UNDERSTANDING, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

By Rafael Aquino

Published January 20, 2021  

 

There is a great deal of case law that will speak to the many issues of living in an association, the disputes that arise, and the clarifications of authority, restrictions, and curtailment of freedoms. This is a natural development from the fast-paced development of community associations as a primary source of housing for many individuals and a lack of real orientation and education of what it means to live in a community association. Many documents are signed during the purchase transaction, but not allot is transmitted in terms of a simplified understanding of what the individual is genuinely buying into.

 

This is further complicated when this same lack of understanding is introduced into the association's governance functions by board members—and even further complicated when disputes arise between multiple entities within the same community, i.e., commercial members, master association, neighborhood associations, etc. Better governance of the community and its members can be achieved without so many legal disputes about amendments, restrictions, and enforcement.

 

There has to be a realization that the very concept of association living is in fact, a cooperative approach to living. Neighbors are coming together to share common spaces, experiences, resources, and decision-making processes. The pragmatic realization of this single truth provides absolute clarity to how people should be dealing with each other to fulfill the purpose of association living. We must all see the strengths and value of each other's participation and opinions.

 

Every member and board member should maintain a moderate effort towards education on what it means to live in a community association, governance, and operations. The officers/board members may also consider taking a structured approach to their preparation with an industry-recognized Community Association Institute Board Leader Certificate Course or the attendance of one of Eric's seminars.

 

Embrace technologies that improve communication. This means management tools like hosting meetings through video conference, storing and accessing association records online, publishing a website and email newsletter, and taking opinion surveys. These can increase community participation and communication.

 

This process of understanding, education, and communication can go a long way in implementing thoughtful governance and avoiding conflict.
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As the Co-Founder and CEO of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to redefine excellence. They serve community   associations   efficiently

and effectively with dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and excitement when providing expert advice to its board members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running a community association.

 

Since 2007, Rafael has developed a work culture that values responsive and high-quality services. He has led his team by following a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each association. Today, Affinity Management Services maintains its success and benefits as a result of the foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by providing educational seminars, continuing education classes for association managers and board members alike.


Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’ associations save money and improve their communities. His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out for the best interests of his clients and communities, and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role requires coordination and communication, as such he takes logical and intelligent steps to approach challenges head-on.


As a graduate of Florida International University’s electrical engineering program and a licensed community association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip him with unique insights to tackle complex problems through critical thinking. He understands how each component within a system works together in order to effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple challenges of running a community association management company, he understands how each property is its own unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure that all their needs are met.

For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity Management Services please visit www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279

Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST

Suite 200

Doral, FL 33166

Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300

Plantation, FL 33324

O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053

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