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Articles About Community Manager Education Online

Tips for Creating an Association Budget

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By Sherri Hall

Depending on whether your association runs on a calendar or fiscal year schedule, you may be in the midst of working on your budget, just about to start or several months away from beginning the process. Either way, it’s important to ensure that you’re taking the steps necessary to complete the task timely and effectively. We spoke to Michael Pesce, President of Associa Community Management Corp, to obtain some tips for creating an association budget. [Read more…] about Tips for Creating an Association Budget

Stream of Conscience “Sorting Out” Single Stream Recycling

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By Michelle Tomko

Most communities are interested in doing the right thing when it comes to recycling. But figuring out what the right thing is can be a bit confusing. Which container does this go in? Can this be recycled? What does that symbol on the bottom of my milk jug mean again? [Read more…] about Stream of Conscience “Sorting Out” Single Stream Recycling

Should Associations Become Involved in Municipal Politics?

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By Michelle Tomko

If you have ever served on an association board, you know that nearly any situation, regardless how minor it may seem, can become political. In associations, political factions have been born over such issues as what color to paint the clubhouse card room. If that isn’t bad enough, communities also need to deal with their own town politics – which can affect residents in an association. Whether it’s new construction of a café or ball field that affects quiet enjoyment, or a potential danger to the community due to a variance or change in traffic rules, to a heated political campaign that can be divisive, communities are faced with challenges brought by their local governments. Although associations are their own entities, they are certainly not like islands, completely separate from their municipalities. [Read more…] about Should Associations Become Involved in Municipal Politics?

Best Practices for Conducting a Homeowner Forum as Part of your Board Meeting

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By Sherri Hall

Although not required in every state, many community associations choose to have homeowner forums, or member question and answer (Q&A) sessions, in addition to or as part of their open board meetings. Such a forum is usually held either at the end of an open board meeting or in a separate meeting specifically scheduled to allow homeowners to ask questions or raise concerns regarding community matters. 

[Read more…] about Best Practices for Conducting a Homeowner Forum as Part of your Board Meeting

Construction Defect or Maintenance Issue? What to Do When Your Caulk Balks

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By Michelle Tomko

It’s hard to imagine a building of any size without some kind of issue. Cement cracks. Water finds a way in. Stains form. But, when you notice things aren’t exactly in plumb shape with your association, how do you know if that’s regular wear and tear or a construction defect? In other words, should you be settling for the house settling? To figure this out Lynn A. Voorhees, Director of Community Association Services at DW Smith Associates answered questions about construction defects.

[Read more…] about Construction Defect or Maintenance Issue? What to Do When Your Caulk Balks

The Contractors are Here – Best Practices for Major Projects

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By Alyssa Gautieri

A big project has been in the negotiation stages for months, and now with the nice weather, your association is ready to move ahead and complete that capital project. Whether it’s new roofs, siding, windows or repaving of roads, there are certain best practices that should be followed to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

[Read more…] about The Contractors are Here – Best Practices for Major Projects

When is it Considered Harassment? When a Board Member is Harassed by a Unit Owner

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By Alyssa Gautieri

In this day and age of social media and email, it’s easy for people to hide behind a computer, cell phone or tablet and say all kinds of things to and about others. This can go on day and night due to the accessibility of these platforms. In the setting of condominiums and homeowner associations, board members and their actions are frequently the source of many emails and social media posts and comments.  [Read more…] about When is it Considered Harassment? When a Board Member is Harassed by a Unit Owner

Flood Insurance Update – 
What to Do With the New Wave of Information

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By Michelle Tomko

Living by the water has many rewards. But like most things in this world, those beautiful sunrises and long walks on the beach come at a premium – a flood insurance premium to be exact. Additionally, residents can find getting the right type of coverage from the right carrier isn’t always cut and dry. [Read more…] about Flood Insurance Update – 
What to Do With the New Wave of Information

How to Get a Pickleball Program Started in a Community

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By Alyssa Gautieri

Pickleball — a court sport which uses perforated plastic balls and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles (ranging in price from $50-$150) — is now considered to be the fastest growing sport in America. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) 2018 Pickleball Participant Report, pickleball currently has 3.1 million players in the U.S. — an increase of 12 percent over the previous year. The sport has also had a 650 percent increase in numbers over the last six years. [Read more…] about How to Get a Pickleball Program Started in a Community

Why Do Dogs Bark? Helping Dogs Adjust to Condo Living

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By Alyssa Gautieri

You’ve recently moved to a condo and your dog is having difficulty adjusting to community association living. There are many more people around than when you lived in a regular single-family home. There are also many more dogs around. Your dog starts barking like crazy. Maybe you’ve received complaints about your dog barking while you were at work or out running errands. [Read more…] about Why Do Dogs Bark? Helping Dogs Adjust to Condo Living