STORM DAMAGE AND YOUR LCAM
By
Darlys Walker
Published October 11, 2017
The recent wrath of
Harry and Irma have been devastating to much of Florida. While we
are thankful that loss of life was minimal, we find that homeowners
and condominium owners don’t understand what to expect from the LCAM
or Management Firms and even their boards. I can only speak to the
procedures we have in place, but I believe, all associations should
expect the same level of response. No matter who they use!
1.
The minute a storm/hurricane is predicted,
notify all owners and provide suggested items for a survival kit, as
well as an emergency evacuation route.
2.
As the storm/hurricane moves closer, have
everyone remove balcony/porch items in all units and common areas.
3.
When impact is predicted, have all units
install hurricane shutters
4.
Upon storm arrival, pay attention to the
news and the Governor, to see if they mandate evacuation.
5.
Your LCAM and staff will leave the
community just before the storm hits and will return as soon as it
is safe. Remember they have to prepare their homes and families as
well.
6.
Once the storm passes and it is safe the
LCAM-staff will survey the damage.
a.
They will notify insurance companies
b.
They will coordinate debris removal
c.
It is NOT the staffs, nor the board’s
responsibility to file your homeowner claim. Nor is it the board or
the staff’s responsibility to negotiate your claim, get bids for
your repairs or supervise your contractors.
Many owners think that they should not have to be
inconvenienced. However, all insurance carriers will tell yo,u this
is your personal claim and they won’t discuss it with anyone else.
Additionally, you as the owner know what your expectations are for
the contractor and third party (management team) can’t be expected
to properly communicate those expectations.
Remember, during the cleanup and repair process it is
stressful for everyone. You should expect professionalism and
assistance from your management team, within their capabilities.
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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
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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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