ISSUE 2 | 2022 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CONNECTICUT APARTMENT ASSOCIATION Apartment Top Amenities for Single Family Rentals Page 6
ii www.ctaahq.org Table of CONTENTS 3 5 President's Message Save The Date 2 Board of Directors 6 Top Amenities for Single Family Rentals
1 ISSUE 2, 2022 ©2022 The Connecticut Apartment Association | The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Apartment FOCUS is published six times each year by The newsLINK Group, LLC for the The Connecticut Apartment Association and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review and consideration. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your specific circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Connecticut Apartment Association, its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Apartment FOCUS is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of The Connecticut Apartment Association. While The Connecticut Apartment Association encourages a first-print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at 855.747.4003 10 9 11 Summer Vibes Happy Hour Glow in the Dark Golf Water Cooler
2 www.ctaahq.org 2022 CTAA Board of Directors President Kelly DeMatteo Trio Properties, LLC Vice President Property Management 624 Hebron Ave., Bldg. 3 Suite 1 Glastonbury, CT 06033 860.430.1966 kdematteo@trioproperties.com Immediate Past President Justin Gaboury Cushman & Wakefield Sr. Regional Property Manager 1180 Peachtree St. NE., Suite 3100 Atlanta, GA 30309 Justin.Gaboury@cushwake.com President Elect Dragana Lacore South Oxford Regional Property Manager 142 Temple St., Suite 207 New Haven, CT 06510 469.283.2638 dlacore@somliving.com Treasurer Brenda Sadnoval AvalonBay Communities Community Manager 332 Halstead Ave. Harrison, NY 10528 914.350.4405 Brenda_Sandoval@avalonbay.com Secretary Brian Lemire Paredim Communities Sr. Dir. of Regional Leasing and Operations 430 Eastern Street New Haven, CT 06513 203.469.6337 ext.203 blemire@paredim.com VP of Associate Affairs Jim Brooks 24 Restore Vice President Business Development 9 Corporate Ridge Road Hamden, CT 06514 203.843.0899 jbrooks@nymgroup.com Director of Associate Affairs Steve Weir American Integrity Restoration 60 Village Place Glastonbury, CT 06033 860.657.2100 sweir@1callair.com Director of Associate Affairs Cindy Harrison CORT Northup Road Wallingford, CT 06492 Cindy.harrison@cort.com Director of Northern Connecticut Carrie Rowley M.B.A. Balfour Beatty Quality Control Specialist NSB New London Homes 100 Tern Road Groton, CT 06340 860.446.5913 crowley@bbcgrp.com Director of Southern Connecticut Rachel Montoya Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, LLC Director of Residential Real Estate 1 North Water St., Suite 100 South Norwalk, CT 06854 203.857.9889 rachel@spinrep.com Director at Large Jessica Doll WinnCompanies Property Manager Huntington Woods 200 Blakeslee Street Bristol, CT 06010 860.768.3500 jdoll@winnco.com Lifetime Director Robert Chesson Landlord Law Firm 215 Broad Street Milford, CT 06460 203.874.4747 203.874.4701 rchesson@landlordlawfirm.com Lifetime Director Andy Lund VestA Vice President Property Management 175 Powder Forest Drive Weatogue, CT 06089 860.325.1702 ALund@vestacorp.com Committee Chairs: Membership Anissa Smith United Property Restoration Services Events Cindy Harrison CORT Trade Show Andrew Harrison Apartments.com Education Lori Ricci WinnResidential Adam Schweickert Landlord Law Firm Government Relations Committee Steve Weir
3 ISSUE 2, 2022 President's Message Kelly DeMatteo It is an exciting time to be a member of the Connecticut Apartment Association, and I am honored to serve in a leadership role. Ideas imagined years ago have gained momentum. There has been growth in every area of the organization, including advocacy, networking opportunities, website enhancements, social media presence, staffing, and most importantly, our membership base. In 2015, the Connecticut Apartment Association Board set our strategic direction for the near future by defining organizational objectives. Over the years, we have continued to meet, prioritize, and re-prioritize, setting building blocks for succession planning, innovative ideas, and short-term and long-term goals. We will continue to focus on the value and support we deliver to our members, sharing knowledge, and fostering committee volunteer involvement. Most recently, we met in Glastonbury at the Tannery and presented the American Red Cross with our bi-annual donation for our Ready 365 Partnership. The American Red Cross is an amazing organization that continues to benefit our communities and residents when in time of need. Our generous volunteers at this event put together first aid kits to be used by volunteers supporting individuals in the field. The CTAA also had a presence at the Legislative Office Building, weighing in about our concerns for our residents regarding the recent increase in crime in our parking lots. All CT residents were impacted by the changes to the criminal justice system a few years ago, with a spike in personal property crimes. The CTAA served to advocate Continued on page 4
4 www.ctaahq.org for our residents and all community members in the State of Connecticut; this problem affects multifamily housing residents and all homeowners alike. We are excited to enter a new fiscal year. We have planned many great offerings for you from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Visit our website often to see upcoming events and training opportunities, recent news, and legislative updates, and connect to advocacy efforts. In addition, we have restructured our annual dues by creating annual sponsorship packages to provide you with more benefits and opportunities. Please keep an eye out for communication on this and your renewal, and of course, update your team members and contact information in your membership portal if anything has changed. CTAA is here to help build and grow expectational Apartment professionals. Thank you for being part of our community and supporting the growth of our industry. I look forward to seeing you at our next event! CTAA Volunteer Leaders Cindy Harrison and Kelly DeMatteo were featured at our Annual Meeting. All CT residents were impacted by the changes to the criminal justice system a few years ago, with a spike in personal property crimes. The CTAA served to advocate for our residents and all community members in the State of Connecticut; this problem affects multifamily housing residents and all homeowners alike. Continued from page 3
5 ISSUE 2, 2022 Calling all Property Managers, Assistant Property Managers, Leasing Agents, Maintenance Personnel, and industry affiliates! Join us at our Annual Trade Show & Educational Conference for on-site training, rich networking, and engaging speakers to keep you learning, growing, and thriving in our industry! September 8-9, 2022 Foxwoods Resort & Casino Register today https://www.ctaahq.org/events/ctaa-event-annual-trade-show/register CTAA Annual Trade Show & Educational Conference save the date
6 www.ctaahq.org By MHN – Multi-Housing News Top Amenities for Single Family Rentals
7 ISSUE 2, 2022 What are residents really looking for in these properties? Over the past decade, the single-family rental sector has bloomed from a niche market driven by mom-and-pop entities to a full-blown sector. The pandemic turned it into one of the top desired housing options for renters and one of the top opportunities for investors. The SFR resident base continues to expand, fueled primarily by the millennial generation, needing more space for their families and home offices. An attractive feature of SFRs is the amenity package because, unlike traditional single-family homes, SFRs form communities managed by the same owner. Depending on the location of SFR communities, the amenities can be varied and quite similar to the ones offered in multifamily communities. Outside-the-home amenities For one SFR community, “walking trails, dog parks, green space and playgrounds are the most frequented by residents, and therefore the most important,” Ting Qiao, Wan Bridge’s CEO told Multi-Housing News. “While a community pool is attractive to potential residents, the utilization is often low, especially compared to the amenities mentioned above, which are used on a daily basis.” The private outdoor area is one of the more alluring features of SFRs. People like to spend time outdoors, in a backyard or a little garden, and spending time outside improves mental health. Having an outdoor area helps with that and also provides a safe way to connect with family and friends. Continued on page 8
8 www.ctaahq.org Savol Pools, serving the swimming pool service needs of the apartment industry for over 40 years. 91 Prestige Park Circle East Hartford, CT 860-282-0878 www.SavolPools.com CT SP1 Lic 288171 • CT HIC Reg 584241 One Stop Source for All Your Swimming Pool Needs • Equipment Repair & Replacement • Tile / Coping • Painting • Plaster • Leak Detection & Repair • Openings / Closings • Safety Covers • Pool Chemicals Delivered to Your Door • Certified Pool / Spa Operator® Classes Outdoor recreation areas were already in demand prior to the pandemic, as people looked for ways to be more active and improve their health while having fun. And during the pandemic, the demand was even higher. Additionally, according to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Associations, 70% of U.S. households, or about 90.5 million families, own a pet. This is up from 56% of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, and 67% in 2019. Dogs remained the preferred pet, accounting for 69 million; cats were next in line at 45.3 million. So, it’s safe to say that dogs and cats are family. Unsurprisingly, dog-friendly properties are a standard in apartment communities, which means renters choosing to live in an SFR will ask for the same “standard” package in their SFR community. Dog parks at SFRs are a popular amenity because they help build community among renters, and they’re a strong draw for prospective residents who own dogs. Here, dogs and their owners have their own enclosed space to get together – the dogs have protection, security and freedom to play, and the owner has peace of mind. In addition, a dog park is beneficial to renters who don’t own dogs because it helps keep other common spaces pet- and waste-free. People also understand that staying active means staying healthy, but staying active is easier when the gym is just a few minutes away. An on-site fitness center saves people valuable time traveling to and from the facility. Membership fees here are lower than at a standalone gym. In addition, there is a lower risk of overcrowding, and most communities offer an amenity booking platform in accordance with the current COVID-19 requirements. Another popular SFR communal amenity is a pool. The modern outdoor pools are amazing outdoor areas featuring water sports, cabanas, sandy beaches and the like, making the time spent there feel like a vacation. Inside-the-home amenities “In terms of amenities inside the home, the most popular feature for our residents is space,” Qiao said. “Our residents prioritize the opportunity to live in a home that offers space: the more bedrooms, the better. High ceilings and openconcept floor plans also provide more room to live and grow. Additional amenities featured in our homes include a fencedin yard, attached garage and in-home storage and laundry, which are also top of mind when it comes to attracting potential residents and retaining existing ones.” Continued from page 7 In-unit laundry is also becoming a standard amenity. Having an in-unit laundry allows the residents to wash their clothes whenever convenient, not to mention it increases privacy. SFRs can also be eco-conscious. They can offer sustainable and cost-effective features such as double-pane energy efficient windows, energy-efficient appliances and waterconscious plumbing. These green building features cut down on utility costs, which greatly appeal to residents. An on-site fitness center saves people valuable time traveling to and from the facility. Membership fees here are lower than at a standalone gym.
9 ISSUE 2, 2022 We had a blast celebrating warm weather and connecting with members at our Summer Vibes Happy Hour! Thank you to our sponsor, American Integrity Restoration for helping make this event possible, and thank you to all who attended. We can’t wait to see you at our next Happy Hour in October! Summer Vibes Happy Hour
10 www.ctaahq.org We had so much fun gathering together for Glow in the Dark Golf! It was a fantastic evening filled with networking, food, and golfing to benefit the American Red Cross Connecticut. Thank you to all who joined us. We hope to see you at our next event. Glow in the Dark Golf
11 ISSUE 2, 2022 WATER COOLER New Hires Pablo Ortiz — New Maintenance Supervisor at Spencer Street for Paredim Communities Lori Crabb — New Leasing Consultant at Clocktower, Velvet Mill & Dye House for Konover Residential Jose Rios — New Service Technician I at Clocktower, Velvet Mill & Dye House for Konover Residential Mark Duisenberg — New Service Technician II at Clocktower, Velvet Mill & Dye House for Konover Residential Jerry Crabb — New Service Technician II at Clocktower, Velvet Mill & Dye House for Konover Residential Ann DeNeutte — New Community Manager at Hamden Centre/Dogwood Hill for South Oxford Management Denise Steele — New Community Manager at Forest Park for South Oxford Management Jennifer Ball — New Assistant Community Manager at Lofts at the Mills for South Oxford Management Stephen Madore — New Maintenance Supervisor at Sagamore Hills for South Oxford Management Kristen Perkins — New Property Manager at Cambridge Oxford Apartments for Paredim Communities Turquoise Blue — New Assistant Property Manager at the Arbors at Brighton Park/Windsor Crossing for Paredim Communities Shekanah Williams — New Leasing Consultant at Brook Hollow and Fairways for Paredim Communities Jenna Mowry — New Leasing and Marketing Manager at Spinnaker Milford for Paredim Communities Marvin Dixon — New Maintenance Supervisor at the Arbors at Brighton Park for Paredim Communities Johan Aristizabal — New Maintenance Technician at the Arbors at Brighton Park for Paredim Communities Shay Diaz — New Assistant Property Manager at The Taft for Paredim Communities Jennifer Roy — New Leasing Consultant at The Taft for Paredim Communities Kevin Meehan — New Maintenance Supervisor at The Taft for Paredim Communities Mike Presley – New Maintenance Technician at The Taft for Paredim Communities Jason Shearer — New Maintenance Technician at The Taft for Paredim Communities Jennifer Ravis — New Senior Property Manager at The Mill Greenwich & The Modern Port Chester for Trio Properties Carolyne Gonzalez — New Assistant Property Manager at Rivers Bend for Trio Properties John Requena — New Maintenance Supervisor at The Mill Greenwich & The Modern Port Chester for Trio Properties Yanice Negron – New Property Manager at Capitol View Apartments for Trio Properties Lauren DeRose — New Marketing & Special Project Coordinator for Trio Properties William Hartman — New Maintenance Supervisor at Harbor Heights for Trio Properties Kevin Yanosy — New Maintenance Technician at Rivers Bend for Trio Properties Steven Santiago — New Maintenance Technician at The Novella for Trio Properties
12 www.ctaahq.org To learn more, visit ByeByeMattress.com/Commercial-Recycling Contact Dan McGowan (860) 397-4800 dmcgowan@mrc-us.org If you operate in Connecticut, we can recycle the old mattresses that your tenants may leave behind at no-cost. Ask us how. WE ARE TAKING A LOAD OFF OF CONNECTICUT APARTMENT OWNERS. Randy Casiano — Promoted to Property Manager at Dobbs Crossing for Konover Residential Norberto Rivera — Promoted to Service Technician II at Dobbs Crossing for Konover Residential Karen Petronelli — Promoted to Community Manager at new acquisition, The Pointe at Dorset Crossing Rachel Shaw — Promoted to Assistant Community Manager at The Pointe at Dorset Crossing Rachel Bocco — Promoted to Property Manager at The Taft for Paredim Communities Savannah Colletti — New Administrative Coordinator for Trio Properties Claudino Vargas — New Maintenance Technician at Knoll Crest for Trio Properties Skylar Tobey — New Leasing Consultant at Harbor Heights for Trio Properties Abigail Wieter — New Leasing Consultant at Harbor Heights for Trio Properties Promotions Valerie Smith — Promoted to Community Manager at Muse Milford for Continental Properties Stephanie Garofalo — Promoted to Assistant Property Manager at Spinnaker Milford for Paredim Communities Dino Vargas — Promoted to Maintenance Supervisor at The Novella for Trio Properties Special Designations Christine Chadsey — Blended Occupancy Specialist designation
Advertise in this magazine and let the entire industry know who you are. 801.676.9722 | 855.747.4003 thenewslinkgroup.org | sales@thenewslinkgroup.com This ad space is available. Contact us today!
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SALT LAKE CITY, UT PERMIT NO. 508 This magazine is designed and published by The newsLINK Group, LLC | 855.747.4003 PO Box 271381 West Hartford, CT 06127 ONE LAST THING ... Did you know that you can enjoy your association news anytime, anywhere? Scan the QR code or visit: apartment-focus.thenewslinkgroup.org Check it out! The new online article build-outs allow you to: • Stay up to date with the latest association news • Share your favorite articles to social channels • Email articles to friends or colleagues There is still a flipping book for those of you who prefer swiping and a downloadable PDF.
www.thenewslinkgroup.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw