We live in a world of add-ons. Ever since the term super size was coined by the fast food industry back in 1994, the idea and its implications have spread to many aspects of the American lifestyle. We've become accustomed to “value-added el…
As the condo market continues to heal after the setback it experienced during the financial crisis of the mid-aughts, many management firms and independent property managers in South Florida are looking for ways to distinguish themselves fr…
Individuals, associations and other entities carry insurance coverage to protect them from liability, loss, and other financial and legal threats—that's pretty basic. What isn't always so basic is deciding when to file a claim versus paying…
Co-ops and condos are called communities for a reason—families and individuals live side by side with one another, sometimes for years or even decades. Although residents may not exchange much more than a “hello” or “nice day” with their ne…
Gone are the days when a treadmill and a set of dumbbells in a fluorescent-lit basement room passed for athletic amenities in condo buildings and HOAs. Today, the size and scope of sporty offerings—be it basketball courts, pools or saunas—…
People buy into condo and HOA communities for many different reasons. Some are attracted by the amenities that common spaces can offer, and many in Florida seek a vacation-style environment that doubles as a smart real estate investment. I…
It’s only logical that if something goes wrong and needs fixing at a condo or HOA, it's the board or manager’s job to do some due diligence and choose the contractor that makes the most sense for the community's needs and budget. Thi…
You can’t be a successful property manager without keeping an open mind about new technology and new developments in building administration tools—and understanding that the need to stay abreast of these situations is vital. While ne…
“Individual commitment to a group effort; that's what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Legendary Green Bay Packers football coach Vince Lombardi left condo boards and managers off his short lis…
There is an old adage claiming that “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” This is not a happy thought for a board or association looking to change property managers or firms. To go through the turmoil involved in replacing…