2011 March
2011 March Vol. 9 No. 3
Focus on...Exterior Maintenance
New England Condo Expo
Good information and clear communication are crucial for anyone involved with
the administration of a condominium or homeowners association—crucial not just to thriving, but surviving in today’s challenging economic times. Finding that information and developing
communication strategies isn’t always easy, however.
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Invasion of the Night Crawlers
Virtually unheard of for decades, bedbugs are now making a fierce comeback
around the country, including New England. “The problem is astronomical. Every phone call is about bedbugs,” says Galvin Murphy, president of Yankee Pest Control in Malden, Massachusetts. “We’ve been in every community in Eastern Massachusetts, without exaggeration, doing
a bedbug investigation or eradication. We’re seeing them everywhere –multiple-unit buildings in condos, apartments and hotels. We’ve worked in a hospital maternity ward, nursing homes, dialysis centers, movie
theaters, and some of the most plush single-family homes that we have in the
Boston area, as well as low-income housing authorities.”
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Paving the way for Spring
When the days finally lengthen and the mornings lose that bitter chill, it’s time to assess the damage wrought by another New England winter. For the board
members and the property manager of a community association, that wintertime
damage can be found throughout the property, from the landscaping and roofing
to the tennis courts and, yes, even the parking lots. Read More
Material Differences
When a condo’s fencing, decking or siding wear out and need replacement, smart condos are
looking well beyond “apple-for-apple” replacement materials.
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Go With Your Gutter
Everyone knows the old phrase about April showers bringing May flowers, but what
the saying doesn’t tell you is that the rain in April can also bring a lot of damage to your
gutter system. Hard rain and blustery wind are always around once spring hits
the air in New England – and that weather can play havoc with the drainage requirements of any condo or
co-op development.
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Seasonal Walk-Throughs
It’s a simple equation: Warmer temperatures and melting snow means that spring is rearing its head around winter’s chilly corner. And aside from the change of wardrobe, there’s one other thing that condominium residents have to look forward to. No, not
pool parties (just yet, anyway) – we’re talking about spring-cleaning.
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Proposed Transfer Fee Rule Drastically Revised
A proposal to ban federal lenders from purchasing mortgages in condos with deed-based transfer fees has been drastically scaled back following intense lobbying against the rule by community associations around the country. Read More
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
One of New England’s more unique resort communities, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, beckons like
an oasis from the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Two hours from
Boston and served by one main road – Route 49 –the village only claims about 300 year-round residents. However, from all
accounts, the community is bustling and open for business all year through.
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Q&A: How do you Assess "Limited Common Areas?"
My condo board has given notice to a maintenance increasefor this year after a five-year assessment, which is to expire next year. If an owner has several combined units and has incorporated the common hallway usage for their personal use, is this space also subject to the maintenance increase? Read More
Q&A: Installation of Satellite Dishes Against Rules?
What can be done when an association board allows members to install satellite dishes on common property (roofs) when our rules clearly state such installations are prohibited? The FCC allows for satellite dishes to be installed on limited common property, and areas of exclusive use, which should suffice without attachments to common property. Read More
