CREJ - Property Management Quarterly - February 2015
The Institute of Real Estate Management is an international community of real estate managers dedicated to ethical business practices,- maximizing the value of investment real estate, and promoting superior management through education and information sharing. An affiliate of the National Association of Realtors, IREM is home for industry professionals connected to real estate management, and serves both the multifamily and commercial sectors. As 2015 president of the IREM Greater Denver Chapter, I am relieved to find myself sharing my leadership role with some of the most experienced property management professionals in the industry. Our goal this year is to respond to the ever-changing economic landscape in Denver. We have our finger on the pulse, and we are focused on preparing for the fluctuations and acting as the resource that property managers look to when responding. Multifamily housing on the rise. Multifamily housing is hitting record numbers across the Front Range, and IREM Greater Denver Chapter is providing a solution to the need for qualified multifamily and residential property management professionals. The Accredited Residential Manager designation is recognized as the premier designation in the multifamily arena, and the complete track of required courses will be offered in Denver in March. After attending the six-day course and passing the final exam, residential and multifamily property managers can return to work exceptionally well trained and add the ARM designation to the company’s portfolio of staffing expertise. Legislative impacts. Yes, marijuana continues to be a focus for the industry. Last year our chapter introduced the IREM Legislative and Legal Review, which was an event that offered continuing education credit and invited property managers to spend a couple hours understanding the legislative decisions and case law that will impact their daily business – including marijuana. Following last year’s event, 100 percent of survey respondents indicated that they would make attending in 2015 a priority. The new homeowner association legislation also has our attention. The Colorado Division of Real Estate is still working on defining the requirements and the criteria for certification, and we were appointed a liaison to participate in the process. Our goal is to ensure that the certified property manager credential, and the education and experience required to achieve it, meet the majority of the required criteria. Balancing life. Work-life balance has become a cliché and something most of us have determined to be unattainable. Regardless of our background, profession or lifestyle, we all have two commonalities: We are all being asked to do more with less, and we are busy, busy, busy! Balancing responsibilities and expectations is a constant challenge. IREM Greater Denver launched the Work Life Empowerment Series last year in response to this growing challenge. Professional speakers offered insight and inspiration while attendees enjoyed a classic Del Frisco’s filet and chocolate mousse. It was so popular that Del Frisco’s expanded the space to seat more attendees in 2015. This year we are hosting the following topics: • Achieving your Professional Best; • Stop Living Life Like an Emergency; • Defying Gravity; • Armed or Unarmed: Preparing for the Active Shooter Scenario; and • Think on Your Feet In 2013, we hosted a luncheon titled “Tips & Tricks To Put Time Back On Your Clock.” Every attendee left with at least one tip or trick to increase his efficiency and effectiveness in the office. This event turned out to be one of the most requested events in 2014. We are bringing it back in 2015 and anticipate a full house and a new list of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint tips that will put time back on our clock and make room for life. The IREM Greater Denver Chapter is excited to offer resources to anyone in the property management industry, regardless of experience, property type or anticipated level of chapter engagement. Visit us online at www.iremdenver.org.