Summer Living in an HOA – Nuisance Barking
As summer approaches, it’s inevitable that noise complaints in many forms will arise within an HOA. One of the most common issues is barking dogs. The definition of nuisance barking varies from one association to the next, and some City Ordinances, but examples of common definitions include: Nuisance noise from a dog is defined as […]
Getting Ready to Sell in an HOA
Prepping for the sale of your home doesn’t need to be an arduous task. Just like selling any other single-family home, selling your townhouse or condo may require a few interior updates and fixes, but there are also a few simple things that you can do that will go a long way in adding appeal […]
Construction Chat: To Blacktop or Not to Blacktop?
Similar to concrete, your association’s blacktop makes a statement about the community. After the extreme temperatures from this winter, it’s important to include pavement maintenance or replacement on property inspection lists. When reviewing your pavement, look for damage such as potholes, large cracks, and persistent puddles. Potholes and cracks in pavement are a common occurrence […]
Signs It is Time to Update Governing Documents
Perhaps the most important tool you have as a Board member to help in your governing responsibilities and decision-making process is the association’s set of governing documents. It is the foundation for every decision you make and the playbook for how those decisions will be executed into action. Like everything else in the association, however, […]
Insurance: So Why Does the Association Have to File a Claim?
There are few things trickier and more complicated in the operation of a community association than that of insurance. What types of policies must the association have? What is the scope of coverage? How does the “master policy” work with the individual homeowner’s policy (“HO6”)? There are many components and questions. Perhaps the most seldom […]
Contractor Chat: Weathering Expectations
One of the great construction debates is to sealcoat or not to sealcoat asphalt pavement. Let’s review the primary purpose of sealcoating and then the common complaint. Sealcoating asphalt (usually driveways or streets) provides a thin layer of fine aggregate, oil and minerals to help protect and “seal” the aggregate asphalt materials that make up […]
Board Tips: 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, endlessly spinning their wheels deeper in the rut of indecision. Rest assured, it is a common condition. If it is not a recognized medical disorder, it should be! Perhaps it is a large construction […]
Committees, Committees, Committees! Part I
As a Board member, the responsibilities and tasks to keep the association running smooth can add up quickly. And as a leader, the art of delegation is incredibly important. Committees can be a great resource to, and outlet for, the Board of Directors. The goal of this article is to understand the roles and responsibilities […]
Bill Gottsch Joins the Sharper Management Team
Sharper Management is pleased to welcome Bill Gottsch to the team of Assistant Community Managers. Gottsch has a unique background that will help him to be an asset to the Community Managers he will be working with. Before coming to Sharper, he was an Assistant Golf Professional. Additionally, he has experience in banking, law enforcement […]
Selling Your CIC Property
When preparing a CIC property for sale, you can follow a lot of the same steps that homeowners go through. In general, the most important changes involve transforming your property into an open, well-lit, and de-personalized space. Follow these steps to help turn your property into a hot commodity: Update the little things-in-style fixtures and […]