When these decisions have to be made, boards must consider the best way to include residents in their thought process. And when the board of trustees comes to the conclusion that fees must be raised, hopefully they’ll announce it in a m…
Americans today are working harder and spending more time on the job these days. And when they finally arrive home at night, they tend to turn on their computers, iPods or televisions as their primary source of entertainment. In fact, …
Although rare, there are instances where a community association has to dismiss its manager — like a recent case in Florida where the manager admitted to writing himself checks from his condominium to the tune of over $40,000. Condo…
Almost every condo owner, from time to time, has thought about running for the board. Most quickly discount the notion, but a fair number throw their hats into the ring, and some of these even get elected. But what does it mean to be ele…
Lawsuits are an unfortunate, and expensive, fact of life. It’s been that way ever since the first civil courts in ancient Sumeria, and will be that way as long as there are two parties to dispute something. Chances are, if you live long …
All condominium lawyers have “war stories” that they relish telling. In fact, when attorneys gather, you can hear a veritable festival of such war stories. While most community associations operate in an environment that is rather uneven…
"We see a wide range of reactions" when association board members and owners are presented with the cost of repairs, Fernandes says. "Most associations don't have the money on hand," says Stephen DiNocco, CMCA, AMS, principal …
I often work with the boards of directors of not-for-profit associations. Most of these groups include very sophisticated individual members who have day jobs that range from vice presidents of human resources to corporate lawyers to cha…
In today's world, it seems that everywhere you look someone is walking around with the latest gadget in hand, be it a BlackBerry or iPod, to make them "more connected." I am guilty of the practice myself, particularly with my latest purc…