Become a Member: JOIN SFPMA TODAY   LogIn / Register: LOGIN/REGISTER

SFPMA Industry Articles | news, legal updates, events & education! 

Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

Condo Deconversion: The Good, The Bad, and the Reality

Condo Deconversion: The Good, The Bad, and the Reality

  • Posted: Oct 21, 2022
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Condo Deconversion: The Good, The Bad, and the Reality

Condo Deconversion: The Good, The Bad, and the Reality

There’s a lot of turmoil in the housing industry today, and it’s hitting community associations hard. New restrictions from Fannie and Freddie are dark clouds full of special assessments looming on the horizon, and the housing bubble is growing rapidly with no real signs of stopping, inviting investors and tempting homeowners to sell. Because of all of this, a lot of condominium associations are considering a tactic called “condo deconversion.”

A condo deconversion is basically a bulk sale and process by which all units in a condominium building are sold in one transaction to a real estate investor, who will then turn the property into rental apartments. (Its counterpart is “conversion” which is when an apartment community is converted into a condominium or co-operative and sold off. Even though the terms are connected, there’s no requirement that a condo building was previously converted in order to be deconverted.)

Deconversion might sound like an extreme option, but it’s quickly becoming a sought-after fix for communities struggling with expensive deferred maintenance issues.

Why Condo Deconversion Is Gaining Popularity

There are a lot of reasons why this trend is taking off. Those FNMA and FHLMC restrictions, for example, are about to start causing some serious problems for condo boards. Requiring that the condo buildings meet a specific level of health by withholding approval for any future purchase loans for units in the community is stressful for everyone involved, and can often only be

Buildings get old and need repairs.

Building repairs are time-consuming and costly, and only get more expensive as buildings start hitting 30 and 40 years old. Communities with underfunded reserves will likely be subjected to overwhelming special assessments to catch up on the deferred capital improvements and maintenance over the years. The current real estate market means that deconverting could offer an alternative where unit owners get out with a profit rather than pouring money into special assessment costs.

New special inspections being ordered by local municipalities, state statutes, or federal restrictions.

The condominium lobby and real estate lobby will go kicking and screaming, fighting new inspection and reserve laws. Yet eventually condominiums are going to be forced to do the right thing and keep up with maintenance, capital improvements, reserve studies, and funding. It’s the right way to govern a condominium, but very infrequently is the right way the cheap way. These new inspections will be costly and time-consuming, and will likely expose more problems that only money can solve, exposing an underfunded community for the money-pit that it has slowly become. Selling in bulk to an investor pushes that responsibility onto someone else while pocketing a bit of profit.

There aren’t enough rental properties.

Condominiums have been popular in the last 20 years but there is a tremendous supply gap in rental properties, and this is a way for real estate investors and developers to acquire properties without having to build them. With the cost of construction, it makes more sense to take an old building, even an old building with long-deferred maintenances and problems, rather than invest in wholly new construction. It saves time and allows for a far quicker return on investment. It’s a sound move to buy them out and rehab the structure.

The price of real estate has skyrocketed.

The housing market is experiencing yet another quickly-growing bubble. Condo deconversions would typically start at 9x rent roll (the cumulative value of projected monthly rents for all of the units in the building), but some communities are seeing negotiations beginning as high as 20x rent roll! As Don Corleone would say “it’s an offer they cannot refuse.” For a condominium facing a $150,000 special assessment, they may feel that it would be foolish to refuse such a lucrative offer. Why pay a special assessment when you can ride the high of the real estate bubble?

What Does Condo Deconversion Mean For Owners and Board Members?

Condo deconversion is not a cut-and-dry good or bad decision. It’s a complicated process and has pros and cons on every side.

The good is that it can offer hefty profits and a get-out-of-jail-free card in a way. For some owners, it can mean a massive profit and an incredible opportunity to escape a very expensive, long-term situation. For board members who are stuck with the neglect from previous board decisions, it can mean walking away from a series of problems for which you would have been unfairly blamed.

The downsides, however, can be drastic and dangerous for owners:

Loss of Guaranteed Residence

For some, it means being forced out of their homes, into an increasingly hostile real estate landscape with no time to accommodate a drastic life change. Some states, like Florida, are experiencing the lowest housing inventory in the state’s history, meaning some may make a fortune over what they paid for their condo unit only to have to pay that fortune forward, and then some, just to find a new roof to put over their heads. Or, they could get stuck renting the home they previously owned at a severely increased monthly payment.

Loss of Long-Term Equity For Short-Term Gains

Homeownership provides security for yourself and your future generations. For those stuck renting from their new landlord, you lose the ability to pass on equity to your heirs. Unit owners can also no longer get a loan based on mortgage equity or use their home to guarantee a large purchase or supplement legal aid.

Loss of Influence in Your Community

As a member of a community association, you have power. You have a say in every issue that the community faces. You can determine who represents you on the board. You can even run to be part of that board! By deconverting your condo association, those residents that remain forfeit their power to the new landlord. The landlord decides what will and will not be repaired, and when. Once the landlord takes control, they can raise rents as high as they want, regardless of the negotiated rent roll they purchased the property for. There is no requirement to seek approval from residents the way an association board is required to seek approval for the annual budget.

Requirements For Deconverting Your Condo Association

Depending on the state, you do not need a unanimous vote to terminate an HOA or a condominium association, so even if there are objections it can happen to most condominium associations. In Florida, for example, if an investor buys 80% of the condo units, the last 20% can be compelled to sell if the condo has been deconverted. In fact, as of 2007, 80% of owners can allow for a Florida condo deconversion if more than 10% of the total ownership did not object. Other states will have their own provisions for condo association termination, so be sure to check your state’s legislation.

Some owners may argue that the association’s board needs owner approval before it can even begin looking into the possibility of a sale. In reality, the board has a fiduciary duty to bring all the best value and opportunity to the owners they represent, meaning that they can and should be researching opportunities like deconversion if the benefit is great enough.

Can the board sell out the condominium from under the owners? No. They will still be required to get the state’s minimum approval percentage within the community. And if there are condo deconversion negotiations going on, the board has an obligation to keep the membership informed and should provide full transparency.

Revitalizing Your Condo Community

Deconversion is an enticing opportunity for condo communities facing mounting special assessments or dues increases to confront long-term deferred maintenance. And while it might be the right choice for your condo building, it is not as simple as just pushing a button and making everything disappear. It’s a decision that requires a lot of thought, due diligence, and communication with your community.

While you can’t go back in time and undo the maintenance deferment of boards past, you can do the right thing for your community today and start a conversation about the importance of building integrity and health, and how the benefits will always outweigh the cost. Your condominium building needs a diligent board of directors working for the good of the community. It requires regular maintenance, capital improvements, fully-funded reserves, good cash flow, and a proper delinquency and ethical collections solution. Call Axela to let us help you recover some of those missing funds by collecting on your delinquent assessments, and avoid deconverting your condo association.

 

Do you take advantage of our Marketing? What is involved with your Membership Listings

Do you take advantage of our Marketing? What is involved with your Membership Listings

As a member you want to know what marketing steps you can take to promote your company and Learn how we market our members.

Many members use what we offer, they send us Articles we republish to our industry, but we have had many companies that do not….then inform us we are not getting many requests?  we ask them when is the last time you sent any information via ( membership@sfpma.com )

Their answer does not surprise us:  They state, well we were busy.  So our Team looks at their social Media, either non ex-histant or one post a month. But they do have many likes, follows of other companies. That is not using marketing to help people in your industry learn about the value you can bring to them.

Our IT Dept is always finding the best way to use programs that automatically market the members information, then post to the internet and direct emails. Not to forget social media pages and groups.

There are so many avenues you can take advantage of with a SFPMA Membership.

 

  •  You are placed on a full company page, like an extension of your website.  Included in the directory listing page is; your logos, the bio about what your company offers with your contact and social media. It is vital that you provide these links so new clients when searching can learn more about the services you provide and contact you. (Website Directory Company Listing Page)

 

  •  You are also placed in our magazine directory. Each month we publish an Industry Magazine sent to thousands of Clients. This Publication is Digital! so each reader can click on the Advertising within they are sent through rich media links to either your website or the membership page on sfpma. Some companies have a Landing Page set up on their websites that give Information, Sales and Specials  through the Magazine Links they provide to us, giving great value for clients to click and use our members and keep reading the magazine.  (Magazine Directory in the Florida Rising Magazine)

 

  •  Members can send to us Sales and Products their companies are running.   Sales and products submitted by members are Emailed weekly/monthly, as our industry professionals are reading the articles they can easily learn the services and the expertise your company offers them. They find you through you links supply or we link these to your Membership page. So, If your company is running specials or sales send them to us!. Everyone likes to save money before they buy something so use this as a way to attract clients promote your company and give knowledge to the reader.

 

  •  Our Events Calendar is searched daily by everyone from Board Members and Owners to the Property Managers looking for licensing credits and networking opportunities. If you provide a course, class, webinar or education to the industry send them to sfpma. Or let us know where you have your monthly events on your website, we will add these to our Industry Calendar each month. Events are added and shared these with our industry.

 

  • Writing Articles for our weekly Emails and Blog. Every member has the ability to send to us company updates, Industry News and Articles. Sfpma republishes these on our Blog and sends these to the social media pages and groups we govern. This is also picked up on our RSS Feed and used for our Emails. ( When an article is published on our blog it will automatically get published on our email blast that week and sent to all of our readers, clients and members. A great way to get your news out to thousands of industry professionals.

Read more about how it works.

* Take advantage of what we offer members! – You don’t just sit on a directory your membership fee includes our marketing. You can help promote and keep involved with sfpma let us send your company information to hundreds of thousands of industry professionals through your membership. If you do not take advantage of the association offers – you can only blame yourself! 

 

Tags:
Free Image editor: Its Free – Try It!

Free Image editor: Its Free – Try It!

Free Image editor: Its Free – Try It!

Create pictures with many kinds of additions, Words with over 1000 fonts. Place glitter over the picture. Crop the photo, resize and so much more.

Use it for Free

Save this to your bookmark bar. Use it daily.

All basic functions are available: Cut, Resize and Crop. These features work on all image formats, even on animated GIFs and transparent PNG’s

With the Text Tool you can add text to your images. Also add text to animated images is simple and fast. With extra options you can add a border around your text and make the text follow an arc path so it looks like text around a cricle. With the shadow option you can add different kind of shadow colours and blurs to the text.

Merge two images together or blend multiple images. With the opacity setting you can blend images the way it suits you most. Editing an image here is so easy and fast that starting Photoshop takes longer.

Add an animated image onto a static background or add falling snow onto a picture. Your imagination is the limit to create nice dynamic images.

Make an image Transparent with the Transparency tool. Make the background of an image transparent by simply clicking on the color that needs to become transparent. Or remove transparency from your image.

Put an Image in Text, including a drop shadow and with transparent background. Who needs Photoshop?!

Add falling rain to an image. How wet is that?

You can even upload your own fonts to the editor and use them to add the text. Just choose your own font from your device and upload it to use it.

Stop reading and start editing!

 

Tags:
4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

  • Posted: Oct 17, 2022
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on 4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

4 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Security System Upgrade

 

Is your security system equipped to help you monitor your property on a 24/7 basis? If you are fortunate enough that your facility still has the same security needs as when you initially installed your security system, and that system hasn’t been rendered obsolete in recent years, it could still cause issues in the future.

Consider your computer— a five year old PC is likely to experience issues such as freezing, crashing programs, or slow operation. Your business’s security system can develop similar issues over time, and if your system experiences a major error and needs to be rebooted, your property may be left defenseless.

Security technicians may be able to help maintain older systems, yet there may come a time when it is more cost effective to invest in a full system upgrade.

Older security systems are tied to a variety of issues that prevent property owners from efficiently securing the building; however, modern security systems offer exclusive benefits and new features. Security technology has developed exponentially in the past decade, enabling users to add more effective features like access control, HD security cameras,  automated alerts and schedules and other remote monitoring features.

Installing a new system that incorporates these features will bring efficiency to security management, helping to increase productivity and improve your bottom line.

Remember: your business security system isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool; rather, it’s crucial to keep up with routine maintenance and stay up to date on the latest trends and innovations.

This post examines four factors that signal it may be time to begin researching a security system upgrade. 

Your Security Camera System Can’t Accommodate Change

Older security camera systems were not built to accommodate change. If you find yourself struggling to try and make angles or shots work for your surveillance needs instead of adding additional devices, it may be time to upgrade your basic system. Modern IP based system hooked up to commercial grade servers can allow you to expand as your needs grow to add cameras and additional monitoring devices.

 

Alarm System Doesn’t Allow for Remote Control

As we mentioned earlier, security technology is rapidly evolving: products that were considered “top-of-the-line” five years ago are now obsolete. If you purchased a hard-wired alarm system years ago, you may not be able to control it remotely, meaning that it doesn’t have access or sensors for the locks, leaving your property vulnerable.

Large security software and hardware manufacturers continuously release updates that are designed to make the system more efficient and burglar proof.

Smart locks are a great modern tool to improve security, as users can access them remotely without the use of a key. Smart locks work even when the power is out and they cannot be jammed

 

Property Features Low-Resolution Security Cameras

Camera quality is imperative for efficient property surveillance, making the difference between catching the criminals and losing all the evidence. Many property owners initially install security cameras to recognize and deter potential criminals, so if you have a low-resolution camera that produces grainy images, you’re sabotaging your chances of apprehending the criminals.

High-definition video quality isn’t just important for your home entertainment system: the same technology comes is incredibly useful for surveillance. With the availability of the high-resolution cameras, there’s little you reason to hold on to your old system.

 

Surveillance System Is Lacking Remote Monitoring Capabilities

In recent years smart phones and tablets have advanced to be able to track your workouts, diet, and finances, so why shouldn’t you be able to track your building’s security as well? Having a video management system that you can access and control remotely not only reduces response times in the event of a break-in but also helps to eliminate the need for around-the-clock security officers.

From an operations standpoint, having 24/7 access to view your business allows you to plan around weather conditions, monitor traffic patterns, and assess employee efficiency. Frankly, not having that option puts your business at a disadvantage in the competitive marketplace.

Is your building’s security hinged on outdated security technology? Schedule a no-cost property evaluation and we’ll assess how an updated system can improve your property’s security.

EVENT: Jeffrey Rembaum (KBR Legal) will lead a substantive review of Bill SB-4D (Condo & Cooperative building safety) on October 17th

EVENT: Jeffrey Rembaum (KBR Legal) will lead a substantive review of Bill SB-4D (Condo & Cooperative building safety) on October 17th

SIGN UP NOW to WATCH this WEBINAR

Jeffrey Rembaum will lead a substantive review of Bill SB-4D

(Condo & Cooperative building safety) on October 17th.

Please see the flyer for details and share with anyone who will benefit from this.

The link to RSVP is: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w-aSiEr6SAqNuNmd-tUJsA

 

Bill SB-4D Has Passed…Now What? A Panel Discussion

In May of 2022 new building safety legislation was passed during a special session. Join us for this important informational discussion as Jeffrey Rembaum, Esq. BCS of Kaye Bender Rembaum will provide a substantive review of Bill SB-4D. Attendees will learn about the history of the bill, how your association is affected and what you may need to do.

Other professionals on hand will include Nicole Johnson-Pendergrass & William Kilgallon (Haferco CPAs & Consultants), Jayme Gelfand, PCAM (Truist Bank), Rudy Martin (m2e Consulting Engineers) and Brian Street (Castle Group).

Note: This webinar is for informational purposes only and does not contain CE credit for CAMS.

Learn more on the New Website on the State of Florida PMA website. 

Tags: ,
Condo HOA Loans / Your Trusted Community Association Financial Resource

Condo HOA Loans / Your Trusted Community Association Financial Resource

  • Posted: Oct 17, 2022
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Condo HOA Loans / Your Trusted Community Association Financial Resource

Condo HOA Loans

Your Trusted Community Association Financial Resource

 

 

Don’t go it alone. Whether your Community requires Conventional or Private Lending, CondoHOALoans can assist you in obtaining the necessary funds for Projects, Reserves, or Cash Flow.

When your Community Association works with our Law Firm to facilitate and secure financing, your Community will also have the optional benefit of receiving 100% FREE Delinquent Account Collection Services.

Not sure if financing is right for your Association? Download the Association Funding Options Infographic and take our Free Financial Health Survey to find out.

Click on the Ad below and Download the pdf.

 

 

Tags: , ,
Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets. Our engineers will inspect all materials used to ensure the strength and stability of your structure from low-, mid-, to high-rise structures and facilities. Falcon’s engineers pride themselves on ensuring the services and recommendations provided to each of our clients are held at the desired level of individualized care and attention.

  • High Rise & Mid Rise Façade Inspections & Repair/Restoration/Replacement

  • Stucco & Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) Evaluations & Repair

  • Mid Rise & Low Rise Siding Inspections & Repair Replacement

  • Roof Inspections & Repair/Replacement

  • Water Infiltration Investigation & Remediation

  • Window & Door Replacement Design

  • Balcony & Deck Repair/Restoration/Replacement

  • Foundation Inspections & Waterproofing

  • Parking Garage Inspections & Repair/Restoration

  • Firewall / Fire Separation Assembly Inspections & Remediation

 

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections -Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets.  By A leader in the industry by providing professional, cost effective and innovative architectural and engineering designs, solutions and services through the use of highly qualified staff and outstanding customer service.

In case you missed it! Below is the link to the recording from yesterday’s fantastic webinar featuring Sinisa Kolar, P.E., Principal, on Extreme Weather in South Florida and Preventative Maintenance.
Tags: , , ,
Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

Engineers • Architects • Drone Services • Capital Reserve Specialists • Energy Consultants • Litigation Experts

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

In the event your home or business has suffered storm damage as a result of Hurricane Ian, The Falcon Group is here to help. The Falcon Group has been in business for over 25 years with extensive experience in post-disaster recovery. As one of South Florida’s largest forensic engineering and restoration engineering firms with over 40 local engineers, architects, and technical staff in South Florida, we have strategically-located offices in St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, and Miami ready to mobilize. Falcon has successfully worked with numerous clients (commercial, residential, legal, public adjusters) and assisted in recovery of claims in excess of $500 million throughout South Florida.

The Falcon team can also provide the following services:

Emergency Damage Infrastructure Evaluations

Windstorm and Flooding Safety Evaluations, as per ATC https://www.atcouncil.org/pdfs/ATC45appendixE.pdf

Structural Damage Assessments

Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle (UAV Drone) Inspections of roofing, and visible structures

Sea Wall Inspections

Building Envelope Evaluations

Insurance Causation Reports

The Falcon team of engineers, forensic experts, and drone pilots are standing by to fully assist you in navigating through the difficult claims, analysis, and rebuilding process.

You can reach our disaster recovery experts at 813-438-3568:

Sinisa Kolar, P.E., FBRSE – Principal SKolar@thefalcongroup.us

William Pyznar, P.E. – Principal WPyznar@thefalcongroup.us

CONTACT US

1211 1st Avenue, N., Suite 300

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

(813) 438-3568

15405 NW 7th Avenue

Miami, FL 33169

(305) 663-1970

5651 Corporate Way, Suite 4

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

(561) 290-0504

 

Tags:
IF THERE EVER WAS A TIME TO GET EDUCATED – Update

IF THERE EVER WAS A TIME TO GET EDUCATED – Update

Update:  Eric Glazer, Esq.
Published October 10, 2022

Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.

I just spent a week in the hospital — again with kidney stone issues.  This is I believe the 5th time I needed some sort of surgery for this never ending painful problem.  I left the hospital with a tube coming out of my right side.  I still need a lithotripsy procedure.  That’s the one where you lay down in water and they zap your kidney stones hoping to break them up.  I’m guessing I have another week or two of this insanity.

I want to apologize to the wonderful people at the L&L Condo and HOA Expos.  As all of you know, I always attend all of their shows all around the state and have the honor of kicking off the event by doing my board certification course.  Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend the events In Palm Beach and in Broward.  I am desperately hoping to attend the events in Orlando and Tampa.  I think all of you know that I love nothing more than being with all of you, teaching you, and answering your questions.  It’s simply my favorite part of being an attorney.  It’s killing me that I can’t teach the classes that so many of you attend each and every year.  However, L&L will be finding another well qualified attorney from another law firm to teach and certify you.  I urge you to attend and continue to make the L&L shows the success that they always are.

I’m taking two weeks off from the radio show.  I expect to do the show October 16th — with or without a tube coming out of my side.  BY THE WAY……THAT’S THE SAME DAY I WILL BE ON 60 MINUTES — AS THEY ARE DOING A SHOW ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT GRANDMA AND GRANDPA CAN STILL MOVE TO A FLORIDA CONDOMINIUM IF THEIR SOLE INCOME IS SOCIAL SECURITY.  I think we all know the answer.   This really should be an amazing show which shines the spotlight on Florida condominiums but truly needs to be watched by the entire country as every state better follow Florida’s lead when it comes to mandating safety.

In any event, I hope to be back at my desk in a week or two and look forward to speaking with all of you again.  In the mean time, please get in touch with Rich, Pennie or Paul if you need immediate help.

PS: The nurse told me that the epidural was not invented to relieve pain from child birth.  It was invented to relieve pain from kidney stones!

 

We know everyone is wishing Eric Glazer a full recovery and well wishes.  Ouch

 

In light of the tragedy at The Champlain Towers in Surfside last year, The Florida Legislature, to its credit, passed massive condominium reform regarding safety, inspections and reserves.  These laws are confusing to those who work in the industry every day, never mind to those who serve on condo Boards throughout the state.

 

Stay up to date with the new law -FLORIDA BUILDING INSPECTIONS (SB-4D)

Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)

http://FLBuildingInspections.com  a division of SFPMA

The State of Florida Property Management Association with Legal & Engineering Members are here to help you understand the new laws and how to take the correct action now to ensure you are in full compliance. 

 

The Florida Legislature thought that it was so important for condo boards to enforce these laws that they included a provision which considers a breach of these laws a breach of the director’s fiduciary duty.  Imagine, personal liability can be imposed against a director who fails to enforce these new laws.

Once again, I drafted legislation which would require Board members to learn these new laws in order to get certified and once again this requirement was removed from the statute.  It’s hard to believe, but The Florida Legislature drafted a law which imposes personal liability against those directors who fail to follow these new laws yet removed the requirement to learn these new laws.  In any event, I will again try to make learning these new laws a condition of becoming certified in the next legislative session.

As far as condominium Board members go…….there can be no more important time than the present to learn these new laws.  They are designed to keep you and your fellow unit owners alive.

Don’t dare get certified by signing that dumb, silly form that says I read my governing docs and promise to enforce them.  Even if you read your governing documents from cover to cover, you still wouldn’t learn any of the new condo laws.  What a disgrace that you can still become certified this way.

I am teaching at the following times and locations this month.  It is more imperative than ever to attend an educational course.  In fact, if you don’t learn the new laws and don’t apply the new laws on your condo board, you can face personal liability.  Moreover, any condo Board member who can’t find a few hours to take an educational course is not worthy of a single vote.  So what do you say?  Please register for any of the free following Condo Craze and HOAs Board Certification Classes offered around the state

Find the Condo & HOA Event Dates

 

Tags: , , ,
“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?” -Allstate Resource Management

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?” -Allstate Resource Management

Sometimes, aquatic management is viewed as a frivolous or unnecessary expense for a community. “My lake looks fine, why should I pay to have someone take care of it?” Unfortunately, that assessment is rarely made taking into account the whole water body.
Most people that live on lakes also see them differently than someone who maintains them. The difference is homeowners tend to look “at” the water, where as waterway managers look “in” the water. Too often people put off lake maintenance until they see a problem and weed populations have already become established. Long term management at that point becomes more expensive and time consuming, with total elimination of the problem almost impossible.
An important fact that many overlook is that the lakes on their property serve another purpose other than a nice view. They are actually man made stormwater retention areas . When communities are built, the lakes are carefully designed to hold a certain amount of stormwater. Water bodies filled with weeds no longer have the correct capacity, potentially causing neighborhood flooding during storms. Algae is another constant nuisance in South Florida lakes. Because of our warm waters and long sunny seasons, algae can spread very rapidly and unpredictably.
As a property owner or property manager, it’s valuable to have a company that will respond to these unexpected outbreaks. Every lake matures differently, and it takes a combination of experience and expertise to maintain a healthy balance as changes occur.
Allstate Resource Management’s staff is always there to answer your questions and works to ensure excellent results in any lake management situation.
Contact us today on how we can help your community lake!
Direct: 954-382-9766
Tags: ,
Prepare for Hurricane Ian Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: by Cohen Law Group

Prepare for Hurricane Ian Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: by Cohen Law Group

It is extremely important for you to have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Click Here For The Homeowners Guide To Storm Damage

Before The Storm:

  • Take photos of your property- Interior of Home, Exterior of Home, Roof, Pool and Pool Area, Fencing, Trees, Front Yard, Back Yard.
  • If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property.
  • Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
  • Know what is in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
  • Have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
  • Review your mold coverage.
  • Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy.
  • Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses.
  • Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible.
  • Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs.
  • Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information.
  • Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply.
  • Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
  • Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
  • Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
  • Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
  • Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
  • If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.

After The Storm:

  • When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof
  • Consult with an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an adjuster assigned to the claim.
  • Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim.
  • Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope.
  • Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to adjusters.
  • Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company.
  • Check your Co-Insurance penalties.
  • Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
  • Check your policy coverages and sublimits.
  • Just because water has not began to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property.
  • We have seen too many homeowner claims where an engineer is hired months after the storm and the engineer states the damage preexisted the hurricane.
  • For more information about the work we do with insurance claims, Click Here.

Business Owners Preparedness Tips:

Click Here For The Large Loss Guide To Storm Damage

  • Businesses should pay close attention to the storm’s forecast over the weekend. The National Hurricane Center releases a new full advisory every 6 hours, at 5am, 11am, 5pm and 11pm EDT. They are issuing intermediate advisories every 3 hours, between the full advisories (1am, 8am, 1pm, 8pm EDT.)
  • During this time, it’s important to review your disaster and emergency communication plan.
  • Backup all data on servers and personal computers and ensure remote access is available.
  • Ensure your equipment is raised above potential flood levels.
  • Review your insurance policies to mitigate any possible gaps in coverage.
  • Protect and duplicate important business documents and records. Be sure they are accessible from anywhere.

For More Information Click The Link Below:

http://itsaboutjustice.law/hurricane-preparedness/

 

Tags: ,