ASSOCIATIONHELPNOW

Sherri Hall

Choosing the Right Security Technology & Techniques for Your Community Association

by

In today’s ever-changing world of technology, it can be hard to select a security system for your community. With so many options, how can an association be sure to find the right fit? Scott Roether, Principal of TEM Systems LLC in Murrells Inlet, SC, shared his knowledge on the subject and offered some suggestions to streamline the process.

[Read more…] about Choosing the Right Security Technology & Techniques for Your Community Association

Manager’s Perspective: Tips for Keeping Board Meetings from Going on Too Long

by

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, people want to spend more time outdoors and less time indoors. That includes property managers, board members and homeowners, who especially don’t want to find themselves part of a board meeting that’s going on for way too long. However, with a wide variety of spring and summer projects underway, how can boards keep their meetings running efficiently? [Read more…] about Manager’s Perspective: Tips for Keeping Board Meetings from Going on Too Long

“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”…or Can I? – Uncovering the Key to Keeping Managers Satisfied

by

The Rolling Stones probably didn’t have the community association industry on their minds when they recorded this famous tune. However, there is a common theme between the song’s lyrics and the daily life of property managers – complaints. In the song, Mick Jagger complains about useless information on the radio, TV commercials and his bad luck with love just as unit owners complain about leaky roofs, noisy neighbors and potholes. So, with that being said, is there any way to stay satisfied when all one hears are complaints? We spoke to Thomas Engblom, Vice President/Regional Account Executive of Mutual of Omaha’s Midwest region, to find out. [Read more…] about “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”…or Can I? – Uncovering the Key to Keeping Managers Satisfied

Manager’s Perspective: Best Practices for Association Communications

by

It’s no secret that communicating effectively with association members is a vital part of managing any community. But in today’s digital world, methods for communication are ever-changing. So, what works and what doesn’t? We spoke to Nancy Hastings, Regional Vice-President of Associa’s Eastern Region, to find out her perspective on association communications.

[Read more…] about Manager’s Perspective: Best Practices for Association Communications

Preparing your Community’s Grounds for Spring and Summer

by

As winter comes to an end, associations are beginning to prepare for the warm weather spring and summer will bring. One item on everyone’s preparation list is ensuring the community’s outdoor areas are in tip top shape. We spoke to Aaron Kurdyla, Director of Operations for High Tech Landscapes, who took us through the process.

[Read more…] about Preparing your Community’s Grounds for Spring and Summer

Best Practices for Boards Changing Management Companies

by

“Breaking up” may be hard to do but when an association is ready to call it quits with its property management company and enter into a new relationship, there are some best practices it should follow. We spoke to Leonard Barber, CPA, CMCA, PCAM, President of Executive Property Management in North Brunswick, New Jersey, who offered some insight on the matter.

[Read more…] about Best Practices for Boards Changing Management Companies

Understanding a Board’s Fiduciary Duty

by

When a homeowner decides to serve his or her association as a member of the board, that person has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the community. So, what exactly does a board’s fiduciary duty entail? According to Attorney Stacey Patterson of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC, with offices in White Plains New York, Woodland Park New Jersey and Princeton, New Jersey, “fiduciary duty is the responsibility of the board members to ensure sound and proper operation and control of its community and to act in its best interest.”

[Read more…] about Understanding a Board’s Fiduciary Duty

Property Tax Appeals and Community Associations

by

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. 

[Read more…] about Property Tax Appeals and Community Associations