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Anne Dondero / President of Spotless Roof Solutions
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Find out how Association members can help you with the management of your buildings?
Managing properties can quickly become overwhelming, even for experienced investors. There is always something going on that requires attention and it takes very little time for things to get out of hand. Hiring a Property Manager can provide an opportunity to regain control and restore stability to both your properties and possibly life in general.
The importance of having income real estate to you and your family? We are here to help you with the selection process for hiring the right company for the management of your buildings. Your Property Manager will make critical decisions on your behalf making it extremely important that you do your homework during the hiring process, your decision to hire or not hire a management company should hinge on whether or not it is a good fit with your lifestyle and makes sense financially. Individual investors will have to assess the opportunity cost of both options based on their unique circumstances.
1. How far do you live from your rental property and how frequently can you visit the property?
If you are close you may be able to make the regular visits required for maintenance, inspections, collections, etc., otherwise the further you live the higher your travel time and expenses will be. The larger the distance the more temptation there is to not keep a close eye on things, and that can be a recipe for disaster. You should plan making monthly scheduled visits and there is always the potential for a middle of the night emergency call that requires your immediate attention. In the long run, is this feasible for you?
2. How do you deal with the of day to day operations yourself?
This is a tough one. we all like to think of ourselves as level-headed and even-keeled, but at the end of the day it takes a special kind of person to deal with the ups and downs of property management. Behind the seemingly simple task of collecting rent every month lie a number of unpredictable problems can push people to their limits. Ask yourself how you would react in the unfortunate event that tenants:
3. How many rental properties or units do you have?
As your portfolio grows so do the management challenges, and it becomes easier for things to fall through the cracks. Investors with large portfolios stand to reap significant benefit by leveraging the efficiencies a property manager can provide. Size can also constrain investors’ ability to consider purchasing new properties if they’re already maxed out managing their current holdings.
4. Do you do all the maintenance and repairs yourself?
If you can’t do it yourself, do you know who to call? Finding reliable handymen and contractors can take a while and in the mean time you may unknowingly hire people that are unethical, uninsured, do poor quality work, over charge etc. maintenance and repairs are a significant component of land lording and if you question your ability to ensure the work is done well and in a timely manner, you might want to consider hiring a property management company.
5. How quickly are you able to get your unit ready to be rented?
Advertising, fielding calls, and showing the unit can take a considerable amount of time, but are critical tasks as vacancies will quickly eat into your profit margins. If you question whether you have the skills or the time to make this happen, or if you have historically had an unacceptably high vacancy rate, you may want to consider hiring a property management company.
6. Are you capable of handling the paperwork nightmare.?
From profit and loss statements to tax deductions, this area needs special attention and becomes an increasingly larger burden for larger portfolios. some owners (especially those with a back ground in finance) will do just fine, others may opt to hire an accountant to help with the book keeping. If you feel like this might be a weak point you might want to consider hiring a Community Association Management Company.
7. Are you willing to be on call 24/7/365?
Its important to answer this question honestly, because when an emergency happens at your property you can’t ignore it. Your special event, important meeting, vacation, or personal crisis doesn’t relieve you of your obligation to your tenant. These emergencies don’t happen all the time, but when they do you have to be willing to handle them immediately. can you handle being called at 2 in the morning to fix someone’s overflowing toilet?
8. Are you willing to confront tenants about late payments and if need be evict them from the property?
Many new owners dislike feeling like the bad guy and try to be understanding by making exceptions. The problem is that this only invites additional abuses and excuses by tenants. Late payments must be dealt with immediately, and while sometimes a friendly reminder is all that’s needed, other times, it can be a very confrontational process ending in eviction. Unlike running a charity, running a successful rental business means enforcing the rules even it means evicting a single mother who lost her job and won’t be able to pay rent anytime soon.
9. How well do you understand the laws governing Community Association Management?
Ensuring the property is run in accordance with the law is critical in both preventing lawsuits and shielding yourself from liability if you are sued. Familiarity with contracts is also very important as your rental agreement is the only binding agreement between you and the tenant.
We are encouraging all members, Property Managers, Board Members for Condo and HOA’s and the industry in general to follow:
We understand that everyone has questions:
It is important to recognize we are not health care professionals. We have been looking to the experts. The CDC and other qualified health officials should continue to be the primary source of current information and guidance. Were offering general, precautionary guidance from officials and adding some common-sense guidelines for our industry.
Mask Mandates are changing!
Many States have already set as requirements for businesses, schools and Offices all over the US. The reversal of wearing Masks. This is great news for many, now you do not have to put on the masks if you dont wish to. As we go forward some that are at risk still will protect themselves, while others wont put them on. Dont get mad at them or start a problem…. You dont know what they are doing in Their Live! they might have a lower immune system in their bodies? they might take the stand that masks dont work? they even may believe in the Science or lack of?
Every person has the right to keep wearing a mask or not! so work with your group, community and management to find a solution you can adapt to keep everyone in your buildings safe. this could mean, in the common areas, with visitors and guests inside and outside your buildings. its best to have an open discussion with a group. find out what they think? and put in place rules to keep everyone safe.
Thank You, Be Safe. SFPMA
We know it’s a balancing act for community association leaders— and the desire to keep residents and guests safe as the face mask debate continues— even for the fully vaccinated. ( Part of this article copied from: Covid Masks) We are all working together for the safety for all.
As some local jurisdictions and/or states lift and others reinforce mask mandates, what does this mean for homeowners associations and condominium communities with shared spaces including—fitness centers, clubhouses, lobby areas, and mailrooms? We contacted CAI members, practicing common-interest law to share an update on face masks in common areas. From the outset of the pandemic, Edmund Allcock, a partner with Marcus, Errico, Emmer & Brooks in Braintree, Mass., and a fellow in CAI’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL), encouraged community associations to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local guidelines, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“At the beginning of the pandemic, we recommended closure of (common areas),” says Allcock. “Since the development of the vaccine, everything seems to have reopened, so I do not see why the clubhouse, or the gym should be any different.”
In Washington, application of state and local health mandates to community associations have been inconsistent, notes Anthony L. Rafel, managing partner at Rafel Law Group in Seattle, and a CCAL fellow. “The governor’s proclamations and the state secretary of health’s orders requiring masks in indoor congregate spaces make no exception for community associations,” he explains. “We’ve advised our community association clients that the requirements are applicable to common areas.”
Meanwhile, the California Department of Public Health has clarified that “indoor public settings” applies to board and commission meetings, but there is some disagreement as to whether community associations have to follow the state’s mask mandate, says Nathan R. McGuire, managing partner at Adams Stirling in Northern California, and a CCAL fellow. McGuire notes that his firm is advising that community associations are not public. Therefore, the guidance does not technically apply to them.
When it comes to guidelines community associations should follow to minimize the spread of COVID-19, Rafel says to lean on the side of greater protection for residents and guests. “Masks should be worn in lobbies, hallways, gyms, clubhouses, and meeting spaces if required or recommended by federal, state, or local health officials,” he says.
McGuire also believes masks should be required in indoor common areas to mitigate the spread of the disease. “Another option is to require only those who are unvaccinated to mask indoors and allow them to self-attest to their vaccination status. Meaning that, if someone enters the indoor setting without a mask, the resident or guest is self-attesting that they are vaccinated,” he notes.
Find out more on our Industry Web Pages for Condo, HOA and Property Management.
Tags: Common Area Issues, Condo and HOA Law, Management News, SFPMA Articles
Come meet with the top Industry Professionals and Companies serving Condo and HOA’s.
SFPMA has so many of our members that take part in the Expos and Events for our Industry.
Learn how our members can help you with your Buildings.
Get the tools and information you need to manage your condo or HOA more efficiently. Regional and national experts will offer insights into the latest industry trends and best practices in legal oversight, financing, maintenance, renovations, energy efficiency, administration, communication and more. Bring your questions to these lively, informative sessions and come away with a clear blueprint for improved management for the future.
For one day only, the Palm Beach Convention Center will be packed with the latest products and services as well as an array of industry experts. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to make valuable connections and speak directly with local and national experts about the topics that are relevant to you and your property.
Get legal insights, financial advice, communication tips, proactive management solutions and much more from some of the region’s top professionals. This one-day event will also give you a sneak peek at the latest design trends gracing today’s most prestigious developments, plus innovations in building and remodeling and the newest energy efficiency options.
For one day only, the Miami Beach Convnetion Center will be packed with the latest products and services as well as an array of industry experts. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to make valuable connections and speak directly with local and national experts about the topics that are relevant to you and your property.
Get legal insights, financial advice, communication tips, proactive management solutions and much more for some of the region’s top professionals. Attend FREE educational seminars and CEU courses covering all of today’s essential property management topics. This one-day event will also give you a sneak peek at the latest design trends gracing today’s most prestigious developments, plus innovations in building and remodeling and the newest energy efficiency options.
For one day only, The Signature Grand will be packed with the latest products and services as well as an array of industry experts. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to make valuable connections and speak directly with local and national experts about the topics that are relevant to you and your property.
Get legal insights, financial advice, communication tips, proactive management solutions and much more from some of the region’s top professionals. This one-day event will also give you a sneak peek at the latest design trends gracing today’s most prestigious developments, plus innovations in building and remodeling and the newest energy efficiency options.
Condo, HOA and Property Management ExpoSeminars: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Exhibits: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Sign up for the networking and educational event of the year! Get face-time with industry experts, browse the latest products and services and learn how to save thousands on the management and maintenance of your condo or HOA.
It’s the ONLY event to bring everything you need under one convenient roof for a single, information-packed day.
Registration is FREE for community association managers, board members, board presidents, active HOA members and industry professionals. Don’t delay… register for this one-of-a-kind event today!
Naples Condo & HOA Expo & SeminarsNew Hope Event Center
7675 Davis Blvd. Naples, FL 34104
Seminars 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Exhibits 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Sign up for the networking and educational event of the year! Get face-time with the industry experts, browse the latest products and services and learn how to save thousands of the management and maintenance of your condo or HOA.
Registration is FREE for association managers, board members. Don’t delay!
Orlando Condo HOA Property Management Expo & SeminarsSeminars 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Exhibits 10:30 am-3:00 pm
Sign up for the networking and educational event of the year!
Get face-time with the industry experts, browse the latest
products and services and learn how to save thousands on the
management and maintenance of your condo or HOA.
Registration is FREE for association managers, and board members. Don’t delay!
Tags: Board of Directors, Condo and HOA, Management News
If you’re ready to give your home a new look or save on heating and cooling bills, your windows are a great place to start. But with so many ways to renovate the windows in your home, where do you even begin?
Are solar screens an option, and do they really work? What are the advantages of Double Pane windows? If you’re scratching your head wondering which window option to choose, you’re not alone! Because there are several options to choose from, this article will help you figure out which windows might work best for your home and budget. To make that process easier, let’s take a look at a few of the most popular window options available.
Before reviewing the different window options available, it should be noted that energy efficiency should be a major consideration when deciding which type of windows you choose for your home. Energy efficient windows can help lower your monthly heating and cooling cost, and can result in significant savings over time.
While the initial cost of impact windows might be a little more, they offer a significant advantage when it comes to protecting your home and property from storm damage. If you live in a climate that is prone to hurricanes or severe weather, impact windows provide the type of security and protection that other windows can’t match. Upgrading your home with impact windows can also help increase the overall value of your home. Since your windows are often the weakest point in a home, impact windows help minimize the threat of damage to your home.
With over twenty-years of South Florida experience in the glass restoration industry, Scratch Removal Specialists, Inc. strives to provide the most professional and cost effective solutions to your glass restoration needs. Our company culture of professionalism, safety, training, and customer satisfaction makes us stand-out as the best choice in the glass restoration industry. From a single window repair, to an entire building restoration, we have the experience and staffing to take on your project with the the care and professionalism it deserves.
Insulated glass windows, also referred to as double-pane windows, consist of two or more pieces of flat glass separated by gas or air that is injected between them. Two pieces of glass certainly provide more protection as opposed to one. However, since glass is a poor insulator by nature, the thickness of the glass may not be as important as what’s in between those two panes of glass. This space is typically filled with either air or gas (like krypton or argon) which helps boost the windows’ insulating power and inhibits heat transfer. Not only are insulated glass windows incredibly energy-efficient, but they also add a layer of comfort to your home by helping to reduce the amount of air that escapes through your window and the level of outside noise.
Low-E, which stands for low emissivity glass, is a kind of thin coating (thinner than a strand of human hair) that is applied to windows to make them substantially more energy-efficient. While window tints use a type of film to minimize heat, low E-glass uses a colorless, non-toxic coating instead. Low-E glass minimizes how much ultraviolet light passes through the window. This can help enhance the natural lighting in your home and reduce heating and cooling costs. Low-E glass is a great investment if you’re looking to make a subtle upgrade of your windows while staying cost-effective.
If you decide to update rather than replace your windows, here are some other ways in which you can make them more energy efficient in the process.
Call us at 954.963.9877 or Request a FREE Estimate Today!
Founded in 1988 in Hollywood, Florida and has served 1,000′s of customers with premium automotive, residential, commercial and marine window tinting. We carry Suntek and Huper Optiks Ceramic Window Films. In addition to Window Tinting, Allstate Tint & Blinds offers Roll-Up Shades, Vertical Blinds, Bamboo Blinds, Faux Blinds and 2″ Wood Blinds.
In 2013, Allstate Tint & Blinds celebrated their Grand Opening of their new location at 2011 SW 70th Avenue, #A17, Davie, Florida 33317 (Located across the street from the Signature Grand) We advise to please call ahead for an appointment, or as always you are welcome to drop off your vehicles.
Solar screens are made up of dark, tightly woven mesh that can be installed on the outside or on the inside of your window. Installing solar screens offers a few advantages. They are relatively inexpensive and can help reduce energy usage. They are also a great solution for any windows that receive extended exposure to the sun throughout the day. Solar screens help reduce the amount of heat inside your home, blocking as much as 90% of outside heat. They also help reduce glare, protect privacy, and help prevent heat damage to the interior of your home.
Window tinting is another option if you’re looking to upgrade your windows without replacing them. Windows can be tinted in a wide range of colors and shades, and with a variety of different materials. Each treatment can accomplish a different purpose, or help achieve a certain look, with different pros and cons for each.
Here are the five most common types of window tint:
Cool World Window Tinting Solutions is an authorized Madico Sunscape & SolarGard window tint dealer, with over 20 years window tinting experience.
Cool World Window Tinting Solutions uses only high-quality Madico window films, which are guaranteed not to bubble or change colors and will keep your home, office or auto comfortably cool for many years to come.
Cool World Window Tinting Solutions is a fully mobile window tint company that will come to you at your home or office. Cool World Window Tinting Solutions is fully licensed and insured and offers a full line of window tinting products to maximize energy savings for your home or business.
The Jansen Family have been serving the homeowner and construction industry of the Florida Gulf Coast from Fort Meyers to North Tampa, Tarpon Springs and the Islands since 1973. In 2002, Phillip Jansen and his son Travis opened Jansen Shutters & Windows with the intention of providing the best hurricane protection necessary to ensure the safety of your family and business.
As our company grew we expanded out product line to include, Out Door Living Products. Which includes our exclusive “Jansen Vista” Motorized Insect Screens, Fabrication, Louver, Pergolas and more. We are proud to say everything we manufacture is American Made. Our work does not stop at installation, we believe it is necessary to educate our customers about the products we provide. So you can pick the best products that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Tags: Windows and Doors Articles
NationalEvictions.com – Website where Managers to Board Members and Property Owners can find the right information on evictions. Every State has some kind of Evictions Process….Find your State and the Laws that you must follow.
Tags: Eviction Process, Evictions, Landlord & Tenant Issues
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.