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

Please join us in Palm Beach for the Condo, HOA and Property Management Expo today!

Please join us in Palm Beach for the Condo, HOA and Property Management Expo today!

  • Posted: Feb 12, 2024
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Please join us in Palm Beach for the Condo, HOA and Property Management Expo today, Tuesday February 13th!

Drop by the Palm Beach Convention Center

Come down and meet SFPMA Members and other great companies working in the Condo & HOA industries.

 

Elevate Your HOA and Condo Collections with Axela!

Elevate Your HOA and Condo Collections with Axela!

  • Posted: Feb 02, 2024
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Discover why Axela stands out as the ultimate choice for managing your community’s finances and collections.

Axela is here to revolutionize your HOA experience from streamlined processes to advanced features.

 

HOW THE FUTURE COLLECTS

Axela Technologies is dedicated to helping create streamlined accounts receivable and collections tools for management companies, condo and homeowners associations and others in the real estate industry.

Our proven collection tools help community associations realize higher returns and lower delinquency ratings.

Axela is not a debt collector. But, our team understands collections and has expertise in the real estate accounts receivable space. Axela licenses its software to specially-selected third-party collection agencies who emphasize a culture of debtor choice and empowerment and compliance with applicable law, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

Our focus is on building tools that assist community association capital recovery. Our team of developers is constantly working to build new and improved technologies to ease and speed up the collections process.

Integrates with your Accounting Platform

In order for Condo and HOA collections to be successful, action must be taken quickly, and information must be accurate. Our tools integrate with various accounting software to gather the data required to begin a collections file.

Accurate, Up to the Minute Records

Using Axela’s software, you can effortlessly gather thousands of data points from our integration partners to have a complete picture of what position a delinquent unit and its owner are in.

The tools available in Axela’s toolbox range from calculating the value of a property, to determining if it’s in an equity position, to assistance in locating a unit owner and determining their financial position.

Respectful Treatment of Homeowners

We empower the engagement of your HOA members in a respectful manner to resolve your cash flow issues. When owners are not paying their assessments you need a HOA collection solution NOT a lawyer.

Committed to Condo & HOA Collections Technology and Advancement

An HOA collection agency must use an FDCPA-compliant process, first and foremost. But our exclusive focus on Community Associations and Management Companies makes us go deeper than the basic requirements when designing collections tools.

Our team has years of experience in the industry, from directly managing condos and HOAs, to serving on boards, to working with other industry vendors.

We work constantly to cultivate relationships in the industry so you can benefit from technologies built to suit your specific needs.


 Axela’s platform can easily review your delinquency issues and provide a customized collections plan.

We help recover funds utilizing information acquired from your association, third-party data aggregators, and credit reporting agencies.

We will refer you to highly trained and accredited collectors who work respectfully with your association members to resolve delinquencies as quickly as possible.

Call Us
 305-392-0389

Technical Support
 support@axela-tech.com

Sales & General Inquiries
 admin@axela-tech.com

 

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Deep Dive on Insurance Deductibles – by Cohen Law Group

Deep Dive on Insurance Deductibles – by Cohen Law Group

  • Posted: Feb 02, 2024
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In almost every homeowner’s insurance contract, there is a deductible that the homeowner is
required to pay before insurance proceeds become due and owing. Many times, the amount of the
deductible is dependent on whether the claim is a hurricane loss or a non-hurricane loss. Although
homeowners can obtain lower deductible amounts, usually by paying higher premiums, a vast
number of policies in Florida contain higher deductibles for hurricane losses than non-hurricane losses.
A very basic way of looking at the deductible, if the homeowner has a deductible of $5,000 on a
hurricane claim, the loss must have a value of more than that $5,000 before the insurance company is
required to pay any funds for the loss. If the value of the claim is below $5,000 that is typically referred
to as being below deductible. If the claim is valued at $6,000 then the insurance company will reduce
the payment by the $5,000 deductible, as the homeowner is responsible for paying this for the repairs,
and will make a payment to the homeowner for $1,000.

I often speak with homeowners who will receive a small payment for their damages that was
reduced by the deductible. Many homeowners are under the impression that because the amount paid
was reduced by the amount of the deductible, that the deductible has been paid. This is not the case. In
its simplest form, if the homeowner needs $20,000 for the damages and there is a $5,000 deductible,
then the homeowner will receive $15,000 and will be required to pay out of pocket the $5,000
deductible.

Florida statute 489.147 (2023) addresses prohibited property insurance practices. The statute
states that the “consumer is responsible for payment of any insurance deductible.” Subsection (3) states
that it is a felony of the third degree to pay, waive, or rebate any part of the insurance deductible with
the intent to injure, defraud, or deceive.

It is important for homeowners to understand how their policy works and specifically, what type
of costs the homeowner could be liable for when shopping for insurance. Many times, I believe, it is
better to pay a little extra in premium for a lower deductible than to be subject to much larger hurricane
deductibles.

Brandon Pharis, Esq.

Cohen Law Group

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Attention all aspiring Community Association Managers! Start your journey to success with ProLicense Florida’s pre-license course.

Attention all aspiring Community Association Managers! Start your journey to success with ProLicense Florida’s pre-license course.

  • Posted: Jan 31, 2024
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Attention all aspiring Community Association Managers! Start your journey to success with ProLicense Florida’s pre-license course.

  • Posted: Jan 26, 2024
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Our online education program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field.

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn your license and boost your career!

Become a Property Manager

sfpma has partnered with the top educational platform for Licensing and education. We offer CAM Licensing, Real Estate Licensing, Take the opportunity today to change your life! Get Licensed. Enjoy our self-paced online classes – Start your new Career – Become a Property Manager.

Florida Community Association Manager License Courses

To become licensed in Florida, you need to first meet the requirements to enter an approved educational program. Once you’ve completed the program successfully, you apply for a license.

After being electronically fingerprinted, you’ll need to take and pass the licensing exam. You don’t need a license if you are only managing personally owned properties. Some rental properties, however, need a licensing by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

If a property owner hires a salaried employee to manage the property no broker’s license is required, but if they are paid by commission or transactional basis they must have a license.

Community Association Managers (CAMs) differ from property managers. CAMs must hold a valid Community Association Manager license. Obtaining this FREC license follows a similar process, but requires a different educational program.


If you need to verify a License in Florida:

Check each applicant’s license status before hiring any person. Use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Licensee Search webpage to determine their licensing.

State of Florida Requires; Property Managers to be Registered with the DPBR

Now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming construction season!

Now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming construction season!

  • Posted: Jan 26, 2024
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Now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming construction season!

At Falcon, we understand the challenges communities face when it comes to site improvements. That’s why we offer comprehensive engineering services to help you tackle these projects effectively.
Contact us today for a free consultation and proposal and let us help you transform your community into a better place to live.

Are you tired of the deteriorating condition of the roadways in your community?

Is drainage becoming a major concern during heavy rains?

Are the retaining walls in your neighborhood showing signs of wear and tear?

If so, it’s time to take action! 


Planning and executing site improvement projects can be a complex process. From roadway resurfacing to tennis court replacement, these projects require careful planning and development.

Now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming construction season.

At Falcon, we understand the challenges communities face when it comes to site improvements. That’s why we offer comprehensive engineering services to help you tackle these projects effectively.

Our team can assist you with feasibility studies, design plans, construction documents, bidding, and even construction management services.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take advantage of the construction off-season to plan your site improvement project.

Contact us today for a free consultation and proposal and let us help you transform your community into a better place to live.

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10 Management Professional things agents should know and do | SFPMA

10 Management Professional things agents should know and do | SFPMA

  • Posted: Jan 25, 2024
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10 Management Professional things agents should know and do.

 

  1. Immediate Response: As a real estate agent you need to make your response time, when your prospective buyer calls or emails, as quick as possible. If the buyer doesn’t find you available then he may call somebody else. Buyers want instant response and will not wait for you to call them back or respond to mails only when you are in office.

2. A person he can trust: An agent needs to tell the buyer the truth even if it means losing the sales. While you speak volumes about the virtues of a home, you need to point out the possible defects as well so that the buyer can think twice and not be blinded by only the positive features. The buyer should feel that you are on his side and fluff and untruth will make him lose his confidence in you.

  1. Keep learning on the job: A person is smart when he hires people smarter than he is (Henry Ford). A buyer wants to use your education and experience in order to feel that he has employed the right person to do the job. You should come across as an expert in the field. The best and only way it is done is through constant learning. This can be through trainings and also reading relevant stuff. You should have a ready knowledge about the property that you are highlighting.
  2. Good communication skills: You need to be extremely good at handling your communications. There are all kinds of buyers and while some prefer an e-mail others may like you to call them. The best course is to ask them their preferred mode of communication. Always remember to promise less and deliver more.

 

 

  1. Professional and friendly: Being friendly and at the same time maintaining professionalism is the best way, although a bit difficult. Friendliness is preferred by most buyers as you give out the vibe that you are on their side. At the same time they also want you to be assertive and professional. They want you to handle anything that may come up while they are probably viewing the house or saying €no’ to a particular seller.
  2. Information about the neighborhood: When you are trying to sell a property in a particular neighborhood you should have good knowledge about it in terms of amenities and facilities. Your buyer may be interested in knowing about train stations or bus stops that are close by. The interest could even be a park for children. Make a search and find out all you can about areas where most of the properties that you deal in are located.

  3. Price guide: You need to be the professional who has inside information about the price. The client may be interested in your opinion so prepare yourself well. You need to be careful that you do not quote a price that is too low or too high. You need to be ready with market trends and facts for the particular area and similar properties. Guide them to make an informed decision.

  4. A good inventory: When a buyer visits you he wants to know about as many properties as he can. He expects a wide inventory and you need to be ready with one. Since you cannot predict the kind of home each buyer requires as buyers buy for their own reasons, you need to have all kinds of properties ready. The choice of properties should take care of a wide arena of needs and requirements.

  5. Dedicated time: When a buyer comes to you he expects you to devote all your time to him until he leaves or makes a decision. Remember you may be selling 10 houses in a week but for him it is one single home that he may be buying in a lifetime. You need to show your enthusiasm and zeal and help him to decide on the perfect home. Try and focus on him and the transaction he is going to make and leave all work aside for the time being.

  6. Time saving transactions: The modern real estate buyer is hard pressed for time. He wants the transaction to be fast and take up as little time as possible. And he would like you to handle things in such a way that the total time is cut down and he can proceed with other things. So do your homework and be prepared to save time, both his and yours.

 

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YEAR-END TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES by Steven J Weil, PhD, EA, LCAM

YEAR-END TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES by Steven J Weil, PhD, EA, LCAM

  • Posted: Jan 25, 2024
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YEAR-END TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES

RMS AccountingTax planning is one of the best ways we know to reduce your tax bill, and at RMS Accounting we take a proactive approach to helping clients pay the lowest amount of tax allowed by law.

We do this through a two-step process. Step 1 requires us to keep up to date with the latest changes to the tax laws, and tax savings strategies. Step 2 is all about you our clients, it requires us to keep you updated on just what steps you can take to ensure that you can take advantage of ever tax saving strategy that will help you.

Since everyone’s situation is different the only way, we can assist you is to be available when you have questions and prior to year-end to review your situation with you, so that you can take the steps required to maximize your tax savings.

That is why every tax preparation engagement includes year-round access to our tax professionals and year-end tax planning, free when we have prepared your tax return for the prior year.

Below are links to this year’s tax planning letter which is mailed to all our clients along with links to planning worksheets for individuals and business.  You can use these documents to help you get the most out of your tax planning consultation.

 

 

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4 “Tricks” to a Healthier Lake! by Allstate Resource Management

4 “Tricks” to a Healthier Lake! by Allstate Resource Management

  • Posted: Jan 23, 2024
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4 “Tricks” to a Healthier Lake!

 

Regularly test the water quality.

The first step in keeping your lake healthy is regularly testing the water quality. Ensure that your lake management company is testing the water before treatments.

Use algae control.

Algae is a common problem in Florida lakes, but there are methods you can use to control it. Partnering with a professional lake company is key! A lake maintenance company can put together a comprehensive plan designed specifically for your lake. Each lake is different and each HOA property might have specific goals and aesthetics they want to achieve.

Use aeration to promote healthy oxygen levels.

Aeration is essential for maintaining healthy oxygen levels in your lake. The water can become stagnant without adequate aeration, leading to low oxygen levels and an unhealthy lake ecosystem. Use a lake aerator to keep the water moving and to promote healthy oxygen levels.

Control invasive plant species.

Invasive plant species, such as cattails or water hyacinths, can quickly take over your lake and create an unhealthy environment for aquatic life. Let our lake specialists work with your HOA to help control and eradicate invasive plants/

Contact us today:

info@allstatemanagement.com or 954-382-9766

 

 

 

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Visit our Upcoming Events page and view our calendar, top events are listed for Boards, Managers and Members.

Visit our Upcoming Events page and view our calendar, top events are listed for Boards, Managers and Members.

  • Posted: Jan 23, 2024
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Webinars plus Breakfast/Lunch Events This Week

Find other top events on our website


Wednesday, January 24 | 7:30am Est | Breakfast in Pompano

OPP Credit with hot breakfast.

Limited space remains | RSVP Free Here.

Info needed? Contact ACE by TSK


Wednesday, January 24 | 11:30am Est | Lunch in Pembroke Pines

Legal Update 2024 with hot lunch.

Registration Closed…this serves as a reminder for those registered.

Info needed? Contact Capriccio’s Networking Group


Thursday, January 25 | 2:00pm Est | Zoom Webinar

Importance of Updating the Governing Documents of Your Association

RSVP Free Here


Expos & Trade Shows

Register for the Expos, Sign up for the Informational Seminars. The Board Certification courses are the best in the State. The one day events are great places to meet with many of the top businesses working together in the Industry.

Feb 6TH, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M. AT THE
SIGNATURE GRAND – BROWARD COUNTY.
Tampa Bay Condo & HOA Expo
Feb 9TH, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M.
AT THE TAMPA BAY CONVENTION CENTER.
Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo
Feb 13th, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M.
AT THE PALM BEACH CONVENTION CENTER.

YouTube Live: Condo Craze & HOA’s

On our YouTube page you can find webinar events you may have missed, these are recorded for your viewing pleasure. Education is key for Boards, Managers and Owners living in Condo and HOA’s all over the State.  You may also find the service companies that make up SFPMA have videos letting clients learn what the do and they can best help you.

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5 Questions to Ask When Setting Long-term Lake & Pond Management Goals by SOLitude

5 Questions to Ask When Setting Long-term Lake & Pond Management Goals by SOLitude

  • Posted: Jan 23, 2024
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5 Questions to Ask When Setting Long-term Lake & Pond Management Goals

Winter seems to be the time of year that we all think about goals. Whether it’s assessing how successful we were at achieving previously made goals or setting new milestones to achieve, the long cold nights seem to make us all reflect a little more. This time of year is also perfect for evaluating and setting long-term goals for lakes, ponds, and stormwater facilities. As aquatic resource management consultants, these goals are critical to deciding the who, what, when, where, why and how of managing each client’s waterbody.

Setting and exceeding long-term goals for freshwater resources requires the understanding and discussion of many factors. Each waterbody is unique, and each client is unique. In order not to get lost, focusing on the following five factors can make your goals measurable and, ultimately, achievable:

1. What type of waterbody is being managed?

This question seems to be very simple, but it is deceptively complicated. For example, some people live in communities with stormwater management ponds that are the focal point of the community. Even in cases like this where pond aesthetics are important, pond maintenance services still must focus on ensuring that stormwater functions are working properly. Alternately, a drinking water reservoir is going to be managed much differently, as is a recreational lake or mill pond.

Stakeholder goals - on the job- team picture - meeting with clients - event - solution

2. Who are the stakeholders?

A bio-swale in a retirement community and a 300-acre lake with public access are going to have different stakeholders and decision makers. Making sure the correct people are involved in goal setting is important to consider before a pond management plan is designed. Often, there are many stakeholders with different goals for the same waterbody, so it’s important to take into account each group’s expectations when developing a lake management plan.

family fishing - pond fishing - lake fishing - hobby fishing - trophy fishery - fish services - fish stocking - electrofishing - fish feeders - fish prey - grow big fish - bass fishing - pond liming 9

3. What is the waterbody going to be used for?

Just as there are different types of waterbodies, there are many different uses of waterbodies. A private farm pond can be managed for waterfowl and fish habitat. A lake association may want swimming and recreation to be the primary use of their waterbody. Deciding the primary uses of the lake, pond or stormwater facility is another primary driver of successful goal setting.

stormwater inspection lake and pond management - stormwater drain - rock wall - regulatory permitting - john phelps - de - 4

4. What are the regulatory requirements and restrictions?

Each jurisdiction has a unique set of regulations. In order for a long-term pond management plan to work, understanding which strategies can and cannot be used is fundamental to goal setting. For example, triploid grass carp are an excellent natural aquatic vegetation management option in some states, but are illegal to stock in others. Working with a professional lake manager will help ensure that you are in compliance with any local, state or federal regulations.

5. What is the budget for the waterbody?

Budget is often the factor in the speed at which certain goals can be attained, but it does not have to be the limiting factor in success or failure of a goal. A smaller budget can be used creatively to systematically tackle the small hurdles on the way to those bigger milestones. As a rule of thumb, practicing proactive pond management is much more cost effective than addressing water quality problems that have gotten out of hand.

professional lake management company understands the importance of collaborating with clients to address and answer these five questions early on in the management process. From there, long-term goals that are measurable and achievable can be set. With time and patience, goals like reducing phytoplankton algae cell counts or phosphorous levels by a specified amount can be achieved.

Goal setting should begin with the first conversation. Through planning and communication, a diverse lake and pond management firm works with each client to create goals that guide the strategies and techniques applied to their unique aquatic ecosystem. Ultimately, a successful pond management program considers attainable goals, as well as the ever-changing variability of Mother Nature and our human impact.

 

COURSE: WHAT A CAM MUST KNOW AFTER A PROPERTY LOSS

COURSE: WHAT A CAM MUST KNOW AFTER A PROPERTY LOSS

  • Posted: Jan 22, 2024
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FREE HOT BREAKFAST WITH EDUCATION IN BROWARD

 01/24/2024  7:30 am – 9:30 am
 Galuppis

Address: 1015 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, USA
COURSE: WHAT A CAM MUST KNOW AFTER A PROPERTY LOSS

RSVP Free HERE

  • Course #: 9628960 | Provider #: 0005930 | One CEU in OPP or ELE
  • Delicious hot breakfast will be served and this event is complimentary thanks to the support of our ACE partners.
  • Presented by Water Restoration Group’s Raf Tamecki (Dir. of Field Operations) “What  A CAM Must Know After A Property Loss” offers essential insights into the critical post-property loss procedures that property managers and CAMS need to know. Panelists who will answer related questions include Terri Russo (SouthState Bank) and Andrew Massie (Plastridge Insurance).

 

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