As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and for homebuyers, that first impression is almost always the view from the street. No matter how deluxe the accommodations inside, if the property’s ext…
Thanks to its tropical climate, erratic weather changes are nothing new to Southern Florida residents. There are cold fronts from November through March, and if that’s not enough, the hurricane season is kind enough to coincide with the…
Florida does not have the harsh winters of the north, where thawing and freezing take their toll on concrete. But corrosion of concrete is an issue in South Florida, and homeowner associations need to ensure that the concrete making up …
As recently as the 1930’s, only 68 percent of American homes had electricity. By the middle of the last century however, most Americans enjoyed well-lighted homes, and the light had started to spread outdoors as well. Initially, yards a…
During the building boom of the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s, condominium developments all across the country were trying to give their units a little edge. Some added upgraded cabinetry and flooring. Others included high-end appliances…
Whether it is redesigning light fixtures in a common space or replacing a roof, repair jobs and capital improvement projects are like death and taxes: they're inevitable. Though an HOA's property manager most often handles the hiring of…
Q We have recently found that a member of our co-op's board of directors had covertly taped the conversations during a board meeting and a board interview with a prospective purchaser. We have also learned that she has submitted this t…
Q Our association holds monthly meetings on the same time, day and location every month. Notices are posted in the elevators and common areas one week in advance—yet no one attends. If binding votes are required to be in the presence of …
Sometimes in the heat of the moment, when disagreements are at their worst, the possibility of solving a problem without going to court seems remote at best. Arguments may have been brewing for days or weeks with each side becoming more…
Descriptions of “vintage,” “refurbished” and “pre-owned” can persuade the decision toward some purchases—cars, computers, that perfect James Dean-era leather jacket—but for South Florida homebuyers, the allure of shiny and new is often to…