|
WHY CAN’T WE JUST BE
FRIENDS?
By
Darlys Walker
Published
March 5, 2014
Florida
is known for its beautiful white beaches, tropical weather and
suntanned beauties. But, it’s also known for its volatile
Homeowner meetings! We have spent a lot of time blogging about the
differences in legislation relation to HOA’s versus COA’s, but
volatile meetings are rampant in both.
As
a Management Firm, serving the Southeast, I have often wondered why
we see so many more confrontational meetings in Florida than in any
other states! Well, we all know what they say about opinions, but
I’m going to give you mine anyways! Florida is the destination for
retirees, individuals wanting a second home and investors purchasing
units for lease. The majority, not all, are individuals, who fall
into the category of successful senior citizens who have run the rat
race and now feel a sense of entitlement to use the skills they
developed while in the workforce. Many often feel their way is the
right way and may not understand Real Estate Management may be very
different form the business they come from and their experience
simply doesn’t apply.
Considering
that many of these individuals are “Type A personalities” and
are use to being in charge, but don’t want to serve on the Board.
They will attend meetings, become vocal, rude, abusive, complaining
about everything and everyone! Couple this with similar
personalities who are serving on the Board and you get a recipe for
disaster. I have seen meetings spiral out of control over silly
things such as types of flowers being installed and the color of a
ceiling fan installed in a clubhouse. Chairs and punches have been
thrown; police officers have been called, and in some cases, the
police are required to be in attendance at all meetings to prevent
chaos from occurring.
Yes,
every Homeowner should be involved in their Association, but when
attending meetings, everyone should check their anger and pride at
the door. Remember, there are a lot of other Homeowners and the
Board has to be voted in and be the decision makers for the
community. There simply is no reason to become angry or volatile. If
you don’t like the decisions being made, replace the Board in
accordance with your documents and state statutes or simply run for
the Board yourself! Chances are, if you show your behind at meetings
you’re not likely to be elected. Everyone working together in a
cohesive manner to accomplish goals that benefit the entire
community should be everyone’s goal.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
