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

Join Lisa Magill & others | DBPR webinar on Senate Bill 4-D and Building Safety

Join Lisa Magill & others | DBPR webinar on Senate Bill 4-D and Building Safety

Join Lisa Magill & others | DBPR webinar on

Senate Bill 4-D and Building Safety Part II

October 26, 2022 /12:00 – 1:00 Pm

Register Now

The Florida Condominium Initiative: Senate Bill 4-D – Condominium & Cooperative Building Safety: Part II


Wed, Oct 26, 2022 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT

This is a FREE and virtual event hosted by the Education Section of the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. This special event is a webinar series called the “The Florida Condo Education Initiative”. The Education Initiative is a partnership between the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes’, Office of the Florida Condominium Ombudsman, and the Condominium and Planned Development Committee of The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar. This presentation will contain comments and viewpoints from attorneys which will be provided for informational purposes only. The comments and viewpoints should not be construed as legal advice. Registration will only allow one user to enter. Please individually register to attend event. Please test system requirements per your confirmation emails. Please note that this is NOT a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) course and does not satisfy any professional licensing requirements, nor does this course satisfy the statutory requirements for Board Member Certification. Please also note that registering for this event may subject the information submitted in this form to a chapter 119, Florida Statutes, request. See bottom of this form for a link with further description.
Tampa Bay Condo & HOA Expo -OCTOBER 27th, 2022 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER

Tampa Bay Condo & HOA Expo -OCTOBER 27th, 2022 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER

OCTOBER 27th, 2022 AT 9:00 A.M.

AT THE TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER

Register Today

COME MEET OVER A HUNDRED CONDOMINIUM AND HOA VENDORS AND TAKE CONDO AND HOA

LEARN ALL ABOUT THE NEW CONDO LAWS REGARDING BUILDING 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.


EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ALL DAY LONG

CONDO & HOA BOARD CERTIFICATION – 2 CEU’S (BC)
8:30 am – 11:00 am
PRESENTED BY: Eric Glazer – Glazer & Sachs, P.A.

Fulfill your legally mandated education requirements while learning valuable and integral information in this comprehensive board member certification course. Topics discussed will include condominium management and operations, proper procedures for board member election, budgeting and fiscal responsibilities, as well as an overview of current condominium laws to assist in the understanding of board members’ legal duties.

Sign Up for the Certification Course

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

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

  • Posted: Oct 21, 2022
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Condo Deconversion: The Good, The Bad, and the Reality

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

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

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

Why Condo Deconversion Is Gaining Popularity

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

Buildings get old and need repairs.

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

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

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

There aren’t enough rental properties.

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

The price of real estate has skyrocketed.

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

What Does Condo Deconversion Mean For Owners and Board Members?

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

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

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

Loss of Guaranteed Residence

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

Loss of Long-Term Equity For Short-Term Gains

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

Loss of Influence in Your Community

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

Requirements For Deconverting Your Condo Association

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

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

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

Revitalizing Your Condo Community

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Read more about how it works.

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

 

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Free Image editor: Its Free – Try It!

Free Image editor: Its Free – Try It!

Free Image editor: Its Free – Try It!

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

Use it for Free

Save this to your bookmark bar. Use it daily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop reading and start editing!

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Security Camera System Can’t Accommodate Change

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

 

Alarm System Doesn’t Allow for Remote Control

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

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

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

 

Property Features Low-Resolution Security Cameras

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

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

 

Surveillance System Is Lacking Remote Monitoring Capabilities

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

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

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

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

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

SIGN UP NOW to WATCH this WEBINAR

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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


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

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Condo HOA Loans / Your Trusted Community Association Financial Resource

Condo HOA Loans / Your Trusted Community Association Financial Resource

  • Posted: Oct 17, 2022
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Condo HOA Loans

Your Trusted Community Association Financial Resource

 

 

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

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

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

Click on the Ad below and Download the pdf.

 

 

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Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

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

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

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

  • Mid Rise & Low Rise Siding Inspections & Repair Replacement

  • Roof Inspections & Repair/Replacement

  • Water Infiltration Investigation & Remediation

  • Window & Door Replacement Design

  • Balcony & Deck Repair/Restoration/Replacement

  • Foundation Inspections & Waterproofing

  • Parking Garage Inspections & Repair/Restoration

  • Firewall / Fire Separation Assembly Inspections & Remediation

 

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


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

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

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

Important Hurricane Ian Recovery Information from the Falcon Emergency Service Team 

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

The Falcon team can also provide the following services:

Emergency Damage Infrastructure Evaluations

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

Structural Damage Assessments

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

Sea Wall Inspections

Building Envelope Evaluations

Insurance Causation Reports


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

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

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

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

CONTACT US

1211 1st Avenue, N., Suite 300

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

(813) 438-3568

15405 NW 7th Avenue

Miami, FL 33169

(305) 663-1970

5651 Corporate Way, Suite 4

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

(561) 290-0504

 

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