HOAleader.com - Tip of the Week - July 31, 2009
Published: Wed, 07/29/09
=================================================================
HOA Complainers: Put Them To Work
=================================================================
This week's tip comes from a new article that offers four ways
to deal with the owners in your condo or homeowners association
who constantly complain that the board isn't addressing their
pet peeve.
The first technique comes from Luigi Rosabianca, the principal
attorney at Rosabianca & Associates in New York City, who
advises condo associations and co-ops.
Luigi observed, "Often when you put people to work, they shut up."
Let's say a couple of owners are complaining that your lobby and
hallways need new carpeting, paint, and wall coverings, and they
insist it will cost only $500 to transform the entire area. You,
however, believe your association has more pressing needs and
limited funds--and that the improvements these owners want will
cost much more than they believe.
"If these people are so committed to the aesthetics of the lobby
and hallways," Luigi suggests, "the board could set up an
auxiliary committee in charge of changing the lobby and hallways,
and one of those people could be in charge of that committee."
"I think it becomes a point of perspective. The owners'
perspective is that they see board members in the hallways, and
it seems as though the board does nothing. They don't realize how
many e-mails, letters, and hours are donated behind the scenes to
running the building. Once these people see what's involved by
being put to work, they'll change their tune."
With this approach, the board wins no matter what happens. If
the owners continue to slack and produce nothing, the next time
they complain, you can point out that you're interested in
hearing their proposals and wonder when they'll be ready to
present them.
If they do the legwork you've asked, you've lessened your burden.
In addition, if you're right that the improvements will cost much
more than they thought, you've made your point without arguing.
To read three additional techniques for dealing with complaining
do-nothings, check out our new article:
http://www.hoaleader.com/members/315.cfm
Best regards,
Matt Humphrey
President
=================================================================
Recent articles posted at HOAleader.com:
================================================================
Social Networking for Condo and Homeowners Associations
A growing number of owners in condo and homeowners associations
are getting on the social networking bandwagon and using sites
like Facebook and Ning to build their community. Here, they
reveal their efforts and the results.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/public/313.cfm >
================================================================
Being Overly Strict With HOA Meeting Rules Can Be a Mistake
One common mistake for condo and HOA board leaders is to be too
controlling at meetings. Just as you can be too lax with your
agenda, you can also be too strict with perceived "rules."
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/public/312.cfm >
================================================================
Green Condo and Homeowners Associations: Ideas on Green
Initiatives from Across the Country
Going green is hot today not just because it can help the planet,
but also because it often saves money. If you've been considering
green initiatives at your condo or homeowners association but don'
t know where to begin, here's a rundown of what some of your
compatriots are doing throughout the nation
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/311.cfm >
================================================================
HOA Meeting Mistakes: The Most Common Ways HOA Meetings Go Wrong;
How You Can Avoid Them
You'd think it would be a snap to run a successful meeting.
Actually, it's not. On the contrary, it's easy to make meetings
dreadful events to endure. Just commit any of several common
mistakes. Here are the most common mistakes HOA and condo boards
make when it comes to meetings, along with suggestions for
avoiding them.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/310.cfm >
================================================================
HOAs and Short Sales:
What To Do First When an Owner Proposes a Short Sale
If your association receives a request to approve a short sale,
here's what your first step should be.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/public/309.cfm >
=================================================================
Get your own copy!
Subscribe to the HOAleader.com Tip of the Week at:
http://www.hoaleader.com/public/department49.cfm
=================================================================
Please feel free to forward the *entire text* of this email to
others.
Copyright 2009, Plain-English Media, LLC
909 Marina Village Parkway #183
Alameda, CA 94501
(866) 641-4548
http://www.hoaleader.com