Coming Home Magazine – 2024-04 Winter Issue

Here we are careening toward the end of another year! 2024 has flashed by us in a near blur. There is still fun to be had and celebrations to occur. Let’s get in the mood for it with a new issue of Coming Home magazine.

Celebrating the unique magic and opportunities of winter, the theme of this issue is fun. Inside, you’ll find seasonal activities for the whole family, show-stopping holiday recipes, an ice hockey playbook for beginners, and a cold-weather gardening guide. Here’s a sneak peek:

Winter Gardening Guide (Pg. 9)
The gentle fall of winter’s snow provides the perfect backdrop to a cozy, crackling fire—nature’s magic is a seasonal delight. But for outdoor gardens, an extreme chill and heavy snowfall can be downright frightful. To help your plants thrive in freezing temps, it’s important to find the right varietals and keep them well-fed and properly maintained. Read this article to learn all about cold-weather planting.

Show-Stopping Sides (Pg. 10)
Let’s be real: the best part of Thanksgiving is the sides! Check out three show-stopping side recipes that are sure to outshine your turkey. We have Thanksgiving side recipes for:

Everything Stuffing
Baked Cheesy-Bacon Butternut Squash
Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Oh, What Fun! Winter Activities for the Whole Family (Pg. 14)
Part of this season’s magic is finding joy in the little things. Whether cuddling up with your favorite people or taking up a bold new hobby, winter is full of opportunities to savor chilly enchantments. Here, we share some inspiration to help you embrace everything the season brings.

Ice Breaker: A Hockey Playbook for Beginners (Pg. 22)
A blend of speed, skill, and strategy, hockey is an exciting experience for players and fans. As temperatures cool, the game’s popularity heats up, and if you’re new to hockey, you don’t want your knowledge to be on thin ice. Instead, follow this guide and skate through the season.

Winter Wanderlust: Delightful Destinations for the Ultimate Seasonal Vacay (Pg. 26)
Whether it’s the thrill of a sleigh ride across a frosted tundra or a warm escape to Mexico’s sprawling countryside, we’ve curated a list of North America’s most charming winter destinations. From New York City’s bustling streets to New England’s quaint storefronts and the rugged beauty of the Yukon, these places will make your holiday season a treat, including:

New York City, New York
New Orleans, Louisiana
Tequila Country, Mexico
St. Augustine, Florida
Dahlonega, Georgia
Kennebunkport, Maine
The Yukon, Canada
Park City, Utah

The Power of Pause: Meditation Best Practices for a Healthier Mind & Body (Pg. 30)
For centuries, the ancient practice of meditation has existed as the proverbial “deep breath” the mind and body crave before exhaling the weight of everyday burdens—a necessary pause to recalibrate and rejuvenate. In the season of introspection, as daylight dwindles and nights stretch longer, meditation is a sanctuary from the chaos (and the winter blues!). It’s a chance to heal your body and listen to your inner rhythm, releasing mental, emotional, and even physical baggage like an oversized winter coat. So cozy up as we navigate the still waters of meditative practices and techniques to help you find your center—even when you feel on edge.

Please enjoy this edition of Coming Home!

Coming Home Magazine – 2024-03 Fall Issue

We are about to Fall into Autumn. Summer is leaving us behind. Let’s get in the mood for it with a new issue of Coming Home magazine. Just as the trees unveil their silhouettes with falling leaves, we’re pleased to present the fall 2024 issue of Coming Home magazine.

It’s brimming with all the enchanting topics and mysterious delights that define autumn, inspiring this issue’s theme: “The Magic of Fall.” Inside, you’ll learn the art of apple harvesting, savor recipes that showcase autumn’s rich flavors, and uncover spine-tingling reads and North American haunts that thrill. Here’s a sneak peek:

Leaf-Raking Lessons: Five Fall Cleanup Hacks (Pg. 8)
Raking leaves is a necessary autumn chore, but it doesn’t have to be a tedious task. With our strategies, tips, and techniques, you can make raking a breeze—and get more time to enjoy the crisp air and colorful foliage. Get ready to uncover secrets to help you conquer your yard with confidence this fall.

Winning the Tailgate: How to Host the Ultimate Pre-Game Party (Pg. 13)
Tailgates invite fans to gather outside stadiums and in parking lots to eat, drink, and get hyped up before the main sporting event. An exciting and cherished game-day ritual, a tailgate should make everyone feel like winners regardless of the score. Don’t drop the ball—use our tips to become the tailgating MVP!

The Magic of Fall: Fun Holidays to Celebrate this Season (Pg. 14)
As hot summer days are replaced by brisk, cool mornings, fall is slowly casting its spell on us. With the leaves dancing in the wind, breeze brushing against your arm, and woodsy smell permeating the air, autumn’s natural wonders captivate the senses while generating excitement for what’s to come. Playing host to some of the most cherished celebrations, fall’s magic lies in the traditions, reflection, and joy illuminated through each occasion. Follow along as we highlight a few spirited fall festivities and all the hocus-pocus surrounding them, including:

Mid-Autumn Festival
Oktoberfest
Canadian Thanksgiving
Halloween
Day of the Dead
Diwali

Spooky Spots: Discover the Most Haunted Places in North America (Pg. 22)
Pumpkin spice lattes and hayrides aren’t the only reasons for the fall season. When the air turns crisp and our nights grow longer, it’s time to explore what lurks in the shadows. Whether it’s the coal-filled hollows of Appalachia, mysterious mansions on the East Coast, or remote islands in Mexico, North America is abundant with haunts sure to give you goosebumps. These six spooky spots are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine:

House of the Seven Gables (Salem, Massachusetts)
Croke-Patterson Mansion (Denver, Colorado)
Berkeley Castle (Berkeley Springs, West Virginia)
Hull House (Chicago, Illinois)
St. Ann’s Academy (Victoria, BC, Canada)
Isla de las Munecas (Xochimilco, Mexico)

Sweeter Dreams: Debunking Popular Sleep Myths (Pg. 26)
Why is it so hard to get a good night’s sleep? It’s a question we’ve probably all asked that doesn’t have a single answer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that one in three adults in the United States doesn’t get enough sleep. The reasons why can depend on several factors. With all the misinformation and old wives’ tales surrounding sleep, it’s easy to get wrapped up in ideas that are a complete yawn. We’re putting some of the most common sleep myths to bed and offering trusted remedies to help you sleep soundly.

Paint Like a Pro: House Painting Tips for Beginners (Pg. 29)
One of the most novice-friendly DIY tasks, painting can boost your home’s appearance with a fresh new look. However, going into a paint project without knowing some basics can make a seemingly easy job ten times sloppier. We’re here to tell you: picture-perfect painting is possible. Just follow our six proven beginner painting tips to create a head-turning masterpiece.

Gen What? Everything Your Generation Classification Has to Say About You (Pg. 30)
Think about your childhood and all the moments that helped shape who you are now. Those events and similar circumstances influenced other people in your age group, too! Seven different generations of people are still alive today. Most generational timelines span 15 years and are marked by sociocultural and historical happenings that impact the way generation members act, what they value, and how they respond to life’s challenges. Follow along to explore each generation and how they’re characterized—you may learn a little more about yourself and those around you.

Please enjoy this edition of Coming Home!

Coming Home Magazine – 2024-02 Summer Issue

Summer is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate the start of our favorite season than with a new issue of Coming Home magazine.

The theme of this edition is refresh—and we’ve crafted positive and energizing stories for you to enjoy. Within this issue, you’ll find lifestyle magazine articles for homeowners, including a fun word search, projects to revitalize your home, frozen treat recipes, a classic car guide, and so much more.

Take the Plunge: Explore the Benefits of Cold Plunging (Pg. 6)
A practice popularized by athletes and brave polar plungers, cold plunging is everywhere these days. From “cold plunge with me” videos on social media to new treatments offered at local spas and dedicated cryotherapy clinics, cold-water submersion isn’t going unnoticed. And maybe for good reason: exposing yourself to the cold, particularly after a long and strenuous workout, can only be good for you—right? In this article, we tell you everything to know about this ice-cool trend.

Batter Up: Everything You Need to Know About Baseball (Pg. 10)
Hey, batter, batter: swing! Your favorite pastime, baseball, is back. To impress your friends with all your on-field knowledge, we’re serving a cool refresher on the sport. We cover all the bases right here.

Summer Refresh: Must-Try Home Improvement Projects (Pg. 16)
Don’t spend all these daylight hours on wishful thinking; get up and go! Summer is the perfect opportunity to bring your home improvement dreams to life. Explore our list of fast—and fulfilling—projects you can knock out in one afternoon, one day, or just one weekend.

Chill Out: Frozen Recipes to Beat the Heat (Pg. 26)
Need to get a break from summer’s blazing heat? Enjoy one of our frozen recipes. In this article, we share recipes for:

- Mango Strawberry Popsicles
- Banana Splits on Sticks
- Rosemary-Aperol Floats

The Ride of a Lifetime: An Overview of the Best Classic Cars and Where to See Them (Pg. 30)
The purr of the engine and the beautiful craftsmanship of a classic car bring joy, nostalgia, awe, and appreciation to car enthusiasts and spectators alike. Modern relics of when life went slower and dreams came faster, classic vehicles bear witness to that bygone era and take us on a journey of discovery, innovation, and lasting spirit. Ride along as we cruise through the lifetime of automotives, highlighting their monumental impact at the turn of the 20th century and relevance in today’s future-focused world.

Stars & Stripes Standards: How to Properly Display the American Flag (Pg. 32)
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and millions of people will fly flags to recognize the patriotic holiday. If you plan on touting this iconic symbol of freedom, remember there’s a right way to set up, display, and dispose of the flag. Explore important flag etiquette reminders for a successful celebration.

Ready for Anything: Five Emergency Preparedness Tips You Can Use Now (Pg. 34)
We’re all at risk for severe weather. Whether it’s torrential rain and flooding or extreme heat and wildfires, there’s likely some form of weather-related natural disaster that your area is familiar with. To keep yourself and your family safe, it makes sense to be prepared—especially when doing so is easy. Discover five simple things you can do now to prepare for an emergency.

Please enjoy this edition of Coming Home!

Coming Home Magazine – 2024-01 Spring Issue

Spring is finally here, and we’re excited to kick it off with our 2024 Spring edition of Coming Home magazine! This issue is about embracing all the creativity that surrounds us. Inside, you’ll find spring lifestyle articles for homeowners, including tips on making the best refreshing cocktails, rainy day activities, fusion recipes, and so much more!

DIY Drinks: How to Make Better Cocktails at Home (Pg. 6)

Mixing up your own cocktails at home is like embarking on a thrilling adventure packed with fun challenges and delicious rewards. It’s a fantastic way to spice up a dinner party or become the ultimate host. Playing around with mixology can boost your creativity and turn your get-togethers into unforgettable events. So, come along as we share some tips on creating tastier and more exciting cocktails at home!

Farm to Table: Farmers Market Shopping Hacks (Pg. 10)

There’s something truly magical about strolling through the farmers market on a crisp spring morning. From vibrant produce to artisanal treats, the sights and smells awaken the senses and ignite culinary inspiration. But navigating the market can be overwhelming without a game plan. That’s why we share insider tips to help you make the most of your farmers market experience. Get ready to fill your basket with the season’s finest offerings!

Flavorful Fusions: Unexpectedly Spectacular Recipes (Pg. 12)

Brighten up those rainy spring days with our spectacular fusion recipes. Whether you’re looking to whip up a storm on a lazy weekend or add some spice to a weekday dinner, our easy-to-follow recipes are here to save the day. Dive into a world of flavors and creativity as you explore these delicious dishes that blend the best of different cuisines.

A World of Inspiration: Design Styles from Around the World (Pg. 14)

Whether you’re seeking a spring update or embarking on your first decorating endeavor, each of the countries included boasts its own unique style. From the understated yet functional minimalism of Danish design to the bold and colorful maximalism found in Mexican homes, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration from around the globe awaiting you.

Nothing But Net: Everything You Need to Know About Basketball (Pg. 28)

It’s basketball season, and fans all over are gathering to watch the sport that captivates spectators with its fast-paced action and electrifying energy. To help you better understand how it works, we break down the fundamentals of the game, from positions to the lingo. So, get ready to keep pace with the game and understand what’s happening!

Welcome Spring with Coming Home Magazine!

As the seasons change, let us inspire you with exciting ideas. Explore new flavors, dive into basketball, and enhance your spring experience with our curated articles. Join us as we welcome the season with open arms!

Financial Risks of Choosing an Unproven Management Firm

Consider the financial risks of hiring unproven association management firm

With the recent changes in the U.S. housing market and the rise of online real estate platforms, many less experienced real estate agents and brokers have shifted their business from real estate sales to condominium and homeowners association management. While some smaller, unproven management firms may have a great sales pitch, there are potential risks associated with smaller, less experienced, and less financially secure management firms that could have a major impact on your community association, such as:

Impartial Manager Fiduciary: A small management company will have fewer HOA managers, and they may be overly reliant on one or two managers, who may also be principal owner(s) of the management firm. It is important for the community manager and firm to have an independent relationship for the continuity, transparency, and efficiency of the HOA operations. It can also take time and resources for less experienced managers to learn the specifics of the HOA and establish a reputation and rapport with the board and the homeowners. Does the smaller firm have the experience, financial backing, employee recruiting opportunities, and insurance coverage to survive and guide your association through any financial or disaster situation? If the smaller firm had a financial setback, would your association be impacted? It is important to understand the financial risk you are taking as a board member of your association.

Lack of Communication: An unproven management company may not have enough staff or advanced systems to respond to the HOA’s queries or concerns in a timely manner. This can lead to frustration, misunderstanding, legal issues, and mistrust between the HOA and the management company.

Low-Quality Vendor Services: A less experienced management company will not have a rigorous vendor selection process or a wide network of reliable and reputable insured and licensed vendors. This can result in low-quality or overpriced services for the HOA and a lack of independent financial oversight of the relationship between the management company and the vendor. The ethical issues can also carry over to the Board of Directors and affect the long-term maintenance and financial strength of the community and insurance coverage. All three items can have a detrimental impact on the resale value of homes within the association.

Inadequate Accounting and Reporting: A small management company may not have the expertise or the technology to handle the HOA’s accounting, reporting, and Human Resource needs. This can result in errors, discrepancies, or delays in the HOA’s financial statements, which can affect the transparency and accuracy of the HOA’s financial health.

Risk of Income Loss: A smaller management company may not have the skills or the tools to manage the HOA’s cash flow, collections, and reserve funds. This can result in a decrease in revenues or an increase in expenses, which can affect the HOA’s ability to fund its operations and capital projects.

Risk of Fraud, Theft, or Embezzlement: Last but certainly not least, a smaller, less experienced management company will likely not have the proper safeguards or controls to prevent or detect fraud, theft, or embezzlement of the HOA’s funds, including from online cyber security threats. This can result in a significant loss of money or assets, which can damage the HOA’s reputation and financial stability. We have helped many associations over our history that have had funds stolen from smaller management companies leaving the community in financial shambles. CMA has the experience and resources to help any association recover, but it can take years to fill the hole which will impact the resale values and insurability of the association.

These are just a few of the possible financial risks of an HOA going with an unproven management company. However, not all management companies are the same, and some may provide excellent service and meet the needs of your community. It is important for the board to do its due diligence and research before hiring any management company, regardless of its size. The board should also monitor and evaluate the performance of the management company and its insurance coverage and licensing regularly, and communicate any issues or concerns as soon as possible to reduce the financial impact on the association.

CMA has the expertise and resources to help guide your association through any crisis or loss. As the largest community association property management company in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Augusta, Dunwoody, Peachtree City, Roswell, Birmingham, Fairhope, Nashville, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and Naples, we are here to help your community thrive.

What Makes CMA a Great Place to Work?

Community Management Associates (CMA) is a company that specializes in helping community associations thrive by providing over three decades of management and hiring expertise. If you love helping communities and being part of a great team, join CMA as an association manager and boost your community association career today.

Our Background

Dan Henning and Dennis Hoffman established CMA in 1989. What started as a company with 7 Associations and only four employees is now a full-scale enterprise with over 1,100 Associations located throughout the southeastern United States. CMA has local offices in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee. We currently have 150+ state-licensed association managers working across the southeast United States.

Why should you work for CMA?

CMA has made its mark as a distinguished leader in association management for the past 35 years by offering continuous innovation and training to our team. When it comes to property management careers in Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, Augusta, Destin, and Naples, CMA is an industry leader that attracts the best and brightest leaders in association management.

Robust credentials

CMA is a part of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), Chamber of Commerce, and other licensing entities in the southeastern United States. CMA has also been ranked as the top association management firm in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle for 20 years in a row.

Employee benefits

CMA employees boast of the benefits that they receive from their company. Some of these are:

Medical/Vision/Dental
Life & Disability Insurance
Flexible Paid Time Off
Volunteer Time Off
Company Sponsored 401K

Fostering positive work culture

CMA prioritizes a healthy work-life balance and believes that employees can only work to their full potential if they lead a happy life outside of the office. CMA strives to makes sure employees feel supported, encouraged, and satisfied with their jobs. For this, CMA offers flexible PTOs and telework opportunities.

CMA seeks to cultivate a work environment that inspires new ideas and supports highly motivated individuals to be truly successful. Employees are valued for their talent, while their differences are acknowledged and accepted. CMA also ensures that employees have a respectful attitude towards varied perspectives.

As a CMA client, our dedication to employee training and benefits means that your association has access to highly-trained staff that feel a sense of community in their workplace, which resonates in their behavior while offering services to their clients.

Inclusive employment practices

CMA is an equal-opportunity employer. This means that CMA considers employee applications irrespective of the person’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, veteran, or disability status.

What are the positions available at CMA?

Community Association Manager – responsible for allocating resources to ensure the management and support of community associations under the guidance of CMA.
Compliance coordinator – responsible for enforcing restrictions imposed in the community’s memorandum regarding maintenance, architectural specifications, and the guidelines established by the homeowner’s association.
Accounting – The financial services team keeps financial transaction records and the general ledger for accounts payable, and receivable, and adjusting journal entries.
Administrative Assistant – By providing internal and external customer service, the Administrative Assistant assists the Community Association Managers and our client associations.

Click here to find the positions available at CMA today.

What Makes CMA Different?

What makes CMA different?

If your community is considering a new community association management company, as the leader in association management throughout the southeast, Community Management Associates may be the solution your association has been searching for. Our core values of loyalty, integrity, trust, mutual respect, and professionalism have helped us become trusted leaders in the industry. Client satisfaction is our primary objective, and we are willing to go the extra mile for all our valued customers. We actively participate in the communities we serve to make a difference from within. Choose CMA and get the level of service your community deserves.

Unmatched expertise!

CMA belongs to several chapters of the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Associations Institute in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama, and many other licensing organizations in the southeast. Our community association managers meet or exceed the state licensing and certifications requirements in every state we serve. They have the professional skill set to help communities thrive. The PCAM designation is awarded to the top managers that specialize in community association management. CMA is proud to hold the highest number of PCAMs of any association management company in the region. Our experienced managers have advanced skills to tackle any situation that comes their way. We make it a point to assign communities to managers based on geographical proximity so the community receives the best possible service and our managers spend less time in traffic!

How do we ensure excellence?

CMA hires talented state licensed community association manager professionals who are willing to innovate. We focus on the combined strengths of the team as a whole, allowing everyone to share their new ideas and initiate valuable collaborations. Not only will your community have access to your assigned association manager, but each community association manager is also supported by our client services team and a supervising manager to assist residents and board members as needed. CMA also offers after-hours emergency call service to handle emergency calls during non-business hours. CMA is always available for your community. We are always looking for inventive, highly motivated professionals interested in community association management to join our team. Find your career with CMA.

We offer a wide range of services!

One of our main strengths at CMA is that we offer customizable service solutions to meet the unique needs of each community. Whether your community needs full service with concierge staff, financial only or developer management through the turnover process, CMA can customize a solution for you. We know that every association has its distinctive characteristics, and we want to preserve those details and character. We strive to ensure that you are proud of your home and community by offering a wide range of services. Whether you need help for property management in Atlanta, August, Birmingham, Nashville, Destin, Santa Rosa, or Naples, we are always here for you. Our customer service is ready to answer your calls. Some of our popular services include:

We help Homeowners Associations operate smoothly so they can maximize their resources and keep the community financially secure.

Training for new board members.

Our team of talented managers will be able to gauge the needs of the community preemptively. CMA will handle all communication efficiently to ensure that your owner residents are heard.

Accurate and transparent association accounting of financial records is vital to community association management. Our in-house financial experts will provide you with 24/7 financial visibility so you know how your association funds are being handled. Newer or smaller management firms with less oversight and experience can’t provide your community with the same financial peace of mind as CMA.

We can help you with payroll, assessment collection, annual budgeting, special assessments, capital improvement loans, insurance reviews, annual contract reviews, and many other important association functions.

You can contact us here!

Coming Home Magazine – 2023-04 Winter Issue

The merriest season of all is finally here, and so is our Winter 2023 issue of Coming Home magazine! How to find and embrace warmth and comfort during shorter and colder days is at the forefront of this sensational issue. In these winter and holiday lifestyle articles for homeowners, you’ll find:

7 Questions with a Christmas Tree Vendor (Pg. 10)

The most magical decoration of them all, the Christmas tree represents everything there is to adore about the holidays. As they bring their natural fragrance to homes everywhere, knowing how to make them last until January is a secret we unveiled in our interview with a Christmas tree vendor. Get ready to take delight in your tree a little longer with her insider tips and tricks!

Five Ways to Feel Happier in the Next Five Minutes (Pg. 12)

Finding joy can sometimes feel like a mission impossible amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Luckily, you can feel better in just five minutes. Check out our five much-needed strategies to get a well-deserved burst of bliss.

A Complete Holiday Event Handbook (Pg. 14)

Sleigh your way through holiday party planning with this step-by-step guide to hosting. During these festive days filled with soirées and celebrations, mastering the art of meticulous preparation is essential for every host or hostess. Read this article to learn the best practices for preparing everything.

Paw-liday Safety (Pg. 24)

As excited as we get about the end-of-year holidays, so do are our furry friends living with us. With constant celebrations, lively decorations, and yummy foods, we need to remember to keep pets safe around the house. In this article we share how to create a space that’s festive and pet-friendly!

Happy Holidays from Coming Home Magazine!

As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, our winter-exclusive Coming Home issue brings you a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration to make your holidays extra special. From the secrets of evergreen experts and the longevity of your Christmas tree to quick happiness-boosting strategies and a complete holiday event handbook, we’ve covered it all. Wishing you a joy-filled and safe holiday season. Happy Holidays!

Boosting Neighbor Participation in HOA/Condo Meetings

Homeowner engagement is one of the main pillars of a strong community. Existing and new homeowners need to be involved in the community and participate in HOA meetings often. HOA meetings are an essential part of community association management, as they allow the board of directors and homeowners to communicate, make decisions, and resolve issues that affect the community for years to come. Participation in HOA meetings is important for both the board and the homeowners, as it ensures that the community’s needs and interests are represented and addressed timely.

Participation in HOA community meetings is encouraged and sometimes required by the governing documents. Board members and homeowners have the right and the responsibility to attend, speak, ask questions, and vote at the meetings, as appropriate. Participation should be respectful, constructive, and relevant to the agenda items. Virtual participation can help increase engagement due to everyone’s personal responsibilities. With virtual participation owners are give the option of attending and participating in HOA meetings remotely, using technology such as phone, video, or online platforms. Virtual participation may be allowed or required by the governing documents, the state law, or the board’s discretion, depending on the circumstances. Virtual participation should follow the same rules and etiquette as in-person participation, and should ensure that the meeting is accessible, secure, and transparent.

As more homeowners begin to participate in HOA meetings, you will be able to collect feedback and create a well-managed community. If you are looking to boost attendance at your HOA/condo meetings, you can use the following tips.

Welcome the new homeowners

Many homeowners like to be formally welcomed into the neighborhood. It helps them recognize the role of the HOA in the community. You can send a welcome package curated by the HOA, so the new homeowners feel welcomed. Make sure to include items that feel personal to your community. Setting up a Welcoming Committee is essential to program consistency.

Host social events

Neighbors need to meet each other and establish camaraderie to create a thriving community. HOA meetings will see higher attendance when the neighbors feel as if they are doing something together for the community. Organize a few social events throughout the year so that homeowners in the neighborhood get a chance to get acquainted.

Widen the scope for participation

The prospect of simply attending meetings might not be appealing to many. You will benefit from providing them with an incentive to attend the meeting. Consider the broader interests of the community and how the residents can actively participate in decision-making. Creating volunteer committees will provide homeowners an avenue to engage with the community further. Committees allow everyone to share the responsibilities and have regular interaction.

Depending on the activities and interests of the board, you can start a Neighborhood Welcome Committee, a Landscape and Beautification Committee, a Homeowner Education Committee, a Finance & Budget Committee among others. This will help to foster a sense of community and responsibility which will increase participation in HOA meetings since everyone will want to stay updated in regards to their committee.

Regular communication

The HOA has to maintain regular communication with each of the homeowners to keep them engaged. Social media and emails have made it so much easier to broadcast information and keep everyone in the loop. You can issue a notice about the next HOA meeting and include the time and date so that more people are aware of it. Keep improving your communication methods. Working with a community manager at the leading professional community association management company in the southeast can alleviate the administrative burden on board and committee members. Make use of the advanced technology and web portal solutions that Community Management Associates has to offer every client.

Be punctual and respect everyone’s time

A board meeting should begin and end at the specified time. Homeowners like to know how much time they will be spending at the board meeting so they can arrange their schedule accordingly. Shorter and crisper board meetings will see higher attendance. If you develop a reputation for disrespecting everyone’s time, then homeowners will be less likely to get involved in the proceedings.

Reward engagement

Once the attendance of your HOA meeting goes up, you have to maintain the efforts. Show appreciation for the attendees so they continue to show up.

Boosting neighbor participation in HOA meetings will lead to new ideas and transparent community improvements. CMA can offer our decades of experience and resources to help encourage participation for a stronger HOA or condominium community.

In summary, community association management participation in HOA meetings is a vital aspect of maintaining a healthy, harmonious, and successful community. By following the rules and guidelines for HOA meetings, board members and homeowners can ensure that the meetings are productive, transparent, efficient, fair, and that the community’s best interests are served. For more information on improving community association management participation in HOA and condominium meetings, please contact Community Management Associates. CMA offers decades of experience as the premier association management company in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Norcross, Peachtree City, Augusta, Birmingham, Fairhope, Nashville, Destin, Naples, and Santa Rosa Beach.

See how Community Management Associates can help your community increase owner participation for your community association. Request your customized community association quote today.

Fire Prevention Awareness

Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

As we head into cooler months and holidays, it is important to check the fire and CO2 alarms in your home to prevent emergencies, whether you live in a condominium or high-rise building. If you don’t have fire or CO2 alarms in your home, adding alarms can save lives and property. Check with your local fire department to conduct a free property evaluation survey.

Install the appropriate number of smoke alarms & CO2 alarms. Test alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Check the expiration dates on your alarms, most devices expire after ten years.
Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.
Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
Teach household members to STOP, DROP, and ROLL if their clothes catch on fire.

(Source: From 7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire at RedCross.org)

For more helpful fire prevention tips for your home, condominium, or high-rise building, visit American Red Cross or National Fire Protection Association

See how a professional property management company can help your community better prepare for any emergency with Community Management Associates, Georgia’s leading condominium and HOA management company with offices in Atlanta, Augusta. We have solutions to meet the needs of every community. Community Association Board of Directors can also find CMA offices in Birmingham, Fairhope, Destin, Naples, Santa Rosa Beach, & Nashville.