SOMEBODY IS WATCHING ME!

By Darlys Walker

Published January 29, 2014 

Nowadays cameras are everywhere and it seems, someone is always watching.  Let’s say the Association has cameras located throughout the common areas and record the comings and goings of the Homeowners, their guests, contractors and employees. I am not an attorney and therefore don’t believe it prudent for me to give an opinion for or against considering surveillance tapes as an official Association record. I will, however, give an opinion on two other issues relating to surveillance cameras.

                1. Cameras do not prevent criminal activity and are not a source of security! How many times have we seen news coverage whereby a criminal walks into a gas station, looks into the camera       and then proceeds to rob and shoot the salesclerk? Far too often! How often do we see footage of bank robberies and parking lot abductions? Clearly these criminals knew they were being                recorded and showed no hesitation in committing the crime.

                2. Homeowners and their guests should remember their actions are being recorded I make a strong suggestion “don’t do anything in the common areas, including the elevators, that you           wouldn’t do in public. Over the years we’ve recorded, neighbors super gluing keyholes, sexual activity in the pool, elevator and mailroom. We witness apparent affairs between Homeowners, fights, domestic violence and theft.

Typically the staff will not discuss activities they witness but time and time again the tapes and employees end up as part of a police investigation, divorce hearing or Homeowners dispute. If there are cameras you should assume someone is watching or that you’re being recorded!

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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