THE FLORIDA HOA & CONDO BLOG

SEEING IS BELIEVING

By Darlys Walker

Published August 1, 2012

After 30+ years of Property Management experience, I have learned that you should never believe what you hear, but rely on what you can actually see. The grapevine seems to be amassing with speculation, which some unhappy homeowners will swear is factual knowledge.

My firm had the opportunity to assume Management of a large Association that had been self-managed for a number of years. Elections were volatile and there was a tremendous amount of infighting amongst previous Board Members, new Board Members and Homeowners. Somehow, the rumor began that the Association was bankrupt. This only inflamed this situation further.

Upon our reconciliation of activity, prior to our assuming Management, we were able to determine that the Association was extremely healthy with over $1 million dollars in the bank.

Rumors and false statements can and will hurt an Association’s reputation in the market and adversely affect property values. Buyers and sellers repeat what they hear to friends and family members who might be connected to the real estate market and quickly these statements become known as fact, “ Did you hear about”? This can result in a diminished desire to purchase in a community and typically leads to more speculations and gossip.

Adding fuel to the fire, often times the Board or CAM begins experiencing attacks on their personal character. Such statements as “The Association is bankrupt”, soon turn into, “The Association is bankrupt and the Board has been taking the money”, or “The Association doesn’t have any money because the Management Company has been stealing”.

The easiest way to prevent this magnitude of gossip is simple and we addressed it in last week’s blog. Open books and records available to the homeowners at all times along with regular informative meetings. Informed homeowners are happy homeowners!

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.