Call Condo Metropolis on: 407-290-3408 for more information or email: Info@CondoMetropolis.com
As a result of SB 1196, the law now prohibits HOA directors, officers, or committee members from receiving any salary or compensation from the association for the performance of his or her duties as a director, officer, or committee member.  This is basically the same rule that applies to condominium association directors. However, Section 720.303(12), Florida Statutes significantly expands the restrictions upon HOA directors, officers and committee members.  In addition [...]
Question: We have a member who likes to tell the board how to do business. She wants one of the directors to read her messages (advice) at the meeting and have them incorporated into the minutes if she is unable to attend the meeting. Is this something we should do? Answer: No. If she has something to say, she should attend the meetings. And even if she did, what she has to say is not appropriate for the meeting minutes. Minutes should reflect board business decisions, not visitor discussions [...]
Every so often, I try to make a point through these newsletters. This is one of those instances. Bear with me.  I’m feeling overtly positive right now. Very ‘glass is half full’. Not necessarily any kind of justified positivity incited by stupendous macro-economic data, just viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses.  Let’s talk hard numbers:                  1) The [...]
Bermuda Dunes Condos in MetroWest Orlando are still selling via two principle means: The new owners of the last 72 units are currently marketing their condos, mainly to the Canadian market in Toronto, meanwhile there are a number of short sales and foreclosures also available. A number of folk have asked me which purchase is best. The chief advantage with the units held by the bulk Bermuda Dunes owners is that they are already rented and they are being maintained. They are also available for [...]
Understanding the scope of homeowner association insurance responsibilities is vital to protecting the interests of the owners. Do you understand what the HOA's duties are when a fire, windstorm or burst pipe damages the common elements or unit interiors? The HOA's insurance duties are addressed in the governing documents (sometimes called CC&Rs - Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions). The insurance company's duties are based on the wording of the policy. The two documents often [...]
Remember when we had a liquidity crisis? When all the banks started freaking out about the mounting losses from crappy loans they slapped together without reading the paperwork? And then once the taxpayers bailed them out we suddenly had a foreclosure crisis because now they could afford to pay the people to take away our homes? Remember that? Well ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first to introduce you to our latest addition to the American family of crises, the botched [...]
There is an increasing amount of interest domestically and worldwide from investors who would like to buy Orlando real estate for pennies on the dollar. It’s equally clear that most don’t have the first clue how the banks operate, although many like to act as if they know what they’re talking about, particularly when it comes how they intent to finance the deal. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track. Rule 1: Don’t waste your time [...]
The rule of caveat emptor is sage advice. Now is a terrific time to buy a home, whether a condominium, single-family home or other type of housing. Homes prices have fallen, interest rates are low and there are plenty of homes on the market to choose from. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity if you can. However, please know what you are buying - save yourself from heartache and future troubles. HOA Examiner recently ran a string of [...]
Question: Is it permitted for a property manager or board member to go door to door to try to collect past due assessments? Answer: Sure, but why do it? The HOA has extraordinary collection powers. Ask nicely. If no response, then swing the collection hammer using a qualified attorney. Question: Our board enacted a security policy that requires guests to show identification to entry gate guards. Do they have the authority to deny my invited guest onto the property? The board never provided [...]