2024

 

SO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR CONDOMINIUM UNIT?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published December 3, 2024

When it’s comes to buying commercial real estate, it’s always been caveat emptor or let the buyer beware.  Well, when ...

MORE FORECLOSURES ON THE HORIZON?

By Jan Bergemann

Published November 29, 2024

We saw a huge wave of foreclosures rolling over Florida’s condominium communities in 2007/2008, caused by a horrible ...

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A THANKSGIVING MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE 

By Rafael Aquino

Published November 27, 2024  

As we prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you, the readers of this blog...

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FORECLOSURES ARE ALREADY RISING

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published November 25, 2024

I can tell you this………delinquent accounts are on the rise. And this is before mandatory reserves and for many, mandatory ...

HOA BOARD ELECTIONS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published November 22, 2024

No matter how you look at the statutes regulating HOA election procedures [FS 720.306(8) + (9)] it’s pretty obvious ...

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ENSURING A SMOOTH POST-ELECTION TRANSITION

By Rafael Aquino

Published November 20, 2024  

Following a well-organized election, the next critical step for any homeowners or condominium association is ensuring a ...

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THE ANNUAL MEETING IN AN HOA – WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published November 18, 2024

Last week we spoke about all the errors that can be made before we even get to the annual meeting and election night.  Today, ...

ELECTIONS -- OR A NIGHTMARE?

By Jan Bergemann

Published November 15, 2024

Elections are the talk of the town in the moment – not only in Washington, but as well in Florida’s community associations...

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7 BEST PRACTICES FOR PREVENTING HOA ELECTION FRAUD

By Rafael Aquino

Published November 13, 2024  

Election season in Florida's homeowners and condominium associations can be stressful, and allegations of election fraud ...

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SO YOU THINK THERE’S NO FRAUD IN ELECTIONS?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published November 11, 2024

So many of the new laws this year are focused on charging people with a crime for intentionally tampering with the election...

TALKING ELECTION NIGHT?

By Jan Bergemann

Published November 8, 2024

In his blog posted on Monday, Eric said that he is not talking politics. WELL, I DO! If we want to see owner-friendly bills enacted...

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FOSTERING POSITIVE CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITY 

By Rafael Aquino

Published November 6, 2024  

In Florida, community associations rely on board members to act in the best interests of the residents. But how do you know ...

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ELECTION NIGHT

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published November 4, 2024

And here we find ourselves………..the election is here. And this one is significant.  No doubt that whoever wins will probably ...

WHAT’S REALLY SCARY?

By Jan Bergemann

Published November 1, 2024

I hope you all had fun at Halloween and saw enough scary costumes – and not too many bad tricks But many condo owners ...

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CREATING CONNECTIONS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON 

By Rafael Aquino

Published October 30, 2024  

As we enter the festive season, communities have a wonderful opportunity to foster connection and create a vibrant ...

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SOME HALLOWEEN FUN

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published October 28, 2024

We did this last year and it was fun.  Certainly we can all use some fun.  It’s Ok.  I think we all deserve it.  So, let’s have ...

IS ELECTRONIC VOTING SAFE?

By Jan Bergemann   

Published October 25, 2024

In the last years the Florida Legislature was all gung-ho with allowing electronic voting in community associations [FS 718.128,...

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THE POWER OF TEAMWORK IN MANAGING ASSOCIATION ELECTIONS

By Rafael Aquino

Published October 23, 2024

In today's world, the focus has often shifted from collaboration and growth to finding faults and calling out mistakes...

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YOUR ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION IT AIN’T AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS – PART TWO

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published October 21, 2024

So last week we spoke about all of the things that can go wrong with your first and second notice of the annual meeting...

ELECTION INTEGRITY? NOT IN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS!

By Jan Bergemann

Published October 18, 2024

This country is permanently fighting over election integrity – and elections in community associations see their fair share of ...

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PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATION ELECTION 

By Rafael Aquino

Published October 16, 2024  

Preparing early for your association's annual elections is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly, legally, and in ...

Read more ...


YOUR ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION IT AIN’T AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published October 14, 2024

So we’re now in that time of year where the first notices of the annual election must go out for the association, whether or ...

LIABITY FOR "BODY OF WATER"?

By Jan Bergemann

Published October 11, 2024

I always wonder why folks in this country always think that somebody else should be liable for their negligence. And that ...

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HOA'S & CONDO'S AFTER A STORM

By Rafael Aquino

Published October 9, 2024  

A few weeks ago, Hurricane Helene left its mark on Florida's west coast, reminding us once again of the unpredictable ...

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THE BODY OF WATER DOCTRINE

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published October 7, 2024

We too often here about a child drowning in a body of water.  So many of our beautiful communities are built next to...

RECORD INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS: A JOKE!

By Jan Bergemann

Published October 4, 2024

Another homeowner won against his association in Appeals Court for not allowing him to inspect the records in a timely manner ...

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THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS MAINTAINING A WEBSITE & RECORDS 

By Rafael Aquino

Published October 2, 2024  

In today's digital age, transparency and accessibility are essential for building trust within community associations. ...

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APPEALS COURT MAKES IT CLEAR EVEN TO A SMALL HOA:

ALLOW ACCESS TO THE ASSOCIATION’S OFFICIAL RECORDS OR ELSE

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published September 30, 2024

Wayside is a small, ten-home, self-managed homeowners’ association located in Seminole County. Pecchia and Porter both ...

CONDO OWNER – WANT TO SAVE YOUR HOME?

By Jan Bergemann

Published September 27, 2024

The media is permanently reporting about condo-owners complaining about the financial impact of the CONDO SAFETY BILL HB 1021. ...

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BUILDING A THRIVING COMMUNITY: WHY CULTURE MATTER MORE THAN RULES 

By Rafael Aquino

Published September 25, 2024  

In today's world of association governance, it's easy to get caught up in rules, regulations, and amendments—sometimes to ...

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CAN A CONDO PREVENT OWNERSHIP OF MORE THAN ONE UNIT?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.   

Published September 23, 2024

Often times, condominium associations amend their documents in an attempt to prevent an owner from owning more...

SOLUTION FOR CONDO CRISIS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published September 20, 2024

In all honesty, and I am sorry to say this, I don’t think there is a feasible solution for the condo crisis. Latest developments have ...

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NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES AHEAD: NO ONE-SIZE FITS-ALL SOLUTION

By Rafael Aquino

Published September 18, 2024  

The upcoming wave of special assessments or loans for condo repairs, inspections, and SIRS reserves is creating a...

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IT’S TIME FOR BANKS OR OUR GREAT STATE TO COME TO THE RESCUE

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published September 16, 2024

Last week I made it clear that Floridians better understand that if they cannot afford the mandatory wave of special assessments ...

SOLVING THE CONDO CRISIS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published September 13, 2024

I don’t really think there is a good solution to the pending condo crisis. Lots of money is required, money many condo owners ...

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NAVIGATING OWNER PUSHBACK: HOW MANAGEMENT CAN GUIDE ASSOCIATIONS THROUGH TOUGH TRANSITIONS 

By Rafael Aquino

Published September 11, 2024  

In the wake of recent legislative changes in Florida, condominium associations are facing a new era of mandatory ...

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WARNING…IF YOU’RE STILL THINKING THAT IT WON’T HAPPEN……

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published September 9, 2024

We are living in some incredible times right now in the world of condominiums.  Many years from now, we will look ...

THE BLAME GAME IS ON!

By Jan Bergemann

Published September 6, 2024

No matter what media outlet report you are watching or reading, the blame game is on. Condo owners in hi-rises are ...

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THE BALANCING ACT OF LEADERSHIP: EMPOWERING YOUR TEAM WHILE LEADING WITH VISION

By Rafael Aquino

Published September 4, 2024  

As a leader, your primary role is to set the direction and empower your team to achieve the goals you've outlined. ...

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A LABOR DAY TRADITION CONTINUES

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published September 2, 2024

Neda Vacacion is the President of Creepy Crawl Condo in Broward County.  Neda couldn’t be happier that Labor Day is ...

SELLING YOUR HOME?

By Jan Bergemann

Published August 30, 2024

Considering the fact that many older hi-rise condominium buildings are badly maintenance and in need of very costly structural ...

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THE RISING TENSIONS IN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: NAVIGATING CONFLICT AMID SOARING COSTS

By Rafael Aquino

Published August 28, 2024  

As headlines increasingly warn of a looming crisis in the condo market, many boards are feeling the pressure. Stories of ...

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TERMINATION:  NOW YOU SHOULD BE SCARED TO DEATH OF IT

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published August 26, 2024

Wow!  How quickly things change.  We’ve spoken about on the Condo Craze and HOAs show about a recent Miami case involving ...

FULLY FUNDED RESERVES?

By Jan Bergemann

Published August 23, 2024

Since more than 20 years Florida Statutes 718.112 call for funding reserves, but left the option open for owners to vote down ...

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APPLAUDING THE UNSUNG HEROES: CONDO BOARD MEMBERS UNDER PRESSURE

By Rafael Aquino

Published August 21, 2024  

In recent months, the media has amplified the voices of condominium owners frustrated by rising fees, often painting ...

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SORRY CONDO OWNERS -- IT IS WHAT IT IS WHAT IT IS

By Eric Glazer, Esq.    

Published August 19, 2024

Even the possibility of The Florida Legislature going into Special Session in order to solve this alleged condo crisis is insane...

HOW TO TERMINATE A CONDO?

By Jan Bergemann

Published August 16, 2024

There are nice ways to terminate a condo – and there are nasty ways. And both seem to work! The NICE WAY: A developer ...

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MARKETS OVER REGULATION: COMMUNICATION IS KEY IN CONDO TERMINATION

By Rafael Aquino

Published August 14, 2024  

Condominium management's intricate dance between regulation and market forces is ever-present. Regulations are vital ...

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THE OTHER WAY TO TERMINATE A CONDOMINIUM

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published August 12, 2024

Last week in my blog, I discussed how developers attempt to buy enough units in order to vote to Terminate the condominium...

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CONDO TERMINATION MADE MORE DIFFICULT?

By Jan Bergemann

Published August 9, 2024

Developers were licking their chops after condo bills SB-4 and HB 1021 took effect. Owners of older buildings, facing ...

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WHAT LIES AHEAD: THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF CONDO ASSOCIATIONS 

By Rafael Aquino

Published August 7, 2024  

As we look forward in the world of community association management, it's becoming increasingly clear that the impacts ...

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DOES A DEVELOPER ALWAYS HAVE THE ABILITY TO TERMINATE A CONDO?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published August 5, 2024

Let me tell you what you should be looking for in your condominium documents after you stop reading this: the provisions ...

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NO REGULATORY AGENCY FOR HOAs?

By Jan Bergemann

Published August 2, 2024

Since the HOA TASK FORCE convened in 2003-2004 we have been asking the Florida Legislature to add HOAs to the jurisdiction ...

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THE LEGISLATIVE DISPARITY: HOAs vs CONDOS

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 31, 2024  

When discussing the regulation of community associations, it is impossible to overlook the disparity in legislative oversight ...

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AND WHAT ABOUT HOAs?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 29, 2024

When our blog was published last week about the new powers of the DBPR, some owners in HOAs really were ...

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IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE DIVISION!

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 26, 2024

Looking at the new Condo Laws (FS 718) it seems that the Florida legislators was sick and tired of hearing complaints ...

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INCREASED POWERS FOR THE DBPR: A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 24, 2024  

The recent expansion of powers granted to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) marks a significant ...

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THE DBPR HAS LOTS OF NEW POWER – WILL THEY USE IT?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 22, 2024

There have been lots of complaints over the years that when condominium owners bring their complaints to the DBPR and ...

MANDATORY EDUCATION – FOR FREE!

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 19, 2024

Now everybody has to attend seminar, if you are – or want to become – a board member. And so do community association ...

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A TRIUMPH IN LEGISLATION

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 17, 2024  

For years, I have been a staunch advocate for requiring HOA board members to attend a course before serving on a community...

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MANDATORY EDUCATION IS HERE AND SO ARE THE CLASSES

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 15, 2024

We fought long and we fought hard, but we got what we wanted; mandatory education for all condo board members ...

FLYING FLAGS IN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 12, 2024

What flags can you fly if you live in one of Florida’s countless community associations? That’s a question many courts ...

Read more ...


THE CHALLENGE OF DECISION-MAKING IN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS 

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 10, 2024  

Leadership in community associations often involves navigating complex and contentious issues that can stir strong ...

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WHICH FLAG CAN YOU FLY?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 8, 2024

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July long weekend.   More than any other day of the year, it certainly is the day to fly the flag ...

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MORE NEW LAWS!

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 5, 2024

The Florida Legislature enacted this year lots of bills dealing with community association rules and living. Everybody ...

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IMPACT OF HB 293: A CALL TO ACTION FOR BOARDS & ARC COMMITTEES

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 3, 2024  

With the recent passing of HB 293, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Architectural Review Committees (ARCs) must ...

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SOME OTHER NEW ASSOCIATION LAWS

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 1, 2024

While not the ones that got the most attention, there were a few other bills that were signed into law by the Governor ...


KAUFMAN LANGUAGE – TOTAL NONSENSE!

By Jan Bergemann    

Published June 7, 2024

For me, being born and raised in Germany and having worked in many different European countries until I was 39 ...

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UNTANGLING LEGAL CHALLENGES : KAUFMAN LANGUAGE COMPLEXITY
By Rafael Aquino

Published June 12, 2024  

The concept of Kaufman language, which dictates whether new laws apply to a condominium association, introduces a ...

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CAN THE “AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME” PROBLEM BE FIXED?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published June 10, 2024

Two weeks I spoke about a case I argued before The Florida Supreme Court in 2011 called Cohn v. The Grand Condominium. ..

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IT’S HIGH TIME FOR RULE MAKING!

By Jan Bergemann

Published June 7, 2024

Since HB 293 (Hurricane Protections for Homeowners' Associations) was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, ...

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RETHINKING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION RULES: LESS IS MORE

By Rafael Aquino  

Published June 5, 2024  

Rules are essential for maintaining order and ensuring a harmonious living environment in community associations. However, ...

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SOME QUICK RULES ABOUT MAKING RULES

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published June 3, 2024

Boards of Florida condominium associations and homeowner associations are allowed to make rules regarding...

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ELECTIONS – AN AMERICAN HORROR STORY!

By Jan Bergemann

Published May 31, 2024

Not one day goes by without the media – or upset condo or home owners – report about some sort of election fraud. It starts ...

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WHY THE RIGHT MANAGEMENT PARTNER IS CRUCIAL FOR LEGAL COMPLIANCE

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 29, 2024  

Navigating the complexities of condo law can be daunting for community association boards. It's crucial to remember ...

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NEW ARBITRATION RULING SENDS SHOCKWAVES TO ALL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS REGARDING ELECTIONS

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published May 27, 2024

In 2011, I argued a case in front of The Supreme Court of Florida called Cohn v. The Grand Condominium.  Here’s a ...

Read more ...


WILL THE NEW RECORD INSPECTION LAWS REALLY HELP?

By Jan Bergemann

Published May 24, 2024

The Florida Legislature really went out of its way to make sure that owners are able to see all the public records of their ...

Read more ...


DIGITAL RECORD-KEEPING: ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 22, 2024  

In today's fast-paced world, transparency within community associations is more crucial than ever. Florida requirements mandate ...

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CONDO RECORDS AND THE NEW CHECKLIST LAW

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published May 20, 2024

Suppose you ask for access to certain condominium records, they are never given to you, but months later the association says ...

LACK OF CONDO BOARD MEMBERS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published May 17, 2024

Financial hardship will cause many unit-owners to complain to the sitting board members – and are very often blaming the board ...

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NAVIGATING NEW CHALLENGES IN CONDOS 

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 15, 2024  

As the calendar flips towards another budget season, board members of community associations in Florida, particularly ...

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About HOA & Condo Blog

Eric Glazer

Eric Glazer graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992 after receiving a B.A. from NYU. He has practiced community association law for three decades and is the owner of Glazer and Sachs, P.A. a five attorney law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

 

Eric is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

Since 2009, Eric has been the host of Condo Craze and HOAs, a weekly one-hour show airing at 7 p.m. each Thursday on YouTube. This show allows viewers to engage in live chats with Eric and other participants but also enables a broader audience to access free advice, making valuable insights more widely available.

See: www.condocrazeandhoas.com.

   

Eric is the first attorney in the State of Florida that designed a course that certifies condominium and HOA residents as eligible to serve on a Board of Directors and has now certified more than 20,000 Floridians all across the state. He is certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and has mediated dozens of disputes between associations and unit owners. Eric also devotes significant time to advancing legislation in the best interest of Florida community association members.



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


Jan Bergemann

Jan Bergemann is president of Cyber Citizens For Justice, Florida 's largest state-wide property owners' advocacy group. CCFJ works on legislation to help owners living in community  

associations. He moved to Florida in 1995 - hoping to retire. He moved into a HOA, where the developer cheated the homeowners and used the association dues for his own purposes. End of retirement!

 

CCFJ was born in the year 2000, when some owners met in Tallahassee - finding out that power is only in numbers. Bergemann was a member of Governor Jeb Bush's HOA Task force in 2003/2004.

 

The organization has two websites to inform interested Florida homeowners and condo owners:

News Website: http://www.ccfj.net/.

Educational Website: http://www.ccfjfoundation.net/.

   
We think that only owners can really represent owners, since all service providers surely have a different interest! We are trying to create owner-friendly laws, but the best laws are useless without enforcement. And enforcement is totally lacking in Florida !