When a condo or apartment has a no pet policy, we all understand that support animals are accepted anyways. However, emotional support animals are a grey area. Working service animals are accepted everywhere, but with lots of people qualifying for an ESA (emtional support animal), should these animals be accepted into public areas such as community pools and areas?
After an HOA in Raleigh, NC tried to force a family to remove solar panels from their home, despite the rules and regulations stating nothing about solar panels, the family went into a four year lawsuit. Read more to discover the NC Supreme Court decision.
In Charlotte, NC, homeowners have been in controversy over banning street parking. While some are okay with the enforcement of no street parking for safety reasons, others argue that it leaves no room for visitors or families with multiple drivers. What do you think? Should street parking be banned?
Association Management Group (AMG) recently awarded $1000 scholarships to five students in the company’s service area of North Carolina and South Carolina. The program, which grew from four to five scholarships this year and memorializes the lives and contributions of exceptional AMG individuals, provides education funds to outstanding scholars who are on the brink of their academic journeys and are committed to strong communities.
Open to the families of residents and vendors of AMG properties, as well as AMG employees, the fourth annual AMG College Scholarship Program selected the honorees based on short videos the students produced highlighting what community means to them.“We are so proud of this year’s applicants, and all those who came before them,” said AMG Vice-President and Scholarship Program Chair May Gayle Mengert. “Our company’s mission is to help create safe, harmonious, attractive communities through effective homeowner association governance. A big part of our work is empowering volunteer association boards–community people–with smart tools and strategies for ensuring their neighborhoods feel like home. It is gratifying and inspiring to hear why their communities matter to our youth, and how they are dedicated to strengthening them.”
The 2023-2024 AMG College Scholarship Program winners are:
Alexa Fields was awarded the Corey Flynt Scholarship. Corey was the son of AMG’s President Dacy Cavicchia and brother to both AMG’s Charlotte Director of Operations, Danielle Rudisill and Special Projects Coordinator, Cassie Kutay.
Carlyn Whitehead received the Tommy Badgett Scholarship, named in memory of a long-term AMG employee and friend who passed away in January 2021.
Sydney Pugh was honored with the Billie Butler Scholarship, which celebrates Butler’s twenty-plus years of service to AMG clients in the Charlotte area.
Joey Chaney was awarded the Ron Erickson Scholarship, to honor the life and accomplishments of the late world-class financial planning professional and role model.
Kritika Sharma won the Rea Tinsley Scholarship, The People’s Choice Award, with 192 Likes. Tinsley, who passed away in March 2022, was a cherished member of the AMG family and Director of Operations in Greenville, SC.
About AMG: AMG is a professional community association management company dedicated to building effective community associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the association's interests, enhance the lives of community members, and improve the property values in the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Raleigh, NC, and Greenville and Aiken, SC, AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques, and supporting communities with a broad range of services which can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB and is a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit www.amgworld.com
Many Americans live in common-interest communities, such as homeowner’s associations (HOAs) and condominium associations. In fact, in 2022, about 26% of Americans lived in HOAs alone. That means thousands of communities nationwide designed to govern themselves and enhance home value for their residents.
While most associations have a Board of volunteers that govern the community, sometimes those Boards are not enough. Your community may need an HOA management company to reach its full potential.
But what are HOA management companies, and what do they do?
In the rest of this guide, we will answer those important questions. So, let’s get started talking about the role of an HOA management company.
What is an HOA Management Company?
HOA management companies specialize in providing management and administrative services to HOAs. They act as an objective third party, which helps them in their management role. HOA managers assist the HOA Board in running the community by managing various aspects of its day-to-day operations, communication, and financial management.
There are a lot of benefits to collaborating with an HOA management company. These include the following.
Expertise: HOA management companies are staffed with professionals with the experience and expertise to bring the most value to an HOA community. They will also understand the industry standards and local regulations, which will help them ensure that the community remains well-managed and compliant.
Savings: An HOA management company can save the Board valuable time and resources, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
Community improvement: Efficiently managing the community and implementing improvements allows HOA managers to enhance the overall quality of life and maintain or even raise property values.
What does an HOA Management Company do?
Most HOA management companies offer a range of services, including the following.
Administrative support: HOA managers can take on the responsibility of completing the many day-to-day administrative tasks that often bog down a Board. Organizing meetings, corresponding with residents, and much more are all administrative tasks provided by an HOA management company.
Financial management: Financial management is another important task that HOA management companies can complete. Most companies will have a dedicated financial department with experts who can guide a Board in creating budgets and managing expenses.
Property maintenance: Keeping a community maintained and looking nice is essential to a community association’s Board responsibilities. An HOA management company can help you maintain all communal property in your community. For life style communities and lake communities, this service is especially helpful.
Rules enforcement: HOA Boards are tasked with determining the rules that govern their communities. An HOA management company can help you enforce these rules.
Vendor management: Vendors keep a community running. From lawn maintenance to contractors, vendors perform many work-intensive tasks that keep an HOA looking nice. An HOA management company will hire and manage all vendors, handling this time-consuming and often frustrating task for your Board.
If your HOA is located in North or South Carolina, and you are looking for an excellent HOA management company, try Association Management Group (AMG). We provide property management services to HOAs, condominium associations, townhome HOAs, life style communities, common interest commercial properties, and more. Contact us today to learn how our dedication can help build a happier community.
House Bill 542 has the power to drastically change NC community association law. This bill will apply to all HOAs and condos if passed. How do you feel about the changes this bill would create?
As hurricane seasons become increasingly intense and unpredictable, it is crucial for homeowners associations (HOAs) to take proactive measures to protect their communities and residents. The Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November, poses significant risks to coastal and inland areas alike. This blog post will provide valuable insights and recommendations on how HOAs can effectively prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season.
Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan
One of the first steps for HOAs in hurricane preparation is to develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. This plan should outline procedures for evacuation, communication, and coordination with local authorities. Identify evacuation routes, establish a safe meeting point for residents, and designate a communication system to keep residents informed before, during, and after a hurricane. Regularly review and update the plan to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
Conduct a Risk Assessment
HOAs should conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify vulnerable areas and potential hazards within the community. Assess the structural integrity of buildings, roofs, windows, and doors, and take necessary steps to reinforce them if needed. Identify trees and branches that may pose a risk of falling during high winds and arrange for regular maintenance and trimming. Additionally, review the drainage systems and make necessary improvements to prevent flooding.
Secure Outdoor Items
Outdoor items such as patio furniture, grills, and trash cans can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. Create guidelines for residents to secure or remove these items before a storm approaches. Encourage residents to store such items in a secure location or bring them indoors. Reinforce the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent damage to property and minimize potential hazards.
Communicate and Educate Residents
Open and consistent communication is key to ensuring residents are well-informed and prepared for the hurricane season. Utilize multiple channels such as email, social media, community bulletin boards, and newsletters to disseminate important information, emergency protocols, and evacuation plans. Encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities and share resources like hurricane preparedness guides. Consider hosting educational workshops or inviting experts to discuss hurricane safety measures.
Coordinate with Local Authorities
HOAs should establish strong relationships with local emergency management agencies and stay connected with their latest updates and guidelines. Collaborate with these authorities to understand evacuation procedures, emergency shelters, and other essential services available in the community. This collaboration will help ensure a coordinated response and enable quick action in times of crisis.
Establish Emergency Contacts
Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts for residents, including local authorities, utility companies, insurance providers, and community volunteers. Share this information with all residents and emphasize the importance of keeping it easily accessible. Encourage residents to create personal emergency kits containing essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid items.
Conduct Regular Drills and Training
Practicing emergency drills and conducting training sessions can significantly enhance residents' preparedness and response during a hurricane. Organize mock evacuation drills, familiarize residents with emergency routes, and provide guidance on essential tasks such as shutting off utilities and securing properties. These drills help residents become more confident and efficient in executing emergency plans when the need arises.
Conclusion
Preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season is a responsibility that falls on both HOAs and residents. By following these recommended steps, HOAs can significantly enhance their communities' readiness and resilience in the face of hurricanes. Remember, early preparation and proactive measures are the key to minimizing damage, ensuring safety, and promoting the overall well-being of residents during hurricane events. Stay informed, communicate effectively, and work together with local authorities to protect your community.
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is releasing a compilation of HOA complaint data from the past five years to celebrate the HOA law’s fifth anniversary. How do you feel about the data?
After the collapse of the Champlain Towers Condo building 2 years ago, many experts looked into why this tragedy happened. What could have been done to prevent this event? Read more to find out.
June officially ushers in summer. During the summer months, people are outdoors and more active. You will find attendance at community events and businesses to grow during the summertime.
In communities, people are outdoors, enjoying their pool, and their homes, leisurely, walking, and enjoying the neighborhood.
Summer is a great time to take advantage of people being outdoors. This is a great time for HOAs to make volunteer opportunities known.
There are many ways to use the summer months as a time of getting to know residents and recruiting them to help with the HOA board or committee.
1. People are outdoors and more active. They are more involved with community activities; they meet neighbors while walking or at the pool.
They may hear positive information about the management and consider volunteering.
2. More people move during the summer. Communities see new residents move in during the summer. Statistics show that families move more during the off-school season.
Reaching out to new residents with a welcome letter telling them about the board or management team may spark their interest. Let them know the areas of volunteer opportunity within the management.
3. More people communicate with the community management team during the summer.
More residents are out enjoying amenities and may contact the association manager for maintenance issues. This is a good time to send a letter, thanking them and letting them know there are volunteer opportunities available.
4. Summer is a good time for the board to interact more with community members. There are more organized community events, as well as newsletters going out.
The summer season also provides longer daylight hours for participation and usage of the clubhouse and other facilities. This gives residents an opportunity to use the various amenities and realize how much they enjoy their HOA.
5. Summer gives people a good feeling.
During the summer, the community management will have regular lawn maintenance and residents will see the community becoming beautiful. The management may spruce up the common areas or entrances with flowers or shrubbery. This will give residents a feeling of pride in their community.
This will also make them feel better about volunteering, giving them a reason to speak positively about the management and their experience and giving them an incentive to maintain their own property.
Giving residents a positive experience may prompt them to get involved with the community through volunteering.
HOA boards are comprised of people from many backgrounds and ages. Each volunteer brings a unique perspective and talent. This results in a variety of viewpoints on an HOA board.
DR. Lori Baker-Schena states:
“I think we must be mindful of the fact that we want our board to reflect the community. And so, we need to look at our community and then find representation that truly reflects it. And I'm also not talking about just ethnicity or race. I'm talking about age, too.”
Welcome volunteers have some type of informational meeting or orientation to inform them about the HOA and what is expected of a volunteer.
Contracts can be tricky and difficult to navigate. Read this article to learn multiple implications that appear in Community Association contracts, and tips on how to fix them.
After the COVID Pandemic, people became more comfortable with meeting virtually, due the this, South Carolina is considering a bill that would allow participation for HOA meetings to be virtual. Click for more information.
With the rise in popularity of Airbnb, and the controversy surrounding it, Greensboro’s city council has approved an ordinance that lays out guidelines for short-term rentals. Do you agree with the guidelines put into place? How do you feel about Airbnb?
June officially ushers in the season of summer. Children are out of school, summer vacations are planned, and everyone loves summer activities. In an HOA community, planning summer activities for residents is a great way to bring people out to meet each other and have fun. If they enjoy the activities, you may even get a few volunteers for your HOA.
Here are a few summer holidays an HOA can celebrate in the community.
Father’s Day
Every year, Father’s Day is celebrated by families all around the world who plan activities to celebrate the special men in their lives. Father’s Day 2023 will occur on Sunday, June 18. Your community can plan a Father’s Day brunch, picnic, or other celebrations to honor Dads.
Summer Solstice
This year, the June solstice occurs on Wednesday, June 21, marking the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice is celebrated by many cultures around the world.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. If your pool is not open, plan a pool opening party, a summer kick-off barbecue with games that the whole family can enjoy. Your HOA board should plan for these activities and make sure the lawn and maintenance upkeep are done, the pool is clean and ready to open, the pool restrooms are all prepared for guests, and any other needed maintenance routines should be completed.
Flag Day
Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations asking for June 14 to be observed as National Flag Day. But it wasn't until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.
Flag Day does not necessarily require an activity; however, your community can be patriotic and recognize this day. Your HOA could have small flags for community members to pick up to display on flag day.
Independence Day
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
July 4th is a big holiday and is a great time for your HOA to plan an activity to bring all community members out. Your board will need to plan this early for it to be successful.
Some ideas are a barbecue, a picnic, and swimming. Most families visit local fireworks displays in their city. If your city has a large event, then hosting a fireworks display may not be a good idea. Make sure to be prior to July 4th. All rules and regulations regarding fireworks are communicated to members.
Labor Day
The Labor Day holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being.
Labor Day unofficially ends the summer season. Again, a Labor Day picnic would be a great idea. If it is not within your HOA budget to host an event like this, members could be asked to bring a picnic basket for their own family or bring a cover dish to share. Having members provide food will help cut the cost of the event for your association.
Providing regular activities in your HOA will keep residents interested and create a sense of community. The key to successful events is to plan early and promote the events to the community.
Studies show that over 50% of managers are currently experiencing burnout, a problem that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Front-line managers, in particular, are feeling the strain of leading their teams through challenging times, resulting in exhaustion, cynicism, and a perceived lack of professional achievement. As a manager of managers, it is essential to address this issue.
One effective approach is to connect their work to a greater sense of purpose. Encourage managers to reflect on their values and motivators and find ways to align their work with them. This can give them a renewed sense of purpose and drive.
Another strategy is to focus on learning and development. Provide managers with new, exciting challenges that align with their skills and interests, and have open conversations about the skills and resources needed to achieve their goals. Creating transparent career paths can also help alleviate feelings of burnout.
Flexible work arrangements can also be beneficial. Empowering managers to have more control over their schedules can help reduce feelings of exhaustion and lack of autonomy.
Finally, it is crucial to create a psychologically safe environment where managers can speak up about their burnout and feel comfortable seeking self-care, if needed. Encourage them to take any steps that can help them recover.
Managing burnout requires effort and commitment. By providing a sense of purpose, focusing on learning and development, enacting flexible work arrangements, and creating a psychologically safe environment, managers can be better supported and equipped to find success in their jobs and working with clients and colleagues.
Press Release From The from the Piedmont Triad International Airport
For Immediate Release Contact: Sherry Sechrest
May 23, 2023 Piedmont Triad Airport Authority
336-665-5602 SechrestS@gsoair.org
United Airlines to start non-stop service to Denver from PTI
Piedmont Triad – United Airlines today announced it will begin daily non-stop service from the Piedmont Triad International Airport to Denver, Colorado beginning September 29, 2023.
United will be the only carrier to fly nonstop to Denver from Piedmont Triat International Airport and will operate on an Embraer 175 aircraft.
“With the launch of the United Denver nonstop service, United Airlines is providing not only nonstop service to a new destination but also an important new gateway to other points in the west, and international flights to Asia”, said Kevin Baker, Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Airport Authority.
PTI Board Chairman Paul Mengert added, 'We are excited to announce the addition of nonstop service from PTI to Denver, which will connect our community to over 150 destinations this summer.’ As Chairman of the Airport Authority, I am frequently asked when we will get more flights, and I am pleased to say that this new United Airlines service is a great step in the right direction. I encourage the community to support this new United Airlines service and help us continue to grow our offerings at PTI."
The addition is a result of United’s ambitious United Next plan and part of a larger United announcement of 35 new flights, a dozen new gates and three new clubs in Denver.
“Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and as the Mile High City’s most flown airline, it’s essential that we maintain the most modern infrastructure and fleet to support our local employees and customers and deliver a great experience,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “Our expansion in Denver will further enable us to connect our customers to destinations across the globe and revitalize our presence at the airport with modern, customer friendly offerings.”
Flights will operate daily and follow the initial schedule below but may fluctuate month to month:
DEN to PTI: Departs DEN at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at PTI at 10:47 p.m.
PTI to DEN Departs PTI at 8:30 a.m. and arrives at DEN at 10:26 a.m.
Tickets are available for purchase now at https://www.united.com/en/us
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Community associations, including condominium and homeowner associations, should prioritize Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance coverage, according to Paul Mengert, President of Association Management Group (AMG). AMG is one of the leading community association management companies in the Carolinas.
“Some mature associations have full insurance programs that do not include D&O insurance coverage,” said Mengert. “This omission is an unacceptable risk. Board members should not be exposed to personal liability for decisions made in a volunteer role.” Mengert also noted that D&O insurance policies are not created equal, and community associations should carefully review what is covered and what is not covered in certain policies.
Mengert pointed out that one of the most common types of claims (lawsuits) filed against community associations is discrimination-related claims / suits. Therefore, he said, community associations should pay particular attention to discrimination coverages in D&O policies.
The Community Associations Institute (CAI) has highlighted the increasing number of lawsuits against community associations in recent years. Mengert echoed CAI's concerns, stating that without D&O insurance coverage, board members may face personal liabilities, leading to financial ruin. This absence of insurance coverage may also have a chilling effect on volunteerism in community associations, leading to decisions that are not in the best interest of the community.
Mengert urged community association leaders to consult their licensed insurance advisors to make sure they have D&O and that the coverage meets their needs.
Paul K. Mengert, CEO
Association Management Group, Inc.
CEO of Association Management Group Carolinas Challenges Assertion on Fed Will Cover All Deposits
Greensboro, NC — In response to an economist making statements at a recent NC-CAI conference that the Federal Reserve has now effectively agreed to cover all deposits, Paul Mengert, the CEO of Association Management Group Carolinas, disagrees. Mengert states, “Claims that the Federal Reserve would be required to cover all deposits are possible but very questionable.” He reminds everyone of the $250,000 limit that remains in place. Mengert argues that even though the current political climate may support the Fed covering all deposits, unwritten policies can change suddenly, and political realities may vary based on different situations.
Market trends seem to support Mengert's opinion. Since the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, the gap between interest rates on bonds issued by money center banks and large regional banks has significantly widened. The gap was only about 15 basis points (bps) before the failure, but it has now increased to approximately 135 bps.
Investors are demanding higher interest rates from smaller banks. Mengert says, “This is due to concerns that the government may allow smaller banks to fail, resulting in a loss of investment.”
Mengert advises those responsible for investments in community associations to follow their governing documents and take all reasonable actions to protect deposits.
It is evident that Mengert's experience and knowledge, including his observations related to the banking industry, is a credible perspective on the matter. While those who assert all deposits will be covered may sound plausible to some, Mengert's skepticism is a reminder that we should be careful about accepting claims that seem too good to be true without doing proper research.
In the end, Mengert's advice to follow community governing documents and protect owner deposits is essential. Community associations should be vigilant in their investments and ensure that they are following best practices to safeguard the interests of their members.
Paul K. Mengert, CEO
Association Management Group, Inc.
(ROCK HILL, SC) Volunteers from Association Management Group (AMG), one of the Carolinas’ largest professional homeowner association managers representing more than 30,000 property owners, constructed a custom backyard playset on May 6 for four-year-old Antonio Culp of Rock Hill, SC, a pediatric cancer patient in treatment for ependymoma, a tumor that starts in the brain or spine. Culp is the recipient of the free playset thanks to AMG and Roc Solid Foundation (RSF), a Virginia-based nonprofit that works with hospitals, organizations, and volunteers to Play It Forward and build hope for children and families fighting pediatric cancer. The team of 20 AMG staff worked from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. on Saturday with tools, instruction, and guidance from an RSF project leader to create the playscape, which featured swings, a tree house, a slide, and a climbing area. “I just want to thank all of you for everything,” said Printiss Crosby, Antonio’s mother. “Antonio’s always wanted a swing set, so it’s just a blessing that you came out and did this for him. Even though he’s battling this (cancer), he’s just a happy boy. I’m amazed.”
It takes a team effort to restore hope to young cancer patients, according to Roc Solid Foundation founder and chief play officer Eric Newman. “We are so grateful for the support of groups like AMG who partner with us to bring play to kids fighting cancer. We truly believe that play defeats cancer, because cancer will be the last thing on this family’s mind when they see their playset. In that moment, play has won.”
It was a warm May day of lifting and laughter, hammers and hugs, screwdrivers and smiles. But the best part was the expression on Antonio’s face when he saw his new playscape, complete with signed best wishes from each member of the AMG construction team, said Paul Mengert, AMG founder and CEO. “In our industry of managing community homeowner and condominium associations, helping one’s neighbor–‘walking each other home’–is an important and uplifting responsibility. It’s satisfying and meaningful to help restore fun and play to the life of Antonio, a little boy going through cancer. We hope it brings him happiness, joy, and God’s blessing.” AMG President Dacy Cavicchia agreed. “Caring for our community is a key core value for us. We have a decades-old culture of giving back to the greater Charlotte area, both financially and as volunteers. According to Roc Solid foundation, sixteen thousand US children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Of course, therapy is important, but so is experiencing a happy, normal life. It was inspiring to spend the day creating a wonderful playspace this family can enjoy for years to come.”
For details on Roc Solid Foundation or to learn how you can Play It Forward for pediatric cancer patients, visit rocsolidfoundation.org.
To learn about AMG, visit amgworld.com.
About AMG: AMG is a professional community association management company dedicated to building effective community associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the association's interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values in the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, and Greenville and Aiken, SC, AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques, and supporting communities with a broad range of services which can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB and is a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit www.amgworld.com.
When a Key Colony HOA thought they were making a payment to their master association after receiving emailed instructions from them, they were surprised to find that they had been scammed of over 100k. Read more to find out how they solved this issue.
At Association Management Group (AMG), customer satisfaction is our #1 priority. Our professional community association management company is dedicated to providing superior service and cutting-edge solutions, supporting condominiums and homeowners association (HOA) communities with a broad range of services that can be tailored to individual community needs.
We’ve got the Carolinas covered. With physical offices in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham, NC, and Greenville and Aiken, SC
AMG’s mission is to combine unparalleled expertise with outstanding property management service to create value for our client communities.
