Letter from the PresidentThanks to all of you who came to our November meeting and con-tributed in our round table discussions on “Tenant Screening” and “Marketing Your Rental.” It was a very informative evening. I only wish we could have had another hour to get more in depth. The questions and answers were great. Special thanks to Tim Hoffman for leading the round table and to Jamie Conder from Stateline Rentals for helping as well. Thanks, also to Bart Anderson and Home Depot for the nice raffle prizes! Remember if you didn’t get all your questions answered in the last meeting either post them on our Email group or bring them to our next meeting.

December 15th 2015 is our Christmas Party to be held at Midway village from 6-8pm. Food (From Famous Dave’s) and pop will be pro-vided with a cash bar. Come celebrate the holidays with us. We are still in need of volunteers to help Muffy with putting name tags together for this wonderful event. All members should have gotten an email with a link to the Rental Housing Professionals website so you can RSVP elec-tronically. You can also go to the RAA website at Rockfordapartmentas-sociation.org and click on the link for Xmas party registration. If you are unable to do that you can contact Muffy at 815-988-2755 or email her at muffyntom@comcast.net. Remember it’s free for members if you RSVP by Dec 5th . If you’re bringing a guest we need their name also. The cost is $10.00 for nonmembers.

Our next regular meeting will be Jan 19th 2016. Our meeting topic will be “Landlording on Autopilot.” What does that mean? “You say”. We will answer questions like; how do you save time in your daily routine operating your rentals? How can you make your rental busi-ness run smoother and more efficient? If you are in the rental business chances are you become Mr. or Mrs. ”Fix it”, so what kind of supplies and tools should you carry on hand. Over the last 30 years I have learned what to carry in my vehicle. When I show up at an apartment and run into one of my tenants and they say “oh yeah I was going to call you because my toilet wont flush” or something like that, I can fix

December meetingTuesday, Dec. 13, 2015

Cost: FREE for members, $15. non-members

Networking 6:30 P.M.

General Meeting 7:00 P.M.

December-Christmas Party January-Landlording on AutoPilot

JOIN THE RAA! Members enjoy . . .

✔ 8 monthly meetings with guest speakers covering a variety of property management topics

✔ Winter Member Mixer

✔ Spring Banquet

✔ A Web link or page advertising your units on the RAA Web site

✔ Member networking with current tips, bargains and referrals

✔ Knowledge of State and local political issues affecting property managers and owners

✔ Monthly newsletter

A one-year membership is $99.

To join or e-mail RAA, go to www.rockfordapartmentassociation.org

To join the e-mail group, go toRAAmembers@yahoogroups.com

RAAR 6776 East State StreetRockford, IL 61108

Meeting Location

Follow RAA on Facebook! continued on page 2

December 2015 Rockford Apartment Association Page 2

it on the spot. I carry a variety of plumbing and elec-trical supplies, extra door hardware, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, etc. Being prepared to handle a variety of light to moderate maintenance issues on the spot is not only efficient, it’s good customer service! Hope to see all of you there, as we will share lots of ideas on how to save time and money, including the hot topic of auto-matic lease renewals.

One final note: Our hearts and prayers go out to our fellow RAA member Flo Ziemer and her family. Flo’s son, Giancarlo Van Etten passed away October 28th 2015. Our thoughts are with you Flo in this terrible time.

—Karl Fauerbach, RAA President

The R.A.A. would like to invite you to our Christmas Meeting / Banquet.

To be held on: Tues - Dec 15th 6-8pm Vendors, Prizes, Good Food & Networking

Free for you and a guest if you reserve on or before Dec 5th $10 per person after Dec 6th - So register online at

www.rockfordapartmentassociation.org – meeting and events

Problems or questions call: Muffy- 815-988-2755

Please included both names attending for badges”

- Don’t forget your “20” business cards for drawings -

Midway Village 6799 Guilford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107

... Catered by Famous Dave s, Free Pop and a Cash Bar ...

RAA rental forms for members onlyForms are available at the following locations. Please call in advance to be sure someone will be available to help you.

RAA Meetings 6776 E. State St. 1-800-RAA-6676

Hurd Properties II LLC 124 Water Street, Suite 204 1-815-519-5583

State Line Rentals 920 22nd Street 1-815-398-8886

Terra Creek Apartments 375 Bienterra Trail 1-815-397-3320

Come to a meeting! Join and save! Free to RAA members $15 non-members

Rockford Area Association Of Realtors 6776 East State Street Rockford, IL

December 2015 Rockford Apartment Association Page 3

Life is full of surprises and Allen Much is one of those surprises. He sits back and quietly observes what is going on around him and doesn’t let a whole lot bother him. He loves humor and loves to make people laugh. He is interested in people. Another surprise, he loves Rockford!

I was first exposed to construction at the age of 15. I worked at Al Grace for 18 years. had my own business for two years. and worked in subsidized housing for 13 years. A series of unfortunate events led me into the job I have now. I’m great at fixing things and here I am! I work on washers, dryers, household appliances, micro-waves and refrigerators. I like to walk away from a job and know the job is well done!

I love a buildings architecture. I fall in love with buildings. I rarely get a day off, but when I do I enjoy going to plays (come-

dy and musicals), woodworking and photography. I also love going to auctions. I am a very loyal person. I may not always say it but I care about everything! I am very compassionate. When I can help, I do.

I only belong to one organization: this one. Is there any other?My girlfriend, Kathy, and I have been together for more than

10 years. I haven’t quite mastered the act of balancing my job and taking care of rental. Kathy helps me the data entry and cleaning. I really appreciate her.

Surprise: I love Rockford and think it could be a great city again.

Merry Christmas everyone and God Bless!!!!

Meet Allan Much by Jerri Cole

December 2015 Rockford Apartment Association Page 4

CONCRETE RESTORATION / CRACKS REPAIRED

Thank goodness for the household drain system. It removes wastewater from sinks, tubs, and showers, dumping it into your home’s sewer or drainage system. Let’s keep it working! A household drain system consists of the drain assembly at the sink, tub, shower, or floor and the pipes that conduct it out of the house. Most drains include a trap (a U-shaped pipe] below the fixture to trap sediment and to create a barrier that prevents drainage odors from traveling back up the pipe, through the drain, and into the room. Household drain systems also include a ventilation system to allow gases and odors to escape through a home’s roof.

Clear a clogged (not stopped) sink or bathtub with a plunger:1. If you have a dishwasher, pinch off the rubber dishwasher

drain hose that leads to the garbage disposer using a clamp or locking pliers. If clearing a bathtub, remove the drain stopper and cover the overflow opening with a wet rag.

2. Remove the sink basket or tub stopper and clean any debris from the drain opening.

3. Fill the sink or tub with sufficient water to cover the plunger cup, usually about 2 inches. If you are working on a double sink, seal the other sink with a stopper so the plunger can create a vacuum.

4. Set the plunger on the drain opening and repeatedly pump it up and down, then pull away sharply to dislodge debris. Repeat if necessary.

5. Turn on warm or hot water to flush loosened debris from the drain.6. If the clog remains, use an auger or an expansion nozzle to clear the

drain.

Clear a clog using an auger:1. Remove the stopper or strainer. If unable to do so, disassemble the

drain trap and feed the auger directly through the pipe. Make sure you have a pail and rags nearby in case of a water spill.

2. Release the setscrew on the auger and begin feeding the cable into the open drain.

3. Once the auger tip hits the clog, set the screw and crank the auger clockwise to break up the clog.

4. Continue breaking up the clog and moving it down the drain line with the auger. Once there is no more resistance to forward motion of the auger, stop and carefully remove the auger.

5. If the clog can’t be moved, continue twisting the auger to possibly snag and retract the clog.

Once the clog is cleared, flush the drain with boiling water. Sink drain systems include the drain, trap, and trap arm that removes waste from the sink in a kitchen or bathroom.

Text by Dan & Judy Ramsey - from “If It’s Broke, Fix It!”Artwork by Dan & Judy RamseyCopyright Fix-It Club® © 2004

Cleaning Drains from www.bobvila.com

Dean Impey Hours: Mon. - Sat. 7:30-6 & Sun. 9-3

TRI-B Hardware & SupplyA Veteran Owned / Full Service Hardware StoreBig enough to serve you, small enough to care.

2811 Charles Street Phone 815-399-2828Rockford, IL 61108 Fax 815-399-8717

Visit us at: www.facebook/tribhardwarewww.tribhardware.doitbest.com

November 2015 Rockford Apartment Association Page 5

Asset Protection InsuranceBusiness - Personal - Life

Bryce H DavisBusiness and Commercial

Bdavis@Assetpin.com

P: 815.708.7445F: 815.708.7736

6019 Fincham DriveRockford, IL 61108 www.assetpin.com

Ken BeckerBroker - GRI, CRS, CRBClosed Over 100 Million Dollars

1720 Rural St. • Rockford, IL 61107

E-Mail: KBecker39@aol.com

Residential Investments Commercial Office (815) 399-8000Eves. (815) 226-4800Cell. (815) 670-3300Fax (815) 399-7733

REALTORS®

Becker

As we age, we tend to relax and avoid exertion. Sometimes it’s be-cause declining muscle strength makes physical activity more diffi-cult. Many people even believe that nothing can be done to prevent muscle weakness and frailly. Research, however, shows otherwise: Our muscles repair themselves and perform best with regular ex-ercise and healthy eating—even among the frail elderly studied in nursing homes.

Why Muscles MatterMuscle strength naturally declines by 15 percent every decade after 50. After age 70, the loss of strength is 30 percent per decade. If our strength declines, it becomes more difficult to lilt objects. Even a bag of groceries may be too heavy. Muscle mass serves health in other ways, too. Without adequate muscle mass, our sense of balance declines. It becomes difficult to walk, climb stairs or even stand up. Falling and broken and fractured bones become more of a hazard. Thai’s when muscle strength can make the difference between living independently and ending up in a nursing home.

Good muscle tone can also improve our posture. Another im-portant bonus is that even at rest, muscles burn calories—and the more muscle, the more calories burned. If muscle mass decreases, our bodies use energy at a slower rate. With a slower metabolism, there’s a tendency for body fat and weight to grow. Overweight increases the risk of diabetes and some cancers. The risk of osteopo-rosis also rises because losing muscle gives less structural support to your bones, which becomes thinner.

Resist Frailty with Strength TrainingIt’s never too late to slow and possibly reverse muscle loss with strength training, also called “resistance” training. In one study of nursing home residents, 10 weeks of progressive strength training improved the strength of the thigh and lower leg muscles by and average of 113 percent. Before you begin a resistance-training regi-men, check with your doctor. Although it’s important not to overdo it at first, challenge yourself after a week or so to make progress. Note that muscle gains show up on the weight side. A slight weight gain after you begin resistance training is natural. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends buying “free” weights that you can grip or strap onto your ankles easily. Start at a few pounds for each arm or leg. As they grow easier to lift, add a pound or two every few weeks. When picking weights up from the floor or putting them down, bend your knees and use your legs to support your weight. Give your muscles a day of rest between weight-lifting sessions. Resistance training every other day lets muscles recover and build up for the next time you work out. For more information visit the ACM web site (www.acsm.org). Call the American Institute for Cancer Research to request your free activity journal, Making Strides. (800) 843-8114, ext. 110.

Reprinted with permission of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

FEAR NOT OLD AGE and FRAILTY By the American Institute for Cancer Research

November 2015 Rockford Apartment Association Page 6

The Pendulum Is Off The StopNeed help finding sellers of privately owned vacant houses?

With the changing real estate market across the country more and more of the best and most profitable deals in your area will be va-cant houses owned by private sellers. The #1 tool you need to have in your back pocket for finding private sellers in today’s market is the skip trace. It’s a powerful tool that very few investors even know about and can give you a huge advantage of your competition.

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Rockford Apartment Association Directory

rAA Service Directory

We, the members of the RAA, recognizing our duty to the public and the intimate nature of the relationship between the apartment resident and the owner, or manager, and being aware of the vastly increasing role of the apartment industry in providing the home of the future, and in order to provide the apartment-residing public with the maximum in quality and service upon the highest stan-dards of honest and integrity, do hereby bind ourselves, with each and every member, together a and alone, agreeing that, so long as we remain members of the RAA and so long as nothing contained herein shall be unlawful, we shall:

1. Promote, employ and maintain a high standard of integrity in the performance of all rental obligations and services in the opera-tion of our apartment communities.

2. Maintain and operate our apartment communities in accor-dance with fair and honorable standards of competition, ever mindful of the purposes of the Rockford Apartment Association and in compliance with the bylaws thereof.

3. Strive continually to promote the education and fraternity of the membership and to promote the progress and dignity of the apartment industry in creating a better image of itself in order that the public may be better served.

4. Seek to provide better values, so that an even greater share of the public may enjoy the many benefits of apartment living.

5. Establish high ethical standards of conduct within the apart-ment industry in the business relationship between the owner, managers and suppliers of products and services to the apart-ment industry.

6. Maintain property standards of the appropriate governmental authority.

7. Ensure that every qualified individual, regardless of that indi-vidual’s race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status or national origin is afforded the same opportunity to rent an apartment and enjoy the benefits of apartment living.

Financial statement available upon request to members in good standing.

The content and opinions expressed in the RAA newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of, nor are they necessarily endorsed by, the Rockford Apartment Association or its board.

Allen Much Appliance Repair 815-963-4123

Asset Protection Ins. 815-708-7445

Bridges flooring 815-543-6244

Coin Laundry Appliances 800-242-5453

Great Lakes Laundry 800-236-5599

G.W. Porter, Process Service 815-961-8100

IL Bank & Trust, Dennis Roop 815-637-7008

J & J Cement 815-519-4795

Ken Becker Realtors 815-399-8000

Nicholson Hardware 815-963-4821

Northern IL Sewer Service 815-229-1174

SKV Construction 815-245-6098

Stateline Realty, Ricky L. Davis 815-690-5288

Stateline Rental Properties 815-398-8886

Superior Fire & Security 815-299-3473

TRI-B Hardware & Supply 815-399-2828

rAA boArD memberS

President Karl Fauerbach 815 877-6077Vice President Tim Hoffman 815 988-4004 Secretary Ken Opperman 815-248-4248 Treasurer Mike Cavataio 815-397-3320Nominating Com. Ken Becker 815-399-8000Vendor Advertising Ken Hagemeyer 815-519-5583Vendor Table Mary O’Sullivan-Snyder 815-988-2755

John Kirschbaum 815-871-0696Bus. Forms Terra Creek Apts 815-397-3320Membership Alan Much 815-963-4123Programs Director Jeff Sturtecky 847-514-0775 Tim Hoffman 815 988-4004Marketing/Public Relations Rick Davis 815-690-5288 Mary O’Sullivan-Snyder 815-988-2755IRPOA Rep Paul Arena 815-243-2924 Greg Osen 815-601-8008Web Site / Events Newsletter Editor Greg Osen 815-601-8008

Jerri Cole 779-770-8521Board Members Jerri Cole 779-770-8521 Jeff Sturtecky 847-514-0775

*Legal Counsel (Board Advisor) Tom Wartowski 815 978-1572

Rockford Apartment Association Code of Ethics