If you live in a condo and are looking to change your management or to hire your first manager then there are a few things to consider. The first is that you need to run your condo as a business and select the management firm that will provide the management services that you most need. The Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing prospective companies and then contacting their references to see how other condo associations have fared with each particular service. Price should also weigh into the equation but make sure it’s not your only criterion.

Before signing a contract with a management company you need to spell out all of your requirements and the job duties in writing so there is no misunderstanding about who is to handle what tasks. This may change over the course of time and as it does there should be a new contract or agreement written and signed by both parties or representatives thereof.

Once you’ve hired a condo management company the Board of Directors or the President should not waste their time micromanaging, but trust the company you’ve hired. Initially you’ll need to supervise some activities, ask for resident’s impressions and keep an eye on things, but after that its time for the condo management firm to take over and do its job.

Popularity: 4% [?]

An HOA or a Home Owners Association is a legal entity created to help develop, manage and sell a collection of homes for the real estate developer. These HOAs have become a necessity in many situations as the fastest growing form of housing in the U.S. today is common interest developments, which means planned neighborhoods where common properties are shared and there is a consensus to maintain the aesthetics.

If you live in one of these developments the HOA will organize committees or rules which will help keep the shared property and facilities in the best working condition and appearance. They may even arrange for regular maintenance and oversee such activities. An HOA may also be responsible for enforcing local rules that may have been violated by homeowners. Such as subdivisions that have restrictions on hanging out laundry, certain landscaping requirements, abandoned automobiles in driveways, et cetera.

In addition to serving as sort of an ad hoc rules enforcement agency and pseudo property manager, HOAs are often charged with helping developers bring in more clients and show the open properties, so in effect they also act as realtors at times.

If you’re moving into an area with an HOA its important to determine what the reputation of your HOA is and how they work with residents. You don’t want to get into a situation where the HOA makes the living situation unbearable and on the other hand, you don’t want an HOA that doesn’t have your neighborhood’s best interests at heart.

Popularity: 4% [?]

If you live in a planned neighborhood you may have to deal with a home owners association, or HOA. Generally, these groups are quite useful as they see to the daily operations of your shared facilities and keep the community’s aesthetic value intact. But there may be situations where you butt heads with the HOA and the way you handle these situations can lead to your success or failure.

Well Thought out Argument?

Come to the group with a well thought out argument that is carefully worded and non-accusatory. If possible, document your attempts to remedy the situation on your own before you involved the HOA.

Listen to the Options

You may know exactly what you want done, but your solution may not be the most practical or even possible. Be willing to hear what solutions are actually available and be prepared to help if you can.?

Follow Through

If you’re able to come to a resolution, hold up your end of the bargain and make sure the HOA or any other parties involved hold up their side as well.

Dealing with an HOA should be treated like a professional transaction, but it can’t be discounted that this is your home and you have a personal vested interest in the outcome. Remember that the HOA probably is not as personally involved as you are and emotional pleas may fall on deaf ears, this is why acting in a professional manner is more likely to get a positive response.

Popularity: 3% [?]

photo credit: Nuneatonolly

Throughout the nation, there are neighborhoods which are set back from the road and surrounded by gates that are guarded by security personnel who monitor the comings and goings of people on the grounds. These gated communities are highly appealing to some home buyers who like the exclusivity, privacy and security that they feel is afforded to them when living in one of these neighborhoods. However, others feel that the drawbacks of living in a gated community actually outweigh these perceived benefits. Whether or not to live in a gated community depends greatly on the things that you value in the neighborhood where you live. (more…)

Popularity: 7% [?]

The number of homeowner associations in the U.S. is on the rise, and more and more of them are seeking professional community association managers to help them handle the issues that can arise – expected and unexpected. Here are some of the things a homeowners association management company can do to help your association:
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Popularity: 6% [?]