2005 Feb
2005 Feb Vol. 3, No. 2
Focus on...Communications & Technology
HOAs and High-Tech Wizardry
It wasn't so long ago that a web was something a spider made and a satellite was something that floated in the air and few of us understood. Today, people are not only used to technology tools like Internet access and satellite television service, but there's a constant demand for the fastest service or the newest channel. We no longer have the patience for dial-up Internet service (that pinging noise we heard when we logged onto the Net via dial-up modem seems quaint today) and 30 channels, never mind half a dozen, won't quench our thirst for entertainment when hundreds are available. Read More
Instant Access
If this article had been written several decades ago, Jane Herbert's job as regional director of Wentworth Property Management would look something like this: Type up monthly newsletter or management report; Go to copy center: Copy and deliver fliers to the residents of more than 485 units; Log maintenance requests by hand; Return maintenance calls or questions from residents; File updated resident documentation in appropriate folders; And should an emergency strike, run from one property to another gathering necessary information and make sure emergency contingency plans are being properly carried out. Read More
Protecting Your HOA from Identity Theft
According to recent surveys, there are approximately seven to 10 million victims of identity theft per year in the United States alone. Criminals use a variety of methods, including stealing Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, credit card numbers, ATM card information, telephone calling cards, and even your date of birth to gain access to your personal and financial information. Once an identity is stolen, it can take years—and cost thousands—to get it back. Read More
HOA Communication Tools for the 21st Century
Most would agree that one of the most important characteristics of a well-run homeowners association is its ability to disseminate information between the board, the members and their management team. Relevance of information and making such information readily available is crucial to keep residents informed of the latest happenings in and around the community. Good communication makes things run smoothly and fosters a sense of confidence in association members about their governing board and administrators. Read More
Doing Board Business via E-mail
When was the last time you wrote an actual letter? With the birth and rising popularity of e-mail over the past 10 years or so, most people would rather just jot off a quick computer note to someone rather than taking the time to put pen to paper and wait for the mail. E-mail is used these days for all types of correspondence—everything from birthday cards to complaints to making travel arrangements. In fact, even phone calls are being replaced by e-mails on a regular basis. Read More
Improving the Professional Relationship
Anyone who has spent time serving on the board of his or her co-op or condo knows that it is a job that no one can do alone. Even if you have the most conscientious group of board members, the job is too time-consuming for a group of volunteers to do in their spare time. That's where your management team comes in; the professionals hired by the board to help in the day-to-day and long-term operations of your community. But even if your board has hired the best management firm, the best attorney, the best accountant and so on, the team is only as good as its coach. And in the case of a co-op or condo, the board has to act as the coach: organizing meetings, making sure the various team members are working together, facilitating communications and working out strategies. Read More
Greenbriar at Whittingham
For many people, finding a place to call home as they enter their retirement years can be a daunting task to say the least. For many, the ideal arrangement strikes a balance between staying active and vital while scaling back the tasks they can't or don't necessarily like to do; like shoveling snow, bagging leaves, or mowing acres of lawn every other week. Those jobs can be a drag at any age, but can become more difficult for seniors, depending on their overall health and vigor. Read More
