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WHAM! Round up the posse and know the new Texas handgun laws

Posted by 43149_CMS_USER on 12/23/2015 09:51:32 AM

On January 1, 2016, the new state law that allows qualified Texans to obtain a license to carry a handgun will also allow them to “open carry” handguns in holsters. 

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WHAM! If you don't do politics, politics will do you.

Posted by 43149_CMS_USER on 12/16/2015 01:25:37 PM

Supporting candidates that support the apartment industry has never been more important, and our political efforts have never been so important.

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WHAM! Join your HAA Better Government Fund PAC & stay in the know

Posted by Legislative on 12/9/2015 03:29:26 PM

HAA teams up with TAA on a regular basis to advocate on behalf of the apartment industry at the state level. There is great importance in being involved with your HAA Better Government Fund (HAABGF) Political Action Committee (PAC). This

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RCR Update 2016

Posted by Communications on 12/7/2015 03:20:44 PM

To better serve RCR subscribers and continue providing our robust screening package HAA and our partner CoreLogic® will be simplifying the available subscription price breaks in 2016. 2016 RCR Bundle searches include • Rental Credit Reporting Database• Texas Statewide Criminal•

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WHAM! A spark could be enough to set them ablaze

Posted by Legislative on 12/2/2015 10:42:48 AM

      With the holidays among us, it’s important to always remember to take safety measures. Talk to your residents about proactive ways to prevent fires this holiday season.Last December, Houston had 10 apartment fires. It is very important

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WHAM! Don’t miss the City of Houston runoff election, there won't be another local election until 2019

Posted by Legislative on 11/17/2015 04:12:01 PM

Early Voting begins December 2 - December 8. See who's in the runoffs.

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New phone bank record set.

Posted by Legislative on 11/13/2015 02:16:48 PM

HAA phone bank answers 442 calls, a new record!

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Customer Contact

Posted by Communications on 11/13/2015 01:39:26 PM

The average apartment property misses more than half its calls every day. Find out how one company has changed that for their communities. 

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Dog Parks

Posted by Communications on 11/13/2015 01:18:02 PM

Pet-focused amenities such as on-site "bark parks" have become must-haves for apartment communities.

 

 

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Green Development

Posted by Communications on 11/13/2015 12:57:20 PM

Green builders stand out in the Houston-area market, led by a national award-winning developer.

 

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2015 market report

Posted by Communications on 11/10/2015 01:43:47 PM

As low oil prices shake up the region’s economy, location and class drive performance in the still-humming Houston apartment market.

 

 

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CAM, CAPS: The Fixer

Posted by Communications on 11/5/2015 03:13:52 PM

 The November ABODE features CAM and CAPS designate Crystal Jackson, regional director of operations for Gaia Property Management.  

 

 

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WHAM! Turner and King in runoff for Mayor

Posted by Legislative on 11/4/2015 11:38:28 AM

2015 Election Day results, Turner and King in Mayor runoff

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WHAM! Ain't nobody got time for lines

Posted by Legislative on 10/28/2015 03:17:35 PM

Don't wait in line and vote during early voting, you have two more days left. Early voting is wrapping up on Friday, October 30. If you are voting early, check out our blog that has all the early voting information

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Amendments

Posted by Communications on 10/27/2015 12:03:48 PM

Andy Teas writes about the state propositions on the 2015 election ballot.

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Tracking packages

Posted by Communications on 10/27/2015 11:59:05 AM

Mustafa Raja provides information to help apartment communities manage the rush of packages arriving during the holiday season.

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Get the word out

Posted by Communications on 10/22/2015 01:52:46 PM

Consider your residents' expectations when choosing your platform for urgent communications and regular notices.

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WHAM!: CALLING ALL HAA MEMBERS TO THE POLL!

Posted by Legislative on 10/21/2015 02:10:09 PM

Early Poll voting is open. Make sure you go vote!

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WHAM!: Early voting period to begin October 19

Posted by Legislative on 10/14/2015 11:27:10 AM

Early voting from October 19 - October 30

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APPLE Slices: Top-notch teamwork

Posted by Communications on 10/13/2015 12:34:11 PM

Stephanie Graves provides seven ways to make sure your maintenance team is providing top-notch service.

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WHAM!: HAA Better Government Fund PAC has entered the home stretch of 2015

Posted by Legislative on 10/7/2015 02:23:14 PM

Check out the October ABODE for the latest on Legislation.

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The Way Home

Posted by Communications on 10/7/2015 02:00:49 PM

Harris County's "The Way Home" housing program brings together community partners to change the path for Houston’s homeless.

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WHAM!: Sample ballot released for November 3 election day

Posted by Legislative on 9/30/2015 02:39:22 PM

sample ballots are available for the November 3 election day.

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What to Do with the Fire Department Checklist

Posted by Legislative on 9/25/2015 12:03:59 PM

Your property may have recently received an Apartment Pre-inspection Checklist from the Houston Fire Department. You do NOT need to sign and return that form. However, please begin checking through the items on the checklist on your own.

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WHAM! Did you know that of the 4.5 Mil. Harris County residents only 2 Mil. are registered voters?

Posted by Legislative on 9/23/2015 03:38:55 PM

        Yesterday (9 22 15) was National Voter Registration Day but don’t worry, if you haven’t registered to vote it’s not too late. To vote on the November 3rd election the deadline to register is on Monday,

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Child's play: Community playgrounds

Posted by Communications on 9/22/2015 01:33:46 PM

Creating and maintaining a safe and durable playground can provide a key amenity for your property.

 

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Pool planning

Posted by Communications on 9/22/2015 12:34:12 PM

Make the most of the off-season by scheduling pool maintenance through the fall and winter.

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Good advice from a top Go-Getter

Posted by Communications on 9/17/2015 11:19:57 AM

Go-Getter of the Year Christy Rodriguez shares her strategies for recruiting new members.

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WHAM!: The HAA Better Government Fund PAC has finalized its endorsements

Posted by Legislative on 9/16/2015 04:10:37 PM

  The HAA Better Government Fund PAC members have made their decision on the candidates they will be supporting this upcoming local election. At the moment, our members decided to stay out of the District

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HAA phone bank volunteers answer over 160 calls

Posted by Legislative on 9/10/2015 02:00:33 PM

HAA members volunteer for the phone bank

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WHAM!: HAA BGF PAC members to finalize campaign endorsements September 10

Posted by Legislative on 9/9/2015 09:55:39 AM

HAA BGF PAC members will vote and approve endorsements at the next BGF Luncheon.

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Hurricane Housing @ 10

Posted by Communications on 9/4/2015 04:30:10 PM

After Hurricane Katrina, Houston and HAA members demonstrated compassion and ingenuity as we worked to provide help and housing, and we were better prepared for Hurricane Ike in 2008.

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Service Matters

Posted by Communications on 9/4/2015 12:10:50 PM

The September ABODE features Supplier of the Year Mark Park, AAA Plumbers, whose deep-rooted customer service philosophy manifests in his everyday life.

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Maintenance & Mentorship

Posted by Communications on 9/3/2015 10:31:44 AM

The September ABODE features our maintenance award winners from the HAA Honors.

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WHAM! New Texas laws became effective yesterday

Posted by Legislative on 9/2/2015 12:07:27 PM

New Texas laws become effective September 1, 2015

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WHAM! HAA has the highest numbers of new members recruited in Texas

Posted by Legislative on 8/26/2015 09:16:05 AM

At the 2015 July TAA board of directors meeting, the Houston Apartment Association was recognized for having the highest numbers of new members recruited.  HAA continues to make efforts to reach out and recruit new members, as well as improve

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WHAM!: TAA-backed bill makes franchise tax easier on apartment owners

Posted by Legislative on 8/19/2015 10:37:12 AM

TAA advocates for tax relief, which results in a 25 percent tax cut in the business franchise tax rate.

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Leading the way

Posted by Communications on 8/18/2015 11:15:06 AM

Jerry Winograd, our 2015 Hall of Famer, shares a few thoughts from his long history of service to the industry.

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Join the “TAA 2 Step” to 2 million units

Posted by Communications on 8/13/2015 04:11:36 PM

You know how much the Texas Apartment Association does to make your job easier. With your help, by the end of 2015, TAA can reach a key milestone – representing 2 million rental housing units in the state.

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More good advice from our Honors winners

Posted by Communications on 8/12/2015 01:08:55 PM

HAA Honors winners Carlos Neto and Clark Gregg share some good advice for growth and success.

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WHAM!: New surety bond law — residents pay month’s rent to stay in unit during appeal.

Posted by Legislative on 8/11/2015 11:28:37 AM

HB 1334 reforms the surety appeal process and becomes effective January 1, 2016.

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Good advice from our Honors Award winners

Posted by Communications on 8/6/2015 11:39:55 AM

Read a few words of wisdom from our HAA Honors Award recipients.

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NAA offers webinar on Fair Housing & disparate impact

Posted by Communications on 8/5/2015 02:20:32 PM

Learn how the Supreme Court’s disparate impact decision affects you in NAA's members-only webinar.

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WHAM!: Texas cities can’t make you take Section 8 vouchers thanks to TAA & HAA advocacy

Posted by Legislative on 8/5/2015 11:51:16 AM

Wednesday Houston Advocacy Message: This week's message focuses on Senate Bill 267 which was supported by TAA and HAA.

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METRO to reveal new bus network in August

Posted by Communications on 7/28/2015 01:09:42 PM

In August, METRO will announce its new bus network. Plans include revised routes and more frequent service.

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Deciphering Acronyms

Posted by Legislative on 7/24/2015 12:11:05 PM

Learn what is a political action committee (PAC), learn the name and purpose of the Houston Apartment Association PAC, and how you can make a difference.

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Stone Forest residents make a splash for water safety

Posted by 43149_CMS_USER on 7/22/2015 08:35:40 AM

Children living at the Stone Forest Apartments, managed by SMI Realty, enjoyed free YMCA Water Wise Swim Lessons this summer.

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HAA member selected for NAAEI leadership course

Posted by Communications on 7/21/2015 01:19:18 PM

Blanca Anderson, Asset Plus, continues to seek opportunities for career growth.

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Mayor’s race: Garcia with the most cash in hand.

Posted by Legislative on 7/17/2015 11:18:48 AM

Adrian Garcia, Sylvester Turner, Marty McVey and Steve Costello top $1 million cash in hand for the first half of the year.

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Ecology & Economy

Posted by Communications on 7/15/2015 12:01:06 PM

Millennial renters want green features in their apartment homes and communities.

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APPLE Slices: Pros and Cons

Posted by Communications on 7/7/2015 02:10:25 PM

Jen Piccotti explains how to close more first-visit leases.

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The Calm Before the Storm

Posted by Legislative on 7/2/2015 02:24:25 PM

DisasterAssistance.gov is a government website that can help you prepare for, respond to, and recover from a natural disaster.

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HAA Member Lori Lindley Helps HPD SWAT

Posted by Communications on 7/1/2015 01:57:10 PM

A Houston management company helps Houston SWAT officers train at a vacant property.

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It's not too late to sign up for the Apartment Splash Program

Posted by Communications on 6/26/2015 12:19:46 PM

Space still available for the Apartment Splash Program August sessions.

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Maximize Your Marketing

Posted by Communications on 6/25/2015 12:07:46 PM

Damon Gacicia explains how having the right marketing program can help increase occupancy. 

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Gov. Greg Abbott signs SB 267

Posted by Communications on 6/23/2015 12:25:47 PM

All cities and counties in Texas are prohibited from requiring property owners to participate in the federal government’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8.

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Create the perfect first impression with landscaping tricks

Posted by Communications on 6/18/2015 05:10:57 PM

John Kolkman of Outdoor Elements shares ways to improve your property's first impressions with potential residents.

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And the 2015 Honors go to ...

Posted by Amanda on 6/12/2015 09:47:54 AM

Congratulations to our 2015 Honors Award winners!

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NALP, CAM: New Challenges

Posted by Communications on 6/9/2015 11:30:41 AM

Stephanie Burriss relishes facing the new challenges that arise in the ever-changing nature of the apartment business. 

 

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Load Limit Required On Signs for All Spas and Some Pools

Posted by Communications on 6/8/2015 09:16:30 AM

This summer, the City of Houston Health Department is enforcing a somewhat obscure aspect of the state swimming pool rules that may require your sign to contain the maximum number of users allowed in the pool or spa.

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Jewish Federation seeking aid for flood victims

Posted by Communications on 6/2/2015 01:00:14 PM

  The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is looking for volunteers and resources to aid the individuals and families affected by the Memorial Day floods.   The Jewish Federation seeks to provide counseling and gift cards of $50, $100, $200

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Ask the Magic 8 Ball

Posted by Communications on 5/28/2015 03:21:23 PM

Although uncertainty clouds our outlook, the market remains healthy despite a decline in oil prices and job growth.

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APPLE Slices: Six secrets to success

Posted by Communications on 5/28/2015 03:00:20 PM

"Leasing Queen" Leah Brewer shares six secrets to success learned from a trip to Las Vegas.

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Housing and Help for Flood Victims

Posted by Communications on 5/28/2015 02:51:15 PM

Many of our fellow Houstonians are flood victims this week, including more than 4,000 households that have been driven out of their homes

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An EXPOnential increase in attendance!

Posted by Communications on 5/21/2015 12:37:36 PM

All the numbers are in for the HAA Education Conference & Expo attendance, and several attendance records were broken!

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2015 Education Conference Breaks Records

Posted by Education on 5/21/2015 10:00:56 AM

Nearly 500 multifamily professionals attended this year's Education Conference May 14th at NRG Center prior to the opening of Expo.  Attendees were treated to a selection of six stellar breakout sessions featuring industry speakers from across the country. Topics ranging

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Sports Challenge raises over $20,000 for Red Cross

Posted by Membership on 5/12/2015 01:54:32 PM

Many thanks to all the volunteers, spectators and the members with teams who came out to support the Red Cross and participated in the Sports Challenge.  We have raised over $20,000 for the Red Cross.  This year 38 teams competed

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The 3 S's: Summer, Sun, and Safety

Posted by Legislative on 4/24/2015 02:47:01 PM

Apartment Splash program, a water safety initiative is now taking registrations.

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Expo 2015: We Need to Talk

Posted by Communications on 4/14/2015 01:17:43 PM

More effective communication in your community can boost your bottom line and yield better satisfaction for employees and residents alike.

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Expo 2015: Critical Conversations

Posted by Communications on 4/14/2015 01:13:34 PM

Tackle tough workplace issues successfully with careful preparation and follow-up.

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Expo 2015: Personal Experience

Posted by Communications on 4/14/2015 01:09:57 PM

Build emotional capital with your residents by providing individualized service.

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Expo 2015: Learn Smarter

Posted by Communications on 4/14/2015 01:04:19 PM

Incorporate relevant training opportunities into your operations to maximize employee productivity.

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Expo 2015: Handle With Care

Posted by Communications on 4/14/2015 01:00:43 PM

People skills are the most important asset of any on-site professional.

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What is a PAC?

Posted by Legislative on 4/2/2015 03:53:25 PM

The HAA Better Government Fund is the political action committee of the Houston Apartment Association, also known as the HAABGF PAC. Trade associations like HAA are corporations, and can't legally contribute to political campaigns, but that doesn't mean our industry

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EXPO 2015: People Power

Posted by Communications on 3/26/2015 12:35:17 PM

Breakout session sneak peek: How the on-site team interacts with residents as well as with each other can make or break a property.

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Maintenance Mania makes the news!

Posted by Communications on 3/26/2015 12:21:31 PM

Thanks to CW39 for its great coverage of our annual celebration of multifamily service professionals, and congrats to our top competitors, listed here.

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Across the Board

Posted by Communications on 3/24/2015 01:04:07 PM

A standardized approach to evictions can save your property time and money.

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Posted by Communications on 3/24/2015 01:01:06 PM

Organize community service activities to encourage your residents to engage with one another.

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APPLE Slices: April is Fair Housing Month!

Posted by Communications on 3/24/2015 12:55:24 PM

Ignorance is no defense when it comes to Fair Housing, and all members of your on-site team should know the basics.

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Green be gone!

Posted by Communications on 3/16/2015 11:21:23 AM

Keep your pool’s sand filter clean to thwart algae and promote clean water.

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Dependable Data

Posted by Communications on 3/16/2015 11:15:44 AM

An independent owner discusses how Rental Credit Reporting helps his properties.

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HAA Honors Awards – property deadline extended one week!

Posted by Communications on 3/13/2015 10:17:34 AM

The deadline to nominate your top people and properties for the 2015 HAA Honors Awards is fast approaching!

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We Are Apartments

Posted by Legislative on 3/10/2015 10:03:29 AM

For a long time we’ve known that the apartment industry is a major economic engine in the United States. We see it in the number of people we employ, the number of people we house, and the prosperity of our

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Are you really Blue Star Certified?

Posted by Legislative on 3/5/2015 01:59:17 PM

You’ve been through the eight hour seminar, you’ve had the CPTED survey done, you’ve invested in meeting the CPTED requirements, and you’ve hosted a fun social event. Congratulations You are Blue Star Certified forever … Well, not really. The three

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ABODE is looking for a summer intern

Posted by Communications on 3/2/2015 09:25:05 AM

The HAA Communications and Public Affairs departments are looking for a summer intern.

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Smell the Roses

Posted by Communications on 2/27/2015 01:34:03 PM

Enhance the experience of your current and future residents with scent marketing.

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Hello, My Name Is

Posted by Communications on 2/27/2015 01:31:18 PM

Introduce your community and build your brand through a variety of targeted marketing efforts.

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APPLE Slices: Mind your Ps for Power Leasing

Posted by Communications on 2/26/2015 05:49:51 PM

Leasing success can be much simpler than you think with the Four Ps Protocol, focusing on the four P’s of marketing: Product, Price, Promotion and People.

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2015 State of the Industry Recap

Posted by Education on 1/27/2015 11:48:15 AM

More than 250 HAA members attended the annual State of the Industry breakfast event on January 27th in downtown Houston.

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Build Your Skills with HAA

Posted by Communications on 1/23/2015 05:02:17 PM

The apartment industry provides ample opportunity for job growth for those willing to develop their expertise.

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Help Wanted

Posted by Communications on 1/23/2015 04:58:09 PM

How do we find and keep good people to work in the apartment industry while business is booming all around?

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NALP: Leasing and Learning

Posted by Communications on 1/23/2015 04:53:34 PM

Chavonne Lafleur, NALP, shares her passion for the apartment industry with enthusiasm.

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BGF: Gearing up for an exciting 2015

Posted by Legislative on 1/16/2015 10:48:16 AM

HAA hosted the first BGF meeting of 2015 this past Friday, January 9th. David Mintz was our guest speaker and he shared a preview of the 84th Legislative Session.

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Hazmat Help

Posted by Communications on 1/6/2015 12:44:52 PM

Knowing what to do will help your team handle the aftermath of a traumatic event or death in your community.

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2015 HAA President Jackie Rhone sets her focus on the future

Posted by Communications on 1/6/2015 12:34:45 PM

For 2015 HAA President Jackie Rhone, building a legacy of success for herself and for the industry is all about training, educating and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

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Revamped TAA lease forms now available

Posted by Communications on 1/6/2015 12:15:25 PM

TAA’s Apartment Lease Contract and related forms have a new look, improved organization and include some substantive changes.

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