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Course Followed by IREM-Administered Exam Meets Education Requirements for NAHB's HCCP Designation

(Chicago, IL, April 10, 2007) With nearly two million multifamily housing units constructed since 1986 through funding from the federal Low Income Tax Credit (LITC) program – and an additional 140,000 units expected to be financed through the program annually – the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) has developed a new, two-day course titled “Housing Credits: Compliance Challenges and Solutions (LTC401).” The course, to be offered by IREM throughout the country, is designed for real estate managers, asset managers, and other compliance professionals in the affordable housing industry seeking to acquire new skills in this area or expand existing ones.   The course meets the education requirement for the HCCP designation conferred by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and those interested in earning the designation can elect to take the HCCP Exam immediately following the course as IREM is an NAHB-approved exam distributor. 

“IREM’s educational courses are among the very best in the industry and ‘Housing Credits: Compliance Challenges and Solutions’ is no exception.” So stated Bruce Corb, CPM^®, HCCP, principal for compliance for MMA Financial, LLC, Boston, MA, and one of the affordable housing management experts who helped create materials for the course.  “If you are looking for that “must take”educational offering surrounding the LIHTC program,” Corb continued, “this is the one!”

LAUNCHES MAY 16-18 IN WASHINGTON
“Housing Credits: Compliance Challenges and Solutions,” followed by the HCCP exam, debuts May 16-17 and May 18, respectively, at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel. Here, and in other locations to follow, participants have the option to register just for the course, just for the exam, or for both.

MORE ABOUT THE COURSE
“Housing Credits: Compliance Challenges and Solutions” fulfills the HCCP’s 10-hour housing credit education requirement and focuses on what current practitioners in affordable housing need to know to perform at their professional best.  Among the skills course attendees will learn are how to determine income eligibility, certify tenants, qualify buildings and properties, and deal with situations and events that often put compliance in jeopardy. Specific topics covered include:

• Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program overview
• Attracting and qualifying tenants
• Tenant income certification
• Qualification of buildings
• Qualification of properties
• Maintaining housing credits
• Housing credit properties with other financing
• LIHTC and other laws, regulations and programs.

ABOUT THE EXAM
The exam (HCPEXM) required to earn the HCCP designation is two-and-one-half hours long. It covers development, management and compliance issues as well as Section 42 policy.

COURSE AND EXAM SCHEDULE THROUGH 2007
After their debut in Washington, DC, the course – followed by the exam – will be offered in these locations:

• Boston  (Aug. 14-15 and 16)
• Dallas  (Sept. 11-12 and 13)
• Washington  (Sept. 25-26 and 27)
• Chicago (Oct. 2-3 and 4)
• Los Angeles (Nov. 13-14 and 15)

Later this year, the course also will be available in an online format.

TUITION, REGISTRATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
Tuition for “”Housing Credits: Compliance Challenges and Solutions,” is $570 for IREM members and $710 for non-members. The HCCP Exam is $175 for both members and non-members. For more details and registration information, visit the “Education” section of the IREM website at http://www.irem.org/education; or phone (800) 837-0706, Ext. 4650.

MORE ABOUT THE HCCP DESIGNATION
NAHB created the HCCP designation in 1998 to recognize the specialized skills and expertise needed to own and manage affordable housing developed under the auspices of the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The tax credit housing industry, including regulatory agencies, now look to the HCCP designation as a benchmark representing the highest level of industry competency and knowledge as well as a commitment to the highest ethical standards.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT
The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) has been the source for education, resources, information and membership for real estate management professionals for more than 70 years. An affiliate of the National Association of Realtors^®, IREM is the only professional real estate management association serving both the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors. With 81 U.S. chapters, eight international chapters and several other partnerships around the globe, IREM is an international organization that also serves as an advocate on issues affecting the real estate management industry.

Membership includes more than 17,400 individual members and 505 corporate members.  IREM promotes ethical real estate management practices through its credentialed membership programs, including the Certified Property Manager^® (CPMâ) designation, the Accredited Residential Manager^® (ARM^®) certification, the Accredited Commercial Manager certification, and the Accredited Management Organization^® (AMO^®) accreditation.  These esteemed credentials certify competence and professionalism for those engaged in real estate management.  In addition, IREM offers Associate, Student and Academic memberships.

Collectively, IREM Members manage more than 6.5 billion square feet of commercial space and 11 million residential units, totaling over $848.2 billion in real estate assets. IREM Members are employed by some of the most prestigious real estate firms in the world and nearly 70% hold upper-level management positions. Due to their professionalism and vast experience, property owners and investors worldwide continually seek out the management services of IREM Members.

To learn more about the Institute of Real Estate Management and its chapter network, call (800) 837-0706, Ext. 4650 (outside the U.S. call (312) 329-6000) or visit www.irem.org.