Category: Community Association Management

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.

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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?

  1.  Community Association Manager – responsible for allocating resources to ensure the management and support of community associations under the guidance of CMA. 
  2.  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. 
  3.  Accounting – The financial services team keeps financial transaction records and the general ledger for accounts payable, and receivable, and adjusting journal entries. 
  4.  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!

Boosting Neighbor Participation in HOA/Condo Meetings

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.

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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. 

  1. Install the appropriate number of smoke alarms & CO2 alarms. Test alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.

  2. Check the expiration dates on your alarms, most devices expire after ten years.

  3. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.

  4. 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.

  5. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.

  6. 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.

  7. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

  8. 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.       

Fall Landscaping Ideas for HOAs

Autumn Homes

With fall’s agreeable temperatures enticing people to get outside, now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your neighborhood’s landscaping for a more visually appealing and welcoming atmosphere. Read on for information on what to do before tackling a project and a few simple fall landscaping ideas to boost the appearance of your community.

Any homeowners’ association (HOA) or condominium association (COA) strives to create a warm and welcoming environment where residents can make the most of community living. An inviting community encourages homeowners to take advantage of shared amenities, engage with neighbors, and enjoy the comforts of their neighborhood after a busy day.

What to Do Before Tackling a Landscaping Project

Before diving into these fall HOA landscaping ideas, review the landscaping rules in your governing documents for prior approval before making any changes to your landscape. Your community’s regulations will help you maintain your community’s consistency and avoid designs that disrupt the neighborhood’s aesthetic. For example, your HOA may require all landscaping to follow an approved color palette. This ensures that outdoor areas around the community are cohesive and complementary.

Because every community is unique and has its own style, following your HOA’s landscaping maintenance guidelines is vital. Remember, what works for a neighboring association may not be best for yours. Use your HOA rules to guide you as you look for new fall landscaping plants, flowers, and other ideas for community grounds.

Once written approval is obtained from your community, put the project out to bid with reputable and vetted licensed and insured service providers. Once a contractor is selected, make sure the contractor is aware and follows all community guidelines.  Whether you are hiring a professional contractor, or tackling the project yourself, prior to starting any work, find out if your project needs a local county permit and call 811 to locate and mark all underground utilities prior to any digging.

Fall Landscaping Ideas for HOAs

By making small changes around the neighborhood, you can quickly—and easily—transform how your community looks and feels. Here are four ways you can take advantage of the season and enhance the community’s overall aesthetic.

1. Outdoor lighting.

When it comes to fall landscaping, simple lighting updates will make a big impact. Better outdoor lighting can have a dramatic effect on outdoor landscaping, help you save on energy costs, and make the community safer. Here are some ways to upgrade your exterior lighting:

  • Set lights to a photocell sensor or solar timer. These devices automatically turn lights on when it gets dark and off when extra light is unnecessary. They not only save energy, but also enhance safety and security—nothing looks more inviting than well-lit streets.
  • Stay on top of replacing bulbs. Changing a single bulb at a time can be costly, so have all bulbs inspected and replaced as needed this fall. This will typically allow you to purchase bulbs in bulk, providing a savings opportunity.
  • Switch to energy-efficient lighting. The pricing and quality of light-emitting diode (LED) and solar lighting have significantly developed over the last decade. To save on energy, consider migrating to LED lamps in your existing fixtures or replacing them with solar lighting.
  • Add uplights and spotlights in outdoor areas. Beautiful outdoor lighting highlighting community trees, fountains, and other landscaping features can instantly boost curb appeal and security.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a nationwide survey showed that homebuyers’ most-wanted outdoor feature was exterior lighting. With such an important emphasis on lighting, upgrading your HOA landscaping lighting may be worth the effort.

2. Plant trees.

You can easily add to your community’s ambiance and increase property values with trees. With fall’s mild temperatures and ripe soil, now is the perfect time to plant them. However, the placement and size of trees are crucial. Although you should incorporate a balance of plants and trees, confirm the species and types don’t grow so big that they overcrowd and block homes or buildings. Plant trees that offer minimal fall landscaping maintenance and draw attention to community structures and shared areas.

Depending on your location, popular tree types that may be a great addition to your community include:

  • Crabapple trees
  • Magnolia trees
  • Oak trees
  • Palms

In addition to improved community appearance, research shows that neighborhoods with thriving trees may also experience less crime than communities with no trees. While you should check your governing documents for restrictions and defer to your landscaping vendor on what trees work best in your community, it’s something to think about as you move forward.

3. Tidy up and clear out foliage.

Preserve community grounds and ensure that common areas don’t have overgrown grass and unkempt landscaping. A property that looks like it’s not taken care of can leave a bad impression on potential homebuyers and limit resident satisfaction. Make an effort to keep neighborhood grounds tidy by:

  • Trimming trees and bushes
  • Cutting grass and tending to garden beds
  • Clearing out broken or dead branches and rotted wood

4. Refresh mulch.

Maintain plants in common areas throughout the season with a thick layer of mulch. A three-inch layer can drastically reduce weed growth, which will save on the cost of fall landscaping services. Also, healthy mulch offers a crisp, clean, and refreshed look to your community landscaping, which helps create the beautiful environment you want for your HOA.

However, avoid piling mulch up against tree trunks and shrub stems. This allows pests to burrow under the mulch and gnaw on the plants and roots. Leave at least an inch gap between the stem or trunk and the mulch for optimal plant health.

Improve Community Living with Regular Fall Maintenance

Updating your landscaping this season is a great goal, but keeping your community’s buildings, grounds, and systems in good working order this time of year is crucial as we head into winter. If you have any questions about your community’s guidelines, please contact your association manager.

What Does a Community Management Association Company Do

What Does a Community Management Association Company Do?

Ever wondered why your cul-de-sac was so peaceful growing up? No fights, clean lanes, friendly neighbors- your local community association probably had something to do with all this.

Local Community Associations 

Neighborhood homeowners play an essential role in maintaining common spaces and improving community welfare. 

A community association comprises volunteers, as well as elected and mandatory members. Larger communities often have member fees, while smaller neighborhoods are mostly civic bodies.

When to Hire a Community Management Association Company

With an efficient community association at the helm, people don’t easily notice things like property taxes or association fees and vendor rates. It is when this system breaks that they realize the importance of their roles in their daily lives. 

In dire cases, a community management association company is called to help oil the gears of this resident community.

Role of the Community Management Association Company

 It offers assistance to the HOA (homeowners association) in administration or finance. This service helps the community association a great deal. More prominent neighborhoods benefit particularly from the budget sessions and vendor billing tips that the company associate provides.

Community management association companies have been around for some time. Businesses like Atlanta’s Community Management Associates have over three decades of experience.

They are usually hired by overworked community presidents or stressed boards of directors. And after signing relevant paperwork, the company starts on its role. 

Role of Community Association Company Manager

A community association manager is dispatched to the neighborhood as a representative. The manager also helps the struggling local association in tasks like neighborhood budget planning, professional billing and common area maintenance.

While his roles may include finance and administration, his goal is always to enrich the entire community.

Finance and Administrative Skills

 The company manager is skilled in community management while being an expert in negotiations and conflict resolutions. If the board of directors are hesitant about loan applications, they can consult with the community association manager. 

The same can be done for advice on tax returns, service contractors and venue management.

All good community management association companies interact with the people of the neighborhood. The residents provide crucial feedback on necessary changes for protection against vandalism or the monthly billings.

Importance of Community Management Association Company

A neighborly bond is a valuable thing, but it can be a con in some instances. Community volunteers and the board of directors are often reluctant to broach the topic of finance with their fellow residents. 

Hiring the service of a management company like Community Management Associates can easily solve this problem. A third party will have no problem talking bills, fees and finance with the neighborhood residents.

Even tricky conversations regarding complaints and fines can be presided over by the community management association company. The manager relieves an enormous load off the community president/board’s back. As a result, they can focus on more important work like budgets and community safety.

Hiring a community management association company is the answer if you want your neighborhood to work like well-oiled clockwork.

A Day in the Life of an Association Manager

A Day in the Life of an Association Manager

Don’t you hate having to argue with your neighbors? Hiring a professional management company can help keep the peace among neighbors!

The main task of a licensed community association manager with a professional community management company is to assist the board with the day to day operations and maintenance of the community and provide financial transparency to its members. Managers also help residents by taking calls, emails, handling property emergencies, and maintaining the standards of the community by sending out compliance communication to residents. Life as an association manager is full of rewards and many challenges!

Who is an Association Manager?

Community managers and management companies are the professional backbone of the associations they serve, providing the skills and expertise that are essential to the successful management of community associations. When neighborhood associations face problems or wish to improve the conditions of association common areas, they look to hire a professional community management company that is licensed by the state. Community Management Associates assist community volunteer board of directors in matters of finance and administration related to the association. 

Community Management Company Associate Manager: A Day in the Life

Associate managers have a broad spectrum of roles to fulfill in the community neighborhood. They take care of everything from solving petty misunderstandings to drafting the annual budget for the community so the board can finalize. Any feedback or complaints is quickly brought into consideration or resolved. But among their roles, community finance and neighborhood management are their primary areas of work.

Management Work

The maintenance and renovation within the community fall under the responsibility of the associate manager. If a roof leaks or a pipe break, he is the first individual the resident contacts. The manager is always patient and actively work towards solving the problem in such cases.

Their service also includes acting as a mediator between residents and service vendors. The manager also has to resolve any conflict that may arise between them. Bill delivery, repair of communal areas, health inspections and venue organization are the other areas they must handle.

Financial Work

The essential financial roles that the associate manager must fulfil are maintaining community funds, registering bills, and sharing tax histories. Sometimes, the boards of directors involve them in brainstorming the annual community budget. In such cases, the manager may assist in formulating loan applications to meet the financial needs. Regarding accidents with the residents in the community, the insurance company usually contacts the company manager for deeper insight.

Tough Love

Juggling bills and answering phone complaints are not the only thing an associate manager handles. Maybe it’s that guy from B-3 who plays rock at the oddest hours, or perhaps it’s the gentleman who always keeps the gate unlocked- there are times when the residents need a bit of tough love. These are the moments when associate managers come in most handy. For the community directors and the board, these people are neighbors and acquaintances. These community association members live next door to these people. Any harsh language and chastisement can lead to a detriment in the relationships. Therefore associate managers from companies like Community Management Associates are hired to do the tricky bits.

Simply informing residents about the rules or scolding them is not professional. All good managers have excellent interpersonal skills that open up communication. They must make residents aware of their mistakes while still maintaining a good relationship for the sake of the future.

End of Day 

As a result, an ordinary day of an associate manager is anything but boring.  Things don’t get slow in the block, from meeting contractors for repairs to putting out sudden fires to simply having a stimulating conversation.

Keeping the Peace Difficult Conversations with Neighbors

Keeping the Peace: Difficult Conversations with Neighbors

In community residences, good fences do make good neighbors.

But with some pressing issues when you have no choice but to be vocal about your problems.

Community boards and homeowner associations often hire third-party services like Community Management Associates to have these difficult conversations. 

These people are professionals who assist homeowners’ associations (HOA) in improving the community. 

Advice from a Community Management Company

The associate manager is their primary point of contact. Aside from accounting and management experience, they must also have well-developed communication skills. This particular skill set is necessary to maintain a professional relationship with the residents.

Here’s how managers keep things cordial while still being stern. 

  • Never Be on the Offensive

It is crucial to be open to resolution when raising an issue with your neighbors. Make sure your priority is solving the problem. Never use it to vent at your neighbor.

Blindly reacting in the heat of the moment does more harm than good. You want a dialogue, not an argument.

  • Do Not Add Past Grievances to the Issue at Hand

This piling up of old complaints is the worst thing you could do. An allegation immediately puts your neighbor on the defensive. 

Your conversation should only center around the issue at hand. People often make the mistake of pulling other residents into the mix. Instead of strengthening your argument, this only makes your neighbor feel attacked.

They are more likely to lash out in anger, turning your issue into a full-blown fight.

  • Try to See Things from Their Perspective

 For example, water from your upstairs neighbor may be trickling into your terrace daily. Instead of stomping there to argue, investigate a bit. They may be simply be watering plants, unaware of any issues downstairs. You can now calmly approach them after being adequately informed of the situation.

Sometimes conflicts may be unavoidable. A neighbor’s damaged car may block your gate. 

In such cases be as accommodating as possible. Chances are they’ll do the same for you when the time comes.

  • Build a Healthy Relationship

Say hello when you run into them, help them carry luggage upstairs when possible. This practice helps build healthy rapport. 

So, when the time comes, they are more likely to be amenable to your grievances.

  • Keep Track in Case of Repeated Offenses

Some neighbors don’t seem to get the memo. If they are not open to resolving things peacefully, make it a point to note down details. 

Since the culprit has chosen to ignore your repeated requests, you can inform the associate housing manager about the issue. Since it solidifies your argument, your log is sure to come in handy during this time.

  • File a Complaint with the Board Only as a Last Resort

Inform the board only if the issue with your neighbor persists despite your repeated requests. Filing a complaint can damage relationships and should be done only as a last resort. 

After deliberations, the community members and the board to discuss your issue may introduce new penalties and fines preventing such violations in the future. 

This decision affects the entire community rather than just you and the offender. So, it is essential to make communication and resolution the primary weapons in your arsenal.

 

What to Look for When Selecting an Association Management Partner

What to Look for When Selecting an Association Management Partner

Managing a community is hard work. From maintenance issues to complaint resolution, it is easy for untrained local volunteers and homeowners to get overwhelmed.

Why Do You Need an Association Management Partner?

In many community bodies, the board mainly consist of homemakers who volunteer for the role. They lack proper training in accounting and conflict management. 

As a result, their community associations responsibilities are not executed efficient. In such cases, a third party enters to guide them and provide necessary assistance.

Many homeowners’ associations hire community management firms to improve, maintain and resolve community management. 

After signing a contract, companies like Company Management Associates send a representative as a point of contact to advise and guide them. These are experienced agents excelling in finance as well as interpersonal skills.

With over 345,000 community associations in the country, there is plenty of demand for partners. 

Homeowner associations must pay careful attention to these traits in management companies to bag the best of the lot.

The Business Model

Some companies have a fit-all approach to community management. They apply the same model to all localities and locations. 

A model customized for a large community will not work for a minor association. The governing bodies in these communities are usually volunteers. They cannot dedicate the same amount of time to their responsibilities as their more formal counterparts in more prominent associations.

Small communities tend to be civic-oriented, while prominent neighborhoods focus more on finance and administration. 

To get the best results, it is vital to choose a partner whose values align with those of the community.


Work History/Experience

Reviews from past customers are key to getting a ground-level knowledge of the company. A comprehensive of their daily workings can be unearthed with a bit of research.

Experienced companies like Community Management Associates are always more likely to be more efficient partners. With 32 years of professional management work, they know the little quirks acquired only with experience.

Larger, more established companies also have more employees. As a result, they have more varied talents and can provide a broader range of services. 


Connections

From drain cleanings to gas leak repair, local service providers are crucial for every community. Almost every maintenance issue requires their service. So, a good association management partner must have a wide range of such connections. 

Besides this, the service providers must be reliable and trustworthy. Sometimes these workers may get injured during work. If they are not appropriately insured, hefty charges may be incurred by the homeowners’ associations.  

Therefore, it is essential to validate the certification, license and insurance of these service providers.


Relevant Certifications/Credentials

A partner must possess relevant documentation and certificates to back up their years of experience.

It is crucial to verify the company’s trade associations certifications. The Community Associations Institute (CAI) is a leading international trade organization focusing on developments. 

The Professional Community Association Manager is a prestigious title that the CAI grants only select partners. If you find this tag on the company, their partner service is a cut above the rest.

Other noteworthy designations include Association Management Specialists (ACM) and Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA).


Latest Technology

Often, stagnation in technology goes hand in hand with the years in the industry. A working website and dedicated social media presence are the norms for most companies these days.

But only a few provide the best in the membership registration technology, emergency response and billing systems. 

Keep your eyes peeled for these firms.