What Matters Most in Your Community Association?
The question, "What matters most in your association?" will in all probability be answered differently determined by whether it be answered by a holder or perhaps a board member. The difference in focus is related straight to one's a higher level involvement and comprehension of the operations of your residential association. Having said that, it seems like obvious a thief should address the disparity; since owners represent the pool of candidates for the board, it behooves people to do something for this earlier than later.
Oftentimes, board members who have been around for a long time can dilute the value of many years of knowledge and history by dismissing "new" ideas promulgated by owners at meetings or newly elected for the board, while using age old phrase "We tried that before plus it does not work properly." No one likes to be summarily dismissed in that manner and quite often things change; what failed before might be exactly the ticket these times. In this case, knowledge is history although not necessarily association policy.
On sleep issues from the coin, we now have eager owners elected to a board using the pursuit to change almost everything, without realizing that a lot of things are essentially guaranteed. For instance, payment dates for assessments - it really wouldn't work to abolish all payment dates and late fees however the economy is screaming for relief for the people who've experienced job loss. Without click reference of assessment income, the association just cannot operate. In this case, lack of know-how can result in conflict due to misguided intentions and efforts.
Who is at fault for rampant naivete? The board? The individual owners? The management company? Where can the finger be pointed? Likely it may be pointed in every direction mentioned plus much more! The key is correction of the issue, the problem being the most essential take into account any association- knowledge!
Everyone involved in an association posseses an obligation to do her or his best to learn. Those "in charge" should be responsible to make available all the information and tools that will aid the uninformed for being informed. This effort must be ongoing, not simply a flash inside the pan effort once every several years. Much time and could be conserved if everyone involved carries a basic working familiarity with how associations have to operate. Basic knowledge will even reduce discord and misunderstandings between owners, the board, and the management company.
The professionals inside industry including management companies, attorneys, and CPAs, ought to make a concerted effort never to just answer the questions while using facts, but to explain in a manner that educates. Imagine a world where everyone in every community association clearly understood everything relating to rules, obligations, etc. - exactly what a copacetic community we'd have!