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COVID-19 & Technology: Resident Communication, Virtual Meetings & Electronic Voting

COVID-19 & Technology: Resident Communication, Virtual Meetings & Electronic Voting

  • Posted: May 03, 2020
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COVID-19 & Technology: Resident Communication, Virtual Meetings & Electronic Voting

On April 7th, 2020 we had a live webinar

More than 200 people attended the webinar and it was requested that we record it and allow others to watch it.

You can watch the recorded webinar and learn about how to communicate with your residents in an age when we are practicing social distancing and the benefits of hosting a virtual meeting.

We covered several topics including:

Helping your team and residents stay safer by implementing digital  communication channels instead of physical interactions with community staff.

Alleviating the additional stress of situations like COVID-19 by leveraging  technology to organize and run your condo more effectively.

Reducing costs and efforts by hosting virtual meetings.

Here is the link: Watch and Learn

https://ding.conciergeplus.com/webinarcovid19andtechnology

Peter Pietrzkiewicz
sales@conciergeplus.com

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Concierge Plus: technology for modern property management

Concierge Plus: technology for modern property management

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2020
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Concierge Plus: technology for modern property management

by Chris Cooney
Senior Sales Executive — Concierge Plus
T: 305-850-7676 x128 — M: 786-667-0056

 

Our property management platform makes life easier for property managers and security companies by increasing efficiencies, improving resident service, and automating administrative processes so your condo or HOA runs more efficiently.

 

In less than a week, you’ll be handling maintenance requests, amenity bookings, visitor parking, package tracking, resident announcements, and resident information on a secure website, accessible to you at anytime from anywhere. Take your condo online today! Our dedicated Customer Success Specialist team will train your building staff, including on-site training at your location.

 

Improved Workflow

Improved Workflow

We make it a snap to handle service requests, amenity bookings, package deliveries, tracking visitors, and visitor parking.

Convenient Online Access

Convenient Online Access

Say goodbye to paper and binders by digitizing administrative tasks, while giving residents easy online access to many services.

Feature-Rich, All-in Pricing

Feature-Rich, All-in Pricing

Embrace a platform offering control and total flexibility, as well as competitive pricing, product updates and great customer service.

 

Discover the most cost-effective solution on the market

Competitive pricing is just the beginning. Concierge Plus is designed to save you time, money, and effort. Say goodbye to inefficient administrative tasks, mountains of paperwork, and time-consuming processes.

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BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR CONDOMINIUMS, COOPERATIVES AND HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS VIA ZOOM ONLINE

BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR CONDOMINIUMS, COOPERATIVES AND HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS VIA ZOOM ONLINE

  • Posted: Apr 18, 2020
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BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR CONDOMINIUMS, COOPERATIVES AND HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS VIA ZOOM ONLINE

by Katzman Chandler

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: , ZOOM ONLINE

Provider: 0007237
Course: 9626870
Instructor
William and Susan Raphan
Credit Information
2 Hours Manager Continuing Education Elective Credits

Learn the basics of Fiduciary duty, financial reporting and budget preparation, meetings and meeting notices, elections, fraud prevention, and much more! Enjoy a fun class while at the same time fulfilling the State’s Board Member certification requirements online with us via Zoom!

 


Partners, Attorneys and Paraprofessionals, we at Katzman Chandler strive to provide excellence and expertise in the area of Community Association Law, and our Name Partners have successfully done so for more than three decades.

In addition to providing exceptional levels of communication, personalized service, and a true passion for representing our clients’ interests, we endeavor to build meaningful and enduring relationships with each and every Community Association that joins the Katzman Chandler family of clients.

It is important to us that we get to know your Community, its Board of Directors and its management agents, so that we may render thoughtful advice and craft solutions that best fit the individual and unique needs of your Association. At Katzman Chandler, we understand the importance of being large enough to serve your Community’s needs, yet small enough to offer unparalleled personalized attention to every Community Association that we represent.

 


 

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Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm,  providing Statewide Educational to Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida

Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm,  providing Statewide Educational to Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida

  • Posted: Feb 21, 2020
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Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm,  providing Statewide Educational to Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida

Most of you reading this already know the names Bill and Susan Raphan and the mark they made on the Florida Condominium Ombudsman’s Office during their 7-year tenure.

For those of you who don’t know about this dynamic couple, here is their story. When Florida’s first Condominium Ombudsman, Virgil Rizzo, was appointed back in 2004, there was no money to staff the local South Florida Office. Bill and Susan were his first volunteers. They had been having problems in their own condominium and wanted to help others in similar situations. They worked for seven (7) months as volunteers, often returning calls from over a hundred people a day asking for help with their association-related issues, before the money was found in the State budget to finally pay them.

During their seven years with the Condominium Ombudsman’s Office they spoke with thousands of association members, directors, association managers, attorneys and legislators about the common and not-so-common issues that crop up when people live in close quarters and decisions are made by an elected body.

While some of the problems they confronted were not within their authority to address, others were successfully resolved as a result of their intervention. A patient set of ears, knowledge regarding the Statutes, Administrative Code and practices of the DBPR along with common sense and a dash of humor often helped put both Board Members and Owners with complaints on the right path. Was every problem solved? Absolutely not. Were many problems that could have resulted in time consuming and costly litigation successfully defused? Absolutely yes.

Bill and Susan had run a successful catering business for many years and, as a result, applied many of those same business principles to organizing the Ombudsman’s Office in an efficient manner especially given the shoestring budget under which they were forced to operate. They began an extensive education program at Broward and Palm Beach College as well as in Community Centers and Condominiums throughout the State. They facilitated the appointment of election monitors for approximately 90 condominium elections per year and educated almost 6,000 people in just their last year at the Condominium Ombudsman’s Office!

In 2011 they made the leap of faith and decided to join Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm as its Statewide Educational Facilitators. Today, the Raphans have been widely recognized for their role in providing Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida with the highest-quality educational seminars for certification and continuing education credits. Bill and Susan were also featured in a front page article in the Wall Street Journal and have appeared on many TV and radio programs.

We are thrilled to have Bill and Susan as part of our team at Katzman Chandler and would urge you to experience one of their enjoyable and interactive educational classes for yourself.

For those of you wishing to contact Bill and Susan Raphan, you can reach them on their TOLL FREE HOTLINE @ 855-827-5542 or by email at WSRaphan@KatzmanChandler.com.

 

MEMBERS OF SFPMA: FIND COURSES FOR BOARD MEMBERS, MANAGEMENT COMPANIES ON OUR MONTHLY CALENDAR

NEW EVENTS ARE ADDED MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH

 

 

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What are the Property Management requirements in Florida

What are the Property Management requirements in Florida

  • Posted: Feb 13, 2020
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As more investors are heading into becoming owners of rental properties the questions arise about requirements. There are questions that you need to know the answers to and SFPMA has you covered.

 

A small investment Today leads to Big returns later! List your property management company

Must a Florida property management company have a real estate broker’s license?

YES. Key components of property management (renting and leasing) are considered a real estate activity under existing Florida real estate licensing laws. A property manager needs broker license if he or she is paid by commission, and is handling rentals and leases for others. No license is required for managing personally owned properties. There is not a “Property Manager” license or certificate. Also, certain rental properties need a license through the Div. of Hotels and Restaurants.

 

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a Florida property manager have a broker’s license?

YES. For example, if a property owner employs someone to manage their property, and that employee is paid a salary, as opposed to being paid a commission or on a transactional basis, a broker’s license is not required.

For more information about these and other Florida property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the Florida Real Estate Commission.

Before hiring a property manager to manage your Florida rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of Florida property managers at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Licensee Search webpage.

 

 

More Property Law: Evictions & Security Deposits

Looking for more property law information? You can find an exhaustive collection of state eviction and security deposit laws on our parent company’s website. Click the below link to be taken to nationalevictions.com find everything you will need for an eviction in your State. Full database, Directories, Find companies, Download Forms both Free and for Sale, and much more…

LEARN ABOUT EVICTION & SECURITY DEPOSIT LAWS >>

 

Must Florida community association managers have a real estate broker’s license?

No. However, a Community Association Manager license is required if someone receives compensation for providing management services for the following types of associations:

  • An association with ten or more units
  • An association with a budget of $100,000 or greater

For more information on the Community Association Manager license, please contact the please contact the Florida Real Estate Commission.

 

*Florida Community Association Manager License Requirements

Florida community association manager licensing requirements include:

  • Age: Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Education: Must complete at least 18 hours of pre-licensure education from an approved provider
  • Trustworthiness: Must be of good moral character; must have a background check and submit fingerprints
  • Exam: Pass the CAM exam.
  • License fee.
  • Application: Complete and submit CAM license application which is available online

CAM Licensing Courses: Start your new Career

For more information about these and other Florida licensing requirements, please contact the Florida Real Estate Commission.

IMPORTANT: This information is intended for informational purposes only and under no circumstances should it be considered legal advice or relied upon without first confirming its contents with your state real estate commission. Laws are updated frequently, and this information may not reflect the current law in your state. To confirm the specific requirements for each state, please contact your state real estate commission.

 


Property Management Forms

As you become a CAM Manager and start your business, You will need the Forms to help you, Leases, Letters to Tenants, Legal Documents and much more……..

Just some of the essential forms to assist you in leasing your premises, complying with legal requirements, and keeping relations with your tenants amicable. Forms include the 1. Landlord Tenant Closing Statement to Reconcile Security Deposit, 2. Residential Rental Lease Application, 3. Residential Rental Lease Agreement, 4. Commercial Building or Space Lease, 5. Security Deposit Agreement and other forms.

 

We offer Subscriptions – Where for a small fee you can download and get access to

EVERY FORM YOU WILL NEED FROM THOUSANDS OF FORMS

SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO OUR FORM PACKAGE

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Once you are a Property Manager you need to have Clients Find YOU!  List your company on our National Directory. Let the industry find and use you!

Let Clients looking for Management Professionals to Manage their Properties find you!

 

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NEW CEU REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGERS

NEW CEU REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGERS

  • Posted: Jan 16, 2020
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NEW CEU REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGERS

 

Effective August  2019, the Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers changed the requirements for continuing education for license renewal. The number of hours required have been reduced from 20 to 15 hours each license period. The new requirements are:

 

  1. All community association manager licensees must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle. No license shall be renewed unless the licensee has completed the required continuing education.
  2. Only continuing education courses approved by the Council shall be valid for purposes of licensee renewal.
  3. The required 15 hours of continuing education shall be comprised of courses approved pursuant to Rule 61E14-4.003, F.A.C., in the following areas:

(a) Three-hours of legal update seminars. The legal update seminars shall consist of instruction regarding changes to Chapters 455, 468, Part VIII, 617, 718, 719, 720, and 721, F.S., and other legislation, case law, and regulations impacting community association management. Licensees shall not be awarded continuing education credit for completing the same legal update seminar more than once even if the seminars were taken during different years.

(b) Three-hours of instruction on insurance and financial management topics relating to community association management.

(c) Three-hours of instruction on the operation of the community association’s physical property.

(d) Three-hours of instruction on human resources topics relating to community association management. Human resources topics include, but are not limited to, disaster preparedness, employee relations, and communications skills for effectively dealing with residents and vendors.

Three-hours of additional instruction in any area described in paragraph (3) (b), (c) or (d) of this rule or in  any course or courses directly related to the management or administration of community associations.

 

By KBR Legal  Rembaum Association Roundup

 

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Florida CAM Courses offers training and exam prep for becoming a Community Association Manager.

Florida CAM Courses offers training and exam prep for becoming a Community Association Manager.

  • Posted: Dec 16, 2019
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Florida CAM Courses

florida cam courses

How to Get a CAM License

Florida CAM Courses has been helping people in Florida prepare for their state exam and become certified Community Association Managers for over a decade. We know the process that works and can help you in every step of the process. Feel free to reach out to us if you need help.

One of our Education Partners for CAM’s and Licensing is offering you to become a CAM. Take advantage of this and other courses offered by Florida CAM Courses Today!


Find them on the Education Pages and on the up Coming Events

Florida CAM Courses offers training and exam prep for becoming a Community Association Manager.

Everything you need to complete the 16 hour CAM pre-licensing work from the comfort of your home, office or anywhere! Highly rated courses with a 100% passing rate. Online registration is valid for one year.

7150 20th St.
Vero Beach, FL 32966

Phone: (772) 563-9320Toll Free: (800) 269-1055Email: hello@floridacamcourses.comWeb: Contact Form

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Give yourself a Gift and become a Florida Community Association Manager CAM!

Give yourself a Gift and become a Florida Community Association Manager CAM!

  • Posted: Dec 05, 2019
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Are you looking for a career change? Have you ever thought about becoming a Florida Community Association Manager (CAM)? This license is required to manage a Condominium or HOA in the state of Florida – and there is not exactly a shortage of those. Florida CAM Courses has been offering the required CAM Pre-Licensing Course to students for over ten years, and 88% of our students pass their State Exam and become licensed Florida CAMs. Check out our website here www.floridacamcourses.com

 

Florida CAM Courses is a company based in Vero Beach and serving all of Florida, that provides educational services to those in the community association profession or those that would like to enter our profession. We offer courses in whichever format you like to learn in. Whether you prefer in-person, online self-study or correspondence, you are in great hands with Florida CAM Courses. We provide practice materials at no additional charge and downloadable course materials to help you successfully pass the Florida CAM exam. We also offer a blog for updated news and current events in the CAM world.

How to Get a CAM License

Florida CAM Courses has been helping people in Florida prepare for their state exam and become certified Community Association Managers for over a decade. We know the process that works and can help you in every step of the process. Feel free to reach out to us if you need help.

Coursework

Step 1

Register for a Florida CAM pre-license course, and show up for the class.

Pick One:

Prepare for Exam

Step 2

Get your fingerprints taken and register a time for the State Exam.

Prepare Yourself:

State Exam

Step 3

Schedule a Florida State CAM License Exam and pass it.

Take the State exam:

 

Florida CAM Courses

7150 20th St.
Vero Beach, FL
32966

 

 

 

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Hire and retain skilled community association staff members

Hire and retain skilled community association staff members

  • Posted: Oct 28, 2019
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Talent needed: How to hire and retain skilled community association staff members

Recruiting and retaining skilled team members can be challenging for community associations and management companies, especially in a very competitive labor market and with communities limited by tight budgets.

In this reality, it becomes even more important for associations and management companies to highlight their strengths and address organizational shortcomings, says business consultant Bob Begley.

The founder of Golden Sands Management Consultants, LLC, a Florida-based business consulting firm, Begley has been an innovative business thinker for more than 30 years. He has advised hundreds community leaders while serving as the CEO of Golden Sands Community Management, Inc. He’s also authored 27 continuing education courses for CAM’s and board members through his sister company, Florida CAM Courses.

The issue at hand is recruiting in a very different workforce. Begley states, “I noticed that over the past few years, there was a very big disconnect between what the young people that I was hiring wanted from their experience of work and what I needed from them at work, as their employer”. We want to help company leaders understand ways to attract talented workers.

People think that the secret to attracting and retaining talent is little things like, ‘Let’s give them free lunch’ or ‘What perks can we offer?’ or ‘What are our benefits compared to the benefits down the road?’ But at the end of the day, it really comes down to the quality of the organization. Is it successful? Is it high performing? Because good, smart people want to work in those environments.

 

Here are a three best practices for community associations and management companies for recruiting and retaining talent:

  1. Stop thinking about tactics, and start thinking about the performance of the organization. The focus should be on building an organization that is robust and resilient. Great organizations have no trouble attracting and retaining talent.
  2. Build a culture that people want to work in. The perks and benefits can’t be the only lure for bringing in talented workers. I caution you that if the culture doesn’t reflect what was promised to the manager when hired, you’ll find yourself in bigger trouble.
  3. Be courageous. It’s important to brave a tight labor market to find talented people. It’s also about having the courage to build a high-performing team. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, so we need to be capable of managing the performance of the underperformers or, at times, even having the courage to move people on.
  4. Once you find the perfect new hire, treat them as the valuable resource that they certainly should be in your organization. Practice A.R.E. with all team members – Appreciate, Recognize and Encourage. For more on creating Wonder in Your Workplace, visit the Florida CAM Courses website to download Wonder in the Workplace.

 

 

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VIOLATIONS! IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL

VIOLATIONS! IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL

  • Posted: Nov 20, 2018
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VIOLATIONS! IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL

by Enrolled Agent Steven J. Weil, Ph.D., EA, LCAM, president, Royale Management Services, Inc.

We know that the first thing most owners think when they receive a violation notice is that they are being targeted and that the board or management is out to get them. Nothing could be further from the truth. The board is charged by the governing documents with oversight of association operations along with protecting the property value and enforcing the rules.

Violation notices are not personal or targeted. They are simply the means by which the association lets owners know about rule violations and gives them a chance to correct a problem.  Violation notices can be generated by a manager’s observations, board observations and even from observations by fellow owners. While you may feel as though you are the only one to receive a violation notice, this is generally not the case. The truth is that most of the violation notices can be easily remedied by simply fixing the problem or complying with the rule and letting management know the problem has been resolved.

We are often asked why we sent a violation notice instead of simply knocking on the door or calling. There are several reasons we send written notices.  The first is that while it’s easy to misinterpret what is said, and it can often turn into “he said/ she said,” a written notice clarifies what is being said and assures that there is a written record. The second is that it’s inappropriate and unsafe in this day and age for association employees, managers and/or board members to confront owners in person. The purpose of a violation is to get the problems corrected and maintain community standards while protecting the safety and quiet enjoyment of all unit owners.

The board and management know that rules can sometimes be complex, and it’s easy to make a mistake and violate the rule or misunderstand the governing documents. No one enjoys sending violation notices, and we all know that it’s upsetting to get a violation notice; but in truth correcting the problem and letting management know that you have taken action is all that is required to relegate it to history.

 

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ROYALE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, FT. LAUDERDALE, HOLDS FREE CONDO AND HOA BOARD MEMBER SEMINARS

ROYALE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, FT. LAUDERDALE, HOLDS FREE CONDO AND HOA BOARD MEMBER SEMINARS

  • Posted: Jan 18, 2018
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Free educational seminars for Board members of condos, homeowners associations (HOAs) and co-ops take place on Monday evenings.  Sessions are held at the offices of Royale Management Services, 2319 North Andrews Avenue.  These seminars are designed for board members of managed and self-managed associations.

The Property Management Seminars for 2018 take place on the third Monday of the month: 

Date                                   Seminar Title

02/19/18      Conducting Meetings & Getting The Work Done

03/19/18      Reading & Using Association Financial Statements

04/16/18      Condo Elections – Getting It Right

05/21/18      Building a Budget That Works

06/18/18      Conducting Meetings & Getting The Work Done

09/17/18      Reading & Using Association Financial Statements

10/15/18      Building a Budget That Works

11/19/18      Condo Elections – Getting It Right

Open to all who register, the seminars are conducted by Steven J. Weil, Ph.D., EA, LCAM, president of the 31-year old Fort Lauderdale property management firm.  Refreshments and networking begin at 5:30 p.m. The seminars follow promptly at 6:00 p.m. and include a Q&A. Space is limited. Reservations may be made by calling 954-563-1269. We want to help make you the best board member you can be. Seating is limited. Make your reservations early.

Dr. Weil has appeared on Good Morning America and is frequently quoted by major media.  His bylined articles are regularly published on the State of Florida Property Management Association website (sfpma.com).  “The Condo Board Certification Classes are designed to help new board members meet the Florida 718.112 Statute requirements for Condo Association Board Members,” Dr. Weil said. “Our seminar goal is prevention — to help keep Board members of condos, HOAs and Co-ops from frequently having to call their attorney.”

 

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