Trying to stay sane as a property manager? Read up on some useful tips & tricks from a real estate consulting company.
Where is the tsunami of evictions that was predicted at the start of the pandemic?
Fall Edition
Published by:
FEATURED ARTICLES Page: Tsunami Of Evictions: Has there actually been a mass amount of evictions since the start of the pandemic?
6
Realtor Report - Working With A Buyer’s Agent: Do you know the advantages of working with a buyer’s agent?
8
Insurance Insights - How Insurance Works: We all have insurance in one form or another, do you know how it works?
12
News & Views From The Capitol - Exploiting A Health Crisis To Avoid Responsibility And Proper Process: Many people are displeased with the way the pandemic has been handled in Connecticut, State Senator Rob Sampson gives his opinion on what’s going on.
14
2
Page: Property Management Tools Tips & Techniques - 4 Ways To Save Your Sanity: Naomi Freeman, Founder of Freeman & Co. gives us some helpful tips when it comes to handling your properties!
16
Financially Speaking - 4 Tips To Expedite The Home Loan Process: Get some useful tips straight from a Mortgage Loan Originator on how to move that home loan you’re applying for along.
20
Get Energy Efficient - CT Greenbank Programs To Help Property Owners: Looking to become more energy efficient? CT Greenbank has a variety of programs that may benefit you!
22
The Legal Corner - Help Us Stop One Of The Biggest Threats To Housing Providers In Massachusetts: Another extension on the eviction moratorium in Massachusetts is currently pending, we need to come together and stop as property owners are being forced to shoulder the financial burden of the pandemic.
24
3
Publisher’s Message “ Helping Property Owners Since 1994” - Bob De Cosmo, President
Greetings to all, Bob DeCosmo began purchasing and managing rental real estate in 1982 and is a strong advocate for private property ownership right's in Connecticut.
Published by CTPOA Our goals; Educate our members on “Best Practices” for maximum efficiency. Increase profitability by lowering operating expenses via vendor discounts. Provide access to “Core Services” needed to better manage and maintain properties.
Our Team:
I encourage everyone to seek the real message during this election season. Listen to every candidates spoken words then get out there and vote. From my viewpoint we are in a battle over economics and everyone better understand the consequences of what our politicians are putting forth. Look for our Special Election Edition of ‘CT Real Estate Today’ later this month for an up close view of what’s really transpiring at the Capitol and insight on the policies impacting the housing industry in 2020. Everyone stay safe!
Carmine DeCosmo Melissa DeCosmo Paul Jenney
4
5
In an article published on 10/5/20 in GlobeSt.com, author Jay Parsons examines the hype over a “Tsunami of Evictions” due to COVID. You probably read over the last six months about a looming evictions crisis of historic scale. It’s been described as a “tsunami” and an “avalanche.” Some forecasters predicted as many to 30 to 40 million renters could be evicted. What happened? Not much—and that’s wonderful news. Americans will likely experience a record low number of evictions in 2020. Eviction filings since COVID-19 hit in mid-March have plunged 67% from normal levels in the 17 markets tracked by Princeton’s Eviction Lab. Evictions plummeted even in cities without eviction bans. And all reliable indicators continue to show renters are (so far) paying their monthly rent at near-normal levels. This is good news not only because millions of renters haven’t been displaced as feared, but also because accurate numbers lead to more targeted, more affordable policy solutions that, in turn, increase the odds of lawmakers finally approving much-needed direct aid for renters truly in need. How did forecasters get it so wrong? It’s easy to credit a patchwork of local and state eviction moratoriums— followed by the CDC’s national ban enacted in September. But our extensive analysis reveals that moratoriums are just one of many critical factors limiting evictions in 2020. Some of the forecasters who made headlines for doomsday predictions chose to ignore or give scant attention to critical factors helping keep evictions low—high rent collection
rates, sympathetic property owners working overtime to accommodate distressed renters, and backed-up court systems. Interestingly, dire headlines typically trace back to just three forecasters with peripheral connections to real estate. At the same time, media reports frequently downplayed studies from real estate researchers showing significantly less distress— including those from RealPage, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Urban Institute. One of the most widely cited eviction prognosticators is Stout, a consulting firm that has done several studies on evictions for different organizations. Stout forecasted about 11 million potential eviction filings over a four-month period beginning May 13, according to the consultant’s website, among the 16.2 million households “at risk of eviction.” Stout also predicted 2 million eviction filings in both August and September – meaning 4x the annual number in just a twomonth period. Both estimates appear to have overshot by a huge margin. Stout remains very bullish on evictions. In a September report produced for the National Council of State Housing Agencies, Stout wrote: “Stout estimates that by January 2021, up to 8.4 million renter households, which include 20.1 million individual renters, could experience an eviction filing.” That outlook appears highly unlikely.
6
Another forecast that grabbed headlines came from the Aspen Institute, a think tank, in conjunction with the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. This group estimated in June that “19 to 23 million, or one in five of the 110 million Americans who live in renter households, are at risk of eviction by September 30, 2020.” While there is no uniform measure for “at risk,” there is plenty of evidence that actual evictions through September ended up a small fraction of Aspen’s forecast. Curiously, even as the economy showed signs of gradual recovery over the summer, Aspen doubled down in a follow up report in August, estimating that “30–40 million people in America could be at risk of eviction in the next several months ... If conditions do not change, 2943% of renter households could be at risk of eviction by the end of the year.” That scenario appears nearly impossible to pan out. A third forecaster, Amherst, opined in May the possibility of evictions registering “in excess of the levels we saw in the wake of the Great Recession.” That view has, so far, proven incorrect.
“experimental” and discloses risk of overstating distress due to non-response bias. Additionally, good forecasts wisely separate newly (or additionally) distressed households from the millions challenged even prior to the pandemic, as the latter group is largely accounted for in pre-pandemic eviction baseline numbers. Failing to make that distinction can inflate eviction estimates. Why does accuracy matter? Because as Congress continues to wrangle over relief packages, bloated price tags decrease the odds of approval for much- needed direct renter aid programs and increased funding for new affordable housing. Both are badly needed. It’s tremendous news that evictions remain so low. But we also must acknowledge that renter distress is very real and was very real even prior to COVID-19. Evictions would be much higher this year if not for the yeoman efforts of property owners, eviction moratoriums and—most importantly—the millions of renters paying rent every month. Right now, property owners are taking on much of the burden. But that’s unsustainable, adding more risk for an already fragile U.S. economy. Additionally, the CDC’s national eviction ban is merely a bandaid. Rent is still due when the moratorium expires, and direct renter aid programs are needed to protect both renters and property owners (most of which are small family businesses).
How did forecasters err so dramatically? A study of methodologies and additional datasets reveal multiple explanations. Most of the dire forecasts inexplicably downplayed or ignored several major factors that have kept evictions low: relatively normal rent collection rates, widespread eviction moratoriums, a delayed legal system, and a sympathetic base of property owners providing extensive measures to give renters unprecedented flexibility. Defining the problem accurately allows for more precise, targeted, affordable solutions. WellInstead, some “tsunami” forecasters leveraged intended researchers may be unintentionally questionable assumptions and experimental sabotaging their own cause. datasets. One forecaster, for example, initially assumed a 25- 30% unemployment rate (roughly triple the current rate). Others relied heavily on a new Census dataset called the Household Pulse Survey, which the Census itself labels as
7
Working With A Buyer’s Agent - By: Suzanne Summa, Broker / Owner J. Summa Realty LLC In a real estate transaction there are multiple actors, a buyer, a seller, the seller’s agent and a buyer’s agent. As the name suggests, a buyer’s agent is the realtor or broker hired to represent the interests of a buyer in a real estate transaction. Whether you are buying a home for the first time or not, you should be aware of the advantages of working with a buyer’s agent. The home buying process is complicated, forces buyers to evaluate their finances for such a purchase and can evoke emotions that lead to sensitive conversations between buyer and agent. Since a buyer’s agent is legally obligated to operate in your best interest, information you share with your agent will only be used to help you. You should be able to be transparent and clear with your agent about your home buying hopes and concerns without worrying about how that may affect the purchasing process.
Over the last decade I have primarily worked with buyers, specifically first time home buyers, which is why I advocate so strongly for employing the help of a buyer’s agent. First time homebuyers are excited and that energy often drives my love for real estate. On the flip side, they are more often than not, uninformed or unsure when buying their first home. This is common. An experienced home buyers agents should know this, address it and ease the process by using foresight and making recommendations so buyers can become confident consumers.
8
1. How well do you know the area we are interested? This may be easier to answer in smaller States where agents often serve many different areas in close proximity, however, if you do not know an area be honest.
2. When are you available? Unlike listing agents, buyers agents need to be available at varying times based on buyer’s needs and if an agent does not make it clear that they are reachable by phone, text or email with a demonstrated quick response time you may have a long home buying journey ahead of you .
3. Maybe too obvious but can’t hurt, are you a home buyer’s agent? Or, how often do you work with buyers? This may seem like a ridiculous question, however, there are agents whose whole career is focused on listing homes. It is good to know if the agent you are scouting to work with is in tune with buyer’s needs, as listings are a whole other specialty. At the end of the day, you may buy a home from an agent because your uncle’s dog’s groomer’s cousin used them and said you should too, but is that really the best option for you? If you are looking to buy a home, which can be complex and overwhelming you should at least hire someone who will have you covered when you’re ready to make an offer.
9
10
11
An article published by: The Rocky Mountain Insurance Association Many people make the mistake of thinking their insurance works like a bank account—money in, money out with interest when they need it. Insurance is about spreading out the risk among everyone who buys insurance from your same Insurance is something you buy hoping you never have to use. You purchase it to protect yourself from insurance company. Your premium goes to help fund losses suffered by the entire group. As a unexpected losses you can't afford—the accident you hope you never get into, the fire you pray never pooled resource, you can cover the larger losses destroys your home, the hailstorm you know sooner suffered by individuals. Your company works for you or later is bound to batter your roof, the lawsuit that by trying to minimize the amount of risk. threatens to wipe out all your savings. So, it's no mystery as to why most people don't even want to think about their insurance, let alone take the time to understand how it works. But, most people do want to have at least enough information to be on a level playing field with their insurance company, especially when they need insurance the most—when it comes time to file a claim.
Your Insurance Policy is a Legal Contract
An insurance policy is a legal contract between you and your insurance company. Like all legal documents, it very clearly spells out certain conditions that you both agree to when you sign off on the paper work. You agree to pay the premium and your company agrees to cover you Insurance Isn't a Bank Account for certain losses. Forms may differ from company to company, but all will include what is covered U.S. consumers spent $564.5 billion on and what isn't covered by your insurance. There is homeowners, auto and business insurance in 2018, a limit to the amount any insurance policy will pay according to Insurance Information Institue. That's a for a loss and no policy covers every type of loss. lot of money to spend on something when you have If there is a potential risk that concerns you and it only a vague idea of what you're getting! But, part of isn't referred to in your policy, ask your agent or the problem is that insurance doesn't work like other company representative if it is covered by your products or financial services that we pay for. general policy and if special coverage is available.
12
Why do different insurance company charge different rates? An insurance company sets prices partly on its own past experience with claims that are filed (for example: accidents involving certain types drivers in certain kinds of vehicles) and on competition in the marketplace. One particular company may have a much better experience insuring a certain type of driver than the industry does as a whole.
What about reducing insurance company profits? Contrary to popular belief, insurance isn't a very profitable business. Many companies write insurance, particularly homeowners insurance on a loss and make money only on their investment income. The average profit margin is 10% lower than the median Fortune 500 Company. The real cost of insurance is only known after claims are made and paid. No one can know for sure when the coverage is first sold just how much of that premium will or will not be left for profit after claims are paid. The financial viability of your insurance company should be an important part of your decision in choosing to stake your future with theirs.
What should I look for in an insurance company or agent? Agents and companies are there to help you. At the most basic level, any agent or company representative should be able to answer all of your questions about insurance, provide you a thorough assessment of your insurance needs, and offer you a choice of insurance products to meet those needs. Also, any insurance agency or company should provide you with prompt, quality service in the case of a claim. (Ask questions like, do they provide 24hour claims service.)
Just as important is the level of professional confidence and personal comfort you feel with the company representative or agent. An often overlooked factor to keep in mind is that there are two kinds of insurance agents and two kinds of insurance companies. There are companies who sell insurance directly to you and there are companies who sell insurance through agents. There are also two different kinds of agents: those who represent one insurance company and those who represent more than one insurance company.
Agents offering the policies of one insurance company through their agencies are often referred to as "captive agents." Agents offering the policies of more than one insurance company (but limited to companies who sell through independents) through their agencies are called "independent agents." You should do a through self-evaluation of what your insurance needs are and select a company that best fits YOU!
13
Exploiting A Health Crisis To Avoid Responsibility And Proper Process By: State Senator Rob Sampson On March 11, 2020 Governor Lamont declared a state of emergency and civil preparedness and then in early September extended his emergency powers through February 2021. “We have been under the Governor’s unfettered rule for the past six months. He has extended his executive authority well beyond policies that impact the public health and safety Connecticut residents,” said Senator Rob Sampson, R-16. The 73 executive orders issued by Governor Lamont include but not limited to creating a fluid set of arbitrary standards for essential vs non-essential businesses leading to the shuttering and irreparable harm to numerous private companies, • altering election administration, and overturning tenant-landlord contracts. •
“Although the legislature has already met recently in special session demonstrating that it can do so safely and is right now preparing to do so again in the next few days, the Governor was allowed to extend these executive emergency powers by an additional 5 months. This extension happened despite pleading from minority party legislators, public outcry or any health metrics to demonstrate the necessity,” said Senator Sampson.
14
“Hartford Democrats are trying to have it both ways: that we have to come in and vote on these matters, but we must continue this emergency rule for everyone’s health and safety. Where are we dealing with health or public safety on this agenda?” asked Senator Sampson. “I am not discounting the merits of the policies of these matters discussed today, just the timing and manner in which the legislature is being asked to handle them when we are also being told that the Connecticut must remain in a state of civil preparedness and public health emergency.” “Today, public officials and staff were brought in for an emergency session to be conducted just one month before the November 2020 election. This session’s agenda is absent of any mention of the looming budget deficit, business closures, landlords forced into bankruptcy, nursing home management, or any other true emergencies that our state faces,” said Senator Sampson. “The agenda for the special session is instead about maximizing wedge issues for election gain and to cater to special interest groups. It is a desperate move by the majority party to ram through policy without minority, public or press involvement. Democrats are exploiting a health crisis to avoid responsibility and proper process,” concluded Senator Sampson.
In 2018, Rob Sampson was elected by the people of the 16th state Senate District to succeed his friend Joe Markley. He served as the state Representative for the 80th District (Wolcott and parts of Southington) from 2013 to 2018. While in the House, Rob founded the Connecticut General Assembly’s Conservative Caucus, and served as its first Chairmcan. In 2013, Rob was appointed to the legislature’s bipartisan task for on Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety formed in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Sampson was promoted to Republican Ranking Member of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee for the 2012 session of the General Assembly, the first and only of the 17 freshman state representatives trusted with such responsibility. Sampson has proven himself as a leader for several causes, challenging the Malloy administration’s budgets and policies including the early release of violent felons, the forced unionization of child care providers and personal care attendants, and the New Britain to Hartford Busway. He is known as CT’s leading opponent of Obamacare and the leading voice in state government for protecting our second amendment freedoms. He has recently gained remarkable recognition for his expertise in debating Constitutional principles. Sampson is unwavering in his defense of conservative ideals. Dedicated to creating a brighter future based on America’s founding principles, Rob’s been a registered Republican since voting for his first time at age 18 in 1988. Sampson believes in limited government, personal responsibility and the need for absolute fiscal accountability in government. 15
Folding my laundry on a sunny morning at the laundromat close to downtown New Haven, two women nearby that were tenants loudly complained about their property management companies.
one, but many residences where people call home...their safe abode.
In a state that is actively working to make your already high responsibilities even higher, it seems “My old company was only there around 2 years and that even if a tenant punched their fist through the then they left! They’re just in it for the money!” window, it would somehow be the landlord’s fault “That’s right!” lady #2 bellowed, “they just get their because the window was there. It’s not that extreme, however, this is the general attitude that is money and run!” My management company was only around for about two years also! By then, they present and growing. It’s as if the tenant has no responsibility or repercussions for their negative, make all their money and they’re gone!” destructive or negligent behavior. I almost burst out laughing. I own a real estate Naturally, more and more good and honest consulting company and have done a good deal of property management for years now. I wasn’t sure landlords are jumping ship into the much safer what was more comical, their idea that it was such a bosom of the ocean of other endeavors. lucrative business or their idea that property However, if you are one of the landlords or property managers strategically planned a two year exit managers still sailing through the tumultuous seas strategy as that’s when they would have, “...all their on this wild ride, how do you keep your sanity? money!” No ladies, I thought, they didn’t “get their Rule #1: money and run. They snapped. They had to save their sanity, (if they hadn’t already lost it).” Disconnect! Take at least one 24-hour space of time every week to disconnect. It’s imperative you take Property management can be one of the most emotionally, physically, and spiritually taxing lines of that time to remember you are human, to heal work. We’re talking about being responsible for not emotionally and physically. 16
When you disconnect, turn off your phone, your ipad, your laptop, etc. Detox from technology. Disconnect to reconnect. There’s a lot of science on the positive benefits of doing this. Solutions to your biggest challenges will come to you as you’re staring at the wall thinking about nothing in particular. Your weekly productivity actually increases when you take this time. If you do not take this time, you are constantly going about, running on empty or half charged batteries, decreasing your production, increasing procrastination and obviously affecting your health, relationships and overall mental well-being. It allows you to re-charge and take on the week with a sharpened focus. I know taking this time may seem difficult, if not impossible, however, it is definitely doable, and it will save you. Here is how. It’s best to schedule this time when most offices are closed. a Saturday or Sunday is best. Then you must think, if there truly is an emergency, what REALLY qualifies as an emergency that is ACTUALLY applicable to me and if so, how do I handle it? True emergencies are not a tenant having a Tift with another tenant, the cabinet door coming loose, or a hundred other things that a tenant may deem as an emergency. A true emergency that a truly needs quick action basically boils down to a few things. Plumbing, heat and electricity. Now, either set up in your voicemail the number of a trusted person or persons to handle this type of emergency. Alternatively, some people also just have calls rerouted to a 24-hour emergency answering service that sends the message to the appropriate individual. I have been doing this for years and it works just fine, while giving you time that is imperative to disconnect and rejuvenate.
Rule #2: Delegate! I know it is very tempting to do it all yourself to make sure that it gets done right and perhaps initially when you are very small and just getting started it makes sense to do it all yourself, however, as soon as you can, delegate! Delegation is essential to freeing up your time to work ON your business rather than just IN your business. Personally, I prefer services rather than individual people if possible. For example, I have a company that processes my paperwork, a company that takes all my incoming calls, a company that does the cleaning and so forth. I have found companies/ services to be more cost effective as they are typically able to do bulk pricing and they are reliable whereas with an individual, there are life events, (unexpected sickness, emergencies, etc.) that business will not wait for.
Rule #3: Wait! Develop the skill of waiting. Do not succumb to reacting to a person’s negative emotions or words. This takes practice; however, anyone can develop this skill and it will serve you well in all areas of life. Here’s a scenario: A tenant shows up unannounced at your office. They have just received an eviction notice. They are behind on rent and they have caused property damage. They are screaming, shaking their body defiantly and wagging their finger at you at what an awful human being you are for collecting rent. They seem to have forgotten that to pay the mortgage, insurance and a 100 other bills, rent is mandatory. It is simply essential. That is all. However, there they are, creating a scene targeting you as the devil itself.
17
The first thing you must do is wait a moment before you respond. Learn how to monitor your breathing and quiet your heart. You will feel that feeling where your heart starts to race 100 miles a minute, you break into a cold sweat and you start to trip over your words. A trick that some use is to imagine a time in the future after the present situation when the eviction is done and gone, and a wonderful new tenant is now renting there. Think of yourself smiling and grateful for the wonderful new tenant. Feel the peace in your heart and in your mind. Feel the calmness. Intensify the calmness and serenity. Let it fill you up to where it’s “seeping out of your pores.” You can use a different mental scenario than what I described. It can be any mental scenario that inspires calmness to trigger a calm strength in you. Imagining your calm scenario and mentally placing yourself there may sound like a lot to do quickly, however, it can be done in the flash of eye. If you’re just starting out, you’ll find that initially, you may have some rocky starts, however, you’ll get better and better at it.
that you need to be sternly harsh with them, again though, it will be from a place of control rather than losing control. This takes some practice; however, it is imperative. You will find that your emotions may still become heightened from such a confrontation, however, you are able to recover at a much faster rate and the derogatory effect that it has on you is significantly lowered. The more you do this, the better you become.
Take this same concept into hateful messages that you receive. If it is not an emergency, give it time. The last thing you want to be caught in is an emotionally charged text war. Let it sit. At first, it will kill you. Everything in you will want to respond right away! Don’t. Just don’t. Don’t respond until you are responding from a place of calm cognition rather than emotion. Also, even if you are in a place of calm cognition, the tenant clearly is not, so anything you respond will only enrage them. Perhaps give it a day or two, (depending on the scenario), give them time to cool off. It is not uncommon that something that has nothing to do Now take that same calm perspective and apply it to with property management tripped their trigger, your response and communication. When they can’t and they dump their emotional waste on whomever “stoke the fire” in you, it won’t necessarily make they think of. If you get pulled into their chaos, they them calm, however, it puts you in a mindset that will remember you for the next time they want to you can now think with calculation rather than from dump emotions. Whereas if you wait to respond impulsive and dangerous emotion. You may find until they cool down, (if a response is even 18
warranted), typically, they will then feel foolish and I trust the four steps will help you. They have helped ridiculous, discouraging further emotional dumps on me and countless others. It is important to create your company. healthy ways to deal with the stress. Turning to alcohol, food or drugs will only hurt the one body Rule #4: you have. Nothing is worth giving that kind of power Unify! Most landlords and property managers have over you. Stay healthy, stay peaceful and prosper. some form or other of PTSD from being attacked and abused on all sides from the city, the tenants, the attorneys, etc.…yet, we are not helpless. Unified, we represent a strong force to be reckoned with. It’s time. Don’t let the train run you over. Contact CT Property Alliance to join the statewide network to create a powerful alliance to work to make this state a better place to do business and to live.
Naomi Freeman, founded Freeman & Co. to give property owners a comprehensive solutions to your real estate, and financial needs.
From property management to foreclosure solutions, no matter what your challenge or need, we look at your situation in its’ entirety, connecting you with attorneys, real estate, & finance experts to bring to you what is truly good for you and your goals.
19
Homebridge Financial Services knows buying a home is one of the biggest decisions in life. For many home buyers, the experience can be stressful, intimidating and confusing. We are here to change that. For over 25 years, families have chosen HomeBridge to help make their dream of homeownership a reality. They have put their trust in our team of highly skilled and experienced associates to make their home buying, refinance and renovation experience simple, transparent, affordable, and easy. We are here to help expedite the home loan process throughout by:
Gaining a credit approval while shopping for a home Taking advantage of today’s lower interest rates by securing a rate lock before a property is chosen
Submitting all requested paperwork as quickly as possible and exactly as directed Allowing a shorter closing time frame built into the contract once a property is chosen if fully approved.
Our Vision To make the dream of homeownership a reality for every customer, every day.
20
Homebridge Financial Services, Inc.
algorithms. Homebridge’s success is
(Homebridge), is one of the top privately
based on hiring local market experts who
held, non-bank mortgage lending firms in
understand existing regulations and can
the U.S. For more than 30 years,
recommend a type of mortgage tailored to
Homebridge’s vision has been to make the each borrower’s unique financial situation dream of homeownership a reality for
and goals, at a great rate.
every customer. Homebridge strives to do
The result is an elevated level of service that ensures an easy home buying process for everyone Homebridge works with, including real estate agents, the home builder community, and most importantly, the borrower.
this by making the complicated mortgage lending experience simple, easy and transparent for everyone involved. Mortgages, unlike almost any other financial transaction, rely on numerous factors in determining the rate and amount for which a borrower can qualify. In today’s on-demand and digital economy, Homebridge knows customers benefit the most by dealing with professionals, not just About Marion:
Marion has more than 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, including work in originating , processing, underwriting, closing and as a Supervisor in Regional and Branch Operations. Marion has 30 years experience in FHA, VA and conventional mortgages. Her commitment to providing superior customer service, combined with excellent problem-solving skills, makes the difference in potential borrowers becoming home owners. Marion Szarzynski, Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS: #373529 Office: 203-768-5098 mszarzynski@homebridge.com www.Homebridge.com/Marion
21
Green energy upgrades to improve your bottom line.
Upgrade with a C-PACE registered contractor. Whether you are looking to install solar panels, efficient lighting, or Find the green energy upgrade that’s right efficient heating and cooling equipment, Cfor building owners like you. Start lowering PACE has contractors in your area. your energy bills while increasing your Click here to Learn More! property’s value. Improve your bottom line. Learn how with these two programs — C-PACE and Multifamily Energy Financing Program.
C-PACE Program Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is an innovative program that lets you pay for green improvements over time through a voluntary benefit assessment on your property tax bill. CPACE makes it easier for building owners to secure low-interest capital to fund energy improvements and is structured so that energy savings more than offset the benefit assessment. 22
Charge Up CT Buildings
About The CT Green Bank
The Connecticut Green Bank is the nation’s first green bank.* Established by the Connecticut General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80, Connecticut Green Bank supports the Governor’s and Legislature’s energy Make your building more comfortable, strategy to achieve cleaner, less modern and enjoyable, while also bringing expensive, and more reliable sources of the latest in electric vehicle charging energy while creating jobs and supporting technology to your property. With Charge local economic development. The Up CT, you can use C-PACE to upgrade Connecticut Green Bank evolved from the your building. Save energy and take Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) control of your bottom line, while also and the Clean Energy Finance and energizing your customers, tenants, Investment Authority (CEFIA), which was employees, and the community by given a broader mandate in 2011 to providing them easier access to electric become the Connecticut Green Bank. vehicle charging. Our mission is to confront climate change Click here to Learn More! and provide all of society a healthier and more prosperous future by increasing and accelerating the flow of private capital into markets that energize the green economy. Green Bank Solar PPA Building owners who use Connecticut Green Bank C-PACE financing for a qualifying energy saving project may be eligible to receive up to three free electric vehicle charging stations for their property!
The Connecticut Green Bank offers an opportunity for building owners to go solar with no money down, delivering immediate savings on electricity through a third-party owned and operated solar system.
Click here to Learn More!
C-PACE New Construction C-PACE New Construction provides accessible and affordable financing for developers. It leverages the proven success of C-PACE to help developers build higher performing, and more costeffective and competitive buildings.
Our green bank model upended the government subsidy-driven approach to clean energy by working with privatesector investors to create low-cost, longterm sustainable financing to maximize the use of public funds. We continue to innovate, educate and activate to accelerate the growth of green energy measures in the residential (single and multifamily), commercial, industrial, institutional and infrastructure sectors.
Connecticut Green Bank 845 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 300 Main Street, 4th Floor, Stamford, CT 06901 T: 860.563.0015
Click here to Learn More! 23
One of the biggest threats to housing providers everywhere is the extension of the moratorium bill pending before the Massachusetts Legislature right now, HD5166, now HB 5018, Sponsored by Representatives Mike Connolly and Kevin Honan.
children’s’ college tuitions, for their own health care, for the loan on their truck to maintain their properties, etc.
Housing advocates have it wrong when they focus on extending the moratorium which places the entire burden of the pandemic on housing After seven months of a total ban on evictions of providers. They have it wrong when they seek any kind, landlords both large and small are the “shiny object” solution of a moratorium being pushed to the limit. While no landlord extension as the cure all for the ills of the wants to evict a paying tenant, neither can pandemic. landlords afford to continue to pay their water bills, the tax bills, maintenance bills, insurance Housing advocates should join instead with and mortgage bills while receiving no income. housing providers to lobby for a lot more money The housing advocates have this all wrong. from state and federal governments to pay They falsely claim that housing providers are all current landlords their rents so they can wealthy and can afford to house their tenants, a/ continue to house their tenants. No landlord will k/a non-family members, indefinitely without evict a paying tenant who respects the property receiving rental income, because of the Corona and who respects the landlord and his/her Virus Pandemic. But, they cannot. Typically, any neighbors. That offers far greater housing money left over after paying mortgage and stability than anything else. property maintenance costs goes to their own
24
It is worth noting that the hue and cry that the moratorium protects black and brown communities of color who are being forced into the street by cold- hearted landlords is an oversimplification of the real situation. Many of the small landlords who provide affordable housing to black and brown people are themselves black and brown, providing housing for less rent and on lower margins than other more affluent neighborhoods. They stand to be decimated by the current moratorium, much less a one-year extension. This will lead to many larger real estate developers with more money coming in and, as they do in every severe economic crisis, buying up properties at bargain basement prices, because these black and brown owners may not be able to hang on for another year while their tenants live rent-free.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE LEGISLATORS WHO SUPPORT HOUSING PROVIDERS We of SNEPOA wish to thank the following Massachusetts legislators for their support: Representative David DeCoste – Profile and donation link: https:// www.citizensfordecoste.com/ and donations: https://www.citizensfordecoste.com/ Representative Shawn Dooley – Profile and donation link: https://www.repdooley.com/ aboutshawn Representative Susan Smiley – https:// ssmiley2020.com to make a donation Representative Peter Durant- http:// repdurant.com to make a donation
Contact Governor Baker and urge him not to Please join SNEPOA and other landlord groups sign this bill: (617) 725-4005 in being relentless in your efforts to contact your legislators to stop the moratorium extension. It is Contact Senate President Karen Spilka and your property rights that are being taken away. urge her to stop the Now is the time to stand up and be heard. bill: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov You can go to www.wheredoivotema.com to find Contact House Speaker Robert DeLeo and urge your own state representative and state senator, him to strop the including the legislators named above and bill: Robert.DeLeo@mahouse.gov below. These legislators have either sponsored bills to help landlords or have supported other initiatives and have expressed their intentions to support small landlords which are the providers of nearly 75% of all affordable housing across the country. Therefore, we must support them in their efforts to help us legislatively.
25
26
What’s Happening Near You? The Statewide Events and Meetings calendar is a resource for local landlords and property owners to meet up, network and grow your real estate opportunities.
Get Involved, Stay Informed. 27
October Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Update On Future Events. Due to COVID-19 our in-person events are very limited due to current restrictions in place by the Governor. If you or your organization is hosting an event or virtual meeting please let us know by emailing us at media@ctpoa.com and we will put you into the Event Calendar. Stay safe!
28
November Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
30
31
29
30
A special thank you to our participating REALTOR Boards for circulating CT Real Estate Today to their members.
31
CT Real Estate Today allows you to hit your target audience for all things real estate.
Contact us at
Becom
info@ctpoa.com
The Connectic of experienced p working together
ADVERTISE WITH US!
Fol
32
me a CTPOA Member Visit: https://ctpoa.com/
cut Property Owners Alliance is composed property managers, REALTORS and landlords to improve the business conditions for rental property owners.
llow CTPOA: https://www.facebook.com/CTPOA/
33