CHANGES ARE COMING

By Darlys Walker 

Published March 18, 2015

It amazes me at how many people purchase a home in either an HOA Association or a Condominium Association and fail to fully read the documents and bylaws, or take the time to full understand them.

Recently I attended a closing and immediately after having signing the paperwork and taken possession of the keys, the purchaser stated, “I can’t wait to start our renovation. We are going to knock out the exterior wall and build a sunroom with a fire pit.” This particular community consists of 180 brick townhomes connected in groups of 12. Their declarations prohibit any construction or alteration to the exterior walls and strictly prohibit fire puts, grills etc within 15 feet of the buildings.

When we explained this to the purchaser, their first response was, “I own it and you can’t tell me what to do with my property”. After a lengthy debate, the closing attorney was able to convince the purchaser that in fact the declaration could limit renovations and alterations.

As the purchaser, who clearly was really expressing buyer’s remorse, exited the office he looked at me and said, “If I go ahead and do it, what are they going to do…make me change it back?” As you can guess, I replied, “That is exactly what is going to happen!”  It took me two hours to convince this new homeowner, this was not a path he wanted to travel. I’m sad to report that this Homeowner never took occupancy of his unit, but sold it within 90 days of the purchase. He said he would never be happy living in a community that could restrict his use of his property. I completely agree. There are so many people who buy homes in Associations, only to find out they don’t have the right to plant a garden, paint the exterior any color they chose, add a screen door and so many other things. The bottom line is you must read all documents before you sign and or close on a home purchase. Take into consideration if you are a person who can live with restrictions on your property? Have you personally had this battle? Tell us your story.

Darlys Walker, Founder and CEO of Condominium Concepts Management, Inc. (CCM), is recognized for her straight talk, subject matter expertise, and valued insights regarding real

state management, leasing, and HOAs. Her company serves a diverse portfolio of properties, from 16-units up to 600 as well as large mixed-use developments.  

   From its beginnings in 2000, CCM has become a well-respected asset manager and now works with over 100 associations with 16,000 units served by over 300 employees. Darlys and her team deliver resources and responsiveness through six regional offices - in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Charleston, Nashville and Atlanta.

   Darlys Walker is best known for her passion and precision, understanding that the only difference that matters in today's demanding marketplace is service delivery ... doing what is promised and what is right. She knows that every community serves two masters ... the property owner/developer and the resident/homeowner. "If we are not equally responsive to both, we are not doing our job," she states.  

   Her clients say it best: "Darlys really knows her stuff" ... "at the top of her profession and it shows in the caliber of her clients" ... "delivers quality resources that match up well with needs and expectations that are really rigorous."  

   She is a licensed Real Estate Broker in four states, holds an Associate's Degree in Marketing and has earned the Accredited Real Estate Manager designation from the Georgia Institute of Real Estate Management. Also she is one of few certified as a Lead-Based Paint Abatement & Removal Trainer in Georgia.

   Darlys Walker and her team have been selected to manage the condominium conversion process and day-to-day operations for many of the Southeast's most high-profile condominium communities including luxury high-rises, mid-rises and garden-style homes. Most recently she has been recognized as an expert in 're-versions' of communities from condominiums to leased homes, as well as repositioning projects. A visionary and a tireless perfectionist, Darlys demonstrates hands-on leadership, working individually with each client and staff associate to achieve defined business outcomes and satisfaction.  

  For more information about Darlys Walker and Condominium Concepts Management, Inc. please visit www.condominiumconcepts.com.

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