May 2016 — Multifamily Properties Quarterly —
Page 25
T
he Denver market
added 20,000 new
apartment units in the
last two years. And
given that many new
construction homes in Colora-
do are held within a covenant
community, a.k.a. homeown-
ers’ associations, there is a
huge and growing need for
professional managers.
Even though traditional
schooling may be a distant
memory for many multifam-
ily property managers and
community managers, there
are new reasons to hit the
books or take in a lecture for
learning.
Two big changes came
about in the last year. One is
the new requirement for HOA
community managers to be
licensed and to engage in con-
tinuing education. The other
is the effort of the multifamily
industry at large to recruit and
train new multifamily manag-
ers and personnel to meet the
growing demand.
Given the increasing need
for their services, one might
assume managers are becom-
ing more complacent. Noth-
ing could be further from the
truth. Now is the time for
managers to back up their
experience with the appro-
priate credentials to stay
competitive as these mar-
kets grow, evolve and start
to shake out. It will only be a
matter of time before those
who are not keeping up with
the new standards will start
to feel the squeeze.
Many managers would
agree that the experience one
needs to
be effective
– from deal-
ing with
people to
anticipat-
ing issues,
addressing
problems
and getting
things done
– really
can’t be
taught. Nor
can a pas-
sion for this
business; once it gets ahold of
you, it doesn’t let you go. That
said, very few people in this
industry set out to be here.
Many stumble upon the pro-
fession at some point before
or after college, with varying
backgrounds and levels of
training.
As of July 1, HOA commu-
nity managers in Colorado
will be required to meet new
continuing education mini-
mums. Multifamily managers
don’t have the same licensing
requirements, but may choose
to hold certain professional
designations and most have
a continuing education com-
ponent.
Community Association
Managers International Cer-
tification Board and Com-
munity Associations Institute
– Rocky Mountain Chapter
provide the information and
opportunities for HOA pro-
fessionals, while National
Apartment Association Educa-
tion Institute and Apartment
Association of Metro Denver
deliver designations and edu-
cation to keep up with new
laws, regulations and best
practices.
The CAI, CAI-RMC, NAA
and AAMD tradeshows offer
courses on site for credit.
Department of Regulatory
Agencies requires commu-
nity association managers
to retain proof of continuing
education completion certifi-
cates for a minimum of four
years and provide proof of
completion upon the com-
mission’s request. They also
offer a number of free courses
to real estate professionals
including home energy effi-
ciency, home energy score
and saving home energy.
Continuing education offers
an opportunity for everyone
to maintain and increase
comprehension and com-
petency. It also helps build
community and comradery
among managers and with
vendors, business partners
and other experts who share
their insight. These seminars
are offered in person and
online and delve into the
different specialties that all
relate to the successful opera-
tion and oversight of a proper-
ty and those who reside there,
with all of its maintenance,
financial, legal and interper-
sonal considerations.
Thus, education and cre-
dentials give objective delin-
eation around what may be
subjective skill sets. I believe
educational requirements at
their best reward those whose
heart is really in it and who
know how to apply common
sense for best results.
s
Michael DeViney
Vice president,
Shaker Painting
Inc., Denver
Management
