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Introducing The Auto-Submit Platform for Servicing Delinquent Accounts! by Axela

Introducing The Auto-Submit Platform for Servicing Delinquent Accounts! by Axela

  • Posted: Oct 20, 2024
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We’re thrilled to announce a groundbreaking advancement in community association management: the launch of Auto-Submit, the industry’s first AI platform for identifying and servicing delinquent accounts, by Axela Technologies.
 
In an industry where timely recovery of past-due assessments is paramount to financial stability, Axela’s Auto-Submit is a game-changer. This cutting-edge AI engine is designed to streamline collections processes, resulting in faster resolutions and cost-effective outcomes.

 

Here’s what you need to know about Auto-Submit:
 
Efficiency at Scale: With deep integrations with leading accounting systems, Auto-Submit allows you to automate uniform collections policies and unit submissions. This ensures consistency across your portfolio and drastically improves aging trends, all while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Set It and Forget It: Configuring Auto-Submit is a breeze. Set your preferences, and the system executes the process from start to finish. Say goodbye to manual interventions and hello to autopilot collections.

Enhanced Responsiveness: Auto-submit doesn’t stop at collections. Our latest release also includes features for email responsiveness and call archiving. You can ensure prompt and accurate communication with homeowners with near-immediate email responses and detailed call transcriptions.

Continuous Innovation: We’re committed to advancing our AI platform to serve your needs better. As we develop new features, you can rest assured that Axela remains at the forefront of community association management technology.

We invite you to experience the future of collections with Auto-Submit. Schedule a demo today to see how Axela can transform your collections process and drive financial stability for your community.


Upcoming Event!

ONLINE AUTO-SUBMIT WEBINAR

April 18, 2024 @ 3PM EST.

Join us for an exclusive webinar unveiling Axela Technologies’ groundbreaking AI platform, Auto-Submit, revolutionizing delinquent account servicing in the CAM industry. Learn how our innovative solution ensures faster resolutions, compliance, and cost-effectiveness while putting your collections on autopilot. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the future of collections!

Sign up Today!


Alexa Technologies is the top Collections Company SFPMA stands behind for every Condo, HOA in the State of Florida.  Every Property Management Company and their Team members should learn how Alexa can aid them with the properties they manage.  View Axela Tech’s Membership page on our members directory.

 

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Time to start thinking about taxes — making sure not to miss out on any tax credits. by RMS Accounting.

Time to start thinking about taxes — making sure not to miss out on any tax credits. by RMS Accounting.

Time to start thinking about Taxes — making sure not to miss out on any tax credits.

Did you do any energy improvements to your home? New energy efficient Air Conditioning, Heating, Ceiling Fans, Solar Panels, or Hot Water Heaters? Buy an Electric or Highbred Vehicle?
If so there might just be a tax credit in your stocking this year.? contact us today let us help with your Accounting and Taxes for your Business, Condo and HOA’s

RMS Business

Accounting

We provide extensive consulting to every accounting client. Detailed management notes are provided in addition to a comprehensive Financial Statement package.

Bookkeeping

Our bookkeeping help goes far beyond just balancing the books. Our Bookkeeping outsourcing, saves you time and money, while reducing stress levels.

Expatriate

RMS Accounting has a program that allows companies with expatriate staff to provide tax planning and preparation services to its staff anywhere in the world.

Tax

In addition to getting your corporate tax preparation right and completed the first time, our tax professional will also assist you with tax planning to help you reduce next year’s business taxes as well.

Software

At Royale Management Services, we offer support for two of the top business software programs available.

Payroll

When running a business, it makes sense to outsource tasks that can be handled best by others, save you money or allow you to be more productive. Payroll is one of the classic tasks that generally meets all of these criteria.

Credit Card Services

RMS Accounting supports Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Gift and Loyalty card, and Check processing. In addition will gladly support EBT card programs as well as a complete national debit card program.

Outsourcing

Originally, we focused on tax preparation for small to medium business, but today we do accounting outsourcing for everyone, from personal to large corporations.
2319 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States, Florida
+1 954-563-1269
info@rmsaccounting.com
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Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is back Wednesday, October 9th, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is back Wednesday, October 9th, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is back Wednesday, October 9th, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

 

Mark your calendar and don’t hesitate – complete your FREE REGISTRATION today!

The Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is THE event you can’t afford to miss! In a single day, you’ll get the tools, information, and contacts you need to gear up for your property’s busy season:

  • Learn and get FREE CEU’s from 10+ seminars and courses covering today’s essential management topics, including mandatory Board Certification, Legal Update, and much more (But hurry – seats fill up fast!)
  • Get advice from experts in law, security, property management, tax, accounting, and more.
  • Browse the newest products and services.
  • FREE LUNCH! A full day of learning and networking can really whip up an appetite. That’s why Property Managers and Board Members that register within the next 7 days with promo code “OCT9” will receive FREE LUNCH at the expo!

 

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FIDUCIARY DUTY: What it Means to Your Community Association. by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

FIDUCIARY DUTY: What it Means to Your Community Association. by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

  • Posted: Sep 08, 2024
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What duty does a community association board member owe to their association? What happens if that duty is breached? During the legislative session, legislation was proposed that would have made directors criminally liable for failure to timely respond to official record requests, among other provisions.

The legislation in House Bill 919 was proposed by Representative Porras in response to the alleged $3.4 million dollar embezzlement scheme that took place at the Hammocks Community Association, located in Miami-Dade County. Parts of this proposed bill were well-intentioned; however, several provisions were commonly viewed as too broad and expansive.

On November 15, 2022, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced charges related to the Hammocks’ criminal case, including racketeering, organized scheme to defraud, money laundering, grand theft, and fabricating physical evidence against five board members. These board members have been accused of the following:

i) running a scheme in which they used HOA checks and HOA credit cards from 55 bank accounts to pay for “no-show” work by shell companies or vendors, who would funnel money back to the directors for their personal use;

ii) withholding official records from members; and,

iii) failure to hold valid elections, among other bad acts.

If found guilty these board members overtly breached their fiduciary duty to their association.

During the 2023 legislative session, House Bill 919 initially contained significant criminal penalties to punish board members who failed to provide official records when they otherwise should have, criminal penalties for kickbacks, and criminal penalties for improper election interference, among other provisions. Such laws, while well intended, went overboard as evidenced by the creation of criminal penalties for failure to provide official records, as such severe criminal penalties for operational matters would likely only deter good people from running for the board. Recognizing this potential issue, parts of HB 919 were tempered a bit prior to it becoming law. That said, in the opinion of this author, new laws with new criminal penalties are not the answer. Bad people do bad things, and no amount of laws will likely significantly change that. So, what is the answer?

One answer is to shore up the educational and certification requirements for board members. At present, there are two ways to be certified as a board member. One method is to take a State-approved class, which provides an overview of the voluminous information board members need to know in order to perform their duties. The other method is to sign a piece of paper that the board member has read the governing documents, will abide by them, and will faithfully discharge their duties. This second method should be eliminated as there is no method to confirm compliance, and this method does not have any educational component. In addition, continuing education requirements should be required for any board member serving consecutive years.

During a board certification class, time should be spent discussing the term “fiduciary duty.” While the term is repeatedly used in Chapters 718 and 720 of the Florida Statutes, it is not expressly defined in these statutes. Section 718.111, Florida Statutes, makes reference to Section 617.0830, Florida Statutes, which provides for general standards for directors of not-for-profit corporations, such as community associations.

Section 617.0830, Florida Statutes, provides the following:

      1. A director shall discharge his or her duties as a director, including his or her duties as a member of a committee i) in good faith; ii) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and iii) in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation.
      2. In discharging his or her duties, a director may rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by: i) One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; ii) legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the director reasonably believes are within the persons’ professional or expert competence; or iii) a committee of the board of directors of which he or she is not a member if the director reasonably believes the committee merits confidence.
      3. A director is not acting in good faith if he or she has knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by subsection (2) unwarranted.
      4. A director is not liable for any action taken as a director, or any failure to take any action, if he or she performed the duties of his or her office in compliance with this section.

Still, though, there is no express definition of the term “fiduciary duty.” The purpose of studying fiduciary relationships is to identify the areas where it exists and gain an insight into the duties of a fiduciary. After all, every board member is a fiduciary for their community association. Common definitions of the term “fiduciary” include:

      • A fiduciary relationship is a relation between two parties wherein one party (fiduciary) has the duty to act in the best interest of the other party (beneficiary or principal).
      • A fiduciary is a person who holds a legal or ethical relationship of trust with one or more other parties. Typically, a fiduciary prudently takes care of money or other assets for another person.
      • A fiduciary duty is a relationship in which one party places special trust, confidence, and reliance in and is influenced by another who has a fiduciary duty to act for the benefit of the party.
      • Most importantly, and germane to this discussion, a fiduciary is a person or organization that acts on behalf of another person or persons, putting their clients’ interests ahead of their own, with a duty to preserve good faith and trust.

In other words, a good community association board member puts the interest of their association above their own personal interests. Thus, while we may not be able to stop bad people from doing bad things, through continuing education we can help good people do better.

To recap, there are three things that can be readily accomplished that would make a positive difference for Florida’s community associations.

      1. Remove the ability of a board member to be “certified” by signature alone.
      2. Require continuing education for board members serving continuous years.
      3. Amend Florida Statutes, Chapters 718 and 720, to include express definitions of fiduciary duty so that it is made patently clear that every board member must put their community association above and ahead of their own personal interests.

 

 

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HOA Parking Lot Flooded?    Now is the time to give  Allstate Resource Management a call!

HOA Parking Lot Flooded? Now is the time to give Allstate Resource Management a call!

  • Posted: Sep 07, 2024
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Our schedule is filling up fast for storm drain cleanings, the rain that occurred this weekend was a preview of what most summers will look like for your HOA community.

Contact us to talk to a Stormwater Specialist today!

Contact us at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagement.com

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”
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?”
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.
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.

 

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“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Thursday’s at 7PM

“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Thursday’s at 7PM

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2024
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“Condo Craze & HOA’s”

Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer

Thursday’s at 7PM

Eric Glazer graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992 after receiving a B.A. from NYU. He has practiced community association law for more than 2 decades and is the owner of Glazer and Sachs, P.A. a five attorney law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Eric is Board certified by The Florida Bar in Condominium and Planned Development Law and the first attorney in the State that designed a course that certifies both condominium and HOA residents as eligible to serve on a Board of Directors and has now certified more than 20,000 Floridians all across the state.

Mr. Glazer is certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and has mediated dozens of disputes between associations and unit owners. Eric also devotes significant time to advancing legislation in the best interest of Florida community association members.

Join our YouTube Page and Watch the Show every Thursday @7PM

 

Register NOW! – The Broward County Condo & HOA Expo returns Tuesday, October 15th, to the Broward County Convention Center, in the Grand Ballroom

Register NOW! – The Broward County Condo & HOA Expo returns Tuesday, October 15th, to the Broward County Convention Center, in the Grand Ballroom

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2024
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The Broward County Condo & HOA Expo returns Tuesday, October 15th, to the Broward County Convention Center, in the Grand Ballroom (West Building, 3rd Floor).

Be sure to mark your calendar and complete your FREE REGISTRATION today!

The Broward County Condo & HOA Expo is an event you can’t afford to miss! In a single day, you’ll get the tools, information, and contacts you need to gear up for your property’s busy season:

  • Learn and get FREE CEU’s from 10+ different seminars and courses covering today’s essential management topics (But hurry – Seats fill up fast!)
  • Get advice from experts in law, security, property management, tax, accounting, and more.
  • Browse the newest products and services.
  • FREE PARKING! Use the Northport Parking Garage connected to the Convention Center, and we will validate your parking at check-in!
  • FREE LUNCH! As a Community Association Manager, Board Member, Board President, or active HOA member, use promo code RO2 when registering in the next 7 days and receive free lunch at the expo!

 

Register NOW! – Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is back Wednesday, October 9th, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Register NOW! – Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is back Wednesday, October 9th, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2024
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Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is back Wednesday, October 9th, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Mark your calendar and don’t hesitate – complete your FREE REGISTRATION today!

The Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo is THE event you can’t afford to miss! In a single day, you’ll get the tools, information, and contacts you need to gear up for your property’s busy season:

  • Learn and get FREE CEU’s from 10+ seminars and courses covering today’s essential management topics, including mandatory Board Certification, Legal Update, and much more (But hurry – seats fill up fast!)
  • Get advice from experts in law, security, property management, tax, accounting, and more.
  • Browse the newest products and services.
  • FREE LUNCH! A full day of learning and networking can really whip up an appetite. That’s why Property Managers and Board Members that register within the next 7 days with promo code “OCT9” will receive FREE LUNCH at the expo!

 

Need a few reasons to digitize your paper-based engineering and architectural drawings? How about these?

Need a few reasons to digitize your paper-based engineering and architectural drawings? How about these?

  • Posted: Aug 06, 2024
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1- Accessibility and Sharing. Digital files are easy to search, copy and share, saving valuable time and improving collaboration.
2- Storage and Document Integrity. Digital drawings are much less expensive to store than paper copies and are not subject to degradation over time.
3- Flexibility. Digital drawings are easy to rework or update, streamlining change processes and speeding renovations.
4- Details. Digital designs allow for the addition of audio or video to individual elements, providing an extra level of detail (e.g., materials, site layout, construction processes).
At the end of the day, digitization is a huge time and cost saver.
Call Us—561.372.1290
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Property damage claims encompass more than just the obvious cases. From water damage to fire damage and beyond,

Property damage claims encompass more than just the obvious cases. From water damage to fire damage and beyond,

  • Posted: Aug 06, 2024
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“Types of Property Damage Claims: Beyond the Obvious”

Property damage claims encompass more than just the obvious cases. From water damage to fire damage and beyond, we handle a wide range of property damage claims. If your property has been damaged, contact Maus Law Firm to discuss your options and seek the compensation you deserve.

WHY MAUS LAW FIRM?

 

Direct Contact with Experienced Attorneys

When you hire us, you speak one on one with our skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys or property damage lawyers. We have decades of combined experience between us, and we make sure our clients understand their claim and the legal process.

 

We Accommodate Our Clients

No two clients are the same. Maus Law Firm wants to assist all of the clients who need our services, so we offer 24/7 phone service, free estimates, Spanish-speaking staff members, house calls, after hours appointments and more.

 

Results That Speak for Themselves

Our Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers handled thousands of accident and property damage claims and received settlements over $1 million. Our happy clients have left us wonderful reviews, and we strive for the best legal outcome for each case we represent.

Call For a Free Consultation   (855) 999-5297

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Preparing Stormwater Ponds for Hurricanes

Preparing Stormwater Ponds for Hurricanes

4 Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Your Stormwater Pond

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), approximately 40% of the American population lives within coastal areas, despite the fact that they only make up 10% of the country’s total landmass. As anyone who lives on the coast can tell you, populations have continued to increase in recent years. It is unsurprising then that a large concern of many homeowners in these areas is the threat of hurricanes and the associated damage.

Most people in coastal areas typically live on or near man-made stormwater systems, which use inlet and outlet structures, forebays, safety benches, and other specialized components to collect runoff during storms. However, these sites can become a concern any time a hurricane approaches due to the increased risk of equipment damage and catastrophic flooding. The water in stormwater ponds is likely to rise much higher than normal during these events, so it’s important that community associations, municipalities, and private property owners take steps to ensure their waterbodies are in proper working condition during hurricane season.

 


pond maintenance stormwater pond management regulatory compliance

1. Remove Debris

Yard debris should be removed from around the site and streets should be cleaned of trash, since this will be flushed into the ponds via storm drains. Even a single plastic bag or soda bottle could effectively block a control structure and keep water from flowing off-site. Installing debris guards on control structures can be an effective preventative method, as well as the periodic flushing of trash from street drains.

 

Midwest-scaled-lake-and-pond-management-maintenance-and-installation-meet-the-midwest-team

2. Secure Equipment

Many lakes and ponds have fish feedersfountainssubmersed aeration systems, and other electrically run equipment. Unless it is absolutely necessary (like a pump), it is important to shut off and even remove this equipment from the premises. This minimizes the chance of damage to the equipment during a storm, especially if there are any electrical fluctuations. Another option is to install an anemometer to your fountain control box, which will shut off fountain power if wind speeds rise to dangerous levels.

 

Submersed aerators

3. Introduce Aeration

A common phenomenon, both during and after a hurricane, is a fish kill. These events are often caused by the introduction of brackish (high salinity) water or an increase in turbidity (when large amounts of sediment are washed into a waterway). Many freshwater fish species near the coast can tolerate slight changes in water quality if they become acclimated to it, but rapid changes can lead to suffocation.

Fish kills can also be caused by stratification. This means the water is separated by distinct layers of temperatures and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. The merging of these layers during hazardous storms can cause a fish kill – sometimes within a few hours or days. If it does occur during the storm, once it’s safe to do so it is important to remove as much of the dead fish as possible to prevent poor odors, decay, and the subsequent nutrient pollution that fuels nuisance plant and algae growth. But, if a fish kill has not yet occurred, it may be possible to reverse some of the negative impacts of the storm. Introducing a fountain or a submersed aeration system can help rebalance the water column by gradually circulating and increasing DO. Better yet, Oxygen Saturation Technology can be utilized to rapidly restore DO in the specific water layers that need it without creating thermal stratification.

 

stormwater inspection lake and pond management - john phelps DE - community hoa - 7

4. Meet with a Professional

One of the best proactive strategies is a professional stormwater inspection. During these inspections, aquatic management professionals can identify shoreline erosion, clogging or damage to concrete inlets and outlets, problematic invasive species infestations, and any other problems within the infrastructure that may lead to complications during high-water events. Sometimes this inspection can lead to recommendations such as flushing storm drains, repairing cracking hardscape, or clearing vegetation within the wetlands behind outflow structures to facilitate the flow of water from a pond.

 

Prep Your Stormwater Pond Ahead of the Next Hurricane

Hurricanes are stressful events, even without having to worry about stormwater ponds in your coastal community. Understanding the potential areas of concern and creating an action plan ahead of time can help alleviate this stress. A few precautionary measures will help prepare your freshwater systems and will help minimize the chance of flooding, infrastructure damage, and fish kills during this dangerous yet inevitable weather event.

Contact Us

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