Guest Restrictions & Screening Tenants and New Owners
Date & Time
Apr 16, 2024 11:30 AM in
Description
Guest Restrictions & Screening Tenants and New Owners: Is It Worthwhile? Course #: 9630142 | One (1) CEU in HR / ELE Instructor: Kerstin Henze, Esq. This webinar addresses the authority to review and approve tenants and owners, including issues related to transfer fees/security deposits, potential “good cause” to deny an applicant, restricting guest occupancy, and common pitfalls in the “screening” process.
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INDUSTRIALDo you have questions about asphalt sealing in West Palm Beach?The best way to protect asphalt surfaces is to sealcoat asphalt parking lots. If you are looking for the most trustworthy Asphalt Sealcoating Palm Beach Gardens company look no further than Atlantic Southern Paving!Asphalt is durable and flexible, but it can also deteriorate.It is possible to double the lifespan of asphalt by applying asphalt sealcoating. This protects the asphalt from future damage.
Sealcoating asphalt in West Palm Beach homes is a great way to protect your property from oxidation and ultraviolet rays.Asphalt starts to deteriorate at a microscopic level as soon as it is installed.
The asphalt’s binders begin to harden when it is exposed to oxygen.The asphalt surface can crack and become brittle from the continued hardening.Rainwater, moisture, and oxygen can penetrate pavement surfaces even if they have the smallest cracks.
The asphalt subbase can be affected by water and moisture. This can cause it to weaken and lose its strength.Sealcoating is very helpful as it protects the surface against oxidation and fills surface voids.
How water damages asphalt
The asphalt sealcoating of parking lots and driving surfaces allows them to resist water and prevent it from contacting the asphalt surface.Water can seep through asphalt, particularly when it is heavy rain.
Water can cause sub-base to become softened if it collects.Soft subbases can cause potholes or expensive repairs.Sealcoating asphalt surfaces create a protective layer that repels water.Sealcoating asphalt surfaces can help you save significant money on future repairs.
Oil and Gas Spills
Parking lots and asphalt surfaces must withstand harmful car chemicals like oil and gas.Particularly vulnerable to chemicals from automobiles are parking spaces.
The asphalt can soften if it is contaminated with gasoline or automobile oil.Oil or gasoline can penetrate asphalt pavement and cause sub base to degrade.
Asphalt sealcoating is made up of additives that protect asphalt from chemicals used in automobiles.You can also fill surface voids to reduce the depth of oil and gas that can penetrate asphalt.
Professional Asphalt Sealcoating In West Palm Beach
It is important to find a reliable and experienced contractor to sealcoat your West Palm Beach property.Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating provides asphalt maintenance and construction services for more than two decades.
Every job we do is completed with customer satisfaction in mind.Atlantic Southern Paving can be reached at 954-518 4315 to speak with an expert about sealing asphalt surfaces.Ask for a free estimate on sealing your property.
Let me share what I believe you want to know to make a smart decision.
What Should You Look For & Look Out For When Choosing A Tile Sealer?
LOOK FOR:
1) The supplier or the manufacturer is very clear that their sealer will bond to ceramic and porcelain because this type of surface is very dense. It is very impermeable. You CAN NOT just use a standard concrete surface sealer on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Check for that, first of all.
2) The tile sealer product will form a film on the surface and is not just a penetrating or impregnator type sealer.
NOTE:
Impregnator types of products can’t bond or soak into the tile surface. They do very little to change the look of the tile and typically, this type of sealer will rub off very quickly, forcing you to seal the porcelain or ceramic tiles repeatedly.
LOOK OUT FOR or BEWARE OF…
Materials That Are Lacking In Store-Bought Tile Sealer Products… Making Them Ineffective.
First of all, any sealer you choose for ceramic and porcelain tile must have adhesion promoters that will allow the product to bond to that surface.
The components found in standard surface treatments or surface sealers simply won’t work.
Secondly, make sure if you want to change the look of the tile or the sheen of the tile, the product is a film-forming product, not just a penetrating or impregnator sealer.
These do very little to change the look of the tile and will not last for long on a very dense, impermeable ceramic or porcelain surface.
What Kind Of Results Do Ineffective Floor Sealers Produce?
If you use a product that’s not developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tile, what’s going to happen is:
It may put a film over the surface, but because there’s no way for it to absorb into the surface. It’s going to lift and peel very quickly.
It may last a few weeks, but after any standard use or cleaning of any kind, lifting and peeling will very quickly show up.
If you use penetrating types of sealers, you won’t see any change in appearance, or very little at all because there’s nowhere for those components to penetrate the tile.
What Should You Be Aware Of Before You Buy A Tile Sealer?
3 Specific Things To Look For In A Tile Sealer That Will Provide Superior Results:
You need to have adhesion promotion technology that allows for covalent bonding to a very dense ceramic or porcelain tile surface.
You need to use urethane technology, which is very durable, UV resistant. Your product needs to have two parts to create a very tough cross-link that produces an industry-leading seal over the tile and grout.
Your sealer needs a high amount of polymer in the product for durability and protection, around 50% solids, which is much higher than standard floor finishes.
The Advantages Of Sealing Ceramic And Porcelain Tile.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Protective Shield Across Tile & Grout
Eliminate Grout Odor
Maintains Wet Look
UV stable, Non-Yellowing
Chemical Resistant
Excellent Abrasion resistant
Increased slip resistance options
Where Should You Use Ceramic And Porcelain Tile Sealer Products?
Typical Uses:
On the commercial side, you’re going to have restrooms, shower facilities, kitchens, showrooms, entrance-ways, hallways, lobby areas and stairways, both interior and exterior.
On the consumer or residential side, in the living areas, kitchens and the bathrooms.
These areas below are where you should look for a tile sealer that will make the floor much easier to clean, give it wet look if desired and also be resistant to chemicals, pet and food stains.
Bathrooms/ Restrooms
Kitchens and Dining Areas
Lobby and Hallways
Stairs and Entrances
Tile and Grout Surface
Floors and walls
Ceramic and Porcelain
Stone and Concrete
Interior and Exterior
Etc.
Surface Preparation
Proper preparation is critical to ensure an adequate bond.
The ceramic and grout must be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner. For cleaning and restoring old ceramic, porcelain tile and grout to like-new condition, we recommend using an alkaline cleaner formulated for ceramic and porcelain tile.
This will cut through tough grease, soap scum and soil stains. For shower stalls and outside applications, we recommend you use an acid-based cleaner to lightly etch the surface and ensure greater adhesion in wet conditions. This can also remove tough, hard water deposits, grout haze and efflorescence.
What Do You Need To Know About A Gloss, Matte Or Satin Finish?
Substances that may soil the tile and grout are urine or other organic matter or even aggressive cleaning chemicals. This is where a two-part product, like GlazeGuard® Ceramic and Porcelain tile sealer really produces results.
It’s a very tough, hard-wearing sealer. It puts a barrier across the tile and the grout, eliminates odor and makes the entire floor much easier to clean and maintain. For addition slip resistance ( anti- slip properties) GlazeGuard® Plus should be used.
GlazeGuard Gloss sealer is developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tiles. It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout, giving it a high gloss wet look appearance, as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean.
GlazeGuard Satin finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile. It also gives the floor a wet look appearance and puts a nice medium sheen across the tile and the grout. The satin finish provides a protective barrier that will resist water, chemicals and make the floor much easier to keep clean.
GlazeGuard Matte finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile, and it will deliver a natural low sheen look to the tile and provide a barrier across the floor, both the tiles and the grout. It’s very chemical resistant, very water-resistant and makes the tile much easier to keep clean.
GlazeGuard® Plus is a solvent-free, virtually odorless, urethane coating with exceptional adhesion and performance properties. The addition of CoverGrip achieves high slip resistance, significantly reducing the potential for a slip in accordance with the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) standards.
The Best Tools And Equipment To Use.
In order to apply a ceramic and porcelain tiles sealer, you need to approach it as if you were painting the floor.
You will need:
A good quality roller
A roller tray
A little hotdog roller or brush for sealing around the edges.
We recommend a roller that is a good quality 3/8th nap microfiber. Change out rollers after 60 minutes of use with a fresh one. We also recommend that you only mix the amount of product that you can use in about 60 minutes.
Make sure the room is well lit and that you take your time and apply the product. The product needs to be fully mixed before you use it. Use a mixing stick to slowly mix the material, then pour it into a roller tray. Then roll it out just like you were painting a floor.
Cleaning And Preparing Tiles Before Applying A Sealer.
We always tell people to be fussy about cleaning porcelain tile before sealing it.
Remember, you’re going to seal it with something that’s going to last several years. Make sure there’s no dust or dirt on the floor. Any footprints or stains will be locked down by the sealer.
So be fussy about cleaning it. You should use a High pH tile and grout cleaner that will remove dirt grease stains.
If applying GlazeGuard to areas that are frequently exposed to water or cleaning chemicals, like showers or restrooms, we recommend you micro-etch the surface with something like our PreTreat Mild Acidic Ceramic Tile Cleaner. It will prepare the surface and give you better adhesion for the GlazeGuard® sealer.
After Applying The Product, What Ongoing Floor Care Is Recommended?
One of the key advantages of using our GlazeGuard tile sealers is that it makes cleaning and maintaining the floor much easier.
You don’t need to use harsh or aggressive chemicals. You just need to use mild detergents or mild soap to clean the surface. The dirt won’t stick to the surface as it does with untreated tiles.
You don’t have to use a concentrated level of cleaning supplies, which should reduce your costs noticeably.
It’s also important to keep dust and dirt and sand off the floor. It’s a good practice to use mats at entrance ways to trap dirt, dust and grease before they get onto the floor.
What Are Customers Saying About Glazeguard®?
Our Clients Love The Entire Glazeguard® Product Line For A Few Key Reasons:
They are very water-resistant and prevent stains and discoloration from excessive exposure to moisture or continuous immersion.
They are very chemical resistant and prevent harmful and staining substances from getting through to the floor below.
They improve the appearance of ceramic and porcelain floors and walls, for much longer than store-bought sealers.
They don’t strip off easily and require gentle cleaning with everyday soaps or detergents.
They reduce the costs of cleaning, maintenance and labor because once sealed, dirt, stains and discolorations are a thing of the past.
And if something goes wrong, the customer can simply strip that local area and re-apply the GlazeGuard® product.
They protect both the tile floor and the grout, to keep surfaces clean and odor-free.
Every product in the GlazeGuard® line makes ceramic and porcelain floors look pristine and easy to maintain. And applying them is easy enough for the average do-it-yourself consumer.
Lakes are dynamic ecosystems that are sensitive to their surroundings. As environmental conditions evolve, so does your waterbody, which means your current management plan may become ineffective.
Learn the 3 reasons your management plan may stop working and how to prevent it.
3 Reasons Why Your Lake Management Plan Isn’t Working
If you own or manage a lake or pond, you’ve probably observed gradual, sometimes undesirable changes. Despite responsible management, unforeseen issues can unexpectedly arise, causing complaints and significant challenges for those overseeing them. The fact is, lakes and ponds are dynamic ecosystems that are very sensitive to their surroundings. Even with a well-tailored management program in place, things change. If you find that your current plan isn’t yielding the desired results, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying issues.
Here are three common reasons why your lake management plan may not be working as intended:
1. Your Lake Management Plan Is Outdated
One of the primary reasons that your lake or pond is responding differently to your management plan is that it’s outdated. Though your management program was initially tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of your waterbody, over time, your goals may change, budget constraints may shift, or alterations to your property could impact the aquatic ecosystem. For example, if you initially designed the lake for aesthetic purposes, but now wish to utilize it for fishing, the management approach needs to evolve accordingly.
Even seemingly minor changes may have big impacts. For example, removing a nearby tree can increase sun exposure, raising the risk of depleted dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Perhaps an invasive species was introduced to your waterbody, leading to shoreline erosion or obstructed stormwater equipment. Or, modifications in landscaping practices, such as switching maintenance companies or starting a garden, could cause new pesticides or fertilizers to enter the ecosystem. These products can significantly alter the natural chemistry of the water, as well as the dynamics within the food chain.
Addressing An Outdated Plan
To address changes of any degree, it’s crucial to regularly reassess and update your management plan to align with your current needs and environmental conditions. This process often begins with water quality testing to take a closer look at characteristics like dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and the presence of algal toxins or pollutants. From there, many different solutions can be deployed to help restore balance. These may include nutrient remediation products, beneficial bacteria, pond fountains, or lake aerators.
Through an ongoing management plan, professionals conduct testing and visual surveys on a routine basis, allowing them to identify potential issues early. This proactive approach allows for adjustments in management strategies before problems escalate.
2. Climate Change
The impact of climate change on lakes and ponds cannot be underestimated. Increasing summer temperatures lead to increased water evaporation, potentially causing waterbodies to shrink and lose depth. If not addressed, a waterbody can shrink until it’s no more than a puddle. Costly dredging will be required to reset the waterbody to its original depth and volume.
Water evaporation also exposes shorelines to harsh environmental elements, leading to increased erosion or collapse. Harsher winters and tropical storms may exacerbate the damage, posing additional challenges for shoreline stability. Erosion contributes to many water quality issues, such as muck development, cloudiness, foul odors, and heightened risks of flooding. Additionally, eroded shorelines can pose hazards and liabilities. In severe cases, a complete shoreline restoration may be required using bioengineering techniques and materials.
These changes may further threaten the delicate balance of an ecosystem. Diminished water depth affects aquatic habitats and organisms by depleting dissolved oxygen levels and increasing temperatures throughout the water column. Fish, in particular, are sensitive to these fluctuations and fish kills may become more likely as a result.
Seasonal weather conditions are escalating nationwide, but Northern states have experienced some of the most pronounced changes. The growing season is starting earlier and lasting longer, extending the window for nuisance weeds, algae, and toxic cyanobacteria to proliferate.
To counteract the effects of climate change, lake management plans must incorporate adaptive strategies that consider the evolving environmental conditions and their impact on the water.
3. Urban Development and Nutrient Pollution
The encroachment of urban development poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Stormwater runoff introduces a cocktail of contaminants into the water, transporting pollutants from impermeable surfaces like parking lots and sidewalks. Trash, fertilizers, animal waste, and chemical products may cause nutrient levels to become more concentrated. These conditions foster the growth of nuisance pond weeds and toxin-producing algae that are harmful to humans and deadly to fish, dogs, livestock, and other animals.
In response to nuisance growth, stakeholders often resort to short-lived solutions such as EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides. However, these treatments only address the symptoms and not the root cause. To tackle this issue effectively, lake and pond management plans should incorporate comprehensive stormwater management strategies.
Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.
Performing drone inspections on a consistent basis allows property managers to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, and hurricane damage.
At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida.
Drones take many videos and high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes. In a single mission, hundreds of data points can be captured for later use. That data provides a historical record to aid in insurance claims, maintenance and future renovations. At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida. We use Catalogger image management software to easily store, search and access image and video data.
FAA-Certified Drone Pilots
All of our pilots have passed the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107) examination and maintain their flying credentials by passing recurrent examinations every two years.
Image Management with Catalogger
With a simple interface, Catalogger allows users to quickly access and share drone survey photos to guide maintenance, repair, and improvement projects. Image data is stored on the cloud and can be viewed on multiple devices via a password-protected portal.
Mission Planning With Recorded GPS Coordinates
Allows for repeated flights along the same path. Missions can be scheduled periodically to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, hurricane damage, and modifications to surrounding structures.
5 examples of HOA websites (plus important features)
Almost every company and business has a website today – and for good reason. Anyone who wants to know more about you, or the products or services you provide, is going to search for you online. A well designed, user-friendly website helps ensure prospective clients convert to long-term customers.
Now, a homeowners association isn’t exactly like a business, but there are many similarities. HOAs must keep homeowners informed, collect payments (in the form of fees or dues) and advertise the community to prospective homebuyers. These are just a few of the many reasons why HOAs are strongly encouraged to have their own community website.
How a website can help HOAs operate with fewer glitches
An HOA website acts as a secure platform for sharing and receiving essential information like news, announcements, notices, forms, governing documents, resources, directories, and more. Instead of having to ask management or the board about upcoming member meetings or request an architectural change form, owners can log on to the association’s website and immediately get everything they need from one place.
The best websites will have a secure portal or page that only members can access. This helps with information sharing while being mindful of security and privacy.
Public photos of events, amenities and the HOA can also be shared to showcase the best of your community and entice prospective buyers. It’s an affordable and effective way to advertise.
Administrative tasks, such as maintenance requests or payments, can be streamlined and automated when they are brought online. Best of all, having an online system keeps everyone more accountable. Once a payment is made or a request is submitted, proof of that action is immediately available to management and owners.
Some states have made websites mandatory for associations
In some states, websites are actually required for larger communities. In Florida, if your condo association has 150 or more units, then it must have a website that complies with specific requirements (timeshare units are excluded).
Texas just put a similar rule into effect for HOAs with at least 60 lots, or any association under contract with a management company. These HOAs must make the most current version of the association’s “dedicatory instruments” relating to the association or subdivision—and filed in the county deed records—available on an internet website. Information must be maintained by the association or management company working for the HOA; it must be made available to all members.
When it comes to maintaining a happy and efficient HOA, communication is key. User-friendly technology has given HOAs an opportunity to improve connectivity and engagement. A website is one tool that will help HOA members to stay informed and involved. Apathy can lead to a fractured and stagnant HOA; a website encourages the opposite.
Why don’t more HOAs have websites?
Websites have come a long way, and with so many DIY platforms available, it’s become much easier to make one. But some boards may still be apprehensive about having a community website, while others may be worried about the time or costs involved in maintaining it. These are valid concerns, and it is important to discuss the following points with your HOA board before you move forward with getting a website:
What problems will the website aim to solve for owners, board members and management?
Can (and should) the HOA maintain the website on its own?
How much can the association afford to spend on a website? There are hosting fees and maintenance fees to consider in addition to the initial cost of the site
Has the board spoken with an attorney about the website and what information should be gated?
What are the requirements of the association? What features would it like the website to have?
Does the state or municipality have any requirements when it comes to HOA websites?
Can the website integrate with any of our current online systems?
Is there an HOA software company that could offer more options and features?
Getting a custom website
If the budget is available, many HOAs will elect to have someone else build their website for them. It’s usually a less stressful process when there’s a professional taking care of the hard stuff. While there are dozens of exceptional web designers out there, it can be hard to find the right one for your community.
Consider taking a less traditional route and hiring an HOA software company to build a custom site for you. Condo Control has a professional in-house designer available, and we work exclusively with residential communities. That means we’re in a better position to build an HOA-specific website than other developers.
Furthermore, we’ll make sure that owners have a password-protected section where they can easily find community news and information. Owners also have the option to login to their personal Condo Control account directly from the HOA website. From there, they can make online payments, book amenities, submit service requests/ architectural change forms and much more.
Make sure you get these 5 features
Your HOA website should be built based around the specific needs and goals of your community. That may mean you only need a few pages. Conversely, you may require multiple pages if your owners prefer to get documents and information online.
That being said, most communities will want to have the following features available to owners:
Desktop and mobile-friendly design
Your website must be available through mobile and desktop. Mobile traffic accounts for almost half of web traffic worldwide. According to Statista, In the first quarter of 2021, mobile devices (excluding tablets) generated 54.8% of global website traffic. Basically, more and more people are visiting websites through their phones. The convenience and ease of access means this trend will continue.
Community calendar
One of the best ways to ensure your owners show up to events is to integrate a community calendar right into the website. This is an easy way to keep everyone in the loop. When used collaboratively with HOA management software, admins can add events from the system and include details for meetings, social activities and even things like garbage pickup. These activities will then appear on the website calendar. Plus events can be added ahead of time or as they come up – it’s a flexible and simple solution.
Document storage
Giving owners 24/7 access to forms and governing documents, or board members a place where they can store and review every item relating to HOA business, is a gamechanger. Trying to keep papers organized is a lot of work, and trying to locate that one item you need in a file cabinet of folders is even harder. With online document storage, owners simply need to log in to the password protected area of the website, enter a keyword and they should be able to find what they’re looking for in seconds.
Resident maintenance requests
Since we’re keeping with the theme of simplifying and streamlining processes, online resident maintenance requests is another must-have website feature. Digital forms can be submitted by owners, and they can do this while they’re watching tv or commuting to work (since your site is mobile friendly). Management can see when new forms are submitted and request to receive notifications if they forget to follow up after a certain number of days.
Digital bulletin board and announcements
Communication is often the biggest issue impacting HOA communities. Sometimes, management thinks they are sharing enough, but owners still want more. Having an online system to post updates, notices and other information is an effective, cost-efficient solution. Messages can be created and shared in seconds, and associations forgo the print and mailing costs. Management can include links and attachments with these messages, too. Set expiry dates for time-sensitive announcements, or keep them up on the board for the entire year.
5 examples of great HOA websites
Below are some great examples of simple, user-friendly websites:
Lake Linganore Association
About the association
Lake Linganore is a very large association located in Maryland. It has dozens of private amenities available to users, including beaches, basketball courts, a dog park and even an events tent. Lake Linganore water is used as the primary source of drinking water for the City of Frederick, and it’s the emergency back-up water supply for Frederick County. It holds over 500-million gallons of water!
Why we like this website
The Lake Linganore site is very easy to navigate. There is contact information listed on the site, and a few small dropdown menus so as not to overwhelm the user. The visuals are also “on-brand,” or representative of the association’s qualities and characteristics. The interactive sections, such as the amenities map and historical timeline, is a great way to attract prospects.
Solano Grove
About the association
Solano Grove is a well-established community located in Jacksonville, Florida. It is an older condominium community, but that just means the units are more spacious than some of the newer builds.
Why we like this website
Solano Grove’s website offers users a clean and visually appealing space. There is just enough information; everything you need is easy to find. Owners won’t have a hard time figuring out where to login or register for the password-protected section.
Surfsong Condos
About the association
Surfsong Condos has 72 condominium units, a lovely clubhouse situated next to an oceanfront swimming pool and hot tub, and two tennis courts. Located in San Diego, atop a ninety-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is a truly beautiful place to live.
Why we like this website
Surfsong’s website sets the tone for the community. It is organized, but has a fun, laidback feel too. Not only are there photos of the area, but the website also offers visitors a breathtaking video of the condo community as well.
The site encourages new owners to sign up for an account using information they would have received in their welcome letter. Moreover, it has a small list at the bottom of the website informing owners of the information they will be able to obtain on the password-protected section.
Detailed contact information for the management team can also be found at the bottom of the website so that anyone who wishes to speak with them can get in touch quickly and easily.
Deering Bay Marina
About the association
Deering Bay Marina, located in South Miami-Dade County, is a pristine marina community that caters to lovers of boating, nature, and outdoor sport. Members have access to some of the best fishing spots around.
Why we like this website
Beside the beautiful photos of this stunning marina, Deering Bay Marina’s website has lots of helpful information readily available. For example, you can check local tides and weather, and any slips that are for sale or for lease. Members can access a password-protected section of the site as well where they will get to see information and updates released exclusively for them.
The Willows HOA
About the association
The Willows HOA Resort Living boasts the perfect climate with tranquil and beautiful landscapes bordering the Bay. The Willows’ 201 homes are adjacent to Alameda’s shopping mall. There is a large clubhouse, perfect for parties and a gym as well as an inviting pool.
Why we like this website
The design is ideal for HOAs looking for a simple, straightforward layout. Updates to the community are posted on the landing page for ease of access and immediate viewing by community members. Important HOA documents are accessible with a login from the home page. Tabs at the top take you directly to the specific page, without a long dropdown menu to scan.
Bonus: An HOA website template created by Condo Control
Condo Control offers all of the must-have features that we highlighted earlier on. Our HOA management software supports and works directly with the websites our team creates. We build professional, user-friendly websites for HOAs that want to improve communications and augment the association’s brand. Click here to see an example.
Note that we can customize even simple templates. On this one, we include amenities and information about board meetings and board members. You will also see how the events calendar looks from a resident’s perspective. Admins can update monthly calendars directly from their Condo Control account. Our goal is to showcase the very best of your community.
What makes a great website
It’s really important that your website is aesthetically pleasing. To put it bluntly, an ugly site isn’t going to encourage owners to use it. But – looks aren’t everything. A great website is fast, user-friendly, current and secure. Some of these qualities will overlap with must-have website features we mentioned earlier.
Mobile-friendly
We’ve already talked about the importance of making sure your HOA website is mobile friendly.
Fast
Our attention spans are shorter than ever, and people expect fast load times. Your website should be capable of solving problems for owners, not creating more frustrations for them. If you hire someone to build your website for you, they will be able to take the proper steps to ensure your site loads quickly without compromising on the quality of images or functionalities.
Informative
The website should have all of the resources that owners frequently ask for. This saves you and your staff time since owners will be able to do more for themselves. Announcements, governing documents, and events should be available on the password-protected section of the site.
User-friendly
The website should be easy to navigate and allow visitors to find what they are looking for right away. Simplicity trumps complexity when it comes to websites.
Secure
Security must always be prioritized. Personal and sensitive information is invaluable; HOAs must take every step possible to ensure only authorized individuals have access to this information. In addition to creating a section just for residents, be sure to Secure your site with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure).
Costs
The last aspect of HOA websites we will discuss is the costs. While you could probably find a free website template, we strongly recommend investing in a site that will offer you the most value for your investment. Free sites will be slow, may have tons of ads and they are not very customizable. Free websites will not provide a great experience for you or your owners.
If you are fortunate enough to have a board or committee member who is comfortable with something like WordPress and a bit of code, your association might spend anywhere from $150 – $600 per year. Costs will depend on whether you build from scratch, or pay for a website builder like Wix or Squarespace.
This cost estimate takes into account things like the domain name, hosting, premium themes and add-ons. The downside here is that you are responsible for updating and maintaining everything.
Prefer to hire a professional instead? You could be charged anywhere from $3,000 – $20,000 (or more). That’s a huge range, but there are a lot of variables to consider. The skill of the developer, whether you hire a freelancer or agency to do the work, the custom features you require, add-ons like quarterly updates and any additional services will all impact the price.
Conclusion
HOA websites can act as a central resource hub for associations. Even if your owners aren’t tech-savvy, almost anyone can navigate and use a well-designed website. Plus, it doubles as an efficient advertising tool. With so many features and functions, having an HOA website just makes sense.
SFPMA works throughout the State of Florida, we are a multi-member organization for the Condo, HOA and Property Management industry. Through knowledge based Articles, Events and our Members Directory, Clients find the right information to make an informed decisions for their Florida properties.
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