Happy New Year! As we mark new beginnings, it’s a great time to commit to things that matter most. It’s up to the manager to ensure the community is running as outlined in its governing documents, and then, up to the board to lead the community with sound decisions on its behalf. And yet, there… Read more »
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Posts Categorized: Property Management Insights
Hosting Successful Community Association Meetings
For years, I’ve heard complaints from colleagues about “never-ending” or dysfunctional board meetings, where everything gets discussed, but nothing gets decided. As I prepare for an upcoming annual meeting, I thought it might be useful to review here what makes a successful board meeting, annual meeting, and the difference between the two. Thanks to the… Read more »
Summer Safety Tips
Can you believe it’s already July! As I sit outside on this cool Saturday afternoon, it’s hard to believe half the year has gone already. Backyards are filled with blooming gardens, and we’re enjoying the outdoor life for which New Jersey is notorious. Sterling manages a lot of New Jersey properties, and we are blessed… Read more »
The True Cost of a Low Reserve Account Balance
When a community is new, a study is produced that outlines a budget to fund a reserve account in preparation for future expenses related to the inevitable deterioration of major components of the common property. The study can include things like entrance signs, light poles, siding, roofs and sidewalks. New community boards sometimes don’t see a need to build a reserve fund when everything is new,… Read more »
The Benefits and Burdens of Association Board Leadership
There are several reasons for a person to run for a community board position, and one is because he or she wants to improve their community through service. While it may seem like a simple job, being an active member of an association’s board can be a bit more complicated, especially if the community has issues that require… Read more »
The Importance of a Well-Maintained Property
The third of the five key attributes to a happily managed community is thorough and regular site maintenance. As spring gets into full bloom, maintenance crews and landscapers are out in full force repairing damage from the last several months. I once lived in an apartment building where the owner took preventive maintenance to an extreme – painting, improving and… Read more »
What’s the Big Deal if I Don’t Pay My Maintenance on Time?
I attended a homeowners meeting earlier this week, and the subject of delinquencies came up. Of course, this community had its fair share, but the overall sentiment was that the delinquencies weren’t necessarily because owners couldn’t afford to pay. This community has a low annual assessment (maintenance fees), as it’s a simple homeowners association with not much… Read more »
Two Keys to Keeping Lines of Communication Open: Early…..and…..Often
The second of the five key attributes to a happily managed community is to maintain regular communications. We all know how a lack of communication can wreak havoc on any relationship, and it’s no different for communities. Owners rely on their elected boards to work on their behalf and to inform them of progress on the stated yearly goals. Boards rely… Read more »
Community Association as Corporation
A Sterling colleague and I recently attended one of the Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) member educational meetings. As noted on its website, the CAI has more than 33,500 members dedicated to building better communities, and works in partnership with 60 chapters to provide information, education and resources to community associations and the professionals supporting them. Our instructor did a… Read more »
The Importance of Setting Clear Objectives for a Well-Managed Community
The first of the five key attributes to a happily managed community is to validate that the management company and the association have agreed upon objectives. Although it seems simple enough, clearly defined and articulated objectives can be overlooked when developing a relationship or on-boarding a new community. I’d like to illustrate why this simple exercise is so important,… Read more »
