ONLINE MEETINGS EQUAL… By Rafael Aquino
ONLINE MEETINGS EQUAL…
Online meetings were common practice within the business community; however, it was less seen in the association world. Some would say because the technology was too difficult for many, others would say, our owners wouldn’t allow it, etc. The reasons against certain groups were plentiful. However, after the challenges we dealt with Covid, many Board Members quickly realized the vast benefits of hosting online meetings. Some advantages are increased attendance, more accessible access to foreign/out-of-state buyers, and more transparency.
From a management perspective, there have been many advantages as well. It is much easier for management to present to the membership, invite vendors/contracts to attend meetings, and provide a better quality of life for the CAM. For instance, the CAM no longer has to worry about staying after work for a Board meeting; now, they can drive home, spend some time with the family and then jump on the meeting from home. Further, they don’t have to worry about the potential drive home after the meeting. These small perks are enormous for the quality of life for the CAM. Happier CAM equals happier staff and higher productivity for the association’s operations.
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. Rafael’s energy and positive spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and excitement when providing expert advice to its board members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running a community association.
Since 2007, Rafael has developed a work culture that values responsive and high-quality services. He has led his team by following a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each association. Today, Affinity Management Services maintains its success and benefits as a result of the foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by providing educational seminars, continuing education classes for association managers and board members alike.Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’ associations save money and improve their communities. His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out for the best interests of his clients and communities, and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role requires coordination and communication, as such he takes logical and intelligent steps to approach challenges head-on.As a graduate of Florida International University’s electrical engineering program and a licensed community association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip him with unique insights to tackle complex problems through critical thinking. He understands how each component within a system works together in order to effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple challenges of running a community association management company, he understands how each property is its own unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure that all their needs are met.
For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity Management
Services please visit www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279
A lot of people don’t like to touch things or put their fingers or hands where other people have been. These reasons could be personal, such as the dislike of germs, or even religion. There are industries that require a sterilized work environment, and again touching a keypad or putting your eye in an iris reader it’s not convenient. 
Q: What happens is I refuse to pay a fine for violating the association’s governing documents? (R.N., via e-mail)
The ability for condominium associations to terminate certain contracts using a statutory procedure is at the heart of THIS CASE. In 2002, Comcast of Florida, L.P. (“Comcast”) entered into an agreement with the condominium developer (on behalf of the Association) that granted Comcast an easement to install cables and offer cable television services to residents at a bulk-discount rate. Every unit owner received and paid for the cable service as part of a monthly maintenance fee. The termination provision in the agreement stated it would be subject to the conditions and regulations required under Chapter 718, Florida Statutes. Following turnover from the developer to the unit owners, the Association voted to terminate the agreement and sent written notice to Comcast in accordance with F.S. 718.302.
The collections process isn’t a fun one, and depending on what causes delinquency, it can get complicated. A homeowner who falls behind on just their association payments is one thing, but someone who’s so behind on all of their financials that they have to declare bankruptcy is a very different story. We’re asked all the time about what happens when a condo or HOA has to deal with homeowner bankruptcy. If your association is dealing with a bankrupt homeowner who is not paying their post-bankruptcy amounts, there are decisions to be made and steps that can be taken. Let’s review what must happen and how the community association can best navigate this situation.
What Happens When Bankruptcy is Filed?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as “no-asset” bankruptcy, is a complete wipeout. This means that no money will be recovered from the pre-petition amounts. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case can take as little as six months to complete because there is no settlement to be made. Creditors can claim to the court that there are assets being hidden but, in most cases, it is all over fairly quickly. If the delinquent owner is not paying the post-petition amounts, then the association can wait until the case is discharged and then move forward with collections activity. If the owner has been paying their post-petition amounts, then the issue is resolved albeit the association has taken a hit.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is known as a “wage earners plan” and is a workout where the court will make a settlement and oversee it until the payment plan has been completed. This is when the association needs to make a business decision.
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