By Bob Gourley A colleague recently asked for comments on a communication issue within an HOA. A non-Board Member volunteer offered to create an electronic newsletter for the community. Here are my comments. I have been publishing community newsletters since 2004, paper and electronic. May I assume that part of this person’s request comes from…
The Importance of Communication to a Self-Managed Condo or HOA
By Bob Gourley Communications within a condominium or homeowners association are vital to the community’s success. In most states, timely communication is a right to the association member that is granted in the governing documents and guaranteed by law. Along with the financial and management efforts put forth by the community, communication is the third…
Using Better Communications to Attract Community Leaders
By Bob Gourley Excellent community governance is the difference between a good community and a great one. Poor community governance can lead to the downfall or outright collapse of a community association. Finding and keeping qualified and interested volunteers within your community is a real challenge. Are you using your communication tools to help with…
Community Communications in the Age of CIOA Revisions
By Bob Gourley I have had the opportunity to moderate numerous discussions between community association attorneys and concerned members of Boards of Directors from condominium associations about the impact of the revised Common Interest Ownership Act, commonly known as CIOA (pronounced like the state of “Iowa” with a hard “K” in front of it). In…
FHA certification and your community!
Like it or not, FHA approval for mortgages to buyers and owners of condominium units is likely here to stay.
Are Your Communications Secure?
By Bob Gourley Fences, security cameras, guards, and gates can go a long way towards bringing condominium owners peace of mind when it comes to their physical safety. But there is another type of security that should be pondered by community association leaders. Theft of data can be just as damaging to unsuspecting condo owners….
Explaining How You Govern Your Condominium Association
By Bob Gourley In a speech to the House of Commons in 1947, Winston Churchill said: “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Leaders like Winston Churchill…
Construction and Communication for Community Associations
By Bob Gourley Is there any time more critical to keep residents informed than when a new construction or maintenance project is about to get under way? Contractors are on site, residents can be confused and chaos is often the general order of the day. What can you do as an association manager or board…
Telling the Story of Community Association Insurance
By Bob Gourley Most condominium association residents are likely to have little or no understanding of the insurance that protects the association in which they reside. Let’s face it; there just isn’t a lot of glamour in discussing deductibles, coinsurance, liabilities and such that make up the community association insurance story. Telling the story of…
Governing Those Who Don’t Care
Include a sample proxy ballot in your condominium newsletter or HOA newsletter.