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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
Using Technology to Improve Service and Value
Last July, the corporate office of The Gale Company, a property management company handling buildings in 49 states and 32 countries, received a startling phone call. At the peak of London's rush hour, bombs were detonated in three subway cars, killing 52 passengers and injuring hundreds. Ian Marlow, Gale's executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief information officer, worried about Gale's 75 London employees. 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
21st Century Managment Training Methods
Successful property management is as much an art as it is a business. A good manager needs to be able to think on her feet, respond quickly to problems, and exude sincere concern when faced with a homeowner's complaint. A manager needs to understand by-laws, accounting and marketing, then dig deep to find a knowledge of boilers and sanitation issues, even interior design. To achieve success in the property management business takes a creative, detail-oriented mind and the patience of a saint. 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
Using Technology to Get Organized
Are you one of those people who have papers everywhere? You know, the bills and mail that you tell yourself you are going to file away next week but just never seem to get to? Disorganization in one private household can be troublesome enough—but extrapolate that situation into a property management office or a condo association, and you can imagine the chaos that ensues when papers pile up or are filed haphazardly. Important information can be mislaid or lost forever, maintenance and resident issues can lie unanswered for weeks, and penalties and fines may even accrue because of late bill payments. 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
Hot Amenities for 2006 and Beyond
Remember watching the futuristic cartoon The Jetsons when you were younger and thinking how cool all the Jetson's family's high-tech gadgets and gizmos were? Well, if you've seen the show lately, you'll realize that most of those "futuristic" gizmos have actually become reality—in the form of modern conveniences like wireless global communication networks, customizable, integrated climate control, and remote-controlled security systems that have all become the norm. 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
Bringing Computer-Phobic Residents Online
In an era when everyone seems to be working, paying bills and shopping via their computers, it's hard to believe that there are plenty of us who still don't know the Internet from a fishing net. That's the reality of the technology divide, however—many are plugged into the Information Age, but many are not. There may be unit owners or shareholders in your own building or association who either don't own a computer, or who do own one but are just too fearful of turning the thing on, much less venturing out into cyberspace. While some non-computerized people may be so for economic reasons or out of simple preference, many simply don't know what they're missing. Read More
