation during eradication by the resident that will allow communities to deal with bed bugs head-on. All member Apartment Communities should have already received an electronic copy of the Bed Bug Lease Addendum. If you are a member of the AAFW and have not received a copy, please call the Association office at 260-482-2916. While we understand that www.iaaonline.net Also during the September 13 Regional meeting, IAA staff attended to give an update of the State Association. Watch for a complete wrap-up of the September meeting in the next issue of INSites. Seeking Nominations for the AAFW Board of Directors The Board of Directors for the AAFW-NEI is seeking nominations for the Board of the Directors positions that carry a two-year term starting January 2012. For members interested in leadership roles, this is a great opportunity for you to represent your colleagues and have a voice in the future direction of the Association. During the Annual Meeting & Election Meeting in October, 6 Regular Member positions (open to Property Managers, Maintenance Supervisors, and Management Company representatives) and 1 • Resident Relations • Learning Locks • Emergency Preparedness • Heating – Electric, Gas, & Heat Pumps • Manager Round Table • Interviewing, Recruiting, & Hiring Best Practices Registration has begun. Visit www. apartmentsfortwayne.com to register for upcoming courses. September/October 2011 INSites 31 Apartment Industry Wants New Jobs Act to Protect Industry Digested From “Apartment Industry Wants Obama’s Jobs Act to Better Protect Rental Industry” World Property Channel (09/13/11) by David Barley The National Apartment Association (NAA) and the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) are calling on Capitol Hill lawmakers to protect rental housing as they tackle the jobs bill recently proposed by the White House. The proposal would increase the tax on carried interest as a way to pay for the bill’s initiatives, and an increase in the tax on carried interest would be detrimental to real estate partnerships, say the groups. The proposed tax increase would not only increase housing costs for new developments, but also would decrease the supply that makes deals financially viable. Causing a decline in rental housing supply at a time when demand is on the rise and supply is short is foolhardy, they say. The groups also indicate that the changes in the jobs bill would eliminate jobs and depress income for cities and counties. “The apartment industry supports sound economic policy that helps restore job growth, but a tax increase on carried interest is bad for our economy and bad for our housing supply,” notes Cindy Vosper Chetti, NMHC/NAA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. National Focus ___________________________________________________________________ Apartment Association in Texas Disputes Vacancies Digested From “Apartment Association Disputes Vacancies “ Galveston County Daily News (09/15/11) by Amanda Casanova In Texas, the Galveston County Apartment Association released the results of its sixth assessment of the area’s housing market since Hurricane Ike. Researchers found that Galveston has approximately 1,096 vacant units, not including apartments that are either closed or undergoing renovations. The report was released in opposition of a proposed mixed-income community that will rebuild about 569 public housing units that were destroyed in the storm. Critics have raised concerns that the new apartments would compete with an already soft housing market. The study comes weeks after a Houston company complete an assessment of the island’s housing market and reported there are approximately 168 units available for rent. A 2009 HUD market analysis said that “during the next three years, after accounting for current excess supply of vacant available units, no demand is expected for additional new market-rate rental units in the Galveston County submarket.” ___________________________________________________________________ Lehman Still Looms Large in Real Estate With Archstone and More Digested From “Lehman Still Looms Large in Commercial Real Estate” Wall Street Journal (09/13/11) Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. once ranked among the biggest players in commercial real estate before its collapse. With this week’s third anniversary of its bankruptcy filing, observers note that it continues to play a major role in the industry as an owner and seller. The estate of the collapsed investment bank valued its real estate holdings at $23 billion when it failed. Since then, the bank has reinvested in certain properties, sold several others, and been foreclosed out of still others. In total, Lehman expects to receive approximately $13.2 billion between 2011 and 2014, after having received returns of $3 billion between the bankruptcy filing and this year. Among the properties Lehman has sold are a 10-office building portfolio in Northern Virginia and a failed condo conversion project in New York City. By far, the biggest asset it still holds is apartment giant Archstone, which it acquired in a 2007 deal valued at $22 billion. Currently, its fate is unclear given a dispute with other owners. For the most part, the Lehman estate -- managed by restructuring firm Alvarez & Marsal -- has managed to hold onto its biggest holdings. In fact, it has reworked most of them during the economic downturn that followed the bank’s collapse. ve To Belie ieve h Ac vention on 011 C 2 SOR SPON Booth 100 32 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net Continued from page 7 I recommend you send your maintenance supervisors and techs to the show to talk to the vendors who sell the products that we use every day. Help us live up to the IAA motto: “Members Buy From Members.” Awards/President’s Dinner Nearly 1,000 industry professionals attend the annual President’s Dinner where we hand out awards for best floor plans, best landscaping, industry innovation – to name a few. Individually, IAA members vie for: Donald J. Williams Volunteer of the Year; Associate Member of the Year; Rick Stapp Regional Supervisor of the Year; Best Leasing Professional; Grace McFadden Manager of the Year; Alberto Covarrubias Maintenance Supervisor and Best Maintenance Technician. Also, Joe Rhodes Award, named after founding IAA member Joe Rhodes goes to the cream of the crop in the apartment industry; while the Management Company of the Year Award will go to the top company. So, if you’re looking for return on investment from your IAA membership, then look no further than the 2011 Midwest Multifamily Exposition & Education Conference. Nowhere will you find so much information and opportunity packed into two days here in central Indiana. KEVIN WILLIAMS 317.919.8811 ve To Belie ieve Ach vention Con 2011 R SO SPON Booth 200 4848 W. Minnesota • Indianapolis, IN 46241 Office: 317.240.2840 • www.protowindy.com It’s not just a name...it’s how we do business! People News pete regules named multifamily national manager at corT corT has promoted pete regules, former supervising general manager of northern and central Florida, to national manager of multi-family housing products and services. In this role, regules will lead corT’s national sales efforts in the property management industry. regules has been with corT 25 years and most recently expanded corT’s destination services in Florida. 2 ve To Belie ieve h Ac vention on 011 C SOR SPON CuStomerS are talkInG… “…Your team has done an outstanding job and have benefited the project in multiple ways…you have continued to hit the dates of the accelerated schedules and continue to push out quality work that is second to none. It has been a joy working with you.” – Shawn Koch, Project Superintendent • The District of Saxony, J C Hart Company “...Honest, reliable and quality work always.” – Basey Custom Homes “Kelley Construction is a very dependable and talented group of trim carpenters. Their quality is top notch.” – Marquee Homes “…Their level of professionalism and attention to detail always exceeds expectations.” – Bryan White, President • Arvis Homes www.iaaonline.net September/October 2011 INSites 33 Calendar Of Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Sign up online to register for all events and october 2011 5-6 Midwest Multifamily Exposition & Education Conference Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN december 2011 25 Industry Outlook • 4pm-7pm • St.Vincent Marten House cpm classes 2012 26 Electric Heat Review • 9am-noon • IAA Barrett Center 26 Gas Heat Review • 1pm-4pm • IAA Barrett Center 27 October FUN Meeting • 5:30pm-8:30pm Waterman’s Farm Market november 2011 8 R-410A Update and Troubleshooting R-410A Units • 9am-3pm IAA Barrett Center 9 Basic Professional Writing for ALL Correspondence • 9am-noon IAA Barrett Center 10 EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule Seminar 8am-4pm • Castle Point Apartments, South Bend, IN 15 Advanced Leasing • 9am-noon • IAA Barrett Center 16 EPA/CFC Certification Testing • 8am-3pm • IAA Barrett Center classes at our website: events.iaaonline.net 7 Fair Housing for Maintenance • 9am-noon • IAA Barrett Center Jan. 18-19 Marketing and Leasing Multifamily • 8am-5pm IAA Barrett Center Feb. 15-16 Property Maintenance & Risk Management • 8am-5pm IAA Barrett Center march14-15 Human Resource Essentials • 8am-5pm Castle Point Apartments, South Bend, IN sept. 12-13 Investment Real Estate Financial Tools • 8am-5pm IAA Barrett Center sept. 14 Ethics 800 • 8am-5pm • IAA Barrett Center platinum sponsor corporate sponsors gold bronze 34 INSites September/October 2011 www.iaaonline.net ve To Belie ieve Ach n entio Conv 2011 203 Booth Leave your parking lot to the experts! 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