Simplified Self-Management
A Practical Guide with How-To's & Forms |  |
An essential resource of best practices
for Boards of condominium and
community associations in Illinois
· 17 Step-By-Step How-To Instructions detailing Condo Protocols in 8 categories (*Recommended Best Practices also for Townhome & Homeowner Associations) · Over 70 Fully Customizable Electronic Forms & Templates (Microsoft® Word, Microsoft® Excel & Acrobat® Reader Compatible) · Best Practice Protocols for Compliance with the ICPA and other regulations · Guidance from Experienced & Responsive Condo Management Consultants · Periodic Updates for pertinent law changes or new How-To's & Forms Learn how to get your "house" in order by proactively managing the Administrative, Financial and Physical aspects to end Board burnout and protect your investment in the following categories:
Get Free Sample How-To's & Forms, Review Table of Contents, Press Release & Learn More
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SEASONAL TIPS...
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 | | Click on the photo to read published articles AAI wrote or were quoted in and to hear us on broadcasted Radio Shows. |
Fall Budget & Annual Meeting Preparations:
Per the Illinois Condominium Property Act, the Board must follow specific protocols to adopt the annual Budget and implement proper Annual Meeting notification and voting procedures. If not done correctly, any decision made by the Board can be challenged and the process may have to be redone. Be sure to review your Declaration and Bylaws for your Association's compliance requirements.
Annual Budget:
If you are on a January to December fiscal year, then now is a good time to finalize all contract renewals, rate increases, future project costs, review Reserve Study and perform an analysis of all past and current expenses. If you wait till the last minute, you may not have time to negotiate and/or look for competitive proposals if a change of vendor may be needed.
Annual Meeting:
If your Annual Meeting is towards the end of the year, now is a great time to confirm your meeting date and location if your Association does not have on-site meeting facilities. Also, this will help to determine your owner notification schedule including board application deadlines and proxy notices.
Landscaping:
Make sure there is sufficient watering of plants and grassed areas to prevent long-term harm to the Association's landscaping. Watering schedules and/or sprinkler timings should be monitored as the warmer weather prevails and rains subside to ensure adequate moisture for proper growth. Early morning or late evening is usually best for sunny areas as the heat of the day can burn freshly watered plants. Check with your landscaping company or garden center for the best time of the year to replace dead plants.
Window Washing:
If you wash your windows twice/year, this is a good time to schedule your Fall washing before the weather becomes uncooperative or you may miss out.
Snow Removal:
It may be the last thing on your mind, but now's a good time to review your snow removal needs and to either renegotiate the existing contract or research and negotiate for a different vendor. Waiting till the last minute could result in booked vendors or higher rates!
Exterior Projects:
Be sure to verify that any exterior projects such as roofing, masonry, etc. are either progressing as planned or the schedule hasn't changed due to any rain or other unanticipated delays that may prevent completion prior to bad weather.
Annual Calendar:
Review your Annual Calendar to confirm contract expiration dates, especially those that may auto renew, and schedule maintenance and other projects.
Don't have an Annual Calendar and/or are unfamiliar with the above protocols? Then perhaps our Services will benefit you!
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Shirley Feldmann
Founder/Project Manager
773.348.0742
Angela Falzone
Property Consultant
847.685.0710
 | | Shirley Feldmann & Angela Falzone |
Click on the photo above to learn more about Who We Are and our credentials.
© 2011 Association Advocates Inc. All rights reserved.
Information provided in this newsletter is not a replacement for legal, accounting, or other professional services, as needed. Articles enclosed are with the permission of writer. Association Advocates Inc. is not responsible for information provided by a third party. |
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Greetings!
Association Advocates Inc. is dedicated to helping homeowners protect their investment, which is crucial in today's competitive real estate market. Managing your Association like a well-run business may not only benefit unit sales from a marketing standpoint, but may even help determine whether a potential buyer can get a loan approval. In this issue, you'll learn security options to safeguard your home and association and how to resolve conflicts within your community. Also save the date for our September webinar to learn the basics from our interactive manual, Simplified Self-Management.  | |
Click on logo to review past newsletter issues. |
Summer is a great time to proactively review the physical needs of your Association. This will also help you prepare for the Annual Budget process, which should begin by August. These and other proactive ideas can be found in the Seasonal Tips section, designed to prevent "reactive" or crisis management.
We are proud to announce that we were named as a 2010 All Star by Constant Contact in recognition for excellence in Email Marketing.
If you would like to share this newsletter, the "Forward Email" link at the bottom of this email will save the formatting, links and graphics. All email addresses are kept confidential and are not shared with anyone.
-- Shirley Feldmann & Angela Falzone
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Keeping the Peace...
The Art of Conflict Resolution
Community association living can be a melting pot of different cultures, personalities, ages,  needs and desires. Owners purchasing in a condominium, townhome or single-family homeowners association agree to follow the laws governing that community and tenants and guests are no exception. When personal agendas clash, problems arise. At best, negativity amongst owners is uncomfortable. At worst, neighbors can be fearful of possible retaliation against personal property or physical violence.
Each homeowner has an equal right to live peacefully and without unreasonable inconvenience from others. In order to do that, structure and guidelines are important so everyone understands how to live harmoniously. Consistent and fair enforcement procedures allow the Board or Management to intervene if owners cannot come to a mutual solution together.
For this reason, Rules & Regulations of an Association should be properly adopted to address the known and anticipated needs of a community that are not in conflict with the Association's declaration and bylaws. They can also clarify intentions for ambiguous governing documents. For example, if an older property was built with noisy and improperly installed hardwood floors, rules could be considered to require that stereo speakers or exercise equipment must have carpeting or rubber matting to buffer the noise with specific hours allowed for certain activities.
We all can get along! The key is communication. It's often the best way to prevent and resolve conflict before it reaches the legal system. You don't have to be friends to achieve a peaceful coexistence, but you should try to be a good neighbor, be courteous and respect each other.
John Cabral of Oak Park Mediation has provided us with the below article explaining steps on how to manage and resolve conflict whether as a third party or part of the conflict.
"Order, Structure, Safety, Peace: How to Manage Condo Conflicts" by John Cabral |
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Securing Your Home & Association
 During tough economic times, it is not uncommon for there to be an increase in home break-ins and theft. The Board should make every effort to maintain a secure environment for the community, but the options available will depend on the size and budget of the Association. Good lighting and motion sensors are an inexpensive way to ensure that potential vandals are more visible, increasing their chances of getting caught. Emergency lighting and fire extinguishers should also be checked regularly.
Security is the responsibility of every resident in the property and not just the Board. Below are a few common-sense suggestions for homeowners to reduce your chances of being the target of burglary:
· Residents should not allow strangers, including deliveries, in a common area door without being buzzed in by the owner they are visiting.
· Pass codes for intercoms and exterior common area keys should be changed at periodic intervals (i.e., annually) or at least after a security breach.
· Be sure all doors are closed tightly upon entering and the locks on any gates, garages and external doors are always functioning properly.
· Install double-cylinder, dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors and include a reinforced strike plate to strengthen the doorframe.
· Lock all doors and windows no matter how briefly you'll be out of the house.
· Install bars or lock pins on sliding doors and windows. Some mechanisms allow you to lock a sliding window or door in a partially-open position, which is especially helpful for window air conditioners.
· Do not leave a key hiding outside your home. Burglars will know where to look. Instead, give a key to a neighbor, friend or family member nearby.
· If going on vacation, stop mail and newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbor to pick up fliers or other items that may show a thief you are not home. Electric timers can be used to turn on/off lights and televisions at various times during the day and evening.
· Engrave your name or identifiable mark on items in a hidden area. It won't prevent theft, but will help in retrieval if stolen.
· If you see something suspicious, call 9-1-1 and notify the Board and Management of what occurred.
It doesn't take much to discourage a burglar. He succeeds on opportunity, and if your home is a harder target than others in your area, he'll move on to one that is easier.
Deric Wahlgren, Senior Security Consultant from Alarm Detection Systems, has provided us with the below article to help better understand various safety and security options available to Associations.
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"The Five Strategic Steps To Self-Management"
Thursday, September 22nd: 1 pm - 2 pm
Webinar Hosted by:
Association of
Condominium,
Townhouse and Homeowners Association
Learn some of the basic principals from:
Simplified Self-Management
A Practical Guide With How-To's & FormsAn essential resource of best practices for Boards of
condominium and community associations in Illinois Participants must be pre-registered by Noon of the day preceding the scheduled event and each Webinar is limited to no more than 25 people. Dial-in instructions and handouts are emailed to registrants at least 24 hours before the date of the Webinar.
Fee: $20/ACTHA Members; $50/Non-Members
(Note: AAI clients/former clients will receive ACTHA member rate.)
Learn more.... Events & Seminars |
Decrease Liability & Increase
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Click on photo to learn more About Us/Services.
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Efficiency
What makes AAI different? We provide customized training designed for your Association's specific needs, prompt responses and practical information to help empower the Board to increase efficiency and decrease risk.
Can you afford our services? Can you afford not to have them? Your home is most likely one of your biggest investments. We can help your Board save time, money and frustration while protecting the value of your property in today's very competitive market.
Whether self or professionally managed, and regardless of the size of your property, if your Association doesn't understand how to stay in compliance with all applicable laws and protocols, then our services will benefit you.
Below are just a few ways we can help you...
· Simplified Self-Management--A Practical Guide With How-To's & Forms
· Association Allies... Partners for simplified self-management
· Board & Self-Management Training
· Developer Turnovers & Start-Up Protocols
· Management Coaching Retainers
· Project Facilitation & Loan Management
· Management Searches, Mediation & Transitions
· Refresher Courses for AAI alumni clients
We can help you learn how to manage your Association like a well-run business to increase efficiency and decrease risk. Call us today!Learn more... Scope of Services
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