by Tyler Lamarr | Nov 3, 2015
When an HOA board discovers construction defects in the common property it’s faced with some very difficult decisions. In Utah, like many states, an HOA’s ability to bring a claim for faulty constructions is relatively new. The fact is, there are no guarantees that you will win the case, and even if you win, the proceeds may not cover all of the costs. It is critical that the HOA select lawyers who are knowledgeable about construction defect laws and the nuances of HOA law. Read More...
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by Sterling Jenkins | Oct 21, 2015
Most states in the US don't require you to get a license to manage community associations. But every state requires you to get a license if you want to cut hair for a living. You've got to admit — this is more than a little ironic.There's an expectation for a certain standard of service in our industry but there is little official accountability. Insurance agents, real estate agents, plumbers, and contractors all require a license. Why not community association managers? Requiring managers to pass an exam and receive a license doesn't have to be expensive and it doesn't have to create undue burden upon small businesses. In my opinion it will only help our industry to hold ourselves to a higher standard and to be accountable to a governing body.
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by Burke Nielsen | Oct 14, 2015
As a HOA manager I was often approached by potential clients, at their wit's end with HOA issues. Often these issues were about finances. When I asked them about their HOA budget, I would often get a response like. “Budget? Yeahhh… I think we have a budget.” In most of these cases there was either no budget at all, or the HOA budget hadn't been given a second look since the day it was compiled. The HOA budget is more than just writing down estimated expenses. Proper budgeting helps the board be responsible with association funds, and reach their financial goals. Here are some tools and tips that will help your HOA create and stay on budget. Read More...
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by Meredith Pond | Oct 7, 2015 |
Success in any business — including your HOA — involves a heavy dose of PR. Just as possession is nine tenths of the law, good PR makes up the lion's share of effective marketing. For good or bad, publicity inside or outside your community can create a lot of emotion. In an HOA, homeowners are your “public.” As a board member or manager, you must take their perceptions and feelings into account in all you do. The decisions you make and the rules enforced will have an undeniable effect on how residents view not only the Association, but your community as a whole. The key is to find a balance between your public's perception and what keeps things running smoothly. Read More...
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by Victoria Cohen | Sep 29, 2015 |
Nobody likes to take meeting minutes (or so I have been told). As an HOA Meeting Recorder and Parliamentarian, I take the meeting minutes for many associations. My method is easy and simple. Here are some steps that I hope you will find useful in taking proper minutes. Read More...
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by Sterling Jenkins | Sep 25, 2015
We all want to succeed, but sometimes we sabotage ourselves by the way we choose to do it. This is exactly what happens when — in the name of getting ahead - we are antagonistic in business.It might seem counter intuitive, but competition isn't always about grabbing the biggest share of the pie. More often than not, there are ways to make the pie bigger for everyone. My co-founder, Burke, told me a great story that applies well here. As a former HOA portfolio manager, he maintained a friendly relationship with another company that frequently competed with him for the same business. As they got to understand the other's business, they realized that they specialize in different areas. To this day they refer business to each other. Read More...
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