UPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATE

≠≠≠ 22 Years ≠≠≠ The Voice of Washtenaw and Livingston County’s Rental Housing Industry

March 2006 Volume 22, No. 2

GET OUT OF THE RUT AND INTO THE GROOVE Perhaps I am the most naïve person on planet Earth. Some-

where I got the idea that when you tell people the right way to do something, and you're very convincing, that they will do it and all will be well. Just hear it once, believe it and do it, and life will be greatly improved. Oh, if life were only that simple. That's why continuing education is so important. The rule seems to be that the sixth time we hear it, we get it! So how often do we teach the same thing? At least six times. Over and over and over again. In a study done by Yale University several years ago, peo-ple said one of the main reasons they work is to continue their education. In other words, their job should be their self- im-provement course. Few adults who work full time have time to take classes, so they expect their employers to provide edu-cational tools, and justifiably so. If the company is to be suc-cessful, the team members must be successful as well. And all success is related to keeping up with change, learning new skills and honing the skills we already have. A variety of training possibilities exists for us in multi-family housing. We are lucky to have local, state and national apartment associations to provide cost effective and timely training, all pertinent to our daily activities. Many companies provide in-house training as well. Now opportunities abound

on-line. Great videotape programs are available, allow-ing employees to watch and learn at their convenience. There simply is no excuse not to be educated in what we do! And yet, as I travel around the country I still see and hear that one half the people in the room haven't had fair housing training. That's really scary since that lack of knowl-edge could cost a property millions of

dollars. Would you pay less than $100 for a class or video training that could save you millions? One of the top benefits of education is the re-charge your personal battery gets! We all get stale, sometimes bored with the same routine. Often the fresh approach, the new angle we get from a class, speaker, tape or on line is just the motivation we need to get us up and going. Then both the property and we benefit. So the next time your boss says you're being sent to a class, celebrate! Be a life long learner, feed your brain and develop new skills…it's the perfect way to stay young and in the groove!

Anne Sadovsky has been in this industry since 1968. She is a

member of the National Speakers Association and has

earned the prestigious designation of Certified Speaking Pro-

fessional. Based in Dallas Texas, she is the former Vice

President of Marketing and Education for Lincoln Property

Company. She is a popular guest on radio and television talk

shows, is a contributing editor and featured writer for a vari-

ety of publications and is often quoted in newspaper and

magazine articles pertaining to the apartment industry. She

has a new book “Mission Possible” with Stephen Covey and

Brian Tracy, fall 2005. Watch for her new book “Mission

Possible” coming out this month…..

WA3

Calendar March 14

Pharaoh Ants and Bed Bugs

and other pest issues

Sponsored by: Eradico

March 21

GMM at Weber’s

Speaker: Richard George

from NOI Coach.

Topic:

Creating a Triumphant

Team

And the Winners Are………

Plunger Toss Race: Plunger Toss Race: Plunger Toss Race: Plunger Toss Race: 1st 1st 1st 1st ---- Justin Meyer, 2nd Justin Meyer, 2nd Justin Meyer, 2nd Justin Meyer, 2nd ---- John Bartlein, 3rd John Bartlein, 3rd John Bartlein, 3rd John Bartlein, 3rd ---- Doug Burke Doug Burke Doug Burke Doug Burke

Power Screw Race: Power Screw Race: Power Screw Race: Power Screw Race: 1st 1st 1st 1st ---- Doug Burke, 2nd Doug Burke, 2nd Doug Burke, 2nd Doug Burke, 2nd ---- Les O’Brien, 3rd Les O’Brien, 3rd Les O’Brien, 3rd Les O’Brien, 3rd ---- Paul Zak Paul Zak Paul Zak Paul Zak

By Anne Sadovsky

www.annesadovsky.com

President’s Message:

EO Message

By Jamie Schmunk

By: Alice J. Ehn

Published By:

Washtenaw Area Apartment Association 2008 S. State Street, Suite C,

Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734/663-1200; FAX 734/821-0497

Email: info@wa3hq.org

CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB:CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB:CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB:CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB:

www.wa3hq.orgwww.wa3hq.orgwww.wa3hq.orgwww.wa3hq.org

Deadline:

1st of the month for next month’s publication. Submit all materials to

Alice Ehn, Executive Officer

2006 Directors: •Jamie Schmunk, President Wilson White Company, 734-995-0600

•Tom Clark, Treasurer and VP Clark Properties; 734-996-2836

•Melissa Seitz, Secretary Pinnacle Realty Directors:

•Kelly O’Donnell, Program Chair Edward Surovell Realtors; 734-994-1400

•June Kretzschmer, Education Chair Spicetree Apts: 734-434-0400

•Jenny Morrison, Membership Chair Woodbury Gardens; 734-663-7633

•Matt Derrenberger, Product and Service Council Co-Chair; Ann Arbor Insurance Assoc; 734-327-9222

•Mel Zimmerman, Marketing-Past Pres.

McKinley, 734-769-8520 x419

•Bonnie Bisson, Product and Service Council Co-Chair; Instant Furniture Rental; 734-327-4500

PMAM REPS:

•Melissa Seitz, Pinnacle Realty

•George Markley, Lockwood Mgmt

Property Mgmt. Assoc. of Michigan

Association Executive: Kathy Vallie 2757 44th St., Suite 306, Wyoming, MI 49509 616/531-6141, FAX 616/257-0398 www.pmamhq.com

National Apartment Association

201 N. Union Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314 703/518-6141, FAX 703/518-6191 www.naahq.org

I want to thank everyone who assisted and attended this years trade show. Your efforts helped make it a tremendous success. Guest Speaker George Ericheck provided us with a entertaining yet not so inspiring outlook on the Michigan economy. I know everyone in attendance including myself found it very informative. Thanks also to the venders who’s increased participation and vender giveaways made the trade show valuable and informative. The board has agreed to a web site domain name “ MIdigs.com”. Thanks to everyone who submitted entries. I will again encourage all members who are not on this FREE listing to do so as soon as possible. I can’t tell you how many times people have told me they have leased an apartment through our site. This is a service the Association is providing for you, so please take ad-vantage of it. If you are unsure of how to list and update your properties, please sign up for the free class hosted by Rentlinx on March 8th from 8:30 to 10:00 am to find out how and to actually put your properties online with help. The WAAA has taken a firm stand against the proposed early lease signing ordinance in Ann Arbor. It appears that this issue may go to city council in the near future. Your support and input would be appreciated as we continue to voice our concerns. If you have any question please contact Alice or myself. Thanks again.

The NMHC and the NAA have produced six ads to promote the benefits of rental housing and the fact that …”not every home is a house”. One of them is reproduced below. The other ads feature a fireman who could be the first on the scene if he lived close by, a couple who has just started out and is already 30 years in debt, and an older couple that knows the meaning of “Active Retirement” to just name a few. If anyone would like these ads to be used in their leasing materials, they are available at the office. Speaking of ads and promotions, to improve the search-ability of the Wash-tenaw Area Apart-ment Association website, Please link our website to yours. Also, put our logo in your newspaper and apartment guide ads. Let people know you care about the rental housing business enough to be a mem-ber of the only pro-fessional rental or-ganization in the area. Make sure everyone knows that you are a member of this association.

New Smoke Detector Guidelines Effective Date March 14, 2006 -- From Department of Labor & Economic Growth,

Directors Office - Construction Code

Filed with the Secretary of State on December 12, 2005. These rules take effect March 14, 2006 (By authority conferred on the director of the department of labor and economic growth by section 4 of 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1504, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-2 and 2003-1, MCL 445.2001 and 445.2011) R 408.30546 of the code is amended to read as follows:

PART 4. RESIDENTIAL CODE

R 408.30546 Smoke alarm locations. Rule 546. Sections R313.3 and R313.4 are added to the code as follows: R313.3. Smoke alarm locations in existing buildings constructed before November 6, 1974. Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, a single-station smoke alarm shall be installed in the following locations: 1. In each sleeping room or each area directly outside the sleep-

ing room. 2. On each floor level including the basement level. For sleeping

units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than 1 full story below the upper level.

R313.4. Equipment requirements. The required equipment for smoke alarms shall consist of the following: 1. Installation. Smoke alarm devices shall be listed and installed

in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation require-ments, the provisions of the code and the provisions of NFPA 72, which is adopted by reference in these rules. The standard is available for inspection at the Michigan Department of La-bor & Economic Growth, Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety, 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, Michigan, 48864, or from NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, at a cost as of the time of adoption of these amen-datory rules of $48.00.

2. Power Source. The equipment shall be operable by power from 1 of the following primary sources.

a. The building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and is equipped with a battery backup. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for over current protection.

b. A non-rechargeable battery that is capable of operat-ing the smoke alarm in the normal condition for a life of 5 years.

c. A rechargeable battery, with proper charging, able to power the alarm for a life of 5 years and shall be

Residential Code automatically recharged by an AC circuit of the com-mercial light and power source.

d. A household use alarm system with battery backup listed and approved in accordance with the house-hold fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72, as referenced in Section R313.4 of the code.

3. Audible Alarm Notification. The activation of the alarm sig-nal shall produce a sound that is audible in all occupiable dwelling areas.

4. Testing and Maintenance. The owner of a dwelling unit, in which required or optional fire detection or fire protection systems equipment is installed, shall be responsible for the proper operation, testing, and maintenance of the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions included with the equipment. The occupant of rental dwelling units shall be responsible for the periodic operational testing and periodic cleaning of the installed equipment within the rental unit in accordance with the testing instructions provided in the manu-facturer’s instructions for the equipment. If the system fails, breaks, or is out of service, it shall be repaired and functional within 30 days.

Exception: Smoke alarms and devices installed in buildings con-structed before November 6, 1974 where an installation was ap-proved by the appropriate enforcing agency under regulations in effect at the time of the installation shall be considered to comply with the provisions of the code. Provided by: Carolynne Stabnick from M.J. White and

Sons, Inc. requested at the Manager’s Only in January. The Reha-

bilitation Code and the Building Codes are also available at the

office or online at www.michigan.gov/bccfs.

Ice Dams and Water damage:

What it has to do with you After a snow or ice storm, heat from your build-ing can cause the ice/snow to melt with the exception of the edges of the roof. Therefore, when the melted ice/snow runs down the to the gutter to drain, it is stopped and refreezes or runs under the roofing material. At that point it has no where to go but in your home, often times in the walls where you may or may not see the telltale signs of water. What needs to be done to fix the damage can vary by extent of the amount of water and how long it has been there. If the signs show it right away, drying and some repair can about do it. Prevention, however, is the best way to deal with the situation. After a heavy snow, use a rake to remove the bulk of the snow on the lower edges of the roof, which would allow you to avoid the ice dam altogether. If you see the ice building, it is time to get up on the roof and make a drain path so it does not back up into your house. While care should always be used working in high places, be sure to have someone with whoever is doing the working to increase ladder safety. Make a path so that water can drain and treat the ice with an

Associates Spotlight: ice-melting product. As always, preventative maintenance in the form of insulation and waterproof roofing barriers is always the best measure, but when faced with the dreaded ice dam, drainage and ice melting is your best bet for a dry home. Provided by a representative of Paul Davis Restoration.

NEXT MANAGER’S ONLY

MEETING April 13, 2006 - 8:30 to 9:30 am

Hosted by Ponds of Georgetown

Anonymous Vacancy Rate — 5.9%

Call 734/663.1200

AIMS NAA Update

HOUSE PASSES METH LAB LEGISLATION On December 13, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 798) to deal with the alarming growth in illegal methamphetamine labs. In 2004, the Drug Enforce-ment Agency busted more than 17,000 domestic meth labs, which the House Science Committee noted are often located in rented apartments or motel rooms. The problem is complicated by inconsistent guidance from states as to the extent to which such laboratories must be remediated. The House-passed bill would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish voluntary cleanup guidelines that states could adopt. It also directs EPA to establish a research program to examine short- and long-term effects of environmental con-tamination from illegal methamphetamine laboratories. H.R. 798 also calls on the National Institute of Standards and Tech-nology to help develop test kits that states and localities could use to identify illegal methamphetamine laboratories. NAA/NMHC testified in support of the measure on March 3, 2005. Identical legislation (S. 2019) was introduced on November 16, 2005, although no hearings have been scheduled on it.

SIERRA CLUB OUTLINES PLANS TO SUPPORT DE-

VELOPERS The Sierra Club, more commonly known for trying to stop large real estate development projects, has launched an effort to actively support developers who are building the kind of higher-density, mixed use developments that produce healthy and livable communities. The effort is a continuation of a part-nership formed in 2004 with NMHC and the Urban Land Insti-

tute to educate citizens and elected officials about the value of compact development. In December, Sierra Club issued its first Guide to America's Best New Development, including write-ups of a dozen projects that have positively transformed neighborhoods. Among the endorsements: a project to build housing on the site of a former Atlanta steel mill; the conver-sion of an Albuquerque high school into apartments and con-dos; and redeveloping a Portland factory into townhomes and apartments. In a November 30 Wall Street Journal article, Si-erra Club officials noted, “...that you can't just be against things all the time. You have to be for things." The full Guide is at www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/report05/.

RENTING DEFENDED IN WALL STREET JOURNAL

Wall Street Journal reporter Carlos Tejada justifies his decision to rent even though he could afford to own in a Janu-ary 16 article titled “Confessions of a Proud Renter.” Tejada notes the cultural and social bias toward home ownership, say-ing: “Personal-finance magazines frown at people like us. Ac-quaintances scoff. As a former co-worker chided when I ex-plained our lifestyle choice, ‘Oh, you're one of those people.’ But this renter is unabashed...for a variety of reasons, financial and personal, we now prefer to rent. And we're proud of it.” He goes on to provide the financial details why renting is not only a lifestyle preference, but a smarter financial decision, even in the booming housing market. The article is a valuable addition to resident retention materials. The full article is posted for the next 30 days at www.nmhc.org. It is also posted on the newspaper’s web site at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113708174706744915.html?mod=2_1203_2 (subscription required) along with information on ordering electronic and

hard copy reprints.

Another Fun Day at the Education Trade Expo

Apartment Guide PropCore RENTNET RentGrow

Solar Contract Carpet Instant Furniture

Rental Hughes MRO

Minol Coinmach

For Rent Kurtis Kitchen and

Bath Great Lakes Maytag Commercial Sales

Rentlinx Newsletter Exchange

George Meyer AFLAC Eradico

Apartments.com SCI Floorcovering

AT&T (formerly SBC - Smart Moves)

Apartment Shoppers Guide

Full House Marketing VIP Property Services

AUM

Thank you Vendors for all your support in making this day a great success!!!!!!!!

AFLAC

All About Furniture

Anderson Paint Company

Ann Arbor Insurance

Associate

Ann Arbor News

April Welsing

Arbor Glen Apartments

Arbor Hill Apartments

Arbor Landings

Baltzell Properties

Bayport Investors, LLC

Burwick Farms Apartments

C&I Properties

Cambridge Club

Apartments

Campus Management

Chester Riley

Chester Riley

Clean Sweep and Airduct

Cleaners

Copi Properties

Customcraft

Deanna Hager

Edward Surovell

Elizabeth Levy

Ewing Investment Corp.

Finn’s J. M. and J.

Insurance Agency

Fuller Apartments

Fuller Heating

George Meyer Co, LLC

Glencoe Hills Apartments

Golfside Lake Apartments

Gruber Management

Harbour Club, LTD

Haynes Properties

Hidden Valley Apartments

Hill Street Investments

Homestead Commons

Huron View Apartments

Jim Smiley

Johnston and Johnston

K&B Asphalt

Kapnick Insurance

Keystone Properties

KSI

Lake Village of Ann Arbor

Laurie Nutt

Lillard’s Carpet Care

Madison Property Group

Marc Johns

Mark Sundling

Mary Anne Jaeger

McKinley

Meadowbrook Village

Medical Center Court

Michigan Commercial

Realty

Midwest Property

Maintenance

Mill Creek Townhouses

Millicent Empedocles

MJ White and Son, Inc.

Mundus and Mundus

Nancy LaTendresse

Nob Hill Apartments

Park Place/Hillcrest

Parkside Apartments

Patrician Homes, LLC

Print Tech, Inc.

PVJ Enterprises

Randolph Court Apartment

RentFAST

Richard Austin

Roto Rooter

Roundtree Apartments

Schooner Cove Apartments

Solar Contract Carpet

Sparrow Wood Apartments

Spicetree Apartments

Spruce Knob Apartments

The Highlands

The Pines of Cloverlane

The Ponds at Georgetown

Three Oaks Group

Tidy Enterprise’s, LLC

TLW Paint/Pressure

Cleaning

Tom Clark

Town Commons

Valley Ranch Apartments

Weber and Weber, Inc.

Willowtree Apartments

Wilson White Management

Company

New Members:

Actives:Actives:Actives:Actives: Pinnacle Management

Melissa Seitz 330 Van Nest, Dundee, MI 48131 Phone: 734-718-1212

Renewing Members:

Sponsored by: PropCore and Polestar Construction

Redwings Outing January 24th

Washtenaw Area Apartment Association 2008 S. State Street, Suite C Ann Arbor, MI 48104

PRESORTED

STANDARD

U.S POSTAGE PAID

ANN ARBOR, MI PERMIT NO. 341

Events and Education March 3 - Make up date for CAM Financial Management Section March 8 - Rentlinx class, FREE, at Glencoe Hills Training Center, 8:30 to 10:00 am. Come for a free class on how to post your properties online. Instructor: Jeremy Schneider. March 14 - Eradico Pest Control Class, Cost $40 member, $75 nonmember, at Cleary Uni-versity, TOPIC: Pharoah Ants and Bed Bugs….the growing problems here in Michigan. Instructor: Jerry Hatch, Entomologist with Eradico Pest Control March 21 - General Membership Meeting at Weber’s Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 8:00 am, Cost $20. Speaker: Richard George, owner NOI coach. TOPIC: Creating a Tri-

umphant Team

April 13 - Managers Only, Hosted by Ponds of Georgetown on Packard, Free to member managers, 8:30 to 9:30 am April 18 - General Membership Meeting at Weber’s Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 8:00 am, Cost $20. Speaker: David Gregory with a Legislative Update on the happenings at the Capital. Will there be a new tax or not by this time? Associate Spotlight: Colleen Waitz from Office Depot. May 12 - Legal Friday, 8:30 to 12:00, $40, Cleary University, Instructors: Karen Valvo and Jim Fink of Reach, Reach, Fink and Valvo, PC. May 16 - Legislative Lunch at Weber’s Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 11:30 am, Invited: All Township and City Directors to tell us “What’s going on in their area?” Any Associates interested in doing a Spotlight Sponsorship at any of the regular General Membership Meetings, contact Alice at 734.663.1200 or info@wa3hq.org.

The Washtenaw Area Apartment Association disclaims any liability for information or legal advice contained in this Newsletter. Members who may have questions regarding issues con-

tained in the newsletter should contact their own accountants, attorneys, or other professional advisors before relying upon any information conveyed herein. This newsletter is provided as

a service by the Washtenaw Area Apartment Association and is intended for the exclusive use of its members. None of the articles or other information contained in this newsletter may be

reproduced without the express written permission of the Washtenaw Area Apartment Association.

Website by the Numbers

58 Participating companies 251 Properties listed

10,590 Units listed 100,000+ Hits since October 1

st, 2005

Hundreds of leads provided to our members