Become a Member: JOIN SFPMA TODAY   LogIn / Register: LOGIN/REGISTER

SFPMA Industry Articles | news, legal updates, events & education! 

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

Commercial Fitness Products (CFP) is a local total solutions partner for  fitness equipment with offices throughout Florida.

Commercial Fitness Products (CFP) is a local total solutions partner for fitness equipment with offices throughout Florida.

  • Posted: Apr 04, 2024
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Commercial Fitness Products (CFP) is a local total solutions partner for fitness equipment with offices throughout Florida.

Commercial Fitness Products (CFP) is a local total solutions partner for fitness equipment with offices throughout Florida.

Commercial Fitness Products (CFP) is a local total solutions partner with offices throughout Florida. Although our name has products, CFP offers more than products. For over 30 years CFP has provided sales and after sale service. Our consultants guide our clients from conception to realization of their fitness amenity. Through room layout (2D and 3D), budgeting, logistics, and installation. Unlike most companies, our work does not stop there, CFP sales and service department are available to assist clients with maintenance service and consulting for future fitness equipment needs.

Below is a list of what CFP provide:

  • Equipment from the industry’s best brands
  • Complimentary Design Services – equipment selection, space utilization, traffic flow, ADA requirements, safety & functionality
  • Factory trained professional Service Techs
  • Preventative Maintenance Plans
  • Professional Delivery & Assembly Services
  • Logistics Department to coordinate Transportation
  • Trade-In & Trade-Up Allowances
  • Wide selection of Accessories & Maintenance Supplies
  • Rubber Flooring
  • Equipment Orientation

 

When you choose CFP, you choose quality products and local service.

Here are some Holiday Sales!

 

The matrix u1xe upright exercise bike features a 25.6 cm / 10.1″ touchscreen LCD display provides constant feedback, Race-inspired handles feature contoured elbow rests for comfort and enhanced ergonomics. Quick-zip pedal straps for easy adjustment.

 


TD250 Treadmill Desk – in stock for a limited time & limited quantities!

The World’s first Convertible Exercise to Work Station Treadmill
This treadmill is built for RUNNING and WALKING, and as a WALKING WORK DESK. Able to accommodate users up to 300lbs, the TD250 Treadmill Desk is truly the treadmill for everyone. From the beginner to advanced athlete, you will not find a better value in its class.


New Virtual Training Cycle

Can Change Your Fitness Center…For The Better!

 


Commercial Fitness Products

Our sales and service department are available to assist clients with maintenance service and consulting for future fitness equipment needs.

 

Our consultants guide our clients from conception to realization of their fitness amenity. Through room layout (2D and 3D), budgeting, logistics, and installation. Unlike most companies, our work does not stop there, CFP sales and service department are available to assist clients with maintenance service and consulting for future fitness equipment needs.

Commercial Fitness Products, a Florida based organization, has been serving the fitness needs of our customers nationwide for over 27 years. Our primary focus is Multi-Housing & Hospitality, as such, we stay current on the latest industry trends, and are able to share ideas on how we may equip or improve any community fitness center. We provide more than just equipment…our goal is to delight your residents & guests by providing them an exceptional fitness environment.

 Contact us:  954-747-5128

Website: http://www.commfitnessproducts.com/

 

 

Tags: ,
HOA Parking Lot Flooded over the weekend?  Now is the time to give  Allstate Resource Management a call!

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

  • Posted: Mar 27, 2024
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on HOA Parking Lot Flooded over the weekend? Now is the time to give Allstate Resource Management a call!

HOA Parking Lot Flooded over the weekend?

 

Now is the time to give

Allstate Resource Management a call!

Our schedule is filling up fast for storm drain cleanings, the rain that occurred this past weekend was a preview of what this summer 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

Allstate Resource Management | 6900 S.W. 21st Court, Bldg. 9Davie, FL 33404
Tags: ,
Axela Technologies – Your Trusted HOA Collections Solution Platform 🌟

Axela Technologies – Your Trusted HOA Collections Solution Platform 🌟

Homeowners Association (HOA) collections can be a source of stress and anxiety for those who fall behind on their dues. Nobody wants to risk losing their cherished homes due to unforeseen financial challenges. But here’s some good news – there’s a better way!

🌟 Enter Axela Technologies – Your Trusted HOA Collections Solution Platform 🌟

We understand that life sometimes throws curveballs, and financial struggles can happen to anyone. That’s why we take a compassionate and understanding approach to HOA collections, unlike some attorneys who may resort to foreclosure threats.

📖 In our latest article, we dive into the stark differences between attorneys who may pursue foreclosure and Axela Technologies, your partner in HOA collections.

💡 So, what sets Axela apart?

✅ Compassion: We genuinely care about your situation and work to find solutions that fit owner’s needs.
✅ Understanding: We know that financial difficulties can be temporary, and we’re here to help owners get back on track.
✅ Communication: We believe in transparency and open dialogue to find the best resolution.
✅ Avoid Foreclosure: Our goal is to prevent foreclosure threats and help you keep people in their homes!

Learn how to ease the burden and provide peace of mind during challenging times.


We Know Community Associations

Specialized Collection Solutions for Condos & HOAs

Take Control of Your Accounts Receivables

If your community association is suffering from high delinquency rates and long recovery times for delinquent fees, it’s time to take a proactive approach to community association collections.

The Consequences of Poor Collection Practices

When members of your HOA or Condo association pay late or have decided not to pay their fair share, it causes problems for everyone. Legal fees and dissent between the board and community members are just the start. A long-term pattern of delinquencies can affect your community’s ability to become approved for government loans for new owners, or to get loans for capital improvements.

There is an alternative to a legal process of lien and foreclosure. A  collections process is the best alternative to foreclosure.

A Better Way to Manage Delinquencies

Axela-Technologies is dedicated to helping create streamlined accounts receivable and collections tools for management companies, condo and homeowners associations and others in the real estate industry. We work with you to get a jump on recovering delinquent funds quickly, painlessly and ethically.

 

Tags: , , ,
Please join us March 15th.for a free milestone inspection event—Beyond Compliance: Smart Strategies for Effective Milestone Inspections.  This seminar will provide you with information and tools you can immediately utilize to ensure the safety and longevity of your structures.

Please join us March 15th.for a free milestone inspection event—Beyond Compliance: Smart Strategies for Effective Milestone Inspections. This seminar will provide you with information and tools you can immediately utilize to ensure the safety and longevity of your structures.

  • Posted: Mar 13, 2024
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Please join us March 15th.for a free milestone inspection event—Beyond Compliance: Smart Strategies for Effective Milestone Inspections. This seminar will provide you with information and tools you can immediately utilize to ensure the safety and longevity of your structures.
Beyond Compliance: Smart Strategies for Effective Milestone Inspections
This event is all about going beyond mere compliance and discovering smart strategies for effective milestone inspections.
Targeted to property managers and HOA officers responsible for high-rise residential buildings more than 25 years old,
This seminar will provide attendees with information and tools they can immediately utilize to ensure the safety and longevity of their structures.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with South Florida industry experts. Mark your calendars for an informative and engaging event!
Tags: ,
Budget preparation time is upon us! We strongly encourage, that every year around this time, association managers and Boards review and ensure that your capital reserve study is accurate and up-to-date.

Budget preparation time is upon us! We strongly encourage, that every year around this time, association managers and Boards review and ensure that your capital reserve study is accurate and up-to-date.

Budget preparation time is upon us! We strongly encourage, that every year around this time, association managers and Boards review and ensure that your capital reserve study is accurate and up-to-date.

This is one of the most important decisions a board will make for the future of their association. It is an easy and effective way to ensure your community’s capital replacement items are being properly funded with minimal impact on the individual homeowners. 

With the recent update to the Capital Reserve Study Standards, the impact of inflation and supply chain issues over the past few years (in some cases resulting in costs as much as 50% higher for some typical components), it is even more critical to have an updated reserve study to ensure the financial health of your community.

To stay on track for a healthy financial future, it is recommended that your Reserve Study be updated every three (3) years.

The Falcon Group Capital Reserves team consists of 6 CAI Certified Reserve Specialists (RS) as well as a Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA) designation awarded by the Association of Professional Analysts.

Contact our Reserve Specialists today for a new or updated reserve study!

 

Contact Us:

Tampa Bay

1211 1st Avenue, N.
Suite 106
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

P (813) 438-3568

West Palm Beach

5651 Corporate Way
Suite 4
West Palm Beach, FL 33407

P (561) 290-0504

Miami

15405 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33169

P (305) 663-1970


Capital Reserve Study ( what is involved )

The primary purpose of a Reserve Study is to offer recommendations as to the amount of money a community, building or other organization should set aside on a yearly basis for the future replacement or major refurbishment of their commonly owned elements.

The Falcon Group believes that a properly funded capital reserve program is the right formula for keeping a community’s physical assets in prime condition while providing some key benefits to residents. We strongly recommend updating your Capital Reserve Study Every 3 years.

A regularly updated Reserve Study can provide the following benefits:

  • Maintaining and/or increasing property values by maintaining exterior appearances through timely repair or replacement of common elements.
  • Facilitating project efficiency and cost effectiveness, as well as, minimizing disruptions and unit owner inconvenience by allowing the association to secure contractors to complete an entire project during a finite and desired schedule.
  • Reducing the likelihood of member dissatisfaction associated with the passage of large or sudden assessments.

All of our Capital Reserve Studies are prepared under the direction of a Reserve Specialist (RS) and/or a Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA).

The Falcon Group has prepared over 3,500 Capital Reserve Studies. Each Capital Reserve Study we perform is a customized analysis, prepared in coordination with our Reserve Specialist (RS) and our client, and is based on a “real-world” methodology for each item in regards to:

  • Inspection

  • Evaluation for repair or replacement

  • Evaluation for anticipated “Useful Life”

  • Integrated into a repair or replacement plan and budget

 

Tags: , , ,
How long should HOA repairs take?

How long should HOA repairs take?

How long should HOA repairs take?

We recently published an article on how communities can speed up maintenance projects. In this article, we’ll look at how long some common maintenance jobs should take to complete.

 

Table of contents

 

The obligation to maintain the property

HOAs have an obligation to maintain certain parts of the development. They must set aside a portion of the dues or fees collected from owners to pay for big and small maintenance projects. If the association fails to meet those obligations, it not only creates safety problems for members, but legal issues for the association as well.

If members feel that the board is not properly caring for the property, they can write official complaints, vote to remove board members, or even sue the HOA.

Maintenance must be taken seriously, but it is far easier to manage when you have a system or solution that enables you to organize components, schedule/assign work, and track tasks.

 

Defining maintenance obligations

The maintenance responsibilities of an association versus those assigned to individual owners depend primarily on whether the item or equipment is classified as part of a common area, exclusive use common area, or separate interest.

Common areas typically refer to shared spaces such as pools, sidewalks and roads. Exclusive use common areas are spaces or elements used by one or more, but fewer than all, of the owners. Separate interests are the separately owned lots belonging to members.

While some maintenance obligations are quite clear, others can be a little murky. This is especially true with exclusive common areas since they tend to be things like patios and windows. Roof maintenance may also be confusing; some HOAs cover roof repairs while others do not.

The association’s CC&Rs should detail maintenance obligations and define who is responsible for what. But if there is some uncertainty, boards are advised to refer to civil codes and/or consult with the HOA’s attorney.

 

Why timelines matter

There are several reasons why time matters when it comes to maintenance projects. The main one is so staff and management can plan for disruptions and costs. However, there are times when maintenance work will impact owners, and they will also need to know approximately how long the work will impact their day-to-day lives.

For example, if a parking lot is being repaved, owners will need to be informed of the work, they will need to move their vehicles before the work begins, and know how long they will have to find temporary parking.

Contractors can’t know for sure how long maintenance work will take to complete, but they should be able to provide an educated estimate. Tracking the time it takes for professionals to complete routine and unplanned maintenance is another good way to predict future repair timelines. Having this knowledge allows those responsible for setting up maintenance work to complete projects with more confidence (plus they’ll know if a vendor is taking too long to complete certain jobs).

 

How long should HOA repairs take?

There is no way to know for sure how long any maintenance project will take. Even a standard preventative maintenance job can become lengthy if a contractor discovers additional damage to an element. Other factors, including availability of materials, permit requirements, complexity of the project, size of the community, and weather will all impact the timeline of a project.

That being said, below are some estimates of how long common HOA maintenance work takes to complete.

To get a more accurate time estimate, speak with a contractor or repair expert. They will be able to look at the specific qualities of your community and provide you with a realistic timeline.

Pool repairs

There are many different types of pool repairs. Some can be completed in a couple of hours while others will take several days.

A simple structural leak generally takes a day or two of work. Half a day is needed to complete the first step of a crack injection repair, and another half day is required to “staple” the cracks together and plaster the damaged area.

If your pool has a heater and the warming system breaks, the entire pool may be shut down for a week. The heater can be replaced in a day, but it could take longer. After the new pool heater is installed, it might be another three days before the pool is warm enough to use again.

Most plumbing leaks can be resolved in two days, but the time it takes to fix a pool leak from plumbing can vary according to the extent of the damage.

Pool resurfacing involves the removal and replacement of the top layer of the pool surface. This may be done to give the pool a clean fresh look, or to address several small cracks. In general, this renovation process takes one to three weeks.

 

Water/electricity lines

A water line is an underground pipe that transports water from a water source to a home’s or building’s service pipe. These pipes typically run beneath sidewalks and streets.

A water line pipe might crack, allowing water to spill out. This can cause many issues, including unsanitary water, higher water bills, low water pressure, and floods.

Due to the severity of this problem, a water main break needs immediate attention. Plumbing technicians will need to turn the water off while they repair the break. Once the pipe is in working order, they will flush it before reconnecting it to the plumbing system.

The good news is this type of repair only takes between four and eight hours.

If an electricity line goes out due to weather, it can generally be restored in a couple of hours. However, if an entire pole comes down, the outage could easily last a full day.

 

Roofs

In many cases, HOAs have delegated the responsibility of maintaining roofs to the individual owners. But if the association covers the costs of repairs, expect each home to take up 1-3 days of the contractors’ time. More complex designs and materials will add time to that estimate.

 

Gutters and downspouts

Routine maintenance of gutters and downspouts prevents more serious water damage from occurring. Like roofs, many HOAs have stated that owners are responsible for maintaining these items.

Minor gutter repairs can be completed in as little as one to two hours. Partial replacements can take two to four hours, and full replacements can take two to three days of work.

The timing is similar for downspout repairs and replacements.

 

Parking lots

Most HOAs can complete routine parking lot maintenance in two to three weeks, but timing will vary depending on the size of the lot and weather conditions.

Paving can take less than a week, but keep in mind that proper curing (letting the asphalt cool and settle) is an important part of the process as well. Depending on the size of the parking lot, thorough curing can take anywhere from one to two weeks.

 

General landscaping

While not a traditional repair, landscaping is a maintenance job that can be hard to plan for, at least the first couple of times. The size of the property, availability of materials, and weather conditions can greatly impact the time it takes to finish the job. Once you have found a landscaper that you like, you will become more familiar with the time it takes to do certain jobs.

From start to finish, most projects fall into the two- to three-week range, but cutting grass or trimming plans can take half a day.

 

Conclusion

HOAs have an obligation to maintain certain areas of the development. By scheduling routine maintenance, associations help prolong the useful life of elements and components, and keep the community safe and attractive too.

It’s important for staff, board members and management to have repair timelines so that they can budget for costs and time accordingly. While projects don’t always go according to plan, just having a guideline allows them to manage expectations more effectively.

 

Tags: ,
RSVP for free to attend a Lunch & Learn at the Weston Community Center on Feb. 21st at 11:30am. Topic: “Managing Conflict Management in HOAs and Condos”.

RSVP for free to attend a Lunch & Learn at the Weston Community Center on Feb. 21st at 11:30am. Topic: “Managing Conflict Management in HOAs and Condos”.

  • Posted: Feb 20, 2024
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on RSVP for free to attend a Lunch & Learn at the Weston Community Center on Feb. 21st at 11:30am. Topic: “Managing Conflict Management in HOAs and Condos”.

RSVP for free to attend a Lunch & Learn at the Weston Community Center on Feb. 21st at 11:30am. Topic: “Managing Conflict Management in HOAs and Condos”.

This also gets CAMS a credit in HR!

Guest panelists include Weston Commissioner Mary Molina Macfie and Kaye Bender Rembaum’s Michael S. Bender, offering their perspectives.

The instructor is Marcy Kravit, PCAM (Hotwire Communications). Lunch provided by Blue Tiger Wellness and is complimentary to those who register.

Here is the link:

ACE Lunch & Learn in Weston

Presented by Hotwire Communications’, Marcy Kravit, PCAM, “Creating Harmony: Managing Conflict Management in Community Associations”. DPBR approved credit for CAMS! Course# 9632176. Provider# 8912. One HR CEU. Panel Guests: Michael Bender, Esq. (Kaye Bender Rembaum) & Mary Macfie (Weston City Commissioner).

Where: 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM EST

Where

Weston Community Center
20200 Saddle Club Rd
Weston, FL 33327

 

Tags: , ,
CEU course “Navigating the FFHA: Assistance Animal or Pet?” next week on Feb. 20th. Alan Schwartzseid of KBR Legal.com

CEU course “Navigating the FFHA: Assistance Animal or Pet?” next week on Feb. 20th. Alan Schwartzseid of KBR Legal.com

  • Posted: Feb 20, 2024
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on CEU course “Navigating the FFHA: Assistance Animal or Pet?” next week on Feb. 20th. Alan Schwartzseid of KBR Legal.com

We are presenting the CEU course “Navigating the FFHA: Assistance Animal or Pet?” next week on Feb. 20th. Alan Schwartzseid from KBR Legal.com will be the instructor.

Use the link to enroll for free: 

Feb 20, 2024 02:00 PM
Presented by Alan Schwartzseid, Esq., of Kaye Bender Rembaum Learn about the HUD regulations and Florida Legislation pertaining to assistance animals, as well as common issues concerning assistance animals and addressing requests by residents for reasonable accommodations. Provider #: 0005092 | Course #: 9631847 | 1 CE credit in OPP or Elective
Tags: , ,
Join our webinar Feb 22 @ 12Noon, on ‘Planning the Project: What to Look for in a Contractor.’

Join our webinar Feb 22 @ 12Noon, on ‘Planning the Project: What to Look for in a Contractor.’

  • Posted: Feb 20, 2024
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Join our webinar Feb 22 @ 12Noon, on ‘Planning the Project: What to Look for in a Contractor.’

This Thursday, February 22, discover the secrets of successful projects! Join our webinar on ‘Planning the Project: What to Look for in a Contractor.’

Gain insights on selecting the right contractor for your property management needs.

Register now:  

Tags:
10 Management Professional things agents should know and do | SFPMA

10 Management Professional things agents should know and do | SFPMA

10 Management Professional things agents should know and do.

 

  1. Immediate Response: As a real estate agent you need to make your response time, when your prospective buyer calls or emails, as quick as possible. If the buyer doesn’t find you available then he may call somebody else. Buyers want instant response and will not wait for you to call them back or respond to mails only when you are in office.

2. A person he can trust: An agent needs to tell the buyer the truth even if it means losing the sales. While you speak volumes about the virtues of a home, you need to point out the possible defects as well so that the buyer can think twice and not be blinded by only the positive features. The buyer should feel that you are on his side and fluff and untruth will make him lose his confidence in you.

  1. Keep learning on the job: A person is smart when he hires people smarter than he is (Henry Ford). A buyer wants to use your education and experience in order to feel that he has employed the right person to do the job. You should come across as an expert in the field. The best and only way it is done is through constant learning. This can be through trainings and also reading relevant stuff. You should have a ready knowledge about the property that you are highlighting.
  2. Good communication skills: You need to be extremely good at handling your communications. There are all kinds of buyers and while some prefer an e-mail others may like you to call them. The best course is to ask them their preferred mode of communication. Always remember to promise less and deliver more.

 

 

  1. Professional and friendly: Being friendly and at the same time maintaining professionalism is the best way, although a bit difficult. Friendliness is preferred by most buyers as you give out the vibe that you are on their side. At the same time they also want you to be assertive and professional. They want you to handle anything that may come up while they are probably viewing the house or saying €no’ to a particular seller.
  2. Information about the neighborhood: When you are trying to sell a property in a particular neighborhood you should have good knowledge about it in terms of amenities and facilities. Your buyer may be interested in knowing about train stations or bus stops that are close by. The interest could even be a park for children. Make a search and find out all you can about areas where most of the properties that you deal in are located.

  3. Price guide: You need to be the professional who has inside information about the price. The client may be interested in your opinion so prepare yourself well. You need to be careful that you do not quote a price that is too low or too high. You need to be ready with market trends and facts for the particular area and similar properties. Guide them to make an informed decision.

  4. A good inventory: When a buyer visits you he wants to know about as many properties as he can. He expects a wide inventory and you need to be ready with one. Since you cannot predict the kind of home each buyer requires as buyers buy for their own reasons, you need to have all kinds of properties ready. The choice of properties should take care of a wide arena of needs and requirements.

  5. Dedicated time: When a buyer comes to you he expects you to devote all your time to him until he leaves or makes a decision. Remember you may be selling 10 houses in a week but for him it is one single home that he may be buying in a lifetime. You need to show your enthusiasm and zeal and help him to decide on the perfect home. Try and focus on him and the transaction he is going to make and leave all work aside for the time being.

  6. Time saving transactions: The modern real estate buyer is hard pressed for time. He wants the transaction to be fast and take up as little time as possible. And he would like you to handle things in such a way that the total time is cut down and he can proceed with other things. So do your homework and be prepared to save time, both his and yours.

 

Tags: , , ,
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but safety should always come first!  Here are some Christmas tree fire safety tips to keep your holiday celebrations worry-free:

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but safety should always come first! Here are some Christmas tree fire safety tips to keep your holiday celebrations worry-free:

  • Posted: Dec 13, 2023
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but safety should always come first! Here are some Christmas tree fire safety tips to keep your holiday celebrations worry-free:

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but safety should always come first! 🚒 Here are some Christmas tree fire safety tips to keep your holiday celebrations worry-free:

💦 Keep it Hydrated: Water your tree daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
🕯️Placement Matters: Position your tree away from heat or open-flame sources, like candles, heaters and fireplaces. We know, there are not many fireplaces in South Florida, but just in case 😉.
💡Lights Check: Inspect your holiday lights for any frayed wires or damaged bulbs before decorating.
🔌Unplug at Night: Remember to turn off tree lights before heading to bed or leaving home.
🎄Quality Ornaments: Use non-flammable or flame-resistant decorations to minimize risks.
🧯Fire Extinguisher Ready: Have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
We hope you follow these tips for a safe holiday season! While we are hopeful that you won’t experience any fire damage, remember that we are here for you, and we can manage ANY damage! 1-877-224-2532.
Tags: ,