THE FLORIDA HOA & CONDO BLOG

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER!

Darlys Walker

May 30, 2012

I have a tremendous amount of sympathy for Board Members when being faced with making decisions, which may or may not be “Material”. Legal counsel should always be considered before making any significant changes to ensure that proper protocol is followed. But be forewarned, you will NEVER get a large group of individuals to agree on anything.

Over the years we have worked with Boards to replace hallway carpets, upgrade clubhouse interiors, and change exterior or interior paint color. Oh my gosh, what a chaotic mess. EVERYONE has a different perception of what looks good and what doesn’t. As the saying goes, “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder”

Several years ago, we had the opportunity to replace 29 floral arrangements, which sat atop tables in elevator vestibules at a luxury high-rise and had become worn and tired looking. The Board directed Management to make the decision and to purchase the arrangements and place them. The replacements were of the same quality and looked as good as the originals. Management felt sure there would be little negative feedback. Boy, were we wrong! Within 48 hours, we received 5 emails stating the various homeowners did not understand why we didn’t choose something more attractive, or different colors, one homeowner bragged at disposing of the arrangement on his floor over the balcony, 2 homeowners asked where they had been purchased as they would like to have similar pieces in their homes. Suddenly 6 arrangements… simply disappeared.

I do believe it is the right of every homeowner in an Association to voice their opinion and to be informed for all major changes, material or not. I also believe that most Boards truly want to please everyone within a community. BUT, the facts are clear, the more individuals involved in these types of changes the more convoluted the process becomes.

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.

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