Buyers Access members now have immediate access to Homee’s network of service professionals

TAMPA, Fla. (October 31, 2018) – Homee, an on-demand property maintenance platform announced today a partnership with Buyers Access (BA), of Denver Colorado.   Homee provides homeowners, renters and property managers with immediate and real-time access to pre-qualified service providers via a simple-to-use app.  BA is the leading provider of purchasing optimization services and customized purchasing solutions to the multi-family industry in the United States, serving more than 600,000 housing units nationwide. This partnership will allow BA’s existing customers access to Homee’s background-checked service professionals at the tap of a button, and an easy-to-manage workflow approval process.

“We are excited to partner with Buyers Access and look forward to offering its members on-demand access to licensed contractors,” said Homee co-founder and CEO, Doug Schaedler. “Homee is the perfect solution for multi-family property managers because it streamlines the process of managing multiple maintenance tasks across in-house and outside service techs, giving property managers resource optionality to more effectively manage and control workflow.”

“We foresee our customers being able to use Homee on different levels, whether it be for standard repairs and special projects, or as a supplemental tool for peak turnover times and make-ready management” says Hila Muchow, BA National Director of Supplier Management.  “We are excited to be able to bring our customers an effective on-demand maintenance solution through this new relationship.”

Using GPS-enabled smartphone technology, Homee service providers accept new requests for repairs, improvements, or maintenance. Every service provider is background-checked and screened by Homee’s operations team and is continually monitored by the app’s provider rating system to ensure ongoing quality service.
 

About Homee:
Based in Tampa, FL, Homee is an on-demand property maintenance service that provides customers with instant access to electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and handymen from the convenience of their smart phones. The Homee app allows users to find GPS-located service providers and request immediate service. For more information or to install the Homee app, search for Homee On Demand in the app stores or visit http://www.homeeondemand.com.

About Buyers Access:
Buyers Access (BA) is the country’s leading provider of customized purchasing solutions, serving more than 600,000 member units in the multifamily space. For more information, visit www.buyersaccess.com  or contact Dan Haefner at 303-991-5577, dhaefner@buyersaccess.com

There are several things to consider when purchasing products and services for your property. It is a fine balance to ensure that these purchases achieve a positive investment and do not generate losses for the organization.

However, sometimes we may not know what product or service is best for our properties or how to manage the budget as it pertains to those purchases. This uncertainty can be sure to cause headaches and present errors. In this blog, we tell you 4 things you may not be doing to optimize your budget in a purchase.
 

Think About Quality Not Price
While it is true that you get what you pay for when it comes to certain products, we need to be cognizant of the fact that not all higher priced items equate to quality product. Let’s not ignore the fact that expensive product can also be poorly made. Making a mistake in purchasing higher priced items assuming higher quality can present inconveniences that will cause more budget to be invested in repair or replacement.

At Buyers Access, we help our clients make informative purchasing decisions that lead to increased savings and efficiencies. Our Member Services and Account Management teams do all the leg work to make sure properties are purchasing the right product for the right price, all the time. We help our clients find the balance between price and quality ensuring the best investment is made for their property.
 

Buying with Balance and without Rushing
Purchases for multifamily properties can sometimes be extremely urgent, which means we can resort to making fast, on the fly purchases without thinking thoroughly about the right product at the right price point. Ordering too many of one item or not the right items, increases the workload when it comes to receiving orders as well as paying for those additional invoices which makes the process of ordering product not only inefficient but costly as well.

Making purchases with haste can be a risk that can give the company financial or economic imbalance for short or long term. At Buyers Access, we help multifamily owners and operators control and optimize money spent on products and services. We our help clients gain greater insight and visibility to all their purchasing transactions, budget availability and their approvals resulting in saving money and controlling costs.
 

Buying What You Need
It is important to know exactly what you need before making a purchase. Acquiring extra supplies will probably be a mistake you regret. The idea of having a little extra of this or that, is not always applicable in every process. Buying excessive and unnecessary amounts can be a waste of time and possibly risk product that cannot be refunded or returned, resulting in loss.

At Buyers Access, we guide our customers to increased savings and efficiencies through visibility of data, training and communication, reinforcement of best practices, and providing supplemental personnel resources. Our Member Services, Account Management and Client Success teams become part of your team to ensure your best practices are followed throughout your entire organization.
 

Research and Investigate the Products to Purchase
It is wise to do a little research on the product or service you want to acquire. Being well informed about which suppliers provide the best service, price, and quality will help you have a clearer picture of what product best suits your budget.

Although, it might be daunting to make the right purchases, at the right price, all the time for your property, working with the right purchasing partner can help make this process less of a headache while effectively managing your budget.

Buyers Access provides insightful data analytics and reporting solutions that allow customers to monitor spend habits and saving opportunities. Our team of industry experts can identify trends and anomalies in large sets of data. Further, we have the flexibility to set client specific benchmarks to ensure your purchasing specifications support your overall business objectives.
 

Learn more about how Buyers Access can help your property today!

Vimenture, LLC Announces Strategic Partnership with Buyers Access – Multifamily’ s Industry Leading Purchasing Optimization Group

Denver, CO – (October 26, 2018) – Vimenture, LLC, an IT company specializing in telecommunications and community IT support, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Buyers Access (BA) of Denver Colorado. BA is the leading provider of purchasing optimization services and customized purchasing solutions to the multifamily industry in the United States, serving more than 600,000 housing units nationwide.

“We are excited to add Vimenture to our diverse group of technology partners, and to supplement our services with the industry’s leading IT Managed Service Provider,” says Dan Haefner, CEO and President of Buyers Access. “Vimenture’s approach to telecom expense management, invoice auditing and white glove support is unique in our industry. Vimenture’s team gives our owners and operators a free resource to work through billing errors, internet outages, or phone system malfunctions that they may not have known was available.”

As part of this partnership, BA will deliver targeted marketing programs centered around Vimenture’s Telecom Expense Management Program, which audits all the telecom, internet and cable TV expenditure within an apartment portfolio.

Vimenture CEO Mark Sharp said, “At Vimenture, we work with many portfolios, large and small. Most initial deployments focus on reducing monthly costs by optimizing multiple aspects of the telecom services. After the initial deployment and cost reductions, our clients appreciate our intense focus on service, and how our care and repair teams respond to outages and other emergencies. Our customers leverage our expertise to augment their internal IT teams to get results faster.”

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About Buyers Access: Buyers Access (BA) is the United States’ leading provider of customized purchasing solutions, serving more than 600,000 housing units in the multifamily space. For more information, visit www.buyersaccess.com or contact Dan Haefner at 303-991-5577, dhaefner@buyersaccess.com.

About Vimenture: Vimenture, LLC is a Denver based IT company that was founded in 2003. In the past 15 years, the company has formed itself into one of the leading managed service providers serving the multifamily industry with core competencies in Telecom Expense Management, Mobility Management, Wireless Networks and Data Infrastructure. Our business approach is simple; we value white-glove customer service and pride ourselves on our dedication to the customer experience. In a world of automated self-service, we are a fresh contrast with innovative thinking and an old school work ethic.

For more information, visit www.vimenture.com

For more information, please contact:
Vimenture, LLC
Marsha Sabandal, VP Marketing
Phone: 303-414-2003
Email: marsha@vimenture.com

Multifamily properties pose a large fire safety risk due to the number of residents living under one roof. Wilmar has the supplies and information you need to help maintain a safe environment.

Fire Extinguishers
When a fire breaks out at a property, those inside have mere moments to act. It takes fewer than 30 seconds for even the smallest flame to grow into a life-threatening fire¹. Used properly by a trained individual, fire extinguishers can prevent fires from growing out of control. They should be positioned on each floor of a property in a location that requires a user to travel no more than 40 feet to reach it, including outdoors². Ensure fire extinguishers are stored in fire suppression cabinets to protect your extinguishers from theft or damage, and to discourage children from playing with them.

Detection Devices
Early detection can save lives. Understanding the function of detectors and proper placement of each is critical to effective fire safety. Smoke detectors sound when the sensor detects the presence of smoke particles in the air. Every room of every floor in a residence should have a smoke detector installed. Smoke detectors come in three forms: Ionization, photoelectric and dual-sensor. Combination detectors are also great because they have sensing technologies that work together to detect smoke and carbon monoxide, offering protection from two deadly threats in one unit. Install these time- and money-saving devices on every floor and near sleeping areas in a property.

Replacement Batteries
Though some detectors are equipped with 10-year lithium ion batteries that do not need replacement, many others require 9V, AA or AAA batteries. Hardwire models often have backup batteries as well. Smoke and CO detectors should be tested once per month, and their batteries should be replaced at least once per year. Smoke and CO detectors should be replaced every 8 to 10 years³.

Evacuation Supplies
In the unfortunate event of a fire that can't be contained, it's crucial to have a well-designed, well-rehearsed evacuation plan. The NFPA has templates and tools to help you create an escape plan. Secure escape ladders for multi-story buildings and outfit multifamily dwellings with ample emergency exit lighting and signage.

To learn more about Wilmar products to keep your communities safe, click here: https://www.wilmar.com/info/multifamily-fire-safety

¹ Department of Homeland Security, Home Fires, Learn About Fire. www.ready.gov/home-fires
² OSHA, Extinguisher Basics. www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/portable_about.html
³ Department of Homeland Security, Home Fires, Before a Fire, Smoke Alarms. www.ready.gov/home-fires

If you are attending today’s Student Housing Insight event at the US Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC, be sure to stop by and learn how the Buyers Access Procurement Optimization Platform can transform your purchasing initiatives. It’s more than just pricing!

Message Ken Miller (kmiller@buyersaccess.com - 864.630.8083 (Mobile)) for more details—even if you aren’t attending today.

When it comes to fire safety, multifamily property managers should constantly be on the lookout for fire hazards. One small ember can quickly turn into a runaway blaze that spreads from unit to unit, potentially costing millions in property damage. Even more serious than that is the threat of bodily injury to building occupants, especially in assisted living and retirement communities. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 98,000 multifamily apartment fires in 2013 that cause about $1.6 billion in property damage and 325 fatalities. Protect the safety of your multifamily property and its occupants by reading tips to prevent the common cause of apartment fires.
 

1. Provide fire safety equipment in the kitchen.
Apartment fires are likely to start in the kitchen. In fact, over 80% of residential care and assisted living facility fires in 2013 were cooking fires. Make sure that kitchen appliances are properly installed and have adequate ventilation. Install smoke detectors in compliance with local ordinances, and provide a fire extinguisher for every kitchen.

2. Maintain heating and cooling systems.
Improperly maintained heating and cooling systems can overheat and cause an electrical fire. Hire a qualified HVAC technician to check cooling units, heaters and furnaces for proper installation. Replace worn HVAC parts and old units when they become outdated.

Bonus tip: Storing items too close to a heat source is a fire hazard. Advise your tenants that they should keep household items like clothing and furniture a safe distance away from any source of heat.

3. Prevent and detect gas leaks.
Natural gas leaks pose a significant fire hazard for multifamily properties. Have gas lines inspected for faults and do not allow any digging around the property without having gas lines marked by the local utility company. Install a gas leak detector in every building unit.

4. Inspect and upgrade electrical systems.
Buildings with poorly installed or deteriorated electrical systems are at risk of catching fire. Hire a certified electrician to inspect your building’s electrical components regularly. If you manage an older building, consider overhauling your electrical system completely. The cost to rewire and replace the electrical system is an investment in building and tenant safety.

5. Make sure waste is regularly disposed of.
Properly disposing of garbage and waste can minimize fire hazards. Trash can easily spark and go up in flames, and piled up garbage can block exit ways. Provide adequate garbage receptacles and have them emptied often.

Bonus tip: Require an annual unit inspection in lease agreements to ensure your tenants are maintaining a safe space and aren’t hoarding waste.

 
To find out more about how you can benefit from being a Buyer Access member and access our national fire protection suppliers, please contact us today!

Source: Ferguson

DENVER, 10/1/2018) – Buyers Access (BA) announced today a partnership with Shelters to Shutters (S2S), a 501(c)3 organization that works nationwide with multifamily organizations to provide employment and housing opportunities to the homeless. The Shelters to Shutters organization focuses on people who are situationally homeless due to a life-altering event such as job loss, medical or health emergency, divorce, domestic abuse or the loss of a primary income earner, which makes up approximately 83 percent of the homeless population in the U.S.

"Buyers Access is extremely excited and proud to partner with Shelters to Shutters in the ongoing fight against situational homelessness, and we support and applaud the enormous impact Shelters to Shutters is making by providing employment opportunities and sustainable housing. We look forward to helping to give back to those less fortunate, and to helping Shelters to Shutters significantly advance their efforts through introduction to our Member owners and operators” said Dan Haefner, CEO, Buyers Access.

S2S currently partners with more than 20 apartment management companies – including such major industry players as AvalonBay Communities, Equity Residential and Waterton – to place people experiencing homelessness in onsite, entry-level jobs and provide them with housing at the same communities at which they work. S2S works with a number of homeless-focused non-profits to identify suitable job applicants. The result is a win-win solution that changes the lives of individuals and families in the program and provides quality, motivated employees for a rapidly growing industry in need of talent.

S2S relies solely on private companies, foundations and individual donors to support its operations which provide a hand up not a hand out to individuals and families on their path from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency.

“Partnering with a dynamic multifamily company like Buyers Access offers an incredible opportunity to further our private industry initiative to provide multifamily owners and operators with high quality entry level employees from a talent pool that often goes overlooked – those in our country at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We look forward to leveraging their support to raise awareness of our mission and provide a pathway to self-sufficiency to individuals and families in need of a hand up,” said Andy Helmer, CEO, Shelters to Shutters.

Since its founding in 2014, S2S and its multifamily partners have assisted over 100 individuals and families out of homelessness in markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, South and Texas.

About Buyers Access
As the nation's leading Purchasing and Cost Control specialist for the multifamily housing industry, Buyers Access provides real estate owners and operators with full service purchasing solutions to help maximize the value of their real estate assets. Since 1986, Buyers Access has helped thousands of properties and hundreds of companies to reduce operating costs and drive improved cash flow, while leveraging substantial personnel time savings. For more information, visit www.buyersaccess.com or call 1.800.445.9169

About Shelters to Shutters
Shelters to Shutters is a national 501(c)(3) organization that transitions individuals and families from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by educating and engaging the real estate industry to provide employment and housing opportunities. Across the country, Shelters to Shutters pairs leading property management professionals with individuals experiencing homelessness who are ready to work. The result is an innovative program that provides mentorships for careers in property management, along with full-time employment and housing opportunities for individuals facing homelessness and a pipeline of high quality, motivated employees for the multifamily housing industry. More information can be found at www.shelterstoshutters.org or by following the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.