CHFA eNews: chfareach


2012 1Q Classes: Goals, not Resolutions!	December 13, 2011
It might sound obvious, but starting the new year off right is all about creating a clear vision for what you want to achieve. Goals and resolutions are the buzzwords for every New Year’s Eve party, and it made me wonder what the difference was between the two. Resolution - the act or instance of resolving; something resolved; a formal expression of opinion or intention made; a resolve or determination Goal - the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end Resolution implies a reactive action that is in the process of being determined; Goal implies a proactive action or event in the future that requires effort to achieve. We all know that in business it is always better to operate proactively versus reactively. So perhaps this year when defining the benchmarks for 2012, let’s use goals, instead of resolutions and see if it affects the outcomes. As always, chfareach is here to get you started. Whether it involves having all of your staff certified in compliance, revving up your customer service, or creating a dynamic marketing and leasing strategy, chfareach will provide opportunities to strengthen your skills to meet those goals. Look for classes in Fort Collins, Pueblo, Durango, Grand Junction, and of course, Denver. In the meantime, check out these suggestions on setting achievable goals, from Heidi Grant Halvorson’s new book, Succeed: How We Can All Reach Our Goals. Get Specific. No, really. Very Specific. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve keeps you motivated until you get there — be clear and precise. Seize the moment to act on your goals. Decide when and where you will take action in advance and increase your chances of success by roughly 300%. Know exactly how far you have left to go. Achieving any goal also requires honest and regular monitoring of your progress — Check your progress frequently — weekly, or even daily, depending on the goal. Be a realistic optimist. But don't underestimate how difficult it will be to reach your goal. Most goals worth achieving require time, planning, effort, and persistence. Focus on getting better, rather than being good. People whose goals are about getting better, rather than being good, take difficulty in stride, and appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Have grit. Studies show that gritty people obtain more education in their lifetime, and earn higher college GPAs. Build your willpower muscle. Your self-control "muscle" is just like the other muscles in your body — when you give it regular workouts, it will grow stronger and better able to help you successfully reach your goals. Don't tempt fate. Successful people know not to make reaching a goal harder than it already is. *Focus on what you will* do, not what you won't do. Research on thought suppression (e.g., "Don't think about white bears!") has shown that trying to avoid a thought makes it even more active in your mind. The same holds true when it comes to behavior — by trying not to engage in a bad habit, our habits get strengthened rather than broken. And remember, "A goal properly set is halfway reached." (Abraham Lincoln) Affordable Housing News and Resources The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released income limits for 2012 on December 1, 2011. LIHTC Income and Rent Limits for Colorado are now available on CHFA’s website at the following link: http://www.chfainfo.com/multifam/Multifam_asset_management/tax_credit_compliance/Rent_and_income_limits.icm. IRS Revenue Ruling 94-57 allows taxpayers to rely on the old income limits and maximum rents until 45 days after HUD has released the new income limits for that year. The new income and rent limits must be implemented immediately for new move-ins and no later than January 14, 2012, for all other certifications. If you have any questions, please contact your Asset Management Officer or call Heather Staggs at 303.297.7362 or view the information on our website at www.chfainfo.com under the LIHTC compliance section. Text4Baby.org A new prenatal care awareness program sent via text launched by Johnson & Johnson, U.S. Department of Human Services, National Healthy Mothers Coalition, and many more partners Mothers. Get free messages on your cell phone to help you through your pregnancy and your baby’s first year. Simply text “BABY” for English (or “BEBE” for Spanish) to 511411 to receive three free text messages each week based on the baby’s due date or date of birth. Texts messages provide information on a variety of topics critical to maternal and child health, such as developmental milestones, immunization, nutrition, mental health, safety, and hotlines. For more information on this resource go to text4baby.org; to receive free promotional materials for your property go to http://www.circlesolutions.com/text4baby/. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is launching its annual TV/Furniture Tip-over Prevention Campaign One child dies every two weeks when a TV, furniture item, or appliance falls on him. Each year, more than 22,000 children eight years and younger are injured. For more information go to www.cpsc.gov. These safety tips can help prevent these tragedies: Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor Place TVs on sturdy, low bases or anchor the furniture and the TV on top of it Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might be attractive to children off TV stands or furniture Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets Upcoming Classes 2012 Customer Service: How to Turn OK to Outstanding January 10 9:00am to Noon CHFA-Denver This class will cover the essential elements of outstanding customer service and ways to improve management and resident relations. Come learn the fundamentals of customer service, little time investments that bring big dividends, build rapport with residents, listen to the “nosey neighbor”, the importance of non-verbal communication, and how to deal effectively with difficult customers. Fair Housing: Essential Training for ALL Staff January 11 9:00am to Noon Fort Collins Senior Center, Fort Collins, CO Few things can be as time consuming, exasperating, and expensive to defend as a Fair Housing complaint. This basic class will give a general overview of Fair Housing legislation and will identify the protected classes. The instructor is David Herrera, an attorney practicing in Fort Collins with lengthy experience in affordable housing issues. He has served on the Community Housing Resource Board in Fort Collins, was a public speaker and National Housing Committee Member for NAHRO, was the Housing and Development Law Institute’s President and National Vice President, and was Fort Collins Housing Authority’s Executive Director from 1985 to 1992. Come hear Fair Housing law from the expert! Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite! January 25 9:00am to Noon CHFA-Denver As evidenced by recent media reports, the incidence of bedbug infestation is continuing to increase and is causing major stress, inconvenience, and expense for all types of housing providers and retailers. Learn how to accurately identify bedbugs and why they are such a growing and persistent problem from a knowledgeable and experienced entomologist. He will discuss important preventative measures, practical nonchemical methods of control, and various methods of treatment and their rates of success. Crime-free Multifamily Housing Program February 8 8:00am to 5:00pm Lakewood Police Department – 455 South Alison Parkway, Lakewood The Crime-free Multifamily Housing Program is designed to help residents, owners, and managers of rental properties keep drugs, nuisance, and other illegal activity off their property. The program utilizes a unique three-part approach that ensures the crime prevention goal while maintaining an approach which is very resident-friendly. This eight-hour seminar is Phase One. Topics will include prevention, application screening, tips to strengthen rental agreements, maintaining a fire-safe environment, warning signs of drug activity, role of the police, crisis resolution, and more. See the complete list of 2012 first quarter classes on our chfareach website! Chfareach Class fees: $50 non-members; Free to chfareach members!** We want to hear from you! Share your favorite Resident Program Class experiences with us—send us your stories here! Got a class idea? Send us your topic or instructor ideas here! Cheers! Kirsten Coe Chfareach Program Coordinator Asset Management CHFA

2012 1Q Classes: Goals, not Resolutions!

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