Return to flip book view

Q3 2024 AHA Newsletter

Page 1

Q U A R T E R 3 | 2 0 2 4

Page 2

Table of ContentsRED-y for the FutureTurnover Check-InProperty SpotlightDepartment UpdatesRecent RenovationsMarketing ResourceEventsEmployee ShoutoutsAnnouncements020304050609101420

Page 3

As a valued employee, it is my hope At Home Apartments has demonstrated to you that thisorganization is founded on the value of growth by continually striving to set and meet realistic,measurable goals. Goals have always been the building blocks to our overall success; regardlessof external factors influencing our performance along the way. If goals have been the buildingblocks to our success, then our people have been the foundation, providing the strength andsupport that enable us to reach new heights. It’s in the reaching where greatness is found.In this next chapter, At Home Apartments is set to tackle a transformative change requiring thecommitment of each team member. Not to overstate it, but this coming change will reshapehow we do business on every level while transforming our overall operations and culture. Excited yet? You should be. Beginning later this year we will embark on a property managementsoftware enhancement designed to vastly improve how each of us work. The last time a systemchange of this scale was done was our transition into Appfolio nearly 15 years ago. That’s a longtime and a lot has changed. Over the past two years, our team has been vetting what systems will best support our growth inthe years to come. We determined that a property management platform shift from Appfolio toEntrata would allow for a more robust, full service software designed to help each of us worksmarter… not harder. On the front end I want to address that a change of this magnitude comes with some heavylifting… but if there is one thing about being surrounded by a solid group of trailblazerscommitted to embracing a good challenge, it is this, “We can do Hard Things.” The onboardingand migration process from one platform to another will require a lot of transitioning of data andwill certainly come with a learning curve. Be aware you will be given the tools and training whenit is time for your properties to make the transition. We anticipate this migration will take 6-9months as each portfolio is onboarded individually, beginning around the first of the year. Things are about to get very RED around here. Red is the branded theme color for the Entrataplatform. It’s boldness is a fitting color. Be prepared to see a lot of red… in a good way. Whichleads me to next point, hard things don’t have to be painful. We are going to do our best toensure the migration process from Appfolio to Entrata and the learning curve behind it is Goingto Be Fun.This is a brief announcement ahead of much more information to come on what can only bedescribed as a very exciting new opportunity to be a part of a pivotal time in our company. Ican’t wait to see how each of you make this new system work as we look for ways to expand andredefine each role. I promise you will be given all of the tools and support you need along theway. I also promise that this transition and new platform, though never perfect or seamless orwithout it’s own unique challenges, will make our employees and teams stronger and will makeyour work load easier.I look forward to embarking on this next chapter with all of you. *Word-play compliments of Briana Kemp. Tami WegwerthPresident of Property Management02RED-Y FOR THE FUTURE*

Page 4

03TURNOVER CHECK-INAs At Home Apartments Quarter 3 comes to a close, we are well positioned to reach ourresident retention goals. With three months worth of unit turns left, we have anopportunity to make a substantial impact by creating the most positive residentexperiences that we possibly can. Here are some statistics regarding our successes thus far. 22.6% 806COMPANY WIDE TURNOVER THROUGH Q3UNITSOF ALL UNITSLEADING PROPERTIESEAST RIVER APARTMENTSST PAUL9.09%JADE LANE ESTATESEAGAN15.73%WEST RIVER COMMONSMINNEAPOLIS16.98%PROPERTY 2024 TURNOVER RATE

Page 5

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT04The Chase at Nine Mile Creek offers a serene escape in a wooded setting. Theseupscale apartment homes feature top-notch finishes, including stainless steelappliances, granite or quartz countertops and an in-home washer and dryer.Residents can take advantage of the well-equipped fitness center, spaciouscommunity room and attached balcony with a beautiful nature view. Locatedone block from the Minnesota River Bluffs Biking Trail, near parks, beaches,shops, restaurants and quick access to Hwy 62 and I-494, The Chase embracesyour active lifestyle and desire for convenience. Find out more atTheChaseMN.com.THE CHASE AT NINE MILE CREEK

Page 6

The Minnesota legislative session concluded on May 19,2024, bringing with it several changes to Chapter 504B -the statutory chapter that governs Minnesota landlord-tenant law. These updates and changes will impact variousaspects of our rental agreements, resident interactions, andproperty management practices. The majority of thesechanges will be effective January 1, 2025. In response to these statutory revisions, At Home's legalteam is currently reviewing the updated statutes and newlaws to ensure At Home remains in compliance with thenew regulations. Over the next few months, our Legal teamwill be coordinating with regional offices to providedetailed updates and training sessions on the specificchanges and their implications. We understand these changes can be overwhelming (andfrustrating), especially after getting used to the numerouschanges from the 2023 legislative session. Our legal teamremains committed to supporting our leasing and propertymanagement teams to ensure you are equipped with theknowledge and tools necessary to make your offices runsuccessfully while remaining in compliance with MN law.Please stay tuned for further communication from Legalregarding the schedule and content of these trainingsessions.LEGALDEPARTMENTUPDATES05

Page 7

PARK PLACE ESTATES | TENNIS COURT TURNED PICKLEBALL COURTSRECENT RENOVATIONS06BEFORE DURINGAFTER

Page 8

CHASEWOOD GATESNEW SITTING BENCHWOODLANE PLACE | NEW WALKING PATH TO DOG RUNSUMMER CREEKINSTALLED EV CHARGERS07

Page 9

08VIEW POINTE | ADDING A PICKLEBALL COURT TO THEIR AMENITIESSUMMIT TERRACE | NEW ENTRYWAY STAIRS

Page 10

As part of a larger project to update our digital curb appeal with professionalphotos, we have updated our directive for the individual unit photos. We haveshifted from using pictures taken by the onsite teams to a standard set ofimages selected by the marketing and leasing departments to create aconsistent standard of quality across all of our photos that are used inadvertising. We have created a folder (linked below) that houses all of theapproved photos for your units. These are the only photos that will be approvedto be used in our PMS listings. We have done our best to find acceptablephotos that also showcase the range of finishes available. If there is a photo youwould like to use that you don't see in the folder, please let us know using theform linked below. Some best practices to keep in mind when uploading photos:Each marketing description needs to include the phrase, "Photo(s) in thislisting are a representation of the property and may not be the exact photosof this apartment."Images of bedrooms and living rooms are easily shared across listings asthey generally look similarPhotos should all be landscape; portrait orientation photos often getdistortedPhotos of the property and amenities are already included in the property-level photos and do not need to be included in the individual listingsFloor plan images live in the Unit Type level within Appfolio and should notbe listed at the Unit levelMARKETING RESOURCE09UNIT LEVEL PHOTOSForm to Submit Photos or RequestsFind Your Approved Photo Folder

Page 11

EVENTSCelebrating National Night Out at View Pointe!Rooftop yoga at CV2!10Ice cream at Jade Lane and Shannon Glen

Page 12

Celebrating Rod’s 20 year anniversary! He made the St Paul office some tasty bagels!11National Night Out at Park Place Estates in St. Cloud!

Page 13

It’s the season ofpumpkin spice! Leave outprinted recipes thatincorporate this season’sflavors along with someseasonal cookingessentials like pumpkinspice, nutmeg, andpumpkin puree. Q3 EVENT IDEAS ocotbernovemberdecemberCelebrate Halloween witha ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ event.Gather your residents in acentral parking lot, haveyour them decorate theircars and hand out candyto kids in the community. October 6th is NationalNoodle Day. Host a pastathemed trivia night andreward the winners with agift card to Noodles &Co.Host a cakewalk at yourproperty by havingresidents walk around apath of numberedsquares while music plays.When the music stops, anumber is chosen atrandom, and the personstanding on that numberwins a cake. Celebrate the season ofthanks! Leave cutouts,pens, and tape out andprompt people to writewhat they’re thankful forand stick it to the wall.November is ‘Adopt aSenior Pet Month’. Leaveout information aboutyour pet policy as well asdetails about gettinginvolved at a local shelteror adopting!Celebrate the simple.Leave out recipes formicrowave-only meals tohelp make dinner time abreeze during a busyholiday season.Winter door decor! Hosta door decorcompetition where eachresidence can deck outtheir front door for achance to win a gift cardor tickets to a holidayevent.Host a gift exchange orfood drive to celebratethe season of giving.12**REMEMBER TO GET YOUR BUDGET APPROVED PRIOR TO HOSTING A RESIDENT EVENT.

Page 14

EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS13New Hires This Quarterthomas jacksonMaintenance Technician | MinneapolisChong yangMaintenance Technician | EaganAdam HansonSeasonal Maintenance Technician | SouthJose CartagenaMaintenance Technician | EaganChris leeMaintenance Technician | MendotaRyan KotajarviLeasing Specialist | Saint PaulSioux CollomLeasing Specialist | MinneapolisTeresa Resendiz MartinezMaintenance Technician | EaganMallory GarofaloLeasing Specialist | Saint PaulJose ZendejasMaintenance Technician | Minneapolis

Page 15

14PromotionsChris ConleyLead Maintenance Technician | St. Pauladan araujoInterim Maintenance Coordinator | Mendota VillageCongratulations on your promotions!At Home Apartments is lucky to have employees likeyou all that strive to do and be better each day. We areexcited to see all that you accomplish in your new roles!EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS

Page 16

“They respond to each maintenance request in a timely matter and aresuper respectful when entering/working. When seeing them in passing,they are always friendly by saying hello and small talk. They're bothgreat! Thanks to them for their hard work and keeping this placelovely.”“Both Aaron and Takis are so friendly, always a smile on their faces, sohappy to help and correct any issues you have quickly. Also very goodat explaining what they are doing to correct any issues. They are thebest!”15Maintenance Appreciation Month“Outstanding maintenance crew. Always prompt and greatcommunication. Very easy to work with.”“G is prompt, courteous, respectful, and does a great job!”“Nicole is always so prompt, communicative and kind. I truly feel atease knowing that whatever question we have about our home she willanswer and help us resolve it (always with a friendly smile). We soappreciate her!”September 2024 | Testimonials from our residentsEMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTSBoatworks Commons and The Reserve at Sono“I have lived here for 1.5 years and have had nothing but greatexperiences from the maintenance team. They are quick, respectful,and know what they are doing. Thank you for making ChasewoodGates such a great place to live!”“Alex has resolved several requests for me, large and small, and theresults have been consistently excellent. I feel blessed to know such awonderful maintenance team. Special thanks to Pio!”“Kurt is so responsive! From filter to microwave to drain in tub, he cando it all! He’s prompt, courteous, and always shares a smile when wehappen to meet in the hall or lobby. He takes time to chat with myspecial needs son - so very kind! He let’s us know when to expect thework, meets that expectation and the work is done well. He is a gem!MinnetonkaCityVue and CV2

Page 17

16“I've been here for 2.5 years and have moved units twice. Themaintenance team has been awesome every step of the way. Reallyappreciate their timely responses and just being good guys. They listento our concerns and seem to actually care about the residents.”“Laura is always wonderful to work with. She is very knowledgeable andpatient. I feel like most of my issues/requests are odd; yet she shows upwith a smile and takes the time to listen to us. Laura has tackled everyproblem we’ve had- and if she has to bounce something off of hersupervisor, she explains why and what the next steps will be.”“I am extremely impressed with the condition that you are able to keepthe building in, considering the fact that it is an old property with a LOTof people living in it. When I walk outside in the courtyards and see thebeautiful landscaping, it makes me feel like I live in a place that peoplecare for. It would be a totally different experience living here if wedidn’t have a REALLY good maintenance team. It’s the #1 thing thatmakes this place feel a home.”EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTSMinneapolis“Adan is such a bright light whenever I see him in the building. I trusthim with whatever issue or maintenance concern that I have and knowhe will do his best to help me. And I just really enjoy his conversationand kindness!”“I am so thankful for everyone who makes this such a beautiful place tolive. Every time I walk the halls or the grounds I am so grateful to beable to live here - it’s beautiful!”“Everything I have requested was taken care of professionally and in atimely fashion. I have confidence that whatever I need will be takencare of.”The Reserve at Mendota Village“They are friendly and respond promptly. They are always so helpfuland keep our neighborhood clean and home running so we can livecomfortably. Thank you so much for all you do for us!”“George is my go-to person for any issues, I know he will solve it.”“Pablo always comes when needed and executes the job while beingfriendly and respectful of our household.”“The maintenance team is professional, courteous, and do their workquickly. They are very knowledgeable and can fix most anything!”Plymouth

Page 18

17“Jeff’s positive, can do approach and attitude is great. Friendly andknows what he’s doing. He always takes the time to get it right. Nohassle, no problem. It’s nice peace of mind for us. Thank you!““They are always ready to take care of my apartment upkeep needs,especially when there has been a crisis. They have completed the jobsprofessionally, quickly, and thoroughly. I have been very happy withtheir presence and service over the years, and am very grateful fortheir competency and diligence.”“Steven is very kind and respectful. He's always efficient at what hedoes.”EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTSSaint Cloud“They are so prompt and on top of the tickets! They are supercourteous and respectful.”“They are always polite, fast, and respectful.”“I just moved in and needed some help with issues in the apartment.Tim was very responsive, kind, and communicated well. I never neededto guess what was happening and he followed up, as well as took careof the issue.”Shannon Glen and Jade Lane“Boyd is great at his job, he’s very neat, friendly, and goes beyondwhen needed. He gets right on the job and is a very good worker. He’sa hard working man and very courteous, he is the best!!!”“Jake is amazing! He fixes anything I request PLUS anything else henotices while here.”“Chong has been very patient and pro-active in assessing sources ofissues and works vigilantly to achieve a resolution. After having theopportunity to interact with him in person, I immediately sensed apositive energy and felt assured that management has made anotherexcellent decision in hiring him. Chong you are awesome and I hopeyou continue to find your place here and settle in as you help theresidents procure a happy and healthy living environment.”View Pointe and Waterford Place

Page 19

18“These team members are kindest professionals I’ve had the pleasureknowing! “They have always been there for me to handle any problem, and verypromptly too! Mike always turns my water on and off when I’m out oftown and recently Riley came out very quickly when I smelled gas in mytownhouse. They’re very nice and professional. All the staff atWoodlane Townhomes are just very incredible! Thank you for all youdo!”“I've lived here 10 years. When I've had a problem one or more of theguys have responded quickly. They know what they're doing and arejust a bunch of nice people!”EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTSWoodlane Place

Page 20

LUIS RAMIREZ GONZALEZAssistant Property Manager | Sono/BoatworksMost recent Uber/Lyft trip?To the Dallas Fort Worth InternationalAirportFavorite app?SpotifyThe person you FaceTime the most?My relatives, but mainly my older sisterGo-to music app? Favorite band/artist?Spotify, favorite artist is Weston EstateFavorite food-related app?DoorDashCurrent case and accessories?Magnetic ShockProof Case with a built-instandFirst app checked in the morning?RobinHood Apps you surprisingly depend on?RobinHood, Netflix, Banking Apps,Google Maps, FindMy App19Favorite podcast?Crime Junkie.‘WHAT’S ON YOUR PHONE?’ WITH...Favorite emojis:EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS

Page 21

ANNOUNCEMENTS20Jenna and her now husbandNick celebrated their weddingon July 13th. CongratulationsJenna and Nick!