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Recent Projects
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Click on the image above to review
Client Testimonials and other helpful Endorsements/Links.
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· Management Search for a 250-unit association located in Chicago.· Project Facilitation & Administration of a $1 million roof and door replacement project for a 100-unit association located in Chicago.· Board & Self-Management Training for a 104-unit association located in Darien, a 53-unit association located in Evanston, and a 12-unit association located in Chicago.· Simplified Self-Management-A Practical Guide w/How-To's & Forms for a 104-unit association in Darien,
a 59-unit association located in Oak Park,
a 53-unit association in Evanston, a 12-unit association located in Chicago, and a
4-unit association located in Chicago.
· Property Manager Trainingfor a management company in Chicago.
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Latest Articles
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Click on the image above to obtain the below published articles that we were recently quoted in or wrote, as well as other helpful resources. · "Under New Management-
When You Have To Switch"As published in The Chicagoland Cooperator, September 2012. ·"The Ultimate Do It Yourself Project-
Self Managing Your Community"
As published in The Chicagoland Cooperator, January 2013.
· "When It's Time For A Roster Change-A Guide To Changing Management Companies" As published in CAI's Common Interest Magazine, Winter 2013 issue.
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SPRING SEASONAL TIPS...
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Spring Reminders:Besides the obvious of turning off your heating systems for the season, here are a few Spring Tips to get you out of your winter hibernation...Property Inspections & Repairs:Spring is a good time to perform a thorough property inspection to address any damage caused during the winter including, but not limited to: Tuck pointing; Roof repairs; Concrete steps, sidewalks and driveways; Siding and gutter issues; Painting; and Balcony repairs. The earlier you obtain proposals, the better chance you'll get on the selected vendor's schedule. Problems
will not go away -- they will only get
worse and more costly -- so it is
important to be proactive. Landscaping/Owner Planting Day:Smaller associations that cannot afford big landscaping bills might consider an Owner Planting Day, which may not only save the Association money and beautify the property, but can be a fun social event. Pizza, beer and music can go a long way to increase community spirit and encourage owner involvement. But remember, participation cannot be made "mandatory" and no reductions to assessments can be offered, regardless of the size of the property.Window Washing & Carpet Cleaning:If you can only afford these services
once or twice a year, this is a good time
to get these items cleaned to wipe away what the winter blew in.
Pool Maintenance:If your property has an outdoor swimming pool, don't wait until the last minute to obtain your annual permit, schedule the required maintenance, or to order your pool passes; otherwise, you could be drowning in angry calls if not ready
in time for the season opening.Spring/Summer Projects:
Time to finalize researching your upcoming capital improvement projects or Spring landscaping, roof and exterior maintenance projects. Proper due diligence, attorney review, negotiations, contract signing, and loan research (if applicable) takes time and you need to be ready to implement your project as soon as weather permits.
Emergency Procedures, Maintenance Criteria & Operations Manual:This is a good time to review your maintenance services and vendors including, but not limited to, the weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual services required to properly maintain your property. Be sure to review your Emergency Procedures, Annual
Calendar, Reserve Study and
Operations Manual. Renegotiate or
rebid out these services and update
your Operations Manual, as needed. Don't have an Annual Calendar, Maintenance Criteria, Emergency Procedures, Operations Manual
and 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 to learn more about Who We Are and our credentials.
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Greetings!
In this issue, you'll learn how to create your family's Personal Preparedness Plan providing a proactive approach to disaster planning including taking an  inventory of personal possessions, assembling important documents, performing an annual insurance review, creating disaster survival kits and developing your evacuation plan. Also included is an update regarding the renewal requirements for property managers, which is scheduled to be effective in August 2013. Since 2002, Association Advocates has serviced over 145 clients associations ranging in size from 3 to 700 units, management companies and developers. We hope to have the opportunity to assist your Association this year (or those you represent) in decreasing risk, increasing efficiency and protecting your property values. 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 Licensed Community Association Managers |
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Proactive Disaster Planning
Can Save Lives, Time & Money
Disasters can take on many forms... Tornado or storm damage, fire, flooding, faulty appliances, roof leaks, criminal or terrorism activity, death and tragic accidents to name a few. Proper planning  includes more than just buying a weather radio and a few jugs of water.
Would your family be prepared? We see terrible tragedies on television and have good intentions to make sure we get everything together for our own families, but then life takes over and we always "mean" to get to it.
Take the time to create your Personal Preparedness Plan before you need it or it could be too late if/when you do. Such things as creating an inventory of personal possessions, consolidating personal and medical documents, communicating to loved ones where important information is located, creating an evacuation plan for your home, assemble a disaster survival kit for your family and pets and performing an annual insurance review are all key points to protecting your family in the event an emergency or disaster does occur. Sheila Malchiodi of QCi Restoration, offering disaster services to Associations, has provided us with the below article. You may click on the graphic above to learn more about their services.
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Community Association Manager's Licensing Act (CAM)
Update & Renewals - August 2013
It has now been more than seven months since manager's licensing became law. With more than 1,400 active licenses, the Illinois Department of Financial and
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Click on above for IDFPR website.
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Professional Regulations (IDFPR), continues to monitor not only active applications, but complaints as well.
Of the 78 applications currently being reviewed by the IDFPR, some will be denied based on investigations, misrepresentations and other issues considered unprofessional conduct for a manager, which is very specific per the Administrative Code.
Whether due to naivety of the law or blatant non-compliance, many managers have not yet obtained their license, but are still working in the industry as a community association manager, creating illegal circumstances for which serious consequences can be administered.
New legislation is being considered to not only hold the property managers accountable for working in the industry without a license, but also a way to hold the management company that hires them accountable including, but may not be limited to, stringent fines and other penalties.
To address board members and/or Associations that are hiring unlicensed managers, the IDFPR is encouraging members of the public to report any non-licensed managers currently working as community association property managers.
For those who are in compliance, all managers who currently have a license will need to renew their licenses by August 2013, with the next renewal to follow in 2015.
Angela Falzone, Property Consultant with Association Advocates and Board Member for CAM, has provided the attached article with additional updates about the renewal procedures and disciplinary process. Click on the logo above to link to the CAM website, which includes the complete CAM Act, full set of Rules, application to apply for a manager's license and how to file a complaint against a licensed manager.
"Community Association Manager's Licensing (CAM): 2013 Renewal & Disciplinary Updates" by Angela Falzone
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"Selecting A Management Company"
Thursday, May 23: 12pm - 1pm
Presentation by Angela Falzone, Consultant,
Association Advocates Inc.
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Click on logo to register at ACTHA website
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Association of Condominium,
Townhome & Homeowners
Association
Topics:
* Determining the basic needs of any association
* Understanding what management is NOT
* Creating a Request For Proposal (RFP)
* Selecting the "right" company for the long-term
* Negotiating the contract terms
* Ensuring a smooth transition
* Setting realistic expectations through best practices
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 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 |
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Decrease Liability &
Increase Efficiency
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Click on photo above to learn more About Us/Services.
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What makes AAI different? We provide customized training designed for your Association's specific needs, prompt responsiveness 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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shirley@associationadvocatesinc.com
http://AssociationAdvocatesInc.com
© 2013 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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