A building is, in many ways, like a body.If its residents are the soul, then certainly the mechanical systems that keep it running are at its heart. And just as one cares for one’s body by eating right and exercising, so too must managem…

If something’s broken, you fix it. If it's worn out, you replace it. It sounds like a simple equation, but when it comes to construction in cash-strapped times, it can be a case of easier said than done. As many condominiums’ f…

Q I live in a medium-sized HOA in Connecticut and we have a long-standing dispute in our community which I am hoping you can help resolve. First, our documents define the “condominium” as being composed of “the buildings, grounds …

 Although there seems to be no shortage of talking heads touting the beginning of  the end of the economic decline, associations (like the average consumer) are still struggling to do more with less.    It just so happens that servi…

New lending guidelines from HUD mean that FHA loan requirements will be significantly tightened for condominium sales. The new requirements could have a profoundly negative effect on the ability to sell or buy a condominium unit that…

 Since the board of a community association is usually composed of a collective group of unique individuals with their own  perspective and opinions, no two boards are ever the same. However, there are  certain overall, universal qualities…

Chris D’Errico has handled about 1,000 residential rentals in the Boston area since  2003. These days, more and more of his calls are from condominium owners.  Unable to find buyers for their homes, they’re turning to renting them. “It’s up…

 It’s an unfortunate fact of condominium life: Board members’ responsibilities and their personal agendas intermingle more often than they should.    After all, it’s part of human nature to want the best for us or our loved ones. Fa…

 The drawbacks of serving on a board are well known. For one thing, it’s a lot of work. Hours of work, of poring over spreadsheets, of talking to  property managers and vendors and residents and tenants when you could be  watching the big …

From its rich maritime history to its hosting of the world’s largest living seafaring museum, Mystic, Connecticut’s natural connection to the sea has remained vibrant. Divided by the Mystic River and lying in the neighboring towns o…