It can be easy for seasoned, veteran board members to recall both the excitement and challenge of being elected to the post. For many, the first weeks and months are a daunting experience requiring a learning curve that is not always e…
A recent Massachusetts condo dispute over the proper disposal of pet waste is the latest high-profile example of frivolous condo litigation—a long-running and costly problem for many HOAs. The incident eventually escalated to the point …
Imagine your own family, if you will—each person with his or her unique personality, attitude, experience and background. It’s inevitable that occasionally you might clash with sister Susie, brother Bob or even an uncle or an aunt. In a…
Legislative activity in regards to condominium law varies widely among the six New England states this year, although a few common themes are evident. The concept of state licensing, with standards for property managers seems to be gai…
While new condominium construction is often viewed as premium real estate, the old adage “all that glitters isn’t gold,” holds true in many cases. Some condominium owners, sadly, have found that builders may have cut corners on workmans…
While the real estate boom—and subsequent bust—may not have created a significant boost in the number of renters within condominium communities, rentals today do impact condo neighbors and ultimately, market values. Any uptick …
It's a problem as old as community associations themselves: How do managers increase interest in the possibility of board service? “You know, it’s very common,” says Lynne Kelly, president of Kelly Property Management in Burlington, Mass…
One of the biggest issues in the real estate industry over the past year has been the speculation that government-sponsored mortgage programs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be ending. For the past 70 years, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac …
Q I have a bit of a tricky issue. I am the trustee of a self-managed triple-decker condo in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. The owner of the second floor has become ill and as a result, has not been at home, and consequently has not paid …
Whether you are dipping your toe in the real-estate buying pool for the first time, or you’re soaking in it after purchasing numerous properties, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is an organization to take note of. …