October 2021 | Page 18

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

5 Insights to Mastering the Dreaded Housing Credit Rules

BY ELIZABETH MOORELAND

To say Housing Credit compliance is difficult would be an understatement . There is so much to learn , comprehend , and execute and the rules are just plain complicated . Add in the state-specific rules , numerous gray areas , and the likelihood of other programs being on your property , and you have the potential for overwhelmed employees and stressed out owners .

In the past , the only way to obtain Housing Credit training was to attend a workshop or seminar , likely in person . Often this meant traveling out-of-town for several days and sitting through a lengthy course . Industry professionals are used to fast paced days with more movement and excitement than is likely offered . Thankfully , those days are over .
By attending a 1 , 2 , 3 or even 5 day training seminar , you are expecting miracles . Quite frankly , lengthy Housing Credit training workshops can be boring and too much information to process even for the most engaged learner . Learners tend to have difficulty paying attention , therefore retention becomes minimal . If you want to be proficient in Housing Credit , I have five secrets to share with you .
SECRET 1 : Take bite-sized courses in an environment that is comfortable .
Traditional seminars don ’ t fit the realities of our lives , anymore . We are all busy with limited availability to step away from our properties for long periods of time . Most attendees have to move mountains to come to such an event and often when they arrive , are strapped to their cell phones the entire time because they can ’ t fully leave their job responsibilities behind . Taking short , to-the-point courses on a specific concept or rule , in an environment you are familiar and comfortable with , allows for a better learning experience .
SECRET 2 : Carve out time for learning on your schedule where minimal interruptions can take place .
Trying to complete a course or seminar in the middle of a chaotic day where you have other more important tasks is not likely the best option . Commit toinvesting in yourself by staying up to date on
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