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 […]
McKnight Townhomes and Condos Joins Sharper Management Family
Eden Prairie, Minn – (June 6, 2018) – Effective April 1st, Sharper Management is pleased to have taken over full management services for the McKnight Townhomes Condominium Association in Maplewood. Originally constructed in 1972 as a rental townhome community, it was converted to a cooperative in 1983, and then to a condominium association in 1993. […]
Weathering Expectations
One of the most challenging components to property management is managing expectations as it relates to contractors and service providers. As community managers, we certainly have our opinions, but at the end of the day it’s a simple fall back on the parameters of the contract. Did they meet it or not? As a Board, […]
The Three “P’s” of Decision Making
When it comes to the decision-making process, Board members should check the three P’s. Policy. Practice. Precedence. No matter how large the decision or how small the conversation, Board members should be methodical and intentional throughout their discourse. Policy – this is the easy one. When making decisions, responding to homeowner requests and issues, applying, […]
Metro Lofts Joins the Sharper Management Family
Eden Prairie, Minn – (May 22, 2018) – Effective March 1st, Sharper Management is pleased to have taken over full management services for the Metro Lofts Condominium Association – a mixed use building off of the light rail line on University Avenue in St. Paul. Incorporated in 2006, Metro Lofts is a unique five-story, 67 […]
Natalie Martynow Joins the Sharper Management Team
Eden Prairie, MN, (April 4, 2018) – Sharper Management is pleased to welcome Natalie Martynow to its team as our newest Community Manager. Martynow brings many years of experience in property management to her new position with Sharper. She began her career as an Assistant Property Manager in the apartment field where she lived onsite […]
Audit & Tax Season
Did you know that community associations, as a 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 […]
Construction Chat: The Spring Freeze Thaw Cycle
Soon the spring freeze/thaw cycle in Minnesota will mean things are on the move. Things you don’t want to move! Concrete heaves, asphalt buckles, retaining walls shift and bricks crack. The expansion/contraction process caused by ice/snow melting during the day, and then re-freezing at night, can put a tremendous amount of pressure on surfaces and […]
Legislative Changes Require Preventative Maintenance Plan
For community associations that fall under Minnesota State Statute 515B (known as “Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act” – or “MCIOA” for short) there is a significant amendment that will go in to effect next year requiring associations to create and adopt a “written preventative maintenance plan” for all common elements. So, what does this mean […]
The Villas on Lost Lake Joins the Sharper Management Family
Eden Prairie, MN – (February 26, 2018) – Sharper Management is pleased to welcome the Villas of Lost Lake Association, in Mound, to the Sharper Management family. Located just off Lake Minnetonka, this 27-unit Association is centered by three-story townhome buildings with a pool and the shoreline perimeter flanked by custom built two-level townhome style […]