Colorado Rental Housing Journal October 2014 by Professional Publishing, Inc

Rental Housing Journal Colorado

October 2014 - Vol. 6 Issue 10

2. Not Screening Tenants? You May Attract the Industry’s Cast-off Renters 3. Dear Maintenance Men

4. Three Important Steps for Building Property Management Compensation Plans 6. Shoptalk

www.rentalhousingjournal.com • Professional Publishing, Inc

DENVER • COLORADO SPRINGS • BOULDER

Monthly Circulation To More Than 7,000 Apartment Owners, Property Managers, On-Site & Maintenance Personnel

Four Low Cost Ways to Improve the Properties You Manage By Marc Courtenay

esidents are on the prowl again looking for the most attractive rental units for their money. At the same time there is a growing group of former homeowners who are back in the rental market. The monthly rent these groups are willing to pay will partially depend on the condition of the rental properties. If they have a choice, they’ll go with the property that impresses them the most. This is especially true with the baby boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964. This demographic is looking for places to live that feel secure, feel like home and appeals to aesthetics. So to compete effectively and economically, property managers are “turning up their imaginations” to make their properties more desirable. Here are four economical ideas to consider: First impressions mean a lot. Remove old or tattered window coverings and replace them with inexpensive Venetian-style blinds. Choose neutral colors and models that are easy to replace. While you’re at it make sure the windows are clean, with sills that are sparkling. Replace the knobs and handles in the kitchen cabinets if possible. Any qualitative touches you can add to your kitchens including sufficient lighting will make your rental feel continued on page 5

www. re nta l h ou singjournal.com

Professional Publishing, Inc PO Box 30327 Portland, OR 97294-3327

For All Those New Female Entrepreneurs: The 5 C’s for Building a Successful Business By Marsha Friedman

mall businesses have made a huge recovery since the economic crash in 2008 and that’s good news for all of us. Since we account for 63 percent of new jobs, our success puts people back to work. That, in turn, helps us even more – people with paychecks buy stuff! And here’s more good news: Women are launching more businesses than ever – 1,288 a day, according to a recent analysis by American Express. That’s up from 602 in 2011-12. Since 1997, womenowned businesses rose by 68 percent. As a female entrepreneur who will soon celebrate my company’s 25th anniversary, I’m well aware of the challenges these brave new CEOs face. I’m not exaggerating when I use the word “brave.” My experiences have taught me that courage is essential to launching and growing a successful business – particularly if you’re a woman. Why? Because we tend to be more risk adverse than men. We worry more about financial

security and losing it all. Making the right decisions requires overcoming those fears. Courage is one of what I call my 5 C’s for building a business. They’re

the guiding principles I’ve learned through the ups and downs and all the mistakes. If I rely on the C’s as a sort of compass, I find I can always ...continued on page 6

How the Internet of Things will Simplify & Increase Profits in the Rental Housing Industry

he future of the rental property market is not distant. It is here, and it is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The Internet of Things (IoT), or the connectivity of smart devices that share data with the outside world, is paving this exciting future. From smart thermostats to smart door locks, these new inventions are gaining ground and excitement rapidly. In this article, we will share a vision of the future using smart devices within the rental prop-

Current Resident or

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID

Snohomish, WA

Permit #5

erty market. As with any change there are those that will disagree with or fear the new direction in the property management process. Our goal is to prove that these new technologies should not be feared, but embraced for their potential of earning extra profit as well as simplifying the management of properties. To show this, we will describe a day in the life of an IoT property including the property owner, leasing agents, ten-

ants, and maintenance personnel. The leasing process begins with the leasing agent showing the potential tenants a unit for rent. The leasing agent, while showing the property, introduces the potential tenant to the devices making up the smart device package. The leasing agent describes how the smart thermostat, smoke alarm, door lock, air monitors and lights can be controlled from the tenants’ smart phone, tablet, or com...continued on page 2

Advertise in Rental Housing Journal Colorado Circulated to over 6,000 Apartment owners, On-site, and Maintenance personnel monthly.

Call 503-221-1260 for more info.

RENTAL HOUSING JOURNAL COLORADO

Not Screening Tenants? You May Attract the Industry’s Cast-off Renters

ost do-it-yourself (DIY) landlords, individuals who manage their rental properties without assistance from property management companies, don’t properly screen prospective tenants. That’s according to a survey on landlord habits conducted on behalf of Real Property Management by an independent Boston-based research firm, Liminality Inc. The survey, which included a national probability sample of more than 150 DIY landlords nationwide, revealed: Only 51% of DIY landlords conduct criminal background checks 23% of DIY landlords sometimes or never conduct credit checks Only 51% of DIY landlords contact past landlords for references This oversight can create many problems and headaches for the landlord down the road, such as late rent, damage to the property and evictions. Perhaps even more troubling is that DIY landlords with lenient or non-existent screening policies actually attract the indus-

try’s cast-off renters. That’s because diligent landlords and reputable property management companies essentially weed out undesirable tenants with their screening policies. When criminals learn their backgrounds will be checked, they turn to a property owner who is not so meticulous. Why would DIY landlords put their property investment in potential harm’s way by not thoroughly conducting background checks? A common problem many DIY landlords face is not having the essential resources or knowledge for properly managing their rental property. Understanding the many tenantlandlord laws, Fair Housing Regulations and guidelines, knowing what questions to ask and not to ask a potential tenant and where to go to perform criminal background and credit checks can be overwhelming for any landlord. However, when landlords who don’t screen tenants combine the inherent risks in renting with the thought that their applicant pool may have a higher percentage of

criminals than the industry, it becomes clear that incorporating standard background checks is a must. If landlords cannot implement thorough screening procedures themselves, then it behooves them to hire a property management firm. These professional companies have policies in place to conduct rigorous background screenings on behalf of their property-owning customers, which includes credit, employment, rental history, criminal and sexual offender checks. This means landlords can rest easy and collect their return on investment without

worrying about what baggage their tenants may bring into their properties. Don Lawby is the president of Real Property Management, the leading rental property management franchise. He has more than 40 years’ experience in the real estate industry and he holds the honor of being named to the Swanepoel Power 200: The Most Powerful People in Residential Real Estate.

www. re nt a l h o u s i n g j o u r n a l .co m

Free Roof Inspections! Don’t use your own money for a new roof. Many homeowners have hail damage to their roofs and don’t even know it. We are former insurance adjusters and know how to get a new roof for little or no money.

Roofing, gutters, windows, siding, painting, heating, A/Cs We are located in the Jefferson and Denver County Board of Realtors Buildings and run a very honest operation.

303-937-7000

www.superiorroofingandconstruction.biz

Rental Housing journal Colorado • October 2014

2014 PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHING, INC

RENTAL HOUSING JOURNAL COLORADO

Dear Maintenance Men: By Jerry L'Ecuyer & Frank Alvarez

Dear Maintenance Men: I understand moving in a new resident from the management’s point of view. What do you recommend as a move-in procedure from a maintenance background? I always worry about handing over a set of keys to a new resident who will now have control of a very expensive rental unit. What should I be thinking about maintenance wise for this new move-in? Tom Dear Tom: Interesting question! It’s true we sometimes think the move-in procedure is complete once the resident passes all the background checks, pays their money, signs all the paperwork and is given the keys to the unit. We believe that the move-in procedure is far from complete if the new resident is not “Checked-out” on the operation of the rental unit. A major source of maintenance issues and costs come from a new resident not knowing how to safely operate the moving parts of their unit. A short list of items that a resident may or may not know how to operate are as follows:

1. Garbage disposal unit. 2. Vertical and horizontal blinds. 3. Dishwashing machine. 4. HVAC system or heating and cooling systems. 5. And anything else that could break or be a safety issue. Many of you might be saying to yourselves; “Who does not know how to operate any of those items.” You would be surprised! Top of the list of most abused items are garbage disposal units and blinds.

How you deal with property maintenance can make a big difference to the bottom line. A proactive approach allows you to make all the decisions ahead of time. In a proactive situation you will have time to shop for the best price and dictate the schedule of the work. As an example: 1: Snaking or hydrojetting the main sewer line before the

Thanksgiving holiday removing any buildup or roots in the pipes. 2: trimming trees and overhanging branches before a wet winter storm. A reactive approach removes all control of the situation. You will have little influence over the cost of the work or when it will take place. As an example: 1: Calling out the plumber ... continued on back cover

Dear Maintenance Men: I have heard the terms “Proactive and Reactive” in connection with property maintenance. Can you explain the difference as it relates to apartment maintenance? Richard Dear Richard: We’ll start with the definitions first and then how they relate to property maintenance. Proactive: Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs or changes. Reactive: Done in response to a problem or situation: reacting to problems when they occur instead of doing something to prevent them.

Vi s it u s at www. rental h ous in g j o u r n a l.co m

Publisher Will Johnson • will@propubinc.com Designer Steve Olsen • steve@propubinc.com Advertising Sales Will Johnson • will@propubinc.com Terry Hokenson • terry@propubinc.com

www.rentalhousingjournal.com The statements and representations made in advertising and news articles contained in this publication are those of the advertiser and authors and as such do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Professional Publishing, Inc. The inclusion of advertising in this publications does not, in any way, comport an endorsement of or support for the products or services offered. Metro Apartment Manager is produced monthly and is published by Professional Publishing Inc. PO Box 6244 Beaverton, OR 97007. (503) 221-1260 - (800) 398-6751 © 2014 All rights reserved.

Serving the Denver Metro Multifamily Housing Industry More than 7,000 Distributed Monthly If your target market includes the rental housing industry in the Denver Metro Area, you will not find a more efficient, cost effective way to reach your target.

Please call & consult your Account Executive for more Details 503-221-1260

FREE RHJ COLORADO SUBSCRIPTION

Access more than just the best screening information available… Our Investigative Team will take you further than any automated screening platform. We verify the accuracy of information provided by your potential resident before beginning their background check. You can count on us to be there for you… to go the extra mile… and to provide screening information that no other company can guarantee.

PROPERTY NAME

NAME ADDRESS

For insight into the screening industry, rental market, and your options, visit:

CITY STATE ZIP EMAIL ADDRESS

PHONE

Send for your FREE subscription to Professional Publishing, Inc., PO Box 30327, Portland, OR 97294-3327 • (503) 221-1260 • fax (503) 221-1545

www.eRentalServicesInc.com 3

Rental Housing journal Colorado • October 2014

2014 PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHING, INC

RENTAL HOUSING JOURNAL COLORADO

Three Important Steps for Building Property Management Compensation Plans ©

by Ernest F. Oriente, The Coach {Article #221…since 1995}

ccording to a recent survey by Matrix Information, three billion people around the globe have access to Internet-based services and E-mail. In addition, this report expects electronic commerce to grow from $3.2 trillion in 2013 to $6.2 trillion by the year 2015. Is your property management company ready for these exploding communication and marketing trends? Is your leasing team ready to handle the Email just sent by 15 new prospects relocating from Paris or Moscow? Read the tips in this article and learn how easy it is to master E-mail and profit from it…it’s just a few keystrokes away!

Tips for using E-mail with prospective new residents: Ask your leasing teams to always use spell check before sending an Email to a future resident • Have your teams read each E-mail twice before they send it, just to make certain it conveys exactly what they are trying to communicate and it portrays the professional image important to your

property management company • When sending an E-mail, the subject line must clearly summarize what the body of the E-mail says • If your leasing teams are using the E-mail “reply” feature to respond to a future resident, make certain they reply by including the information the prospect sent in their original E-mail note. In addition, ask your leasing teams to include the name of the future resident throughout their E-mail reply. Tips for using E-mail within your property management company: When your leasing teams are using E-mail to communicate internally, make certain they understand when to respond by E-mail and when to call the person who sent the original E-mail, depending on the tone or content of the E-mail • Explain to your leasing teams how and when to use carbon copy {cc} and blind carbon copy {bcc} with E-mail • Have a written company policy regarding the use of E-mail, clear-

Make PARTSMASTER your first choice for Water Heaters!

ly outlining the rules and expectations of your company. Have this document signed by each person who will be accessing your E-mail software • Explain to your leasing teams that deleting an E-mail does not remove it from their computer system nor from the system of the person the E-mail was sent to. During several recent lawsuits, damaging E-mails that had been deleted were used in the courtroom to the surprise of the individuals and their property management companies • Instruct your leasing teams about the extra care required if they receive an E-mail that has an attached document, as this is where most computer viruses are hidden. Many property management companies do not let their leasing teams send or open attached files • E-mail files can easily be opened and read so confidential information like salaries, financial reports, social security numbers or credit card numbers should not be sent by E-mail.

Tips for using E-mail as a marketing tool: E-mail can also be used as a powerful marketing tool to attract new residents or to better service your existing residents. Here are some tips: Aside from a small $15-$20 service charge per month, sending or receiving E-mail is free. When compared to other forms of marketing…having your leasing teams send E-mails to new or existing residents is their least expensive form of marketing • Imagine the marketing success your leasing teams will have if they had the E-mail address on the guest card of every future resident who visited their apartment community over the past 12 months… and your leasing teams can stay in touch with these potential new residents for free! • When your properties are using Email to handle resident questions or maintenance requests, a timely response is expected and required continued on page 7

Commercial & Residential

Roofing & Sheet Metal Work Our mission:

Service, Product, Savings and Satisfaction...

To set an unprecedented standard in the roofing industry with a commitment to provide complete and efficient service dedicated to total customer satisfaction.

√ Low Prices √ Free Same Day Delivery √ Custom Catalogs √ GL Coded Invoices √ Budget Reports √ On-Line Ordering √ Service with a Thousands of everyday items in stock! FREE same-day local delivery.

Proud members of:

2014-2015 • b2b.azpartsmaster.com • 1-888-924-7278

To Open an Account: b2b.azpartsmaster.com/ca.pdf

11600 East 53rd Ave., Suite C Denver, CO 80239 (720) 446-3821 b2b.azpartsmaster.com 4

Locally owned and operated here in Denver for over 30 years!

SINCE 1984

303-287-7666 www.jproofing.com

Rental Housing journal Colorado • October 2014

RENTAL HOUSING JOURNAL COLORADO

Four Ways ..continued from front page more like home. Install portable “odor-eating” air purifiers. If your rental units smell clean, prospective residents will notice. You can also buy some inexpensive plug-in room deodorizers which create the ambiance you think pleases the nose. Stage the kitchen counters with flowers for a decorative touch. While we’re on the olfactory topic, make sure the inside of the refrigerator is extra clean and smells

great. You can add to the appeal by placing some fresh-baked cookies inside the refrigerator. Offer one to your prospect so they will remember how kind and considerate you were. As I’ve stressed in past articles on this subject, colorful landscaping strategically placed around your building speak volumes to exceptionally attractive prospects. Often folks who appreciate beauty make reliable residents. Property managers would be

wise to leave a lasting impression on everyone who comes to look at a vacant property. One way is to have an attractive, color sheet with a list of all the advantages of being a resident at the property you manage. Don’t be afraid to add creative touches. Something as inexpensive as replacing the shower curtains, cleaning the counters so they sparkle, or adding different light bulbs may brighten the interior and indirectly remind the prospective resi-

dent that your property is livable and cozy. As property managers, we have to be imaginative when reaching out to potential residents. If we also remember to be friendly and courteous, we will brighten their day and leave a positive memory about your property.

open for too long, the maintenance personnel is sent a text describing which unit the issue is coming from. They are also alerted when it is time to replace the batteries in the smoke alarms. As the owner of a rental property, these smart devices, or Internet of Things, provide an opportunity to increase revenue as well as detect issues early that might be happening within the apartment complex. It also increases the potential of attracting a high-end tenant looking to use these types of technologies. As different types of smart devices are manufactured they can be integrated into the existing packages and software of the property. They can also be tailored to specific problems that certain properties are experiencing. Because of the Internet of Things,

the future of the rental housing market, will be impressive, as exemplified in this article. We, at JDI, are excited to be a part of this future. As we progress in learning more about the Internet of Things as it pertains to properties, we will keep you updated on our findings. We’re excited, and we hope you are too.

The Internet of Things ..continued from front page puter. The leasing agent then gives them a brief demonstration using their iPad by controlling the devices in the apartment. The leasing agent will share with the potential tenant that they can have access to all these devices for a fixed monthly fee of $20.00 per month. If the tenant chooses not to sign up for the smart device package, the thermostat and the other devices will act like normal smoke alarms, thermostats etc. However, it is explained that by using the Nest Thermostat along with the other smart devices, their electricity bill can be reduced, therefore paying for the package itself. Once the leasing agent has signed up the tenant for the package, they will use their property management software to create the username for all the smart devices in the apartment. An email will be sent to the

tenant that includes the username along with details on how to download and use the software. Links with online tutorials will also be provided in the email. By using their provided username and password, the tenant downloads the software to their smart phone/ tablet, watches the online tutorials, and starts utilizing their smart devices. As smart devices are installed they provide a treasure trove of data that maintenance personnel along with property managers can monitor and analyze. As an example, inhouse software is used to monitor the data collected from smoke alarms, humidity detection devices, thermostats, air monitoring and door monitoring devices. If anything is out of the ordinary, such as humidity being high in a unit, or a door being

By Michael Schreiber and Leila Ettachfini. Michael and Leila are partners in JDI, a software development and consulting company specializing in IoT devices for the rental housing industry. Michael can be reached at (303-5139995) and michael@jdiapps.com. Leila can be reached at leila@jdiapps.com. Visit http://www.JDIapps.com for more information.

A FREE resource that’s good for business and everyone’s health!

Want to build your business?

Start by building your education. An online CE platform with easy and convenient options that fit your schedule. Enroll in your real estate continuing education courses today and save 20% with promo code RHJ20.

FREE

Colorado Guide to Establishing No-Smoking Policies in Multiunit Housing

Peer-reviewed by housing providers, this guide provides information about: • Benefits and legalities of no-smoking policies • Implementation and compliance techniques • Available resources and materials • Dangers of secondhand smoke

rhj.theceshop.com | 888.827.0777

OrderTheGuide.org or 303-444-9799 Rental Housing journal Colorado • October 2014

Get it today! 5

RENTAL HOUSING JOURNAL COLORADO

very apartment community has a “reputation” in the marketplace. What your community is known for is based upon a variety of factors, some of which are beyond your control; like its location and layout of the apartments. Yet, there are certain factors in which you have some measure of control; your management style, for instance, and resident profile. However, sometimes the longer a staff has been working at a community the harder it is to be objective. While long term employees can bring stability and consistency to a community, there can be a subtle tendency for the on site staff to try and lease to only those people who they believe will “fit in,” so as not to upset the “status quo.” Here is a concern that illustrates this point:

Q: I have been the resident manager at the same community for over 10 years, and have worked very hard to establish a quality clientele. I am now in a situation where I have more vacancies than I have had in

quite a while, but with fewer prospective renters who match the demographics of my existing residents. I am concerned that if I start renting to everyone who comes through the door, that this will upset my current residents and that I’ll have even more vacant apartments. What can I do? A: First of all, I applaud you for your longevity in the business, especially as an on site manger! Your residents undoubtedly appreciate you and all your efforts to create a quality environment for them. However, why would you limit such an outstanding community to just a few people who you are “hand picking” to live there? Not only is this practice obviously affecting your leasing ratio, it is a Fair Housing violation! You do not have to rent to “everyone who comes through your door.” Yet, you do have to rent to everyone who “qualifies” based upon certain criteria established by your screening company. Your cur-

rent method of leasing may be doing more harm than just jeopardizing the occupancy of your building: Should a complaint be lodged against your community, there is the possibility that you, your employer and also the building owner could be sued for discrimination. By renting to all types of people no matter their family or marital status, their race, religion, age, etc., you will be in complete compliance with the Fair Housing Act, AND you will create the type of diverse community where everyone feels welcome and wanted. Remember: a quality community + satisfied residents = higher occupancy If you have a question or concern you would like to see addressed next month or if you would like to inquire about leasing training, please ASK THE SECRET SHOPPER by making contact via phone or e-mail. Your questions, comments and suggestions are

ALWAYS welcome! ASK THE SECRET SHOPPER Provided by: SHOPTALK SERVICE EVALUATIONS Phone: 425-424-8870 E-mail: joyce@shoptalkservice.com Web site: www.shoptalkservice.com Copyright © Shoptalk Service Evaluations

Vis it us at

w w w . R e n t a l H o u s i n g J o u rn a l . c o m

Entrepreneurs ..continued from front page guide us back to smoother waters. What are the C’s? Caring It starts with caring enough about yourself and your dreams to stay committed to achieving your goals. (Giving up is never a good option!) You have to care enough about yourself to firmly believe that you deserve success and the good things that come with it. Just as important is caring about your staff and creating a positive work environment for them. Protect their sanity from the clients who want to chew them up and from new hires who don’t fit in and hurt morale. Be supportive when stressful situations arise in their lives outside of work. And ensure everyone has the knowledge and tools they need to be successful. None of us gets far at all if we don’t care about our customers. Give them the best exchange possible for their money; define expectations so that they understand the end product you are delivering and for which they are paying. Be willing to listen to their concerns, take responsibility for mistakes, and correct them. Courage Thirty years ago, I probably would never have said it takes courage to lead a small business, but without it, I assure you, you’ll fail. There are dragons and quicksand and dark woods all around. You’ll find them in the day-to-day problems, the obstacles you didn’t see lying in wait, the risks you must 6

take, and the stresses involved with honoring your obligations to everyone working with and for you. Trust me, your courage will grow every time you push your fear behind you and deal with what frightens you. Which will also help you build confidence. Confidence Think of the many challenges you’ve faced in your life, and the many times you’ve overcome them. Bring that confidence to your business. Believing that you can reach for and achieve your short- and longterm goals is essential to getting you there. Competence Competence comes from knowledge and experience. Hone it by staying up on the trends and disruptions in your industry. One of the most important roles a CEO plays is as the visionary for his or her company. That means you can’t, and shouldn’t, take on jobs within your company for which you’re not qualified. You’ll make yourself miserable and your business will suffer. Hire an accountant to handle the financials. Get marketing help if that’s not your thing. As for employees, take the time to hire competent people who you’ll trust in their jobs – and then trust them! Commitment Stay dedicated to your goals no matter how difficult that becomes. That may mean taking painful mea-

sures, as it did for me after the 9/11 terrorist attacks put the brakes on the economy. There came a point for my business when all hope looked lost. I had to make drastic cuts, including letting go beloved employees. For more than a year, I ramped up marketing efforts, diversified our services, and took other steps to get the business out of the red. In 2005, I succeeded – and it has been upward and onward ever since. Building my business has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I get a lot of pleasure from helping our clients meet their goals. I enjoy coming to work and spending time with the team I’m blessed to call part of the family. We laugh loudly and often! If you’ve recently launched a new business, know that you’ll encounter challenges. Don’t panic! Remember the 5 C’s and forge ahead with caring, courage, confidence, competence and commitment. Marsha Friedman is a 24-year veteran of the public relations industry. She is the CEO of EMSI Public Relations (www.emsincorporated.com), a national firm that provides PR strategy and publicity services to businesses, professional firms, entertainers and authors. Marsha is the author of Celebritize Yourself and she can also be heard weekly on her Blog Talk Radio Show, EMSI’s PR Insider every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. Follow her on Twitter: @marshafriedman.

Rental Housing journal Colorado • October 2014

RENTAL HOUSING JOURNAL COLORADO

The Coach ...continued from page 4

• Create an E-newsletter which can be easily sent out on a weekly or monthly basis. Remember, since sending E-mail is free, your leasing teams will have lots more flexibility. In addition, E-newsletters portray a professional image about your property management company and are quick to be passed-along to others, thus expanding the reach and exposure for your marketing • When sending E-mail, have your leasing teams develop a five to seven line signature which is automatically placed at the bottom of every E-mail they send out. This signature line will further promote their apartment community, your corporate website and can be changed on a daily basis, if necessary • Use E-mail to stay in touch with the media in your area, especially if your apartment communities have any exciting events or community projects to announce • The E-mail address at each of your properties should be included on every business card, every brochure, on any sales information and with all print advertising.

Want to hear more about this important topic or ask some additional questions about how to use E-mail as a powerful marketing tool? Send an E-mail to ernest@powerhour.com and The Coach will E-mail you a free PowerHour invitation. Author’s note: Ernest F. Oriente, a business coach/trainer since 1995 [32,320 hours], serving property management industry professional since 1988--the author of SmartMatch Alliances™, the founder of PowerHour® [ www.powerhour.com ], the founder of PowerHour SEO [ www. powerhourseo.com ], the live weekly PowerHour Leadership Academy [ www.powerhourleadershipacademy.com/pm ] and Power Insurance & Risk Management Group [ www.pirmg.com ], has a passion for coaching his clients on executive leadership, hiring and motivating property management SuperStars, traditional and Internet SEO/SEM marketing, competitive sales strategies, and high leverage alliances for property management teams and their leaders. He provides private and group coaching for property management companies around North America, executive recruiting, investment banking, national utility bill auditing, national real estate and apartment building insurance, SEO/SEM web strategies, national WiFi solutions [ www.powerhour.com/propertymanagement/nationalwifi.html ], powerful tools for hiring property management SuperStars and building dynamic

225+ articles for the property manageteams, employee policy manuals [ www. powerhour.com/propertymanagement/ ment industry and created 400+ property employeepolicymanuals.html ] and social management forms, business and marketing checklists, sales letters and presentamedia strategic solutions [ http://www. powerhour.com/propertymanagement/so- tion tools. To subscribe to his free property METRO, management newsletterARIZONA go to: www. cialmedialeadership.html ]. Ernest worked VALLEY, powerhour.com. PowerHour® is based in for Motorola, Primedia and is certified in the Xerox sales methodologies. Recent Olympic-town…Park City, Utah, at 435615-8486, by E-mail ernest@powerhour. interviews and articles have appeared com or visit their website: www.powermore than 8000+ times in business and hour.com trade publications and in a wide variety of leading magazines and newspapers, including Smart Money, Inc., Business Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov, 2.0, The New York Times, Fast Company, 1010 East 62nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001-1598 The LA Times, Fortune, Business Week, Phone: 1-800-624-5269 • Fax: 1-800-624-5299 Self Employed America and The Financial Times. Since 1995, Ernest has October p written September

The Industry Leader in Quality 1/8 Page 4 7/8” x 3 5/8” On-Site4

Order Factory Direct! 1010 East 62nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001-1598 Phone: 1-800-624-5269 • Fax: 1-800-624-5299

1/8 Page 4 7/8” x 3 5/8” On-Site3a

Rental Housing journal Colorado • October 2014

APT

Salsbury Indu

• Create two separate E-mail lists… one for future residents and one for current residents so you can send appropriate marketing information to each group

RENTAL HOUSING JOURNAL COLORADO

Check us out online

www.rentalhousingjournal.com

NTN SecureMobile®

Dear Maintenance ...continued from page 3 any plumber on Thursday, Thanksgiving evening to snake out the main line blockage because of sudden overuse by the residents . 2: Emergency roof repair during a wet winter storm due to heavy tree branches breaking or a tree falling. Residents, who live in a community that practices proactive maintenance stay longer, pay higher rent and take better care of their units and grounds. With a proactive maintenance policy in place, residents are more likely to report problems before they become emergencies. A Proactive maintenance policy will save you money both in the short term and more importantly in the long term. It is a good investment.

amenities in a fair area. • Older property, no or few amenities, basic design, could be run down and often in a bad area. Please call: Buffalo Maintenance, Inc for maintenance work or consultation. JLE Property Management, Inc for management service or consultation Frankie Alvarez at 714 956-8371 Jerry L’Ecuyer at 714 778-0480 CA contractor lic: #797645, EPA Real Estate lic. #: 01460075 Certified Renovation Company Websites: www.BuffaloMaintenance. com & www.ContactJLE.com www.Facebook.com/ BuffaloMaintenance

Dear Maintenance Men: I would like to find out if I have an “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D” building. I’m not sure what constitutes an A or D property. Can you shed light on the designations? Cornell

The best things in life are free National Tenant Network’s Free iPad App can provide you with secure applicant screening, literally at your fingertips. Enjoy the same great service, rigorous screening and realiability that NTN offers through NTNonline.com with this convenient App.

Download today from the Apple App Store and screen applicants anywhere, anytime!

NTN Corporate Ofﬁces 800-228-0989 ntn@ntnonline.com www.ntnonline.com

Dear Cornell: This is really a real estate purchasing question, however we think it will work for maintenance as well. As in most things; “A” is the best and “D” can be seen as the worst. An “A” property will require the most proactive maintenance to retain an “A” rating while a “D” property may very rarely see a maintenance tech without direction from code enforcement or the city attorney. Below is a simple example of the A, B, C or D ratings and what they represent. • New or extremely well taken care of property with top notch amenities in the best areas. • Newer property that may be slightly dated, but well taken care of in a good area. • Older property, clean, middle of the road building with limited

REAL ESTATE INVESTING MADE REAL EASY

Advertise in the Rental Housing Journal Colorado Official Publication of the Colorado's Leading Advocate for the Rental Housing Industry

Would you like to: Own more Rentals? Buy your 1st Rental unit? Dispose of units that are a headache? Call for a free spreadsheet analysis of your current properties or units you are interested in purchasing.

Robbie Pepper CCIM, GRI, CRS, e-PRO A Better Way Realty robbie@abetterwayrealty.com 970-946-2352 8

Call 503-221-1260 for more info.

Rental Housing journal Colorado • October 2014