Have you been wondering how having a golf course in your community affects your reserve study? Should you include it in your master study? Or should courses be treated as a separate entity? For this topic we reached out to Peter Miller, RS of Miller+Dodson Associates, Inc., a nationwide consulting firm based out of Annapolis, Maryland. Miller has been working with reserve studies since the 1980s. 

Each spring when weather begins to warm up, residents eagerly anticipate breaking out their swimsuits, while at the same time condominium and homeowner association boards begin to expedite opening community pools. Ever present in the minds of those tasked with this job, are the possible unexpected delays and problems that have the potential to derail the best laid pool opening plans. 

It’s something every manager strives for and every resident demands — curb appeal. Maintaining it is one of the board’s fiduciary duties. But what happens when those flower beds, pathways and rolling hills turn into mud, ice and standing water? What if these problems pop up unexpectedly for no apparent reason?

As the famous quote says, one thing we can be certain about in life is paying taxes. However, when it comes to the property tax arena, it is possible to reduce the effect this certainty can have on our wallets. Enter the property tax assessment appeals process. This process allows homeowners to appeal the tax assessment that has been placed on their property and potentially lower the amount they have to pay. 

Feature Story

Entering a Vacant Unit the Case of Emergency: How Associations Can Prevent Liability

As the manager, did you make the right decision or have you just opened yourself up to potential liability?