With millions of Floridians affected by laws pertaining to condominiums, co-ops and HOAs, the upcoming state legislative session will include discussion of bills that touch a large percentage of the state’s population and may well bring…
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…
One of the biggest issues in the real estate industry over the past year has been the speculation that government-sponsored mortgage programs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be ending. For the past 70 years, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac …
Previously overshadowed by its neighbor—Miami—during the past few decades Fort Lauderdale has become a stand-alone destination. It's a major yachting center and resort area that has become a major port for cruise passengers. Despite the…
Clear and open communication between a condo or HOA board and its manager keeps a community running like a well-oiled machine, with roles defined and followed. Strains in that relationship can cause breakdowns in the machine, a…
When you’re decorating your home, there are two things you want to bear in mind if you have children. You want to keep the design functional, but safe. After all, anyone who’s ever had, or just looked after, a baby or toddler, can tell …
The rippling effects of the recent recession has required all boards and property managers to investigate progressive ways to ensure that their bottom line is covered. While the latter has always been the inherent goal, the existing te…
Birds in flight may be beautiful, but their departure sometimes leaves the nest unprotected. And when that nest is in a condominium community, property managers and boards must do their best to compensate. This region is full …
If you live in a condo or a co-op, you’ve probably noticed that your building has at least one annual unit owner or shareholder meeting each year. It’s not random. The annual meeting is actually a Florida state-mandated law tha…
This in an anxious time in which to sit on the board of directors. With defaults and foreclosures accounting for some 20 percent or more of the units at some condominiums, frustration among association members is off the charts. …