I have a rule never to mix business and politics. I focus on the business of mediating and educating in the community association industry. Yet interestingly, in that industry, sometimes politics bleeds into business. How so? Like local, state and national government, community associations … [Read more...]
AMCS North Charleston, SC Annual Meeting
I had a great time presenting communication skills and strategies to enhance the customer service experience for a fantastic group of Property Managers, maintenance techs and employees at the AMCS Annual Meeting (September 28, … [Read more...]
Successful Collaboration in Your Community Association
Last week Community Associations Institute (CAI) held its Annual Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas #CAI2017. While I couldn’t attend in person I was happy to see an announcement come across my LinkedIn feed that a session on “Professionalism for the Industry” would be presented live on … [Read more...]
Mediation and Your Community Association
How is dispute resolution handled in your Condo or HOA? Some states have adopted mediation as the “go to” standard in community association (CA) disputes. For example, The State of Florida Homeowners Association Act requires presuit mediation before litigation.[i] Colorado’s Judicial Department … [Read more...]
Heart and Soul of a CAM
When speaking about experiences living in a community association more often than not, there are war stories and complaints coming from all sides. But having recently attended a conference for Community Association Managers (CAM) I must admit I did not feel remotely close to a battlefield or to any … [Read more...]
Flag Code – Do You Know Yours?
Here we go again… an HOA vs. a homeowner’s display of a flag. This past Friday a U.S. Marine veteran living in a community in Kentucky received a violation notice from his HOA’s Property Management Company. The Marine proudly flies the Marine Corps flag over his garage, as does one of his neighbors. … [Read more...]
Ho Ho Ho and This Year “Uh… No.”
Every December since I’ve moved in to my (HOA) community our Board of Directors along with the residents have held a holiday party in a common area within the community. Our community park has a lovely paved, well-lit path that leads into a long, … [Read more...]
“Your Condo/HOA Word of the Day” EMBEZZLE
Word of the Day: EMBEZZLE Embezzle: To steal money that you have been trusted with. I enjoy researching and reading all things related to Condo/HOA living. I do so not only because it keeps me up to date in the arena of association living but I find it intriguing and at times, a bit … [Read more...]
No Need to Ignore the Elephant in the Room!
Even at the earliest stage of conflict mediation offers an opportunity to resolve issues in dispute before filing a lawsuit. The simple approach to requesting mediation can come from your Attorney, on your own accord, from your Board, your neighbor or a vendor may request mediation to avoid … [Read more...]
CAM vs. Board: What is their Role?
What is the role of your CAM (Community Association Manger) versus that of your Association Board? Ask any homeowner or Board Member what they think the role of the CAM is and undoubtedly based on how many people were asked you will get that number in different answers! If you live in a community … [Read more...]
