THE FLORIDA HOA & CONDO BLOG

Best Practices

By Darlys Walker

Published February 13, 2013

As a Management Firm we are blessed to manage communities in 5 states. Through my travel and oversight as CEO, I have a fairly comprehensive understanding of the state laws and the standard verbiage in each States Condominium Documents, Master Deeds and Horizontal Regimes.

Many times, I hear myself say, "Oh, if they would only do it the way it is done in Florida. It would be so much better"!! The "fining process" is on top of that list. Of course, second to the lack of regulations overall for HOA's. The process and requirement is far too convoluted, and at the end of the day, doesn't really have any teeth!!!!! Georgia's procedure is by far superior. If a fine is assessed, the Homeowner may request a hearing. The hearing is before the Board of Directors. If the fine stands, the Homeowners account is assessed. If the Homeowner refuses to pay, additional fines and fees can be assessed and will be collected before the unit sells. The Association may not collect it today, but eventually, they will collect it. The past due amount creates an automatic lien against the property, without the involvement of additional paperwork or lawyers, and a closing to purchase will not happen until the lien is released by payment.

Call me naive, but wouldn’t it be great if periodically Condominium/HOA laws were reviewed and "Best Practices" from neighboring states considered for implementation. As I stated earlier, for the most part, Florida has the best procedures in place. But, occasionally could learn from its surrounding states.

Darlys Walker

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.



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