Surfside tragedy makes condo buying challenging nationwide

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Surfside tragedy makes condo buying challenging nationwide

Real estate agents, condo associations and mortgage brokers say the new rules from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are having a chilling effect on the market.

Under new rules instituted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the wake of the collapse of Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Fla., last year, condo boards or property managers are required to answer a 12-question form about the structural integrity of the building and the financial health of the association for the transaction to proceed

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/07/14/new-condo-lending-rules-surfside/?fbclid=IwAR0B7uXNgx7ut-9RNal3PnYehzh9vKUIIonA4QT7B5XKuSotLacuFuep5VA

Source Washington Post

An Update from us on solar panels in North Carolina

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Recently, the Supreme Court of North Carolina handed down a decision (in Belmont Association, Inc. v. Farwig) which greatly affects the ability of planned communities to regulate the location and placement of solar panels on lots within the community. The ruling does not affect condominium communities created under Chapter 47A or Chapter 47C of the North Carolina General Statutes. The ruling does, however, potentially affect all planned communities with restrictions recorded on or after October 1, 2007 (the effective date of N.C.G.S. § 22B-20). 

In Belmont, the Farwigs installed solar panels on the front of their home without architectural approval. When they subsequently applied for approval, they were denied and told to remove the front-facing solar panels as they were only permitted on the rear roofs in the community. 

The Declaration didn’t expressly address the issue of solar panels, but they were considered an “improvement” under the architectural provisions of the Declaration. The court held that the architectural provisions contained in the Declaration (as applied to the Farwigs’ solar panels) had the effect of prohibiting the installation of solar collectors under 22B-20(b) and were invalid since, in the Court’s judgment, neither of the two exceptions contained subsections (c) and (d) of the statute applied.   

In analyzing the two exceptions contained in the statute, the Court first concluded that 22B-20(c) provides an exception for a deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement that does not have the effect of preventing the “reasonable use” of a solar collector. Second, 22B-20(d), provides another exception which permits a deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement that runs with the land that would prohibit the location of solar collectors that are visible by a person on the ground in three specific locations described in the statute.   

The Belmont Court concluded (without significant explanation) that the restriction in the case prevented the reasonable use of solar panels and, therefore, the exception in subsection (c) did not apply. The Court then held that the exception in subsection (d) did not apply either because the restriction at issue here did not expressly prohibit the installation of solar panels in the relevant location(s) – rather the restriction only had the “effect” of prohibiting the installation of the solar panels by leaving that decision up to the architectural reviewer. In other words, the Court was careful to distinguish language “having the effect of prohibiting solar panels” from language that actually and expressly prohibits them.  Ultimately, having determined that neither exception applies, the Court ruled in favor of the Farwigs and found that the restrictions, as applied to their solar application, were invalid under 22B-20(b). 

This is an important decision for many of our association clients as it indicates a very narrow reading of the statute regarding solar panels. When making a decision regarding solar panels and the location thereof in the community, it will be important for Association’s to review the relevant Declaration provisions, likely with the assistance of counsel, to determine if one of the exceptions to the statute applies. 

If your Declaration contains an express prohibition that is consistent with the language of subsection (d), you should still be able to deny solar installations based on that express restriction. If you do not already have an express prohibition in place, however, there is no one-size-fits-all answer and we recommend that you consult your association’s attorney to discuss potential strategies in light of the Belmont decision. 

If you have any questions about this decision or other community association matters please reach out to one of our community association attorneys.

Source and Credits:

Sellers, Ayers, Dortch & Lyons, PA

704-377-5050

www.sellersayers.com

HOA and Condo Manager Association Management Group (AMG) Builds Hope for Triad Area Pediatric Cancer Patient

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (PRWEB) JUNE 08, 2022

Volunteers from Association Management Group (AMG), one of the Carolinas’ largest professional homeowner association managers representing more than 30,000 property owners, constructed a custom backyard playset on June 3 for six-year-old Jenifer Maria Sanchez of Winston-Salem, a pediatric cancer patient in treatment for leukemia. Sanchez is the recipient of the free playset thanks to AMG and Roc Solid Foundation (RSF), a Virginia-based nonprofit that works with hospitals, organizations, and volunteers to Play It Forward and build hope for children and families fighting pediatric cancer. The team of twenty-five AMG staff worked from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. on Friday with tools, instruction, and guidance from an RSF project leader to create the playscape, which featured swings, a tree house, a slide, and a climbing area. “Thank you so much, volunteers, for this hard labor and for helping us create happy memories, even when our world is upside-down. Jenifer appreciates everyone taking time out of their lives to build her playset in her own yard. This is something Jenifer needs in her life right now. Our hearts are so full with love for this organization,” said mother Jenifer Ocampo.

It takes a team effort to restore hope to young cancer patients, according to Ashley Martin, Roc Solid Foundation Director of Marketing. “AMG's support not only allows us to make a big impact on a family during an extremely difficult time in their lives, but it also shows that family they are not alone on the journey of fighting pediatric cancer. Seeing the community surround them with support provides a feeling of hope that will stay with them far beyond build day.” Winston Salem Mayor Alan Joines participated in the dedication of the new playset. “It’s great to see organizations like AMG go beyond good corporate citizenship," he said. "For this family and so many others, they are good neighbors making a difference in our communities."

Though it was a long morning of measuring and lifting, drilling and hammering in the warm June sunshine, the expression on Jenifer’s face when she saw the new playscape, complete with signed best wishes from each member of the AMG construction team, made all the effort worthwhile, said Paul Mengert, AMG founder and CEO. “AMG specializes in supporting communities. In the business of managing community associations (HOAs) and condominiums, helping one’s neighbor is an important–and inspiring–responsibility. We have a decades-old culture of giving back to the Triad community, with both money and volunteer hours. It’s gratifying to do our part to help restore fun and play to the life of a little girl experiencing cancer.” AMG President Dacy Cavicchia agreed. “For us, this was a team-building exercise in caring for our community, something we enjoy and believe in. According to Roc Solid foundation, sixteen thousand US children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Of course, treatment is critical, but so is having a happy, normal life. It feels good to be a part of providing this family with a wonderful playspace they can enjoy for years.” AMG hopes to participate in another Roc Solid playset project soon with its Charlotte, NC team.

For details on Roc Solid Foundation or to learn how you can Play It Forward for pediatric cancer patients, visit: https://rocsolidfoundation.org/

To learn about AMG, visit: AMGworld.com/.

About AMG: AMG is a professional community association management company dedicated to building effective community associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the association's interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values in the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, and Greenville and Aiken, SC, AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques, and supporting communities with a broad range of services which can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB and is a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit AMGworld.com/.

A message from Paul Mengert, Association Management Group’s CEO

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A message from Paul Mengert, Association Management Group’s CEO

 I want to thank the many Association Management Group employees and customers who participated in the 2022 PTI Run on the Runway event. Thanks in part to our team’s dedicated effort, more than $135,000 was raised for area food banks. They leverage the funds for each dollar raised into as many as seven meals for families in need.

 It was great to see our employees and customers pitching in to support our community! It reflects the caring heart of the AMG family and our compassionate clients.

“Good morning waive from our youngest supporter!”

3 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Spring

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Spring is an exciting time. In the Carolinas, the weather is starting to warm up in spring. There may be rain, but it brings new life to our yards and forests. With all the renewal of spring, it makes sense that we want to clean up our homes as well. This is why spring cleaning is such a popular pastime.

When you live in a Carolina community, preparing your home for spring is important. It helps keep your residence in great condition and looking nice. Plus, it increases the overall appeal of the community. Spring cleaning is a win-win for everyone.  

How to Prepare Your Home for Spring

Even though it is important to prepare your home for spring, most people do not have a lot of time. We all have families, pets, and jobs to worry about. So, here are the top three ways to prepare your home for spring. If your spring cleaning time is limited this year, start here.  

1)      Clean your gutters.
Gutters tend to get clogged. Leaves, sticks, and other debris often fall in gutters throughout the spring and summer. The more stuff you have in your gutters, the greater the likelihood of clogged gutters in the spring.

Clogged gutters don’t drain appropriately. They can cause leaks, which damage your walls, ceiling, and foundations. The water has to go somewhere, and often it ends up in your basement. Your gutter may even end up breaking.

The best way to avoid clogged gutter problems is to clean out your gutters regularly. Start this process at the beginning of spring, so that your home will be ready for the rainy season.  

2)      Work on your lawn.
As the weather warms up, it is time for yard work. You may need to replace the mulch, plant new flowers, and start mowing your yard again. Yard work will vary from home to home. however, better-looking yards will increase the appeal of the entire community.

Your community may also offer yard services. However, this is something to ask your community organization about. If no services are offered, you will need to do this work yourself.  

3)      Repair your roof.
No, you don’t need a new roof every year. In fact, depending on the type of shingle, you will likely need to repair the roof every 12-30 years. Even if you do not need a new roof, that doesn’t mean there will be no damage.

Leaks often occur because of shingles or other damage to our roofs. Plus, hurricane season is from September to October in the Carolinas. Your home may have sustained damage in last year’s hurricanes that needs to be fixed this spring.

The best way to assess and repair any roof damage is to hire experts. Contractors can inspect and help you repair holes, damaged shingles, and other roof problems. The beginning of spring is the time to make an appointment with these companies, as they will get busier as the spring and summer progresses.

Spring is a great time to repair our homes and make them sparkle. By following the three tips in this article, your home and community will be a beautiful place to live this spring. If your community needs help preparing communal spaces for spring, contact Association Management Group (AMG). We are your Carolina source for amazing property management services.  

The Top 5 HOA Management Questions Answered

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If you are new to HOA management, you likely have a lot of questions. Let us help you get started. Below are the top five HOA management questions and their answers.   

Top 5 HOA Management Questions Answered 

1)      What is HOA Management?

Perhaps the most important question of this entire post is this one. What is HOA management? It is essential to know what something is before you hire someone.

Put simply, HOA management is something most home owner’s association (HOA) Boards do every day. It is the consistent management of all of the concerns of the HOA. These can range from management volunteers to maintaining common areas and planning meetings. Budgeting and other financial considerations are also included in HOA management.  

For many HOA Boards, the day-to-day tasks of managing an HOA are too much to handle alone. They hire an HOA management company to take care of some or all of these tasks.  

2)      Why is HOA Management important?

HOA management is crucial because it keeps your community running smoothly. Without proper HOA management, your home’s value could plummet, and your community could be a much less nice place to live.  

This is why it is so important to consider HOA management companies. No single Board can do everything. Boards consist of volunteers with their own lives and jobs after all. Instead, an HOA management company’s entire job is to see your community thrive. The Board will still maintain the decision-making power. But the competition of each task is the responsibility of the HOA management company. This frees up your Board members to make the important decisions that will result in a better community.  

3)      Will my HOA managers be part of the Board?

No. HOA management companies are not members of the Board. They will not have decision-making powers. The HOA manager will help and advise. But they cannot directly affect the direction or decisions of your community. Only the Board can do that.  

4)      What are some pros of hiring an HOA Management company?

There are a lot of positives to hiring an HOA management company. Here are a few of the most important. 

  • They have years of experience helping communities succeed.

  • You will have access to people with expert financial and legal information.

  • They likely have long-term relationships with vendors.

  • They can facilitate communications among your Board and with the broader community.

  • They have advanced technological resources.  

5)      Do I need HOA Management?

Now we get to another crucial question about HOA management. Do you need it? The short answer: yes.  

All communities need good HOA management. Whether this management is provided by your Board or an outside company is up to your community. We’d highly recommend outsourcing your HOA management tasks. The pros simply outweigh the cons.  

In North and South Carolina, your source for the best HOA and condominium management is AMG (Association Management Group). We have physical offices throughout the Carolinas. Contact us today to learn more about we can help your community.

 

The Top 8 Ways a Property Management Company Will Make Your Life Easier

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Property management companies can be a big help no matter what type of community you live in. Condominium associations, townhome HOAs, homeowner associations, life style communities, lake management, and office or retail spaces could all use property management.  

Property management companies work with your Board to manage the day-to-day running of the community. There are many services that top property management companies offer. All can elevate common headaches for your Board members.  

Top 8 Ways Property Management Companies Make Your Life Easier

The best property management companies can truly make your life easier. Here are eight ways they do so.

 1)      Save you money.

Probably the most important result of using a property management company is financial savings. This may seem impossible. You will be paying the property management company after all. However, property management companies streamline your communities and raise their overall value. Both will save you money in the long term.  

2)      Save you time.

Another big positive of using a property management company is the time savings. Your time is valuable too. Most Boards are comprised of volunteers who have their own lives and jobs. A property management company takes care of all the mundane, repetitive tasks, which keeps your Board free to make decisions and guide the community.  

3)      Save you worry.

When you have expert help, you don’t have to worry about making the right decisions. Property managers do not supersede your Board, but they can act as guides. Whether you are navigating a new regulation or planning next year’s budget, employing a property management company is a great way to reduce your concerns.

 4)      Make taxes a breeze.

Taxes are never fun. That statement is doubly true for community associations. Property management companies can help you with all your tax needs. Your manager will work with the Board to complete this year’s taxes and make a financial plan for the following year. You don’t need to be an accounting expert when you use a good property management company.  

5)      Help with communication.

Communication is always hard. It doesn’t matter what type of community you live in. Property managers are here to help with communication. They can facilitate better communication with your tenants or residents, develop efficient online communication tools, and even mediate disputes. Having a non-biased third party is always important when communicating with your community.  

6)      Connect you with the best vendors.

There are a lot of vendors available for hire. Not all vendors are the same, however. If you want the best vendors in your area, you need the help of a property management company. They will likely have an existing relationship with vendors. These can help guide your hiring process and potentially save you money.   

7)      Take care of maintenance tasks.

General maintenance is something no Board likes to deal with. It is one of the worst things about community management. However, with a property management company, you no longer have to be responsible for the maintenance of your community. The property management company can be in charge of that task.  

8)      Keep your residents happy and involved.

Finally, a major reason to choose a good property management company is that they will keep your residents happy. A better run and more communicative community mean happier residents. More satisfied residents are likely to be more involved in their community. It is a good, self-0sustaining cycle.  

If you are looking for great property management in North and South Carolina, contact Association Management Group (AMG) today.

COVID Impacting Your Home Finances? You May Qualify for Help.

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COVID-19 was a one-two punch for a lot of us, not only putting health at risk, but also homes. As an educator of community association volunteer boards*, it’s an important part of my job to share news that makes a difference to homeowners and associations. And I have good news that will have an enormous impact on our friends and neighbors.  The State of North Carolina has recently won approval of its Homeowners Assistance Fund from the federal government, a part of President Biden’s 2021 American Rescue Plan that provides money to homeowners facing financial challenges due to COVID. Qualified homeowners can request up to $40,000 in financial aid to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements and foreclosures. An important part of this fund includes assisting owners in paying their HOA and condo dues, preventing possible foreclosure and keeping them current with their community association policies.

 North Carolina’s $273 million Fund provides temporary and permanent relief for people living in single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and mobile homes–both homeowners and those without a mortgage. It includes mortgage reinstatement to catch up on late payments and other housing costs due to forbearance, delinquency, or default.  The Fund will also pay for homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, and delinquent property taxes to prevent foreclosure. Additional financial hardships that may qualify for assistance include job loss/business closure, fewer hours or lower pay, difficulty finding a new job, death of a spouse or partner, and increased expenses due to the pandemic, such as health care, caring for a family member, higher child care costs, and increased overall costs due to quarantine. Best of all, there is no repayment of qualified assistance.   

 As Chairman of the Community Association Institute’s (CAI) Legislative Action Committee for North Carolina, we had numerous interactions with federal and state officials about this much-needed Fund. I’m proud that our team’s efforts were a vital part of getting community association fees included in this crucial program. But more importantly, I’m proud of how we worked together during these COVID times to lighten the financial burden people are carrying and relieve some of their anxiety. That’s what good neighbors do...and good neighbors are what community associations are all about. 

 Are you in financial trouble due to COVID? Do you need help paying your HOA dues or other housing costs?  The NC Homeowners Assistance Fund website has all the details, including frequently asked questions and eligibility/application forms. Visit https://nchaf.gov/ or call 1.855.MYNCHAF.

By:

Paul K. Mengert, CMCA, PCAM

Association Management Group, Inc. 

New Appellate Case: Almason v. Southgate on Fairview Condominium Association

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In a decision issued today (February 1, 2022), the North Carolina Court of Appeals examined several issues that associations deal with regularly—budget ratification, owner attendance at board meetings, rules governing board meetings, and association records requests. Nothing in the decision is groundbreaking, but the findings of the court may provide comfort that your association practices are proper (or may suggest you need to make some changes).

Almason v. Southgate on Fairview Condominium Association, Inc. et al. is an “unpublished opinion,” which means the decision is not controlling legal authority and should not be cited in other cases. However, even unpublished opinions give a sense of the Court’s thinking as to specific issues and how subsequent courts may rule.

In Almason, the owners in a condominium subject to the NC Condominium Act (NCGS 47C) had numerous complaints against their association and its board members, including:

  • There was no quorum present for the budget ratification meeting.

  • There was no motion, second or vote to ratify the budget at the member meeting.

  • The board was not allowing owners to attend sufficient board meetings.

  • Board rules limiting owner attendance at board meetings to 15 minutes were unreasonable.

  • Board policy prohibiting owners from recording board meetings violated the Bylaws.

The NC Court of Appeals decided all these issues in favor of the Association.  

Appellate cases are detailed and fact specific. However, here are some takeaways:

  • Budget Ratification. Regardless of language in bylaws, all planned communities created after January 1, 1999 and all condominiums must follow the statutory budget ratification process. Those statutes specially provide that no quorum is necessary for the meeting. And no vote to “approve” the budget is necessary in that the budget will be ratified unless a majority of all the owners in the association vote to reject the budget. So the budget can be ratified in three ways: (1) no motion is made to reject the budget, because members are fine with it; (2) a motion is made to reject the budget, but the motion does not receive a vote of a majority of all owners in the association, so the budget is ratified; or (3) not enough owners show up at the meeting to constitute a majority of the entire membership (with so few owners present, there is no way the budget can be rejected).

  • Owner Attendance at Board Meetings. There are statutes governing owner attendance at board meetings that apply to all condominiums and all planned communities. “At regular intervals, the executive board meeting shall provide [owners] an opportunity to attend a portion of an executive board meeting and to speak to the executive board about their issues and concerns.” The owners in Almason argued that a policy allowing owners to only attend three board meetings per year was unreasonable. The Court noted that the Bylaws did not require the board to allow owners to attend a certain number of meetings, and that the phrase “regular interval” could even mean “attendance at one Board meeting between annual meetings.”

  • Rules Governing Attendance at Board Meetings. In Almason, the Association had a board policy that owners were permitted to attend 15 minutes of a board meeting, which the owners argued was arbitrary. As noted above, the statute governing owners attending board meetings states that owners have a right to attend “a portion” of such board meetings. The Court held that the Board’s 15-minute limit complied with the Association’s bylaws and statute.

  • Owners Recording Board Meetings. In Almason, the Association had a board policy prohibiting the recording of Board meetings by owners in attendance. The owners argued there was no basis for such a policy in statute or the bylaws. However, the Court noted that association membership and board meetings are governed by Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition), and that Robert’s permits a deliberative assembly to make and enforce its own laws. As a result, the board “had the inherent authority to enact and enforce rules for its meetings and that those rules would apply to owners attending those meetings.”

  • Records Request. In Almason, the owners made certain records requests pursuant to statute and took the position that the Association had failed to produce those records. The Association noted that it has produced records in its possession and that the additional records being requested did not exist. Owners’ position was that “it is not credible that no minutes exist for these months.” The Court held that owners “presented no evidence that such records actually exist to contradict the [Association’s] testimony the Board does not keep such minutes.” The takeaway here is that while an association has an obligation to turn over certain documents to owners upon request, the documents have to actually exist.

With such a long opinion (16 pages), it’s always best to read the actual case if you want to know how it might impact a different association. And then talk to an attorney about your specific facts. The Almason decision can be found here: https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/appellate-court-opinions/almason-v-sgate-on-fairview-condo-assn-inc-0. 

Sincere thanks to Jim Slaughter and Law Firm Carolinas for providing the above blog post.



6 TIPS FOR HOSTING A NEW YEARS EVE PARTY in an HOA Community

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If you’ve decided to ring in the new year in your home. It is important to be aware of HOA rules concerning parties. Here are some tips to make party planning a little less stressful.

1. Make sure you are aware of all rules concerning hosting gatherings in your community.

Most homeowners are aware of their HOA guidelines for hosting guests. There also may be some regulations with your local city, such as parking near fire hydrants, street lights, blocking sidewalks, etc. It's a good idea to have the details so your party will run smoothly without an incident.

2. Be a Good Neighbor

It’s good etiquette to let your neighbors know that you’re hosting a party. This will let them know that they’ve been considered and they’ll be more understanding of higher volumes of noise. If you’ve recently moved in, you could even invite them over — there’s nothing sweeter than ringing in the new year with a new friend.

3. Set a limit for the number of people you invite, and stick to it

It can be tempting to invite your friends, neighbors, gym buddies, and everyone else you see on a regular basis, but keeping the party on the smaller side will not only make your event more intimate, but it will also be less stressful!

Be aware of HOA rules concerning the number of people that can be in your home for a party.

4. Be Aware of Excessive Noise

Perhaps one of the most common noise complaints that homeowners have has to do with parties — New Year’s Eve parties in particular. Associations generally take no issue with an HOA holiday party, but it becomes a problem when there is excessive noise. Before the holidays roll around, HOA boards must remind all homeowners about the HOA noise restrictions. It is important to be aware of HOA rules concerning parties. The HOA board can fine you for excessive noise complaints or might limit the number of people you can have at a party in your backyard.

5. Parking

The holiday season brings many people together, and that means extra cars will need to be parked around a community. Associations usually have broad authority to make rules and regulations related to temporary, short-term parking. The board can prohibit parking on lawns, in front of a fire hydrant, or anywhere that blocks a sidewalk, an emergency vehicle’s access, or another driver’s view. Resident’s hosting guests should check the rules on visitor parking, including where they can park (such as an overflow lot, if the association has one) and the kind of parking passes they may need.

6. Have a Plan for When the Clock Strikes 12

Whether it’s bringing out your best bottle of bubbly, ensuring everyone gets a party horn and streamers, or even deciding what channel to watch the countdown on, have a plan in mind to usher the new year in with a bang.

Having a New Years Eve party in your Homeowners community can be an enjoyable experience provided you are considerate to neighbors and abide of the HOA rules in your community.

Preparing Your Home for the Winter Season

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With the winter season almost upon us, preparing your house for winter should be on the top of your to-do list right now. Winter can seem like a gentle season, with falling snow and cooler temperatures that encourage you to cozy up with a warm drink. But the winter months, including cold weather and winter storms, can be fierce and damage your home if you aren’t prepared. Bankrate can help you get ready for winter with tips to prepare your home. These steps might help lessen the damage to your home during winter storms and might even help you avoid damage altogether.

Tune Up Your Heating System

For about $80 to $100, a technician will inspect your furnace or heat pump to be sure the system is clean and in good repair, and that it can achieve its manufacturer-rated efficiency. The inspection also measures carbon-monoxide leakage.

Winterize Water Pipes

Water supply pipes are especially susceptible to freezing in cold weather, and burst pipes from freezing can cause some of the most expensive repairs in the home. Exposed drain pipes can also occasionally freeze, so, it is important to systematically review the plumbing pipes in your home.

Assess Your Roof

Roof maintenance is best done before the cold sets in, and it’s crucial for preparing the outside of your home for winter. The best way to determine your roof’s integrity is to do a visual inspection. You will want to look for sections of the roof where the shingles are cracking, bending, or just plain missing. Loose screws and rusted panels should also be checked to see if there are some potential leaks in the making. Review our roof maintenance checklist to ensure your roof is ready to withstand the winter months.

Assess windows and doors

Heat lost through windows and doors can account for up to 30 percent of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To keep heat in the house, look for cracks or gaps in the exterior caulking, check seals around exterior door and add caulking or weather stripping as needed. While these DIY fixes can reduce heat loss, a professional energy assessment can provide additional insights into areas where you may be losing heat and recommend fixes.

Check Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is the cause of 27 percent of structure fires during the winter months. So make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working in your home. And it's best to have smoke alarms in every room of your home, including hallways. Be sure that home maintenance includes checking the batteries in all alarms once a month is always on your home maintenance checklist.

Maintain Your Chimney

If you have a working fireplace, get your chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a pro to help decrease the risk of fire from buildup or blockages, says the Chimney Safety Institute of America. These yearly inspections may also help to prevent carbon monoxide intrusion.

Prep Your Snow Removal Tools.

Have your snow shovels and sidewalk salt ready for anything winter brings. Keeping your driveway clear from snow and ice is a must to keep your family safe, but clearing your sidewalk is your responsibility to your neighbors. Not only will you make it easier for neighbors to go for a stroll, but you’ll also be protecting them from slipping and falling — and you might be protecting yourself from any legal liabilities, too.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

This simple step shouldn’t take you very long at all. If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, use it to make sure the blades are turning in a clockwise direction. Doing this will help push down all the rising warm air from the ceiling back into the room. This tip is especially crucial for spaces that have high ceilings.

Make Sure You're Prepared in the Event of a Winter Storm

Winter storms can come at any time and wreak havoc on your home, and even knock out the power. Make sure you're prepared in the event of a winter storm by having an emergency survival kit in your home. Make sure to stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, and a smartphone charger.

While winter home preparation can seem intimidating, a little work can go a long way! Taking these steps will prepare your home for the increased amount of time you’ll be spending indoors, and it will also ensure your time there is warm and cozy.

Enjoy your cozy home.

AMG Shows Gratitude for Employees with 2nd Thanksgiving On Wheels Meal

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This week, AMG’s Thanksgiving On Wheels event brings fully-cooked turkey and sides to team members across the Carolinas. 

                AMG Shows Gratitude for Employees with 2nd Thanksgiving On Wheels Meal

It’s said, feeling grateful and not expressing it is like wrapping a beautiful present and not giving it. For the second year in a row, AMG is wrapping and giving the gift of gratitude to its team. The second Thanksgiving On Wheels is happening this week, a time when AMG contributes to the Thanksgiving dinners of its 50 employees. The company is ensuring it will be a holiday to be grateful for by providing each team member across its five North Carolina and South Carolina offices with the foundation of their Thanksgiving feast: a fully cooked turkey with gravy, and two pint-size side dishes of beans and mac n’ cheese.

“As we work through this second year of COVID, we feel it’s especially important to recognize the contributions of our staff,” said AMG President, Dacy Cavicchia. “They are essential in every way, and we honor and appreciate their resilience, strength, professionalism, and dedication.” 

CEO and Founder Paul Mengert and Vice-President May Gayle Mengert agree that a culture of gratitude is pivotal to the success of the company they originated in 1985. “AMG has a long and proud history of supporting communities, including raising money for local food banks,” Mengert said. “This is a reminder to our internal community–our staff across the Carolinas who give so much both at work and to area nonprofits–that they matter, we count on them, and we appreciate them for all they are and do for us and our clients. We have so much to be thankful for: especially our hard-working, dependable employees.”

https://www.yesweekly.com/business/hoa-management-company-amg-shows-gratitude-for-employees-with-2nd-thanksgiving-on-wheels-meal/article_0565edee-4c83-11ec-b307-c32c788e18b7.html

 

New Legislation Allows North Carolina Condominium and Homeowners Association Residents to Conduct Virtual Meetings

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Amy Hawkes Repke, arepke@caionline.org, 703-970-9239

 Leslie Blum, Leslie.blum@cai-nc.org, 919-525-4993

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New Legislation Allows North Carolina Condominium and Homeowners Association Residents to Conduct Virtual Meetings

Sept. 21, 2021—Falls Church, VA—Community Associations Institute (CAI) applauds Governor Cooper and the North Carolina General Assembly for the recent passage of HB 320 Modernize Remote Business Access, new legislation allowing community associations to conduct their association’s board and annual meetings virtually.

The legislation supports the 2.8 million North Carolina residents living in the state’s 14,000 community associations, commonly referred to as condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, community associations were required to host in-person meetings. Once the pandemic forced residents to shelter in place, CAI and the Institute’s North Carolina Legislative Action Committee began advocating for new laws to assist community associations officially conduct business. On Dec. 31, 2020, the state’s emergency executive orders authorized a board “in its sole discretion” to determine that all or any part of a membership meeting may be conducted by remote communication and remote balloting. Since December, North Carolina residents immediately voiced a preference to this type of meeting.

“Virtual meetings have increased the efficiency and resident participation of meetings resulting in more community engagement, as well as offering a cost-effective way to share information and documents,” says, Paul Mengert, CMCA, PCAM, chair and federal liaison of the CAI North Carolina Legislative Action Committee. “While compromise was needed by all parties to move this legislation forward, we are very pleased the legislature and Governor recognized the need to support virtual meetings in North Carolina communities.” added Mengert.

CAI-NC Offers Educational Webinar About HB 320 Oct. 5, 2021 – All are welcome! Info & Registration here.

Since March 2020, nearly half (47%) of associations say they’re now hosting virtual board meetings and 49% of associations report that virtual meetings have increased efficiency for association operations, according to CAI’s Virtual Meeting & Electronic Voting Survey results. According to CAI, the North Carolina Legislative Action Committee worked closely with lawmakers to help craft the legislation so that it is meaningful to homeowners living in community associations and their governing boards of directors. “The new legislation is a huge win for North Carolina community association residents,” says Thomas M. Skiba, CAE CAI’s chief executive officer. “We’ve witnessed the pandemic change the way companies conduct business and community associations are no exception. We believe that the best communities have highly engaged members and by creating new channels of communication, more residents have the opportunity to be heard—increasing homeowner participation and collaboration to make important decisions for the community.”

Today, 12 states have statutes that allow for remote or virtual meetings, six states initially enacted emergency powers that allow associations to meet virtually with both Connecticut and North Carolina passing and enacting state statutes since the start of the pandemic. For a full list, visit at www.caionline.org/virtualmeetings.

About Community Associations Institute
Since 1973, Community Associations Institute (CAI) has been the leading provider of resources and information for homeowners, volunteer board leaders, professional managers, and business professionals in the more than 355,000 homeowners associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives in the United States and millions of communities worldwide. With more than 42,000 members, CAI works in partnership with 36 legislative action committees and 63 affiliated chapters within the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates as well as with housing leaders in several other countries, including Australia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. A global nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization, CAI is the foremost authority in community association management, governance, education, and advocacy. Our mission is to inspire professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship—ideals reflected in community associations that are preferred places to call home. Visit us at www.caionline.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook @CAISocial.

CAI-North Carolina Chapter is one of more than 60 Community Associations Institute chapters across the US and around the globe.

 

6 Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Fall Season

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As the season begins to change, it's time to prep your home for falling leaves, cooler weather, and, eventually, winter storms. Tackling a few fall home maintenance tasks now can help ward off issues later in the season, so you can enjoy everything you love about autumn worry-free.

Clean your gutters

It’s good to clean out your gutters every season, but it is most important to do before fall hits because you don’t want them to get clogged. All of the leaves on your trees will fall and these can easily get stuck in your gutters and cause damage if the weight becomes too heavy.

Seal up air leaks

Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. A good tip is to use a lighted candle and if the flame flickers, there’s most likely a draft. If necessary, replace seals and repair caulking around window and door frames. Consider buying heavier or insulated drapery for especially drafty windows

Inspect and Repair Your Roof

Give your roof a quick look-over and search for any signs that it is damaged and needs to be fixed. Start by looking for curled, broken, or missing shingles, moss growth, or rust. Notice any of the mentioned issues or have concerns? Consider having your roof professionally inspected as soon as possible.

Inspect your furnace

If you didn’t already do it last spring, consider getting your furnace professionally serviced in time for the cold season. At a minimum, visually inspect your furnace and replace the furnace filter before you start using it on a daily basis.

Sweep your chimney, and clean your fire place.

This is an extremely important check that you need to do before the start of the fall season. Creosote is a very high flammable substance that builds up inside the chimney as a result of burning wood and it needs to be cleaned out for your safety and energy efficiency. Before you get the fireplace up and running, your fireplace also needs a thorough cleaning. Make sure there are no nests from spiders, and clean out all the leaves that may have fallen into the fireplace area. You can also make a mixture of warm water and mild dish washing liquid to clean up the mess around the fire place.

Make sure that your humidifier is working.

A humidifier will not only keep the bone-dry air at bay, but it will also prevent wood from cracking. Check the pads or plates on your humidifier, and clean them using laundry detergent. Scrape off any mineral deposits using steel wool or a wire brush

Hopefully these tips will help you avoid costly repairs and problems in the future. By preparing your home for fall, you’ll be doing a lot of the prep for spring and summer as well!

Association Management Group (AMG) CEO Paul Mengert Named Educator of the Year by Community Associations Institute (CAI)

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Association Management Group (AMG) CEO Paul Mengert Named Educator of the Year by Community Associations Institute (CAI)

Paul Mengert, founder and CEO of Association Management Group (AMG) headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been named “Educator of the Year” by the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a global non-profit organization that provides resources and information for homeowners, volunteer board leaders, professional managers and business professionals in homeowners associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives in the United States and around the world.

 Each year at its annual conference, CAI honors individuals who have made significant contributions to CAI and the community association way of life. According to CAI, the Educator of the Year Award is given to a member who has contributed valuable educational content. Specifically, the award recognizes excellence in creating valuable, relevant and consistent content for the CAI audience.

Mengert founded Association Management Group (AMG), a professional community association management company, in 1985. Under his guidance, AMG has become a powerhouse among homeowner and condominium association management companies in North and South Carolina. AMG manages the operations and maintenance of client community and homeowner associations of all sizes representing more than 30,000 property owners. The combined asset value of these communities is more than $5 Billion.

Mengert credits his ongoing continuing education for contributing to his business savvy and leadership skills. His undergraduate studies were at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School (OPM) and recently earned a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Mengert was also named a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) and a Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) by the Community Associations Institute. He is a regular lecturer for CAI and serves on its national senior faculty. Additionally, Mengert teaches/co-teaches classes at Wake Forest Law School, Elon Law School and in the Harvard Business School's alumni program at the McColl School of Business at Queens University.

Always seeking to foster an environment of professionalism and learning, Mengert seeks and creates opportunities for AMG staff to further their own educational growth. As a result, many AMG staff have completed the rigorous curriculum to achieve CAI’s designations, including: PCAM. AMS (Association Management Specialist) and CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations).

It is his work in the wider community for CAI that earned Mengert the Educator of the Year Award. He has served 20 years on CAI’s national senior faculty. He has created and led numerous educational courses over those two decades on a wide variety of topics at both the national and local chapter levels.

 Mengert has led continuing education classes for the North Carolina Board of Realtors, South Carolina Department of Real Estate, the California Department of Real Estate, the Florida Bureau of Condominiums, the Nevada Department of Real Estate, the Georgia Department of Real Estate and the North Carolina Bar Association, which all award continuing education (CE) credits. He has authored several association books and numerous articles, which are taught in several training courses and in multiple languages.

Mengert also has business experience in multiple industries including housing, construction, consumer services, transportation, aviation, banking, manufacturing and others. He is a frequent speaker at conferences related to home services, professional services and other sectors. Mengert is also one of the founders of Greensboro’s Carolina State Bank where he served on the Board of Directors and is a licensed commercial pilot who flies charity and relief mission flights for Angel Flight and others. Additionally, Mengert serves as Chairman for both the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority as well as for the North Carolina Chapter of CAI’s Legislative Action Committee (NC-LAC).

 

About AMG

AMG is professional community association management company dedicated building effective community associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the association’s interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values in the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas, AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques and supporting communities with a broad range of services which can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Company, Inc., is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB and is a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit AMGworld.com.

About CAI

Community Associations Institute (CAI) is a leading provider of resources and information for homeowners, volunteer board leaders, professional managers, and business professionals in the more than 350,000 homeowners associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives in the United States and millions of communities worldwide. A global nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization, CAI is the foremost authority in community association management, governance, education, and advocacy. Its mission is to inspire professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship. Learn more at www.caionline.org.

 

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Congratulations Will McPherson

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Congratulations Will McPherson

Association Management Group (AMG) congratulates Will Mcpherson, the 2021 General Chairman of the Wyndham PGA Golf Tournament.

Will previously served as president of the Ridge Creek community association. He led the association in a transitional time with honor and distinction. He has remained active on the board, currently serving as secretary. Will has used the same set of leadership skills and discipline used in his community to facilitate a major PGA golf tournament.

AMG extends its thanks to Will and all community leaders for their community service!


Important Safety Tips for Children Returning to School

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Going back to school is an exciting time for children as they look forward to entering the next grade level, seeing their friends and meeting new people. Yet it can also be a time of unforeseen dangers. By teaching children basic back-to-school rules and tips regarding their safety, they enter this exciting time with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe while enjoying this special time and throughout the school year.

Here are important tips that promote safety for children returning to school

Talk With Your Child About Safety

Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to call 911 for emergencies. Teach your kids to never talk to or accept rides from strangers. When approached by a stranger or dangerous situation children should always think “No, Go, Yell, Tell.”

School Bus Safety

The biggest risk regarding school buses is children approaching and exiting the bus. Often children do not remember to follow best safety practices, so it is up to the motorists in the community to keep safety in mind.

Get to know the other parents of children who go to school with your child or ride the same bus. This will help to ensure someone is looking out for your child in the event you are not around. It is also a good idea to get to know the school bus driver.

Walking Safety

Children should walk in a group if possible. This provides safety in two ways: a group of students may be more visible to a driver than a single student and it provides personal safety from someone who may wish to do harm to a student.

It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Biking Safety

Have your child wear a helmet every time he or she rides a bike. Make sure the bike is the correct size for the child. A bike that’s too big makes injuries more likely.

Learning safety early can help ensure a lifetime of safe bicycle riding. Before your child starts riding, be sure to teach him or her the rules of riding.

These are a few of the many safety tips for children as they return to school. The more parents can do to implement ideas into their routine the safer their children will be.

The HOA or community association plays a big part in community safety. Volunteer for a safety committee at your local association.

Happy returning to school. Stay Safe!