Misconceptions sometimes exist among association boards, management and homeowners when it comes to association lending. We get it – it can seem daunting at first for a community to consider taking on large debt. Smart and responsible borrowing can deliver flexibility and opportunity for the community associations you manage, and Alliance Association Bank is here…
DetailsWhat is this entity that collects your assessments, mows the lawn? One way to think of our community association is as a service organization that provides three types of services to owners and residents. – Community maintenance services: Collecting trash, orienting new owners, conducting meetings. – Governance services: Fulfilling legal obligations, resolving disputes, enforcing community…
DetailsInsurance agents, like doctors, have a broad range of specialties and areas of expertise. Fortunately, community association insurance is one of them. Community associations have unique needs and exposures, so the board has been very diligent in selecting an agent with experience in this area. Our insurance agent serves the association by:. i Reviewing the…
DetailsBurnout is more than just stress—it’s how your mind and your body tell you a change is needed. Do you find yourself withdrawing from work and caring less about results? Are you working harder, often mechanically or to the point of exhaustion? Just going through the motions? Try a few tips for keeping burnout at…
DetailsOf the many things your association assessment pays for, insurance is one of the most important. Association governing documents and state law require the association board to purchase adequate insurance as part of a comprehensive risk-management program. Our association has two types of commercial insurance coverage—property and liability. Property insurance covers loss of or damage…
DetailsResidents can help the association minimize its maintenance expenses by observing a few simple considerations. This helps hold assessment levels—your fees—down. 1. Do NOT put newspapers in the trash cans. Place them in the trash room either tied in bundles or stacked in paper (never plastic) bags. Newspapers must be recycled – it’s a county…
DetailsIf you’re considering running for the board, we ask that you take a few moments to ask yourself the following three questions: Do I have the time?: As a board member, you will need to devote at least several hours of your time each month to association business. In addition to regular monthly board meetings,…
DetailsAll meetings of the association board are open meetings. Residents are encouraged to observe meetings and read approved minutes. Residents who wish to address the board are welcome to do so during the homeowner forum conducted at the beginning of each business meeting. Here are few tips for participating: 1. Put it in writing. You…
DetailsMost in-home fires are caused by ordinary things like a stove burner, candle, space heater or extension cord. Mental lapses, poor judgment and carelessness make these things dangerous. Thankfully, by exercising good safety habits and taking simple prevention steps, you can cut down on deadly and damaging fire risks. First, always be sure your smoke…
DetailsWhether you own or rent your home, insurance is essential to protect your property and household goods. Comparison shopping for the best rates will certainly save you some money, but you also can save by following these tips: •Choose a higher deductible—increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference…
DetailsNoise is an inevitable reality in condominium communities. Condominium dwellers live in such close proximity, it’s essential that we consider the effect noise will have on our neighbors when deciding on floor coverings, where to mount the flat-screen television or when to knock out a wall. We—you and your neighbors—all have a right to enjoy…
DetailsLandscaping is a significant expense for our association; but, it’s also a major factor in curb appeal. Our board considers it a long-term investment in the community. Consider the value of landscaping to our community. - Landscaping saves money. Replacing turf for perennial or drought-tolerant ground cover reduces maintenance and water use. - Landscaping can…
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