As a self-managed association, SMA’s
board had to be a working board – every member had to be hands-on, putting in
the significant time and energy required to do the work of the association - everything
from managing landscaping, invoicing and collecting dues, inspecting every home
for architectural compliance, to responding to resident concerns. Having a volunteer board providing management
had become increasingly challenging. In some cases, the board was not able to
provide a prompt or effective response homeowner concerns. We were also acutely
aware that none of us has the knowledge or experience to effectively manage a
property like SMA. We take our responsibility to our neighbors very seriously
and want to make sure we are providing the very best management possible. Our
homes are significant investments for all of us and, if we do not manage the
association well, our property values could decline.
Does
the SMA Board have the power to engage a property management company?
The SMA board has the power to engage
the services of a professional management agency without the vote of the
association members. The members elect us to manage the business of the
association and the board is empowered by Article VII, Section 1 (e) of the By-Laws
to “Employ a manager, independent contractor, or such other employees as they
deem necessary, and to prescribe their duties.”
Why
did the board not notify us in advance of this change?
The board had discussed the possibility
of professional property management in our regular open meetings over several
months. Board members asked residents to help with the work required to manage
Stratford Manor, but none were able or willing. We had a difficult time just
getting enough people to fill the nine board seats. With the resignation of the
treasurer, the matter became extremely urgent and we decided to move forward.
We regret that the timing of our decision did not allow for a general
announcement.
What
will the property manager do for us?
Included in the work of the property
manager is: responding to resident questions and complaints; managing the
landscaping service; providing architectural compliance inspections, notifications
and following up on violations; invoicing and collecting dues; and managing the
maintenance of and improvements to the common property. The SMA board is still
in control, but will have the professional expertise of our property management
company to help us make the best decisions we can for SMA. We also have a
dedicated property manager to make sure that work is done promptly and
professionally.
How
much does property management cost?
The cost of property management is $12,384
per year. This breaks down to $8 per month per townhome unit.
Will
dues go up?
The cost of professional management will
require a small increase in the association dues. The Declaration of Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions, Article IV, Section 3(b), empowers the board to
increase the annual assessment not more than 10% each year without a vote of
the association membership. At the June 1 board meeting, the board voted to
raise association dues for 2018 from $650 to $715 annually, an increase of $65.
Did
you consider any other companies before choosing Advanced Association
Management?
We met with and received proposals from three
local property management companies. We felt that Advanced Association
Management Group was the best fit for our association. It’s a small, “boutique”
firm that works closely with the board and tailors their service to our needs.
Whom
do I contact if I need to report a problem or have a complaint?
Contact Advanced Association Management Group, 873-0111 or robin@aamg-va.com
How
do I contact a board member if I have concerns about property management?
You can contact the members of the board by
emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com. Please
do call or email us if you have questions or concerns.
