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JUST WALK AWAY  – By Eric Glazer, Esq.

JUST WALK AWAY – By Eric Glazer, Esq.

JUST WALK AWAY

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

I was recently watching an interview of a black belt in karate.  In addition he was built like The Hulk.  He started to say what he does when someone curses him out and even challenges him to a fight.  I was certainly expecting him to describe how he turns others into rubble.  On the contrary, he said that whenever he finds himself in that position, instead of fighting back, he simply walks away.  To say I was originally surprised is an understatement.  I mean this guy could pulverize any opponent.  Instead, he chooses to just walk away.

He spelled out why.  If he beats someone up he faces both criminal and civil charges.  And for what?  Because some dope said a few nasty words about him?  Much better to just walk away from any situation that allows for it.  Wow, I was impressed by this guy’s brain, not just his muscle.

It got me to thinking about my career in condominium and HOA law.  How much time in my life did I spend hearing board members and unit owners verbally go at each other.  How much time in my life did I spend hearing unit or homeowners argue with other unit or homeowners?  It’s ridiculous.

In none of these arguments was anything accomplished whatsoever.  They were all a waste of time for those arguing and everyone who unfortunately had to listen to the nonsense.  I’ve seen physical fights break out and even walkers and canes fly through the air.  And for what?  What was accomplished?  Nothing.

So, board members, unit owners, home owners and even managers, I’m talking to you.  Next time someone is looking for a fight, do what the karate guy does, walk away.  It will probably drive the other person crazy.

 

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AQUATIC PEST CONTROL- Allstate Resource Management offers full service larvicide spraying and/or briquette treatments

AQUATIC PEST CONTROL- Allstate Resource Management offers full service larvicide spraying and/or briquette treatments

AQUATIC PEST CONTROL

Allstate Resource Management offers full service larvicide spraying and/or briquette treatments to attack the insect’s breeding ground.
GOT MOSQUITO OR MIDGE ISSUES?
We can also stock lakes and ponds with mosquitofish which is a long term biological control method that is also environmentally sensitive. There is nothing like mosquito bites to take the fun out of water related activities.
There are many weapons in the war against these types of pests!
Call us today for a free quote!
954-382-9766
info@allstatemanagement.com

 

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Why Money Judgments Don’t Work for Assessment – by Mitch Drimmer

Why Money Judgments Don’t Work for Assessment – by Mitch Drimmer

Why Money Judgments Don’t Work for Assessment

Money judgments are not an effective way for an HOA to collect delinquencies. It’s often more effective for an HOA to work with delinquent homeowners to find a resolution that is mutually beneficial. This may involve setting up a payment plan or finding alternative ways to resolve the delinquency.

Foreclosure is a legal process in which an HOA takes possession of a delinquent owner’s property. The HOA then sells it to recover the money owed. While foreclosure should be a last resort for collecting past-due assessments, pursuing a foreclosure may be a better option than seeking a money judgment. Here’s why:

  1. Why get a judgment on a secured debt? The property is the collateral. Why get a money judgment and then go to court again to get a writ to collect?
  1. Recovery: Ever try to garnish wages or repossess assets to collect on a judgment? It’s not easy. People can, and often do, evade efforts to collect. You already have the best collateral for the debt – the property itself.
  2. Difficulty in enforcing judgments: Obtaining a judgment is only the first step in the collection process. The HOA must then take steps to enforce the judgment, which can be time-consuming and costly. This may involve garnishing wages, levying bank accounts, or seizing assets. When it comes to collecting you are on your own.
  3. Limited recovery: Even if a judgment is obtained, there’s no guarantee that the delinquent homeowner will be able to pay the amount owed. If the homeowner is unable to pay, the HOA may not be able to recover the full amount of the judgment.  The money spent to get the judgment was wasted. Negative impact on community: Pursuing a judgment against a delinquent homeowner may create tension and conflict within the community. This can be more difficult in a small community where residents may have close personal relationships. If the community has an ongoing wage garnishment on a resident, the animosity may drag on for years.

The overwhelming majority of the time, owners facing foreclosure pay before a sale occurs.  Foreclosure is the end of the road for the owner, and they almost always find the money to pay to stay in their homes. Starting a foreclosure does not mean the sale will occur, and from our experience, it seldom does.

Want some more reasons why foreclosure, while still a last resort, is better than a judgment?

  1. Stronger legal remedy: A foreclosure is a stronger legal remedy than a money judgment because it allows the HOA to take possession of the property and sell it to recover the unpaid assessments. A money judgment is a court order requiring the homeowner to pay the amount owed, but the HOA must still take extra steps to enforce the judgment and collect the funds.
  2. Quicker resolution: Foreclosure can be a quicker process than seeking a money judgment. It’s unusual for the foreclosure process to take more than a year, and in some states, that time is less than half. In contrast, obtaining a money judgment can be a lengthy process that may involve multiple court hearings and appeals.
  3. Higher recovery rate: Foreclosure is better for the HOA because the sale of the property can often cover the unpaid assessments, legal fees, and other costs associated with the foreclosure process. With a money judgment, the HOA may not be able to recover the full amount owed, and this is guaranteed if the homeowner is unable to pay.
  4. It’s a deterrent: Foreclosure may deter others in the community from defaulting on their assessments. This can help to keep the HOA financially stable and protect the value of the community.

Delinquencies are often settled when a new buyer purchases the property under “joint and several liability” doctrines. If you have eviscerated an amount of the debt and turned it into a personal obligation, it’s more difficult to collect when the property sells. The association has a judgment but must still work to collect on it even if the owner sells the property, when it could have been paid in full at the time of the sale.

During the real estate meltdown of 2008, associations foreclosed and took title to units that were underwater because everything was underwater. Then, they would refurbish and rent the units. The banks were not foreclosing, the units were underwater, and the associations had no choice if they wanted to be proactive. But times have changed, and there’s a record amount of equity in the housing market. The chances that the association will ever take title in these times of high property value and opt to rent the property are incredibly slim.

If you go after somebody with a money judgment, they will evade you until they cannot. It can take years before you get to cash in, if ever. This is not about revenge; it’s about cash flow. When an HOA goes after a delinquent owner, you can be sure that the debtor would be more motivated to pay with a foreclosure over their head than a money judgment. A foreclosure is hard to get out of, if the HOA does it right. They may be able to circumvent or have exemptions not to pay a judgment.

It’s important to note that foreclosure is a last resort for collecting assessments. Before foreclosing, the HOA should work with a specialized and licensed collections solution like Axela-Technologies. Our services include client outreach, respectful phone calls, emails, mailed letters and notices, bank notifications, credit bureau reporting, and other legal and fair methods to collect. For a no obligation collections analysis, please Click Here and let us show you “How the Future Collects.”

 

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Aruba Permit Services helping you with Building Permits and Code Violations at your Buildings.

Aruba Permit Services helping you with Building Permits and Code Violations at your Buildings.

Aruba Permit Services helping you with Building Permits and Code Violations at your Buildings.

As repairs come up due to Florida Storms or Projects at your Properties, You need to make sure your permits are handled by a Trusted Company.

Permits will be pulled for the repairs. All work will be followed up by the engineer to assure compliance. Aruba Permit Services is licensed and insured.

 

 

Aruba Construction who has been a Certified General Contractor since 1990 and has qualified Engineers available to handle inspections of any size building.

These inspections are for the conditions of the building that include:

·         Masonry Walls (concrete condition, exposed rebar, spalling)

·         Floors and Roof Systems (drains, scuppers, supports for A/C)

·         Steel Framing (corrosion, fireproofing)

·         Concrete Framing (cracks, exposed rebar)

·         Windows (general condition, seals, anchorage)

·         Wood Framing (connector condition, rotting, bearing deficiencies)

·         Exterior Finishes (stucco, soffit, veneer deficiencies)

·         Electrical (panels, wiring, breakers)

 

Phone: (954) 786-7292
Email: 
info@aruba-services.com
Address: 1413 S. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Industry Members of SFPMA < View our membership page

 

 

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New Module: Inspections and Checklists by BuildingLink

New Module: Inspections and Checklists by BuildingLink

  • Posted: Feb 27, 2023
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New Module: Inspections and Checklists

by BuildingLink

We can’t think of a better time than the current environment to be introducing to you our newly released Inspections and Checklists Module! Whether you want to document all of the new practices in place because of COVID-19, or to lock down your existing routines for property inspections, employee daily task lists, or monthly/yearly PM (preventative maintenance), there is a new way to do it all:

Make A Checklist Out Of It!

The new Inspections and Checklists Module will help bring consistency and excellence to your daily routines. Your property managers can build checklists of any kind and length – and your staff can document existing conditions or completed tasks conveniently in the field, using the same BuildingLink GEO mobile app they already know and use every day!

This is a very feature-rich module! Be sure to read the below ‘Q & A’ to learn more about automated inspections via the built-in scheduler, or easily creating work orders during an inspection – and lots of other useful shortcuts and features!

We’ve released the initial version of our Inspections and Checklists module to most of our buildings, and are eager to hear your feedback! Managers can access the module under the “Maintenance” section of the left-hand navigation in BuildingLink. If you’re not seeing it, and want it released for your building, email us at support@buildinglink.com, or call 212-501-7117.

 

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!

Q: What types of checklists have buildings been creating so far?A: We are seeing lots of diversity here! For example:

  • Daily/weekly/monthly task lists
  • Lobby, common areas, and grounds walk-throughs
  • Move-in/move-out, in-unit inspections
  • Mechanical room and rooftop inspections and PM
  • Start-of-shift checklists
  • Amenities opening checklists (i.e. fitness center, pool)

Q: Is there a limit to the number of checklists, or number of items on a checklist, that can be created?

A: No, there is no limit! In addition, if you want to make multiple versions of a checklist with small changes (to reflect different apartment layouts or daily/monthly/yearly routines), there is a convenient “Clone a Checklist” function that you can use and modify, to save you time!

Q: What types of inputs are possible for each checklist item?

A: Obviously, a checkbox is added for you, and a textbox for comments from the person conducting the inspection. Finally – and most importantly – the ability to upload one or more photos that document the condition or space being checked.

Q: Is there a library of pre-built checklists that BuildingLink is making available?

A: There are currently three pre-built inspections checklists that a building can use or modify. More will be added in the coming weeks! Topics of pre-built checklists: Facility Exterior, Fire Prevention Checklist, Inspection Plan.

Q: Is there a “Scheduler” or “Assigner” function for inspection checklists that need to be performed on fixed intervals?

A: Yes! The module allows for the scheduling of checklists recurring at fixed intervals, or by specific employees. Any scheduled checklists not assigned to a specific employee, can be completed by any staff member.

Q: Can staff complete checklists “on the fly”, that have not been scheduled?

A: Sure! Any existing checklist can be selected and completed by your staff at any time – even if unscheduled.

Q: What if staff discovers items needing work or repair while completing an inspection? How can they flag it for further attention?

A: Glad you asked! From the in-progress checklist page, your staff can effortlessly generate a maintenance request for any checklist item – which flows directly into BuildingLink’s Maintenance Request Module! It is a one-step integration that allows staff to fluidly complete their assigned inspections and checklists, while still queuing up additional work to be done.

Q: How does management know when a checklist is completed (or not completed)?

A: Managers are notified by email once a checklist is completed and, from their Inspections Dashboard within BuildingLink, they can review the results, export to PDF, or print! On the inspections dashboard, managers can also see scheduled inspections that are overdue.

Q: I have more questions about this module. How can I learn more about it?

A: Visit our help section for more information about the Inspections and Checklists Module!

For more info, contact us at support@buildinglink.com, or give us a call at (212) 501-7117.

BuildingLink

407-529-6063

BuildingLink is currently used in over 5,000 properties in the U.S. and worldwide, offering efficient management, seamless communication, and an enhanced living experience for residents.

BuildingLink is the gold standard for property managers looking to upgrade the experience of managing, working and living in a luxury residence, our clients can be found near and far – in New York, Boston, Miami, Dallas, and San Francisco, but also in Toronto, Melbourne, Tokyo and Singapore.

 

Streamline maintenance and operations.

BuildingLink works like magic to save your employees time, delight your residents, and give you the insights on your building that you need to tackle issues and avoid costly mistakes. Our central dashboard lets you track, search, and monitor everything that matters:

  • Service tickets
  • Inventory levels
  • Employee performance
  • Legal documents
  • The latest shift
  • Your resident’s preferences and requests.
  • And even more management tools!

 

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Complete Parking Lot Maintenance, Care, Repair and restoration. 3-D Paving is South Florida’s top parking lot services contractor.

Complete Parking Lot Maintenance, Care, Repair and restoration. 3-D Paving is South Florida’s top parking lot services contractor.

  • Posted: Feb 27, 2023
  • By:
  • Comments: 0

Complete Parking Lot Maintenance, Care, Repair and restoration. 3-D Paving is South Florida’s top parking lot services contractor.

No matter how big your commercial job, 3-D Paving & Sealcoating in Coral Springs, FL has you covered.
Want us to take a look at your parking lot project? Get a FREE quote and consultation today.
Call toll free 1-855-735-ROAD (7623)

Visit us –> https://linktr.ee/3dpaving


Expertise in Commercial Asphalt Paving Services from 3-D Paving in Coral Springs, FL

Voted 2022s best & most trusted commercial asphalt paving contractor in Broward County, Lee County, Charlotte County, Martin County, St. Lucie County and Palm Beach County. We offer a myriad of Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services, Sealcoating and Concrete Construction Services like sidewalks, paths, ramps, slabs, curbs, gutters and so much more. New building project? Let our skilled site development team assist you in all of your project’s needs. Need ADA compliance help? Our expert team can assist you in every step of the process. Contact us today!

 

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GET BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE “CONDO AND HOA EXPO” IN TAMPA FEB 28, 2023 * LUNCH IS PROVIDED FOR FREE!

GET BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE “CONDO AND HOA EXPO” IN TAMPA FEB 28, 2023 * LUNCH IS PROVIDED FOR FREE!

GET BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE CONDO AND HOA EXPO IN TAMPA

LUNCH IS PROVIDED FOR FREE!

FEBRUARY 28TH, 2023 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE TAMPA BAY CONVENTION CENTER.

REGISTER NOW if you did not already

COME MEET OVER A HUNDRED CONDOMINIUM AND HOA VENDORS AND TAKE CONDO AND HOA EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ALL DAY LONG
WE HAVE CERTIFIED OVER 20,000 FLORIDIANS ALL ACROSS THE STATE.
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE NEW CONDO LAWS REGARDING SAFETY, CERTIFICATION, THE AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME LANGUAGE, BUDGETS, RESERVES, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL LAWS, MANAGER DO’S AND DON’TS, SCREENING AND APPROVING, ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MUCH MUCH MORE.
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ZOOM: All About Insurance | Juno Beach Town Hall w/Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq, BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)

ZOOM: All About Insurance | Juno Beach Town Hall w/Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq, BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)

All About Insurance | Juno Beach Town Hall

9:00 am-11:00 am 02/24/2023

Juno Beach Town Hall
340 Ocean Dr, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA

Coffee, Registration and Networking 9:00am | Seminar begins at 9:30am

To attend at the venue: RSVP to (302)588-3104 or email junobeachforum@hotmail.com

Attend via Zoom: Click HERE


The marketplace for insurance – Why are companies leaving Florida or choosing not to insure? What is the role of Citizen’s Insurance?

What is in the recent legislation that is helpful to condo associations and HOAs?  Is there more legislation looming?  How does helping the insurers help owners and associations?

Which upgrades to your facilities will positively impact on an insurer’s willingness to insure your association?

Panel:

  • Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq, BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)
  • Chris Banker, President (Patriot Insurance)
  • Steven Mock, Risk Manager (Brown and Brown Insurance)

 

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RECOGNITION OF PRESIDENTS?  By Jan Bergemann on Condo and HOA Blog

RECOGNITION OF PRESIDENTS? By Jan Bergemann on Condo and HOA Blog

RECOGNITION OF PRESIDENTS?

By Jan Bergemann on Condo HOA Blog




I know that there are many good presidents who are working hard for the good of the community, keep open books and openly communicate with the members of the association.

But then there are lots of presidents, drunk with power and full of themselves. You wouldn’t believe the many ugly stories I’m hearing daily about presidents behaving like Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler or Fidel Castro. With the help of greedy attorneys and community association managers they create dictatorships that make living in community associations a living nightmare. They are even willing to ignore arbitration and court rulings and continue their evil doings even after being officially removed by elections or recalls. They are even willing to waste the association’s money on ridiculous appeals court filings.




The real reason why this can even happen in a so-called “civilized” country like the USA: The unwillingness of our government to enforce the many laws legislators create every year.

Many of these laws turn out to be just a waste of paper because too many of the so-called “specialized” community association attorneys are willing to help these dictatorial presidents to circumvent these laws, telling owners, who stand up at meetings to challenge actions of the board that violate the laws, to “sit down and shut up since they don’t have the money to sue the board anyway”!

Living in a community association isn’t something you can just enjoy by not participating, willing to ignore to happenings in the neighborhood until it’s too late. Apathy of owners allows these dictatorships to be created in the first place. Don’t let apathy destroy your community.

REMEMBER: EVEN THE BEST COMMUNITY IS ONLY ONE ELECTION AWAY FROM DICTATORSHIP.


Jan Bergemann

Jan Bergemann is president of Cyber Citizens For Justice, Florida ‘s largest state-wide property owners’ advocacy group. CCFJ works on legislation to help owners living in community  associations. He moved to Florida in 1995 – hoping to retire. He moved into a HOA, where the developer cheated the homeowners and used the association dues for his own purposes. End of retirement!

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FOUR STEPS TO A BETTER COMMUNITY  By Rafael Aquino

FOUR STEPS TO A BETTER COMMUNITY By Rafael Aquino

FOUR STEPS TO A BETTER COMMUNITY

By Rafael Aquino

Community associations often face challenges and issues requiring prompt attention and resolution. Whether it’s handling maintenance and repair needs, managing common areas, or addressing resident concerns, community associations need to work with the right partners to ensure that matters are resolved promptly and effectively.

Here are a few reasons why Florida community associations need to work with the right partners:

  1. Ensuring Quality Work

One of the most important reasons to work with the right partners is to ensure that the work performed is high quality. Whether hiring a landscaper or a maintenance technician, working with reliable and experienced professionals will help ensure that the work is done properly and to the association’s satisfaction.

  1. Saving Time and Money

Another reason to work with the right partners is to save time and money. By working with partners with a proven track record of delivering quality work, community associations can avoid hiring additional contractors or redoing work incorrectly done the first time. This can save the association time and money in the long run.

  1. Minimizing Risk and Liability

Working with the right partners can minimize risk and liability. This is especially important for community associations, as they maintain and manage common areas that all residents use. By working with licensed, insured, and experienced partners, associations can minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, and other liabilities arising from improper maintenance or repairs.

  1. Improving Communication

Working with the right partners can also help to improve Communication within the community. When community associations work with reliable partners, residents can be assured that their concerns and needs are being addressed in a timely and effective manner. This can improve resident satisfaction and create a more harmonious community.

In conclusion, working with the right partners is essential for Florida community associations to ensure that their needs and the needs of their residents are met. By providing quality work, saving time and money, minimizing risk and liability, and improving Communication, community associations can create a safe, attractive, and enjoyable community for all residents. So, it’s important to take the time to research and choose the right partners to work with for the success of the community.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to redefine excellence. They serve community associations efficiently and effectively with dedication and passion.

 

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