There is a natural inclination in business to work with those whom you know and trust. Relying on relationships that have developed over time is just a common-sense way to ensure a fair deal from a competent vendor who will perform their jo…
While budget balancing or planning capital improvements may seem to be the most important skills within property management firms, managers will tell you their main focus is on human relations. David J. Levy, president of Sterling Se…
Management companies that work with community associations typically begin their working relationship by negotiating a contract. The parties involved do their best to carefully craft an agreement and the terms of service that will cover ev…
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you: It’s the golden rule taught to children, but it bears repeating for adults considering board positions with condominium associations. Anyone in a board position is bound by fiduciary…
You may love your condo community. You may even love your neighbors and the members of your board of trustees. But there are few people who can say that they love their monthly board meetings or annual condo owner meetings. That’s because …
There’s nothing worse than being a unit owner in a building and seeing someone on your board breaking a rule and seemingly getting away with it. Some board members or trustees believe that they are “above the law” so to speak, and se…
Finding the right balance of involvement between HOAs and condo boards and residents can be like maintaining a healthy relationship with a significant other—you want to be compassionate, responsive and attentive, but not too needy, nosy or…
Q A member of our board runs to the property manager on a whim and makes him complete tasks that may or may not be approved by the board. She also knows every single detail about the homeowners’ financials in terms of how they pay and w…
Q I'm a board member of an association in Cambridge, MA and recently the board majority has called for a special meeting in order to have a trustee step down. We have 12 units, and 11 of them were either willing to meet at the proposed …
Anyone who’s clocked lots of hours at association meetings has a story or two about high passion and heated arguments—but a police detail at an annual meeting? “If someone’s just too disruptive,” reports Henry Goodman of the Dedham, Mass…