Overcoming Decision Making Paralysis
There is nothing more frustrating for members, managers, and even homeowners, than a Board that is collectively stuck in the muck, having trouble coming to a decision. It is a condition that is all too common. Perhaps it is a complex construction project, a delicate homeowner situation needing resolution, a complicated budget crisis, or maybe […]
New Economic Realities for HOAs
The economic realities today affect homeowner associations in their own unique ways. The first COVID summer of 2020 brought uncertainties and government restrictions that impacted projects and daily life in HOAs. Amenities were closed, pools had protocols, and meetings happened virtually. The summer of 2021 brought material shortages. So, what has 2022 brought to our […]
Board Training-Section I-July 20th
Sharper Management will present the next two-part series of Board Training opportunities on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022, 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Plaza, 2nd Floor Training Room at 7900 Xerces Avenue in Bloomington, MN 55431. The 90-minute session will be led by director of business development and education, Josh Reams, CMCA, AMS, PCAM. This session, […]
Spring Walk-Through Time!
For a while, it was hard to believe spring would ever come, but May is here and we’ve hit the ground running. It is, perhaps, the busiest time in property management. Your manager is busy making lists of things to be addressed following the long, cold winter season. The inevitable list of crushed downspouts. There […]
Board Training Opportunity – Section II – April 20th
The second section in Sharper’s Board Training program is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20th, 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Plaza located at 7900 Xerxes Avenue in Bloomington. This free, 90-minute session will focus on financials and insurance. Led by Sharper’s director of business development and education, Josh Reams, and president of Insurance Warehouse, Eric […]
Audit & Tax Season
Did you know that Community Associations, as registered non-profit corporations in the eye of the State of Minnesota, are required to file Federal and State taxes? It is also important to be aware of any requirements of your governing documents for an annual financial review or audit. If you are governed under MCIOA (Minnesota Common […]
Evolving Lender Requirements Affect HOAs
In reaction to the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, FL last summer, there have been significant changes to mortgage lender requirements with loans backed/purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A large portion of mortgage loans (estimated at nearly 50%) are typically purchased by Fannie or Freddie, so mortgage […]
Board Training Opportunity: January 26, 2022
Sharper Management will present the first in a series of Board Training opportunities on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Plaza, 2nd Floor Training Room at 7900 Xerces Avenue in Bloomington, MN 55431. The 90-minute session will be led by director of business development and education, Josh Reams, CMCA, AMS, PCAM. This […]
Winter Prep: Snow Removal Contractors
Minnesota winters can be pretty unpredictable, but your snow removal rules shouldn’t be. Don’t wait until the first snowfall to have your snow removal contracts set in place—the specifics need to be created ahead of time so that you aren’t flooded with questions and concerns about policies. If you don’t have a snow removal contract […]
Board Meetings: Virtual or In-Person?
After a year and a half of virtual meetings, many HOA boards are going back to in-person now that COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. In October, many meetings will involve homeowners as well, as the fall is a common time for board elections. If you’re on the fence about whether your meetings should be held […]