Free Directory Assistance for Cell Phones
If you’ve ever had to call directory assistance using your cell phone, you know cell phone companies are charging $1.75 or more for 411 information calls. AT&T charges $7.00 per call! If your car has broken down or a big business deal depends on getting a number from information, $7 might be acceptable. “Despite the […]
Community Association Fundamentals
Even though we live in an association, you might be surprised how many of our neighbors—owners and renters alike—don’t really understand the fundamental nature of common-interest communities. And we know that many others, including the media and government officials, lack a true understanding of the community association (or condominium) concept. Community Associations Institute (CAI), a […]
Misconceptions about Property Values
Like almost every community in the country, our association is feeling the pinch in the housing market. We’d like to dispel a few common misconceptions about what contributes to the rise and fall of property values. Assessments are too high False. Actually, assessments have nothing to do with property values, and high assessments will not […]
How to Prepare for the Worst
Take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in your homes, businesses and schools. Think first about the basics of survival—fresh water, food, clean air and warmth, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign. Here are some items recommended for a basic emergency supply kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per […]
All Residents Welcome at Annual Meeting
The association’s annual meeting is the best opportunity for you to learn about this year’s events and get caught up on everything happening in our community. Here are a few agenda items and meeting activities you won’t want to miss: Meet board and committee members and the manager. Learn about the association’s mission statement. Get […]
Power Down, Save Money
Looking to cut back due to a tight budget or ready to go green? Here are 10 quick and easy tips to accomplish both: Unplug appliances and electronics. TVs, computers and kitchen appliances, as well as cell phone and laptop chargers, digital pianos all use energy when they are plugged in—even if they are turned […]
Who’s Responsible for What?
Who’s responsible for what? It’s an important question often asked by residents, and the answer is sometimes more complicated than you’d think. Generally, the association is responsible for repairing or replacing common, or shared, elements and owners are responsible for maintaining their own homes. But there are two problems. First, some areas are neither common […]
What Our Accountant Does for Us
The accountant is a vital part of our association’s professional team. A staff member or volunteer may take care of the bookkeeping for the association, but the CPA is needed to conduct an audit at the end of the year. In addition, our accountant: Conducts association financial audits Prepares association tax returns Reviews financial data, […]
Electronic Payment an Option for Assessments
The association board and manager encourage all members to take advantage of the association’s electronic payment program to pay monthly assessments because it provides numerous advantages to you, the association and the environment. For association owners, electronic payment is very convenient. Once we’ve set up your account, you no longer have to worry about lost […]
Flying through a Fowl Situation
Birds are beautiful, graceful and melodic. They give a sense of being close to nature and add to the feel of our community. But too much of any one thing is never good. Whether it’s a trail of droppings, territorial aggression or destructive nesting and feeding patterns, birds can make life more expensive and a […]
