2012 December
Focus on... Safety & Security

Security Too Hot to Handle!
2012 December Too Hot to Handle!

 The discovery of fire is considered a major turning point in man's evolution  from cave dweller to outer space explorer. Control of fire allowed early man  warmth for his habitat, a way to cook his meals, and light for his  surroundings. …

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Security Staying Safe
2012 December Staying Safe

For most people, nothing is more important than knowing that they and their families are safe and secure in the place they call home. Boards, management and security firms all must work together seamlessly and cohesively to create that…

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Security A  Private Matter
2012 December A Private Matter

 The issue of intellectual property and an individual’s right to privacy has become a greater concern since more and more people  conduct their lives online—whether for banking, social media or dating. While the aforementioned generally  h…

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Real Estate Trends Are We Stable Yet?
2012 December Are We Stable Yet?

 It’s still all about the economy. The foreclosure avalanche seems to have slowed in  New England, but community associations continue to fight a seemingly endless  wave of financial issues as 2012 ends and 2013 looms. For this year-end  e…

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Board Operations Meeting Masters
2012 December Meeting Masters

 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…

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Management It Takes a Village
2012 December It Takes a Village

 In a condo or community association, socializing among owners sometimes is  limited to quick chitchat by the mail slots or saying hello over eggnog in the  lobby come December.    That’s why some residents who live there—whether in…

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Management Emergency Preparedness 101
2012 December Emergency Preparedness 101

 Like any community, large or small, condominium associations can face a wide  array of emergency situations. They may be internal conditions such as fire,  water pipe breaks or stuck elevators, or external events such as floods and  hurri…

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Q&A: Can Delinquent Owner Run for the Board?
2012 December Q&A: Can Delinquent Owner Run for the Board?

Q I am the president of an association in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. We have been  under the impression that if an owner is delinquent in paying a monthly fee  that an automatic lien is created on the property, thus preventing such owner  …

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Q&A: Water, Water Everywhere?
2012 December Q&A: Water, Water Everywhere?

Water, Water Everywhere? Q We moved into a condo that was a gut rehab and have had leaks from the roof and exterior walls hit multiple rooms in our apartment for the last decade. We are the first owners. The various boards ha…

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Q&A: Ant Infestation Spreading?
2012 December Q&A: Ant Infestation Spreading?

Q We have had an ant problem since the spring. A problem that began in the unit upstairs has now spread to several units including ours. Who is responsible for the removal and extermination? Is it the original unit or the associatio…

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Q&A: Having Play Dates
2012 December Q&A: Having Play Dates

Q Our condo community is considering converting a large community room into a gym and kids play space, separated from each other by a child fence. Are there any Massachusetts codes surrounding establishing gyms in residential buildings …

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